Parent Source Spring 2014 | Parent Source | 1
Serving DeKalb County
Puppy Prep:
How to get your family’s new addition off to a good start
Spring has Sprung:
Tips for getting outside to play
Spring Allergies
Spring Resource Guide for Parents
2 | Parent Source | Spring 2014
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Spring 2014 | Parent Source | 3
Table of Contents 4 5 6
8
Growing number of parents turn to police to report cyberbullying
9
Puppy Prep: How to get your family’s new addition off to a good start
12 5 things you should know
Five sure-fire steps for planning the most memorable family vacation of your life Tips & tricks for busy parents on the go
Parent Source is distributed in the Daily Chronicle
Project Manager: Lisa Angel Design & Layout: Allison LaPorta We reserve the right to include and edit all editorial content of this publication.
Spring has Sprung: Tips for getting outside to play
10 Spring into the season about spring allergies
14 New Laws emerge as
technology impacts cars and driving
15 Safety Tips for your baby’s pacifier
4 | Parent Source | Spring 2014
Let’s Talk About It Growing Number
of parents turn to police to report
Cyberbullying (BPT) - As more people become aware of the harmful consequences of cyber bullying, parents are more likely to report cyber bullying incidents directly to their local police than local school officials.
in cyber bullying.
That’s the finding of a new national survey of 642 American parents conducted by the Fraud Prevention and Investigations business unit of Thomson Reuters.
In a related survey of U.S. law enforcement professionals conducted by Thomson Reuters in conjunction with PoliceOne. com, 48 percent of law enforcement agencies report that time spent investigating cyber bullying, bullying and school violence has dramatically increased over the past two years. Yet, most law enforcement agencies feel ill-equipped to effectively investigate these cases, with 76 percent reporting that training to handle cyber bullying complaints has been insufficient.
According to the survey, 36 percent of parents would turn to law enforcement first if they learned that their child was the victim of cyber bullying threats and attacks versus 29 percent of parents who said they would go to their local school officials. One reason that parents may hesitate going to their local school officials is that 30 percent of parents surveyed didn’t know if their child’s school has a policy to address cyber bullying. Cyber bullying is defined as bullying¬†that takes place using electronic technology, according to stopbullying.gov, a website managed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Cyber bullying can take many forms, hurtful messages or embarrassing photos posted on social media sites, harassing text messages and e-mails, and private information purposefully shared through text messages, email or through the Internet. The issue has become a priority for parents surveyed, of which 50 percent indicated that they are very concerned about the rise
Today, more than 80 percent of teens use a cellphone regularly, making it the most common tool among cyber bullies, according to dosomething.org. The presence of teens on social media sites has only compounded the issue, blurring the lines between a schoolyard problem and a law enforcement concern.
While parents may trust law enforcement officials more than school officials with handling cyber bullying incidents involving their children, 68 percent of the law enforcement professionals surveyed said that they work to foster stronger relationships with school officials and/or principals to prevent or deter cyber bullying. Though cyber bullying is a challenging issue for students, parents, school officials and law enforcement, these statistics suggest that people want to work together to understand the issue, protect kids from cyber bullying, and help kids understand the serious consequences of participating in cyber bullying, says Jason Thomas, manager of Innovation for Thomson Reuters.
Spring 2014 | Parent Source | 5
Puppy prep: How to get your family’s new addition off to a good start
Bringing home a puppy is a heartwarming and fun experience whether you’re a kid or an adult. You might think of your puppy as a new best friend - but your role as a puppy parent is even more crucial. Puppies grow more in their first year than any other time in their life, and while they’ll depend on you for playtime and love, they also rely on you to give them a healthy, good start to life. Before you go to the animal shelter or breeder, make sure you are able to take on all the challenges that raising a puppy presents and handle them with an even temper and a good sense of humor. The more positive you make his experiences, the stronger your bond will be - and it’ll be a bond that lasts a lifetime.
If a puppy will be joining your family soon, or has recently arrived, keep these tips in mind to establish a happy, healthy foundation for your new pet.
Training:
The amount and kind of training you’ll need depends on your experience with dogs, the dog you’re getting and whether you want to do specialized activities with him in the future. If this is your first dog, or if it’s been a long time since you’ve had one, it’s well worth it to sign up for puppy training classes - you’ll learn just as much as your puppy will. Some breeds are naturally more obedient than others, but it will also depend on your pup’s individual personality. Be sure you sign up for classes that are appropriate for your pup’s age and make sure to keep it fun and rewarding.
Nutrition: Just like parents teach kids to eat their veggies,
a puppy parent is responsible for feeding their pup a diet that’s rich in natural ingredients with added vitamins and minerals. It’s easier than ever to find high-quality puppy foods that are free of fillers and unsavory ingredients. Foods like Nutro Natural Choice puppy food make it easy to be confident that you know exactly what you’re giving your puppy by listing all the ingredients.
Health:
Making regular trips to the vet is part of having a puppy. You’ll need to make sure that he has all the necessary immunizations, check-ups and medications. If you don’t have an established relationship with a veterinarian, ask friends who have pets for recommendations and research clinics in your vicinity to find one that’s right for you. NutroPuppy.com is also a useful resource, with nutrition, health, training and behavior tips available for new puppy parents.
Development:
Helping your puppy with good development is a two-fold task: both physical and behavioral. Giving your puppy good food has effects beyond creating a glistening coat and healthy immune system; it can also have an effect on his brain development. Nutro Natural Choice Puppy Lamb Meal and Rice Formula contains Smart Start with ALA and DHA, which helps puppies with learning, brain and vision development. And to ensure that your puppy will grow into a dog that is friendly, well-adjusted and well-behaved, it’s important to expose him to new people and other animals in controlled environments. Encourage timid pups and try to calm bold pups so that they learn the value of getting along with everyone. This will help them be better prepared to deal with unfamiliar circumstances and places.
6 | Parent Source | Spring 2014
Five sure-fire steps for planning the
most memorable family vacation of your life
(BPT) - It’s no secret that families are busy these days. Between mom and dad’s careers, the kids’ school demands and extracurricular activities, quality time together as a family is hard to come by. This busy lifestyle is inspiring a new travel movement, and 2014 is positioned for the grand rebirth of the family vacation. If you want to take an unforgettable family vacation this year, the idea of planning might seem overwhelming. But travel experts agree that planning ahead and researching your options are important steps to ensure your trip is stress-free and full of fun. Follow these five steps to plan a trip your entire family will love and remember for years to come:
Step 1: Make a travel wish list
Kick off your travel planning by talking to all family members about what they’d like to see and do on vacation. Keep it light-hearted and have some fun, chat with your 4-year-old over breakfast or text your teen after school. As you have these conversations, notice commonalities, such as location and experiences.
Step 2: Research, research, research
After your initial conversations with your family, it’s time to do your research. The Internet has made selecting a travel destination that much easier, or harder because there are so many options. Check out tourism organizations, such as a Chamber of Commerce or Convention and Visitor’s Bureau (CVB). Look up online hotel and travel reviews, these sites can provide invaluable information for travelers. Many sites even have free online travel planners or visitor’s guides.
Step 3: Choose a destination for everyone
Perhaps the most important consideration when planning a family vacation is to select a destination that has something for every person in your group. Myrtle Beach, S.C. is a great example of a location that is great for all ages. The 60 miles of pristine beaches are just one reason to visit, foodies can indulge on the best Southern and lowcountry cuisine; cultural enthusiasts can experience beautiful art
Spring 2014 | Parent Source | 7
museums and plantations; golfers tee off at a one of the many championship courses in the area. From water parks to natural wonders, Myrtle Beach is a true gem for family vacations. Visit www.visitmyrtlebeach.com to learn more.
Step 4: Select your ideal accommodations
Whether you’re vacationing for a long weekend or multiple weeks, it’s important to choose the right accommodations for your family. For example, if you know you’ll be at the beach daily, stay at a shore-side resort. If you want to save on eating expenses, look into condos with kitchens. For big groups such as family reunions, consider a beach house that allows everyone to stay in their own room within one shared space.
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Step 5: Create a fun-filled itinerary
This is a vacation, and while you shouldn’t plan out every hour of every day, having a basic itinerary gives direction to your trip and will help your group build excitement prior to your departure. Plus, planning ahead allows you to seek out deep discounts on tickets to shows and theme parks like the Alabama Theatre or Wild Water & Wheels in Myrtle Beach. You can even explore free activities like festivals and celebrations in the area that would be worthwhile to attend. If you feel like it’s time for your family to take a break from the stress of everyday life, a family vacation might be just what everyone needs. Follow these steps to select a family friendly destination such as Myrtle Beach to ensure a vacation full of unforgettable memories.
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8 | Parent Source | Spring 2014
Tips&Tricks for busy parents on the go
Parents are the ultimate multi-taskers. But with today’s busy schedules, they can always use a little help, especially when it comes to providing their kids with quality, nutritious snacks.
More than half of the parents felt there’s one thing even more critical than diapers and sippy cups when they’re out and about with kids, a snack, according to the Tree Top’s Snacks On-TheGo Survey. And four in five parents admit their kids influence snack choices. As parents, we strive to give our kids the best, but we need to make it easier on ourselves because we’re so busy, says Erika Brown, Tree Top’s mom expert and blogger at Chic Shopper Chick. When I’m on the go with my kids, I need convenient, mess-free, nutritious snacks that my kids love and as a parent, I feel good about. For those times when it seems like there aren’t enough hours in a day, Brown, who knows that juggling life with two small children is not a light task, reveals some of her tips and tricks for busy parents who are constantly on the go.
Pick out tomorrow’s outfits tonight. Pull out all of the clothes that your kids will need for the next day and set them in designated areas so everyone can wake up and get dressed before breakfast, without any help from you. Don’t forget to include shoes and socks, nothing is worse than not being able to find a misplaced sneaker 15 minutes before your kids head out the door.
Pack lunches on the weekends. On Sundays, pull out everything that you need to make lunches and pack them into individual bags. Throw in a nutritious, whole fruit snack that has no sugar added, like Tree Top Apple Sauce Pouches, a bag of veggie sticks, a bottle of water, and a few cookies and stash it in the pantry. That way, all you have to do in the morning is make sandwiches and add the contents of one bag of snacks into their lunch boxes before sending them on their way.
Wake up an hour before your kids do. Waking up an hour before your kids gives you time to shower (in peace, without small children banging on the shower door), get dressed in something
other than sweatpants, drink your coffee, finish making lunches and just generally be a happy human being.
Keep a stash of emergency items in your car.
Use a little basket for convenient and portable items you need on-the-go, such as wet wipes (these aren’t just for babies!), tissues, a change of clothes for each child, bottles of water, non-perishable and mess-free snacks like Tree Top Apple Sauce Pouches, a small blanket that works for picnics when someone is freezing, and bandages.
Make easy dinners or give yourself permission to order take out. Make full use of your crockpot for one-dish meals and throw together a quick salad to go with it. Or, just give yourself permission to order in. Kung Pao chicken, anyone? To learn more visit www.treetop.com. Also, check out Tree Top’s Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest pages for new product news, familyfriendly recipes and special promotions.
Spring 2014 | Parent Source | 9
Spring
has Sprung: After being cooped up
during one of the most brutal winters in recent memory, families are eager for warmer weather so they can get outside and play. Research shows that play is an important part of children’s physical, emotional and intellectual development. With spring upon us, now is a great time to make play and outside activity part of your family’s regular routine. Here are some ideas:
Remember, every little bit helps
Active play is an important part of keeping families happy and healthy. In fact, childhood obesity increases 29 percent in neighborhoods without a park or playground, according to KaBOOM!, a national non-profit dedicated to ensuring that all children get the balance of active play they need. Instead of driving to your local playground or park, walk or bike, to get in an extra dose of activity. Every little bit helps in keeping your kids growing up strong, physically, emotionally and intellectually.
Keep imagination at the forefront
Kids can do anything they put their minds to, and they can keep themselves busy for hours with just their imaginations. Bring that power to your next outdoor
tips for getting outside to play
adventure by creating a make-believe obstacle course based on their favorite book or movie at your local play area. Get other kids involved and become the MVP of playtime.
Pledge to be active
Staying active on a consistent basis is key to achieving a balanced lifestyle. Let’s Play, a community partnership led by Dr Pepper Snapple Group to get kids and families active, provides a host of tools, places and inspiration to make play a daily priority. Visit www.LetsPlay.com for a wealth of ideas to incorporate play into your day, and take the Let’s Play Pledge to devote additional playtime each week to your family’s routine.
It’s all about balance
Playtime takes a lot of energy, so make sure your kids are armed with healthy and nutritious nibbles to replenish their growing minds and bodies. Fruits, veggies, applesauce, whole grains and snack-size cheese are great after-play snacks. Make sure kids are also staying hydrated to keep their energy levels up throughout the day.
10 | Parent Source | Spring 2014
Spring into the season
Great dishes and flavors to celebrate spring’s arrival
(BPT) - When spring finally arrives, we gladly shed heavy coats and snow boots. Meals, too, lighten up with warmer weather, as we leave behind hearty soups and heavier meals in favor of more sprightly and seasonal fare. Spring celebrations, from Easter brunches to graduation dinners, are great opportunities to revisit old favorites and try something new. This spring, why not celebrate the season with a blend of familiar and new? Here are some favorite flavors and foods of spring, along with some ideas for giving them new appeal: * With bright colors and strong, sweet flavor, citrus adds zing to spring. Lemon is ideal for incorporating into spring dishes, from enhancing veggies like early spring squash, to delightful desserts like Lemon Pull-Aparts. Lemon also plays well with a variety of fish dishes, perfect for anyone observing fish Fridays during Lent. * Baked dinner rolls are a springtime favorite for every meal of the day. What Easter brunch would be complete without them? Dinner rolls take on fun seasonal flare when you use ready-made options like Rhodes Bake-NServ dinner rolls to create edible works of art like bunny shapes, egg baskets and rabbit-shaped veggie dip bowls. Simply thaw the raw rolls, and shape them while still cold to make a variety of delicious, creative shapes, without the work of mixing and kneading your own dough. Try these two fun recipes to dress up any springtime table
You can find more great dinner roll recipes at www.rhodesbread.com. * Spring brings the arrival of one of the most delectable edible buds, artichokes. Add them to pasta salads or green salads for flavorful pizzazz. In addition to being delicious and timely for spring, artichokes are packed with antioxidants and fiber, and are believed to deliver a host of health benefits, including improved digestion and lower cholesterol. * Peas are the quintessential green veggie of spring. Low in calories and high in vitamin A, peas are a go-anywhere ingredient. Raw peas add color and snap to spring salads. A handful tossed into warm pasta dishes add a layer of flavor and enhance nutritional value. Cream them as a base for a cold soup or a sauce to enhance fish. * Nutritionists advise Americans to eat a colorful range of fruits and vegetables, and for sheer bright color and great flavor it’s hard to beat strawberries. They also deliver a wealth of health benefits since they’re packed with key nutrients like potassium, magnesium and vitamin K, all important for overall good health. Eat them sliced and sprinkled with an alternative sweetener for a simple, lowcalorie treat, or try something new and original like strawberry bruschetta.
Bunny Buns Ingredients: 1 package Rhodes Dinner Rolls (thawed but still cold) Directions: Cut a small piece of one roll for a tail. Roll remaining piece into a 16-inch rope with pointed ends. Twist top of rope together. Place on a large baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Pull pointed ends apart for ears. Roll small cut-off piece into a ball for the tail. Using your finger, make an indentation at the spot for the tail. Moisten the tail with water and place in the indentation. Repeat to make as many bunnies as desired. Cover with sprayed plastic wrap and allow rolls to rise for 30 to 45 minutes. Remove the wrap and bake at 350 F for 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown. Enjoy with butter.
Spring 2014 | Parent Source | 11
Veggie Rabbit Dip Bowl Directions:
Cut one loaf of bread dough into 1/4 and 3/4 portions. Shape 3/4 portion into egg shape for body and place on a large sprayed baking sheet. Shape 1/4 portion into pear shape and place above body for head. Clip side whiskers with scissors. Cut second loaf in half. Cut one half in half again for ears and roll into two 16-inch ropes. Fold together and place on top of head.
Serves 12 Prep time: 15 minutes (excluding thaw time) Bake time: 30 minutes. Ingredients: • 2 loaves Rhodes Bread Dough, thawed but still cold • 2 sliced almonds • 2 large raisins • 1 egg, beaten
With remaining half of loaf, divide dough in half. Take one half and cut into two pieces. Shape into two large thumper feet and place under bunny. Clip toes. Divide last piece of dough into 1/3 and 2/3 portions. Divide 2/3 portion into two hands and place on side of body and clip fingers. Divide remaining 1/3 dough into two large balls and one small ball. Place two large balls on face for cheeks and one small ball for nose. Place two raisins on face for eyes and two almonds for teeth. Brush everything with beaten egg, even the teeth. Cover with sprayed plastic wrap. Let rise 15 to 30 minutes. Remove wrap and bake at 350 F for 30 minutes or until browned. Let cool. Hollow out tummy and fill with your favorite dip.
12 12||Parent ParentSource Source||Spring Spring2014 2014
5
things you should know about spring allergies
(BPT) - April’s showers bring May flowers but they also bring on sneezing, runny noses and watery eyes for some of the 50 million Americans with allergies. The spring allergy season begins in some regions of the country as early as February and can last into the summer months. The most common spring allergy culprits are pollens from a variety of trees and grasses, as well as mold, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). Because there can be millions of pollen particles and mold spores in the air, finding allergy relief can seem nearly impossible for some, says allergist Dr. Michael Foggs, ACAAI president. But by knowing what triggers your allergy symptoms and how to avoid these allergens, you can be on your way to a sneeze-free season. Knowing more about the spring allergy season can also help you fight symptoms. ACAAI allergists have put together the five things you should know about spring allergies.
Spring Allergies >> Allergies are on the rise - Every year more adults and children are diagnosed with allergies. There are several speculations about this increase, including climate changes and increased allergy awareness. Studies have also shown pollen counts are gradually increasing. Even if you’ve never had allergies in the past, you can develop them at any time. That lingering cold may be allergies and you should see your local board-certified allergist for testing and treatment.
>> It matters when you medicate - If you fall victim to spring allergies annually, you should begin taking your medication two weeks before symptoms typically begin. Keep an eye on the pollen counts in your area. Even if the temperature doesn’t feel like spring, there could already be pollen circulating in the air. To be better prepared, you can track your symptoms with MyNasalAllergyJournal.org.
>> There isn’t a cure, but there is something close Unfortunately, there is no cure for spring allergies.
Spring 2014 | Parent Source | 13 However, immunotherapy (allergy shots) provides symptom relief while modifying and preventing disease progression. Immunotherapy can also be tailored for an individual’s needs. So if you’re allergic to pollens, dust and pets, allergy shots can provide you with relief from these allergens. >> Symptoms can be severe - Runny noses, itchy eyes and sneezing aren’t the only symptoms of spring allergies. If you are coughing, wheezing and have trouble breathing, asthma might be one of your allergy symptoms. In fact, an estimated 75-85 percent of asthma sufferers have at least one allergy. Asthma attacks can be life-threatening. Aside from avoiding allergens, you should also be under the regular care of an allergist and use medications as prescribed.
Parent Source Serving DeKalb County
Spring Resource Guide for Parents
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>> When in doubt, get checked out - Not every cough is due to a respiratory infection. And colds shouldn’t be blamed for every runny nose. If you find yourself battling unwanted symptoms for more than two weeks, it is likely time to see an allergist to get tested, diagnosed and treated. Allergies and asthma are serious diseases and that’s nothing to sneeze at. Misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment can be dangerous.
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14 | Parent Source | Spring 2014
New laws
H
emerge as technology impacts cars and driving
ave you ever felt that new technologies, from smartphones to Internet apps, are moving so fast that it’s hard to keep up? You’re not alone. Many Americans feel overwhelmed by new technology. One-third of adults in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia and China said they felt overwhelmed by technology in a 2011 study conducted by the University of Cambridge. As it relates to public policy, lawmakers may also be feeling overwhelmed as they try to keep up with researching, writing and passing legislation to regulate new technologies to maintain public safety or prevent the invasion of privacy. According to the WestlawNext, the leading online legal research service, more than 100,000 new or changed statutes, 160,000 new or modified regulations and 285,000 new judicial opinions were incorporated into the U.S. legal system in 2013. New technology can create a debate, says Rachel Utter, manager of Legal Editorial Operations at Thomson Reuters. As regulators come to understand the impact of a new technology on our day-to-day lives, they may be challenged with balancing the benefits of a new technology with public safety concerns. In some cases, such as fuel mileage mandates, government regulation can force the development of new technology, such as hybrid engines and electric cars.
Among the new wave of enacted or proposed legislation involving technology and cars conducted via WestlawNext through Jan. 30, some of the most prominent include: Set an example. Texting and driving, Forty-one states and the District of Columbia ban texting with smartphones and cellphones for all drivers, and all but four have primary enforcement, allowing law enforcement in those four states to only ticket someone for texting while driving if they were stopped for another reason such as speeding. Wearable technology‚ With the recent introduction of Google Glass and other evolving wearable technology such as the smart watches and smart contact lenses, lawmakers may need to develop new laws about the use of these technologies while a person operates a motor vehicle.Ten states, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Tennessee, West Virginia and Wyoming, have enacted or have proposed legislation prohibiting the use of wearable computers with a head-mounted display while driving. In October 2013, a California woman may have been the first person in the United States to receive a citation for operating a motor vehicle while wearing Google Glass. The citation was later thrown out of court.
Spring 2014 | Parent Source | 15
Black boxes, Nearly all recently manufactured U.S. cars and trucks are equipped with an Event Data Recorder (EDR), also known as a black box. In September 2014, this piece of computing technology will become mandatory in all new U.S. vehicles.The EDR monitors a vehicle’s electrical systems, which includes speed, braking, driving patterns and even location at any given time. A number of legal questions have emerged about black boxes, such as: Who owns the data that a vehicle’s black box is gathering? If a car owner is involved in a crash, do police and insurance companies have the right to review the data in the vehicle’s EDR? Can marketers buy the data to deliver ads through the vehicle’s entertainment system? These questions are at the heart of a recent bill introduced by senators John Hoeven (R-ND) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN). Driverless cars, Imagine a day when people travel by car, but don’t actually drive the car. They simply type in their destination and go. Several states have passed laws allowing automated cars. California, Florida, Nevada and the District of Columbia allow autonomous vehicles to be driven on public roads. Washington D.C. may have the least restrictive provisions: the vehicle must have a manual override feature, a driver must be in the control seat with the ability to take over operation of the vehicle, and the vehicle must be capable of operating in compliance with the District’s traffic and motor vehicle laws. Technology, whether implemented into how automobiles
are designed or operated, has made significant contributions in making vehicles safer, says Utter. And as new technology is integrated, there will be questions, concerns and debate driving new regulation and legislation.
To learn more about WestlawNext, visit
www.thomsonreuters.com
Safety Tips
for your
baby’s pacifier (ARA) - In the world of mega-travel systems and digital video monitors, the pacifier is possibly the smallest item and arguably the least expensive “necessity” you will buy for your baby. What most expectant and new parents relegate to impulse purchase is something that merits more consideration, and demands more research. After all, the pacifier is one of two or three infant products that is actually designed to go in your baby’s mouth. There are some important tips to keep in mind when selecting a baby’s pacifier - or bringing one home that was provided for your newborn in the hospital. Look for “one piece” construction. Brands like GumDrop use one-piece construction and this reduces the risk of the pacifier pieces separating from use or age which could pose a choking hazard. In addition, this construction makes it easier to keep clean. Opt for silicone. Silicone is the most durable material for pacifiers. Other materials can break down more rapidly with use and cleaning. Rely on a pacifier brand hospitals trust. Hospitals rely on top quality pacifiers that were developed by medical professionals to not only meet safety standards, but also to meet very specific infant needs. Find out why hospitals trust GumDrop pacifiers at www.thefirstyears.com/gumdrop.