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Parentown KidSmart

Kidsmart – August 2020

Finding the right backpack is essential. It is a valuable component of back-to-school shopping. Children may have their own ideas of what’s in style, but parents should look for backpacks that are functional before factoring in style. Marrying form and function together can be challenging, but it’s necessary to prevent students from developing back problems. But parents must give consideration to more than just the size of their children’s backpacks. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, at least 14,000 children are treated for backpack-related injuries every year. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons says that the weight of a backpack should not exceed 10 to 15 percent of a child’s body weight. But many students pack their bags with much more weight than that. • Choose a streamlined model. Select a backpack that will get the job done without much added bulk. Many backpacks have been designed to hold technological devices as more and more schools integrate technology into the classroom. A less bulky bag might be lighter and easy to carry. • Consider shopping at a sporting goods store. Employees at camping and sporting goods retailers understand how to fit backpacks for hikers and outdoor adventurers. They can help measure a student and find a pack that will fit his or her body frame. Also, these retailers may have a wider selection of backpacks than some other stores, increasing the chances of finding the right fit. • Select a pack with a waist strap. According to the American Chiropractic Association, the body is not designed to carry items hanging from shoulders. By using the waist strap in conjunction with taut shoulder straps, students can distribute the weight in their backpacks over their hip bones instead of the shoulders. The padded and adjustable shoulder straps should be at least two inches wide. All straps should be used each time the pack is worn. • Backpacks should be loaded properly. Heavy items should be near the center bottom to distribute the load, rather than placed on top. Students should only carry what is necessary, visiting lockers or desks as needed to lighten their packs.

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Parentown KidSmart

KidSmart – July 2020

Tips For Protecting Your Family Against Bug Bites Unfortunately, bug bites are more than just a nuisance. They can trigger allergic reactions in some people, and may transmit diseases like Zika Virus, Dengue Fever, West Nile Virus and Lyme Disease. Taking these precautions this summer can help the whole family stay bite-free. DRAIN THE SWAMP Walk around your property after rainfall or after watering the lawn and take note of areas that are not draining properly or are catching and holding water in objects like garden buckets, lids and frisbees. CHOOSE THE RIGHT BUG SPRAY Lyme Disease expert Dr. Michael Jacobs MD says, “When shopping for insect repellents, look for those with the active ingredients DEET or Picaridin, two of the most effective active ingredients at preventing bug bites. Stronger concentrations of the active ingredient in the formula will give you more hours of protection. For example, a 10 percent DEET or 7 percent Picaridin formula provides one to two hours of protection, while higher concentrations provide protection for eight hours and longer.” Safe for pregnant and breast-feeding women, and a popular choice for families, Natrapel Tick & Insect Repellent uses the CDC recommended 20 percent Picaridin active ingredient and provides up to 12 hours of protection against mosquitoes and ticks. This formula is also safe on gear and comes in variety of sprays and wipes for easy application. For outdoor enthusiasts, DEET is the best-selling active ingredient in the U.S. For a trusted choice, consider Ben’s Tick & Insect Repellent, the first brand to register a 10-hour, 100 percent DEET formula with the EPA. The brand also offers an eight-hour, 30 percent DEET water-based formula that is made to evaporate slowly — so repellent stays on longer with little absorption into the skin. COVER UP AND BE SMART When outdoors, particularly in wooded areas, wear loose-fitting long sleeves and pants. Light colors are a good choice, as mosquitoes seem to prefer darker clothing. WHY ME? There are many factors that can make one person more appealing than another to mosquitoes. And some are beyond one’s control, such as blood type and genetics. However, mosquitoes are attracted to sweat, so don’t forget the deodorant. VACATION OR STAY CATION Research your destination so you know what types of insects you can expect to encounter. Remember, most species of mosquitoes in the U.S. are busiest at dusk. During those hours, take extra precautions to avoid becoming their meal.

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Parentown KidShape

KidShape – July 2020

Early Childhood Education is Crucial: How You Can Help New research shows that many pre-K classrooms could benefit from more resources, especially for the most vulnerable children. Ninety-four percent of Head Start teachers report needing more resources to enrich their classrooms, and 84 percent say they are unable to fund experiences they want to provide, in a recent study by the National Head Start Association. Early education and child development programs, such as Head Start, support the nation’s youngest children during the early critical years. What if you could help those children most in need to receive more classroom resources and learning experiences with a few mouse clicks? Now you can, thanks to a new $5 million grant from the PNC Foundation to DonorsChoose.org. The grant helps preschool teachers obtain enhanced classroom resources and experiences to inspire their students’ love of learning. HELP A CHILD DonorsChoose.org is an online charity that connects individual donors with classrooms in need. This collaboration with PNC helped the charity expand its platform to include Head Start teacher requests. The Head Start study also noted that 93 percent of teachers either considered buying or bought classroom supplies out of their own pockets; 88 percent reported spending up to $500. These figures suggest that pre-K teachers need more resources to give students the best education possible. According to DonorsChoose.org, pre-K teacher requests on their site typically range from books to art supplies, science equipment, field trips and more. HOW YOU CAN HELP This alliance is a part of the mission of PNC Grow Up Great, a $350 million, multi-year bilingual initiative in early childhood education. A recent donation of $504,000 was used to “flash fund” 849 open preschool teacher requests in PNC’s footprint. Individuals can take advantage of the initiative, too. PNC will match donations dollar-for-dollar for pre-K requests listed on DonorsChoose.org that fall within PNC’s primary footprint in 22 states and the District of Columbia, subject to some restrictions and a maximum dollar amount. Donors can make the most of their support by taking advantage of the match. High-quality early learning prepares children for kindergarten and beyond. When classrooms have the resources they need, teachers are better equipped to inspire a lifelong love of learning.

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Parentown KidSmart

How To Keep Kids Engaged Over School Breaks

Children in North America will spend, on average, more than 900 hours attending school in a given year. The average school year in the United States lasts 1,016 hours, the equivalent of 42 continuous days. According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, many developed countries begin their academic years in September and end them in June. Some, like Australia, feature four terms with two-week breaks in between each term. Others go to school for most of the year — with various holiday breaks in between — and then get the bulk of their time off during the summer. As much time as kids spend in school, there will be times when they are left to their own devices, and during these times it’s easy for them to forgot classroom lessons. Sometimes called “summer learning loss” or “summer slide,” this forgetfulness sees many students fail to retain all of their lessons over prolonged breaks from school. Studies indicate that students score lower on standardized tests at the end of the summer compared to their performance on the same tests at the beginning of summer. Anywhere from between one to three month’s worth of educational achievement can dissipate during prolonged breaks from the classroom. To help ensure that those hard-earned lessons are not so easily forgotten, parents can help children remain intellectually engaged in various ways over school breaks. • Stick to a schedule. Try to maintain a schedule similar to school, with children waking at the same time each day and going to bed at similar hours. This will make it much easier to get back into a routine when a new school year begins. • Encourage reading. Set aside time for reading each day. All it generally takes is 15 to 30 minutes of reading per day for kids to remember their vocabulary lessons and maintain their fluency and comprehension skills. Children may enjoy picking their own books rather than having a required reading list. • Keep a math book handy. On long car trips or rainy days, children can do a few math problems to keep their skills sharp. This will help keep learning loss to a minimum. Math workbooks may be available at bookstores, or parents can look online or ask a teacher for a summer to-do packet. • Plan educational trips. Vacations and day trips can be fun, entertaining and educational all at the same time. Science centers, museums and living history locations can bring to life information learned in the classroom, even on family vacations. • Learn at camp. Many children attend camp for a portion of their school breaks. Look for camps that do not simply babysit children, but engage them through enrichment activities. • Take a class. Children and families can learn together by exploring new skills. Enroll in something educational and enjoyable, such as a music or dance class, a STEM seminar or something else that engages the mind and body. This gives everyone a chance to learn something new and have a great time together as a family. • Parents and educators can reduce lesson loss over school breaks by encouraging families to remain intellectually engaged in any way they can.

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Parentown KidShape

Do You Practice Safe Sun Habits?

Summertime is all about trips to the pool, beach and park. And it also means time spent in the sun. Over the past three decades, more people have had skin cancer than all other cancers combined, according to e Skin Cancer Foundation, making proper sun protection a must. As you enjoy time outdoors, it’s important to understand and follow sun safety guidelines. Sun Protection for Families A new survey reveals some surprising facts. When moms with children younger than 18 were asked about the correct amount of sunscreen needed to apply to the face and body, fewer than half knew the right amount. And nearly two in 10 were unaware that after an initial slathering of sunscreen, they needed to reapply more. So says a new survey of moms commissioned by NO-AD Sun Care. “The correct amount of sunscreen to be applied — or reapplied — is one ounce,” says Brevard, Florida-based dermatologist, Dr. Richard C. Kirkpatrick. “Think of a shot glass of sunscreen or an amount the size of a golf ball.” Parents should apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to themselves and children 15 minutes before going out in the sun to give it time to bond to skin, and then reapply at least every two hours or after swimming, sweating and immediately after towel drying. More than half of moms responding believe the proper time to apply sunscreen is as soon as they start feeling skin burn. “By the time you feel your skin burning, the sun’s UV rays are damaging your cells’ DNA. Skin cancers get a foothold when this damage affects the DNA of genes that control skin cell growth,” says Dr. Kirkpatrick. The cost of sun protection may become a concern as families begin to apply the proper amount of sunscreen. If that is the case, one cost effective choice is NO-AD, which offers a selection of products that are a ordable and widely available. Sun Protection for Women Beautiful summer skin is all about making safe sun care a habit. A routine is easier when you nd products you will love to use. Look for lightweight, fast-absorbing formulas comprised of ingredients that have bene ts for skin. For example, Ocean Potion offers formulas with sea kelp, Vitamins D3 and E, and a pleasant orange cream scent. The line is PABA-free, (which is an allergen for some people.) For those who want to avoid the sun altogether, a self-tanner such as Ocean Potion EverGlow, can help you get the sun-kissed look without the exposure. Don’t let summer fun distract you from protecting your skin from harmful UV rays every time you leave the house.

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Parentown KidSmart

KidSmart – April 2020

Dental Health Is Important for Children’s Baby Teeth Parents and caregivers may be underestimating the importance of dental care for children’s “baby teeth.” According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only 63 percent of children ages two to four see the dentist at least annually. Most dental benefits cover preventive care visits twice a year with no out-of-pocket costs, and these visits are important for small children. Baby teeth, (also known as primary teeth), play an important role in a child’s overall healthy development. If cavities begin and are left untreated, they can become painful and possibly infected. Loss of these teeth prematurely may impact eating, speaking, learning and self-esteem. Baby teeth help guide the way for permanent teeth to erupt into proper position. “Tooth decay is preventable. The investment of only a few minutes each day on the part of parents and caregivers, coupled with regular dental checkups, goes a long way in creating healthy smiles to last a lifetime,” says Dr. Diane Monti-Markowski, clinical program director for Cigna Dental. She offers these oral hygiene tips for those caring for small children: • Plan to have your child visit the dentist by his or her first birthday or within six months after the first teeth appear. • As a child’s teeth start to come in, brush them gently twice a day with a child-sized toothbrush and water. • Begin flossing a child’s teeth daily when there are two teeth that touch. • Do not put your baby to sleep with a bottle of formula, milk, juice or any other liquid other than water. • Consider introducing toothpaste for children who are two and older and are able to follow directions to spit after brushing. The American Dental Association recommends using fluoride toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice for children younger than three years old and a pea-size amount for children three to six years old. By age three or four, your child should be able to brush with your supervision. • Make brushing fun. Let your child pick out the color of his or her toothbrush. Play a favorite song or set a timer to help children understand that good brushing takes about two minutes twice a day. Find more tips at Cigna.com. For detailed questions or concerns about a child’s oral health, it is important to consult a dentist. “Adults can also reinforce the importance of oral health by their attitudes,” adds Dr. Monti-Markowski. “Encouraging good habits and showing a positive manner when visiting the dentist can lay the foundation for children to maintain healthy teeth throughout their lives.”

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Parentown KidShape

KidShape – April 2020

5 Simple Ways to Enjoy More Family Time Skillfully balancing an entire family’s demands from school, sports, activities and careers leaves little down time, but keeping family values front and center may be easier than you think when you make a commitment to carving out meaningful moments to share. Unplug from the digital world. Today’s technology-ridden world makes it easy for families to be present but not engaged. When you create a technology-free zone, you eliminate distractions so you can keep the focus on each other. Dedicate time every week to spend as a family without the use of TV, tablets, computers and phones. Bond and bake together. There’s a little baker in everyone. After all, who can help but “woo-hoo” when you pull fresh cupcakes out of the oven? Take a little time to embrace your inner Doughboy, turn your kitchen into a fun zone and savor all the moments with your family. One easy way to get started is with PillsburyTM Purely SimpleTM baking and frosting mixes, which use simple ingredients and contain no colors, preservatives or artificial flavors, providing a delicious homemade taste. They’re the perfect mixes to challenge your family to enjoy a kitchen full of laughter, anticipation and the delightful aroma of baked goods fresh from the oven. Share family stories. Reminiscing about special family moments is an essential part of keeping those memories alive. Showcasing old photo albums is a great way to share fun and nostalgic memories, which can help bring your family closer together. Whether it was a trip to the mountains or visiting a nearby museum, discussing and reliving these memorable moments can evoke fond memories and a willingness to create new ones. Set a day each week for family night. It’s easy to get caught up in a busy schedule, which is why consciously setting aside family time is essential. Once it’s set, you may be tempted to turn the open night at home into an invitation to catch up on housework or even just relax. Avoid the temptation and instead look for fun ways to spend that time as a family. The dishes and laundry will still be waiting after you spend a few hours together. Start a puzzle or play a board game. Initiate a DIY project for the house, spend time baking or cooking a meal or simply sit together and talk about what’s happening in the lives of those who matter most. Create traditions. Rituals are a way of life. Find the little things that make your family unique and celebrate them together by creating special occasions that give everyone in the family something to look forward to and reflect on with joy. If you’re passionate about cooking, volunteer at a local soup kitchen together once a month. If sports are more your game, arrange for regular family outings to support the local team with everyone decked out in their favorite lucky attire. Silly or sentimental, traditions are the stuff memories are made of. Find more ideas to help make the most of your family time at PillsburyBaking.com.

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Parentown KidSmart

Kidsmart – March 2020

Create Kids-friendly Spaces At Home Maintaining a home that is welcoming and kid-friendly can be challenging. Kids are full of energy and oftentimes put fun ahead of tidiness. But no matter how energetic their youngsters are, parents can still employ several strategies to ensure their homes are both sophisticated and child-friendly. Consider an open floor plan. Rooms that flow into one another make it easier to keep tabs on children. Such rooms also allow residents and guests to mingle in separate rooms but not be too far away from one another. Choose washable fabrics. Upholstery will need to stand up to the abuse kids can dish out. Sofas and chairs with slipcovers can be advantageous because many slipcovers can be easily removed and laundered. Patterned fabrics will hide some stains, while treated fabrics may resist liquid spills for easier cleanup. Create a catch-all spot. Special bins or other organizational tools in the entryway can help to cull clutter when children come in the house from school or play. Be sure the keep cubbies, containers and coat hooks at a child- friendly height. Look for high-traffic rugs. Rugs designed for high-traffic areas will be more forgiving when children march across them several times per day. There are no rules that say you can’t bring an outdoor rug inside, and these rugs tend to be easier to clean. Ensure there is plenty of seating. Sectionals give children ample room to spread out. And ample seating ensures there is enough room for kids to invite their friends over to hang out. Think outside pink and blue. For children’s rooms, make sure they’re colorful, but consider other hues to give the rooms some personality. Focus on a hobby or activity and borrow the color scheme from the accessories used for decorating. Hang whimsical artwork. Employ framing and lighting to make kids’ artwork look like professional pieces. Routinely change the pictures when a new look is desired. Designate a place for play. Devote an entire room or a nook in a house for imaginative play. Store toys here so these items will not create clutter in individual bedrooms. Creating child-friendly spaces while ensuring a home maintains a sophisticated feel is easier than parents might think.

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Parentown KidShape

Kidshape – March 2020

KIDS AND SLEEP School-aged children are busier than ever before, and some may be sacrificing sleep to accommodate their lifestyles. The National Sleep Foundation says school-aged children need between nine and 11 hours of sleep each night to function at a healthy level. Sleep deprivation can be linked to a host of health ailments, including issues affecting the development of the brain. Growing evidence suggests that lack of sleep can cause disturbances in metabolic rates that could affect the risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity. A recent study from Johns Hopkins University found that for each additional hour of sleep a child gets, the risk of that child becoming overweight or obese decreases by 9 percent. Children who slept the least, according to the research, had a 92 percent higher risk of being overweight or obese compared to children with longer sleep duration. The NSF adds that poor or inadequate sleep can lead to mood swings, behavioral problems and cognitive problems that impact kids’ ability to learn in school. To promote good sleep habits in children, parents and other caregivers can establish consistent sleep/wake routines; ensure children avoid excess caffeine, particularly late in the day; create a cool, dark sleep environment; keep televisions and other media devices out of bedrooms and help children work through stressors that may impact sleep.

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Kids

KIDSVILLE KITCHEN – FEBRUARY 2020

How to Reduce Sugar In Lunch Boxes At a time when even yogurt has come under scrutiny for its sugar content, it’s hard to know what constitutes a healthful lunch anymore. Any way you slice it, too much sugar can be harmful for your health. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends no more than 16 grams of sugar daily for toddlers and a maximum of 32 grams of sugar per day for teens. Many children as young as 1-3-years old already surpass daily recommendations — typically consuming around 48 grams of sugar daily, according to an AHA study. Older kids consume even more. Pediatric health experts recommend reducing sugar in children’s diets. Some foods that you may not consider “sweet” have more sugar than you may think. A yogurt cup and a granola bar contain about 25 grams of sugar. That’s an entire day’s worth of sugar in one seemingly nutritious snack. Add a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and a juice box, and your child may have consumed more than 50 grams of sugar before afternoon snack. What’s a parent to do? You don’t need to replace your child’s favorite food. You don’t even need to say goodbye to any individual lunch item. However, you can moderate the total amount of sugar that’s being consumed on a daily basis by replacing just one sugary food with a savory one. With this goal in mind, here are some great ideas for savory swaps: Replace yogurt with hummus and carrots. Swap out a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for a cheese and mustard sandwich. Like the convenience of fruit cups? Replace them with Pearls Olives to Go! in a cup, which are gluten-free, sugar-free black ripe olives that are convenient because they have no messy liquid. Replace a juice box with water and a twist of lemon. Instead of a granola bar, add a serving of almonds or walnuts. Other savory items to try: hard boiled eggs, cubed cheese, cheese sticks, different varieties of olives, peanut butter and celery, sliced pickles and air-popped popcorn. For fun and flavor: Pack a put-together mini pizza kit: small pita, shredded cheese, a tablespoon of sauce and a Pearls Olives to Go! cup of sliced or whole black olives. For dessert, swap out cookies for some blueberries or strawberries. Sugars in whole fruit enter the bloodstream slowly, and don’t cause the same spikes in blood sugar as does junk food. Ask your children for their input, too. This is an opportunity to talk to kids about making good food choices. If the foods you’re trying aren’t working, keep experimenting. Most importantly, don’t try to change too much at once. Being a parent is hard enough without making lunchtime a battle. For more ideas, visit: Olives.com

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