Modern Parenting Premier Issue - March 2015

B Y PA R T I A L T O B LU E March 2015

Tips for finding balance, fun learning activities, recipes and much more!

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MEET

Sienna How old are you?

Six Years Old What is the funniest thing that ever happened to you?

When I was in the pet shelter there was a puppy in a cage that followed me left and right. It was so funny!

What’s your favourite book?

Pinkalicious. All of them.

Especially Fairy House.

What’s your favourite movie?

Rio 2 What’s the best part of being a kid?

Having fun, playing with my friends and making new friends.

What’s the hardest part of being a kid?

Nothing!

If you were an animal which one would you be? Why? A puppy. Because they’re cute.

What’s your favourite colour?

Pink! Dark pink!

What do you love doing the most with your family?

Family movie night, playing games and going on the boat.

What do you think your life will be like in the future?

Happy and different. I want to be a vet and I’m gonna teach puppies how to stand still and sit and roll over.

If you could have a super power, what would it be? Why? Pink power! Because it makes the whole world shine and I want to save the world from dragons!

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content MODERNPARENTING

Getting Started 6 EDITORIAL

Two and a half years ago Modern Parenting was a crazy thought in my head…

13 THE TEAM

Meet the team & find out what makes us, Who we is…

26 TASTE FOR LIFE

AM 19 GET UP AND GO

No More Morning Rush

20 GET COOKING

“one size fits all” will not work for family nutrition as each member of the family will have his/her unique needs, especially growing children and maturing adolescents.

Stamp & Go! Jamaican Codfish Fritters

24 WORK FLOW

Six Steps to Finding Balance

Wise Minds 38 42 44 47

BABY TODDLER BIG KID PARENTING TOOL BOX

On the Grow PREGNANCY 52 To Do or Not To Do

52 TO DO OR NOT TO DO The real deal on what’s safe during pregnancy.

62 64 66 68

BABY Common Breastfeeding Challenges Position & Latch The Five Signs of Teething Introducing Solids: 6-12 Month Old

TODDLER 72 Healthy Eating: For Your 2-5 Year Old BIG KIDS 78 Healthy Eating: For Your 6-10 Year Old

MODERNPARENTING Vol.01 Issue 01 · March 2015 EDITOR IN CHIEF Antoleen Williams GRAPHIC DESIGNER Tundé McDonald

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For Your Info 84 BETTER BEHAVIOUR Say What

94 HEALTH CHECK Childhood Obesity

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96 LIFE LESSONS Value

PM 100 THE FAMILY POT Reclaim Dinner Time

102 SWEET DREAMS

Have a Better Evening

106 TAKE FIVE

4 Tips for the Perfect Massage

So Random…

1 03 E-BOOKS OR PRINTED 112 SEVENTEEN THINGS BOYS NEED FROM THEIR MOM

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In Every Issue 28 WHAT’S HAPPENING 106 DADVICE

So You Have The Kids… ALONE!

108 CHRONICLES OF A SINGLE MOM 117 BE INSPIRED 120 FINAL THOUGHTS 123 READER’S SUBMISSIONS

106 DADVICE

So you have the kids alone for a few days...

What do you do?

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MODERNPARENTING EDITORIAL

And the journey begins……

Two and a half years ago Modern Parenting was a crazy thought in my head.

Thankfully, with some hard work, sleepless nights, and an incredibly supportive network of family, friends and one very patient, committed and humble graphic designer, we can today deliver Cayman’s first dedicated kids magazine.

Welcome to Modern Parenting, an exclusive publication that was created to help parents navigate the ups and downs of parenthood. Our mission is to educate, empower and inspire parents. The reason is simple: we understand and appreciate the joys, challenges and opportunities that come with having a family.

It’s not just a parenting magazine, it’s a family, at least that is what I hope it will become as you get to know us better.

So in celebration of our launch I would like to make a toast.

To new beginnings and living the life of your dreams.

Antoleen 6

Will you succeed?

YES

You will indeed!

Ninety-eight

(and ThreeQuarters) percent

guaranteed Dr. Seuss

Learn to love and appreciate the good in each other

Life Size Dolls

ORIGINAL COLLECTION Rubi Lily

Mia

kind

honest

grateful

retiring soon

It’s the time to say farewell to the Original 4 MFH dolls.

Last chance to order these award winning dolls before they travel off to Huggleland.

While supplies last.

MY FRIEND HUGGLES original collection life-size plush dolls height : 34� ages : 3+

Kira cheerful

www.myfriendhuggles.com

Available at Partial to Blue: $49.99

PLAYFUL SM MORE THAN JUST HAIR PLAY UNIQUE SUPER SIZE DOLLS, Stimulating DESIGN MARK THESE ARE CHARACTER imagination BUILDING FRIENDS Optimistic, engaging eyes + creativity

Portrays innocenc + happine

PLAYFUL SMILE

UNIQUE DESIGN MARK Optimistic, engaging eyes

HAIR PLAY

Portrays innocence + happiness

Stimulating imagination + creativity

FOREVER M

Child’s nam to be writte as a commitm FOREVER MARK of friendsh

PECIAL VIRTUE

nspiring message on satin ribbon

Child’s name to be written as a commitment of friendship

SPECIAL VIRTUE

DRESS-UP Inspiring message

on satin ribbon emovable clothing stimulates DRESS-UP ay + coordination Removable clothing by learning stimulates play + coordination how to dress

UNIQUE PL

Super size to encoura UNIQUE PLUSH Super sizedpeer bond to encourage peer bonding

by learning how to dress

dress up sets coming dress up sets coming spring 2014spring 2014

A FUN WAY TO WAY TO POTTY-TRAIN

A FUN removable underwear POTTY-TRAIN

movable underwear

DOLL’SNAME NAME DOLL’S Individual

Individual identity identity

ETIQUETTE

ETIQUETTE

Crossing of legs encouragesof Crossing manners

legs SEAL OF AUTHENTICITY Embossed patch logo encourages SEAL OF AUTHENTI manners Embossed patch log

THE BOYS ARE BACK

IN TOWN

THE STANDARD SHIRT This soft, tailored oxford shirt perfectly complements any of the pieces from APPAMAN’s fine tailoring line.

THE MOD SUIT This suit has the same thoughtful tailoring and modern slim cut you’d find in a men’s suit, but with kids in mind.

The team ked: We as he was t what dvice best a ts paren your you? gave

My mom always told me that I ca n do anything I set my mind to. My dad on the other hand w as a firm believe r in education and lif e lessons. Mom w as a dreamer, the sk y is the limits. Da d was Mr. Logical; yo u can only reach the sky if you are de dicated. So I beca m e a Logical Dreamer a combination of both my parents, the best of both worlds. Much like my name, Antole en, a combination of both my parents Anthony and Cole en.

Antoleen

one... It would Wow that’s a good it your all, or have to be “Give McDonald spin none at all!” It a age, anything to the popular ad orth doing worth doing is w ething that has well. This is som e throughout resonated with m ionate about my life. I am pass d I try to give things I pursue an ort, at this point them my best eff ing things any I can’t imagine do other way! ’ Tundée

BOON PUNCH RACK Conveniently stashes those ingenious baby food pouches

BRIGHT ideas

Top innovations that are making modern parenthood easier, cooler and way more fun

BOON IT’S A WRAP Make your cereal bowl toddler-friendly with the WRAP. The silicone mesh protects your porcelain and the suction bottom keeps the bowl from sliding.

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BOON GLO Colour changing Night-light. This interactive nightlight has removable, illuminated Glo balls. You can even tuck them into bed with your child. The glow fades to dark after 30 minutes, helping them fall asleep. Bonus: 95% effective at keeping monsters away all night long.

BOON MOBILE PEEP Mobiles that attach to the wall, this way when your baby outgrows the crib he can still enjoy the mobile. There’s a reason why bird watching is so popular: It’s really relaxing. This flock cascades over your baby’s crib, lulling him to sleep like a bird in its nest

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Vala dress

Flow-y and feminine and fastened with tri-color flowers, this sunny yellow dress is both sophisticated and sweet.

About Joyfolie

Loralie

Our shoes come packed in decorative, reusable drawer boxes, Each box has an oversized image of the shoes inside, making them beautiful to display.

Inside, the shoes are packaged with a matching clip. It is our intention that Joyfolie shoes are luxurious and eyecatching in every detail. www.joyfolie.com

• Get up and Go time...19 • Get cooking...........20 • Workflow...........24

A.M.

“Tips & Tricks to get the day off to a faster start!”

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GRASS COUNTER TOP DRYING RACK

A fresh take on drying racks. From bottles to pacifiers, Grass holds all your baby accessories as they air dry on the flexible blades that resemble real grass.

Water drains into the lower tray, where it’s completely contained. And it’s got a sweet, natural presence, like a meadow full of baby deer. Only smaller. And without the deer.

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MODERNPARENTING GET UP AND GO TIME

NO MORE MORNING

RUSH No doubt, you will feel the most frustrated with your child’s dilly-dallying when you have someplace to be, inevitably you won’t be able to locate your keys and items for after school activity will be nowhere to be found.

Consider these five steps to make the transition from the home to the car much easier.

P

repare ahead of time: I cannot stress this point enough, preparation is key.

Have everyone’s clothes (You and your child’s) picked out for the morning, have lunches prepared the night before and ask you child what he wants for breakfast the next morning (trust me, this avoids major morning melt downs, especially helpful for picky eaters). Pack his school bag the night before including items for after school activities. Have keys and any other necessities ready to go at the door or pick one central spot where all your necessaries go the night before.

S

tart early: Then you don’t have to rush, plus you get a moment to enjoy the peace and quiet before the chaos starts. Note: preparation with a late start is like shooting yourself in the foot, it makes no sense. No self-sabotage please.

S I D

mile: Start the day with a smile on your face. Stress is counter-productive and smiles are contagious start spreading those smiles. ncentivize: Let your child have a special toy or doll that only gets played with in the car. Tablets work just as good.

istraction: Talk about anything, as long as it’s positive. Don’t and I repeat don’t talk about why you are frustrated with your child’s inability to get moving. I know you are tempted but it’s also counterproductive.

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Prep Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Ingredients 1 Cup Salted (de-boned) Codfish 2 Cups All Purpose Flour, Unbleached 2 Onions, Finely chopped 2 Tomatoes, finely chopped, seeds removed 2 Cloves Garlic, minced 2 Stalks escallion, finely sliced 2 Tsp Black Pepper 1/2 Scotch Bonnet Pepper, finely chopped (I omitted this ingredient) 2 Tbsp Vegetable Oil + more for frying 2 Tsp Baking Powder 1 1/2 Cups Water, at room temperature

Instructions 1. Soak codfish overnight in water or bring to a boil twice (for 12-15 minutes), draining and adding fresh water after each boil.

2. Drain and rinse the codfish under running cold water 3. Using a fork or your fingers, flake the codfish into small pieces, taking care to remove any remaining bones 4. To a small skillet, add oil and allow to get hot. Add onion, garlic, tomatoes and escallions. SautĂŠe until soft about 5 minutes. Add black pepper then combine.

Remove from heat and allow to cool 5. Add codfish to the seasoning. Stir to combine 6. In a medium bowl, add flour and baking powder. Stir to incorporate 7. add codfish mixture to the flour and stir to combine.

8. Add water gradually, mixing by hand until a firm but loose batter is achieved 9. Add by about 3 tbsp at a time and fry in oil at medium heat on both sides (about 3-5 mins) until golden brown and cooked through 10. Transfer to absorbent paper towels to get rid of any excess oil.

11. Transfer to a platter and serve warm

Source:http://lovelypantry.com/2013/02/stamp-and-go-jamaican-codfish-fritters-for-sundaysupper/

CARGOK

SNACK BOX

Cargo divvies up snack food in a clever carrying case so mobile meals are effortlessly organized. And it doesn’t matter if your family travels–or eats–at a snail’s pace. Throw this in the dishwasher whenever you get home and it’s good to go again

GENIUS (THERE. WE SAID IT.)

SQUIRT Squirt isn’t just a spoon; it’s a revelation. It takes baby food, removes the jar and the mess, packs it into a single utensil and with one squeeze? Boom! You get easy, one-handed feeding. Pop on the cap to seal food on-the-go.

Caution: May cause gobbling and an uncontrollable appreciation for anything delicious.

pour

twist

feed

MODERNPARENTING WORK FLOW

SIX TIPS TO

FINDING BALANCE

Knowing when and how you are out of balance is an important concept in the development of a more balanced lifestyle. This applies to children, teens & adults.

S

ymptoms of being out of balance include chronic fatigue, grumpiness, overeating, irritability, eating on the run, feeling overwhelmed, physical ailments, over or under exercising, poor sleep habits and lack of zest.

Creating a more balanced lifestyle is a decision. It comes with adjustment and effort. Creating a balanced lifestyle includes: EATING WELL A balanced lifestyles includes foods that nourish and support a healthy immune system. A balanced diet includes foods from all the food groups and in proper portions. Any food program that eliminates an essential food group is not medically recommended.

RECREATION Balancing work, school and commitments with recreational activities is a sure way to bring more balance. Playing a sport, going to the movies, relaxing at the beach and enjoying recreation is good for the spirit and helps us keep a sense of play in a demanding world.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY A key component of a healthy lifestyle is maintaining physical activity, not only for weight management and physical health, but for emotional well being. Depression is often linked to inactivity, in children as well as in adults. The Nike Ad – “Just Do It’ encourages us to find creative ways to become active with enjoyment.

REST A vital factor in health and balance is getting enough rest. A good night’s sleep varies in hours from person to person; ensure your family develops habits to promote good rest.

SOCIAL VS. SOLITUDE A balanced life includes times of quiet and restoration along with gatherings with family and friends. Each person needs to spend

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time alone; families can co-operate with each other and allow ‘down-time’ for Mom and Dad as well as teens and children.

AVAILABILITY The stimulating world we live in has many attractions vying for our attention; with the electronic and technology age, there is an error in thinking that we have to be instantly available, on-call, and responding. Resist the urge to be joined at the hip to your cell, iPhone or Blackberry… yes, you can do this.

Written by: Donna Mitchell CEO and founder of Lifestyles

MODERNPARENTING GRAB-N-GO

RECIPE erry

Bluenba Smoothie Bana

INGREDIENTS 1 frozen banana 1 cup frozen blueberries 1 cup milk (Soy, almond or whatever you have on hand) A drizzle of honey (depending on if my 5 year old is watching)

PREPARATION

Combine all ingredients in a blender; blend until smooth.

“Yeah it’s that easy!”

TIP

Keep your fruits frozen that way you won’t have to add ice

Nutrition Facts Serving Size = 1

*Nutritional information is based on 1 cup low-fat yogurt

Calories

Total Fat 1g Saturated Fat 1g Trans Fat 0g Cholesterol 3mg Sodium 68mg Total Carbohydrate 32g Dietary Fiber 4g Sugars 45g Protein 6g

130

SUPERMARKET TIP

When fruits are on sale buy extra and freeze for quick smoothie recipes. I always have frozen fruit on hand for quick and easy meals I know my 5 year old will love.

At mealtimes, it is important to serve the same foods‌ Refuse to be a short-order cook, which will encourage picky eating habits.

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Taste for Life HEALTHY EATING AS A FAMILY

Written by: Bethany Smith Registered Dietitian (RD) C.I. Health Services Authority

H

ealthy eating for everyone consists of variety and balance in food choices and moderation in quantities consumed.

However, “one size fits all” will not work for family nutrition as each member of the family will have his/her unique needs, especially growing children and maturing adolescents.

Finding the balance can be tricky, especially when personal taste preferences are thrown into the mix! Research does show that parents’ eating habits set the foundation for their children’s eating habits. With that in mind, let’s explore some of the ways in which parents can positively influence their children’s food choices and eating habits.

AVAILABILITY Young children are especially dependent on parents and other caregivers to provide foods that will promote optimal health, growth, development, and prevention of chronic disease later in life. As older children become more independent in their eating habits, they must choose from the options that are available to them. Thus,

ensure nutrient-rich foods from each of the 5 food groups are available daily.

ACCESSIBILITY To increase accessibility, ensuring the healthy food options are prepared and ready to eat will more likely result in your child actually consuming those foods. For example, washed and cut fruit or raw veggies sitting at eye level in the fridge will be more accessible than if it is hidden in an unopened package at the bottom of the produce drawer. If cold water is readily available in the fridge,water cooler, or water bottles, and the juice is out of sight, your child will mostly likely drink water. Similarly, if they have constant access to chips, cookies, and sweet snacks, they will almost always go for these items rather than more nourishing food choices.

MEAL STRUCTURE AND ENVIRONMENT In order to meet the nutrient needs of children, especially small children who can’t eat large volumes, meals and snacks should structured over the course of the day rather than haphazardly eaten.

Provide 3 scheduled meals

and 2 planned snacks per day; aim to offer snacks 1-2 hours before meals so that your child will be ready to eat a meal times. However, encourage your child to eat only when hungry. Stock up on ready-to-eat veggies, fruit, low fat cheese, yogurt, whole grain crackers, low sugar cereals and nuts for healthy snack options.

At mealtimes, it is important to serve the same foods that the rest of the family eats. Refuse to be a short-order cook, which will encourage picky eating habits. To prevent tense and unpleasant meal times and future negative relationships with food/weight, don’t force your child to eat or clean their plate. For younger children, “food jags” (when your child wants to eat the same food over and over again) and changing appetites are normal.

Continue to provide regular meals/snacks with a variety of foods—if they don’t eat at one meal, they will eat at the next meal or snack. Sit down together and eat as a family as often as possible. Research does show that nutrient intake among children and teens increases when families eat together more often.

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March

April Public Holidays Good Friday April 3, 2015 Easter Monday April 6, 2015

Kaibo Kitefest When: Wed, April 6,2015

April

Where: Kaibo, Water Cay Road, North Side Description: A family fun-filled event on the beach at Kaibo, bring your own kite or buy one at the festival

Batabano Junior Parade When: Sat, April 25,2015 Where: Old Tower Building into George Town Description: Family fun starts at 1:00pm the parade starts at 3:00 pm.

May

Story Time When: Wed, March 4, 10:30am – 11:30am

Thai Chi with C.A..S.K. When: Sun, March 8, 8:30am – 9:30am

Dinner at the Movies When: Mon, March 2, 7pm – Tue, March 3, 10pm

Imagination Playground When: Wed, March 25, 10am – 7pm

Where: Camana Bay, Description: Books & Books invites infants, toddlers and their parents to join them at Regal Stadium 6 to read exciting new books and sing along to your children’s favorite songs.

Where: Tortuga Grill, The Westin Casuarina, West Bay, Cayman Islands Description: Full dinner service, family friendly movie, complimentary popcorn.

For more information contact (345) 9453800

May Public Holidays Monday May 18th, 2015

Batabano When: Sat, May 2,2015

Where: Starts on West Bay Road ends in George Town Description: Cayman Carnival Batabano is a muchanticipated event. It is a time to celebrate local surrounds.

For more information 345 949-7121 www.caymancarnival.com

Where: The Crescent, Camana Bay Description: One hour of gentle exercise, mental focus and meditation For more information contact (345) 9253367

Where: Camana Bay, Description: Imagination Playground invites kids to build, dream and explore a new world every week in the Town Centre’s dancing fountains with giant foam blocks in all shapes and sizes every Wednesday and Saturday.

South Sound Stride 5K Run/Walk When: Mon, May 18,2015

Where: Race starts at First Baptist Christian School entrance (Old Crew Road) Description: Following the 5k there will be a pancake breakfast for all race entries as well as a raffle.

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MODERNPARENTING TASTE FOR LIFE ADULT FOOD MODELING Again, research has found strong associations between parental food habits/nutrient intakes and those of their children. In other words, your children will most likely follow your example in what you eat or don’t eat. Parents can provide the opportunity for their children to enjoy a variety of foods, textures, and tastes by eating and enjoying a variety of foods themselves. Chances are if you won’t touch vegetables on your plate, then your child mostly likely won’t either. Similarly, if you make no distinction between foods and beverages that should be consumed less often and those that should that should be consumed daily, then most likely your child won’t make those distinctions either. Remember that actions speak louder than words!

CONCLUSION When it comes to developing healthy eating habits as a family, the guiding principles are deceptively simple (although, putting them into practice is more difficult!). Your main job as a parent is to make sure a variety of healthy foods are available and easily accessible to your child; let him/her choose what and how much to eat from those choices. Secondly, understand that children

grow differently and may have changing appetites and food preferences; maintain consistent eating patterns as a family and don’t give into the pressure to have a food fight. Finally, be a good role model; be the example that you want them to follow.

Enjoy better health together as a family!

Written by: Bethany Smith, Registered Dietitian (RD) C.I. Health Services Authority

For more serving sizes and specific calorie needs for your child visit . www.choosemyplate.gov

NANNER HAND-HELD BANANA SLICER

Put the knife down and step away from the cutting board.

Nana cuts perfect, bite-sized bananas slices right over their cereal bowl or dish. No sharp blades. No mess. Tons of potassium.

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MODERNPARENTING TASTE FOR LIFE

RECIPE a

bananmuffins

INGREDIENTS

2 mashed ripe bananas (3/4 cup) 2 tablespoons canola oil 1 egg 1/2 cup fat free milk 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract 2/3 cup whole wheat flour 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats 1/4 cup sugar 1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon salt Cooking spray

PREPARATION Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees F. Combine bananas and next 4 ingredients (through vanilla) in medium bowl; mix well and set aside. Lightly spoon flour into measuring cup and level with a knife. Whisk together flour and next 5 ingredients (through salt) in a small bowl. Stir the flour mixture into the banana mixture until they are just combined. Spray 9 muffin cups with cooking spray, and spoon batter into cups until full. Bake 16 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING (1 MUFFIN) 152 calories, 5 grams fat (1 g sat, 2 g mono, 1 g poly), 27 mg cholesterol, 25 g carbohydrates, 4 g protein, 3 g fiber, 178 mg sodium NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS: Whole Grains, Fruit; Low Fat; Good Source of Fibre, Folate, Selenium, Vitamin E Adapted From: Health (May 2007)

“happy girls are the ”

Prettiest Audrey Hepburn

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MODERNPARENTING ECO-TOYS

RUBBABU Hand made natural rubber foam toys are made without cutting down trees it anti microbial, is dust mite resistant, mildew resistant, hypo-allergenic and flame retardant.

ECOTOYS

These adorable earth-friendly toys are sure to make the tots at the park green with envy.

MANNY & SIMONE 100% post-industrial recycled wood residuals; non-toxic with ultra low odour paint, zero VOC

APPLE PARKSTROLLER TOYS When pulled, they bounce, rattle and cause giggles of delight!

NANNY POPPINS Explore Play Grow Well done! You just hired the perfect

new nanny and you are totally optimistic that she’s going to work out great.

But here you are, not a week later, and you are wondering how on earth you’re going to actually leave this woman in charge??? How did things go south so quick?Can she really be so totally useless?She seemed amazing; she aced the interview, and had excellent references not to mention she totally won over the kids in her first in-home visit. So why do I feel like this is all a terrible mistake?

Hmmm…looks like you might have a few problems and effective communication might be your biggest.

How your Nanny might feel.

A nanny starting with a new family might feel very much like she has just arrived in a new “town” lost, alone and frustrated.She doesn’t know the ins and outs, the routines or the family dynamic. And yet she is often expected to just pick up and start handling the children, the routine, and the chores as if she’s been doing it all along.

What can you do?

As a new employer, the most important thing that you can do to ensure an easy transition is to communicate – you need to teach your new nanny what you expect of her in relation to your home, kids, and general duties of your home.

everything is and familiarize her with her new surroundings.Describe in detail a typical day with your kids and be very specific about what role you expect her to play.

Communicating these details clearly will ensure that she understands what you expect of her from the onset.

It might be helpful to provide your nanny with a simple written guide containing summaries of your family’s schedule, routines, and preferences. Make sure it has all the appropriate contact information. Any information that you can provide to help her adjust to life in your home will go a long way towards making her feel more capable in her new job.

Mistakes will happen

and when they do don’t come out swinging, your ultimate goal is to create harmony, and attacking her will only put her on the defensive.

Communicate; explain the problem and work together to find a solution.Your nanny is going to be in charge of the health, safety and wellbeing of your children, so it’s in everyone’s best interest to facilitate mutually respectful dialogue.

It’s going to take time, patience, and more than a little bit of effort – but taking the time to be helpful throughout the transition period will be the key ingredient to ensuring a happy and healthy relationship with your new nanny.

On her very first day, take her on a detailed tour of your home.Show her where

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JUST WHAT THE DOCTOR ORDERED This kit has just what the doctor ordered for some pretend feel better fun. available at:

Partial to Blue CI $23.00

Set includes: stethoscope, syringe, ointment tube, pill container, heart rate monitor, arm sling, wooden hammer, and face mask.

Plus you can store the supplies in the cute portable storage tin.

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• Baby.....................38 • Toddler.................42 • Big Kid.................44 • Parenting Toolbox....47

Wise Minds where curiosity leads to discovery

Baby Activities Get a Grip… Using Gripping Abilities to Help Babies Think Ahead As early as seven or eight months, you can monitor your babies’ ability to grip; try this simple activity using three hand-held toys. Not only does this exercise help your little one hone her motor skills, bonus it ties in higher-order problem solving skills.

• Find three toys which your baby can grasp easily.

Why Do It

• Allow her to take one toy in each hand.

• Engaging babies in developmentally appropriate activities is stimulating to their overall development.

• With a toy in each of her hands, give her the third toy.

• Parents can use these activities as a simple tool to note their baby’s progress.

• Initially, she will likely be baffled and try to take the third toy without letting go of either one in her hand.

• It’s an easy, cheap, and effective way of promoting physical and cognitive development.

• As her cognitive abilities progress, she will begin to put a toy down before attempting to grab a new one.

1

Available at Partial to Blue: 1-Plush Toys CI $9.00 - $12.00, 2-Book CI $10.00, 3-Wrist Rattle - CI $18.00 38

2

A Partial Picnic A short story to read to baby

“It’s time!” Ducky shouted while bouncing about, “It’s practically perfect for picnics! No doubt!”

So, with happy hopping and songs on the lips, Dear Ducky went searching for friends with big skips. “I’ll find all the pals,” said Ducky, “All six!”

And so Ducky bobbed to the bushy-tailed Bunny, and said, “Let’s go picnic right now while it’s sunny!”

The next one was Lamby, who hopped with delight, and sang a new song about having a bite.

The owl named Who was dozing away,but woke when the pals called to join their soiree, and celebrate life on this most perfect day.

As usual Monkey was way up a tree,but jumped down when Ducky said, “Time for high tea!”

But then Ducky frowned, “Wait. Someone’s not here. I only count five – someone’s missing I fear.”

But Cubby said, “Ducky, that’s easy to fix.You didn’t count you, and that will make six!”

So everyone laughed and sat down for their snack. And Ducky, relieved, gave a big happy QUACK!

3

“Now let’s see,” thought Ducky, and counted with glee. “There’s three here, so I need three more to join me.”

They came upon Cubby who lay on the grass, and watched how the clouds seemed to move like a dance.

When Ducky called out, Cubby joined with great pleasure, and all of them went to find Monkey together.

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40

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Toddler Activities Draw a line to each of the correct shapes.

Star Triangle Diamond Square Pentagon Hexagon Circle Rectangle 42

Big Kid Activities 3

1

1 2 3 4 4

2

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Solution

Parenting Tool Box Brain Builders

Use these techniques to help your child build mental tools that help him think, reason and pay attention as well as make homework fun.

Break down assignments into smaller chunks. Use a stopwatch to time your child to see how long they can pay attention to a task before giving up. The next time around encourage them to go longer. This helps with sustained attention and can help your child become an independent learner.

Turn math problems into a fast-paced game. Time your children as they do a row of problems as fast as they can, then challenge them to do the next row faster. This builds the cognitive skill of processing speed, basically turning them into faster thinkers.

Play the distraction game. Tell your child to do their best to stay focused on a short homework assignment while you or a sibling tries to distract him in a goofy way. Reward him for blocking out the distraction and completing the task. This fun and often funny, activity builds the mental skill of selective attention, which helps kids block out distractions in school and throughout life.

Give your child two task at once. Test him on his spelling words while he is doing something else, like drawing a picture or packing up his homework. While he his spelling the word aloud, make sure he does not stop the other activity. This challenging exercise is harder that it may seem and grows the divided attention skills that help people multitask or listen to directions while working.

Let your child play teacher. Let him teach you a skill or concept that he is working on. Then let him test you, and let him determine a fitting reward if you pass his exam. This will improve his understanding of the concept, and build logic and reasoning skills

A book commits suicide‌

every time you let your child skip homework.

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FARM BU

48

WE FIND IT, YOU FLAUNT IT

UDDIES

49

READY

SET

GO!

S

itting up is the step in between lying down and starting to walk.

This is an important step in yourbaby’s life, as it will train her muscles and give your baby a totally different fell for the world. Also, she will soon discover that she can crawl; all this from the upright sitting position.

B

aby crawling is an exciting sport for you and your baby. Your baby has now become very mobile and you really need to take care of her, in order to prevent anything dangerous from happening. If you have not childproofed your house, this is the time to do it.

F

irst, your baby can walk one step or two while you hold her. Then she can take a step on her own. Still unbalanced, but there she is, and soon she will be running around like you’ve never seen before.

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• Pregnancy...52 • Baby.........62 • Toddler.....55 • Big Kid.....78

On the Grow

“Age specific advice for you and your kids”

”PREGNANCY”

TO DO OR NOT TO DO. The real deal on what’s safe during pregnancy.

YES

High heels Sure you can wear them, but avoid them during your third trimester when your are more likely to fall.

Nail polish First ensure that the salon is well ventilated.

Second choose a polish that is DBP, toluene or formaldehyde free.

Highlights Because the dye doesn’t contact the scalp and is covered in foil, it’s not considered risky Lubricant (sexy time) You are good to go, your cervix is tightly closed so there is no danger of the lubricant reaching your baby. Water based lubricants are preferred over oil based which can damage condoms.

NO

Deli meat Deli meats could potentially carry a harmful bacteria called listeria. It can cause miscarriage, premature delivery or stillbirth. Stick to grilled chicken for your sandwich fix. Stay clear of hotdogs, pate, smoked and cured foods as well.

Sushi No to all raw or seared fish, they contain parasites and bacteria that can make you sick. Instead order cooked or veggie rolls.

Did you know During pregnancy the immune system is supressed, to ensure that your body won’t attack the growing fetus, which means you are more susceptible to getting sick from food.

MAYBE SO

Exercise Staying active is good for you and your baby. Walking is low –impact and generally safe. However you should consult your physician before you start any exercise regimen.

Soft cheese Most soft cheese are made from unpasteurized milk, which is not considered safe during pregnancy. If it is made from pasteurize milk it is considered safe. Best to stay clear until after baby

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MODERNPARENTING PREGNANCY

PRENATAL CHECK-UPS

Typically, routine checkups occur :

Week 4- 28 Once a month Week 28-36 Twice a month Week 36 – birth Once a week

During pregnancy, regular checkups are very important. This consistent care can help keep you and your baby healthy, spot problems if they occur, and prevent problems during delivery.

What to expect on your first visit Your doctor will perform a full physical exam, take your blood for lab tests, and calculate your due date. Your doctor might also do a breast exam, a pelvic exam to check your uterus (womb), and a cervical exam, including a Pap test. During this first visit, your doctor will ask you lots of questions about your lifestyle, relationships, and health habits. It’s important to be honest with your doctor.

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The JJ Cole Nursery collection is perfect for today’s modern parent on a budget.

Vinyl Decals

4 pcs. Crib Bedding Set: Includes a cozy reversable comferter, crib bumper, fitted crib sheet & a colour blocked crib sheet

Window Valance: Perfectly complements the corordinating crib bedding. 100% Cotton, with 100% polyester trim and machine washable.

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$29.00

Window Valance Musical Mobile

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Musical Mobile: Sooth your baby to sleep as it gently spins and plays “Braham’s Lullaby”

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Wall Decals: Vinyl Decal stickers that easily reposition without a mess.

Includes 14 assorted stickers.

$25.00

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FROM POPPYSEED

TO JACKFRUIT HOW BIG IS YOUR BABY

week 8 week 2

poppy seed Sperm meets egg and voila conception!

cashew You can’t feel it yet but she is moving those little arms and legs like crazy.

week 12

cashew She’s developing her reflexes, if you poke her body she’ll likely move (exciting).

week 16

avacado She is listening to your voice thank to those tiny bones form in her ears.

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week 20

mango She’s about a poundnow, you on the other hand might have gained more than one.

MODERNPARENTING PREGNANCY

week 36

honeydew Baby can recognize and react to simple songs and may even remember them after birth.

week 40

Jackfruit Your full-term and ready to give birth any day now.

Have a safe delivery.

week 32

breadfruit Your baby is getting ready for her decent and is likely in the head down position.

Her irises react to light.

week 24

papaya Settling into sleep cycles, baby snoozes 12-14 hours a day.

week 28

soursop Baby is getting her immune system ready by soaking up lots of antibodies. Her eyes are forming too.

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MODERNPARENTING PREGNANCY

A GUIDE FOR PACKING YOUR

DIAPER BAG Adjust according to the length of your trip (around the block or around the world?), and baby’s age and special needs.

• Diapers (one for every two hours and a few extra) • Diaper wipes, look for a good travel pack (these also work as hand wipes for mommy) • Changing pad • Diaper cream • Plastic bags for dirty clothes and diapers • 2-3 changes of clothes with a few extra socks • Blanket • Bottles (don’t forget the nipples) • Formula (measure powdered formula into clean bottles or buy one of those nifty formula dispensers) • Thermos for hot water (walk with a bottle of water to cool down the formula mix) • Burp cloths and bibs • 1-2 Pacifier with clip so that you won’t lose it or drop it (extra pacifier just in case) • Baby food and spoons • Teething toys • Toys for comfort and distraction • Hand sanitizer • Emergency phone numbers and information ( if bag is being used by nanny or caregiver) • Extra shirt for mommy (you will quickly discover that your shirt is a magnet for spit ups and other body fluids) • Nursing pads and nursing cover (if breastfeeding) • Granola bars, raisin, dried cranberries anything small that can be tossed in the bag to give you an extra boost of energy.

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WHY MODERNPARENTING

LOVES...

3

1 Key fob - never lose your keys again

1

4

2 Two elastic pockets 3 Two elastic pockets on each side for bottles 4 Water resistant lining

2

5 Large flat pocket with elastic strap closure

5

6 Matching changing pad with diapers/wipes pocket

7

8

6

9

7 Pouchette for Mom’s essentials with interior credit card slots and zipper pocket.

8 PVC, phthalate and BPA-free vegan

faux leather bag 12

9 Insulated bottle holder 10 Stroller straps 11 Detachable/Adjustable shoulder strap

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11

12 Dirty clothes sac

Valeria in red

These luxe and lovely shoes feature scarlet red satin, glitter gold bow, and demure little heel.

Gold buckle, satin lining.

Includes a matching clip!

About Joyfolie Our shoes come packed in decorative, reusable drawer boxes, Each box has an oversized image of the shoes inside, making them beautiful to display.

Tabitha Collar

Inside, the shoes are packaged with a matching clip. It is our intention that Joyfolie shoes are luxurious and eyecatching in every detail. www.joyfolie.com

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”BABY”

COMMON Breastfeeding

CHALLENGES

and their solutions The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that mothers worldwide breastfeed their infants exclusively for the first six months of life to achieve optimal growth, development and health. After that infants should receive nutritionally adequate and safe complimentary foods, while continuing to breastfeed for up to two years or more. Exclusive breastfeeding

means no other foods but breast milk. No water. No juice. No formula.

Breastfeeding can be an easy journey for many new mothers and their newborn babies. However there are a number of mothers who experience challenges with breastfeeding which may discourage them from continuing to breastfeed. The Cayman Islands Breast-feeders Support Group is a group of volunteers who make themselves available to all new mothers on the Island who need help with breastfeeding. The group encourages mothers to call them early if they experience any challenges.

Contact details are provided before leaving hospital.

The Island is given contact details for the group before going home. All support from the group is free of charge.

Breast Engorgement A few days after the baby is born the breasts may become very swollen and uncomfortable as they fill up with milk in response to the baby having fed regularly from the breast and removing all the colostrum (first milk). The amount of milk will reduce over 24-48 hours to the amount that your baby actually needs.

Solution It’s best to breastfeed, allowing baby to nurse as long as desired from each breast. Warm compresses before feeds are comforting. In between feeds cold cabbage leaves wrapped around the breast for about 20 minutes have proven to reduce the swelling and discomfort.

Blocked duct If there are specific areas of the breast that are lumpy or tender to the touch, this may be due to a blocked milk duct in the breast. A blocked duct should be dealt with as soon as possible to avoid infection and mastitis.

Solution Let the baby feed on the tender breast first.

Light massage towards the nipple with the fingertips during a feed will unblock the milk ducts in that area.

Warm compresses between feeds will bring some relief as well.

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MODERNPARENTING BABY

Sore or cracked nipples The most common reasons for the nipples to hurt during feeds is poor positioning of the baby at the breast and a poor latch on the breast during feeds. These should be adjusted as soon as possible to prevent further pain.

See separate section on position and latch.

Solution To relieve sore nipples between feeds leave a few drops of breast milk on the nipples and allow them to air dry, moistening them with more breast milk between feeds to prevent them from becoming dry and cracked. If the nipple is too painful to allow the baby to latch, the affected breast can be pumped while feeding from the unaffected breast. The expressed milk may be given to the baby if necessary. It is common for a cracked nipple to bleed slightly during feeding or pumping. This will not harm the baby. Once the nipple is healed, then re-commence feeding with correct position and latch.

Written by: Annie Mae Roffey RN/Midwife; Lactation Counsellor

JJ Cole, Nursing Pillow Available at Partial to Blue: $38.00

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Position & Latch FOR SUCCESSFUL BREASTFEEDING

Here are some pointers for successful position and latch:

7. The baby’s bottom lip should be curved out around the breast.

1. Mum should sit in a comfortable chair that supports her back and her feet adequately.

8. You should see more areola at the top than at the bottom.

2. Mum should hold the infant close and high up in her arms.

9. The baby’s chin should be pressed in close to the breast.

3. Baby’s tummy should be turned in to face Mum’s tummy.

10. Sucking should be rhythmical with swallowing.

4. Baby’s nose should be pointed at the Mum’s nipple, encouraging the baby to lift its head and open its mouth wide, and take the nipple well into its mouth with baby’s lips around the areola.

It is essential in breastfeeding to have the baby at the breast in a good position to enable good latch and to prevent breastfeeding challenges.

5. When the baby’s mouth opens wide, gently pull the baby in close, without undue pressure on baby’s head.

Written by: Annie Mae Roffey- RN/Midwife; Lactation Counsellor For help with correct positioning and latch on to the breast, Mums may contact the C.I. Breast-feeders Support Group.

6. Ensure that the nipple and most of the areola are in the baby’s mouth.

Annie Mae Roffey - Tel: 345-945-1751 345-916-0132

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EVERYTHING IN ITS PLACE

CADDY

storage box

hamper

THE FIVE SIGNS OF TEETHING You finally have those ceaseless crying and colic episodes behind you. Your baby is even sleeping through the night and BAM! Here comes the tooth fairy to throw you a loop. Somewhere between 3 and 12 months your baby’s teeth will make their grand but cranky entrance.

• Irritability. Some babies breeze through teething with a whimper, while others suffer from a good deal of pain — which they feel compelled to share with you in the form of whining or crying.

Surprisingly, teething symptoms may appear two to three months before you even get sight of the first tiny tooth. Symptoms and severity vary greatly from one baby to the next, but you may observe one or all of the following:

• Sleeping Problems. Especially when he’s working on cutting that very first tooth, your baby may fuss during the night as well as during the day, so be prepared for a little extra crib-side duty (yawn).

• Drooling. That wet shirt your baby is in; is not from a leaky bottle, it’s from drool.

Fasten on a bib to keep him dry and gently wipe his chin throughout the day to prevent possible rash. Pooling saliva may also cause a slight cough or even trigger the gag reflex.

• Biting. Those little nips you have been getting on your breast (ouch!) and your fingers is not because your little one is trying to be naughty. The pressure help relieve the pain he feels from under his gums.

• Refusing Food. Some babies refuse to nurse or eat because sucking movements can worsen teething pressure or pain, or may nurse briefly and then turn away.

Keep at it, and call your pediatrician if the strike lasts more than a few days.

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What can I do to ease my baby’s discomfort?

Offer your baby something hard to chew on, like a teething toy, extra points if it is icy cold or try a frozen washcloth to provide a numbing sensation. You may also try rubbing his gums with your clean fingers to offer temporary relief. Rubbing his gums with a topical pain relief may offer some help but check with your pediatrician before doing so.

CHEWON THIS PULP

We don’t mean to mouth off, but let’s be real about how mesh feeders can be a real mess and difficult to clean.

Our silicone teething feeder has some bite to it; allowing for easy feeding with its interior firm stem that forces food out where babies can get to it. It’s simple to clean and more durable than mesh feeders. Boon totally has a handle on baby’s snack time and when something is this good, we think it’s okay to get a little mouthy about it.

Introducing Solids 6-12 Months Old Your Baby’s Diet • Continue breast-milk or iron-fortified formula, 30-32 ounces per day.

• Cereal 2-4 tablespoons, twice per day. Vegetables 1-2 tablespoons, twice per day.

• Fruits 1-2 tablespoons, twice per day. Between 7 and 9 months can introduce strained meats.

• If juice is given, ensure 100% fruit juice and no more than 3 oz. per day in a cup.

Solid Food Tips • Cereal – Use a single grain iron- fortified cereal • Vegetables – After cereal, start with plain, strained vegetables.

DO NOT start with mixed vegetables.

• Fruit – Gradually introduce strained fruits. DO NOT give fruit desserts.

• Try one new food at a time and feed that food for 3-4 days to know if your baby can tolerate it.

Feeding Tips • Start with vegetables at every meal.

• Your baby may spit out food as a normal response, so offer new foods many times. You child may need to be exposed to a new food up to a dozen times before accepting it.

• Your baby does not need salt, sugar or margarine/ butter added to foods.

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• Meal times can be messy, have fun and enjoy family meals.

• Do not put your baby to bed with a bottle or prop up the bottle.

Additional Feeding Tips • Breast-milk and formula intake will decrease as your baby eats more food. Let your baby decide how much food or breast-milk/formula is enough.

Some days your baby will eat more than other days.

All About Sleep • By age 6 months, most babies sleep a total of 14 hours a day (between night-time sleep and naps) and are capable of sleeping for long stretches at a time.

• Between the ages of 6 and 9 months, many babies consolidate their daytime sleep into several naps, one in the morning, one in the afternoon, and one in the early evening.

• Don’t be concerned, though, if your baby continues to take more than three naps a day. Keeping consistent times for bedtime and naps will help regulate his sleep patterns.

• Note: More breastfeeding per day may be needed, especially for younger babies.

Sample Daily Meal Plan • Early Morning breastfeed or give 6 to 8 oz formula • Mid Morning 4 to 8 tablespoons prepared cereal or grits 4 tablespoons fruit • Noon Meal breastfeed or give 6 to 8 oz formula 4 tablespoons vegetables 1 to 4 tablespoons meat

• Mid Afternoon breastfeed or give 6 to 8 oz formula crackers soft cheese or yogurt • Evening Meal 4 tablespoons vegetables 1 to 4 tablespoons meat 4 tablespoons fruit grains such as noodles, rice, or soft tortilla pieces • Before Bedtime breastfeed or give 6 to 8 oz formula

Recipes Baby’s Acorn Squash & Apple Bake 6-8 months+ Ingredients: 1 acorn squash 2 or 3 Macintosh apples pinch of cinnamon Preparation Directions: 1. Peel and dice apples 2. Cut acorn or butter-nut squash in half, scoop out seeds 3. Place halves face UP in a pan and add with an inch of water to the pan 4. Place diced apples in the squash “holes” where the seeds were Sprinkle with cinnamon if desired 5. Pour water over the apples so that there is water in the squash holes cover pan with tinfoil 6. Bake in a 400 degree oven for 40 minutes or until the “shell/skin” puckers and halves feel soft then scoop squash “meat” and apples out of the shell 7. Puree as needed, adding water to thin if required. You may also chop or dice and serve as a finger food meal.

This baked medley is very nice when mixed with brown rice or quinoa.

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BOON HIGH HAIR No cracks. No crevices. Therefore, no abyss full of crumbs. This onepiece seat is the sleekest, smoothest thing going and it makes cleanup unbelievably easy Tip – when shopping for a high chair look for a chair with a tray-within-a-tray feature makes for an unbelievable easy clean up

IPLAY SILICONE FREEZER TRAYS PVC and nitrosamine free! Freeze fresh homemade baby food for later. Tray holds (15) 1 oz. cubes of purée that, once frozen can be stored in other containers so the tray can be used again. Heat resistant up to 425°F. Dishwasher safe.

tel: 345.943.blue email: partial2blue@gmail.com

A

dy Tren

S O L I D S TA R T

Most babies are ready to move beyond their liquid-only diet between 4 & 6 months.

Look for these signs when your baby is ready for more than breast or bottle

MUSH Start whipping up your own baby food. This human-powered chopper turns fruit, veggies, and boneless meats into magnificent meals.

INNOBABY GLASS CONTAINERS Glass containers are designed specially for baking, freezing, and microwaving and are perfect for home made baby foods, diced fruits, veggies and more.

BOON CATCH BOWL Clean-up on Aisle Never. Catch Bowl’s built-in food catcher extends toward your child, creating a ramp to catch runaway food. Bonus: It has a suction cup bottom so kids can’t pick it up and throw it at you.

”TODDLER”

HEALTHY

EATING FOR YOUR 2-5 YEAR OLD

General Feeding Advice • Meals and snacks should include a variety of nourishing foods from all five food groups.

• Provide 3 scheduled meals and 2 planned snacks per day; offer snacks 1-2 hours before meals.

• Serve the same foods that the rest of the family eats.

• Use toddler or child size plates, cups, and utensils so that he or she can feed themselves in appropriate portions.

• Don’t force your child to eat or clean their plate.

• Give your child a variety of textures, flavours, and colours—not just the foods you like.

• You shouldn’t force your child to eat or get into fights about food. Provide regular meals/snacks—if they don’t eat at one meal, they will eat at the next.

Feeding Advice Away from Home • If your child is in day care or pre-school or staying with relatives, make sure you know what they are eating and drinking while you are away.

• Avoid eating in the car.

• At restaurants—split meals between children or share yours with them. Don’t let them fill up on premeal bread or crackers.

Be Active • Encourage daily active play at least 1 hour a day that includes the rest of the family—climbing, jumping, dancing, and outdoor activities.

• Limit screen time (TV, computer, electronic games)—1-2 hours per day and help your child choose what to watch. Pre-plan how “screen time” will be used.

• Allow children to move freely.

• Ensure that your child’s school or day care encourages physical activity and that your child has adequate play time throughout the day • Your child should have the opportunity to enjoy physical activity for at least 15 minutes per hour while in care.

All About Sleep • Have a relaxing bedtime routine that ends in the room where the child sleeps. For example a warm bath followed by bedtime stories and then bedtime.

• Preschoolers require about 11 to 13 hours per night

• Sit down together and eat as a family as often as possible.

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• Preschoolers who get adequate rest at night may no longer need a daytime nap. Instead, a quiet time may be substituted • Maintain a regular and consistent sleep schedule sleeps.

• Put children to bed while drowsy but awake to encourage your child to regulate his or her own sleep Healthy Servings • This is the daily Eating Guide for children who participate in 60 minutes of moderate activity per day.

Grain Group

Vegetable Group

3-5 servings per day. At least half of the daily servings of grains should come from whole grains (whole wheat, oatmeal, brown rice, etc.)

Serving Size

Bread 1 slice Bun,large bagel, English muffin ½ Tortilla, 6 inch 1 Waffle or pancake, 4in 1 Crackers (whole grain) 5 Dry cereal (unsweetened), flakes 1 cup Cooked cereal ½ cup Cooked rice, pasta ½ cup Green banana (medium) 1 or 60g Johnny cake or dumpling made from whole wheat flour or cornmeal 1 only Yam/yampie 1 slice or 60g Ripe plantain 1 piece (5cm) Roti, Sadha type ¼(20 ½ cm diameter) Roti, Dhalpuri (very thin) ¼(23cm diametre)

1-1 ½ cups per day.

1 cup raw or cooked vegetables or vegetable juice, or 2 cups of raw leafy greens = 1 cup vegetables

Dairy Group

2 servings per day; choose low fat or fat-free.

Serving Size Milk, yogurt 1 cup Cheese, natural cheddar, string 1 ½ oz American, processed 2 oz

Fruit Group 1-1 ½ servings per day 1 serving = ½ cup fruit or ½ cup 100% fruit juice or ¼ cup dried fruit

Fresh/whole Cooked or canned Juice—100% fruit juice *Limit once per day* Dried fruit

Serving Size ½ cup ½ cup ½ cup ¼ cup

Protein Foods-group 2-4 servings per day.

Meat, poultry, fish Dry beans and peas, cooked Peanut butter Egg Nuts or seeds

Serving Size 1 oz ¼ cup 1Tbsp 1 ½ oz

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Sample Meal Plans 2-5 Year Olds Breakfast

1/2 cup breakfast cereal, low sugar OR ½ cup cooked oatmeal 1 cup (8 oz.) low fat milk

Snack

Breakfast

1 cup breakfast cereal, low sugar OR ½ cup cooked oatmeal 1 cup (8 oz.) low fat milk

Snack

½ cup grapes 1 ounce low fat cheese stick 4-8 ounces water

½ cup grapes 1 ounce low fat cheese stick 8 ounces water

Lunch

Lunch

2 slices whole wheat bread 1-2 ounces thin sliced turkey Thin spread of mayo or soft margarine ½ cup baby carrots/sweet peppers w/ low fat ranch dressing ½ cup 100% fruit juice

Snack

5 whole grain crackers 1 Tbsp peanut butter 4-8 ounces water

Dinner

½ cup brown rice ½ cup steamed vegetables, assorted 1-2 ounces baked chicken 4-8 ounces water

Snack

4 oz yogurt

Totals

3-5 Grains 1 cup Fruits 1 cup Vegetables 2 cups Dairy 3-5 ounces Protein Food. Continue breast-milk or iron-fortified formula, 30-32 ounces per day.

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6-10Year Olds

Sandwich on 2 slices whole wheat bread 2 ounces thin sliced turkey Thin spread of mayo or soft margarine 1 cup baby carrots/sweet peppers w/ low fat ranch dressing 8 ounces 100% fruit juice

Snack

5 whole grain crackers 1 Tbsp peanut butter 8 ounces water

Dinner

½ cup brown rice ½ cup steamed vegetables, assorted 2 ounces baked chicken 4-8 ounces water

Snack

6 oz low fat yogurt 2 small graham crackers

Totals

5 Grains 1 ½ cup Fruits 1 ½ cup Vegetables 2 cups Dairy 4 ½ ounces Protein Foods

Innovation for modern parents

WE FIND IT

YOU FLAUNT IT

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”BIG KID”

HEALTHY

EATING FOR YOUR

6-10 YEAR OLD

• Don’t force your child to eat or clean their plate.

• Give your child a variety of textures, flavours, and colours—not just the foods you like.

Eating Out • Stay consistent with healthy eating habits established at home.

• Choose fruit or salad instead of French fries, low fat milk or water instead of soft drinks, baked or grilled instead of fried.

Meals and Snacks Meals and snacks should include a variety of nourishing foods from all five food groups.

Be Active At least 1 hour a day

• Begin with Breakfast!—Children who eat a nutritious breakfast do better in school and consume more of the nutrients they need for growing bodies.

• Enjoy throwing and catching balls with your child

• Lunch—buying school meals can be nourishing and ti me saving. Review school menus with your child and plan ahead. When packing brown-bag lunches, include at least 4 out of the 5 food groups (low fat dairy, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein).

• Snacks—encourage your child to eat only when hungry. Stock up on ready-to-eat veggies, fruit, low fat cheese, yogurt, whole grain crackers, low sugar cereals and nuts for healthy snack options.

• Dinner—eat as many meals as possible as a family at the dinner table. Be sure to slow down, enjoy, and turn off the TV. • Beverages—Think Your Drink! The best choices are water or low fat (1% or skim) milk. If your child would like juice make sure it is 100% fruit juice and limit it to 6-8 oz. per day.

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• Play hopscotch with your child • Count time spent doing chores: car washing, walking the dog, dusting, sweeping, pulling weeds or raking • Limit screen time (TV, computer, electronic games)—1-2 hours per day. Help your child choose what to watch. Pre-plan how “screen time” will be used.

• No TV or computer in your child’s bedroom.

All About Sleep • Your child needs 10-11 hours of sleep per night • Keep a regular bedtime - this is critical to good health and weight maintenance • Watching TV close to bedtime is associated with bedtime resistance, difficulty falling asleep, anxiety around sleep and sleeping fewer hours Healthy Servings • This is the daily Eating Guide for children who participate in 60 minutes of moderate activity per day.

Grain Group 4-5 servings per day. At least half of the daily servings of grains should come from whole grains (whole wheat, oatmeal, brown rice, etc.)

Serving Size Bread 1 slice Bun,large bagel, English muffin ½ Tortilla, 6 inch 1 Waffle or pancake, 4in 1 Crackers (whole grain) 5 Dry cereal (unsweetened), 1 cup Cooked cereal ½ cup Cooked rice, pasta ½ cup Green banana (medium) 1 or 60g Johnny cake or dumpling made from whole wheat flour or cornmeal 1 only Yam/yam-pie 1 slice or 60g Ripe plantain 1 piece (5cm) Roti, Sadha type ¼(20 ½ cm diameter)

Dairy Group

2 servings per day; choose low fat or fat-free.

Serving Size Milk, yogurt Cheese, natural cheddar, string American, processed

1 cup 1 ½ oz 2 oz

Fruit Group

1-1 ½ servings per day 1 serving = 1 cup fruit or 1 cup 100% fruit juice or ½ cup dried fruit Fresh, medium Chopped Juice—100% fruit juice *Limit once per day Dried fruit

Serving Size 1 ½ cup 8 oz ½ cup

Protein Foods-group

Roti, Dhalpuri (very thin) ¼(23cm diametre)

3-5 servings per day.

Vegetable Group

1 ½ - 2 cups per day. 1 cup raw or cooked vegetables or vegetable juice, or 2 cups of raw leafy greens = 1 cup vegetables

Meat, poultry, fish Dry beans and peas, cooked Peanut butter Egg Nuts or seeds

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Serving Size

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ITZY RITZY BENTO LUNCH BOX The top section is perfectly sized to fit a sandwich or entrée. The lower level has pre-measured 1 cup and 1/2 cup compartments for fruit, veggies, chips, and more.

A BREATH OF

FRESH AIR BEST ON-THE-GO PRODUCTS FOR A DAY OF FUN WITH YOUR LITTLE ONE

DRINK UP - BOON SIPPY CUP Let your child SIP like a VIP with Boon’s SIP Tall and SIP Short sippy cups. SIP’s unique silicone valve system helps keep fluids where they belong.

EAT UP - INNOBABY PACKING SMART SNACK & SEAL Store, dispense and organize formula, snacks, pacifiers and more in one convenient unit.

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CHILL OUT - JJ COLE BLANKET Lay it out at the park, the beach, and even sporting events. Its durable outer fabric is ideal for any surface, and the inner lining quickly wipes clean.

PACK IT UP

IPLAY SNACK PACK

PVC free! Lightweight material is durable and easy to clean materials.

COOL IT

IPLAY ICE PACKS Re-freezable ice pouches keep food and drinks cold and fits easily into lunch boxes, bags or containers.

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5 hmmmmmm Things that make you go

Don’t take their word for it when children say they don’t need to pee before leaving the house.

THEY DO. THEY ALWAYS DO!

3

2

ONLY AFTER A BATH Will they spit-up everywhere, poop before you get the diaper on or finger paint themselves with spaghetti.

5WEEKENDS They inevitably rise earlier on the weekends than the weekdays. By hours. You have been warned!

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All the books that tell you that the terrible twos is a phase, lied. The terribleness last way past the two’s.

TAKE COMFORT IN KNOWING That whatever annoying, infuriating or frustrating phase your child is currently in is fleeting. And will be replaced by an equally annoying, infuriating or frustrating phase.

• Better Behaviour...84 • Health Check.......94 • Life Lessons.........96

F.Y.I. “Helping parents navigate the ups and downs of parenthood”

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MODERNPARENTING F.Y.I.

SAY WHAT?!

Communicating So many families come through our doors and when asked what they want to work on they say we want to learn to communicate.

With the dawn of social media and competing with TV shows it seems that we’ve forgotten how to actually communicate with the people living in our homes. The truth is you are always communicating, whether it is effective communication is a different story. Learning to be an effective communicator is a skill that will open up many doors for your children.

From toddler-hood and beyond….

Children start to become a bit more challenging. They are mobile and usually cans string a few words together to make sentences and will likely have a verbal “growth spurt” at about 18 months. At this time, it is important to start placing limits and boundaries to ensure we are communicating effectively. As children grown, we begin to struggle with communication. Here are some common dilemmas and remedies: My child doesn’t listen!

Connect Before You Direct :Before giving your child directions, squat to your child’s eye

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level and engage your child in eye-to-eye contact to get his attention. Teach him how to focus: ”Corey, I need your eyes.” ”Billy, I need your ears.” Offer the same body language when listening to the child. Be sure not to make your eye contact so intense that your child perceives it as controlling rather than connecting.

Legs First, Mouth Second: Instead of hollering, ”Turn off the TV, it’s time for dinner!” Walk into the room where your child is watching TV, join in with your child’s interests for a few minutes, and then, during a commercial break, have your child turn off the TV. Going to your child conveys you’re serious about your request; otherwise children interpret this as a mere preference.

Address The Child: Open your request with the child’s name, ”Lauren, will you please...”

My child can’t follow directions!

Stay Brief We use the one-sentence rule: Put the main directive in the opening sentence.

Continues on page 90

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SHAKE THINGS UP

JUST THE WAY SHE LIKES IT

Continued from page 84 The longer you ramble, the more likely your child is to become parent-deaf. Too much talking is a very common mistake when dialoging about an issue. It gives the child the feeling that you’re not quite sure what it is you want to say. If she can keep you talking she can get you sidetracked.

Stay Simple Use short sentences with one-syllable words. Listen to how kids communicate with each other and take note. When your child shows that glazed, disinterested look, you are no longer being understood. Always consider your child’s level of understanding.

Ask Your Child to Repeat the Request Back to You If he can’t, it’s too long or too complicated.

My child is so rude!

Speak Socially Correctly Even a two-year-old can learn “please.” Expect your child to be polite. Children shouldn’t feel manners are optional. Speak to your children the way you want them to speak to you.

Speak Psychologically Correctly Threats and judgemental openers are likely to put the child on the defensive. “You” messages make a child clam up. “I” messages are nonaccusing. Instead of “You’d better do this...” or “You must...,” try “I would like....” or “I am so pleased when you...” Instead of “You need to clear the table,” say “I need you to clear the table.” Don’t ask a leading question when a negative answer is not an option. “Will you please pick up your coat?” Just say, “Pick up your coat, please.”

My child doesn’t care!

Make an offer the child can’t refuse. You can reason with a two or three-year-old, especially to avoid power struggles. “Get dressed so you can go outside and play.” Offer a reason for your request that is to the child’s advantage, and one that is difficult to refuse. This gives her a reason to move out of her power position and do what you want her to do.

Begin your Directives With “I want.” Instead of “Get down,” say “I want you to get down.”

Instead of “Let Becky have a turn,” say “I want you to let Becky have a turn now.” This works well with children who want to please but don’t like being ordered. By saying “I want,” you give a reason for compliance rather than just an order.

My child feels entitled to everything!

“When...Then.” “When you get your teeth brushed, then we’ll begin the story.” “When your work is finished, then you can watch TV.” “When,” which implies that you expect obedience, works better than “if,” which suggests that the child has a choice when you don’t mean to give him one.

I’m always fighting with my child!

Give Choices” Do you want to put your pyjamas on or brush your teeth first?” “Red shirt or blue one?”Only provide choices you can live with. Children have very little control of their life, but providing little choices through out the day you limit the control battles. Give a little control and get a lot back!

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I spend my whole day nagging!

Write It Reminders can evolve into nagging so easily, especially for pre-teens who feel being told things puts them in the slave category.

Without saying a word you can communicate anything you need said. Talk with a pad and pencil. Leave humorous notes for your child.

Then sit back and watch it happen. Create visual to do lists to remind them versus you being the nag.

My child is always screaming!

Talk The Child Down The louder your child yells, the softer you respond. Let your child ventilate while you interject timely comments: “I understand” or “Can I help?” Sometimes just having a caring listener available will wind down the tantrum. If you come in at his level, you have two tantrums to deal with. Be the adult for him.

Settle The Listener Before giving your directive, restore emotional equilibrium, otherwise you are wasting your time. Nothing sinks in when a child is an emotional wreck.

My child doesn’t care about me!

Use “When You…I Feel…Because…”When you run away from mommy in the store I feel worried because you might get lost.

Close The Discussion If a matter is really closed to discussion, say so. “I’m not changing my mind about this. Sorry.” You’ll save wear and tear on both you and your child. Reserve your “I mean business” tone of voice for when you do. Use statements like, “ I love you too much to argue.” To indicate you are not budging, but you care about your child.

Written by: The Family Resource Center www.frc.gov.ky tel: 345.949-0006

My child can’t think for himself!

Replay Your Message Toddlers need to be told a thousand times. Children under two have difficulty internalizing your directives. Most three-year-olds begin to internalize directives so that what you ask begins to sink in. Do less and less repeating as your child gets older.

Pre-teens regard repetition as nagging.

My child can’t do anything right!

Be Positive Instead of “no running,” try: “Inside we walk, outside you may run.”

Let Your Child Complete The Thought Instead of “Don’t leave your mess piled up,” try: “Matthew, think of where you want to store your soccer stuff.” Letting the child fill in the blanks is more likely to create a lasting lesson.

Use Rhyme Rules “If you hit, you must sit.” Get your child to repeat them.

My child acts like a spoiled brat!

Give Likeable Alternatives You can’t go by yourself to the park; but you can play in the neighbour’s yard.

Give Advance Notice “We are leaving soon. Say bye-bye to the toys, bye-bye to the girls…”

My child doesn’t talk to me!

Open Up a Closed Child Carefully chosen phrases open up closed little minds and mouths. Stick to topics that you know your child gets excited about. Ask questions that require more than a yes or no. Stick to specifics. Instead of “Did you have a good day at school today?” Try “What is the most fun thing you did today?”

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CHILDHOOD OBESITY Is High Fructose Corn Syrup To Blame?

The topic of Childhood Obesity won’t go away until parents take matters into their own hands.

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hen looking at childhood obesity rates today, too much fast food, junk food, candy, sugary drinks etc and not enough running, riding or swimming and way too much screen time are some of the more obvious reasons that come to mind.

But what about your kids breakfast cereals, granola bars, cough syrup and strawberry jam, foods that would seem to be okay but in reality, most popular brands of these foods contain high amounts of High Fructose Corn Syrup (”HFCS”) as its main sweetener.

HFCS is the most popular sweetener in many pre-

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packaged products, WHY? It has a “sweetness” similar to table sugar but is cheaper to produce and transport, it blends into other foods more easily, it extends a products shelf life.

HFCS FOR YOUR FAMILY? So HFCS makes sense to many companies but does it makes sense for your family?

Let’s start with this, in a recent study by the Medical College of George at Georgia Health Sciences of 559 children ages 14-18, they found a high correlation between HFCS diets and • heart disease • high blood pressure • insulin resistance.

HFCS contains 55% fructose and 45% glucose. The human body produces more fat from fructose than other

kinds of sugars, meaning a diet high in HFCS really makes you gain weight.

Not only are products with HFCS high in empty calories, HFCS lowers the hormone which triggers our feeling of “fullness” WONDER WHY YOUR KIDS ARE ALWAYS HUNGRY? HFCS causes excess weight gain with accumulation of fat and insulin resistance which leads to diabetes.

HFCS forces our bodies to store fats at a faster rate so a breakfast with HFCS will continue to impact the body as the day goes on… forcing the increased storage of lunch fats that could have been burned up by the body in other ways.

MODERNPARENTING HEALTH CHECK HFCS IS ADDICTIVE! Similar to other addictive chemicals, like cocaine and opiates, HFCS alters the transmission of certain brain chemicals, including endorphins, dopamine and serotonin, which, in turn, trigger the pleasure center of our brains, leaving us wanting more and more. HFCS causes some hallmark reactions of addiction, including: intense craving the inability to control or stop usage withdrawal symptoms.

So…being addicted to a high calorie substance that, slows fat burning, and suppresses fullness can’t possibly be good for you or your children, can it?

SO WHAT IS THE ANSWER? •Be aware.

•Read labels and avoid HFCS. •Drink water.

•Make your own jams, preserves, salad dressings, sauces and ice pops, etc.

•Drink fresh juices.

Written by: Kwesi Fraser - Drink Fresh Juices

HFCS IS VALUELESS! HFCS is almost always a marker of poor quality, nutritionally depleted and processed industrial food full of empty calories and artificial ingredients. If you find “high fructose corn syrup” on the label you can be sure it is not full of fiber, vitamins, phytonutrients and antioxidants, things that your body needs to grow and be vital!

If you want your family to be healthy, AVOID IT!

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MODERNPARENTING LIFE LESSONS

Values val·ue noun plural noun: values 1.the regard that something is held to deserve; the importance, worth, or usefulness of something. ”Your support is of great value” a person’s principles or standards of behaviour; one’s judgment of what is important in life. ”They internalize their parents’ rules and values”

V

alues are very important to raising a family and helping children form a solid identity. It is also a good tool for discipline in your home. It is a great way for children to understand why rules are in place is to work together and decide the values of your home. If all members of the family have buy-in and a voice into what the values of your family are then children feel that they are part of a family unit that cares about them and can understand rationale. For example, if your family values honesty, then

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they could see why a rule for the house is you always tell the truth. Or perhaps, if your family values education, then they can understand why doing their homework is a part of the household rules. This also allows you to communicate from a place of empathy in terms of consequences, by saying, “In this house, we value education, so unfortunately, you may not go play football outside, until your homework is completed.” This way it is not the parent that is bad, but rather the child that is making the wrong decision and needs to correct it. So, family rules are your families values in action. It is also vital as parents that we consistently model those family rules.

Thus, if your family values honesty, lying to children is not OK, either. Once family values are driving your family and the way it functions, it becomes much easier to address issues along the way.

Written by: The Family Resource Center www.frc.gov.ky tel: 345.949-0006

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Reclaim

DINNER TIME

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e know the drill. Both parent work outside the home. You rush out of work at the end of the day. You rush to pick up you little ones from school. And you rush home to eat dinner. Trying to get a home cooked meal on the table with your kids begging for your attention can be a challenge.

Guess What? We live this life too. And we manage to eat a fairly healthy diet with food that has been prepared in our home on a nightly basis. Here’s how we make it work: • Plan ahead: Make a menu for the upcoming week and shop for the items on the weekend. Weekends are also a good time to wash and chop vegetables in advance, season and portion meat for family serving.

Tip: Take the meat out of the freezer the night before and place it in the fridge, this way it will be seasoned and thawed and ready for cooking when you get home. Grab those pre-chopped veggies and 15-20 mins later dinner is done.

• Prepare ahead: Prepare casseroles, lasagne, ect. on weekends so they are ready to cook or reheat on workdays, add a toss salad and dinner is done.

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• Crock-pots and indoor grills: Stews, meats, and soups are extremely easy to simmer all day.(Confession, my mom got me a crock-pot for Christmas and I have used it only once, I have a fear of leaving it plugged in all day). I do however LOVE my George Foreman grill that pre-seasoned thawed meat from step 1, toss it on the grill, 10 minutes tops and your meat is cooked and ready to be served.

• Make extra: you can make several meals in one cooking session and freeze serving separately for another time.

• Pick up healthy convenience food: Salads in a bag, pre-sliced fruits and vegetables (if you did not have the time on the weekends to wash and chop vegetables) frozen veggies. All the supermarkets on Island now offers healthy prepared foods via the deli, that can be reheated quickly at home. Yea, this can be more expensive than cooking yourself, so you’ll want to use as a safety net occasionally.

MODERNPARENTING THE FAMILY POT

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pepsetnne pasta

INGREDIENTS 1 box dried whole-wheat penne pasta 3 cup packed fresh basil leaves ¼ cup pine nuts, toasted 4 garlic clove ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil ½ cup chopped fresh parsley Shaved parmesan cheese, to serve

EASY 1-2-3 PESTO PENNE PASTA Step 1 Cook pasta in a saucepan of boiling salted water, following packet directions until tender. Drain.

Return to pan.

Step 2 Meanwhile, combine basil, pine nuts, garlic, parmesan, olive oil and parsley in the bowl of a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth scraping down sides occasionally.

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MODERNPARENTING SWEET DREAMS

E-BOOK OR PRINTED

Battle of the Pages

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ith the invention of electronic reading devices and the sales of iPads and Kindles sky rocking, e-books are a seemingly necessary part of your children’s lives. Kids are more attuned to technology than generations before.

Research has shown that reading to your kids not only fosters a stronger relationship between parent and child but also helps with basic speech skills. By listening to you read, children through toddlerhood and preschool are learning critical language and educational skills. Numerous studies have shown that students who are exposed to reading at an early age are more likely to do well in all aspects of formal education.

Printed or E-book?

The magic of printed books is the intimate bond it creates between parent and child.

Reading books out loud allow kids to follow the story with their index finger and ask questions. On the other hand e-books offer colourful photos, animation and video clips that are interactive as well. In addition most e-books come with a nifty little feature that allows the story to be read aloud.

Which is best?

So the question stands, which is better, I think it comes down to preference, just don’t use e-books as an excuse to check out of the reading experience altogether. Your child won’t get the same benefits from listening to an electronically read story alone. Whichever you choose just remember that the important thing is spending quality time reading with your child.

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MODERNPARENTING TAKE FIVE After a long day at the office, and finally putting the kids to bed tensions are normally high.

Tame tension with a partner massage, outside the obvious physical relaxation benefits. A partner massage will make you feel closer, increase blood circulation and the flow of feel-good hormones.

Massages without a doubt can help manage stress.

HAVE A BETTER EVENING

4Tips Set the mood.

Create a soothing environment by playing soft music and lighting candles.

Build momentum.

Focus on long smooth gentle stokes gradually adding more pressure.

for the perfect massage Don’t forget the oil For a good massage, oil is a must. Opt for a massage oil as oppose to lotion, warm oil between your hands before starting. Massage oil is designed to stay on the skin longer and offer a better glide.

Take it easy.

Don’t worry about a perfect massage. Think about your partner and let your fingers do the loving.

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DAD VICE

So you have the kids alone for a few days...

WHAT DO YOU DO?

I

remember my first time alone with my daughter AND the first time with just my daughter and son. All that ran through my mind was ”KEEP THEM ALIVE...KEEP THEM ALIVE”...

That being said, here are some basic tips to make it through the week or weekend with all alive, well, and accounted for.

1. FIND GRANDMA...Well it was Grandma and Grammy for me, but find their Grandparents and have the well perfected ”puppy dog look” on your face. If they still don’t offer help, have the kids call or make a card that says...We miss you...and Daddy can’t really cook like Mommy...

Can we come over? Trust me, that will work like a charm. But only use this in case of emergency...

Like the game is coming on or something important! Aunts and Uncles can work also, but 9 times out of 10 they want to do the same thing you need coverage for....So they are iffy at best.

2. TIRE THEM OUT BEFORE THEY TIRE YOU OUT...Mine are still kind of young (2 and 4), so nothing like a trip to airport park for some

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good ole fashion running...Like sprints for time...

Then after like 2 hours of wind-sprints, some crying and whining, a few bathroom breaks, a little water...It’s on to the swings and slides...ALL OF THEM...SEVERAL TIMES OVER...AND OVER....

AND OVER...OK...You get it. This should have them nice and tired and ready for the night time routine.

3. HAVE A NIGHT TIME ROUTINE... Mine is simple with help, but a serious job when done solo...So I have a pattern. Start cooking....Keep it simple like pasta, salad and fruit as a pre dinner snack...and put both in the tub...Normally that doesn’t work out for me as inevitably one will annoy the other...Come out on their own...Wet the floor...etc...when this happens, audible to your bread and butter...IPAD APPS...Give one the iPad, let one finish bathing...Finish dinner..Bath the other...and then try and eat before it gets too cold. Once fed and clean...including teeth...Read 2 stories, pray for all, and turn out the lights!

Written by: Kwesi Fraser

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MODERNPARENTING IN EVERY ISSUE

Cronichles of a

SINGLE MOM Do I love being a single parent? Hell no! It’s no walk in the park and finding the perfect balance is getting harder and harder.

H

ow are you balancing motherhood, family, friends and work? I often feel like I should not let motherhood get in the way of life or life in the way of motherhood but that is easier said than done, and I for one feel as if I’m failing miserably at balancing it all. However, I am trying my best work in progress. I need to find time to exercise, I keep thinking yoga would be helpful but being a budding entrepreneur, and a mother not to mention working a full time job I literally don’t have the time.

I’m exhausted more than I’m rested therefore I’m more irritated than peaceful, which means my child gets a grumpy mommy.

MORNINGS What can I say, I’m not particularly proud of the person I am from 6:30 – 7:30 in the morning, but I am proud of what I accomplish – getting him up, showered and dressed, making lunch, seeing to it that his teeth is brushed (properly) and checking his bag-pack for items that might have ventured in overnight.

Preparing breakfast and him actually eating it without a fight (sigh), that’s a task, and feeding the cat (a stray my son adopted) … you get the idea. I can’t say I do it with much ease or grace, ok to be totally honest nine times out of ten there is no ease or grace at all.

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EVENINGS 6:30 – 7:30 in the evening isn’t much better, between making dinner, getting home work done, packing snacks for the next day, shower and story time I’m exhausted. My life after 10pm used to have me doing my first shot, now I feel like I have been shot at 10pm. The fun started at midnight, now if I’m not in bed by 11pm I’m twitching, not from proverbial withdrawal but because I know my son will be waking me up at midnight, one, two, and three. He seems to have an inadvertent fear of sleeping in his own bed or room for that matter.

WEEKENDS As for more balance, we have a weekday routine to help things run more smoothly (also a work in progress). Weekends are fun and relaxing, at least in my head. Friday nights are movie nights and I have recently introduced games night on Saturdays. Sunday is rest day - otherwise known as a trip to Camana Bay for my son to play in the fountain while I sit in a chair reading the latest issue of Oprah, peeking occasionally over my iPad to make sure he is fine (don’t judge me). I take the rest where I can, he’s happy, I’m happy everybody’s happy. As for time

with my friends, that’s on my to-do-list, along with exercise and dating (but that’s for the next issue). One step at a time.

Sometimes life is just harder than I expect it to be. Maybe I put too much pressure on myself; maybe I’m trying to be super mom when I should just try being a mom. Either way I may not enjoy being a single mom but I love my son and I would not trade him for anything in the world. Well... just kidding.

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THINGS

BOYS NEED FROM THEIR MOMS By: Sara Mastin

Children need many things from their parents. They need stability, protection, nurturing, and love. They also need other things, different things from each of their parents. I have seen several such lists, and I wanted to add my opinion into the mix.

Because I am a mommy to a little boy, this is what I know. So, here’s the list of things I pray I give to my little guy, in order to help him grow into a good man – the things I think every little boy needs from his mom.

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MODERNPARENTING SO RANDOM

A boy needs: To be showered with affection - hugs, kisses, all of it. Until he is big enough to not want that anymore.

Then he needs you to ruffle his hair, put your hand on his shoulder, and hug him anyway. He needs to know the importance of human contact so that he doesn’t keep it from his wife or children.

To respect – he will treat his wife the way he was allowed to treat you. He will treat every woman the way he was allowed to treat you. Show him that the correct way to speak to women is with respect and dignity. He’ll thank you for it some day.

To dance – in the car, in the living room, in the front yard. Slow dance, crazy dance, any kind of dancing the song calls for, even if there’s no song at all. He will learn that life has a soundtrack. That there is no moment too small to celebrate, and the big ones….. they almost always call for dancing.

To learn to say ‘sir’ and ‘miss’ - it will take him so far in life. People appreciate this little extra bit of politeness and respect. It can make someone’s day to be made to feel important and appreciated.

To be told secrets – and let him tell them to you.

Big or small. Doesn’t matter what they are. He needs to know that he can always talk to you, about anything. And besides, secrets are fun!

For you to marry the kind of man you want him to be – because he will. His views of marriage are shaped by what he sees from you. He will model himself after the men in his life. The kind of husband he is, the kind of father he is, the kind of man he is. You can’t example that to him, so find someone who will.

To learn the kinds of things that women need – tell him your favorite flower and let him “buy” them for you. Let him take you out to dinner. Let him know that girls like jewelry, and shoes. Let him open doors and hold your hand. Show him what a gentleman looks like.

To appreciate beauty, real beauty – don’t put yourself down in front of him. He will learn to see you like you see you. He will, at some point, think you are the most beautiful woman in the world. Let him. Don’t tell him he’s wrong. Let him watch you do your nails, your hair, and your make-up. It won’t make him less “manly”, but it will help him understand that women need to feel beautiful. Hopefully, he’ll spend the rest of his life appreciating the lengths we go to in order to attain that beauty.

Discipline – don’t just let his father do it. He needs to respect that you are a figure of authority also. He needs to know that your voice carries just as much weight. He needs to understand what coparenting looks like; he’ll do it himself someday.

Comfort – kiss his boo boo’s, hold him when he needs it. He’ll learn that when it hurts, it’s ok to cry. Eventually your kisses won’t fix everything, but knowing that you want to fix it, that you wish you could heal every one of his broken hearts, it will give him some comfort. It will give him a place to start healing and a spot to launch from when the time comes to get back up.

Responsibility – make him put his own laundry away, take out the trash, and help you do the dishes. Make him earn an allowance to save up for that new guitar, or video game, or baseball equipment. If you don’t, all housework will forever be known as “woman’s work” and nobody wants a man like that. You want him to be the man who will step up and help his wife take care of their home. You want him to learn to take care of the things he has acquired and you want him to know how to work for something he wants.

To learn his lesson – even the hard ones. This is one of the hardest parts. As mothers we want to shield our children from the big, bad world. We want to run to them every time we see them start down a path that will lead no place good. We want to take their place every time they might get hurt.

And sometimes they need that. Sometimes they need shielding and protecting. Sometimes they need mom to swoop in and save the day. And sometimes they don’t. They will be more effective adults if they are given the opportunity to learn that actions have consequences. They will be more effective adults if they learn how to walk away or say no themselves. And they will be more effective adults if they learn how to handle disappointment.

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To see his mom respect his father – show him every day what respect looks like. Show him the way a wife should treat her husband. If you’re not married to his father, show him the way to co-parent peacefully, with respect. He needs a woman who will respect him.

Show him what to look for.

Love, unconditionally – and make sure he knows it. When he’s being sweet and obedient. And when he’s not. Every time my son is in trouble, after he has served out whatever punishment he has earned and/or we have had the necessary discussions, I always tell him I love him. We always end on a positive. I never want him to doubt my love for him and I want him to understand that there is nothing he could do to make my love for him diminish. It is very important to me that he knows my love for him is unconditional.

To talk to his mom about sex – when he’s old enough and the timing is right. Let his dad talk to him, too, but he needs a woman’s perspective. He needs to know the emotional sides to sex and the ways in which he can damage, or

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love, a woman with them. He needs to have a place he can ask questions and be honest. He needs more than just the facts and the hormones.

His mom to be his biggest fan – whether it be on the t-ball field or at the World Series, his first guitar lesson or a stage, a finger painting or an art gallery masterpiece. Be his biggest fan.

The world is full of people just waiting to show him he’s not the best. Let him know, that in your eyes, they will always be wrong.

His mom to be right next to him – through everything. Hold his little body when he’s sick and his hand when he’s broken-hearted. Stand next to him, with pride, on his first day of kindergarten and his high school graduation. Help him fix his tie for his first date and his wedding day. Be the first one to him after the birth of his children. Be right next to him… every time.

This article was originally printed on the blog page Marriage, Motherhood, Laughter Life. Follow the author, Sara Mastin on her blog “Life As I Know It”, or email her at butterflywrittersm@gmail.com

“Kid, you’ll move mountains!”

Dr. Seuss

STREET SMART WESTERN SHIRT This slim-fitted classic chambray shirt looks sharp with it’s pearl snap buttons.

TIE A dapper tie is the icing on the cake

SKINNY TWILL PANT Soft and light with a hint of stretch and a stylish slim-cut leg, this is the ultimate go-anywhere, do-anything pant.

BOXER-BRIEFS 3-pack of super cool boxer-briefs.

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MODERNPARENTING IN EVERY ISSUE

Be Inspired Stop being chained to past failures. You need to keep going on. Learn the lesson if not you will repeat the mistake.

Commit to disciplining your kids. When you discipline your kids, you are not being mean to them, you are looking out for them in the future. Some kids cannot obey any kind of authority, they don’t obey you, not the teacher, and as a consequence they can’t do well in school. We have an obligation to lead and help our children by disciplining them. Say no to your kids, love through correction.

No more drama. Stop holding grudges. A grudge is a deep-seated hate in your heart.

It starts small. But if you keep nursing it and feeding it will grow and when it gets big enough it will start destroying you. People, who don’t forgive, end up in prison, a prison of bitterness, a prison of anger, a prison of depression. Forgiveness is a gift you give yourself so that you don’t end up in prison.

Family devotions. Commit to having family devotions. Don’t let the TV, games or the computer parent your kids. Once a week have family devotion, pray, sing,act out stories you read from the children’s bible, tell your child you will be David and he can be Goliath, but whatever you do just make sure it is fun and exciting.

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Walk the line

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finalthoughts

The Beautiful

From the Editors Desk

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Art of Balance No one should raise a child alone, parenting is a hard enough job on its own and finding the right balance can be daunting. Sometimes you forget that you cannot do everything by yourself and trying to do so only makes you become irritable and distracted.

So… it seemed fitting that our first issue was on The Beautiful Art of Balance .

together. There has to be a balance, no relationship is perfect, because people themselves are not perfect, but together you can be perfectly imperfect. In the end, happy couples think clearly, collaborate willingly, and they don’t let expectations and negativity get in the way of the bond they share.

Balance your time with your priorities We have all been there, 10 things demanding our attention, trying to juggle our obligations with our time. What do you do? Find the right balance that works best for you– the right balance between passion and obligation, activity and rest, work and family, getting things done and leaving them undone (yes! you can leave the kitchen a mess and go play with your kids). Without balance your life loses stability. For instance, when you let your work life consume you 100%, all of your energy is focused in that one area, therefore you have nothing left to give to the other areasarears in your life, and inevitably they suffer. You need to decide how to manage your time accordingly, finding the balance that you not only need but deserve for a healthy, happy, you!

Balance your “Me Time” Everyone tells you to enjoy the time you have with your kids while they are young, but sometimes I’m just so tired and worn out enjoying him just feels like more work. This is why making time for “you” is so important, do something that is enjoyable and relaxing so that you can recharge your batteries. You want it, You crave it, You deserve it!

Balance your relationships What needs more balance than relationships.

Good relationships don’t just happen – they take time, patience and two people who truly want it to work. The best relationships are not just about the good times, anyone can share laughs when times are easy. The best relationships are built on two people that are committed to fighting through and overcoming all the hard times

To me The Beautiful Art of Balance is having a handle on all aspects of my life. I don’t try to tackle everything at once; I do try to allocate time for everything by breaking them down into bite-size-bits that are easier to manage. I don’t get worked up anymore (90% of the time), I do take time to really look at my life, my state of mind and how I’m feeling. When I’m honest with myself I notice the areas in my life that I may be neglecting. These days I manage stressful situations better, I’m happier, calmer more grounded, clearheaded and motivated.

Life will always require balancing, my suggestion is to find a mix that works best for you.

Happy Balancing

Antoleen

Boys & Girls • clothing • shoes • toys • accessories • books • baby shower registry • birthday registry Unit 4 Plaza Venezia, North Sound Way GT, Tel: 943-BLUE (2583) Email: partial2blue@gmail.com

we’re looking for

READER’S SUBMISSIONS FOR THE JUNE 2015 ISSUE SHORT AND SWEET

We want to find the most talented young writers among us.

The competition is open to year 2 to year 6 students based on a short story.

Submissions must be 50-100 words, stories can be fact, fiction or poetry.

Write about fun, love or happiness.

Or Choose a topic that you feel is important.

It’s never too early to support literacy

The winner will be published in the next issue of Modern Parenting and will receive a gift certificate from Partial to Blue.

ARTISTIC EXPRESSION

Kids are encouraged to go explore their surroundings. Submit their best original photographs to compete for a gift certificate and published in Modern Parenting.

Submissions must be hand delivered to Partial to Blue, Unit 4 Plaza Venezia, North Sound Way GT. All entries must be submitted before April 30th 2014.

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