Parents Archives - Page 10 of 14

Kidsmart – June 2016

Gardening can be an enjoyable activity for adults and children alike. Gardening encourages creative thinking and can make for an eco-friendly activity as well. Adding a touch of whimsy to gardening can make it that much more attractive to children. Perhaps that is why fairy gardens have become so popular among youngsters. Fairy gardens can be designed in outdoor gardens or in containers that children can nurse and enjoy indoors.Here are six steps to get your fairy garden up and running. 6 steps to creating fairy gardens for kids 1. Choose your container or location. Decide where to place the fairy garden. Hollowed-out tree stumps are both contained and outdoors, and kids may feel like the fairies inhabited this neglected area of the yard and made it their own. Otherwise, use containers you already have, such as old pots, hanging baskets, picnic baskets or cookie tins. Wooden birdhouses with their roofs removed also can make for clever places to house the gardens. 2. Choose a theme. Fairy houses can take on any theme their creators prefer. Themes help children decide what to include in their gardens. For example, a seaside retreat may work well with little reclining chairs, sea grasses and succulents. You can then complete the theme by adding some seashells and colored stones. 3. Draw up your design. Before securing anything in the container or digging into your garden bed, sketch out a garden design. This gives you an idea of how the finished product will look. Even before planting, gently place plants and other components in their spots and move them around accordingly until you find the desired look. 4. Include similar-needs plants. Mixing plants that have different requirements can make it challenging to care for the fairy garden, so select plants that require similar levels of sunlight, prefer similar soil conditions and require roughly the same amount of watering. Herbs are a smart choice because they stay small and are easily maintained. 5. Don’t forget a fairy dwelling. You will need to add a house for the fairies to inhabit. Small bird houses can work, but you also can consider old teapots, bird-nesting boxes or even homemade houses assembled out of bark and twigs. Use your imagination and the garden will take on a life of its own. 6. Invite the fairies. Children can invite fairies to take up residence (fairies often show up at night and tend to remain unseen), or children can create their own fairies using craft materials. Fairy gardens are a fun way to introduce children to gardening. Once families get started, they may want to create entire fairy villages.

Parentown KidShape

Kidshape – June 2016

Protect and Treat Your Family’s Skin from Bites and Itch this Season Warm days mean picnics, ballgames and outdoor adventure. Unfortunately, all that sun and fun can introduce a greater risk of skin woes for you and your family. “Whether you’re playing catch in the backyard or pitching a tent in the woods, you can help prevent certain issues from occurring, and if they do, be prepared by having a remedy on hand that can offer your family instant healing and relief from itching, burning and discomfort,” says Dr. Angela Lamb, a dermatologist. With that in mind, here are some tips to prevent and treat the itch and irritation of the season: Cover Up More bare skin means more risk for bug bites and stings, and exposure to rash-causing plants such as poison ivy and poison oak. When possible, wear long sleeves and pants. Loose-fitting, light colors can keep you cool on warmer days, even when covered up. When you get home, check clothes for ticks before heading inside. Be Aware Be savvy outdoors and teach your family to avoid poison ivy, oak and sumac. If you spend time in areas where these plants grow, cover up and avoid contact. When you get home, be sure to wash skin and clothing that may have been exposed to the sap of these plants. Ensure your yard drains properly during and after rain and empty kiddie pools and other standing water. Proactive steps such as these will prevent mosquitoes from making your yard a breeding ground. Treat Ailments Even with preventive measures in place, bites, stings, scrapes and allergic reactions do happen. Make sure you’re prepared to treat discomfort. For bites and stings, Dr. Lamb recommends a counterirritant such as After Bite, which stops itch and offers a skin protectant for temporary relief and faster healing. The kids’ formula is a gentle alternative for young ones or anyone with sensitive skin. Both contain soothing baking soda and offer an easy-to-apply, portable remedy for bites from a wide variety of insects. For instant and permanent relief from itching and pain associated with hives, rashes and redness, insect bites, minor scrapes and allergic reactions from poison ivy, oak and sumac, Dr. Lamb recommends a new steroid-free anti-itch product for the whole family called The Itch Eraser. It is offered in a maximum strength gel and spray with antihistamine as the active ingredient, or a sensitive cream formula with baking soda for those who have sensitive skin. All three contain Vitamin E and Tea Tree Oil to heal and moisturize the skin while reducing redness and inflammation. So, get the bikes dusted off, the baseball mitts oiled and the camping gear out of the garage – family fun this season is all about taking advantage of the outdoors. But don’t let skin irritations get in way of your good time! Take precautions and arm yourself with treatments for all your skin problems.

Parentown KidSmart

Kidsmart – May 2016

Protecting the planet is a global responsibility that requires the cooperation of every man, woman and child. Many eco-conscious adults likely adapted their lifestyles over the last several decades, when the movement to live in a more eco-friendly way took off as more and more people recognized the importance of protecting the environment. Parents who want to instill that lesson in their children at an early age can do so in various ways. Turn time outdoors with your kids into teaching opportunities. The great outdoors provides a great opportunity to teach kids about the environment and how to protect it. If you like to garden, come planting season explain to your children that planting native plants benefits the environment because such plants have already adapted to the local climate, meaning they won’t need as much water to thrive as non-native plants. If you enjoy camping as a family, explain the importance of leaving nothing behind at your campsite. Parents can even volunteer their families for weekend park and beach cleanups, using these outings as opportunities to teach kids about the dangers of littering. Make recycling a priority at home. One of the easiest ways to get even young kids actively involved in protecting the planet is to make recycling a priority at home. Many communities already mandate that residents recycle, so explain to kids why recycling is the law. If your community does not have laws regarding recycling, recycle at home anyway, dropping your bottles, cans and other recycled items off at the local recycling center. Such centers may pay for recycled bottles and cans, and parents can incentivize recycling by giving kids any money the family earns through its recycling efforts. Use a water filter at home. Water filters also provide a simple way to teach kids about the value of protecting the planet. According to The Water Project, a nonprofit organization that provides reliable water projects to communities in sub-Saharan Africa, bottles used to package water take more than 1,000 years to biodegrade. Parents can explain to kids that opting for water filters at home can drastically reduce human consumption of water bottles that are destined to end up in landfills, where they will remain for centuries. When traveling, fill up reusable bottles and travel mugs with water rather than buying bottled water during pit stops, explaining to kids how bringing your own water is helping the planet. Park the car and ride bikes more often. Another fun way to teach kids to be more eco-friendly is to stop driving everywhere and ride bikes when possible. Short car trips burn substantial amounts of fuel and put a lot of wear and tear on a vehicle over time, making the vehicle operate less efficiently. Rather than taking the car to run weekend errands, hop on your bike and take the kids along on theirs. Explain to them how a fun activity like cycling is also very eco-friendly because it reduces fuel consumption and does not contribute to air pollution. Parents who want to instill a love and respect for the environment in their kids can do so in various ways.

Parentown KidShape

Kidshape – May 2016

Summer camp is a beloved tradition in many families. Many parents of young children fondly recall spending their summers at summer camp, where they made lifelong friends and learned the finer points of roasting marshmallows and competing in three-legged sack races. Parents looking for the right summer camp for their kids will soon discover there are various types of summer camps, each offering youngsters something different. The following are some of the summer camp options parents can expect to encounter as they search for the right camper for their kids. Day camps are not overnight camps, which means kids will return home each night rather than sleep over at camp. Day camps typically offer many of the activities people have come to associate with camps, including crafts, sports and even day trips to experience local culture or attractions. Many day camps are co-ed, and counselors typically live within the community. Faith-based camps offer many of the same activities as more traditional summer camps, but do so while simultaneously offering campers the opportunity to celebrate and further explore their religious beliefs. Some faith-based camps may focus heavily on religion, incorporating faith into daily camp activities, while others may be more subtle with regard to integrating religious beliefs and lessons into camp activities. Sports camps focus on a particular sport, catering to young athletes who want to further develop their athletic talents. Sports camps may feature guest lectures and lessons from notable local athletes and coaches, while some camps may provide instruction from current and/or former professional athletes. Some sports camps are overnight, while others are day camps. Family camps are opportunities for the whole family to enjoy the summer camp experience. Family camps typically tailor their activities around tasks families can complete together, with counselors providing assistance when it’s needed. Family camps may be faith-based or secular, and families typically stay overnight, sleeping in facilities on the campsites or in lodging away from home. Parents of children with special needs can still send their kids to summer camp, as there are many camps that cater to such youngsters. Special needs camps may cater to campers who are blind, deaf, learning disabled, or mentally or physically disabled. Staff at special needs camps typically undergoes extensive training, which helps to calm some of the fears parents may have about leaving their special needs children at camp. Facilities at special needs camps are often built to accommodate the specific needs of campers.

Parents

Kidsmart – April 2016

What Is Vinegar? Vinegar is the acetic liquid that results when a product containing sugar is allowed to ferment. Vinegar can be created from nearly any product containing sugar; fruit and grains, such as barley and corn, are common sources of vinegar. The ingredients in vinegar depend on the type of vinegar produced. For example, Four Monks uses distilled vinegar processed from corn, so it’s safe for your family. All vinegars are diluted with water to the preferred acidity before bottling. Four Monks has 6 percent acidity, which is 20 percent stronger than traditional vinegar, but gentle on everyday surfaces. This acetic quality is what enables vinegar to effectively clean while being safe for the body and the environment. Wiping away the grime of winter doesn’t have to mean launching an attack with dangerous chemicals. As you tackle this year’s spring cleaning chores, take a note from Mother Nature and rely on the cleaning power of a surprisingly effective natural product: vinegar. During the last century, vinegar has become increasingly recognized as a low cost and eco-friendly household product. From cooking and canning, to cleaning items indoors and out, homeowners are discovering that this eco-friendly, acetic liquid is as versatile as it is useful. “Cleaning with vinegar has always been an effective way to banish dirt and grime in kitchens, bathrooms, the garage and the outdoors,” said Mike Smith, executive vice president of sales and marketing at Mizkan Americas, the makers of Four Monks Cleaning Vinegar. Despite its strong cleaning power, vinegar does have one downfall: its distinctive odor. You can experiment with dozens of DIY recipes online to overcome this dilemma, or you can rely on a store-bought non-toxic cleaning vinegar such as Four Monks, which is made from a proprietary process that reduces the strong aroma and leaves a clean, crisp scent. Learn how vinegar can make it easier to tackle common tasks around the house with these hacks and discover more uses for cleaning vinegar at VinegarTips.com. In the Kitchen • Clean off the blades of a well-worn can opener with an old toothbrush soaked with vinegar to help remove dirt and grease. • Clean your ice/water dispenser by running vinegar through the system. Flush the vinegar out by running water through the system for 30-60 seconds. • Rid your dishwasher of mineral buildup by pouring half a cup of vinegar into the reservoir and running an empty cycle. You can also use vinegar in the dishwasher instead of another glass cleaner to keep your glassware sparkling. • Renew sponges and dishrags by placing them in just enough water to cover them. Then add one-fourth cup of vinegar and let them soak overnight. • Remove dark stains on an aluminum pot by boiling two cups of vinegar. For stained and smelly plastic food containers and lunchboxes, wipe them with a cloth dampened with vinegar. To clean a grease-splattered oven door window, saturate it with vinegar. Keep the door open for 10-15 minutes before wiping with a sponge. • Deodorize the garbage disposal by pouring in half a cup of baking soda and half a cup of vinegar. Let sit for five minutes then run hot water down the disposal. • Avoid using toxic chemicals where you store food; wipe up spills in the fridge with vinegar. In the Bathroom • Rid a faucet of lime deposits by tying a plastic bag containing one-third to one-half cup of vinegar around it and leaving it there for two or three hours. Wipe down with a sponge and scrub any remaining deposits with an old toothbrush. The same approach can be used to remove buildup on a showerhead. • The fizzing combo of vinegar and baking soda can unclog and remove odor from a tub drain. Pour half a cup of baking soda in the drain, then follow with two cups of hot vinegar. Immediately plug the drain with a rag to keep the bubbles contained for 10 minutes. Rinse by pouring a kettle of boiling hot water down the drain. • Spray shower doors with vinegar after you’ve squeegeed the glass – or before you turn on the water – to help release hard water deposits. • Clean shower door tracks by filling them with vinegar and letting it sit for a few hours. Pour hot water into the tracks and scrub away any remaining film with a toothbrush. • To make the toilet bowl sparkle, pour in a cup or more of vinegar and let it sit for several hours or overnight. Scrub well with the toilet brush and flush. • Remove old bathtub decals with vinegar heated in the microwave. In the Laundry Room Remove coffee and tea stains by flushing the area with vinegar, rinsing and repeating. For wine stains, saturate the spot with vinegar and allow it to stand for several minutes. Then, wash as normal. Tip: For more delicate fabrics or precaution, test on an inconspicuous part of the garment first. • Restore yellowed clothing by soaking garments overnight in a solution of 12 parts warm water and one part vinegar. Wash them the following morning. • Soak new garments in a few cups of vinegar for 10-15 minutes before washing to stop dyes from running in the wash. • If frequent ironing has left your iron plate dirty, make a paste from one part vinegar and one part salt to scrub it clean. • Remove scorch marks from an iron by rubbing it with a warm solution of equal parts vinegar and salt. If that doesn’t work, use a cloth dampened with vinegar. • Forgot that you left wet laundry in the machine and it now smells moldy? Pour a few cups of vinegar in the machine and wash the clothes in hot water. Then run a normal cycle with detergent to rinse the clothes. Prevent lint from clinging to clothes by adding half a cup of vinegar to the wash cycle.

Parentown KidShape

Kidshape – April 2016

Summer camp is often something kids look forward to, and something they will fondly recall long after they reach adulthood. For many kids, summer camp provides a first taste of independence, as youngsters spend significant time away from home without their parents for the first time in their lives. But as great an experience as summer camp can be for youngsters, it can be just as difficult an experience if parents don’t find the right fit for their children. That’s why it behooves parents to start thinking about summer camps for their kids in winter, before camps start filling out their rosters, which tends to happen in early spring. The following are a few things parents should take into consideration when seeking a summer camp for their kids. Staff The right summer camp staff can make all the difference. Many children are understandably shy when arriving at a summer camp, as their friends from back home might not be joining them. That can make kids hesitant to participate in activities or less enthusiastic about those activities. But a good staff will know how to make kids feel welcome, which should help them come out of their shells and make the most of their summer camp experiences. The quality of staffs can vary significantly depending on the camp, so it’s important that parents ask camp representatives about their staffs before making any commitments. Ask how long the staff has been together and the types of training new and even veteran staff members undergo before the start of camp season? Does the training include first aid and emergency medical training and certification? It’s also good to ask about the vetting process the camp employs before hiring new staff, including the extent of its background checks. Are criminal background checks conducted? How many references must potential staff members supply to be considered for employment? A good camp will be forthcoming with answers to all of your questions, so eliminate those that appear hesitant to share information about their staffs. A day in the life When vetting camps for kids, parents should ask what a typical day is like once the season hits full swing. Many parents want their youngsters to have a well-rounded experience, while others might want their kids to attend a more specialized camp, whether it’s a sports camp focusing on a particular sport or a music camp devoted to helping kids become better musicians. Regardless of the type of camp parents are considering for their kids, they should ask about what daily life at the camp is like. Ask to see schedules and how strictly camps adhere to those schedules. When considering specialized camps, ask the staff representative if kids will have the chance to simply have a little fun and which types of recreational activities are planned to give kids a break from what are often rigorous schedules. Camp goals Another thing parents must consider before choosing a summer camp for their kids is the goals of each individual camp. A camp should be dedicated to ensuring kids have fun, even when kids are attending more specialized camps that tend to be more strict. In addition, parents should look for a camp that wants its attendees to foster relationships with their fellow campers. Camp can be lonely for some youngsters, especially those attending summer camp for the first time, but a summer camp that strives to promote friendship among its campers can reduce, if not eliminate, any feelings of homesickness. Late winter is when parents should start looking at summer camps for their kids, and there are a host of factors moms and dads should take into consideration during the vetting process to ensure their youngsters have as much fun as possible.

Parentown KidSmart

Kidsmart – March 2016

As members of modern families are increasingly pulled in different directions, it can be challenging for them to enjoy time together as families. According to a report titled “Spending Time with His Kids: Effects of Family Structure on Fathers and Children’s Lives” in the Journal of Marriage and the Family, kids’ academic performance can benefit from having mothers who frequently communicate with them and fathers who spend time doing activities with their kids. Time spent together also can nourish a stronger emotional bond between parents and children, which may make children less likely to exhibit behavioral problems. The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University states that teens who frequently have dinner with their families are less likely to smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol or try illegal substances. Kids are not the only ones who benefit from more family time. Parents who regularly interact with their children may learn to appreciate their kids even more. They can see the subtle changes in personality and abilities as kids age, and be better equipped to intervene if they suspect their children are veering off the right path. Spending time with children can be fun, as well as mentally and physically stimulating. Parents who want to increase family time can do so in various ways. Creating more time for family can sometimes seem impossible, but parents can get creative to ensure they spend more time with their kids. • Establish at least one day each week that the family catches up with one another. It may be a Friday evening or a Sunday afternoon. Choosing a day rather than winging it guarantees weekly time together. • Turn chores into opportunities to involve the kids. It may be faster to fold the laundry or rake the leaves by yourself. However, showing kids they are a part of a functioning household in which everyone does their part is an important lesson for youngsters to learn. Let kids know that once chores are finished the family can do something fun together. Such a lesson can instill a sense of responsibility in youngsters while also creating some family time. • Take a break from television or screen time on computers and mobile devices. The American Academy of Pediatrics discourages media use by children younger than two and recommends limiting older children’s screen time to no more than one or two hours a day. Too much screen time by children, and even adults, can result in irregular sleeping habits, behavioral problems, obesity, and less time for play or family interaction. Shutting off devices for a few hours frees up opportunities for families to engage in other activities. • Take a vacation together as a family and make sure you leave phones and tablets behind at the hotel so you can fully immerse yourself in your surroundings. It’s amazing what you might learn about one another when you are engaged in the same activity and are away from the distractions you routinely encounter back at home. • Eat at least one family meal together per day and use the opportunity to talk about what is going on in one another’s lives.

Parentown KidShape

Kidshape – March 2016

Many families spend winter figuring out how to chase away cabin fever and endure frigid temperatures until spring and summer mercifully return. Parents thinking ahead to swimming pools and days lounging on the beach can put their daydreams to practical use by planning ahead for their youngsters’ summer vacations. Youth recreational programs and summer camps can bridge the gap in care between the end of school and the day when classes resume. Due in part to high demand, parents who want to place their kids in summer rec programs or summer camps should begin vetting such programs and camps well in advance of summer. The following are a handful of tips for moms and dads who want their kids to have fun and fulfilling summers. Ask for recommendations. Speak with fellow parents and trusted friends about where they send their children. Personal recommendations can be very helpful, providing firsthand insight into a particular camp or program. Schedule appointments to visit camps that fall within your budget. Take your son or daughter along so he or she can get a sense of what camp will be like. Explore all options. Camps come in more flavors than ever before. Certain camps may be faith-based ministries while others may focus on particular sports. Band camps and art camps may appeal to creative kids. Also, there are plenty of general-interest camps that offer various activities without narrowing in on any particular one. Parents may need to choose between a sleepaway camp or day camps, depending on which camp experience they want for their children. Inquire about camp schedules. While many camps are flexible, day camps do not have the same level of flexibility as after-school programs. Arrangements will need to be made if care is required after regular camp hours. Speak with camp staff to see which types of after-hours programs, if any, are available. Determine your camp budget. As varied as program offerings may be, camps also can vary greatly with regard to cost. Government-run camps may be less expensive than those offered by private companies. Day camps typically cost less than those that provide room and board. Find out if a particular organization subsidizes a portion of camp costs. Scouting programs often have a dedicated camp and may offer affordable options for scouts. Martial arts schools and dance centers frequently offer camp schedules. If camp seems out of reach, look into local summer recreation programs at parks or schools. Such programs may not be as extensive as those offered by camps, but they can quell kids’ boredom and keep children occupied during the day. In addition to camp, remember to plan for some free days so children can just enjoy some downtime. Such days can break up the monotony of a routine and provide kids and families time to relax together. Summer recreation may be far off, but it is never too early to start making summer plans, including finding camps and other activities for kids.

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Kidsmart – February 2016

Family Values Remain Consistent in Changing Times While the concept of family once had a quite specific meaning, the face of families in the U.S. today is more diverse and wide-ranging than ever, yet their values and challenges remain the same. Results from the latest census found that the traditional, nuclear, one-mom-one-dad-with-kids family model is actually the minority now. However, families of all shapes and sizes share similar ethics and face related struggles, whether they are drawn together by biological ties or a deeply rooted friendship. Here, some heads of households share some insights into what defines a family and their concerns: You Define Your Family “Home is where your story begins, and family is a part of that story. It’s who we are and what we give to others that determines our value within ourselves,” says Melanie Harper, a teacher and divorced mother of two boys. As part of the #RealFamiliesRealValues campaign sponsored by White Cloud bathroom tissue, at Walmart, Harper and her two sons were featured in a video where she discussed the challenges and rewards of raising children on her own. The campaign’s goal is to capture and share the things most important about family, and White Cloud is encouraging the full range of American’s families to tell their stories. “I don’t have to try to be a father. I can just be the best mother that I can,” says Harper. “My main concern is that my boys are happy. You’re Normal “Single moms are part of the fabric of life,” says Emma Johnson, the brains behind Wealthy Single Mother, a blog for single moms where they can get advice and connect. “We’re everywhere! In middle class communities, poor rural communities, rich suburbs, and in every part of every city. We are loaded and we are poor. We run companies, own businesses, nurse, teach, farm, stay at home full-time and work in factories.” Johnson stresses that while the typical message out there is that it’s possible to survive as a single parent, you can go beyond that and truly thrive, and many families are doing just that. Luckily, there are new TV shows, books and even home product brands out there like White Cloud that are working to change the discourse and be inclusive to all kinds of families. While the iconic American family may not look the same as it did in the past, the same values of kindness, strength and love remain.

Parents

Kidshape – February 2016

Three Tips for Surviving Cold and Flu Season It’s that time of year again. From minor colds to severe flus and fevers, seasonal sicknesses are unpredictable and can sneak up on your family at any time. Unfortunately, even the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cannot predict the timing, severity and length of a seasonal virus. Luckily, there are steps you can take to ward off illness and better monitor symptoms when you’re sick. Check in with Your Doctor Make an appointment with your primary care physician to get a look at the family’s vitals. These are good indicators of overall wellness. Plus, it’s a great time to schedule that annual flu shot, if you haven’t already done this. If you’re pregnant, have kids, or are a caregiver to elderly parents, it’s an even better idea to get vaccinated, as these are the most at-risk groups for complications from flu. If you don’t have time to schedule a full exam, many pharmacies offer quick, in-store vaccinations. Practice Healthy Living Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Get enough sleep, eat the right foods to ensure proper nutrition, drink plenty of water and exercise regularly. Avoid close contact with sick people, and maintain a safe distance from others when you are sick. If necessary, stay home from work or school to keep your germs from spreading. Cover your mouth and nose with a sleeve or tissue when coughing or sneezing. Sanitize doorknobs, light switches and work areas with germ-killing soap. Also, don’t forget to wash your hands or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer throughout the day to combat contamination. Keep Your Cool Even the best preparation can leave your family susceptible to cold and flu. Fever and chills could be a sign you’re getting sick. Remember, a fever isn’t always a bad thing. It means your body is working hard to fight off infection. But for parents of small children, putting feverish kids to bed at night can still be unnerving. New technology can help you rest at night. For example, TempTraq is a Bluetooth wearable temperature monitor in the form of a soft, comfortable patch. It records your child’s temperature every 10 seconds for 24 hours, sending the data to your smartphone via a free, downloadable app. You can view real-time data or receive alerts when your child reaches a user-set “red zone” level. “A 24-hour temperature monitor that continuously records a child’s temperature readings could alleviate many parents’ concerns when caring for a sick child,” says Aris Eliades, director of nursing research, Akron Children’s Hospital. “The child can rest, the parent can be alerted if anything changes, and we as nurses and physicians get needed information to make better decisions for patients.” Find yourself with a stubborn fever? Adults can use it, too. Take proactive steps for a healthy household. And, when all else fails, grab a hot cup of tea with honey and lemon, a warm blanket and a good movie.

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Kidsmart – June 2016

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