December/ January 2009
What you should know about...
The Foundation that lasts a lifetime… • Early Childhood Education certified staff • Licensed Nurse on premises • On-site professional kitchen & dining area serving nutritious meals & snacks daily • Infants ( 6weeks-12 months) • Toddler I (1-2 years) • Toddler II (2-3 years) • Pre- Kindergarten (3-5 years) • Full Day Kindergarten • Kid’s Club ( Before and after school
enrichment program for 5-10 years) • Spectacular outside & indoor play areas designed with safety & fun as our primary goals.
Open Monday through Friday 5AM to 7PM Convenient Route 209 Marshall’s Creek Location
Classes Filling Quickly
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For more information, to schedule a tour, or to register your child, call (570) 223-2217
MAKING MUSIC
Making Music is a 10 week program designed for children birth to 3 years old with a caregiver. The children will explore music through musical instruments, “silly songs", movement, puppets, and more!
Creativity & Imagination
Confidence
SING and SIGN
Sing and sign is a 10 week program where children from birth to 3 years old with a caregiver, learn to sing and sign to "silly songs". Focus on "non-verbal� communication with your child is presented in a nonthreatening, caring environment. Classes are instructed by a highly qualified para professional trained in ASL (American Sign Language).
"MINDING OUR MANNERS" "Minding our Manners" is a 10 week program for children ages 4-6 years old. Focus on everyday manners and social etiquette will have your child using their "please" and "thank yous" on a regular basis! The children will practice table manners, proper introductions, social grace, telephone etiquette, and more.
Balance & Coordination
THEATRE ARTS
Musical Theatre is a 10 week program designed for boys and girls ages 6-9 to help foster confidence and self-esteem, while learning voice for stage. The children will sing and dance to "popular songs" and present a cabaret at the end of the session.
ARTISTIC EXPRESSIONS
Artistic Expressions is a 10 week program held on Saturdays for children ages 6-9 years old. The children will explore different art medias such as water colors, charcoal, and pastels. They will learn about the Masters like Van Gogh, Monet, and Picasso in a fun, nurturing environment.
DANCE DISCOVERY
Dance Discovery is a 10 week program held on Wednesday evenings or Saturdays. Children ages 6-13 will have their choice of either Hip-Hop, or Modern dance classes. All classes will be taught by an experienced dance instructor.
Language & Literacy
Listening & Comprehension
To find out more information, call
800-417-1623
Register NOW online for classes! All Classes held at the Day Street Community Center, East Stroudsburg
www.poconokidsculturalconnection.com
Table of
Contents The Playroom Educational Gifts for this Holiday Season...................................7
Children and Diabetes.............8 Family Practice Corner Custodial Parent’s Relocation..........10
What you should know about...
Why is Music Important for Kids?. ......................................12 Help For Poor Vision...............16 Family Travel Tips Adventures ~ Disney Style..............18
Reader’s Talkback.....................23
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n our last issue, we introduced you to New Beginnings Daycare located on Route 611, just one mile north of Mt. Pocono. Many parents have been curious about this new facility, which is also the new home of Pocono Community Church.
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By Anthony S. Diecidue, O.D.
By Erin Baehr, Financial Advisor
Creating a Healthy Family Part 2
By Donna L. Hamilton, MD, MS, FAAP,
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Restaurant Review Tastes of Portugal..............................26
Math Learning Opportunity for Children ....28 Ask Dr Waters How to convert a Tapaphobic..........30
Everyday Gifts from our Kids.........................................32 Kids Korner.................................34
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Teen & Tween..............................35 Health & Medical Resources. ....................................36 Marketplace. ...............................37 Pet Tails. ........................................38
On The Cover Special Thanks to New Beginnings Daycare
© 2008 by Pocono Parent, LLC. All rights reserved. Published bimonthly. No portion of PoconoParent Magazine may be reproduced without written permission. Address subscription inquiries and address changes to Pocono Parent, LLC P.O. Box 291 Analomink, PA. 18320. The acceptance of advertising by PoconoParent Magazine does not constitute an endorsement of the product or services offered. Reader correspondence are welcome. PoconoParent Magazine assumes no financial responsibility for errors in advertisements. PoconoParent Magazine is a registered trademark of Pocono Parent, LLC.
PoconoParent
™
From the Editor’s Desk
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appy holidays and happy New Year to each of you! Another year is about to end, as a new one will begin. This is usually the time of year that we run around frantically trying to find the perfect gift for all of the special people in our lives. This year, try not to get too caught up in all of the hustle and bustle of the “maddening crowds”. Instead, take time to reflect on what goals you have accomplished this year, and what goals seemed to have slipped through the cracks. Perhaps this will be the year that you FINALLY lose the extra weight you have been struggling with over the years. Maybe this year you will find time for yourself to enjoy a long neglected hobby. Think about spending some time rekindling the romance between you and your spouse that may have been lost in these all too busy “parenting years”. Start that business you’ve been dreaming about! Whatever New Year resolutions you set, or goals you try to achieve this year, face them with a positive attitude and outlook on life. As always, live with a passion and love the people in your life! Make the year 2009 your best year ever! On behalf of my family, we wish a “happy and blessed New Year” to every family in the Poconos!
Kindest regards,
Teri NFL Ticket Fox Soccer Big 10 Network ESPN Gamezone Gol and MORE!
& ENTERTAINMENT
EXPERIENCE!
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The Pocono’s Family Resource
Publisher
Editor
David O’Brien
Teri O’Brien
Graphic Design
Contributing Writers:
Michael Dombrowski Edward Fader Jennifer Goodall Karen Klinger
Account Executives
Jennifer Haines Veronica Talbot
Photography:
Maria Marchiano, Creation on Location Kim McCambley, Candid Camera Creations Louise Reeves, Photography by Louisa Michael Straub Photography
Erin Baehr Jeffery Becker Nina DeSanto Anthony Diecidue Darota Gasienica-Kozak Donna Hamilton Bonnie Kraeutler Gemma Lee Lara McCarthy Susan Mehler-Bostick David T. O’Brien Miranda, Teen Jada, Tween Dr. Waters
MISSION STATEMENT The PoconoParent Magazine is a reliable printed family resource committed to providing its’ readers with useful information and professional area contacts. It is our priority to assist in connecting parents with appropriate resources in order to ensure a pleasurable experience living and raising children in the Pocono Mountains!
An original 1856 train station, a National Historic Landmark.
A UNIQUE STOP
FOR FOOD, FUN, DRINKS & TRAINS!
Lunch and Dinner Served All Day
High Energy Fun and Non-Stop Sports Action!
12 42" HD screens to watch all the games all the time. Open daily from 12 noon until the games are over.
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Open 7 Days All Year!
Monday - Saturday: 11:00 am - 10:00 pm Sunday: 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
Live Entertainment!
Friday & Saturday Nights - No Cover 50 Crystal Street • East Stroudsburg
December/January 2009 www.PoconoParent Magazine.com
THE ULTIMATE SPORTS
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Pocono Mountains, PA
“Come and HOWL like a Party Animal”
What do you say to a 90,000-sq. ft. indoor entertainment area featuring its own gigantic waterpark? Let's Go! It’s Huge! It’s Wild! It’s a howlin’ great time! And it’s all yours when you book a birthday party package with Great Wolf Lodge!!
Wiley’s Premier Birthday Party Package:
Includes: 4-hour access to Waterpark, 1-hour in Bears Den, one Personal Pizza per person, Great Wolf Lodge Souvenir Sipper with free drink refills while in Bears Den, Eight Arcade Tokens per person and one Great Wolf Lodge Birthday Cake
$40 per person*
Wiley’s Birthday Splash Package:
Includes: 4-hour access to Waterpark, 1-hour in Bears Den, one Personal Pizza per person, Great Wolf Lodge Souvenir Sipper (free drink refills while in Bears Den) and Eight Arcade Tokens per person
$35 per person*
Receive two FREE adult admissions with every 10 paid admissions
Additional Add-On Packages Available
To make reservations call
1.800.978.6303
www.PoconoParent Magazine.com December/January 2009
or e-mail pocogroupsales@greatwolf.com
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1 Great Wolf Drive • Scotrun, PA 18355 • 1800.978.6303 • greatwolf.com
Conditions: Minimum of 10 guests required, 40 guests max including adults. Two-week advance reservations requested. Wristband required to enter the waterpark, including adults. No outside food or beverage may be brought in the resort or waterpark area. One adult per five children. A non-refundable deposit of $100 is required at time of reservation. Deposit is applied towards party balance. Full payment and guarantee count of attendees is due 72 hours prior to event. All major credit cards accepted. No personal checks accepted. * Rate excludes tax and gratuity.
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Educational Gifts for this Holiday Season
oys, and educational toys, are typically built for and used by children. One could make the argument that an educational toy is actually any toy. Most children are constantly interacting with and learning about the world. This definition is ultimately too broad because one could make the same argument about a rock or a stick as it is not uncommon to see a child play with almost anything near-by. The difference lies in the child’s perception or reality of the toy’s value. An educational toy should instruct, promote intellectuality, or emotional and/or physical development. An educational toy can teach a child about a particular subject or can help a child develop a particular skill. The key difference is the child’s learning and development associated with interacting with the toy. Educational gifts get your child’s attention for a longer time, as they feed his or her stimulation-hungry. More importantly, the impact of the best educational gifts lasts a lifetime. These gifts give him a head start in reading, math and science. They develop his love for learning, the most important attitude to make your kid grow up smart. A great educational gift even triggers what will be your kid’s lifelong passion. The following are some suggestions of educational gift ideas to keep in mind when shopping this season.
Hobby and Science Toys
Brilliant engineers, inventors and mechanics get their beginnings from tinkering with toys when they were kids. Chemists begin by mixing stuff and biologists play with their ant farms. Hobby Toys help your kid discover his lifetime passion by offering hundreds of educational toys that
catches his interest. Examples are science projects, electronic kits, Lego Mindstorms and robot projects, chemistry, biology, anatomy and physics sets.
Nature Toys and Pets
Nature toys make your child explore the wonder and mystery of the world around him. These can make him eternally curious and thus be a lifelong learner. Examples are microscopes, telescopes, planetariums, and globes. Pets are also great gifts. An aquarium can teach your kid about aquatic life, and kittens and puppies can be a great way to introduce your kid to love for animals. Seeds will fascinate your kid when he sees it grow into a plant. Who knows, your kid’s appreciation of nature may be key to his being able to help save the planet in the future.
Musical Instruments and classes
Many studies have proven that learning music has a profound effect on your kid’s brain. Music is shown to increase IQ, improve school grades, and prepare your kid to learn the advanced concepts of math and science.
Personalized Gifts Studies show that children learn when their activities are personalized. When they are a
character on a book they read, they are fascinated and their minds open up. Personalized books, music, and toys also improve your child’s self-confidence and positive view of himself. Babies and kids will love hearing their OWN name sung in songs, printed in books, built with trains, or just hanging on the wall.
Magazine Subscriptions
Aside from books, magazines can be a great way to start kids off on a life-long passion for reading. Since magazines feature what is current and up-to-date, it is always interesting to your kid.
Puzzles and Board Games
Puzzles and games exercise the brain. And like any part of the body, the more exercise your kid’s brain gets, the more powerful and tougher it becomes when faced with challenges. The best puzzles and board games teach your kid how to plan, decide, think and think through a difficulty. Board games, when played with friends or family, enhance social skills. He learns about taking turns, following rules and cooperating with teammates or opponents.
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By Anthony S. Diecidue, O.D. including blindness, damage to blood vessels and kidneys and neuropathy (nerve damage).
n the last 2 decades the rate of overweight and obese children and adolescents in this country has doubled. Recent studies point to over 15% of 6-19 year olds are considered to be overweight. Alarmingly, rates are even higher among poor and certain minority groups. Similar trends have been noted in children less than 5 years old. Along with heart disease, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, previously considered an adult disease, is showing up in these overweight and obese children.
www.PoconoParent Magazine.com December/January 2009
Type-2 diabetes occurs when the body cannot make or properly use insulin. Uncontrolled, diabetes can result in severe consequences
Dr. ANTHONY S. DIECIDUE
Dr. JOHN J. GLASNER
DOCTOR OF OPTOMETRY
DOCTOR OF OPTOMETRY
• InfantSee™ • Kids Welcome Here™ • Glaucoma Management Center • Eye examinations
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Preventing type 2 diabetes can be as easy as eating healthy and exercising.
• Glasses, Contact lenses • OptoMap* retinal exam • Treatment of eye disease • Emergency services
Have Eye Associates of Monroe County examine your eyes once a year. Have this exam even if your vision is OK. Finding eye problems early and getting treatment right away will help prevent more serious problems later on.
EYE ASSOCIATES OF MONROE COUNTY
www.eyeassociatesonline.net
Lifestyle changes in this country over the last 2 decades including drinking more sodas, eating larger portions, the popularity of fast foods and less physical activity all contribute to this crisis. Detecting type 2 diabetes in children is difficult. It can go undiagnosed for a long time since children can have very mild or no symptoms typical in adults. Some symptoms may include: blurred vision, frequent infections, cuts or bruises that are slow to heal, excessive thirst, constant hunger, excessive urination, drowsiness or exhaustion and fruity odor of breath.
Some websites to check out for more information: http://ndep.nih.gov/diabetes/youth/youth_FS.htm http://www.diabetes.org http://cdc.gov/DIABETES/projects/cda2.htm
DIGIKIDS-ID.com • 1-888-DIGIKIDS • 570-504-3463
Dr. Diecidue is a past president of the Pennsylvania Optometric Association and is an adjunct professor at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry in Philadelphia, Pa.
View the Magazine Online If you can’t wait to get PoconoParent Magazine, then take a look at it online, now easier then ever with page by page or search.
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December/January 2009 www.PoconoParent Magazine.com
Preventing type 2 diabetes can be as easy as eating healthy and exercising. Choosing healthier foods such as 5 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables each day, losing weight and limiting fast or heavily processed foods can go a long way to maintaining a healthy body. There is no substitute for good, physical exercise for children of all ages. Consult with your pediatrician for what types and how much exercise is appropriate for your child, but a daily regimen will help keep their bodies fit.
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Custodial Parent’s Relocation By Darota Gasienica-Kozak, Esq.
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frequently asked question among parents with custody of their children is, “What happens to custody when a parent, especially the primary physical custodian, has to relocate to a different location (a different county, state or country)?” In a 1990 Pennsylvania Superior Court decision, the Appellate Court set the standard for determining what happens to the child in such a situation. The case was Gruber v. Gruber, 400 Pa. Super. 174, 583 A.2d 434 (1994). In the Gruber case the father petitioned the Court to prevent the mother, who had primary physical custody over the parties’ children, from relocating outside the state. The Court’s primary focus was on the primary
custodial family due to the fact that the interest of the custodial parent and their quality of life directly affects the interest of the child. Where the custodial parent seeks to relocate to another state, the Court’s task is to sacrifice the noncustodial parent’s interest as little as possible and face competing and often compelling interests of the custodial parent, who seeks a better life in another geographical location. The Gruber court emphasized that there were a number of interests which had to be accommodated in relocation cases, such as: 1. The custodial parent’s desire to exercise autonomy over basic decisions that will directly effect
his or her life and that of the children; 2. The child’s strong interests in maintaining and developing a meaningful relationship with the non-custodial parent; 3. The interest of the non-custodial parent in sharing in love and rearing of his or her children; and 4. The state’s interest in protecting the best interests of the children. In order to accommodate the interests of the non-custodial parent and to decide whether a custodial parent and children should be permitted to relocate to a geographical area that would be a
What is Plastercrafts??
Plastercrafts is a non-firing whiteware that is similiar to ceramics but less expensive, it can be enjoyed by all ages.
www.PoconoParent Magazine.com December/January 2009
Plastercrafts
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Starting January 2009 Monday thru Friday Afterschool Program for working parents
Unlimite d Mont hly Paintin g Pass $12.95 (plus co
st of piec
e)
Paint All Day y Any Da io Fee $4.95 Stud
(plus cost of piece)
Adult Classes on Thursdays
7-9pm, Cake and Coffee Served
All Pieces can be Painted at Home Our Plaster Pieces Start at 99¢ Birthday Parties
We can Accomodate Large Groups for Special Events 16.95 Per Child
Bring in this ad for 1/2 off studio fee
570-422-0888
in the Stroud Plaza across from Gray Chevrolet Monday thru Wednesday 11-7 • Thursday & Friday 11-9 Saturday 11-5 • Closed Sunday
$99 ASSESSMENT SPECIAL CALL TODAY TO SCHEDUAL LEARN FROM HOME! SAME GREAT PROGRAM! VALID AT THIS LOCATION ONLY
570-629-6600 Fountain Court, Route 611 Bartonsville, PA 18321
sylvanmc@ptd.net
distance away from the custodial parent, the Court created a three-prong test to make that decision. The following are the factors that the Court will analyze in order to make its determination: 1. The potential advantages of the proposed move and the likelihood that the move would substantially improve the quality of life for the custodial parent and the children and is not a result of monetary win on the part of the custodial parent; 2. The integrity of the motives of both the custodial and the non-custodial parent in either seeking the move or seeking to prevent it; and 3. The availability of realistic, substitute visitation arrangements which will adequately foster an ongoing relationship between the child and the non-custodial parent. The custodial parent has the initial burden of showing that the move is likely to significantly improve quality of life for that parent and children and, in addition, each parent has the burden of establishing the integrity of his or her motives in either desiring to move or seeking to prevent it. The Court then considers the feasibility of creating a substitute visitation arrangement to ensure a continuing and meaningful relationship between the children and the non-custodial parent. The move will not be disallowed simply because the visitation cannot continue in the existing pattern. Although Gruber has become a stepping stone for many relocation cases, there have been many cases that have come after the Gruber decision that have demonstrated that the factors in Gruber are not the only factors that the Court will consider in making its decision.
If you are considering relocating to a different location and you have custody of your children or allow for shared custody or visitation with the other parent, keep in mind that your reasons for moving have to be genuine and not spiteful against the other parent in order to decrease their visitation rights. It is the children’s best interest that must be kept in mind. The children may benefit if your life and opportunities improve in a different location. However, the children are also the ones who are deprived in the end if they do not at least have the opportunity to know and spend time with a parent that wants to be a part of their lives.
Tuesday Night
Pasta night $10 variety of dishes to choose from.
Wednesday Night Prime Rib night $14.95.
• Smoke Free Family Dining All Day Every Day
• Private Party Room Available Various Menus To Choose From
• Now Serving Sunday Brunch • Kitchen Now Open Till 1:00AM (Late Night Bar Menu Available)
Call to make reservations or for more information
570-421-8434
See Our Website for Events & Specials
www.siamsairishpub.com IRISH PUB & RESTAURANT Pronounce it - "sheem-sa" 636 Main Street • Rt 80 Exit 307 Stroudsburg, PA 18360 Open: Monday -Saturday 11-2 • Sunday 11-2 Happy Hour: 5-7 Monday - Friday
December/January 2009 www.PoconoParent Magazine.com
In cases where the Courts had to deal with relocation in a true equal shared custody situation, a case following Gruber v. Gruber set the standard in these circumstances. The case was Thomas v. Thomas, 739 A.2d 206 (1999). The Court found that even in cases where there is shared custody of the children, the Gruber factors are to be considered and should be compounded with an overall “best interest” of the child analysis. The Court emphasized that in all custody cases involving relocation of one or both parents, the ultimate objective in resolving the custody issue remains the best interest of the child. In shared custody cases, both parent’s family units must be examined separately to determine the child’s best interests.
Monday Night
all Siamsa Specialties $10
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Why is Music Important for Kids? written by Gemma Lee
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his question has been debated for as long as time has existed. Even the great Greek and Roman philosophers approached the question: is music something that should be taught and does it help the development of children? Plato answered “I would teach children music, physics, and philosophy; but most importantly music, for in the patterns of music and all arts are the keys to learning.” And again “what then is the education to be? Perhaps we could hardly find a better than that which the experience of the past has already discovered, which consists, I believe, in gymnastic, for the body, and music for the mind.” In all cultures of the world music plays an important role. While these roles may change depending on the culture it is impossible to separate music from the life of an individual. While some may argue the role of music in our lives it is impossible to escape it. Music provides a means of communication and expression of culture and individual identity. Children are immersed in music from birth and will be for their entire life. If this is the case why teach it? Is not the constant immersion in music enough? To this I say; is the fact that we witness the results of scientific principals on a day to day basis result in the understanding of those scientific principles? No it
www.PoconoParent Magazine.com December/January 2009
Something for the Whole Family
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& Gift Shop
• Ages 4 months to 5 years old • After school Ages 5 years to 13 years old. • Breakfast provided for 2 years to after school children. • Homework help is available at no extra charge, Director has Master's Degree in General education/Special education. • Experienced and CDC teachers Monday thru Friday, Pre-kindergarten 4-5 yr olds Pre-School 2-3 yr olds • Convenient to route 80. School buses drop off and pick up for JTL and East Stroudsburg Elementary. • Small Family orientated day care with mature staff
• Infant/Toddler Educational Toys, Puzzles & Puppets • Books, Pennsylvania & American History Educational Games • “Green” Products; Teas, Creams & Soaps • Art • Clothing • Jewelry
6am-7pm Monday-Friday
To Secure your child’s placement call
570-476-1100
2035 Milford Rd Suite 200
10% off Toys with coupon Route 611, Tannersville
www.silver-arrow-gallery.com
ltures In all cu rld o of the w lays an music p nt role importa
does not and likewise for music it does not either. The day to day encounters we have with music can move us but the understanding of this music can help us grow as individuals.
In many cultures the family plays the main role in music education. Families are most commonly the ones that teach children the music of their culture. As young children, we are commonly sung nursery rhymes. These provide entertainment for the child and often information in small repeated fashion. Children learn through the repetition and structure that the information was delivered in. Many nursery rhymes teach fundamental life lessons and therefore sets music up as a means of educating. Children learn from music from a young age and will continue to for the rest of their lives. In a world where globalization and consumerism are dominating, cultural identities are drifting into the background and children are more likely to be sung pop songs as lullaby’s than nursery rhymes. The benefit of nursery rhymes and progressive learning has become an issue. Children are missing out on fundamental learning opportunities.
at Pocono Kids’ Cultural Connection
A “Mommy & Me” Music Enrichment Program Making Music is a 10 week program designed for children birth to 3 years old with a caregiver. The children will explore music through musical instruments, “silly songs", movement, puppets, and more!
I do not believe that there is any argument to this question…music is a vital part of a child’s education and should be taken seriously. Listening to music is not enough! A child must learn to think musically and that is what will help assist the development of the child and their academic development.
All Classes held at the Day Street Community Center, East Stroudsburg
www.poconokidsculturalconnection.com
Events Calendar
You can view Monthly events in your area or even submit your own for display to our visitors.
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The Mozart effect which gained a large following in the 1990’s claimed that listening to Mozart as a baby will make a child smarter. While this movement was short lived and there is little proof that it works there has been no denying that children who learn music will achieve higher in other aspects of their academic life. In learning music children learn to express their identities, gain confidence and develop sense of time and space. A research team at the university of Munster in Germany discovered that students who study music have more developed abstract reasoning skills which are closely linked to learning in the areas of science and maths.
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By Erin Baehr, Financial Advisor
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he year 2008 is just about over, and you may be thinking, “Not a minute too soon.” It’s been a trying year economically, to say the least. The United States financial system has been transformed, and there were some shaky moments when we weren’t even sure it would survive. Our own personal economies have suffered as well, between skyrocketing fuel and food prices and the plummeting stock market for starters. There is a lot of blame to go around for the mess we’re in, and we shouldn’t be too quick to point fingers without examining our own role. As a society we have become accustomed to, and sometimes even expect, a relatively high standard of living, one that for the most part has been financed with easy credit. Now we’re paying the collective price of that way of life. But as Napoleon Hill said in his book Think and Grow Rich, “Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit.” Learning about the dangers of too much debt and living beyond our means as a nation is not an easy lesson to learn, but a valuable one. I believe that once we get LLC through this crisis, we will be healthier financially and ultimately better off.
Building Foundations, www.PoconoParent Magazine.com December/January 2009
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Enriching the community with creative educational programs for all ages • Tutoring Center (incl. ESL, SAT, Spanish, etc.) • Music (lessons, rentals, and accessories) • Art lessons (adults and children) • Drivers Education Theory
Parties and Classes for Children & Adults
Garden Beadin’ of
Parties include Cake, Paper Products, Balloons, Soft Drinks or Juice and Favors. Beading activities feature a special charm for the birthday child. Classes and parties include all basic supplies and the use of tools. Just bring your camera to capture the fun!
50 Route 611, Bartonsville, PA
Special Holiday Workshop Gingerbread House Decorating all weekends throughout December Please call or visit our website for a complete list of programs
570-839-8282 • www.cecacenter.com 14 Church Avenue • Mount Pocono, PA 18344
(Behind the Mount Pocono United Methodist Church and PNC Bank)
cecacenter@hotmail.com
*All programs are taught by certified and professional teachers.
570-426-9168
’s
Double electric
20 Years Experience Specialties Include • Basements • Outdoor Lighting • General Electrical Renovations and more! Money Saving Referal Program • Free Estimates
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What better time then, than the start of this New Year to take a moment to evaluate the strength of our financial foundation, and resolve to make the changes we need. Here are some suggestions to get you started:
1. Save.
It’s never easy, but saving at least 10% of your income will ensure you always live within your means. Employer matches don’t count toward the 10% but your retirement contributions do. The sooner you start saving the more the magic of compounding can work for you and the sooner you can achieve financial independence.
2. Get liquid.
Hand in hand with savings goes building the emergency fund. In this kind of economy, cash isn’t only king, it’s the whole royal family. Ideally having 30% of your income safe and accessible will get you through potential financial catastrophes without having to depend on credit, especially now when it may not even be readily available.
3. Choose paper over plastic. If you are carrying consumer debt, work aggressively to reduce and eliminate it. Commit to using cash, or the very least, charging
only what can be paid off when the bill comes. It’s hard to bail the water out of a boat while it is still leaking. Many times too, we use credit cards to fund the habit of living beyond our means. Statistically, we spend more when we are making electronic transactions, even debit cards. Using plastic can keep us from feeling like we are spending real money, and it makes it easier to lose track of how much we are spending.
4. Create a financial disaster plan.
What would happen to your cash flow if you or your spouse were sick or injured and unable to work? Or were laid off? Know what your income would be with unemployment or disability payments, plan what cuts could be made and know how long you could stay afloat. Make sure you and your spouse are both aware of the details of your finances. For practicality’s sake, one spouse usually is responsible for paying the bills, but make sure the other spouse knows who gets paid each month, when, and how, as well as what assets you have and where they are held. Businesses need continuation plans; so does the business of running a home. If something happened to you or
“Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit.”
your spouse, would the other be able to keep the operation going?
5. Prepare for the very worst.
Make sure you have enough life insurance and an up-to-date will. With all due respect to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, do you really want them to decide who gets your stuff, and more importantly, what happens to your children? If you make just one resolution this year, let it be this one.
Tackling all of these probably seems a bit overwhelming, and taking on too much all at once can be discouraging and a setup for failure. But committing to change in even one of these areas will make a difference in your finances. If your children are old enough to understand, talk it over with them and make it a family project. Let your children experience the satisfaction that comes from delaying gratification now to achieve a greater future goal together. Celebrate your successes as a family and learn from your setbacks. One of the most valuable things you can teach your children is how to handle money competently and responsibly. It’s never too late to start!
By Jeffrey Becker, OD & Robert Bohlander, PHD
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ou know that your child is really bright – he has a great memory, speaks well, and can do math like a wiz. But his reading lags behind and his handwriting is a mess. You’ve had his eyesight checked and it’s 20/20. What could be going on?
www.PoconoParent Magazine.com December/January 2009
While his eyesight might be perfect, his vision might not be. Almost all individuals are born with the potential for good “eyesight.” But good “vision,” the ability to understand and perceive what the eyes see, may not develop. As we grow, we all believe that our visual abilities
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will develop normally over time, as do other perceptual skills. New research findings, however, indicate that this not always the case, and 25% of children in a classroom may have undiagnosed visual skill deficits that affect the learning process. In addition to these undiagnosed visual deficits, neurosensory disorders can also lurk in this same population. These are primarily disorders of sensory eyesight integration.
While his might be per fect, his vision m ight not be
How are these two systems – visual and neurosensory - related? Both systems require the same level of development in order to contribute effectively to normal
perceptual ability. If either system is underdeveloped, then parents and teachers will note difficulties in learning. These may include limited reading skills, behavior problems, and sometimes gross motor control difficulties. Visual and neurosensory disorders can disrupt eye functions such as tracking, depth perception, peripheral vision, binocularity, maintaining attention, and visualization. Signs of vision and neurosensory disorders related to the eyes include a child who:
• holds the head at extreme angles to read or write • has poor posture when sitting at a desk • rubs eyes a lot when doing near point tasks • writes “up or downhill” • omits small words when reading • misaligns digits in columns of numbers • has difficulty describing what was just read
• loses place while reading • understands stories better when “read to” than when reading by self • avoids near work • has low self esteem • cries frequently in school • daydreams • exhibits behavioral problems
All of these signs and symptoms may indicate a vision or neurosensory disorder which may require treatment by a neurodevelopmental optometrist. You can find one near you through the website of the Neuro Optometric Rehabilitation Association at www.nora.cc.
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InTown Guide Online Looking for a certain business in your area? In Town Guide Online can help. From Day Care to Home Improvement, it’s all there.
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Adventures ~ Disney Style By Susan Mehler Bostick, Travel Consultant
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www.PoconoParent Magazine.com December/January 2009
hen considering a family vacation the task can seem daunting, especially if the trip is overseas. Perhaps this year you have been thinking about taking that “BigTrip” as a family; you know the one before the oldest goes off to college. Putting it all together ~ air, hotels, sightseeing etc. can be very time consuming, and most of the time even though you may think you are getting a deal you most likely will be spending more than you realize. I suggest leaving it to the professionals, and there isn’t anyone that knows more about family vacations than Disney.
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Disney not only offers their worldrenowned Theme Park and Cruise Line Vacations, they also offer a relatively new family vacation line ~ Adventures by Disney. Disney knows full well the world is a magical place and they have set out to show you and your family just how adventurous and exciting this great big world can be. They have put together over 23 wonderful destinations sure to offer something to every type of traveler. What sets Disney apart from other Tour Suppliers is the fact that they have always put “families first”. The tours will feature their own Adventure Guides that will be with you throughout the trip, hands on
with lots of insider information about each destination. They will know all there is to know about your destination, but more so they will bring the destination to life for you and your family. Every far off place has a story, and your Adventure Guide is there to bring that to life. They want to immerse you into the life and mysteries of your destination, if only for a little while. Each Tour will feature places and experiences that most travelers never see. They have searched the globe for friendly locals and experts to give you an authentic taste of every destination. It’s one thing to visit a country or city and be an outsider looking in, but quite another
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experience to feel as though you have really felt and touched the location alongside the people who live and have lived there before. Adventures by Disney are the experts in exploration. They are offering privately guided tours of Machu Picchu; painting gourds with members of an indigenous community on Costa Rica, jeep safaris through South Africa, off the beaten path tours in a primeval forest, and dining like an emperor in China. Along with making sure your every experience is authentic, they offer VIP access to some of the most exciting events, backstage tours, visits to local artisan homes, and special dinners in out of the way places. They make sure that “behind the scenes” is center stage for you and your family. Don’t forget that Disney Magic; your Adventure Guide will always have something up their sleeve or in their backpacks to keep your adventure stress and hassle free. They will make sure that your every whim is, “poof” taken care of!
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December/January 2009 www.PoconoParent Magazine.com
Whatever your family dream trip might be, from the Great Wall of China to ziplines over the rainforests, flying in the Swiss Alps or snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef, Adventures by Disney has the trip of a lifetime for you and your family. Tourist sees what they expect to see. Travelers and adventurers are in it for the undiscovered wonders off the beaten path. So why not share with your family t es gg I su the world filled leaving it to the with wonder, enchantment and d an ls, na sio profes beauty at some there isn’t anyone of the planets most spectacular re mo s ow that kn destinations! about family Adventures by Disney will surely an th ns tio vaca show you “The Disney. World is a magical Place”.
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What you should know about...
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n our last issue, we introduced you to New Beginnings Daycare located on Route 611, just one mile north of Mt. Pocono. Many parents have been curious about this new facility, which is also the new home of Pocono Community Church. Dr. Janet Shelton, Director of NBD, sat down to address some of the questions regarding this new daycare opening in January, 2009.
How many classrooms are in the childcare center?
NBD is one of the largest child care centers in our community with over 7000 sq. ft. The facility provides two infant rooms, one early toddler room, four preschool classrooms, a kitchen, laundry room and a multipurpose room that can be used for indoor play, after school classes and large gatherings.
What, if any, security features are provided?
In today’s world safety and security are of the utmost importance and caring for other’s precious treasures demands that the welfare and interests of the children must always be our first priority. Therefore, NBD provides a secure drop off and pickup area and classrooms with state-of-the-art security cameras. In addition are the added benefits
of the dedication, training, and commitment of the staff caring for and protecting each child.
What qualities do you seek in your staff?
Our leadership team has an earned doctorate and master’s degrees adding up to a total of over 65 years of educational experience. Teachers possess either an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree with educational experience, plus the average student to teacher ratio is 8:1. Great teachers need passion for, and commitment to, quality child care along with the skills to provide research-based instruction that in turn leads to outstanding achievement. Our commitment is to provide a qualified staff that can help families help their children grow.
Does the curriculum provide for academic instruction?
Definitely! The curriculum not only provides for academic instruction, but also hands-on experiences and spiritual teaching. The curriculum is developmental which means it has age appropriate objectives for children at every stage of growth. Assessment will be ongoing and be observation driven, based on high expectations and the belief that every child can learn. Every experience at NBD is planned to discover and develop each child’s potential to the fullest.
What is the role of parents or guardians at NBD?
We welcome and seek parental involvement as research teaches us that the more parents are involved in the education of their children, the better the academic achievement of the children. We are recruiting parents to serve as an advisory team to help us plan activities, make suggestions to sustain or improve the quality of care and programs, recommend and participate in training they might need or want, to volunteer as readers, chaperones, tutors, etc. Soliciting parents’ points of view can enrich the child care experience for everyone’s child. Parental involvement is absolutely crucial to the successful development and education of each child.
What kind of space is provided for play areas?
At NBD, there are two play areas. There is a large multipurpose room measuring 2976 sq. ft. which will be especially useful in inclement weather. There is also an outdoor playscape behind the building with 3000 sq. ft. of fenced-in space with areas for walking trails, picnicking and gardening.
What is a playscape?
A playscape is a natural space that reflects the local environment that can include a sound garden, an
arbor with a swing, a stream, a traditional garden, or even natural trails and bike paths. Thus play areas that provide interesting, natural stimuli to thoroughly engage children and enhance their curiosity about their environment and reinforce their learning while they are having fun.
Do you have any final comments for our readers?
ted it m m o c e r a We ; e c n e ll e c x e o t eve li e b e w y ll a u act us. f o d e r i u q e r it is
We are excited about the opportunity to provide an extraordinary experience for children entrusted to our care. We are committed to excellence; actually we believe it is required of us. Our purpose is to partner with parents by providing them comfort in knowing each child is safe, while receiving a noteworthy educational experience where people will lovingly care for them in a dynamic environment designed to tap into every child’s potential for excellence. Everyone will find a welcome at New Beginnings Daycare in January, 2009! NBD does not discriminate in its services or employment opportunities on the basis of race, color, disability, ancestry, national origin, age, or sex.
www.newbeginningsdaycare.org
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Hello, my name is Christine. I am an avid reader of your magazine especially because I have two children of my own; now raising them on my own. I frequent your magazine for 2 reasons, the Restaurant Review, and the Dr. Waters article. He has helped me in the past with concerns I have had. I read your review this month on Furino’s Pizza. I have eaten there myself with my children and have enjoyed the meal!
Christine, Canadensis Dear Editor-
I am so happy to have discovered your magazine! I picked it up at my local library and read through every article. There is so much useful information in it. I just went online to subscribe so that I can receive my own copy, and I subscribed my sister too. I can’t wait for my first one to arrive. Thank you for such a great magazine. Sincerely,
Colleen, Brodheadsville Dear PoconoParent Magazine,
I am a mother of 3 children ages 3-13, and I just want you to know that I enjoy reading your magazine. Sometimes I feel like the articles are written just for me. I love that there is always something that I can relate to. I also love that it has local businesses that I can try out for my family needs. I have lived in the Poconos for 10 years now, and I am always learning something new, thanks to you. Keep up the good work.
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Providing child care from 6 weeks through 12 years:
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By Donna L. Hamilton, MD, MS, FAAP,
Part 2
Part 1 of this article described the five arenas affecting the health of an individual. This article describes how these arenas apply to the family unit.
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eing healthy, as defined in Part 1, applies to families as well as to individual family members. Generally, a healthy family is one that functions to the best of its ability physically, mentally, emotionally, socially, and spiritually. As with an individual, different families have different circumstances. What is healthy for one family might not be healthy for another family. By definition, families consist of multiple people. The individual health of each member impacts the overall health of the family unit. This is because each family member affects the social arena of the other family members. Furthermore, when one family member experiences a health challenge, it impacts the other members in a variety of ways. For example, if a parent is critically ill, it affects their spouse and children on multiple levels. They might feel sad or fearful (i.e. emotional arena), worry about what will happen to them if their loved one doesn’t recover (i.e. mental arena), have a crisis of Faith (i.e. spiritual arena), or begin to feel physically ill because of the extreme stress of the situation (i.e. physical arena.) One way to evaluate your family’s health is to evaluate the status of each health arena for each family member. If you discover an overwhelming trend in a particular arena, the entire family would probably benefit by collectively addressing that arena. For instance, if most family members have a weight issue, the entire family would likely benefit by addressing the family’s eating and exercise habits. Also, you can assess if an individual member has imbalances that adversely impact the entire family. For example, determine if someone has a schedule that disrupts the rest of the family. Another way to assess the health of your family is to evaluate each arena for the entire family unit. The physical arena is anything that physically impacts the family members. In addition to diet and exercise, consider the physical environment. Is there enough space for everyone to comfortably coexist? Are there safe places for your children to play
outside? Is anyone allergic to your pet? Making constructive changes in areas that adversely affect family members will help improve the overall health of your family. The mental arena of a family consists of the beliefs they collectively share. These beliefs often become part of the mental chatter that creates the individuals’ mental arena. Sometimes these ideas are consciously communicated, but often they are not. For example a family might have a belief that certain chores are appropriate for girls and others are appropriate for boys. They might assign house work based on this belief, but never discuss it with their children. Other examples of family beliefs might be, “Winners never quit and quitters never win,”“Family business is only to be discussed with family members,” and “Family members support each other no matter what.” When evaluating your family’s mental arena, it is important to determine whether or not your family beliefs support each family member in being the best person they can be. If you identify a belief that is not supportive, consider creating a new belief in that area. When you identify beliefs that are helpful, be mindful to consciously share them with your children, especially when they are young and establishing their own belief system. As children mature and develop their own beliefs, the family unit might have to make room for multiple opinions. The emotional arena of a family is the arena of feelings. When evaluating this arena for your family, consider the general mood of the entire group as well as each person. For example, consider whether
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or not most family members are generally happy, depressed, fearful, or angry. Also consider whether or not stress and tension abound at family gatherings. Do you laugh and enjoy each other’s company? Isolated issues between individual members can also impact the entire unit, so consider them too. Remember, a healthy arena is one that supports all family members in optimizing their personal health. Your family’s social arena consists
The mental arena of a family consists of the beliefs they collectively share of relationships, habits, and hobbies that affect the family. This includes practices such as eating meals together, having family activities, and reviewing your children’s homework. When evaluating this arena, determine whether or not your family has practices and relationships that assist it in being balanced, supported, and united. Do you have time to enjoy each other’s company? Do you do positive things together? Do you support each other? Do you have other support systems that would help you if there was a family emergency? Strengthening your family social arena assists individual family members in having healthy
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social arenas. The spiritual arena for a family deals with the family’s values and philosophies. This is different than the family beliefs that create the mental arena. Family beliefs tend to deal with the “whats” of life. They tend to address what to do or not to do, what consequences occur for certain behaviors, what you believe is right or wrong, etc. Values tend to deal with the “whys” of life. They tend to address why you want your family members to do certain things, why you believe certain consequences occur, why you believe something is right or wrong, etc. This is also the arena where parents teach their children the values they need to develop their character. This arena helps children develop a paradigm that assists them in understanding the various experiences they will have throughout their life. Many parents focus on their children’s health. Expanding your concept of health to include your family’s health will not only benefit your children, but will also benefit you. Ensuring your family unit has healthy practices will make it easier to help your child experience optimal health. Also, healthy children need healthy parents. Just like on a plane, in the event of an emergency you must put on your mask first. You can’t give your best to your children if your health is failing. So, be good to yourself. You deserve it and your family needs it! Be well.
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PoconoParent Magazine.com is all New with more Resources, New Features and a Brand New look. Check your Local Area Directory with the In Town Guide or See what Events are coming with the Events Calendar. So Check out the New and Improved PoconoParent Magazine.com
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Review style, which translates roughly from the Portuguese for ‘barbecue’. After all this was my raison d’être.
By David T O’Brien A Taste of Portugal, Fresh, Simple and Flavorful!
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ecently, my wife and a friend of ours had the pleasure of dining at a new Portuguese restaurant located on Milford Road in East Stroudsburg. I say “new” as it was new for us. We have passed by several times, mentioned in passing that we “must try it”, and it took us several years to finally make it. Hmm! We did not know what we were missing. The food was a welcome change from the overly fussy fare at many restaurants today. Tastes of Portugal BARBEQUE excels at fresh, simple, flavorful stews, grilled seafood and of course Barbequed meat.
www.PoconoParent Magazine.com December/January 2009
We started with Shrimp in Garlic
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Sauce (Camärao à Guilho), Stuffed Mushrooms with Crab Meat (Cogumelos Recheados com Caranguejo) and French Onion Soup ( Sopa de Cebola à Francesa) and fresh Portuguese bread followed by a generous salad. We all agreed that the appetizers we magnificent. When it came to the entrees, were we in for a shock! The portions provided were enough for two meals per plate! We all looked at each other in surprise. How were we going to eat all of this food? In front of us, beautifully presented we found Veal Marsala, Mariscada (Shrimp, Scallops, Mussels, Clams, Lobster) in a sauce with Yellow Rice and I chose Combo ½ BBQ Chicken & 3 BBQ Ribs (1/2 Frango de Churrasco e 3 Costelas). Churrasco is the cooking
For dessert not that we had any room left, but we all felt that we had to sample while we were there, we ordered “to share” A chocolate fantasy and an apple pie. And do not forget to order a cup of the restaurant’s creamy cappuccino (so rich it did not even need the mound of whipped cream on top). All in all, our experience was Sumptuous! So much so, that our friend visited again the next night with her family! Bring your appetite and a good bottle of wine as it is a BYOB, sit back and enjoy Portuguese cooking at its finest. Call for reservations 570-588-7711, they are not needed but suggested and don’t forget to tell them you read about it in PoconoParent Magazine!
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LOCAL NEWS Volume 2
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Issue 52
Continual News Coverage of Economic Crisis
Creates Math Learning Opportunity for Children While Parents Stress About the Stock Market, Children Can See Practical Applications for Math Skills They Learn in School By: Lara McCarthy
Director of Education
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he current global economic turmoil and non-stop news coverage, while distressing to parents, creates a unique math learning opportunity for children.
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As news of the stock market fluctuations and financial services crisis is publicized each day, an opportunity is presented to demonstrate to school-age children the real-life applications of basic math concepts, such as addition, subtraction, percentages, and averages. While this is a turbulent time for families, there are ways to use the economic information that is shown on TV or online to help children grasp basic math concepts without causing them undue stress about the overall economy. Helping children develop the habit of demonstrating their knowledge of basic math, be it addition and subtraction, or multiplication and percentages, will serve to create a more stress-free,
and many times, fun way for children to learn these concepts. The math experts at Sylvan Learning offer tips for parents that can serve as a guide to explain math concepts to children: • Have your child track the closing number for the stock market each day and calculate the difference as a number and a percentage. • Have your child note how the cost of gas varies from station to station in your town. How much less would you pay at station #1 versus station #2 for a full tank of gas? • Use the changes in interest rates to pose a math question about how much interest she would pay if she needed a loan to buy a toy. How much interest she would earn if she placed her money in a savings account? • Use coupons to demonstrate subtractions skills. If a store doubles coupon values, have your child calculate the savings. Or, if you use a coupon that takes cents off an item, have him calculate the new price. • Help children to understand the value of a savings account and how those accounts will earn interest on their deposits. Encourage them to save a portion of their allowance or wages from part-time jobs. • Use credit card statements to explain how interest on accounts adds to the cost of an item and the importance of paying the balance every month and on time. Teaching children strong financial skills using basic math will help them make wise decisions for the use of their own money as well as helping them to understand the decisions the family needs to make during these times of turmoil.
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There are ways to use the economic information that is shown on TV or online to help children grasp basic math concepts
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ASK DR. WATERS
How to Convert a Tapaphobic S
ome of you may be familiar with Tapaphobia™, a term I coined earlier this year for those afraid to drink tap water (from the faucet). The Tapaphobia™ press release is available at the www.DrWaters.org website. My good friend who holds a Ph.D in physical therapy and now works as a college professor had suffered from Tapaphobia™ for many years. She admits that the evidence is now so overwhelming in favor of the “tap” that even she can no longer succumb to the dark side of the force.
Do not get me wrong, I’ve never said against the quality of non-tap water. Dr. Waters is a friend of all water whether it’s in a lake or a plastic container. My argument is simple. The national average price for a gallon of tap water is 1¢ and for bottled water it’s about $10. Why pay so much more for something that even the JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) says can be harmful? BPA (Bisphenol A) is a widely used epoxy resin that lines the inside of food and beverage containers. Evidence of effects in animals generated concern over low-level chronic exposures in humans. A study published September 16, 2008 by JAMA concludes “using data representative of the adult US population, we found that higher urinary concentrations of BPA were associated with an increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and liver-enzyme abnormalities”. This study can be found at http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/ content/full/300.11.1303. I feel the tides are turning. Major cities, most notably San Francisco have placed a ban on city dollars being spent for non-tap water. I can only hope that a ban on plastic bags is not too far behind. A Pocono Record
www.PoconoParent Magazine.com December/January 2009
Quality is not an option...
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article Mayors put the cap on bottled water by Gigi Kellett (7/31/08) made a few startling discoveries at the U.S. Conference of Mayors. “When people complain about $4/gallon gasoline but buy $7/gallon drinking water, I think that disconnect needs to be recognized” said Fayetteville mayor Dan Coody. The general consensus from the meeting was that spending money on non-tap water sends the wrong message about city water which is highly regulated and tested. In many cases tap water and store purchased water come from the same water source. Perhaps my favorite part of this article is the statement “the time has come to support longer-term investments in public water systems that ensure we all have equitable access to safe, clean, and affordable drinking water for generations to come”. San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsom is quick to point out another major problem with non-tap water – billions of pounds of unrecycled plastic containers that must be deal with by city officials. Sadly less than 20% of all plastic containers are recycled.
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reasons. I like my water really cold so letting the water sit in a pitcher in the refrigerator is great. These filters are great for improving taste and they add an additional layer of security for me and my family for very little money. The bottom line is people want healthy water that they enjoy drinking. If you have a private well I encourage annual testing. If you have city water please take the time to review your annual water report called a CCR (consumer confidence report). This report is required to be distributed by all public water suppliers. As always, if you have any questions regarding your drinking water do no hesitate to contact Dr. Waters by e-mail at drwaters@ptd. net or by phone at (570) 421-3232.
December/January 2009 www.PoconoParent Magazine.com
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For a lot of people it comes down to taste. Let’s face it, if you don’t like the taste you’re not going to drink anybody’s water. At times city water suppliers must increase chlorine levels like during routine maintenance. Most water suppliers flush out their water distribution lines twice per year to keep things flowing smoothly – if you notice an increase in chlorine every spring and fall don’t be surprised! The easiest solution to chlorine taste is to simply let the water sit before drinking it. Chlorine will dissipate quickly over time. A person can also use a home filtration device like Brita® or Pur® to help with taste issues. I’ve personally done at-home tests with these simple home filtration devices and I’m amazed at their effectiveness. The filters must be changed regularly to ensure these units continue to work properly. At home I have city water and I personally use a home-filtration device for several
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By Bonnie Kraeutler, Preschool Director
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www.PoconoParent Magazine.com December/January 2009
he holidays are coming. It seems that at this time of year, we spend oodles of time thinking about and obsessing over the perfect gifts for our children. There will be articles written and TV reports made about the new toys and books that are on the market this year. Lots of earnest thought will be given to what to give to the children. I would like to list some of the many gifts that the children have given over the years.
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I have been blessed to have spent over twenty years in one type of classroom or another. Wow, that’s a lot of noses and tears wiped, a lot of books read, a lot of lessons learned. During this amazing journey of discovery and love, the children have given me gifts beyond measure. I have been given countless warm hugs and sticky kisses. I have received treasures untold; let me tell you about some of them….
Every day starts fresh…We tell our children that if they have had a difficult day, it is OK, because tomorrow they can start again. With the true fairness of childhood, the kids extend that blessing to us. It may be hard to believe, but I am not always an A+ teacher (gasps of shock and alarm). If I have been a foul
witch on a Monday, miraculously the children still love me on Tuesday! Even more amazing, they never mention that I was a grouch or that my lesson stunk. They burst into the classroom a wriggling mass of enthusiasm ready to meet this new day with delight. How is that for a gift for a sheepish teacher, who feels guilty about yesterday?
neck or sneak up from behind around your waist melt your heart into a big pile of goo. If you plop a preschooler on you lap and sit quietly for a minute, you can actually feel your heart rate go down. If we could bottle that feeling of a child snuggled close, we would put the blood pressure medication people out of business!
Laughing is good for you… Kids know that a good belly laugh makes you feel great inside. As grownups, we bring all of our emotional “stuff” with us to school every day. We try very hard to leave it all piled OUTSIDE the classroom door, but sometimes it gets dragged in with us. When you come to school fresh from an argument with your spouse, your sense of humor may have stayed at home. Don’t worry sometime during the day; some minor thing will strike one of the children as hilarious. That deep down from the belly laugh will soon have you laughing along.
Things don’t have to be perfect…Kids are perfectly content with “good enough”. At preschool any day can be a party day if we have two things…holiday napkins and ice cream cups. Pull out the ice cream cups and that is the signal for a great time. The kids don’t need fancy decorations; they need ice cream cups and the right frame of mind from the grownups around them. To be superman, you don’t need a fancy cape from the costume store…a dish towel tied around your neck is just as cool. So, give yourself a break this holiday season, play with the kids and let things be “good enough” instead of making everyone crazy by striving for “perfect”.
Hugging is even better for you…Preschoolers are the world’s best huggers. Kids seem to know just when you need a hug. Little arms that are flung around your
You
can never run out of love…Sometimes we are greedy
with our love. We give it to people
that have “earned” it, or to causes that are “worthy”. Kids know the real secret of love…the more you give, the more you get. They are well aware that you can never, ever run out of love. So kids love without discrimination. They love their parents, and the neighbor’s puppy, and grandma, and peanut butter. They are equal opportunity lovers. They are passionate about loving. Friends are often knocked down by love. Small animals are often choked by love. Kid love is pure, shining, and sometimes violent (I have a couple of tiny teachers here who are routinely knocked flat by enthusiastic lovers), aren’t we blessed that they have an unlimited supply? All children leave a mark on your heart…Every child who has passed through the doors of our preschool has left some kind of mark here. Each child has had something to teach us, some gift to give. This fall we were blessed with twin boys here at preschool. One of our teachers was pregnant with kids’ number five and six! We were so excited. The boys were born on September 26. They were much too early. Justin weighed in at 1 pound 13 ounces. Ryan passed away. How can this happen to a family that loves children? How can it happen to a preschool family that was waiting for these two boys? Ryan was loved and wanted. We prayed so hard for him, and yet he couldn’t stay. He had to leave parents who loved him desperately and siblings who are hurting and confused. Even though Ryan never took a breath on this earth, he has left his mark on our hearts. We will always remember and pray for this little person. We will remember how funny (he would torture the nurses by moving around in the womb during tests) and how stubborn (he fought long and hard) he was. This child will never be far from our hearts. And as for his brother Justin…at three pounds 2 ounces, he is working hard to come home and be with his family. I am looking forward to the day when I can yell from my office “No running in the hallway, mister” at him! Kids give us gifts every day. I know that everyone will still be out there looking for the perfect gift to give to your child this holiday season. Take some time to think about the lessons learned from your child. It was no mistake that God sent us his perfect Gift as a little child. Think about that…And Merry Christmas! December/January 2009 www.PoconoParent Magazine.com
us gifts Kids give I know . y a d y r e ev will still e n o y r e v g that e re lookin e h t t u o be t gift to c e f r e p e for th ild this h c r u o y give to n. Take o s a e s y a holid e to think m i t e m o s lessons e h t t u o ab ur child o y m o r f learned
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wonderful artisits that r ou to ks an th ial ec sp a e like to giv PoconoParent Magazine would play your talents and dis to d ou pr ry ve e ar e W . blished submitted their work to be pu e good work. encourage you to keep up th
Abby, 4 Selena, 3 Mark, 13 tist in your family, email ar or r ite wr g un yo g rin pi as If you have an red for future issues of ide ns co be to us to s ion iss your subm PoconoParent Magazine at
Teen
T
A
s American teenagers we often forget just how blessed we are. We often have the “give me” attitude instead of the “give” to others attitude. I know that I am guilty of it. I think part of the reason we think like this is because we feel that we do not have the resources to give. I am just a kid, what can I do? I have found out through my church and watching my mom that giving is most often not done through the use of things or money but from “me”. People are in need of so many things but what they want most is companionship and someone to really care about them. This cost us, the American teenager absolutely nothing. The holidays are here and often times we think of them as the time to get things. We make our lists and we check them twice but what we should be doing is remembering all the things we have and give to those who don’t. That is the real blessing during the season! So I challenge you to find someone or something that needs you and give of yourself this holiday season. You will be surprised of how blessed you feel and it won’t be because of the new cell phone that you get for Christmas. I think that because of the hard times that so many people are facing this year, we as teenagers should focus on the blessings of home, family, love and freedom instead of the your favorite new Christmas gift. Each one of us is truly blessed, let’s share it!!
Kate,13
Holiday Blessings Tween I
think that at my age, blessings can be hard to describe. My mom says that blessings are the things that I should be thankful for everyday. I guess my puppy would be considered my newest blessing. I got him two months ago. One of my holiday blessings this year is being able to go to my Grandma and Grandpa’s house for Christmas. They live in Florida. I can’t wait to see them! I also think my mom, dad, and my sister are my blessings too. Without them, Christmas wouldn’t be special at all. I can’t forget to write about the most special holiday blessing of all. Jesus is born on Christmas Eve and we celebrate his birthday Christmas Day. I think that is the best blessing of all! Every “tween” should think about their blessings at the holidays and write down a few so they can think about them at this time of year. It’s not easy to do, but it makes you smile!
Want to write for Teen orTween? Lets us know. We are always looking for Merry Christmas and Happy New new writers. Year! Please feel free to Miranda,11 Email us at editor@poconoparent.com
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in
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JOIN THE PRECISION MUSIC FAMILY TODAY! Specializing in Children and Family Photos
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photography
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This our dog Princess. She is a black and white shih tzu. She is 4 years old, but still thinks that she is a puppy. She is alot of fun to play with. She loves to bring us her toys to play fetch.
Colin and Sean
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Miss Margaret’s
Musical Theatre Dance Ages 3-18
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