Focusonthefamily

A Southern Lakes Newspapers publication 2015

Parenting Tips • Time Management Ideas • Homework Helpers • Safe Spots

FOCUS ON THE

Family

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FOCUS on the FAMILY 2015

Summer camp options abound Summer camp is a beloved tradition in many families.

Many parents of young children fondly recall spending their summers at summer camp, where they made lifelong friends and learned the finer points of roasting marshmallows and competing in three-legged sack races.

Parents looking for the right summer camp for their kids will soon discover there are various types of summer camps, each offering youngsters something different. The following are some of the summer camp options parents can expect to encounter as they search for the right camp for their kids.

DAY CAMP

Day camps are not overnight camps, which means kids will return home each night rather than sleep over at camp.

Day camps typically offer many of the activities people have come to associate with camps, including crafts, sports and even day-trips to experience local culture or attractions.

Many day camps are co-ed, and counselors typically live within the community.

coaches, while some camps may provide instruction from current and/or former professional athletes.

Some sports camps are overnight, while others are day camps.

FAMILY CAMPS

Family camps are opportunities for the whole family to enjoy the summer camp experience. Family camps typically tailor their activities around tasks families can complete together, with counselors providing assistance when it’s needed.

Family camps may be faith-based or secular, and families typically stay overnight, sleeping in facilities on the campsites or in lodging away from home.

SPECIAL NEEDS CAMPS

Parents of children with special needs can still send their kids to summer camp, as there are many camps that cater to such youngsters. Special needs camps may cater to campers who are blind, deaf, learning disabled, or mentally or physically disabled.

Staff at special needs camps typically undergoes extensive training, which helps to calm some of the fears parents may have about leaving their special needs children at camp. Facilities at special needs camps are often built to accommodate the specific needs of campers.

(METRO CREATIVE)

FAITH-BASED CAMP

Faith-based camps offer many of the same activities as more traditional summer camps, but do so while simultaneously offering campers the opportunity to celebrate and further explore their religious beliefs.

Some faith-based camps may focus heavily on religion, incorporating faith into daily camp activities, while others may be more subtle with regard to integrating religious beliefs and lessons into camp activities.

SPORTS CAMPS

Some summer camps focus on a particular sport, catering to young athletes who want to further develop their athletic talents. Sports camps may feature guest lectures and lessons from notable local athletes and

SUBMITTED PHOTO Focus on the Family

There are a multitude of summer camp options for kids and teens. Whether it’s overnight or day camp, parents should involve their kids in the decision on where to go.

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(Natural News)

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FOCUS on the FAMILY 2015

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Celebrate your successes and don’t dwell on your failures. Life is a process, and so is striving for balance in your life.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Focus on the Family

The secret to achieving better work-life balance

permanent, regular weekly plan that allows Also keep in mind the power of attitude. to live up to other’s expectations. adequate time for necessary, recurring Learn to monitor your attitude “Work-life balance is a very personal activities such as cooking, and its impact on your work matter. If you seek to find your own exercising, homework, grocery performance, relationships balance by emulating the ideals, priorities and expectations of others, you are shopping, work, etc. A and everyone around doomed to miss the mark,” Aragon said. critical element to include you. A positive No matter “It can require some courage to live by in the block schedule is attitude can make how hard you try, your own values and ideals rather than “flexible time” or free a big difference in what seems to be the prevailing social time that is purposely your energy, your you can’t squeeze built into your schedule. focus and your pace norm, but the payoff is worth taking that more hours into venture out of your normative comfort Scheduling flexible toward achieving zone.” This is an important truth to time is a way to account balance. You can’t your day.” keep in mind for not only improving for unexpected, but always change your your work-life balance, but also finding inevitable events to be circumstances, but – Dr. Nancy Aragon success. worked into your life with you certainly can In the end, you need to find the right minimal disruption to your change how you react to balance that works for you. regular routine. In effect, you them.

(BPT) plan for the unexpected.

In addition, do not try And although technology has the potential to improve the quality and efficiency of your daily life, it also has the A publication of Southern potential to encroach on your work-life Lakes Newspapers balance. www.MyRacineCounty.com “Set boundaries when it comes to 1102 Ann St. technology,” Aragon said. “Schedule time Delavan, WI 53115 (262) 728-3411 for you and your family when it comes to accepting calls, texts, or emails. Make sure For advertising everyone is on the same page in terms of opportunities in what acceptable technology use is, and what Section Editor ................................................................. Tracy Ouellette our publications, crosses the line into technology abuse.” In Creative/Production Director .............................................Sue Z. Lange CALL other words, technology doesn’t have to Advertising Director.....................................................Vicki Vanderwerff (262) 725-7701, be eliminated, but its use does need to be Special Sections advertising ........................................ Karen Dubinsky ext. 134 purposefully managed and monitored.

“

FOCUS ON THE 2015

If you’re feeling overworked and finding it a challenge to juggle the demands of your job and the rest of your life, then you’re not alone. Achieving the elusive work-life balance may be getting harder with today’s connected lifestyle, but it is still possible.

A better work-life balance doesn’t just happen overnight. It requires a lot of patience, careful thinking and attention toward understanding what is most important to you and your family. First you must focus on prioritizing your personal and professional life.

Consider all the things that compete for your time. Then decide what to keep and what to discard. Think of it as streamlining your priorities, sorted by the activities that are the most important.

“No matter how hard you try, you can’t squeeze more hours into your day,” Dr. Nancy Aragon, professor of industrial organizational psychology at Argosy University, Online Programs, said. “What you can do though is make more efficient use of your time. It takes persistent planning to get a management system started, but keeping a time diary helps you to become more aware of where your time is being spent.”

Aragon recommends a weekly block schedule coupled with a daily to-do list.

The block schedule should be a fairly

Family

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FOCUS on the FAMILY 2015

Nutrition choices made easy in the grocery aisle Should you buy eggs instead of cereal? Popcorn For example, Eggland’s Best eggs are the highestin place of pretzels? For consumers seeking “betterscoring egg on the NuVal scale and the only egg I for-you” foods at the grocery store, these types of recommend to my clients and serve my family due to decisions can feel overwhelming, and for some, time- their superior nutrition.” consuming.

Check out the foods Tammy recommends for your With the help of the NuVal Nutritional Scoring shopping cart next time you hit the grocery store: System, making healthier decisions at store shelves Fruits and vegetables top the list becomes easier and quicker.

With a score of 100, vegetables like broccoli Developed by a team of recognized experts, led and asparagus receive a perfect score due to their

by Dr. David Katz of the Yale Griffin Prevention nutritional benefits. They provide important nutrients Research Center, the NuVal Nutritional Scoring including vitamin A, which helps protect against System was created as a direct response to America’s infections, dietary fiber which helps reduce blood rapidly rising rates of obesity and diabetes in both cholesterol levels and may lower risk of heart adult and child populations. disease, and folate, which helps the body form red This team advocated the development of an independent and simplified nutritional scoring system blood cells. to help improve public health.

The easy-to-use NuVal Nutritional Scoring System Seafood catches top scores Fishing for healthy foods? Try wild Atlantic provides foods throughout participating grocery salmon filets, which have a score of 96 on the NuVal stores with a score of one to 100, 100 being the most scale. This fish selection offers calcium, which helps nutritious. build strong bones, and phosphorus, which helps Scores are determined by an independent team with digestion. of nutrition and medical experts who analyze more Fish is also a great source of minerals such as than 30 nutrition factors such as vitamin D, omega 3 iron, zinc, iodine, magnesium and potassium. fatty acids, saturated fat and calories. The experts do the research, so consumers can feel better about their Eggs crack the NuVal Code food choices.

Eggs are a complete protein that “Choosing the right foods keeps you full to prevent snacking at the grocery and also include important nutrients store can your body needs throughout the day. make or break Out of 56 brands of eggs reviewed, your healthy Eggland’s Best eggs scored meal plan for the highest at 85. Compared to the week,” ordinary eggs, Eggland’s Best eggs registered contain four times more vitamin dietitian D, 10 times more vitamin E and Tammy Lakatos double the omega 3s.

Shames said.

Find fresh and nutritious “When walking the aisles, pick e Family recipe ideas, such as Poached th on s cu Fo D PHOTO up wholesome at the Eggs with Serrano Ham and SUBMITTE r choices e tt e b foods that are h it Sys- Garlic Asparagus (left), at www. w g rt n ta ri s o c meals nal S egglandsbest.com or www. packed with Healthier The NuVal Nutritio pinterest.com/egglandsbest. essential vitamins grocery store. oices. h c e s o th elp with h (BPT) and nutrients. n a c m te

Enticing kids to eat their fruits and vegetables As many parents know, kids can be picky eaters. And according to a recent study, moms are concerned that their kids aren’t eating enough fruits and vegetables.

“We found that moms understand the health benefits of fruits and vegetables but struggle to get their family to eat them,” said Elizabeth Pivonka, Ph.D., RD, president and CEO, Produce for Better Health Foundation. “Today, Americans are currently eating less than half of the recommended cups of fruits and vegetables each day.”

To better understand the situation, the Produce for Better Health Foundation conducted its annual research on “Moms’ Attitudes and Beliefs Related to Fruit & Vegetable Consumption.” The study found: • Ninety percent agree that a diet that includes fruits and vegetables may help their child avoid obesity; • Ninety percent agree that a diet with more fruits and vegetables promotes their family’s overall health and may prevent disease, now and in the future; • Ninety percent agree that a diet that includes fruits and vegetables may help promote well being of mind and body; and • Eighty-nine percent agree that more fruits and vegetables plus more physical activity means the family can be at its best.

There’s been a steady improvement over time in the level of ease moms reported regarding their ability to access fruits and vegetables for their families at restaurants and quick-service restaurants.

Setting out a fruit bowl, having vegetables cut up and ready to eat in the refrigerator, and finding ways to hide produce in other foods are some of the ways to get more fruits and vegetables into a family’s diet.

The research also found that kids tend to eat more produce when they are involved in the growing, selecting and preparing of food.

To get kids more involved, Pivonka provided these tips: 1. Let kids get involved in planning meals for the week and challenge them to find ways to make sure a fruit and vegetable are included in each meal. Remember, canned, frozen and dried fruits or vegetables, in addition to fresh, are all great options.

2. Get kids involved in using produce to make juices or smoothies.

It can be a fun activity for kids to use a blender or juicer to show them there are other ways to eat your fruits and vegetables.

3. Teach kids about produce that’s in season and how to select the best produce. Take them to a farmer’s market to talk with growers.

This also provides a great opportunity to try new produce they didn’t know they enjoyed.

4. Starting a backyard garden can be a great way to get kids interested and involved. Monsanto, through its Seminis Home Garden division, is working to make growing backyard produce more accessible for busy families by creating seed varieties that are easy to grow.

Families looking for ways to incorporate more fruits and vegetables in their meals can go to www.morematters.org to find delicious recipes and additional tips.

(NAPS)

SUBMITTED PHOTO Focus on the Family

You may be better able to get your kids to eat more fruits and vegetables if they can be involved in the growing, selecting and preparing process.

FOCUS on the FAMILY 2015

Connection

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FOCUS on the FAMILY 2015 SUBMITTED PHOTO Focus on the Family

Research shows children who grow up in a home without a father figure suffer long-term negative effects. They are more likely to live in poverty, less likely to finish high school or attend college, and are more prone to engage in anti-social behaviors.

WHERE’S DAD?

Help cure the epidemic that’s threatening 25 percent of America’s children “I’m the backup parent, the understudy.” George Clooney’s famous line about his role as a father in the Oscar winning film “The Descendants” was good for a laugh at the time. But numerous studies and decades of statistics tell a far more serious tale about a father’s importance in the life of his children.

Research shows that growing up without a father negatively affects virtually every aspect of a child’s life, and the impact continues into adulthood.

Children growing up without a father or father figure are more likely to live in poverty, are less likely to finish high school or attend college, and are more prone to engage in anti-social behaviors that can lead to delinquency and incarceration, according to a report in the online journal EducationNext by professors at Princeton University and the Harvard Kennedy School.

The study points out that U.S. Census Bureau figures show nearly a quarter of all American children younger than 18 live with an unmarried mother.

“Decades of increased kids growing up in singlemother households have contributed to the misconception that fathers are ‘spare’ or ‘backup’ parents, but nothing could be farther from the truth,” said Bill Blodgett, founder of Majesty Outdoors Foundation, an outreach program aimed at helping children growing up without a father figure. “Fatherlessness is a serious American epidemic that has far-reaching impacts on individual families and on society as a whole.”

Blodgett, raised by a single mother since the age of 2, credits the mentorship of two friends’ fathers as the positive influence he needed to change the impact of fatherlessness in his own life. That experience, as well as his work as a couples’ counselor, convinced Blodgett of the positive power mentorship could have in helping

fatherless children.

Blodgett founded the nonprofit Majesty Outdoors Foundation, which provides fatherless kids with one-ofa-kind outdoor experiences to help them learn unique skills and the power of mentorship. Excursions on Majesty Outdoors TV are broadcast weekly on Destination America, Time Warner Cable’s Sports Channel and Pursuit Channel.

Blodgett suggests simple ways you can get involved:

Spread the word

It’s not always a popular topic, but it’s important to talk about the increasing rate of children growing up in singleparent households, and the need to support them through mentorship. By raising awareness, you may inspire others to get involved.

Raise funds or donate

Everyone’s busy and giving your time isn’t always possible. You can still help financially. Even a small Many local and national organizations amount can help a nonprofit organization provide scholarships, mentorship and positive experiences aim to provide mentors to young to youth in need of an extra hand. Every dollar people in need. Your life experience can be valuable in Fatherlessness is counts in helping to rewrite the fatherless story through mentoring. helping a fatherless child find a serious American guidance and support. Look Support a single mother for a Generation Outdoors epidemic that has This can be as simple as just being mentorship chapter near you, her friend and including her and her or contact Scott Dahlstrom far-reaching impacts on children on outings with your family. by emailing Scott@ individual families and You can also participate in support GenerationOutdoors.Org to programs that help single mothers learn more about starting a on society as a whole.” further their educations, learn and chapter in your community. refine job skills, and manage their – Lend a hand finances.

FOUNDER OF Getting involved doesn’t “Our youth will lead this country MAJESTY OUTDOORS FOUNDATION have to require you to sign up forward and determine the progress of our for an official outreach program. It communities and lives,” Blodgett said. “Through can be as simple as including someone in mentorship and outreach, we can all work together to help ensure that no child’s potential is cut short because of your family’s activities. Perhaps your child has a friend family circumstance.” growing up without a father, or you know someone in To learn more about Majesty Outdoors Foundation, your neighborhood. Invite the child to share dinner or fun visit www.majestyoutdoors.org. activities with your family so he or she can experience the (BPT) warmth and love of a family unit.

Become a mentor

“

Bill Blodgett

FOCUS on the FAMILY 2015

Page 7

Many parents are unhappy with standardized tests

SUBMITTED PHOTO Focus on the Family

The Common Core standards are changing the way children learn. Parents can help their children with the transition by learning more about the changes in the classroom.

WHAT EVERY PARENT NEEDS TO KNOW about changes in the classroom

If you have school-age children, you likely have heard about the new Common Core State Standards.

Already adopted by more than 40 states, including Wisconsin, the District of Columbia, four territories, and the Department of Defense Education Activity, the Common Core focuses on developing the criticalthinking, problem-solving and analytical skills students will need to be successful in college and the workforce.

What does this mean for your children and their education?

With these new standards in place, parents may need to offer their students extra support. How can you help your young scholars be better prepared to meet the new challenges of the classroom?

English Language Arts Vocabulary development is a major component of the new standards for English Language Arts.

Encourage your children to build their vocabulary organically by supplementing their required reading with a wide range of elected choices, such as classical myths, historical documents and seminal literature.

If you don’t already frequent the library, consider making that part of your family’s routine.

Analysis and comprehension of reading is also important. So consider reading the same articles as your children and discussing what you both learned.

Mathematics Supplement classroom learning with free online resources. For example, Casio Education offers indepth information about standardized tests, including sample questions from various state exams. They also offer webinars and reference guides to help both students and teachers make better use of technology in math class, including topical calculator instruction.

Free education resources and information can be found at www.CasioEducation.com.

Math is all around us – from sports statistics to creating a family budget to investing for college. Parents can leverage real-life events and circumstances to both illustrate the importance of math comprehension, as well as help students further understand the Common Core curriculum.

“Mathematics education is most meaningful when it promotes abstract and quantitative reasoning skills and appeals to innate human curiosity,” Yuji Sasajima, vice president of Casio’s education division, said.

“We’ve developed programs and technologies that allow teachers and students to take on the Common Core curriculum from multiple fronts.”

Students will need to adjust the way they learn to keep up with changes in the classroom. By learning more about the Common Core standards, parents can help ease the transition.

(STATEPOINT)

Many parents of school-age children are unhappy with the amount of time spent on standardized tests and have strong opinions on other controversial education policies, including Common Core and school vouchers.

That’s a key finding of the latest version of an annual poll on parents and school policies.

Called the Schooling in America Survey, it’s released annually by the Friedman Foundation for Educational Choice and Braun Research and it includes a statistically representative sample of school parents.

In this most recent version, it found that 44 percent of those parents surveyed said children spend too much time preparing for and taking assessments, 22 percent said too little, 30 percent said the focus is about right, and 4 percent had no opinion.

On the Common Core state standards, 49 percent of parents oppose the standards whereas 44 percent are supportive.

However, intensity among parents was more pronounced as 33 percent “strongly oppose” Common Core compared with 12 percent who “strongly favor” the policy.

Compared to findings in last year’s Friedman Foundation/ Braun Research poll, support grew for “school choice,” which can include vouchers and charter schools among other policies: • More than six in 10 Americans (63 percent) support vouchers compared with 33 percent opposed – in 2012, 56 percent favored vouchers; • Among parents, voucher support was 69 percent compared with 27 percent opposed – in 2012, 59 percent of parents supported and 25 percent opposed vouchers; • Greatest support for school vouchers was among African Americans (74 percent), Hispanics (72 percent), young adults (69 percent) and Republicans (69 percent); and • When asked if they were more or less likely to support a pro-voucher candidate, 32 percent of school parents were more likely to support such a candidate compared with 12 percent saying less likely. Among all respondents, 27 percent said they were more likely to support a pro-voucher candidate with 16 percent being less likely.

“No matter the outcome of the fall elections, what parents and the general public think about Common Core, standardized testing, and school choice will have a serious impact on state legislatures,” said Robert Enlow, president and CEO of the Friedman Foundation.

The Friedman Foundation for Educational Choice is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit and nonpartisan organization. It promotes school choice as the most effective and equitable way to improve the quality of K-12 education in America.

To learn more about the survey, visit the website at www. edchoice.org/2014SchoolingSurvey.

(NAPS)

SUBMITTED PHOTO Focus on the Family

According to a recent survey, 44 percent of those parents queried said children spend too much time preparing for and taking assessments.

Page 8

FOCUS on the FAMILY 2015

Teenagers want parents Plugged in to be involved in their lives Today’s changing social environment and confusing messages about drugs and alcohol may be making it even more difficult for teenagers to get their bearings as they move toward adulthood.

That is why it is more important than ever for parents to know what is going on in their kids’ lives and have the skills to respond to their teens appropriately.

Specifically, as drugs and alcohol are becoming more accessible and more states are legalizing marijuana, many teens may believe that the use of marijuana or other substances is now okay.

Parents should know that legalization of marijuana does not mean it is harmless, and increased availability of other substances does not make them less harmful, either.

Marijuana and other substances can cause permanent damage to the teenage brain, and teens can become addicted more quickly than adults.

This is a time when parents need to become involved in their teens’ lives and help them navigate these complex issues. While many parents may think of their teens as grown-ups and able to fully take care of themselves, teenagers have said that this is a time when they need their parents the most. Asking questions and being involved shows teenagers that their parents care.

“Even though teens may sometimes indicate otherwise, through my experience as a psychiatrist to teenagers, I have found that most of them want their parents involved in their lives to provide guidance and support,” said Dr. Thomas Wright, chief medical officer at Rosecrance, one of the country’s leading teen substance abuse treatment centers. “Teens want their parents to actively parent them and provide them guidance they need, including direction around substances.”

Studies have shown that parents who play an active role in the lives of their teens can positively impact their children’s behavior and influence them to cease or abstain

Empowering parents to manage their kids’ wireless use

Today’s tech-savvy generation quickly adapts and enjoys using mobile devices such as cell phones, smartphones and tablets to communicate, learn and play, anytime and anywhere.

To help parents manage their kids’ usage and encourage responsible behavior, CTIA—The Wireless Association, which represents the wireless industry, developed GrowingWireless.com, a website developed by parents in the wireless industry for parents who need easy-to-understand information and see PLUGGED IN on page 11

SUBMITTED PHOTO Focus on the Family

Starting a conversation with a teen about substances can be daunting. It can be even more overwhelming for a parent when their teenage child approaches them with questions before they have had a chance to prepare.

from ever using substances.

In contrast, research shows that teens whose parents expect them to engage in risky behaviors such as drinking and using drugs are more likely to do so.

“It is critical that parents understand their role and take conscious measures to support their teens in living a healthy and happy life,” Wright said. “Parents should ask what their teens are doing, address the pressures they are facing, act immediately when they suspect their teen is in trouble, and advocate for help if their teen needs it to help them live a healthy life.”

For a helpful guide to talking with a teenager about marijuana visit www.rosecrance.org/teens-weed.

(BPT)

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Choose wisely The right car seat makes for a safer ride for children FOCUS on the FAMILY 2015

Page 9

No matter what is stored in the trunk, a driver’s most precious cargo is his or her passengers. Never is that more apparent than when children are on board.

Finding the right car seat can be challenging.

When used correctly, such seats can reduce the risk of death by as much as 71 percent, according to the Safe Kids Worldwide organization. Whether you are buying a car seat for the first time or upgrading an existing seat as your child grows, being informed can help with the decision-making process.

Access professional reviews A number of organizations rate available car seats on the market. Consumer Reports and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety are just two of the groups that provide ratings that can take the guesswork out of selecting the best car seats.

Regulations change frequently, and car seat engineers continually modify designs to keep kids as safe as possible. Frequently revisit car seat reviews to check whether your seat is still receiving high marks or if it’s time to invest in a new car seat.

Rear-facing, longer Many experts now advise keeping children in rear-facing car seats as long as possible — even up to age two. These seats are being manufactured to meet higher weight limits in the rear-facing position.

However, always verify the exact height and weight limit for the seat by reading the information booklet or the safety data that is printed directly on the seat.

In addition, know how to safely use the seat, including which tethers should be used in which seating positions. Children should sit in the back of the vehicle away from airbags.

Learn proper installation Consumer Reports notes that about 80 percent of parents and caregivers misuse

Do the research and learn which car seats are the best options for transporting children. A child’s size and age determine what seat is appropriate to use.

car seats in one way or another. Follow the directions for safe seat placement and positioning of tethers and safety belts.

You can watch videos online on how to install safety seats properly, and many seat brands may direct you to an informational video. Some First Aid and police squads offer complimentary seat checks to reassure parents that seats are installed correctly.

Older children in booster seats, which are designed to position passengers correctly to make use of the vehicle’s seat belts, should have a proper fit. The lap belt should lie flat and on top of the thighs. The shoulder belt should rest directly in the middle of the

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shoulder and not too close to the neck.

Know the types of seats Children may go through three or more safety seats before they’re allowed to safely ride using the vehicle’s own passenger restraint system. In addition to infant car seats, manufacturers offer convertible seats, harnessed seats, belt-positioning booster seats, and built-in safety seats. Many children are ready to bid farewell to car seats when they reach about 4-feet-9-inches tall.

Avoid used seats Unless you can verify the full crash

history of a car seat, it is best to buy it new rather than from a thrift store or on the Internet from a third party. Although car seats do not “expire” in the traditional sense, they are stamped with a use-by date. Materials in car seats can degrade over time, and harnesses may stretch. It’s wise to replace car seats after several years and treat a new baby in the family to his or her own car seat instead of using a hand-me-down.

Car seats can prevent injuries and death.

They’re one of the best safety investments parents can make, as long as they’re researched and used properly.

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Playing it safe in the play area

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Keeping the play area a safe place for kids can be simpler than many parents realize. Do a safety walk through on each room of the home to identify and fix potential safety hazards.

Keeping the play area safe for your offspring to run around and have fun in can be easier if you heed a few hints: 1. Once your little one starts to stand, he or she will likely try just about every piece of furniture for support, so check that each piece is sturdy and stable and won’t tip over onto your child. You may want to attach the furniture to the wall.

2. Make sure there’s enough storage space. Toys on the floor can be a hazard, so encourage your kids to clean up. That can be easier with lots of low, open storage bins, baskets and shelves so there’s little need to reach or climb.

Just remember, the furniture should have smooth surfaces and rounded corners.

If you use a toy chest, reinforce the hinges so the lid will stay open in any position, and won’t slam shut on a little hand. Make sure the hinges can’t pinch children, either. In addition, remove any locks and drill a few air holes just in case a child does get trapped inside.

3. When you get down to it, children love to play on the floor, so make sure it’s easy to keep clean and soft enough when kids fall down. Non-slip rugs on top of resilient or wood flooring can be a nice option.

4. Stop shock risk. Use outlet plates and covers to keep plug sockets safe from probing fingers. Be sure the covers

can’t be easily removed and are too large to become choking hazards if they are pried out by toddlers. When replacing receptacles, get the tamper-resistant kind.

5. Childproof the windows. Use window stops that will let the window open no more than four inches and install window guards so children can’t fall out. Just be sure adults and older children can open them easily in case of fire. Never depend on screens to keep children safe. Open windows from the top whenever possible and don’t put furniture the kids can climb on close to any windows.

6. Replace older window coverings with today’s safer products to avoid the potential dangers posed to young children by window treatments with cords. Alternatively, you can obtain free retrofit kits from the Window Covering Safety Council at www.windowcoverings.org to make older products safer.

Window covering safety is a top priority for Hunter Douglas. The window treatment company offers a wide variety of product operating systems that eliminate lift cords or substantially reduce access to them.

A free “Child Safety at the Window” brochure is available for downloading at hunterdouglas.com, or you can request a free copy by calling (800) 99SAFTY. (NAPS)

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FOCUS on the FAMILY 2015

GERMAN SHEPHERDS TO GERBILS How to choose the best pet for your family since they generally lay around a lot. Your family must be able to meet the energy needs of the animal.

Lind said if you work long hours, a cat would be a better choice than a dog, but it’s important to remember that cats also need companionship. For families that aren’t home much, a fish, hamster, gerbil, rat or ferret would be better choices, Lind said. Puppies will require exercise and obedience training, which will require more time than an older dog or other types of animals.

Temperament is another key area, especially when looking at breeds of dogs. People often look at puppies as the ideal dog for their small children, but Lind said this isn’t the case. She wouldn’t recommend a puppy for children younger than 5, and added that the puppy cowering in the back of the litter is the worst to pick for children.

The cost of owning a pet goes beyond the initial purchase of the animal. Kitching said an animal like a hamster will require an initial purchase of a cage, wheel and food, while a dog will require a collar, leash, obedience lessons, a kennel and food, among other things. The amount an animal eats will also greatly affect the cost of ownership.

All animals should be seen by a veterinarian at least once a year. “A relationship with a veterinarian is just as profound as a relationship with a lawyer or regular doctor,” Kitching said.

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Before choosing a pet for the family, careful consideration should be given to the home life. Some pets do better when there are a lot of people around and others prefer a more quiet atmosphere. allergies, certain breeds and species of animals are better. There are even dogs that are hypoallergenic. Lind said to think about how clean you want your home if you are bothered by cat or dog hair. You can’t confine an animal to a mudroom or basement.

Before deciding on any pet, research is key.

“The biggest thing is you have to do your research and think about the needs of the animal. It’s not about you, it’s about the animal,” Lind said. “It’s going to need your

time, love and attention.”

For dogs, talk with breeders, people who own that breed, and research breeds on sites like the American Kennel Club website, which contains info on all breeds of dogs.

If you’re adopting an animal, Lind said many rescue groups and shelters do an excellent job of assessing temperament. These shelters will know if an animal is good with children and other animals.

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Whether a loyal pal like Lassie is what you’re looking for, or a Garfield-like couch potato is more your speed, a pet can make a wonderful addition to your family. But there is more to choosing a new pet than simply falling in love with a cute face. Making an informed and well-researched decision can lead to a happy home life for both you and your pet.

“One of the most important things to know is that all pets are awesome. They have the potential to be great family members,” Tracey Kitching, veterinary technology instructor at Argosy University, Twin Cities, said. “It all boils down to what you want the animal for, the demands of the animal, and the husbandry and expenses associated with that animal.”

“The priority is the family needs to decide the type of time they have available for the animal,” Paula Lind, department director of veterinary technology at Argosy University, said. “The family also needs to look at its capability to provide the appropriate exercise, living quarters and temperament. Sometimes people are mismatched with the animals they choose, and shelters are filled with young dogs that did nothing wrong. They were just a poor match for their owners.”

The energy of the animal is an important factor to consider.

“For any species, understanding how much energy that animal has is important,” Kitching said. For example, a border collie wouldn’t be good for people working 16 hours a day, while great Danes tend to make great apartment dogs

FOCUS on the FAMILY 2015

Page 11

STUCK AT HOME?

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Even if finances or family schedule prevent you from getting away on vacation, there are still ways to make the most of a “staycation.” Take a look at the local attractions from a “tourist” point of view, chances are you’ll be in for a surprise or two.

Tips to enjoy this year’s ‘staycation’

Recovery from the recession that began in 2008 has sparked renewed interest in vacation travel. Resort bookings are up, and millions will enjoy exotic vacations in the months to come.

While discretionary spending is increasing, some individuals and families continue to take a conservative approach to their finances, and that approach extends to how they spend their time off. Many are still embracing “staycations,” in which families forgo travel in favor of staying home. Staycations may not be as exotic as trips abroad, but there are several ways that families can make their staycations enjoyable and memorable.

Invest in your home or lifestyle Instead of bankrolling a trip overseas, channel those funds into improvements for your home or yard to create a relaxing atmosphere you can enjoy year-round. Install that pool or landscape the backyard to make it feel like a tropical paradise.

Coasting across the water of a lake or ocean is an enjoyable pastime, so repurpose your vacation funds to buy a boat or some jet skis that you can enjoy throughout the warmer months.

Become a tourist in your hometown Chances are you have never experienced the sights of your hometown the way a tourist might. Plan a few days when you can act like someone visiting your town or city for the first time.

Go to the top of that tallest mountain or get a tour of that local factory. Seek out and visit monuments and points of history in your community. Hop on one of those sight-seeing

buses and learn something new about where you live. You may just be surprised at what you can discover.

concerned, select restaurants that offer coupons in community mailers or value packs.

Look for hidden gems Some local businesses may be willing to open up for “behind the scenes” tours if you ask. This can be a fun excursion for young children.

Ask employees of a movie theater if you can see the projection room. Newspaper offices may host tours of their facilities.

Even a bowling alley can be fascinating to kids if they can see ball-return mechanisms or how equipment is stored. Watching the zamboni machine clean the ice at a rink also may be an entertaining sneak peak into rink operations.

Read the newspaper or community bulletin Chances are you can find a number of entertaining and low-cost activities sponsored by your town or other organizations close to home. Fireworks displays, movies under the

Splurge on a show or sporting event Attend an event you normally wouldn’t unless you were on vacation. Take a trip to see a Broadway or Broadway-inspired musical at a nearby theater or take the family to see your local sports team play a home game against its biggest rival. Treat yourself to concession stand snacks and a few souvenirs.

Dine out a few nights Vacations often entail eating out, especially if meals are not included in a traditional vacation package. Use your staycation as the opportunity to dine at local restaurants you have yet to visit.

Indulge the kids one night and put them in charge of choosing the meals. Forget those diet plans for a day or two and savor that triple-scoop ice cream cone.

If the cost of dining out has you

stars, boat tours, and fairs are just a handful of the fun events that may be coming soon.

Turn off electronics Take a break from some of your devices during your staycation. By doing so, you will be less likely to fall into your daily habits and more likely to make the most of your time to rest and relax.

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PLUGGED IN from page 8 resources.

Updated regularly, the website offers examples of situations and how parents may want to respond; for example, what parents can do if their child is being bullied, how to protect their privacy and how to manage their kids’ monthly usage so they don’t go over the allotted monthly limits in the Dollars and Sense section.

Visitors to the website will also see information on how to identify and prevent sexting and how to protect kids’ personal information in the Privacy and Security section.

GrowingWireless.com also offers a parent’s “tool kit” with a list of parental control tools that are offered by wireless carriers and manufacturers. Parental control tools help parents manage and monitor their kids’ wireless usage. The website also provides information about federal and state laws that help protect kids when they use mobile products and services.

Setting family rules is one of the most important and effective steps that parents can take to help kids be responsible

wireless users. GrowingWireless.com offers a sample template to help families make their own decisions about what is acceptable wireless behavior for their kids, and the consequences if those rules are broken. Once agreed upon, these rules should be posted in a central location, such as the refrigerator, and periodically revisited as kids age and technology evolves. What is appropriate for a 12-yearold may be different than the rules for a 13-year-old.

By empowering parents with accessible information, they will be able to proactively educate themselves and their kids to solve problems before they arise.

By teaching kids about wireless common sense and responsible use today, they will be better prepared to harness wireless increasingly for education and will be better equipped for jobs in other sectors such as utilities, health care, government services and public safety.

Learn more about managing your kids’ wireless usage by visiting www.

GrowingWireless.com.

(NAPS)

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