July 2015 - South Jersey MOM Magazine

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JULy

2015

Mom's

Summer Survival Guide

GET YOUR GRILL ON! Grilling Tips

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: u u u u

Water Safety Stroller Friendly Parks Feeling Like the Worst Mom Child Vehicular Heatstroke

teaching kids about

STRANGER DANGER

Musical Mommy & Me

Broadway Babies Musical Theater

Preschool Tumble Class

Preschool Creative Movement & Dance Classes

H Vocal H Dance • Ballet • Tap • Jazz • Hip Hop H Acting H Guitar H Piano H Drums

Fall day and evening classes available

1 FREE MONTH With purchase of a second month.

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www.NewJerseysgottalent.com 2 | July 2015

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Contents JULY 2015

mom 2 mom 8 9 Ways to Develop Your Toddler's Language This Summer

10 Stroller-Walk It Away moms R women 2 12 A Mom's Guide to Summer Survival

14 The Worst

Mom-To-Be

know 2 grow 16 Are You Equipped to Keep Your Kids Safe Around Water?

18 Safety Tips to

Prevent Vehicular Heatstroke

20 Stranger Danger also in this issue 5 Some of My Faves 6 Adopting the "Blue

Zone"Lifestyle Habits

Recycling Fun

www.southjerseymom.com

6 Ask the Doc 21 Buying Guide 22 Recipe Corner

July 2015 | 3

South Jersey July

MOM 2015

CEO/Publisher Christopher Ognibene • (609) 670-1794 chris@superiorgx.com

I

Watery Fun

t’s one of those really hot days so today’s KIDFUN will be brought to you by WATER! Watery fun — try some of these…

In bathing suits, let the kids play outside and: • POUR — bring every plastic pitcher, cup, bowls outside with lots of water and just pour. Have watery tea parties for friends, set up rows of cups to practice pouring till they spill them out and do it again — or like this photo, let them pour a bowl of water right over their heads!

• TARGET GAMES — Use kitchen basting tubes filled with water to knock down some

targets – like a pyramid of paper cups set up on a picnic table.

• SPRINKLER FUN — turn it on and let them run through the water • PAINT WITH WATER …

ANYTHING OUTDOORS! Maybe even you, too.

Not only a South Jersey Mom, Sharla Feldscheris a proud South Jersey Grandmom (Grammy, as she prefers to becalled). The author of six books on creative ideas to do with young children, including two KIDFUN Activity Books published by HarperCollins, she has a blog at www.kidfunandmore.com with more easy-to-do KIDFUN ideas. Sharla has her own public relations business in Philadelphia. A real kid-believer, she began her career as the first PR Director of the Please Touch Museum and started her own business with Sesame Place as her first account, representing the park for 26 years.

The World’s Most Popular SCUBA Courses are Being Offered Right Here!

Classes offered in PADI Discover and Open Water SCUBA. Members and non-members can sign up for an Intro to SCUBA.

Executive Editor Karen Ognibene • (609) 230-6280 karen@superiorgx.com Marketing & Business Development Specialist Michelle Scianni • (856) 986-9606 michelle@superiorgx.com For General Advertising Inquiries Marissa Josephick • (856) 537-7089 ocrazyjane@gmail.com Megan Battaglia • (267) 981-1603 Megan_battaglia@aol.com Production Manager Lisa Celfo lisasjmom@gmail.com Photographer Kate Bennett www.perfectdayphotography.com Business Development Intern Michael Ahearn Contributing Writers Michael Ahearn, Angela DeGroot, Lisa Ann Panzino DiNunzio, Carolyn Leigh Kellerman, Brie Latini, Cheryl Lynn Potter, Ashley Schafer, Erin Taylor Special Thanks: Kadar Orthodontics Submit Calendar Listing michelle@superiorgx.com www.southjerseymom.com

Created by Markations Adam Nichols • (215) 825-7499 Superior Graphics Print Management LLC publishes South Jersey MOM™ monthly and distributes it throughout the region. The publication is available free of charge at select locations.

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is not permitted without the authorization of the publisher.

Superior Graphics Print Management, LLC Publisher of South Jersey MOM P.O. BOX 268 • Wenonah, NJ 08090

• One-hour orientation • Three-day comprehensive weekend course • Individuals will go through various classroom- and pool-based activities to learn confined water skills like setting up gear, removing water from a mask, sharing air, and more, while playing fun games that make the class one of the best out there. All gear is included!

www.RiverWinds.org Call 856-251-0990 to enroll and don’t forget RiverWinds annual memberships are open to the public!

4 | July 2015

Main: (609) 670-1794 Fax: (856) 210-1524 All materials and services provided in this magazine are for informational or educational purposes only Every month South Jersey MOM features a local child on the cover. If you think you have the “Cutest Kid in Town”, send a 4x6 photo to South Jersey MOM. P.O. Box 268, Wenonah, NJ 08090.

On back of photo write child’s name and age along with guardian contact info.

www.southjerseymom.com

a letter from the EDITOR

S

ummer is finally here and it’s time to relax and enjoy the summer with your kids. But, how does one relax with house full of kids for the summer?

This is the ultimate mom challenge to make the best of a lighter schedule, but less structure. I eventually found an equation that worked in my house… send the kids to camp!

When my kids were small I felt like a camp counselor myself keeping the kids busy enough, yet allowing spontaneity to create down time and relaxation. This summer treat yourself by taking a daily walk; one of our writers, Angela DeGroot has compiled friendly stroller parks, “Walk It Away (page10). The article that stands out the most for me this month is Stranger Danger

(page 20). Summer is a time that kids have more freedom to be out riding a bike or playing in the neighborhood and children need to understand different safety measures for different circumstances. When my son was about 3 or 4 years old he liked to play in the backyard while I was preparing dinner. This gave him some needed space to play without me helicoptering as we usually spent all day, everyday together. We had talked about stranger danger and he learned about it at preschool. I thought he got it, but I was wrong in my assumption. I remember asking him, “If you’re playing in the yard and a person comes to the gate and says come with me to get an ice cream, what would you say?” His reply was, “Thank you!” What, are you kidding me? No, that’s good manners, not stranger danger! Lastly, to avoid the summer count down for Back-To-School check out, “A Mom’s Guide To Summer Survival” (page 12) to see how you can keep your sanity and stretch the summer pleasantries.

faves

kid lid protect board

The Kid Lid is a simple and innovative solution for little hands that like keyboards.

It provides a stable surface that defends against spills and resists the pounding of even the most rambunctious child. The Protect Board hides the keys from unwanted typing that disrupts movies, games and video chats as well as removal of keys by small fingers. $29; Kidlid.com

Your friend & fellow MOM,

Karen Ognibene karen@superiorgx.com

“Like” South Jersey MOM magazine on Facebook and find out about local events, win prizes and connect with other moms in the area! www.facebook.com/SouthJerseyMOM

on the Cover

black + DECKER RAPID TOAST 2 SLICE TOASTER

Speed up breakfast with the Black & Decker TR3500SD Rapid Toast 2-Slice Toaster.

Built to work 50% faster than older models, this machine toasts in only a minute. And, with additional features like extra-wide slots, extended lift, and bagel and frozen functions, this really is the toaster that works with you. $50; blackanddeckerappliances.com

HONEST BUG SPRAY

Sisters Elliana, 4 and Peyton, 3 enjoy riding their bikes and spending their summer days at camp. They love reading, dancing, cheerleading and swimming with their many cousins. They are excited to become big sisters to a baby boy in July.

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some of my

Finally there is a safe way to repel pesky bugs without harsh chemicals! This hypoallergenic formula is made with only the purest and safest organic oils to naturally repel insets for up to 4 hours without causing irritation to your skin. It even comes with aluminum bottle that you can easily recycle after you are done with it. $13; honest.com July 2015 | 5

Adopting the “Blue Zone” Lifestyle Habits W

e are surrounded by natural rhythms...the rhythm (cycle) of the moon, seasons, day/night, sleep/wake, hunger/satiety, rest/ action, play/work. Bears cycle into hibernation during winter, as do plants and trees. We have natural rhythms as well, but our busy-ness can cause us to lose touch with them.

While wonderful, the invention of the light bulb was the beginning of our disconnection from our natural rhythms. Artificial light allowed us to be awake long past sunset, and now with “on demand” television, video games, smart phones, etc., we have entertainment available 24/7. While a leap in “civilization,” these advances further disconnected us from our natural rhythms, and the result is greater levels of stress and increasing rates of chronic diseases. In our fast-paced society, there is growing pressure to do more faster, eating on the run, and failing to connect to loved ones, but is this really a good thing?

A look at the “blue zones” of the world (www.bluezonesproject. com) reveals 9 habits of the healthiest, longest-living people on this planet. How many of these are routine in our lives and which ones need to adopted to live healthier lives.

1. Move naturally - incorporate more movement (house-cleaning, gardening, walking) into our daily routines.

Ask the Doc

Erin Taylor, MA

2. Know your purpose - why do you want to wake up? If you aren’t sure, explore the possibilities.

3. Kick back - finds ways to reduce stress (relaxation techniques, slowing down, taking breaks, naps) - whatever works for you.

4. Eat less - stop eating when you are only 80% full.

5. Eat less animal products - beans are a staple of the healthiest people.

6. Drink in moderation - a glass of wine is actually good for you! But moderation is key.

7. Have faith - whatever denomination - attend services regularly so that you feel part of a larger group.

8. Stay social - surround yourself with people who share your values, inspire and uplift you, and make time for them regularly.

9. Loved ones first - caring for aging parents/grandparents, being present with your children/partner are all lifestyle aspects of the healthiest people on this planet.✲ Erin Taylor, MA is a wife, therapist, writer, parent coach and mom to four children ages 7, 9 and 12. Her oldest daughter died of a heart defect as a baby. It Takes A Village Parent Coaching is a source of inspiration for her work, and you can reach her aterin@villageparentcoaching.com.

Kadar Orthodontics

Dr. Tom Kadar 485 Hurffville-Crosskeys Road Sewell, NJ 08080 856-582-1400 www.gokadar.com

Q: Why do you think people resist getting braces?

A: Many people have misconceptions about braces … thinking that orthodontics will be a slow, painful process. The technology of orthodontics has improved dramatically in recent years making it more comfortable, faster and easier to achieve great results.

At Kadar Orthodontics, we have incorporated the award-winning Insignia™ Advanced Smile Design™ into our practice. By combining Insignia with our proven Damon Braces System, we are able to provide customized orthodontic treatment that requires fewer office visits, helping patients achieve the smile of their dreams more quickly.

To start the process, we scan the patient’s mouth, generating a virtual 3D model of their smile structure. Using this 3D model, we are able to conduct a thorough smile analysis based on each patient’s specific smile anatomy, creating a visual representation of their new, beautiful smile before treatment even begins.

6 | July 2015

Dr. Kadar and his son, Alex

Then, we create a customized treatment plan with brackets and wires tailored to each individual patient. This is unlike traditional braces that are generic and one-size-fits-all. As a result, each patient’s final smile is unique to their own dental structure. By customizing treatment based on each person’s specific facial features, we minimize minor adjustments and tweaks throughout the treatment process, leading to fewer in-office visits, faster results and improved patient comfort.

Everything we do here at Kadar Orthodontics is geared toward delivering a great, healthy smile in the least amount of time. With Insignia, the level of customization I’m able to offer each patient is truly exceptional. The best part that my patients, from kids to adults, have an awesome Kadar smile that’s precise and pain free – that’s a winning combination.✲

www.southjerseymom.com

Limited Openings Available for Fall www.staNurserySchool.com Route 70 – Cherry Hill (next to Ponzio’s Diner)

856-429-4470

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The St. Andrew’s Nursery School & Kindergarten admits students of any race, color, national origin and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, or ethnic origin in administration of its educational or admission policies or in any school administered programs.

www.southjerseymom.com

July 2015 | 7

mom 2 mom

Let’s Communicate!

9 Ways to Develop your Toddler’s Language this Summer By Carolyn Leigh Kellerman Duck Goose, playing ball – be creative! Any game you play can incorporate language into it. w Slide and swing set are excellent tools for language development.

Encourage your child to tell you “up”, “Down”, “more”, “whee”, “higher”, “off”. Depending on how verbal your child is, you can use a technique called expansion -- adding a word to what they say (“push” becomes “push me!”)

At the Beach w Name/talk about all the items you see and bring to the beach (bucket, shovel, sand, water, towel) w Describe how the different things feel on their body. This is a great way to reinforce language (sticky, grainy, wet, mushy) w Get moving! The beach is an ideal spot to reinforce action words like run, dig, swim – talk about what you’re doing and seeing while having a blast and making memories with your child

S

ummer is here! Going outside and taking advantage of this beautiful weather is a great opportunity to work on improving your child’s communication/language. According to ASHA-certified speech-language pathologist, Jessica Soffian, there are unlimited ways you can help develop your child’s speech and language abilities during play and your daily routine. Jessica states, “modeling language throughout your day during play and daily activities is the best way to get your child talking.” Here are a few ideas to try when you’re enjoying the gorgeous summertime weather: In Your Yard w Name things you see (slide! grass! sun!) Take a good look around and really discuss the things around you. Give choices (“Do you want to go on the swings or do chalk?”) w Go on a nature walk – get a large Ziploc bag and start collecting!

Leaves, rocks, grass, bugs – all generate language. Talk about colors, how things feel, smell, etc. You can bring them home and talk about them later even making them into arts and crafts. w Play games! Red Light Green Light, Ring Around the Rosie, Duck

8 | July 2015

At the Playground w Talk about what you see when you get there and what to play on, then what you do on each item (go up and down on the see-saw) w Pack a picnic basket and have your child help you name what you’re packing and talk about what you use each item for. Great items to include to reinforce language: —bubbles (asking for more, saying sounds like pop and stomp, asking to open, the ideas are limitless! Blowing bubbles also improves muscle strength for clear articulation and works on their breathing which is very important for good speech.)

—ball (taking turns, concepts like up, high, down, bounce) Remember the goal is to get your child to communicate through activities by sneaking educational aspects into your daily routine, whether it’s outside in the summer or inside year-round during lunch, bath time, play, etc. Listen to your intuition – if you think your child is not speaking as much or as clear as they should be or if your child is getting frustrated by his inability to communicate successfully, early intervention is KEY to ensuring your child can be an effective communicator. If you have any concerns regarding your child’s speech, contact your pediatrician or speech therapist.✲

www.southjerseymom.com

www.southjerseymom.com

July 2015 | 9

Stroller-Walk It Away

By Angela De Groot

Newton Lake Park (Cuthbert Boulevard, Haddon) This paved trail meanders around the lake and over bridges, stretching through the charming neighborhoods of Collingswood, Oaklyn and Haddon townships. Picnic tables, benches and a cool stone gazebo provide resting spots along the way. The conveniently located bridges and quiet side streets allow you to tailor your route. The lake is picturesque with water lilies, geese and ducks. In the evenings, you can hear the frogs singing in the reeds. The paved track is ideal for either jogging or walking with strollers.

Cape May County Park and Zoo (707 Rt. 9 N, Cape May) With its zoo and park, this venue packs a two-for-the-price-of-one punch, and best of all, admission and parking are free. The zoo is located within the 200-acre Cape May County Park. Enjoy a 1-2 hour stroll while checking out the lions, giraffes, reptiles and other animal exhibits or take a short amble along the paved walking paths and woodland trails that the park has on offer. If you work up an appetite, enjoy lunch at the Safari Café or pack a picnic to enjoy in the park grounds (no outside food allowed inside the zoo) where there are picnic tables and ample shade.

There’s also a rock climbing wall, carousel and train ride through the park.

Washington Lake Park (626 Hurffville Crosskeys Rd, Sewell) The walking/jogging trail winds through the woods and along the park’s perimeter. This venue also has fitness trail equipment, picnic pavilions, and sports fields. In the summer, the park hosts concerts and movies in the amphitheater. For exploration without the stroller, there are trails into the woods with boardwalks traversing wildflower and wetland areas.

Heritage Park (500 Mill Rd, Absecon) This pleasant little park has a half circle walking path (1/3 mile) around a lake inhabited by trout, frogs, turtles, herons, geese and ducks. It’s a great spot for chasing butterflies and fireflies. There are benches and shady areas to rest and relax.

I

t’s no secret that moms can get so caught up in striving to meet the demands of motherhood and family life that they end up with little time or energy left for exercise. A daily walk can make a huge difference – it not only gets you out of the house, but also boosts your mood, develops muscle tone, and aids digestion. Best of all, you can take the kids with you.

Strap on your sneakers, grab a water bottle, pop the little ones in the stroller and try these stroller-friendly walking spots: 10 | July 2015

ACUA Environment Park (6700 Delilah Road, Egg Harbor) You will need an all-terrain or large-wheeled stroller for this quartermile trail situated in the 360-acre park. The trail, lined with more than 28 poems by renowned poets such as Walt Whitman, Robert Frost, and Dylan Thomas, winds through woods populated with only native plants and trees. The park features a unique playground where everything is constructed from recycled or repurposed materials.

Green Branch Park (299 Upper Neck Road, Elmer) This park has a one-mile paved loop that’s easy to walk or run with kids in or out of the stroller. There’s also fitness trail equipment and a playground.

Whether you roam around your neighborhood, in parks, or along beach boardwalks, there are many fun and free places to keep up a walking routine. On rainy days, you can walk at the mall. If you are feeling socially-starved, invite another mom along or form you own strollerwalking group.✲ www.southjerseymom.com

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July 2015 | 11

moms R women 2

A Mom’s Guide to

Summer Survival

By Brie Latini

learn something you wouldn’t learn in a classroom. The best part? You get a break!

Invoke the Power of Independence: (Disclaimer: This will only work with older children and/or families without dietary restrictions.) After a school year of serving your kiddos breakfast at the crack of dawn, declare this summer the Summer of Getting Your Own Breakfast. Let your kids know; the bowls are here, the milk is here, the spoons are here. Help yourself.

Invoke the Power of the Five-Minute Getaway: Stop at the library for a book by a favorite author, stay up a few extra minutes and catch the movie you’ve been wanting to see, or grab some of those special K-Cups you like and enjoy one each morning. The operative word in the phrase “Summer Vacation” is vacation. Just because you’re in charge does not mean that you are excluded from some rest and relaxation. You may have to be imaginative about when and how you squeeze it in, but make sure you treat yourself a bit, too!

Having the kids home can be tough- true story! But with some imagination, a sense of humor, and a few awesome tricks up your sleeves, summer can be magical for the entire family!✲

T

he summer months bring a break from the grind of the school routine. Packing lunches and checking homework are replaced with days at the pool and outdoor cooking. Summer is usually a welcome break for parents and children alike- that is, until the kids start fighting and the bugs start biting. Tempers can run just as hot as the weather and by mid-July, the countdown for Back-to-School has begun.

To make sure that the summer pleasantries stretch as far as possible, parents will need to reach into their bag of tricks and find any bits of sanity they can. So, find your Parenting Magic Wand and invoke your special Summer Parenting Powers!

Invoke the Power of Friends: Gather some of your favorite adults who happen to have children and plan some outings together. Better yet, grab a bottle of wine, some snacks, and congregate in the backyard of whomever offers. The kids can play and you can enjoy some adult time with people you already know you like. No pressure, no pretense. These people already love you, so go ahead and complain about how you found a fifth mason jar full of bugs under your son’s bed.

Invoke the Power of Delivery: Summer is hot and cooking is stupid.

There. I said it. This isn’t a power you should bring forth every night because it can get expensive but, sometimes, nothing tastes better than something you didn’t need to cook yourself!

Invoke the Power of Your Community: Consider your children’s interests and likes and sign them up for some local classes. Think fun, think active, think creative! This should be a chance to expand horizons and 12 | July 2015

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July 2015 | 13

The Worst Mom-To-Be Ashley Schafer

O

ver the course of the 9 (nearly 10) months a woman is expecting, the most commonly asked question she will get is probably, ‘Are you EXCITED?!’ This question can come from anyone: your mom, friend, neighbor, grocery store stranger, but always comes with the same ear to ear, teeth bearing smile. Is it ok that my gut reaction was to take a step back and just respond with a casual ‘Yes’ instead of one that comes with balloons and confetti? Often I think is there something wrong with me that I’m not feeling this over the top emotion as all of the women asking this question are? Does this mean I am the worst mom-to-be and even yet, setting myself up to be the worst mom?

I’ve contemplated this idea over the course of my pregnancy and have determined that how one feels about being a mother is not a ‘One Size Fits All’ emotion. For many, I’m sure motherhood brings a sense of excitement, but it also brings on a sense of fear, nervousness, self- doubt, and even anxiety. For me, I have approached my entire pregnancy with a term I’m coining as ‘jovial relaxation’. I will admit, at times, this feeling has made me feel as if I’m not as worthy as other moms-to-be; like I’m 14 | July 2015

me wrong, I have been checking my Bump app weekly, but I just couldn’t bring myself to reading ‘What to Expect When Expecting’.

I’m sure this has provided many moms to be out there with useful information, but I did not take that approach. This was one of the reasons I doubted myself as a mom in the beginning.

People were constantly asking, ‘What books are you reading?’ Even some were sending me copies. All very thoughtful, but each time I responded saying that I wasn’t reading anything and a look of judgment came across their face.

I felt the same way when people asked what classes I had signed up for. Someone asked if I watched C-section videos. Why would any woman want to put herself through that?

It seems like that would just make a mom-tobe worry. Once, after I had indicated I wasn’t’ attending any classes, a man in Home Depot even said ‘Man, what ARE you doing? You’re not doing anything to prepare for this baby.”

Was that true?

Going through this for the first time it is easy to doubt yourself and get worried. I thought to myself, I couldn’t be the only one out there that isn’t reading books. Or I can’t be the only one out there that isn’t plastering their social media page with baby and heart emoticons.

It’s easy to feel the social pressures and see what others are doing and compare yourself to them.

Just because I am not doing these things doesn’t mean I am any less of a mother. Am I excited to be a mom? Absolutely. I can’t wait to feel that love that I hear about between a mother and child. I can’t wait to meet what I have been growing within me for the past 9 months. To me, motherhood has been more of a personal experience and just because I’m not bearing a smile from ear to ear every day or trying to decipher what every kick and twitch mean doesn’t make me any less of a mom to be. I am confident in the values my family has taught me and confident in my ability to provide a loving and stable home. I have learned that I don’t need a book or anyone else to tell me I will be a great mom.✲

Going through this for the first time it is easy to doubt yourself and get worried

not taking the issue as serious as others and has made me wonder if that’s ok. It’s taken me 9 months to determine that my way of going through this pregnancy is just that, my way. I believe this is healthiest for the baby and myself.

So what is jovial relaxation? Well, some would view it as a reactive instead of proactive behavior to pregnancy. To me, it’s a matter of going with the flow and taking in all that being pregnant has to offer. It’s being realistic and letting people know when it starts to get really tough, and it is certainly not reading all of the books out there and getting yourself worked up.

The Internet and all the books in the world are definitely a great resource, but for me, I would rather live through this pregnancy than read about it before it happened. I have found that there is something to be said about not knowing all that is going on in my body and I believe it has kept my sanity. Don’t get

Ashley is an image consultant located in South Jersey who helps women create a cohesive wardrobe tailored to fit their image goals and lifestyle needs. She can be found at schaferimageconsulting.com.

www.southjerseymom.com

www.southjerseymom.com

July 2015 | 15

know 2 grow

Are You Equipped to Keep Your Kids Safe Around Water?

Here are ten tips to promote water safety & prevent drowning: 1. Actively supervise your child while they swim.

Always watch your child closely when they swim in the water! There is no substitute for active parent or guardian supervision. Make sure one adult is completely focused on watching all children in the pool at all times. It’s not enough to have twenty distracted adults talking to each other around the pool – one must be actively supervising the children in case of emergency. In 69% of drownings, the child was being supervised by one or both of the parents.

2. Know CPR and First-Aid training.

Although this may seem like an obvious step, many people, even experienced swimmers, underestimate the need for knowledge of CPR and First Aid. Be sure you are up to date on your First Aid knowledge and certifications so you can take charge in case an emergency situation arises. Effective CPR can double a child’s chances of survival.

3. Make sure the supervising adult knows how to swim.

The supervising adult should know how to swim and know basic CPR and First-Aid Training in case of a swimming emergency. During the time it takes for the ambulance to arrive, CPR training could save a life.

4. Make sure your kids know how to swim.

Children aged 1-4 with formal swimming lessons have up to 88% less of a chance of drowning. Children can learn how to swim from a very young age. However, they will still need to be supervised by an adult at all times to ensure water safety.

5. Fence in your pool.

With an adequately installed fence, you can make sure children don’t wander into your pool unsupervised. For some regions, the law requires you to install a fence around your pool. If not, you should still surround your pool with a fence at least four feet tall to help keep kids from accessing an unsupervised pool area. Install gates with latches that are beyond a child’s reach and use a padlock in conjunction with the latch. Don’t use chain-link fences as those are easy for children to climb.

A

s a loving parent, you go to great lengths to ensure that your children are safe and receive the best care possible. But do you have the necessary skills to keep your kids safe around water?

Whether it’s your own home pool, the lake, or a community pool, it’s important to ensure that you are able to protect your children, prevent accidents from happening, and react quickly in an emergency situation.

Below are a few questions you should ask yourself as a parent or a caregiver to see if you are equipped to ensure your children are safe in a water environment: w Can you swim? If so, what is the extent of your swimming skills? w Do you know what to do in case of a water-related incident or emergency? w Can you correctly perform First Aid & CPR? w Do you know how to keep your home pool safe and secure from children?

If you are missing even just one of the above skills, you should have a certified professional teach you these skills. These are also essential skills for anyone else that may at some point be looking after your children including grandparents, older siblings/cousins, and family friends.

Given that drowning is the second leading cause of injury-related death in young children, and 60% of these drownings occur at home, ensuring you have these skills is a small price to pay to help keep your children safe.

16 | July 2015

6. Keep your pool well equipped with safety equipment.

Ensure that you have a First Aid kit, safety ring, rope, and phone near your pool. Make sure the babysitters you hire know about the regulations regarding your swimming pool. Having the right equipment at your pool means that it’s well-equipped to deal with any accidents.

7. Beware of drains.

Watch the drains in your pool and hot tub – body parts and hair can get trapped in the suction, resulting in fatal consequences like your child drowning. Put in drain covers when the pool is not being used, and consider installing multiple drains to reduce suction. Make sure your children don’t play near the hot tub suction!

8. Clean up toys when not in use.

It’s fun to play games in the swimming pool, but be sure to clean up! When you’re done with toys, get them out of the pool. A child might fall in the water while trying to retrieve their beloved toy.

9. Never let your child swim alone.

Make sure your child is not swimming alone so that there’s always someone for them to go to in case of trouble! Regardless of age, your children should be using the buddy system.

10. Make sure your children don’t engage in horseplay in the pool.

This is a key swimming rule you should teach your child. In the water, make sure your children don’t push or jump on any other children – it’s unsafe swimming practice and can result in an accident.✲ Diana Goodwin is President & Founder of AquaMobile Swim School.

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Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association Warns About the Risks of Heatstroke

Safety Tips to Prevent Vehicular degrees. On an 80° day, a car can reach deadly levels in just 10 minutes.”

NHTSA and JPMA want to remind everyone of a few key safety tips to prevent deadly accidents and to prevent vehicular heatstroke:

A

s outside temperatures rise, the dangers for children being seriously injured or even dying from being left alone inside a hot car also rises. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) has joined with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in an effort to reduce these deaths by reminding parents and caregivers about the dangers of heatstroke in young children.

“More than half of all vehicle-related heatstroke deaths in children are caused by a child accidentally being left in the car, and more than 30 percent are from a child getting into a hot car on their own.”

In an effort to prevent these needless tragedies, JPMA urges all parents and caregivers to do three things: NEVER leave a child in a vehicle unattended Make it a habit to look in the backseat EVERY time you exit the car s ALWAYS lock the car and put the keys out of reach. And, if you ever see a child left alone in a hot vehicle, call 911 right away s s

According to NHTSA, heatstroke is the leading cause of non-crash vehicle fatalities for children 14 and under. In fact, one child dies from heatstroke, nearly every 10 days, from being left in a hot vehicle.

Warning signs of heatstroke include: red, hot, and moist or dry skin, no sweating, a strong rapid pulse, or a slow weak pulse, nausea, confusion or acting strangely. If a child exhibits any of these signs after being in a hot vehicle, cool the child rapidly and call 911.

“Children’s body temperatures can rise up to five times faster than that of an adult, and heatstroke can occur in temperatures as low as 57 18 | July 2015

• Never leave an infant or child unattended in a vehicle—even if the windows are partly open, or the engine is running and the air conditioning is on.

• Don’t let children play in an unattended vehicle. Teach them a vehicle is not a play area.

• Check the vehicle - front and back - before locking the door and walking away.

• Take steps to remember not to leave a child in a vehicle.

• Write yourself a note and place it where you’ll see it when you leave the vehicle.

• Place your purse, briefcase, or something else you’re sure to need in the back seat so you’ll be sure to see a child left in the vehicle.

• Keep an object in the car seat, such as a stuffed toy. Once the child is buckled in, place the object where the driver will notice it when he or she leaves the vehicle • Always lock vehicle doors and trunks and keep keys out of children’s reach. If a child is missing, check the vehicle first, including the trunk.

• Ask your childcare center to call you if your child doesn’t arrive on time for childcare.

• Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately if you see a child left alone in a hot vehicle. When children are in distress due to heat, get them out of the vehicle as quickly as possible.

About the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) is a national trade organization of more than 250 companies in the United States, Canada and Mexico. JPMA exists to advance the interests, growth and well-being of North American prenatal to preschool product manufacturers, importers and distributors marketing under their own brands to consumers. It does so through advocacy, public relations, information sharing, product performance certification and business development assistance conducted with appreciation for the needs of parents, children and retailers.

To find out more information about the JPMA Certification Program, the products certified and for a complete listing of JPMA members, please visit www.jpma.org. Follow JPMA on Twitter @JPMA, connect with JPMA on Facebook or on YouTube and visit www.jpma.org to learn more about additional safety tips and other JPMA initiatives.✲

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July 2015 | 19

Stranger Danger

By Cheryl Lynne Potter

In reality, most children are abducted not by strangers, but by someone that they know

S

tranger danger is what most parents teach their kids about the dangers they face in society. Unfortunately, the world is a scary place for children. There are people in society who prey upon kids. Stranger danger is a well-meaning slogan that mistakenly makes children think only strangers harm kids. In reality, most children are abducted not by strangers, but by someone that they know. Children need to be empowered with positive messages and safety skills that will help them remain safe, while increasing their self-esteem and self-confidence.

Parents also have to equip their kids with safety nets, which are plans and people they put in place, for their youngster to contact if they ever need help. These safety measures need to be tailored to specific circumstances.

For example, if a youngster is lost outdoors, they should be taught to stay put and not wander away from the place where they first became lost. Staying put increases their chances of being found, unless that place becomes too dangerous because of severe weather conditions or because of other threatening circumstances. In that case, youngsters should go to the nearest safe spot and wait for rescuers. If it‘s safe, they can try and attract the attention of rescuers by making noises, such as yelling 20 | July 2015

or even whistling.

Safety should be a part of a child’s everyday life. Practicing “what-if’ scenarios will help youngsters understand what to do in real-life situations. Children will have to learn what to do if they become lost or are in danger, by practicing these “what-if “scenarios with a parent or a guardian on a regular basis. For example, outings to a mall or even to a park can be a teachable moment that will help youngsters understand safety messages that they can use in real-life situations.

Parents should teach youngster’s their name, address and telephone number, including their area code. Children should always use the buddy system and avoid walking anywhere alone. They should also be taught to trust their own instincts. If they feel they are being followed or something is not right, they should immediately seek help. If they know someone is following them, they should try and remember the license plate number of the car that’s following them and then immediately tell a trusted adult. Children should be taught to never, ever, walk away with a stranger, no matter what they tell them. If someone is trying to grab them, they should do everything in their power to stop from being pulled or dragged into their car. This includes dropping to the ground,

kicking, hitting, biting or even screaming. Kids should be taught to do whatever it takes to attract the attention of someone who can help them. If someone is trying to drag them away, they should scream something like, “this is not my dad, or this is not my mom.”

In New Jersey, there’s a statewide prevention program called NJ Child Assault Prevention Project, also known as NJ CAP, that’s helping to train kids, parents and teachers in how to prevent peer assault, stranger abduction and even known adult assault. NJ CAP integrates the best resources of a community, in an effort to reduce a youngster’s vulnerability to verbal, physical and sexual assault. The organization works closely with local school districts, parent and teacher’s associations and home school groups, along with other community organizations.

NJ CAP empowers youngsters by increasing their awareness that they too have rights and also provides kids with prevention strategies and resources. The motto of NJ CAP, which should be the motto for all youngsters in society, is “All Children Deserve to be Safe, Strong and Free.”✲ For more information about NJCAP, go to www.njcap.org.

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Booginhead reusable snack Pouches Pack’Ems Pack’Ems are the perfect food traveling solution. These reusable snack pouches can be used for fruits, veggies, nuts, or anything else you desire. Besides an easy open and close seal, the expanding bottom allows these bags to stand up straight and accommodate even more food, making traveling with food easy. $8; BooginHead.com

buying guide

Nerf Super Soaker Tidal Torpedo 2 in 1 blaster If you want your kids to have cool fun in the sun, this Nerf Super Soaker is the way to go. In addition to the traditional long-range water spraying option, the Tidal Torpedo also has a dart strike to mix up the fun. With variety like this, your kids will play the days away. $19; Amazon.com

Nerf Super Soaker Zombie Strike Dreadshot Blaster Get ready for twice the zombie-soaking action with the Dreadshot blaster! This blaster’s double barrels let your child reenact fighting zombies with a powerful blast of water. And with a light up water tank that holds up to 24 ounces at a time, you child will be playing from morning till night. $20; Amazon.com Thames & Kosmos Experiment Kit Hydropower Hydropower has been used for hundreds of year, from watermills to dams, so help your child explore the power of water with this Thames & Kosmos science kit. Build a waterwheel, a sawmill, and hammer mill and help your child investigate and learn the properties of water. And with it’s full-color, 32 page experiment book, this kit is perfect for any budding scientist. $50; Amazon.com Thames & Kosmos Experiment Kit Flower & Leaf Press Help your kids learn the science behind their favorite flowers and plants with this kit from Thames & Kosmos. Preserve flowers and leaves that you and your little one collect with this specially designed press device. It’s a great way to teach your kids the botanical structure of plants. $12; Amazon.com Skinfix Gentle Baby Eczema Balm A serious bout of eczema is uncomfortable for baby and concerning for you, but the Skinfix Gentle Baby Eczema Balm was specially formulated with baby’s delicate skin in mind. It helps to reduce chronic flare-ups while soothing irritated, dry skin on contact. This Pediatrician-tested and Dermatologist-recommended balm is the answer to your baby’s Eczema. $19; shop-us.Skinfixinc.com Quirky Shake Sand-Sifting Beach Bag The beach is great, but the sand can stick around for days afterwards. But the Shake Sand-Sifting Beach Bag is designed to keep your items in while getting the sand out. Just open the flap and shake the sand out will your items stay in. Even more than that, you can choose to hide the netting with reversible flaps, keeping your bag looking great. $30; Quirky.com Prince Lionheart The Boost Plus Instead of having your little ones sit in a highchair far away form the family, you can give them a seat at the table with the Boost Plus.

Just strap it onto a chair for a makeshift highchair. With the adjustable tray, this chair grows with you child and keeps them secure with the three-point harness. Perfect indoors or out, home or away. $45; Amazon.com BooginHead Sippi Grip Sippigrip is the award winning mom-invented product that prevents your child’s cup, bottle or toy from falling to the floor and getting lost or dirty. Simply connect the cup, bottle or toy to their crib, high chair, or stroller to keep your children’s stuff germ free. Chose from Sippigrip’s plethora of color options and get yourself this amazing on-the-go product today. $8; Booginhead.com

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July 2015 | 21

recipe corner

very year my Mom, sister and I rotate having the family over for barbeques during the spring and summer holidays. Memorial Day is at my parents, July 4th is at my house, and Labor Day is at my sisters. Whoever is hosting the BBQ grills the poultry and meat being served, and we all share in bringing the side dishes or desserts. This is the perfect way to enjoy one another’s home, and share in the hosting duties. Each July 4th, since my husband and I purchased our home four years ago, we’ve hosted a fun family BBQ, and our niece, Christina helps me cook and decorate for the festivities, we really enjoy this special time together. I hope that if you haven’t already hosted family get-togethers, that you’ll give it a try, with everyone sharing responsibilities and favorite dishes, and not having to do all of the preparing and cooking by yourself helps it be a fun celebration, and not simply another chore! Happy Independence Day!

“Get Your Grill On!” Burgers 2 lbs. lean ground beef or turkey 2 tbs. extra virgin olive oil 2 tsp. grill seasoning 1 small onion, minced or grated Sea salt, to taste Freshly ground black pepper, to taste 8 slices cheese of choice, if desired 8 whole wheat hamburger buns

Preheat grill or grill pan. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, olive oil, grill seasoning, onion, salt and pepper. Form 8 patties and grill for 3 - 4 minutes on each side for medium rare, 6 - 7 minutes per side for medium well to well done. Add cheese to burgers the last minute of grilling time, cover with lid until cheese melts. Add burgers to the buns. Serve with slices of tomato, onion, lettuce and pickle if desired.

German Cucumber Salad

8 large cucumbers, peeled and very thinly sliced 1 tbs. sea salt Water to just cover over cucumber slices In a large bowl, add the cucumbers and water. Add in the sea salt and give mixture a good stir. Cover and refrigerate cucumbers overnight. Next day, drain and rinse cucumbers very well in a colander. Pat dry excess water and place cucumbers into a serving bowl, set aside while you make the dressing.

Dressing 6 - 7 tbs. apple cider vinegar 3 - 4 tbs. raw sugar Black pepper, to taste 1 small onion, thinly sliced In small bowl mix together vinegar, sugar and black pepper, pour dressing over the cucumbers in serving bowl. Add onion slices and toss. Refrigerate for 1 hour and toss mixture one more time before serving. Refrigerate any leftovers.

Note: My Mom makes this salad for every BBQ we have, our family simply loves it! Feel free to use any sweetener of your choice in place of the raw sugar.

Lisa Ann Panzino DiNunzio is the author of “Seasoned With Love, Treasured Recipes” & “Lisa Ann’s Seasoned With Love II”, and the children’s book, “Snicker Learns An Important Lesson.” Visit her blog http://lisaanndinunzio.blogspot.com/ or Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001935347501 22 | July 2015

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