Parents Archives - Page 9 of 15

KIDSHAPE – FEBRUARY 2020

Tips to Keep Your Family Healthy and Happy this Winter With colder weather comes an increase in weather- related illness and health issues. From activity levels to mood, diet and more, seasonal weather a ects all areas of your life. But, don’t let the winter blues get you down — follow these tips to help keep your family healthy and happy during the cold-weather months. “Winterize” Your Diet Some fresh fruits and veggies can be hard to nd in winter. e Cleveland Clinic suggests turning to root vegetables like beets, carrots and turnips since they can withstand cold temperatures, making them easier to find. Also on their list of suggested foods are oatmeal, soup (without a lot of salt), sushi, broccoli and cauliflower — all of which provide essential nutrients to support immunity and boost vitamin levels. Also, be sure to work vitamin D into your system. It aids bone health and muscle strength, but during shorter, cloudy days of winter, you might not get the necessary amount you need. Harvard School of Public Health recommends daily 15-minute walks outside to get some sun, and eating vitamin D-rich foods such as dairy products, breakfast cereals and sh like salmon and tuna. You may also consider a supplement. Keep Moving Studies show that daily exercise and activity other immune- boosting benefits. People who exercise 30 to 45 minutes a day experience a 40 to 50 percent reduction in the number of days they get sick, according to studies at Appalachian State University’s Human Performance Lab. Encourage the family to get active with step or fitness trackers. Daily or weekly step goals and challenges with siblings or spouses are fun ways to keep everyone moving. FitBit, Garmin and Jawbone all make trackers with corresponding mobile apps to help monitor goals. And, when cabin fever sets in, grab the kids and head outside. Cold weather activities nearby or on a trip away, such as sledding, skiing and snowboarding, can offer additional exercise outside the normal indoor routine. Always Be Prepared When the weather gets cold, the risk of certain illnesses like cold and u rise. What’s in your feel-better-fast kit when your family gets sick? Items that doctors recommend to have when a cold or the u hits include: pain and fever relief (ibuprofen, acetaminophen), tissues, fluids (especially cool water), soup and tea, throat lozenges and a digital temperature monitor. Instead of waking young children to get accurate temperature readings with a digital thermometer, consider picking up TempTraq.It’s a wearable, Bluetooth monitor that safely and continuously senses, records and transmits body temperature for 24 hours through its free TempTraq app. You can even receive fever alerts so you can eliminate poking or prodding kids in the middle of the night, providing peace of mind for you and much needed rest for them during sick days. For a happy and healthy winter, use these tips to inspire your family to eat right, get active and be prepared for colder weather.

Brainworks

January 2020 Brainworks

Please click the title of which Brainworks edition you want to view. K-2 Brainworks December 2020 3-6 Brainworks December 2020

Parentown KidSmart

Changing parenting roles for dads

Parenting roles continue to evolve as families look for solutions that meet all of their needs. In an effort to meet the financial demands of raising a family, parents may be taking on less traditional roles. For example, many fathers are now stay-at-home dads. The number of stay-at-home fathers continues to climb. The Pew Research Center indicates that roughly 550,000 men have become full-time stay-at-home parents in the previous 10 years. Economics have forced many couples to make less traditional decisions for their families. The National At-Home Dad Network says the stay-at-home dad is a growing trend because men want to be more involved with their kids. The following factors may give families pause to consider swapping parental stereotypes in favor of stay-at-home fathers. • Earning potential: Money is often a factor in deciding that Mom will be the breadwinner and Dad will be the caregiver. In the event one parent earns considerably more money than the other, and paying for childcare so both parents can work would be a detriment to the family, it can make sense to have the higher earner be the sole breadwinner. • Personalities: Some women simply see themselves thriving more in the workforce than as a primary caregiver at home, while some dads want to be home with their children and do not measure success in job titles or income. These scenarios make the stay-at-home dad model more plausible. • Open-mindedness: If the situation does not affect the children, and grandparents and other supportive people in the kids’ lives are amenable to the idea, then accepting less traditional roles can be successful. Traditional family roles are increasingly falling by the wayside as both men and women put their families first and make decisions based on what’s best for all members of the family.

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Helping kids find hobbies

Much like adults who can benefit from participating in hobbies, children can also reap rewards from engaging in hobbies. According to the Child Development Institute, hobbies give children a chance to express themselves. The CDI also notes that hobbies can play an important role in children’s self-discovery and boost their self-esteem. Some children may discover hobbies on their own, requiring little if any assistance on the part of their parents. For example, some kids may display an interest in music that parents, even those with no such musical inclination, can foster by purchasing certain instruments. But some children may need a little more prompting, and parents of such boys and girls can take certain steps to help their youngsters find rewarding hobbies. Involve kids in your own hobbies. Kids look up to their parents and often want to emulate what their mothers and fathers do. If possible, involve children in your own hobbies. Gardeners can teach their youngsters how to grow and tend to a garden, while painters can host family painting nights where everyone is encouraged to create their own masterpiece. Parents whose hobbies are more adult-oriented, like woodworking, can still involve their children. For example, work with children to design a new item, and then show them how the item goes from paper to finished product; just avoid allowing them to use any unsafe tools or machines. Let kids choose an activity. While some children might take to hobbies their parents favor, others might need to be given some freedom to find their own activities. Afford youngsters this chance, recognizing that it might take some time before kids find an activity that genuinely sparks their passion. Be a source of encouragement. Some hobbies may prove more difficult than kids first imagined, requiring some perseverance before they can be enjoyed fully. In such instances, observe youngsters while they engage in the activity. If they appear to be enjoying themselves but are periodically frustrated, encourage them to keep trying. If kids appear to be disinterested in overcoming any struggles, then they might benefit from pursuing another hobby. Don’t hesitate to focus on fun. Hobbies can teach kids valuable lessons and provide a sense of fulfillment, but it’s important that parents not overlook the importance of fun in regard to their children’s hobbies. Hobbies can provide children with the same respite from busy schedules as they do adults, and that break should be as fun as possible. Hobbies can enrich the lives of children. Finding the right activity may require some patience on the part of parents and youngsters alike.

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Ways To Prevent The Flu

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Americans suffer from one billion colds annually. While adults catch an average of two to three colds per year, children suffer even more, especially during cold season. “The cold and flu are both highly contagious viral infections,” said Dr. Keri Peterson, a Manhattan- based physician. “While they spread easily, there are some easy measures that families can take to protect themselves from getting infected, and even while they are sick, to prevent prolonged illness and recover more quickly.” To protect you and your family, and to prevent the spread of illness, Peterson offers these tips for navigating cold and flu season: ● Wash your hands with soap and water regularly, especially after touching dirty surfaces like doorknobs and keyboards. Thorough washing should take as long as singing “Happy Birthday” twice. ● Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth. These are direct entry points for germs. Most adults touch their face about 16 times a day, and children even more often, increasing the spread of germs. ● Germs live on surfaces and spread to humans through skin contact, so anything that you touch frequently can be a threat. Use disinfectant wipes to wipe down your workspace daily, as well as your telephone, mouse and keyboard. Make sure you regularly disinfect doorknobs and shared electronics like TV remotes. Also, wash your children’s toys after playtime. ● Studies indicate flu viruses thrive best in cold and dry places, making winter air an ideal breeding ground. Use a humidifier to keep humidity levels in your home between 40 and 60 percent to reduce viruses’ chances at survival. Humidifiers can also help relieve cold and flu symptoms and discomfort. An option such as the Vicks Filter- Free Cool Mist Humidifier is a convenient way to meet the American Academy of Pediatricians’ recommendation to use a cool mist humidifier throughout the winter months to help relieve congestion and cough in children. For adults and children ages 2 and older, Vicks VapoSteam paired with a warm mist humidifier or vaporizer releases a medicated steam with cough suppressant to help relieve coughs and colds. ● Everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu vaccine every year. Flu vaccination should take place soon after the vaccine becomes available to the public, preferably in October. ● Watch your symptoms. Cold symptoms come on gradually and progress over time, typically starting with a sore throat, then a runny nose and eventually a cough. On the other hand, the flu hits fast and furious with the sudden onset of fever, aches, fatigue, cough and headache. ● Fever can sometimes occur with a cold and is usually mild; with the flu it is common and higher, ranging from 100-102 F. Taking your temperature with a thermometer such as the Braun ThermoScan, the No. 1 brand among pediatricians and moms, is a good way to help determine which type of virus you have. Find more tips for fighting cold and flu at Vicks Humidifiers.

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Combating Concussions In Youth Sports

With athletes of all ages taking to fields and courts, there are important steps to take in keeping young athletes safe during practice and games. Data from U.S. Youth Soccer shows that the number of kids playing increased nearly 90 percent — with nearly 3 million children ages 7-17 playing each year — from 1990 to 2014. As soccer has risen in popularity, so has the rate of injuries — especially concussions — according to a Nationwide Children’s Hospital study published recently in “Pediatrics.” The number of youth treated in emergency rooms in the United States due to soccer-related injuries increased by 78 percent over the 25 years covered by the study. While concussions and other “closed-head” injuries accounted for just 7 percent of those injuries, the annual rate of those injuries per 10,000 children playing soccer increased drastically. While the study’s authors from the hospital’s Center for Injury Research and Policy said some of the increase reflects the growing awareness about concussions, there are steps that can be taken to reduce exposure and increase overall player safety. Know Concussion Signs Be aware of concussion symptoms and encourage players to report potential injuries. e rst signs of a player potentially suffering from a serious head injury can include: • Headache • Blurry vision • Nausea • Vomiting • Noise or light sensitivity Practice Proper Technique The U.S. Soccer Federation recently ruled that there should be no heading in games or practice for any players age 10 and under and a limited amount of heading for those ages 11-13. It is important that coaches know the correct techniques and have the right educational tools to properly train their players. e fundamental steps include: 1. Keeping feet shoulder-width apart and knees bent in an athletic position 2. Tucking the chin and maintaining a stiff neck 3. Using arms for balance (and to shield opponents) 4. Concentrating with eyes open and mouth closed 5. Focusing on striking the ball with the middle of the forehead Utilize Available Educational Resources The National Soccer Coaches Association of America recently released the rst interactive online course developed to educate soccer coaches on how to teach safer heading techniques. e free, 30-minute course titled “Get aHEAD Safely in Soccer,” which is available at NSCAA.com/heading, illustrates specific techniques, exercises and practice activities that are available for coaches to download or print. For more tips to properly coach young athletes on the fundamentals of heading and other soccer skills, visit nscaa.com. Understand Return-to-Play Protocol Coaches and parents should encourage players to always report blows to the head and be vigilant in looking for athletes who may have sustained injuries. If a player does sustain a concussion, they should seek medical attention and work together with an athletic trainer on proper return-to-play protocol before returning to competition. By instituting proper athletic safety measures at the youth level, coaches, parents and athletes can continue to enjoy the positive benefits of sports.

Parentown KidSmart

PARENTOWN’S KIDSMART – DECEMBER 2016

Learn about product recalls for safe holiday giving Shopping for the perfect gift and then hiding it under the tree adds to the excitement of the holiday season. Knowing the recipient will display a big smile when tearing away the wrapping paper makes gift givers feel good. Each year, certain gifts emerge as trendy crowd favorites. However, no matter how coveted a gift may be, it pays to investigate its reputation for safety and to find out if any product recalls have been instituted. The hoverboard craze of the 2015 holiday season provided a recent example of the need to investigate an item’s reputation for safety. Thousands upon thousands of these devices flew off of the shelves. Children across the country took their hoverboards for test runs early Christmas morning. Yet many hoverboards soon ignited while charging or in operation. Some even ignited while sitting idle. As of July 2016, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission indicated at least 60 reports of hoverboard fires totaling more than $2 million in property damage. Similar problems arose with certain Samsung Galaxy Note 7 phones in late 2016. The phone was recalled officially in the United States through Samsung, and the company launched exchange programs in other countries. Even replacement models continued to have problems, as some caught on fire in early October. Samsung ultimately told Note 7 owners to stop using the phones and return them before permanently discontinuing the product. Shortly thereafter, the U.S. CPSC officially issued a second recall. Those are just two instances of how products that might have made great holiday gifts posed safety issues. Consumers should learn how they can protect themselves and others from injury, even when giving holiday gifts. Searching for product recalls is one way to safeguard loved ones this holiday season. Reading product reviews from previous customers is another effective safety measure. A recall is an action taken by a manufacturer or the government. Some recalls will ban the sale of an item, while others require the consumer to return the item for repair or replacement. The U.S. government recommends visiting these websites to find the latest safety recalls and information on items that may turn up on holiday wish lists. • Recalls.com posts government-initiated recalls from federal agencies. • Safercar.gov offers safety information on vehicles and car equipment, such as children’s safety seats. • SaferProducts.gov enables consumers to report incidents and safety concerns with regard to consumer products. • Cpsc.gov/Recalls/ includes recalls published by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. • HealthyCanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/ index-eng.php publishes recent recalls and alerts for Canada. The holidays should be a safe and happy time. To ensure the season stays safe and happy, consumers should familiarize themselves with any product recalls or published safety hazards prior to shopping for gifts.

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How To Teach Dids To Be Philanthropic

Introducing children to charity early in their lives can lay a foundation of philanthropy that lasts a lifetime. e more kids witness charitable giving, the more likely they are to embrace charity as they grow up. Teaching children that it is better to give than to receive can be challenging, but it’s never too early to instill philanthropic feelings in a child. In order to help young children understand what it means to be charitable, try these ideas. Open a dialogue A study from the United Nations Foundation and the Women’s Philanthropy Institute at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis found simply talking to children about giving increased the likelihood that children would give by 20 percent. Being specific makes a difference in getting the message out there. For example, rather than mentioning we have to give because it makes the world a better place, explain how donating food will help feed the less fortunate who cannot afford to feed themselves. Lead by example Call the children over when you are doing something that pertains to philanthropy. Show them checks being written to help various nonprofits, or include them in outings that involve volunteer work. Look for easy ways to give. Charity doesn’t require a large amount of money or substantial effort, and starting with something simple can make for a great introduction to charity. Begin with small projects kids can embrace and understand. Spend time going through clothes that no longer t and make a trip to a charitable clothing drive or collection bin. Bring your child to a clothing store or toy store and pick out an item that can be donated to a less fortunate child. is way he or she can participate firsthand. Help out neighbors Being charitable doesn’t have to mean spending tons of money or even putting together material things. It can involve donating time to others who may need assistance. Service- oriented projects, such as raking leaves, baking cookies or taking in elderly neighbors’ garbage pails, are all types of charity. Children can become friendly and play with other children who may have a parent serving in the military or support someone who has special needs. Animals and children seem a perfect match, and one charitable e ort kids may embrace is helping animals. Bring food or pet supplies to a shelter or the local humane society. Allow children to interact with the animals they are helping. ere are many ways to acclimate children to charitable living, and doing so may lay the foundation for a rewarding life.

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How To Teach Kids To Be Philanthropic

Parents

Smart Nutrition Tips for Healthy Families

Nutrition is important for everyone, but especially for children, as it is directly linked to all aspects of their growth and development. Childhood obesity affects 1 in 6 children and adolescents in the United States. Though associated with elevated risks of high cholesterol, high blood pressure, bone and joint problems and sleep apnea, among other health problems, childhood obesity can usually be prevented. “Families should focus on the importance of healthful eating and active lifestyles,” says Kristi King, registered dietitian nutritionist and Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics spokesperson. “Parents can inspire kids to eat healthfully by getting them involved in shopping and preparing your family’s meals.” Before You Head to the Store Create a shopping list together, so kids feel like they are part of the decision making process. “Include food items from each of the ‘MyPlate’ food groups from the USDA, which include fruits, vegetables, grains, protein and dairy,” says King. Before you head out the door, grab your reusable shopping bag to reduce waste. Wash your bag regularly to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria. At the Store Once you get to the store, shop together and encourage children to pick a few new foods they would like to try. “Talk about foods’ colors, shapes, flavors and textures as you shop,” says King. “And take time to read the food labels. This not only helps kids understand nutrition concepts, but also gives them a chance to practice reading skills.” Back at Home When you return home, involve children in putting groceries away — especially foods that require refrigeration or freezing. Refrigerate perishable food items promptly and properly. “Explain to your kids the importance of refrigerating perishable foods within two hours,” King says. “And remember, the clock starts when you pull an item from the refrigerated case at the store, so head straight home after your shopping trip if you have perishables in the car.” For more healthful eating tips, recipes, videos and more, visit KidsEatRight.org. As role models, parents and caregivers play a vital role in children’s nutrition — teaching children about healthful foods and making sure kids get enough physical activity each day. “Consult a registered dietitian nutritionist in your area to ensure your family is getting all of the necessary nutrients,” says King.

Category - Parents

KIDSHAPE – FEBRUARY 2020

January 2020 Brainworks

Changing parenting roles for dads

Helping kids find hobbies

Ways To Prevent The Flu

Combating Concussions In Youth Sports

PARENTOWN’S KIDSMART – DECEMBER 2016

How To Teach Dids To Be Philanthropic

How To Teach Kids To Be Philanthropic

Smart Nutrition Tips for Healthy Families

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