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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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KIDSMART – FEBRUARY 2016

Fire and Fireplace Safety Tips For Winter Winter is the coziest time of year. It’s also a time of year that can pose specific safety risks, especially around the use of candles, fire and heating products. In 2015, one home structure fire was reported every 86 seconds, according to the National Fire Protection Association. To protect your family and home, check out these tips. Safety Devices Double check all of your home’s safety devices, including carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms for functionality and to ensure batteries are still working.Doing so will offer you greater peace of mind during a time of year with additional fire risks. Candles Candles can be a feast for the senses, but they are also a major cause of accidents and house fires. Don’t burn candles near curtains, and other flammable objects. Never leave candles unattended. Ensure all flames are extinguished before leaving a room and before going to sleep. If you have pets or children, make sure any open flames are well out of their reach and consider alternatives such as candle warmers. Taking a few key precautions can help you make your home a safe haven this winter. Fireplaces Nothing beats the charm and warmth of a fireplace. Heatilator, a leader in fireplace safety and the number one fireplace brand used by homebuilders, began including safety screens as standard equipment more than a decade before rules required the use of this equipment in new fireplace installations. As a pioneer in the field of fireplace safety, they offer these tips: Ensure gas fireplaces are outfitted with safety screens. Check out Heatilator, which offers retrofit safety screens. Never leave children or pets unattended near a lit fireplace or one that was recently turned off. Safety screens are meant to protect against contact with hot glass, but remember that the metal can also heat up, and your heating equipment — fireplaces, stoves, inserts and their surrounding material — will remain hot for some time after use. Consider annual maintenance for both wood-burning and gas fireplaces, as recommended by experts.

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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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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.

Parents

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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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.

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4 Important STEM Education Innovations

For the past 25 years, there has been an increased focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education in the United States, but that’s just the beginning. According to the Department of Commerce, STEM occupations are projected to grow by 17 percent from 2008-2018, compared to 9.8 percent growth for non-STEM occupations. Not only has this trend led to increased job opportunities, but it has also produced numerous technological advances that have drastically changed the world. Some of the top innovations that have shaped modern society over the past 25 years include: World Wide Web. Twenty-five years ago, British scientist Tim Berners-Lee invented the World Wide Web (WWW). Before the WWW, the Internet only provided screens of text. It was the WWW that made it possible for pictures, videos and sounds to be displayed and exchanged. Not only did the WWW change the appearance of the Internet, but it also revolutionized how the world received and delivered information. Virtual reality. Virtual reality as it is known today was popularized in the 1980s and 1990s. The technology enables people to experience a computer-simulated environment that resembles things and places in the real world. This cutting-edge technology connects people like never before. VR makes it possible to appear as if you are in the same location as a person far away from you, whether you’re actually 100 miles or 1,000 miles apart. Hybrid cars. In 1997, improvements in battery technology led to the first mass-produced hybrid car, creating an entirely new market in the car industry. According to a report from the Electric Drive Transportation Association, the United States sold more than 193,000 hybrid cars in 2016 alone. Hybrid cars offer better gas mileage and have lower emissions rates, which helps reduce the carbon footprint. Controller-free video game consoles. Controller-free video game consoles revolutionized the video game market by transforming the experience into one that’s more active. This technology made it possible for gamers to remotely play a game without a controller, disrupting the gaming industry and leading to an entirely new way for people to engage in physical activity. By exposing your child to the importance of STEM education early on, he or she could be the next great innovator. Encourage your child to develop an interest in science by entering a science competition, such as the Toshiba/National Science Teachers Association ExploraVision program, the world’s largest K-12 science competition. ExploraVision challenges students to create new ideas for technological innovations inspired by real world issues. To learn more, visit exploravision.org.

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Why Music Education Matters

Come the 2016-2020 school year, the music and arts budget in the Los Angeles Unified School District will reach its highest point in a dozen years. While that’s great news for students, it also illustrates the sad fact that arts and music programs have taken a considerable hit in recent decades, when arts education fell victim to budget cuts. The benefits of music education extend far beyond getting kids to tap their toes. The National Association for Music Education lists the following benefits among the many reasons to support music education in schools. • Music training helps develop language skills. Studies have shown that music training contributes to the physical development of the part of the left side of the brain associated with processing language. A 2005 study from researchers at Stanford University found that mastering a musical instrument may also improve reading skills, which can benefit students both inside and outside the classroom. • Music training can improve hand-eye coordination. Studies have linked long-term music training to improved hand-eye coordination. That is likely connected to the motor skills children develop when playing musical instruments. Without those instruments, those motor skills may not develop as strongly. • Music improves concentration. Even students who cannot play a musical instrument can still benefit academically from simply listening to music. In 2007, a research team from the Stanford University School of Medicine found that music engages the areas of the brain involved with paying attention. Today’s students deal with numerous distractions, from smartphones to tablets to social media, but those who routinely listen to certain types of music might find it easier to block out those distractions and focus on their work. • Music can help students’ emotional development. A 2003 study commissioned by Chorus America found musicians are more likely than the average person to be involved in charity work as volunteers and donors. The NAfME also notes that music students may be more likely to exhibit empathy toward other cultures. • Music can improve self-esteem. In a study examining 117 fourth grade students attending public school in Montreal, a researcher at the University of Texas at Austin found that children who received piano lessons weekly for three years had higher self-esteem than children who were not given piano lessons during the same period. Neither group had participated in formal music instruction before the study, and students in both groups reported similar levels of self-esteem prior to participating in the study. Music education can enrich the lives of young students in a myriad of ways, potentially contributing to happier, more fulfilling lives.

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School Bus Safety

Millions of students rely on public transportation to get them to and from school each and every day. The National Safety Council says 25 million students in the United States begin and end their school days on school buses. The NCS adds that riding a bus to school is 13 times safer than riding in a family vehicle and 10 times safer than walking. Although buses are designed for safety, student riders can do a lot to make their bus trips even safer. • Stand only in the designated school bus stop. Always stand on the sidewalk, lawn or curb where the school bus stop is located. Stay away from the street because traffic in the morning and the afternoon can be very busy and hectic. • Arrive at the stop early. Rushing to the bus stop may cause you to make errors in judgment, including running in traffic to catch the bus. Leave early so you have ample time to catch the bus and obey all traffic laws. • Only board and exit the bus when it is safe. Wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before boarding or exiting. The driver will engage the stop sign and put on the flashing red lights. Move around the bus only when it is stopped. • Keep the aisles clear. Stay out of the aisle when the bus is in motion and store backpacks on your lap or under your seat so they are not tripping hazards. • Use seat restraints. Use seat restraints when available on the school bus. While not every school bus has seatbelts, many now do. • Stay in your seat. Remain in your seat while the bus is in motion. Keep your hands inside of the windows. Do not get up to engage with other riders. • Keep a good distance between you and the bus. Exit the bus and cross in front where the driver can see you. If you cannot see the driver, he or she cannot see you. Check for safety signals from the driver to proceed when traffic has stopped. Always walk, never run, around a bus. • Do not goof off. When on the bus, always behave so that you can hear any safety instructions and be aware of your surroundings. Behaving also means one less distraction for drivers. School bus passengers can make their rides to school

Parents

How to create a great study environment at home

A student’s academic performance is influenced by a host of factors, including the learning environment both inside the classroom and at home. While students may have only limited control over the environment in their classrooms, they and their parents can do much to create home study environments that are conducive to learning. Create a distraction-free zone. Today’s students are inundated with distractions. Whereas students were once most distracted by radios, televisions and the great outdoors when studying at home, nowadays kids must also find time to focus on their studies with their tablets and smartphones just a stone’s throw away. When choosing a study area at home, parents can designate a distraction-free zone where no televisions, radios, tablets or smartphones are allowed. Children are increasingly dependent on their smartphones and tablets, and while such devices can sometimes prove useful to students, that benefit is often outweighed by the distraction they present. When kids study at night, be sure they turn off their smartphones and only use their tablets as study aids.Emphasize organization. Various organization techniques can help kids be more efficient when studying. Encourage kids to separate their learning materials by subject, and keep a calendar or daily planner at home listing when their assignments are due and which days they will be tested. Encourage youngsters to keep their home study areas tidy as well, as unorganized areas can make it harder to focus or force kids to spend some of their study time cleaning up. Establish quiet hours at home. Quiet hours at home while kids are studying can help them better absorb their coursework, and that may lead to improved performance in the classroom. While it’s important that a kid’s study areas remain distraction-free, it can also help if distractions outside those areas are minimized. Keep televisions and other potentially noisy distractions turned off while kids are studying. If you want to catch up on a favorite television show or watch a movie, do so on your tablet instead of the television, connecting earphones so kids are not overhearing anything while they’re trying to study. Keep healthy snacks on hand. Hunger can be just as distracting as electronics or noisy housemates, so keep healthy snacks on hand. In lieu of unhealthy fare like potato chips or empty calories like pretzels, keep your home stocked with fruits and vegetables and protein-rich snacks like Greek yogurt. Such snacks will quell kids’ hunger pangs while also providing a boost of energy.A strong home study environment can help students do their best in the classroom.

Category - Parentown KidSmart

Kidsmart – March 2020

KIDSMART – FEBRUARY 2016

Changing parenting roles for dads

Ways To Prevent The Flu

PARENTOWN’S KIDSMART – DECEMBER 2016

Smart Nutrition Tips for Healthy Families

4 Important STEM Education Innovations

Why Music Education Matters

School Bus Safety

How to create a great study environment at home

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