Family & Parenting » Family Tips

Fun and Learning with Kids in the Kitchen

Jennifer — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 00:16:58 +0000

Tip: Listen. While mixing ingredients, your child might just decide to open up about the school bully or that upcoming, worrisome test.

(ARA) – It’s fun, it’s messy, and it means time with an adult — no wonder most kids love to cook. Kitchen duty provides plenty of learning opportunities for kids too. Problem is, for many parents, the goal of cooking is getting something on the table, pronto. And that’s OK — whipping up a nutritious meal using a mix or livening up leftovers together can also be a fun learning experience.

Here’s how to make the most out of cooking with a pint-size helper:

* Look for the lesson. No need to get preachy, but take advantage of the learning potential. Besides kitchen safety and cooking techniques, your child can also practice reading, basic math skills (everything from number recognition to division), and how to follow directions.

* Listen. While mixing ingredients, your child might just decide to open up about the school bully or that upcoming, worrisome test. (Somehow it’s less intimidating than sitting down for a serious “talk.”)

* Encourage easy creativity by stocking up on an array of spices. Try asking your kids things like: “Want to try cardamom instead of cinnamon on those apples?” and “How about adding some zip to these leftover mashed potatoes with a little garlic powder?”

* Explore other cultures. Spice blends like Indian curry and Mexican seasoning are an easy way to introduce ethnic flair — and conversation — to dinner.

* Choose dishes that are fun to make, nutritious, and bound to succeed. Pass down family favorites or try new recipes when time permits. Or go quick and simple with convenient mixes. Frontier Natural Products Co-op offers quality, healthful bulk mixes for soups, dips, beverages like lemonade and cocoa, salsas, soy burgers, falafel and taco filling. And its Simply Organic line has meal-size quantities of everything from baking and dip mixes to gravies, pasta sauces, taco mixes, dressings and marinades.

* Take advantage of broth powders. Just add water and you’re on your way to homemade soup. Have your child toss in leftovers from the week and a few spices, and you’ve got yourselves a budget-friendly, healthful dinner.

* Sprout seeds. Show your child how to start a batch of sprouts and rinse them twice a day until they’re ready. (It’s an easier way to teach responsibility than a family pet!)

* Introduce your child to related life skills, like meal planning and nutrition, grocery shopping and budget management, table setting, and gardening. Visit the farmer’s market and the food co-op together.

* Use cooking as a springboard. “Kids can learn about important topics like organics, food miles, and ethical sourcing at an early age,” says Kathy Larson, vice president of Sustainability and Education at Frontier Natural Products Co-op. “You might explain that you purchase your produce from a local farmer who sells at the co-op, for example — or that you order your coffee, tea, spices, sprouting seeds and other cooking ingredients from a company that helps the farmers who grow their products and makes business decisions with the environment in mind.”

* If you find that your child is eager for more time in the kitchen, devote some of your weekend to baking a cake or making cookies from scratch. (That’ll give you plenty of time to talk about why cakes rise or the concept of that Fair Trade cocoa you’re using.)

Cooking side-by-side with your child means you can set the timer for quality time and make every minute count. You’ll find more tips on cooking with kids — and kid-friendly recipes — at www.frontiercoop.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

How to Keep Allergies from Ruining the Fun at Playdates

Jennifer — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 06:59:26 +0000

(ARA) – Playdates have taken off in America, and it is no wonder. In this economy, where else can you find an inexpensive activity that is fun for both children and moms? Not only do playdates help youngsters learn socialization and cooperation skills, but they also allow moms to mingle and share advice.

Participating in playdates (or “playgroups”) is a great way to spend the afternoon, until one of your guests sneezes … and then sneezes again. If it turns out that a member of your playdate is severely allergic to the family cat, your afternoon plans could be ruined.

On any given day in America, 10,000 children miss school because of allergies, according to one study referenced on the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology’s Web site, www.AAAAI.org. Their site also mentions that up to 40 percent of American children are believed to suffer from nasal allergies, and millions more have food and skin allergies.

Yet in a recent national survey conducted by Ipsos and The Clorox Company, just three percent of the parents polled said they are most concerned about exposure to indoor allergens during playdates.

“Playdates nurture a sense of community among children and parents,” says Jeff Van Lom, co-founder and CEO of Playgroups USA, a national organization that helps parents form playgroups for their children. “Kids get to be kids and enjoy playing together while parents can share advice, experiences and support. But an allergic reaction can take all the fun out of a playdate.”

Nearly half of parents reported their children have experienced indoor allergy symptoms in the past year, according to the survey. Because playdates often occur indoors, they can be tough for children who are allergic to indoor allergens such as dust mite matter and pet dander. Whether you’re hosting the playdate or your child is a guest, it pays to prepare with some allergy precautions.

A new free, downloadable guide on www.PlaygroupsUSA.com, called the “Guide to the ABCs of Playdates and Allergies,” helps parents prepare homes for playdates — especially when guests have allergies. The guide, created through a partnership between Playgroups USA and The Clorox Company, provides information on common allergens, statistics on allergies among children, and tips for minimizing allergy triggers during playdates.

Prepping for the Playdate

Everyone knows how tough it is to be a parent in general, much less also be in charge of hosting a playdate with other children — especially children with allergies. This guide outlines simple steps that you can take to help make life easier as the playdate host.

For example, prior to the playdate, follow these easy steps to help reduce common indoor allergens like dust mite matter and pet dander:

* To help make indoor allergen management easier, spray upholstered furniture and other fabrics with a product such as Clorox Anywhere Anti-Allergen Fabric Spray to reduce up to 90 percent of common indoor allergens such as dust mite matter and pet dander. This spray is also fragrance-free and dye-free, so it is safe to use around pets and won’t bother kids with sensitive skin.

* Wash fabric toys and blankets with an anti-allergen bleach like Clorox Plus Anti-Allergen Bleach that removes 99 percent of household allergens. The bleach denatures common household allergens — such as mold, dust mite matter and pet dander — that can hide in fabric fibers or on hard surfaces.

* It is also a good idea to vacuum and dust the room where you plan to host your playdate. Also try to keep your pets out of the house for the day. As all moms know, there are not enough hours in the day, so just focus on where you plan to spend time with your guests. The rest of the house can wait.

* Find out from other parents if their children have food allergies, and plan menu choices accordingly. If their child has a food allergy, they will be very impressed — and thankful — that you asked. Invite parents to join in and, if it raises their comfort level, supply their own snacks for their food-allergic child.

The “Guide to the ABCs of Playdates and Allergies” offers more easy-to-follow advice on how to keep allergies from being a playdate problem and is available for free download at www.PlaygroupsUSA.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Back-to-school Means Homework for Parents Too

Jennifer — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 13:58:26 +0000

Back-to-school Means Homework for Parents Too

As teens head back to the classroom this fall, they’ll be assigned a lot of homework in the three “Rs”: reading, writing, and arithmetic. Important to students’ success will be the homework parents do in teaching two other “Rs”: role modeling and responsibility.

“A parent’s words and actions provide powerful role modeling,” explains Lonnie Carton, PhD, director of teen and family resources for the Web-based “Warm2Kids” program and an advisory panel member of the “Family Talk About Drinking” program. “They teach teens what kind of behavior is expected of them and how to make good decisions. Responsible decisions include obeying the law and not getting involved in underage drinking.”

Although some parents think peer pressure is the major cause of underage drinking, the fact is parents, not peers, have the greatest influence on their teens’ choices related to this issue. According to the 2008 GfK Roper Youth Report(TM) , 71 percent of teenagers 13 to 17 say their parents are the No. 1 influence on their decisions about whether to drink.

“Parents who communicate with their sons and daughters regularly, openly and honestly on a variety of issues find it much easier to talk with and listen to them on sensitive subjects like alcohol,” Carton advises. “At the start of this new school year, I encourage mothers and fathers to take the time to sit down with their children. Discuss expectations, and emphasize the importance of making wise choices not only about underage drinking but about all other decisions.”

Carton offers these guidelines to parents for remaining a positive influence in the lives of teens:

Be Factual. Give teens the facts about underage drinking in a calm, clear manner. Simply say something like, “It’s against the law for anyone under 21 to use alcohol; our family obeys the law and we expect you to do the same.”

Know Your Child’s Friends and Their Parents. Being aware of other families’ values and rules will help you better understand what pressure your child’s friends may be putting on him or her.

Get Help if You Need It. Be aware of any changes in your teen’s behavior or attitude such as suddenly doing poorly in school, hanging out with a different group of friends whom you don’t know, or becoming disinterested in sports, music or other activities which once meant a lot, etc. If such changes occur, seek professional advice right away.

For more tips and information on responsible role-modeling, visit www.myspace.com/positiveparenting. For “Family Talk About Drinking” materials, visit www.familytalkonline.com or call (800) 359-TALK (1-800-359-8255). The materials are provided free-of-charge as a community service of Anheuser-Busch.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

A Little Planning Can Make for the Most Memorable Family Gatherings

Jennifer — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 18:22:04 +0000

Many families will be gathering this summer to share traditions and make new memories. More than seven out of 10 people agree that the best way to continue their family’s traditions is through gatherings and celebrations, according to a new survey by Kelton Research. With each passing year, however, 68 percent of Americans admit reuniting with family is becoming harder. To ensure that your family continues to build lasting memories, a little early planning goes a long way.

Whether you’re preparing for a large reunion for family members around the world, or an intimate gathering for those nearby, follow these helpful tips to ensure your next gathering creates memories that last a lifetime:

* Put together an invite and address list. Determine if you want a small gathering or want to include distant relatives. Identify one person from each family branch and begin assembling contact information for each person on your invite list.

* Gauge interest and availability. Reach out to a few relatives and get feedback on dates, locations and possible reunion theme. Keep in mind travel distance for all family members and consider extending the reunion festivities to span a few days.

* Create a budget. Determine how much money is needed for food and travel, and if other family members will share the cost.

* Find a location. Is there a place with special significance to your family or is a family member willing to open up their home?

* Plan the menu. Gather favorite family recipes and ask family members to be responsible for bringing those dishes. And, don’t forget that cooking together during the reunion can conjure fun family memories and help make new ones as well!

* Organize activities. Plan activities that will allow distant family members to get reacquainted. Download the Smucker family tree and re-discover your family’s origins.

* Arrange for seating and rainy day accommodations. If you’re hosting the reunion at a family member’s home, consider chair and table rentals, as well as a tent for outdoor activities.

* Capture the day. Identify one to two family members to serve as the official reunion photographers/videographers.

As a family-run company that has passed down time-honored recipes for the past four generations, The J.M. Smucker Company is eager to hear from families across the country about their recipes and traditions. Families are invited to visit www.Smuckers.com to enter the “Spreading Smucker’s Traditions” contest and share their family-favorite recipes and memories. Between June 16 and August 11, 2008 consumers who enter their families’ recipes that have been handed down for at least two generations will have a chance to win a five day, four night family trip for eight to the Walt Disney World Resort that includes airfare, transportation to/from the airport hotel accommodations for four nights, five-day Magic Your Way Tickets with Park Hopper option and commemorative Disney T-shirts and photos.

Log on to www.Smuckers.com to enter and find reunion planning tips, a downloadable family tree and Smucker’s jams, jellies and preserves recipes that will help them create the perfect appetizers, entrées and desserts, every time.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Over Scheduling: An American Epidemic

Jennifer — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 15:05:42 +0000

Six Ways to Lead a Meaningful Life in the Middle of a Busy Schedule

(ARA) – Over scheduling is a nationwide epidemic. From preschoolers to CEOs, we are constantly running from one activity to the next. This busy and sometimes frantic lifestyle affects all aspects of life and many people feel the strain caused by overloaded to-do lists.

According to the authors of “Yes, You Can… Find More Meaning in Your Life”, Jack Jonathan and Sheelagh Manheim, PhD, over scheduling can create a narrow focus that prevents you from experiencing meaning in your life. These two regular contributors to www.YesYouCanOnline.info offer ways to step off the treadmill of busyness and reaffirm what is good in your life.

Jonathan and Manheim suggest finding a balance in five fundamental areas of life: positive attitude, good physical health, personal relationships, financial well-being and a passion for knowledge.

“Anyone looking to streamline their schedule can use these essentials as guidelines to help balance the way they spend their time,” said Jonathan. “Paying attention to each basic area of life may help a person to feel more at peace.”

Jonathan and Manheim offer the following six ideas to help bring a feeling of meaning into a busy life.

* Foster a Positive Attitude. Begin your day with a sense of wonder. Ask yourself, “What is in store for me today?” Then set achievable goals for the day. Remain open to other possibilities so challenges that come up will not feel overwhelming. Do at least one thing each day that creates in you a sense of happiness, delight, accomplishment or wonder.

* Nurture Your Body. Sometimes basic physical needs are set aside because of busy schedules. It is ideal to schedule time for exercise and recreation. “But, you can also nurture your body by simply paying attention,” Jonathan advises. “Why not pause a minute between activities, look out of the window, take a deep breath and exhale slowly.” Manheim advises looking forward to your lunch break, choosing foods that really appeal to you, and then savoring your meal in the presence of friends.

* Honor Your Personal Relationships. Friendships often suffer from neglect when life gets too busy. Even if you can’t fit in a weekend getaway or a night out, you can still find time to foster meaningful relationships. Connect over lunch, make regular phone calls, keep in touch frequently with meaningful e-mails or better yet, send a note or a card. Whenever you are able to contact your friend be sure to truly relax and give your friend your whole attention. Let time stand still for those precious moments you do have together.

* Pay Regular Attention to Your Finances. The only person you can count on for your financial well-being is you. Set aside a regular time each month to pay bills and review your financial situation. Jim Stowers, founder of American Century Investments, recommends that when you review your spending, you ask yourself, “Am I getting my money’s worth?” Do you spend your money in a way that brings meaning to your life? You will find that careful financial planning will set you free to enjoy your life more.

* Cultivate Your Curiosity. Having a passion for knowledge is one of our greatest innate gifts. It does not require a great deal of time – only the curiosity to ask what? or why? and then spend a few minutes to search for an answer. Learning something new goes beyond book learning. It can involve simply paying attention to what is going on in your own neighborhood. The more we know about the little piece of turf we inhabit, the more meaningful our life becomes because we step outside ourselves.

* Value Your Time. Jim Stowers, co-author along with Jack Jonathan, of the soon-to-be published “Yes, You Can… Reach Your Goals and Achieve Your Dreams,” comments, “Time is often taken for granted. Yet, properly used, time becomes a key multiplier that can be leveraged by effort and determination to help you achieve your dreams.” When you set aside small amounts of time to be truly present to your attitude, physical well being, friendships, finances and curiosity, you can increase your joy in life.

For more ways to lead a meaningful life in the middle of a busy schedule, visit www.YesYouCanOnline.info.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Five Tips to Keep Bugs Away from Your Family

Jennifer — Sun, 12 Aug 2007 17:12:04 +0000

Summertime, the old song goes, and the livin’ is easy. From lounging by the lake to picnicking in the park, spending time outdoors with friends and family is what warm weather is all about. But summertime can also be full of buzzing, biting pests. Uninvited guests — particularly mosquitoes and other pesky insects — can ruin the fun. Even worse, they can be dangerous.
“Bugs can put a damper on a fun day in the sun, but far more importantly, insects can be a real threat,” says Dan Ritter, president of BugBand, Inc., a Georgia-based manufacturer of natural insect repellents. “Going without protection when you’re outside simply isn’t an option.”

Using traditional, synthetic insect repellents is one way of dealing with bugs, but the potential risks have many people thinking twice about slathering pesticides on their clothing, arms, legs and faces.

So what alternatives are there for people who’d rather stay away from man-made repellents? Researchers have discovered an all-natural, plant-based repellent called Geraniol that’s a safer choice than traditional pesticides like DEET.

For years, people have planted geraniums on their porches or in window boxes, convinced that the flowers helped deter mosquitoes. Today, scientific data supports that longtime belief. By creating an invisible shield that’s safe to use around food, children and pets, Geraniol, a naturally occurring repellent that can be extracted from geranium oil through a unique refining process, has been proven to be an effective means of repelling blood-feeding insects.

Effective repellent is the first line of defense in the battle against bugs, but paying attention to these five summertime tips from BugBand’s Dan Ritter is another way to stay pest-free.

* Don’t underestimate bugs. They may be small, but they can pack a wallop. Have a healthy respect for the damage insects can inflict, whether it’s as minor as irritating, itchy bites or as major as a potentially life-threatening disease like West Nile Virus.

* Cover up. Exposed skin can be like an all-you-can-eat buffet for bugs. Cut down on the amount of open area by wearing lightweight long pants, long-sleeved shirts, socks, caps, and closed-toed shoes.

* Eliminate standing water. Still, murky water can be the perfect breeding ground for insects. Dump water from pots, wheelbarrows, tarps and gutters to cut down on locations that can attract bugs.

* Know your enemy. Pay attention to when the bugs in your area are the most active, typically around dusk and dawn, and plan accordingly. Stay away from prime insect locations like wetlands, marshes or deep woods.

* Get involved. Encourage your community officials to do everything they can to control bugs through proactive insect management programs.

Whether you’re flipping burgers on the grill or hosting a backyard get-together, armed with the right family-friendly repellent — and the right information — you can keep the bugs at bay this season. For more tips on keeping your spring and summer insect free, visit www.bugband.net.

Courtesy of ARAcontent