Focusonthefamily by Southern Lakes Newspapers

Focus

ON THE

Family

A Southern Lakes Newspapers publication 2017

Page 2

FOCUS on the FAMILY 2017

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If you have kids, join in the fun with them and you’ll be surprised just how quickly you get in a quick workout.

10-minute healthy habits for 2017

FILE PHOTO Focus on the Family

Healthy living is an admirable goal no matter what time of year. The problem is that many people shoot for the stars, resolving to lose a big amount of weight or completely give up foods they adore. A better approach is to make small changes that together can make a big impact. “People who make smart yet simple lifestyle changes will find it’s easier to succeed,” says Dr. Margot Savoy, a practicing family physician in Wilmington, Delaware. “It’s about all the small victories that add up to winning the war. If you want to feel your best and make changes that will last, think small for big results.” Healthy habits take mere minutes a day to complete, but over time can overhaul your health and wellness. What’s more, she notes that when you do these easy activities for two or three months, they become automatic. Dr. Savoy suggests five simple steps for healthier living in 2017 that take 10-minutes or less to complete.

Stomach pains? Sore knees? Not sure if it’s the cold or the flu? Being healthy means staying informed. When you need more information about your health, visit a reputable website such as familydoctor. org to learn more with a few clicks of the mouse. Developed by the American Academy of Family Physicians, the website features easy-to-understand information geared toward the patient. Plus, all information is reviewed by a panel of board certified family physicians, so you can trust the content is updated and accurate.

Snack well Eating well is all about balance, and while many Americans are striving to eat healthier at mealtime, it’s snacks that are sabotaging their diets. When hunger pangs strike, instead of junk, reach for nutrient-rich foods instead. One of the best ways to do this is to select one drawer in the refrigerator and dedicate it to foods for healthy snacking. Stock it with fruit, veggies, whole grain crackers and lowfat cheese and nuts. Spend 10-minutes each Sunday cutting vegetables and portioning out nuts and other snacks, and all week long you and your family can easily reach for healthier munchies.

Move and groove You don’t need a fancy gym membership to get fit. Just block off 10-minute increments

each day to work out and you’ll start to feel the difference. Try walking, biking or doing sets of squats, crunches and jumping jacks. Within minutes you’ll raise your heart rate and work those muscles. A game of tag with your kids, for example, is a great running exercise. Plus it’s a wonderful way to bond with your family. Bonus: Your kids are learning to exercise through play. Not sure how to get started? Familydoctor.org has you covered.

Hydration Everyone knows soda is unhealthy, but for other drinks it’s not so obvious. Many fruit juices and sports drinks are packed with sugar and calories. Hydration is important, so drink as much water as possible to boost your health. Staying properly hydrated is essential to healthy living, and because the body is approximately half made of water, there’s no

better drink than good old H2O. If that is too bland, add some healthy flavor with cut fruit, such as oranges, apples, kiwi or strawberries.

Sun protection The sun gives off rays of light that are helpful and harmful. Some sun exposure is good because it helps the body create vitamin D, which absorbs calcium. Too much sun exposure, though, can lead to skin changes, a lowered immune system and cancer. It takes just a minute to slather on sunscreen to block harmful rays even in the winter months. Focus on the face, which is exposed all yearlong, and during warm months or while vacationing, make sure to use sunscreen on the entire body, reapplying regularly. What’s more, teach children to do the same to create healthy habits that will last a lifetime.

Focus Family

2017

Five healthy changes in 10-minutes or less

Be informed

(BPT)

ON THE

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Tips to make goodbyes better for both parent and child Page 4

FOCUS on the FAMILY 2017

As a parent, you’ve probably experienced the clinging, clutching and crying that often accompany a goodbye when your child returns to day care or preschool after a long holiday break. Separation can be difficult for both children and their parents. Remember, separation anxiety is perfectly normal and can start at any time during the first three years. The challenge of separation can vary greatly depending on your child’s age, developmental stage, temperament and environment. But there is relief. Child development experts agree families can learn how to ease separation anxiety and manage transitions by developing a predictable routine between the parent and/or caregiver and child – a consistent way to say goodbye. Saying goodbye helps your child You may be tempted to sneak out and avoid a scene, but that only tends to make your child more anxious. Creating a consistent and predictable routine will help ease separations that are painful for both of you. The repetition of a goodbye routine will help your child develop a sense of security and facilitate a smoother transition from your presence to your absence and back again. “Neuroscience has shown that the consistency and predictability will help your child learn to anticipate your return,” says Dr. Victoria Simms, child development specialist and president of the Simms/Mann Institute. “It’s very important for young children to have experiences that promote security. Consistent routines leave a positive imprint on the brain that will help set the stage for easier transitions during times of separation.”

transitions easier. Designate a special place in your house where you can focus on each other for a few minutes before saying goodbye. Don’t forget to confidently give your child a hug and a kiss and be on your way.

FILE PHOTO Focus on the Family

To help parents and caregivers understand the importance of creating consistent and predictable routines, the Simms/Mann Institute recently launched the CuddleBright Experience, a product that incorporates all the elements needed to get your goodbye routine off to a strong start.

TIPS FOR EASING SEPARATION ANXIETY

early on your child will begin associating it with you and what you represent to them – warmth, comfort, security and most of all, love.

Bring a familiar object from home Children often find comfort in familiar objects such as a cuddly lovie, toy or blanket. These special items are called transitional objects. By introducing a transitional object

Create your own consistent goodbye routines and rituals Creating a consistent and predictable goodbye routine is key to making

Comfort yourself When you’re comfortable and calm, your child will feel less anxious and more confident. Remember, thoughtful distress can help you and your child grow and spending the time to say goodbye will enable your child to manage the separation and help your child reconnect with you in a more positive way when you return. By integrating the latest neuroscience research and years of child development theories, the CuddleBright Experience aims to connect and comfort both parents and children during times of separation. The product is specially designed for children ages 0-5 and their parents. It includes a cuddly lovie, a beautifully illustrated board book, “A Cuddle Before I Go,” and a special keepsake heart that will serve as a transitional object for the parent. These items work together to create a loving goodbye routine for both parent and child. In addition, the CuddleBright Experience includes a parenting guide focused on 18 child development topics that provide tips and strategies for navigating parenthood. For more information about the CuddleBright Experience, visit www. cuddlebright.com.

(BPT)

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FOCUS on the FAMILY 2017

Page 5

Whether curled up with a book or hosting friends for a movie extravaganza, never underestimate the fun you can have indoors.

FILE PHOTO Focus on the Family

Screen time can be good for young kids

Experts agree digital education may help young kids learn

For years, parents and pediatricians fretted over how much screen time was too much, especially for very young children. Many child health experts advised minimal screen time for elementary-aged kids and none at all for children younger than 2. New research, a revised policy from the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the personal experience of millennial parents who grew up in the digital age, have changed the way parents view screen time for youngsters. “Research now shows us that not all screen time is equal,” said Barbara Peacock, managing director of School Zone Inc., a recognized leader in creating innovative multimedia learning tools to prepare children for a lifelong love of education who

recently launched AnywhereTeacher.com, a “Digital Educational Playground” for kids 2 to 8. “Everyone agrees it’s important for children to maintain healthful levels of physical activity, but studies also show educational screen time can be an effective way to supplement children’s learning,” she continued. “As the American Academy of Pediatrics recently noted, ‘the effects of media use are multi-factorial and depend on the type of media, the type of use, the amount and extent of use, and the characteristics of the individual child.”

New understanding

The AAP and other child health experts have long counseled parents against allowing very young

See SCREEN TIME, Page 7 Educational video combined with traditional learning tools such as digital flash cards, games, interactive worksheets and printable activities make learning fun – anywhere and at anytime – for today’s digitally savvy families. FILE PHOTO Focus on the Family

Three ways to enjoy the great indoors Weather not so nice today? It can be easy to feel restless when you’re spending the day indoors. But there are plenty of ways to have fun at home. From redecorating to catching up on your favorite book, the discount experts at Dollar General are sharing some time-tested ideas for occupying your time in the “great indoors.” Reorganize and redecorate Spend an afternoon organizing and adding personal touches to the rooms that your family enjoys the most. It can be a faster and more enjoyable task than you might think if you are properly prepared. Consider purchasing affordable, decorative baskets to hold papers, toys, books and other items that can clutter your home. Once organized, you can add accent pillows and decorative accessories like lamps, throws and pictures to complete the look. Movie day Instead of making a trip to the movie theater, bring the movie theater home – complete

with all the trimmings. Gather some of your favorite movies, snacks and candies for your own little film festival. Consider sticking to a theme, like a favorite actor, genre or era. This is a great way to spend time indoors with family and friends. Snack smart by looking for money-saving coupons You can find great deals by downloading Dollar General digital coupons online at dollargeneral.com/coupons or through the Dollar General mobile app for smartphones. Digital coupons are an easy way to save on favorite items. Catch up on reading Spend a relaxing afternoon checking off books on your “must read” list. Set up a quiet, comfortable space for reading and be sure to leave your smartphone in another room, so you won’t be tempted by interruptions. Make it a group activity by creating reading challenges between those in your family or even joining a book club.

(STATEPOINT)

Five clever hacks FOCUS on the FAMILY 2017

Getting the family out the door on time every morning is no small feat. Seemingly simple tasks like getting dressed, packing backpacks and making breakfast can quickly turn into chaos. Before you know it, you’re running late and the kids haven’t even eaten as you dash to the car. Stop dreading the stressful start to the day and start taking control of your mornings. A few simple tips and tricks will turn the morning craze into smooth sailing. Plus, when you have a stress-free start, the rest of the day just seems to go better.

Select a week’s worth of clothes Sunday night Instead of choosing outfits the night prior, supersize your time-saving efforts by doing this task just once on Sunday night. Involve kids in selecting their clothes for the week so they feel empowered in their choices. Then hang entire outfits in the closet or stack in one drawer dedicated to weekday wear. When mornings come, kids know exactly where to find the day’s duds. Bonus – you don’t have to worry about midweek laundry.

Create routine and set alarms Create a morning routine and stick to it. For example, kids wake at 7 a.m., eat breakfast at 7:15 a.m., get dressed and ready at 7:30 a.m., then out the door by 8 a.m. And if the kids need to share a bathroom, set a daily bathroom schedule with alarms to keep kids on track and avoid arguments in the morning.

to simplify any family’s morning routine

Get ready before waking up the kids

Trying to ready yourself for the day while helping the kids is a recipe for disaster. This is why waking before the rest of the family really makes mornings happier. Try getting up 30-minutes before the kids so you have time to get ready and enjoy a cup of coffee. You’ll be fully awake, much happier and can focus on helping the kids stay on-task.

Create morning rules Just like you don’t let kids eat dessert before dinner to ensure they eat well, set rules for the morning to keep things moving. For example, no TV until all morning tasks are completed. For teens, smartphones and other mobile devices must remain on the kitchen table until they are ready to go.

Protein Power Packed Overnight Oatmeal Recipe Courtesy of WhipperBerry.com Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 8 hours Serves: 1 TO 2 Ingredients: 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled-oats 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt 1/4 cup pecans 1/4 cup fresh blueberries and raspberries Large spoonful of Jif Peanut Butter and Naturally Flavored Cinnamon Spread (or Maple if you prefer) 1 to 1-1/2-cups milk (basically cover what’s in your jar)

Sundays = meal prep

Optional: 1 teaspoon chia seeds 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 tablespoon honey

Make a week’s worth of PB&Js on Sunday and put them in the freezer. This way lunch items are ready to go and the sandwiches will be thawed and ready to eat by lunchtime. For breakfast, make it easy for kids by setting out shelf-stable items they can make themselves. New Jif Peanut Butter and Naturally Flavored Cinnamon Spread keeps mornings interesting. Set out a jar by a loaf of bread and kids can quickly make a tasty sandwich they’ll devour. Learn more at jif.com. Want to up the ante for breakfast without spending any extra morning time in the kitchen? Try this recipe for delicious overnight oats that can be made in the evening and customized for each family member.

Instructions: 1. In a large jar, layer your ingredients starting with about a 1/2-cup of old fashioned rolled oats. 2. Then add about a 1/2 cup of your favorite yogurt, your favorite nuts and fruit. 3. Next, add a spoonful of Jif Peanut Butter and Naturally Flavored Cinnamon Spread 4. If you want, add chia seeds and a drizzle of honey and vanilla extract. 5. Cover with your favorite kind of milk. You can use cow, almond, coconut or soy milk. 6. Gently stir your ingredients, top with a lid and place in the fridge overnight. In the morning, you’ll have a jar full of yummy oatmeal ready and waiting for you. Choose to eat it cold or warm it up in the microwave.

(BPT)

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Sportsmanship on and off the field FOCUS on the FAMILY 2017

Page 7

Coaching today’s youth to work as a team

2016 will be remembered for is its exciting and emotional highlights of sports teams working together to achieve new heights, from hometown heroes to some of sports history’s greatest athletes. Whether it’s a neighborhood scrimmage or a national championship, experts agree that the benefits of belonging to a team are significant, and they range well beyond physical exercise. These important experiences teach lessons that help shape kids and teens’ outlooks about themselves, working with others and the world around them. Boys & Girls Clubs of America, through its national partnership with Buffalo Wild Wings, has introduced tens of thousands of kids and teens to various sports through its popular All Stars program. All Stars is Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s leading team sports program, offering opportunities for Clubs around the country to organize football, basketball, cheer, dance and step programs. Based on observations from participating clubs around the country, here are the top life lessons instilled by being part of a team and how participation can help kids and teens feel a sense of belonging and acceptance. TEAMWORK By working together on a team, kids and teens can learn not only how to lead, but also how to follow directions. The ability to work well with others will help them at home, at school and at game time. Young people also experience the satisfaction of working together toward a common goal, which is an essential skill to learn for successes down the road. SPORTSMANSHIP Whether in sports, with family and friends, or at the workplace, it’s important to know how to properly handle winning and losing. Kids and teens who learn that it’s okay to lose – and how to act when they do, gain an important skill to help them throughout their life. Through sports, they can learn to play fair, act with humility and handle both victory and defeat with grace,

Sports teach kids that if they want something, they have to work for it.

FILE PHOTO Focus on the Family

style and dignity. STRONG CHARACTER By mastering athletic skills, players gain self-confidence that carries through to the real world. By practicing regularly they learn discipline and responsibility. By playing in a fast-paced game, kids and teens learn to handle stressful situations and make quick decisions. By being part of a team, young people experience a sense of belonging while building valuable friendships. What’s more, when parents and caregivers gather to watch games, it can strengthen communities and provide a sense of unity. HEALTHY LIFESTYLES Three out of 10 youth are overweight or obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Finding fun ways

• Screen time

(Continued from page 5) children to have much screen time. However, education, Lisa Guernsey, director of New the AAP recently revised its stance, citing America’s early education initiative, and “evidence regarding health media use (that) Michael H. Levine, founding director of does not support a one-size-fits-all approach” the Joan Ganz Cooney Center, a nonprofit to media use by children. literacy and digital media research Rather than keeping young children organization, explained the shift in thinking. off devices entirely, the AAP now advises “Literacy rates and toddlers’ media use parents to develop a Family Media Use may seem unrelated, but they are inextricably Plan that takes into account children’s tied,” the co-authors noted. “The important developmental stages, and uses that connections between media and reading must information to create an appropriate and be brought to light in schools, households, individual balance for media usage by and in the public’s imagination ... children each child. The AAP encourages parents at very young ages can gain important skills to establish boundaries for how and when in literacy and language development if the children may use digital devices, ensure they content on the screen is designed for learning understand the importance of not sharing and if they have a parent or educator who personal information online, and openly talk talks with them about what they are doing with children about media use. and seeing.” In revising its recommendation, the AAP looked to a growing body of research that Parental involvement in media use is the shows digital media use can help facilitate key difference between programming that learning. Writing in the Hechinger Report, benefits children’s educational development, a highly regarded watchdog media outlet and valueless screen time, research shows. that covers inequality and innovation in

Making media work for learning

to keep kids and teens active will help fight this growing epidemic. Team sports provide a great opportunity for young people to get moving. Because it’s fun, they often don’t even realize its exercise. By promoting an active lifestyle from an early age, caregivers can help today’s youth learn healthy habits that can have a lifelong impact. PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT No one throws a perfect spiral or hits a three-pointer the first time they try. To improve at sports, you need to practice. Sports teach kids and teens that if they want something, they have to work for it. Practice and proper preparation are key skills throughout life – whether for a big game, big test at school or any of life’s big challenges. Want to help encourage kids and teens in your community to play team sports and

The National Head Start Association recently stressed that “family engagement is integral” to successful learning. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Education agreed in a joint policy statement issued in May 2015: “Families are children’s first and most important teachers, advocates and nurturers,” the statement said, calling family involvement in kids’ education “critical” to their long-term success. Busy tech-savvy parents recognize how easy technology can make it to access highquality supplemental learning tools for their children, but finding a trusted source of curated content is not always easy. Speaking to her company’s newly launched site, Peacock comments, “AnywhereTeacher. com features content that has been developed exclusively by School Zone based on decades of research and broad-based experience working with educators, dating back almost 40 years when our founders, James Hoffman, Ed.D and his wife Joan,

learn these important life lessons? It can be as easy as visiting a local restaurant. Through its Team Up for Kids initiative, Buffalo Wild Wings supports ALL STARS, helping to teach sportsmanship, promote positive self-image, build character and encourage healthy, active lifestyles of our nation’s young people. Buffalo Wild Wings’ guests can support this important cause with the purchase of sauce and seasoning bottles sold in-store or online, with $1 from each purchase going directly to Boys & Girls Clubs of America. By 2020, Buffalo Wild Wings will have donated more than $16 million to fund football, basketball, cheer, dance and step programs, as well as facility renovations at local Boys & Girls Clubs through ALL STARS grants. To learn more, visit www.bgca.org.

(BPT)

MA, recognized the need for at-home learning materials.” The subscription-based AnywhereTeacher. com is an easy to navigate site for youngsters that combines the power of video with traditional learning tools such as flash cards, games, interactive worksheets and printable activities. Original episodic programming like Charlie & Company engages children with educational messages in a fun, familiar way. The service, which starts at just $6.99 per month, allows parents to manage their children’s activities and view their progress, creating an opportunity to talk about learning goals and improvement. The service is compatible with most devices and you can buy a subscription through iTunes, Google Play or PayPal to gain access from any device. There’s no limit on the number of devices families can simultaneously use to access the site. Visit AnywhereTeacher.com to learn more.

(BPT)

FOCUS on the FAMILY 2017

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