Family & Parenting, 2015

March 2015

CLARION A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO PRINCETON DAILY

Building a Budget

How to create your household budget

Protecting Curious Kids

Simple ways to childproof your home

Making the Grade

How to help your kids in the classroom

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TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015 • A SUPPLEMENT TO THE PRINCETON DAILY CLARION

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TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015 • A SUPPLEMENT TO THE PRINCETON DAILY CLARION

Expecting parents are often advised to make a will before or shortly after their child is born. While all adults should have a will, it’s especially important that parents have a will that clearly defines who will inherit their assets after they die. Expecting parents may not want to think about a will when their child has yet to be born, but a will is an important document that can be used to designate who will act as a child’s guardian should his or her parents die before the child is legally recognized as an adult. In addition, a will can also be used to designate a trustee of your estate who will manage any assets left behind to your children until they reach adulthood. Laws regarding assets left behind by a person who died without a will vary depending on where a person lived, but many such laws are inflexible and the government may even charge the estate to manage assets until children reach adulthood and are therefore legally recognized as able to manage the assets on their own. Parents who leave no will behind may also have no say in who raises their children, which can be difficult on the kids and troublesome for family members left to fight for custody of the children. Wills do not necessarily need to be written by a lawyer, but lawyers can help parents avoid certain pitfalls that could prove problematic and costly should someone challenge the will after your death. Such pitfalls include not having enough witnesses to the will or not stating in the will that the document is, in fact, your will.

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Creating your household budget

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How to help your kids in the classroom 8 How to foster a love of reading in children 9 Decreasing family screen time 10 Fun ways to be a fit family

Simple ways to childproof your home Bringing a new baby home from the hospital is a great moment for parents. But as a child settles into his or her new home, parents look around that home and see less “home” and more “hazard.” Kids are going to get some bumps and bruises along the way, but it’s still important that parents childproof their homes to keep such instances to a minimum and ensure that trips and falls don’t lead to something far worse than just some scrapes and tears.

Turn down the water heater. Young children are susceptible to burns from hot water, even if that water temperature is perfectly fine for the rest of the family. Mayo Clinic recommends setting the temperature on the hot water heater to below 120 F and installing antiscald devices on bathtubs and showerheads. In addition, always test the

water before your child gets into the tub.

Store potentially dangerous household items high up. Childproof locks on cupboards and drawers can be an effective deterrent to curious babies, but parents should never underestimate just how inquisitive some youngsters can be. To safeguard especially curious kids from their own behaviors, always store potentially harmful household items in high cabinets that little boys and girls won’t be able to reach.

Knives, household cleaners and scissors are just a few items that should be stored well beyond kids’ reach until they have clearly demonstrated they can handle such objects

Childproofing a home is typically more difficult for first-time parents who don’t have the trained eye for hazard spots that parents of one or more children feel is second nature. But a practical approach to childproofing a home can keep kids safe and let parents rest easy knowing their youngsters are safe. The following are just a handful of the many ways parents can make their homes safer for newborns and young children.

without cause for concern.

Remove magnets from the refrigerator.

Small magnets on a refrigerator often fall off when doors are open or closed. Babies or toddlers can easily find such magnets, which then become a choking hazard. Kids should not be in the kitchen anyway, but curious kids have a way of finding their way into rooms parents try to make off-limits, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Secure flat-screen televisions. The televisions of yesteryear were so heavy that many adults couldn’t even move them without help. Not so for today’s flat-screen televisions, which are not only lightweight

but also easily tipped over thanks to their often top-heavy structure. Such televisions should be mounted to the wall or kept high off the ground where kids can’t reach them.

Televisions that aren’t wall-mounted or those that are close to the ground are far more likely to tip over when curious kids go exploring.

Keep cribs away from the window. Cribs should never be kept near a window, where cords hanging from blinds present a choking hazard. In addition, cribs located too close to a window can expose babies to the elements, potentially upsetting their rest and making them susceptible to sunburn.

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TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015 • A SUPPLEMENT TO THE PRINCETON DAILY CLARION

Creating your household budget Stretching every dollar is a reality for many families. A higher cost-of-living coupled with financial uncertainty has inspired many families to scale back their spending, a process that’s much easier when families create a household budget.

Creating a household budget is often more complicated for families than it is for individuals. That’s because families not only tend to have more monthly expenses, but also because families tend to pay more mind to their financial futures than men and women living on their own. The following are a few tips for men and women hoping to create a household budget for their families.

Get a grip on your finances. Before setting a family budget, heads of the household should first get a firm grasp of their finances.

Determine household income, fixed monthly expenses (i.e., mortgage, car payments, etc.), luxury expenses (i.e., cable television service, dining out, etc. ), and outstanding consumer debt. Once you get a clear picture of what’s coming in and what’s going out, you can determine where you’re making sound decisions and where you’re not.

Set a goal. Once finances have been examined, you can then set a goal. Goals will change as your financial situation changes, but let your existing financial situation influence the goal you initially set. For example, if an examination of your financial situation revealed a considerable amount of

consumer debt, then a goal of eradicating that debt is a great place to start, and part of setting the goal is developing a course of action to make it a reality. When trying to free up money to pay down consumer debt, examine the expenses you listed as luxuries and determine which ones you can cut so you can pay down your family’s debts. Dining out less and cutting back on entertainment expenses are great ways to free up money to pay down debt. If an examination of your finances indicates little or no consumer debt but lots of money being spent frivolously, allocate funds for daily expenditures like a morning cup of coffee or lunch into your budget and do your best to avoid exceeding that amount.

Establish a weekly budget. Many families find it easier to manage their money and stay within their budgets if they live on weekly, as opposed to monthly, budgets.

This can be tricky, as many of your more significant expenses, including mortgage and car payments, are likely collected on a monthly basis. But establishing a weekly budget for your family allows you to monitor your monthly expenses more closely, reducing the likelihood that you’ll get to the end of the month and realize you exceeded your budget. Budget for those weekly expenses that are not fixed, like grocery bills and gas. Staying within budget for such expenses every week can lead to

substantial savings by the end of each month, and it’s far easier to save that money when you’re monitoring those expenses every seven days instead of every 30 days.

Consider long-term goals. Longterm goals should be considered when establishing a family budget.

Even if money is tight, you likely can still find room in your budget to save for your future. The goal of establishing a family budget Examining monthly expenses, including grocery is to ensure money is being well bills, is an important step for families when spent, and contributing to your establishing household budgets. family’s financial future is money well spent. Allocate funds for retirement substantial savings by the end of each month, account contributions and future educational and it’s far easier to save that money when expenses as well. Even small contributions you’re monitoring those expenses every can add up to a significant amount of money seven days instead of every 30 days. over time.

Consider long-term goals. LongMonthly, budgets. This can be tricky, as term goals should be considered when many of your more significant expenses, establishing a family budget. Even if money including mortgage and car payments, are is tight, you likely can still find room in your likely collected on a monthly basis. But budget to save for your future. The goal of establishing a weekly budget for your family establishing a family budget is to ensure allows you to monitor your monthly expenses money is being well spent, and contributing more closely, reducing the likelihood that to your family’s financial future is money you’ll get to the end of the month and realize well spent. Allocate funds for retirement account contributions and future educational you exceeded your budget. Budget for those expenses as well. Even small contributions weekly expenses that are not fixed, like can add up to a significant amount of money grocery bills and gas. Staying within budget over time. for such expenses every week can lead to

Becoming a parent is a life-changing experience unlike any other. As new parents soon find out, children are expensive, and moms and dads are often eager to find ways to save money without sacrificing the quality of care their kids receive.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, the cost of nurturing a child to age 18, when adjusted for cost of living, has increased by $40,000 since 1960. While the cost of raising a child depends on a wide range of factors, including geography, being a parent in the 21st century requires a more significant financial commitment than it did in decades past.

Clothing is a considerable expense for growing families. Children grow out of clothes rather quickly, and parents often find themselves on the hunt for new clothing to accommodate their growing children. Parents can expect

to spend in the range of $1,500 to $2,000 per year on children’s clothing, and a 2010 study from researchers at North Dakota State University found that the average American household spends about 3.8 percent of their income on clothing. Cutting clothing costs can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. The following are a few ways to curb spending.

Shop end of season. Take advantage of end-of-season clothing close-outs to replenish wardrobes. Think ahead to what sizes children will be wearing next year and purchase accordingly. Some stores offer discounts that can be as high as 80 percent off the original price in an effort to clear out last year’s inventory and make room for new arrivals. Use an empty closet or set up storage containers marked with clothing sizes to keep clothing organized. When the kids grow into a new size, you will already have a closet full of new

clothes ready to go.

Consider consignment stores. Shopping at consignment and thrift stores can be a great way to supplement a child’s wardrobe without breaking the bank. Consignment shops and donation centers often have extensive inventories, and many items found in such stores are in excellent condition. It’s not uncommon to find popular brand name merchandise and some designer or couture finds at consignment shops. When shopping at donation stores, shoppers are not only finding affordable clothing, but also are helping to give back to the community through their purchases.

Organize a clothing swap. Organizing a clothing swap can be a great way to save money and make friends by getting to know other parents. Chances are there are many other parents looking for ways to cut

How to stretch family clothing budgets

expenses. Children who grow out of clothing can pass down these items to other people.

A clothing exchange is a way to socialize, recycle and save money in the process.

Sign up for customer loyalty programs.

In a typical loyalty program, a stores offers discounts to loyal customers. These discounts may include percentages off of everyday purchases or special “private” sale days that aren’t available to the general public. Shoppers also can speak to store employees to find out when retailers traditionally mark down clothing or offer specialized promotions. Establishing a good rapport with store employees can be a great way to learn about upcoming sales before your fellow customers.

Clothing expenses for children continue to rise.

But cost-conscious parents can corral their clothing expenses in various ways.

TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015 • A SUPPLEMENT TO THE PRINCETON DAILY CLARION

Do You Need Help?

Contact 4C for all of your child care, preschool, and parenting needs!

Do you need help finding child care?

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Find out if you qualify for Child Care Development Fund Vouchers.

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Come to a 4C Play & Learn playgroup.

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Talk to our Infant Toddler Specialist.

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Talk to our Inclusion Specialist.

4C, a nonprofit child care resource and referral agency serving fourteen counties in in Southwestern Indiana, 4C, a nonprofit child care resource and referral agency serving fourteen counties Southwestern Indiana, is is supported byby the Welborn Baptist Foundation, the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, supported the Welborn Baptist Foundation, the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, Office ofof Early Childhood and Out ofof School Learning, and the Indiana Department ofof Education.

Office Early Childhood and Out School Learning, and the Indiana Department Education.

600 SE 6th St. • Evansville, IN • 1.866.200.5909

www.child-care.org

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TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015 • A SUPPLEMENT TO THE PRINCETON DAILY CLARION

How to help your kids in the classroom

Parents often play a crucial role in helping their kids do well in school. Numerous studies have shown the positive impact that parental involvement can have on a student’s academic career, and those studies have inspired many educators to encourage their students’ parents to take a more active role in their children’s education, including helping them with their homework.

Parents can help kids with their homework in various ways, but that very involvement alone can help to establish a groundwork in which kids understand there are specific rules regarding their homework and that these rules will be enforced. Even parents who might not be able to help kids with their calculus homework are already helping by simply creating an environment in which kids know they are expected to do their homework every day and that mom and dad will be there to make sure they do.

But enforcing rules about homework is not the only way parents can help their kids in the classroom. The following are a few simple ways parents can support their children’s academic efforts as well.

Contact teachers. Contacting teachers is now easier than ever before. Many teachers recognize the benefits of involving parents in

their youngsters’ education, and as a result these teachers go to great lengths to make information about their classes available, whether it’s by posting a class syllabus online or emailing parents about upcoming assignments or examinations. Whereas the parents of yesteryear used to wait until parent-teacher conference sessions to learn how their child was performing in the classroom, today’s parents can email their children’s teachers for updates or questions if they notice their child is struggling with a particular subject.

Help your child choose his or her coursework. The competition to get into a good college is stiff, and many of today’s high school students recognize that reality.

Unfortunately, some students bite off more than they can chew. High school students don’t have the flexibility with regard to their coursework that they will have in college, but that does not mean their schedules are entirely up to someone else. When the time comes for kids to pick their courses, parents should sit down and help kids choose a schedule that’s challenging but not overwhelming.

Emphasize education over extracurricular activities. Parents often

marvel at the ease with which their children juggle busy schedules. While students might be deft at balancing academics with a host of extracurricular activities, many adults feel that today’s kids are overburdened, and parents who feel that way should not hesitate to take some tasks off their youngsters’ plates. Parents should stress to their children that education takes precedence over their extracurricular activities, paying careful attention to kids’ academic performances during those times of the school year when their children’s schedule seems especially busy. During such times, parents also can contact children’s teachers and ask that teachers let them know if their youngsters’ academic performance begins to suffer.

Limit distractions. Time to unwind is important, but parents should keep a watchful eye on just how much time their kids are unwinding. Too much time spent online or in front of the television can compromise academic performance.

Establish limits as to how much time kids can spend online, watching television and playing video games, and enforce those limits so kids have time to focus on their academics.

How to prevent playground injuries Playground equipment is a magnet for children, and rightfully so. Kids love playing on swings, slides and climbing components of playsets on school properties and at area parks. While playgrounds are ideal settings for fun-filled days, they also carry a certain degree of risk.

Approximately 20 children in the United States die from playground-related injures every year. More than half of these deaths result from strangulation and about one-third result from falls, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But parents can reduce their youngsters’ risk of injury and the severity of injuries in various ways.

Purchase recommended, safe equipment. Parents should do their research when buying playground equipment. Consumers can check with the Consumer Product Safety Commission for any litigation involving certain manufacturers or any product recalls. It may cost a little more to install a top-of-the-line playground

set, but the peace of mind and reduced risk of injury is worth the extra cost.

Invest in adequate surfacing. The CPSC says roughly 60 percent of all playground injuries result from falls the structures.

Although no fall is pleasant, the severity of injury resulting from a fall can be greatly reduced depending on how safe the surface material surrounding the equipment is.

Blacktop, concrete or even grass can be painful to land on. However, loose-fill materials like pea gravel, sand, shredded rubber, or mulch can soften falls. Plus, these materials are relatively low-cost and can be made from recycled items. But parents should know that loose-fill materials must be maintained to ensure a safe level of thickness. A depth of 12 inches is often recommended.

Choose an age-appropriate structure.

Injuries frequently occur when children use equipment designed for older kids.

Playgrounds are not one-size-fits-all. There

are specific differences in the size and stature of younger children from older ones, as well as limitations in younger children’s development. Segregated playground areas, or those with groupings of equipment recommended for certain age groups, can help limit injuries. Pre-school children need smaller steps and crawl spaces, while older children can utilize overhead bars that maximize upper-arm strength.

Safely situate equipment. Consider placing a piece of playground equipment under a shady area to keep children comfortable and safe from sunburns. Hot equipment can result in burns and being out in direct sunlight can also cause UV damage to the children’s skin.

Structures should be situated so there are no obstructions or obstacles to any moving parts.

Select a shorter structure. Studies show that the greater the height of a playground structure the greater the risk for injury.

Choose playground equipment that is nearer to the ground to prevent serious

injuries from falls and other incidents.

Inspect and maintain the equipment.

Safety measures must still be taken after the playground has been erected. Equipment should be routinely inspected for damage and movable parts and joints should be examined for any signs of wear and tear.

Bolts should remain tight, and any hardware that is protruding should be fixed. S-rings and other links and chains should not have gaps where children can get caught. Wood should be inspected for splintering or decay and replaced where necessary.

Supervise kids at all times. Children should always be supervised when playing on playground equipment, whether they are playing at school, at home or in a public park. Adults should discourage poor or risktaking behavior that increases risk of injury.

Adults also are urged to keep abreast of changing structure codes and guidelines so that equipment can be adjusted accordingly.

TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015 • A SUPPLEMENT TO THE PRINCETON DAILY CLARION

Health Department Programs

Nursing Services

*Car Seat Program -Available to qualifying individuals -Based on car seat availability *Sharps Disposal Program -Offering a safe way to dispose of needles and lancets *Tobacco Free Gibson County -Gwen Siekman 812.677.2018 *Angel Store of Gibson County -Pregnant women and new mothers earn coupons to exchange for new baby items at the Angel Store.

Public Health Nurses:

Public Health Nurses

*Qualify expecting women for Medicaid *TB testing and case investigation *Pregnancy testing *Provide proof of pregnancy documentation *Lead screening *Lice screening and treatment recommendations *Immunizations for children and adults *Communicable disease reporting *Resource referrals *Collaboration with other Health Departments *Confidential STD testing and treatment

Bio-Terrorism/ Preparedness Services *Disaster response coordination *Responds to public health emergencies *Collaboration with community partners

203 S. Prince St, Suite A Princeton, IN 47670

Phone: 812.385.3831

Sanitarian Services

Vital Records

Food Sanitarian:

Vital Records Clerk: *Gibson County Birth Certificates *Gibson County Death Certificates *Genealogy

General and Food Sanitarian

*Issue Food Permits *Perform Institutional Inspections -Restaurants -Gibson County Fair Booths -Heritage Days Festival -School Cafeterias

General Sanitarian: *Septic system permits *Septic system inspections *Septic system consultations *Education of septic system requirements *Vector investigations (mosquitos, ticks) *Perform Institutional Inspections: -Swimming pools -Mobile home parks -Summer camps *Tattoo Parlor Licensing and Inspections

WWW.GIBSONCOUNTYHEALTH.COM

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TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015 • A SUPPLEMENT TO THE PRINCETON DAILY CLARION

How to foster a love of reading in children

Today’s parents know that it’s not always easy to instill a love of reading in children. Whether they are watching television, dabbling with their smartphones, toying with their tablets or engaging in social media, youngsters now have more distractions at their disposal than ever before. So it’s no surprise that many youngsters may not be too enthusiastic about abandoning

their gadgets in exchange for curling up with a good book.

But instilling a love of reading in kids early on can pay a lifetime of dividends. Children learn at a much faster pace during their first six years than at any other time in their lives, and the right kind of stimulation during these years can provide the foundation for future learning. In addition, reading at an early age can inspire a child’s creativity and imagination. Though many parents can recognize these benefits, that recognition does not make it easier to get kids to embrace reading. No two kids are alike, so parents might need to employ different strategies to get each of their kids to embrace reading. But the following are a handful of ways parents can foster a love of reading in their youngsters.

Embrace their hobbies. When encouraging kids to read, parents may find it easier to get them to pick up a book if that book’s subject matter pertains to a favorite hobby or something a youngster has expressed interest in. A sevenyear-old boy with a passion for baseball will likely

be more inclined to read an age-appropriate novel about America’s pastime than he will a book about fishing. Use youngsters’ enthusiasm about a given hobby or interest to lay the foundation for a love of reading.

Don’t limit reading to books. Books are not the only reading materials that can foster a love of reading in kids. Local newspapers and magazines have sparked many kids’ initial foray into reading, and such source materials can be just as inspiring as novels or short stories.

Magazines made for youngsters give kids something they can start and finish reading in the same day. Young boys might want to read the sports page in the daily newspaper or visit a favorite team’s website to learn all about last night’s game, while young girls might be more inclined to read the arts and entertainment sections. Parents should encourage such exploration, even if it means leaving novels on the bookshelf for the time being.

Read to youngsters. Another way to foster a love of reading in youngsters is to read to them every day. Many young kids just learning to read may be discouraged if their reading skills aren’t progressing rapidly. Reading to kids every day can inspire them to work harder at reading so they can be just as good at reading as Mom and Dad.

Discuss reading materials with your children.

Many people enjoy talking about books they have read as much as they enjoy reading the books, and kids are no different. Parents who want their youngsters to embrace reading can initiate discussions about what their kids are reading, discussing the plot of novels or the details of newspaper or magazine articles kids read. Ask them what they like and dislike about a book or ask for a recap of a story they read in the newspaper or an article they read in a magazine.

Extend the reading experience. After they have finished a novel, adults often find it enjoyable to watch films based on that novel.

Doing so extends the reading experience and gives men and women a chance to see if their interpretations of a given story were similar or different from someone else’s. Kids enjoy such extensions as well, so reward kids by taking them to the movies to see the film version of a favorite book or to a museum that’s displaying an exhibit that’s relevant to a book a youngster just read.

Though their youngsters may have many distractions at their disposal, there are still many ways for parents to foster a love of reading in their children.

Did you know?

Summer Reading Program Kick-off

Sponsored by South Gibson Optimist Club and the Psi Iota Xi Ft. Branch Library Friday, May 29th ~ 9:30 AM - 12 noon Featuring, Iditarod runner Karen Land and sled dog, Romano.

Immediately following ice cream social in yard to mingle with our military and local emergency heroes.

“Every Hero Has a Story” sign-ups Talon Trust:

Showing of Owls, Hawks and other big birds Friday, June 12th ~ 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM Talon Trust held in the Ft. Branch library yard

“The Elvis Tribute Show”

with Dave Ehlert Wednesday, June 17th ~ 6:30 PM Haubstadt Library FT. BRANCH PUBLIC LIBRARY 107 E. Locust St. 812-753-4212

HAUBSTADT PUBLIC LIBRARY 101 W. Gibson St. 812-768-6005

Researching family history and genealogy can be an interesting project the entire family can enjoy. Thanks to the Internet and the various family history sites that have cropped up in recent years, it is now easier than ever for families to investigate their origins. Family genealogy projects may start as school assignments and grow into much more once the seed of curiosity has been planted. Web sites such as Ancestry.com and FamilySearch.com can assist individuals with following up on family journals or word-of-mouth stories passed on through generations. Tracing one particular branch of the family may be more manageable at the outset. Once that desire for information is sated, you can move on to different family members or even a spouse’s family history.

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TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015 • A SUPPLEMENT TO THE PRINCETON DAILY CLARION

Decreasing family screen time Smartphones and tablets appear to have staying power. The Pew Research Center confirms that smartphone penetration has surpassed the 50 percent mark among mobile subscribers. Many others are routinely using tablets to access books, television shows, movies, and magazines. In multi-screen homes, televisions are still king. According to a 2012 Nielsen report, the average American over the age of two spends more than 34 hours a week, or more than 4 hours per day, watching live television. Those findings should raise an eyebrow, as health experts warn that excessive screen time can be hazardous to one’s health.

A sedentary lifestyle spent in front of computers and video game consoles contributes to poor health. Of the leading industrialized countries, the United States has the highest obesity statistics, and Canada is not far behind. Obesity can impact cholesterol, cardiovascular health, risk for type 2 diabetes, and risk for stroke. Excessive screen time can lead to sleep and eating disorders, interfere with a person’s ability to focus and negatively affect a person’s performance at school or work. Getting a family active and reducing time spent in front of a screen can have profound effects, and reducing screen

Recognizing cyberbullying online, and about the same number have engaged in cyberbullying.

More than 80 percent of teens use a mobile phone regularly, making it the most popular form of technology and a common medium for repeated cyberbullying.

Cyberbullying takes place through electronic technology and differs from traditional forms of bullying.

Cyberbullying can occur via text messaging, blogging, updates to social media sites and/or phone conversations. What makes cyberbullying more difficult to detect Adults should remain diligent in monitoring what and remedy than traditional bullying kids are doing online. Bullying can take place is that sometimes this type of through digital devices, such as mobile phones. bullying is veiled in secrecy.

Those who engage in cyberbullying Before social media became so prevalent, can create aliases and accounts under false instances of bullying were somewhat names, allowing them to covertly engage in easy to recognize. However, with a good bullying behavior.

As a result, tracking down majority of children now engaged in digital bullies can be challenging. networking and social media, bullying may Although cyberbullying is on the rise, not end with the ringing of the school bell, there are some things that parents and and evidence of bullying may not be so children can do to help put a stop to such readily apparent. unfortunate instances.

According to Cyberbullying statistics from Parents who feel their child is not the i-SAFE foundation, more than half of adolescents and teens have been bullied emotionally ready for the responsibility

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time doesn’t have to be difficult.

Gradually implement changes. Families immersed in electronic devices can cut down on screen time slowly and over the course of several weeks rather than tuning out cold turkey.

Start by reducing time spent watching television or playing video games by one hour per week, and gradually reduce time spent devoted to such activities in the ensuing weeks.

Hide devices. The mantra, “out of sight, out of mind” can work with respect to digital devices. If tablets or smartphones are tucked away, family members may feel less inclined to reach for them at any given time. Just as you wouldn’t stock your pantry full of fattening foods while trying to lose weight, don’t make digital devices readily available throughout the day.

Keep televisions out of the bedroom. Children who have televisions in their bedrooms tend to watch an additional 90 minutes of programming per day than those who do not have televisions in their room. Keep the television in a shared area of the house so that time spent watching the TV can be monitored and adjusted.

Establish guidelines. Set firm limits on how much screen time will be allowed per day and stick with it. Adults can lead by example.

Plan more family activities. Boredom can easily give way to time spent fooling around on the Internet or channel surfing. Parents should have a cache of ideas at the ready that promote active family time. Neighborhood walks or tossing around a baseball in the yard are enjoyable activities that cut back on time spent being sedentary. Encourage indoor activities, such as puzzles or board games, if the weather is not cooperating.

Be steadfast. Do not throw in the towel too soon. Families should stand their ground when attempting to decrease their screen time in favor of healthier activities.

of a digital device can hold back on purchasing a smartphone or choose one with very limited features. Some schools set strict limits on phone usage at school, and children who go only from school to home and vice versa may not have the need for an “emergency phone” that can open up a window for trouble.

Adolescents and teens should feel comfortable talking with their parents without the fear of reprimand. Otherwise, they may hide instances of cyberbullying or not know how to broach sensitive topics like bullying. Parents can engage in conversation with their children often and stress that the doors of communication are always open.

Teens should be made aware that cyberbullying is a very real occurrence and is not just other kids “having fun” or “joking.” If behavior is repetitive and hurtful, it should be made public and addressed.

Parents can monitor and limit their children’s personal accounts. Some smartphone and tablet applications can be mirrored on the main account, enabling parents to see incoming text or video messages.

A laptop or desktop computer should be placed in a shared space so that usage can be monitored. Parents can restrict tablet or smartphone usage to public areas.

When online, children should be advised not to share personal information.

Social media sites may be used by bullies to gather sensitive information about a person that can be used against them at a later time. Children should be urged to keep passwords secret and to never give information such as birthdays, phone numbers and addresses to people who aren’t close friends. Friend lists should be restricted to only those people students interact with frequently to minimize the chance for bullying or other inappropriate behavior.

Teens who have been bullied can keep evidence of the bullying and may benefit from talking with a counselor.

Cyberbullying is a growing concern for educators and parents and has far-reaching implications. Getting smart about this phenomenon can help staunch new cases of online bullying.

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TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015 • A SUPPLEMENT TO THE PRINCETON DAILY CLARION

Healthy meals made fast Fun ways to Busy families are increasingly looking to free up time in their busy schedules. While certain shortcuts can make daily life more manageable, families sometimes pay too steep a price in their efforts to save time. Such is the case at the dinner table, where nutrition is often sacrificed at the expense of convenience.

But quick and easy meals need not be void of nutrition and flavor.

North Americans have increasingly turned to fast food, convenience items and dining out as an alternative to homecooked meals. However, such processed foods are often unhealthy.

According to the book, “Eat It to Beat It!” by David Zinczenko, the average restaurant meal contains 58 grams of fat, or about 90 percent of the recommended daily fat intake for an average person. What’s more, 70 percent of the average American’s caloric intake is derived solely from processed foods.

Moderation plays a crucial role when crafting a healthy diet. Families can enjoy the occasional meal out provided they are careful about what they eat during other times of the week or month. Time-pressed families can employ a few strategies to help them eat better by enjoying more home-cooked meals.

Make a list of favorite family meals. Start by thinking about what foods the entire household enjoys. Create a meal-planning schedule so that you can purchase all of the ingredients at once for the week so you aren’t making any time-consuming last-minute trips to the store.

Shop off-peak hours. Visit the supermarket during off-peak hours, such as early morning or late at night. Avoid Sunday afternoons when stores are often crowded. Shopping during offpeak hours can save you time.

Separate bulk purchases into smaller portions. Take the time to divide larger packages of meat or produce into smaller portions more appropriate for the family.

Frozen meats will defrost more quickly, and it’s easy to grab just what you need to pull together a meal.

Prep like a pro. When you have free time, wash and cut vegetables, then store them

away. Cook larger quantities of foods you eat often, such as pasta or chicken. These ingredients can be used in many different meals. Having them precooked or partially cooked cuts down on the cooking time during the week. Think ahead to which leftovers can be turned into new meals. Perhaps those grilled chicken breasts can be turned into fajitas or used as the base of a soup or stew later in the week.

Enlist some help. More hands in the kitchen can make for faster work. When schedules overlap, have someone peel potatoes in the morning and set them into a bowl of water in the refrigerator to used that evening. Another person can arrive home from school or work and start seasoning meat or poultry while someone else can be in charge of the actual cooking when he or she arrives home. Working together cuts down on the amount of time any one person has to spend making meals.

Embrace the slow cooker. Slow cookers are a boon to busy families. Various ingredients can be placed inside of the crockpot and then set to cook slowly for several hours. The slow cooker uses a very low temperature to cook the foods for anywhere from 5 to 8 hours. The results are often flavorful, tender meals. After morning prep time, a family can return home in the evening and have a meal ready to go.

Use convenience foods correctly. Make meals a combination of foods you cook from scratch and convenience items. However, be sure to check labels and ingredients when choosing convenience items. Opt for whole grain bread, and select foods that haven’t been overly processed. Choose low-sodium alternatives for a healthier meal.

Allow your family to splurge once in awhile. On particularly busy days, plan to dine out or to order some takeout. Many restaurants have revamped their offerings to provide healthier fare, and families worried about overeating can split portions among two or three people to cut down on the number of calories and fat everyone is consuming.

“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”

Proverbs 22:6

Francisco General Baptist Church

Highway 64 East, Francisco, Indiana www.franciscogbc.com

be a fit family

Obesity is a global epidemic affecting people of all ages. According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one-third of Americans are considered obese, while Statistics Canada notes about 25 percent of Canadians are obese. Being overweight or obese has been linked to cardiovascular disease, diabetes and some forms of cancer, and children who are overweight are likely to be overweight or obese adults.

While eating a diet that is low in fat and high in whole-grain fiber, vegetables and lean proteins is important, exercise remains one of the key factors in maintaining a healthy weight. However, many adults and children simply do not get enough exercise during the day. An active lifestyle is often hampered by the prevalence of digital devices or sedentary jobs that encourage more screen time than fitness time. But there are ways for the entire family to get fit. Exercising together is not just a great way for families to get healthy, but also a great opportunity to spend time together. The following are a handful of ways families can work together to incorporate more exercise into their daily lives.

Tackle chores. Yes, tasks around the house can count as exercise. Working together not only gets you moving but also cuts down on the time it takes to tackle tasks around the house. Mowing the lawn, vacuuming the rugs, sweeping the floor — all of these activities can get the heart pumping. Make it fun by setting chores to music or competing against one another to see who gets their task done first or the best.

Compete in the pool. Swimming is a lowimpact activity that works many muscles in the body. Taking a dip in the pool can be both relaxing and beneficial to your health.

Compete with family members to make the most of the time spent in the water. Host relay swimming races, see how long each member of the family can tread water or create any other competitions that keep everyone in the pool moving.

Create an outdoor obstacle course. Set up a series of obstacles in your yard and host your own triathlon. You can jump through tires, climb through tubes and scale trees. Make it fun by having adults try to ride tricycles or pair up an adult with a child for sack races. The opportunities for fun are only hampered by your imagination.

Go for family bicycle rides. Traverse your neighborhood or blaze new trails by riding bikes together. Young children can be strapped into trailers that are pulled behind the bike or ride in seats attached to the bike itself. This gives everyone a chance to enjoy the great outdoors and hone their cycling skills.

Go hiking. Hiking is another fun family activity that also happens to make for great exercise. Choose a trail that may not be level and push everyone’s endurance to the test.

Hit the dance floor. If you’ve been invited to a wedding or a Sweet 16 party, cut a rug and take advantage of the DJ and dance floor. When enjoying yourselves, you probably won’t even realize how much you’re exercising.

TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015 • A SUPPLEMENT TO THE PRINCETON DAILY CLARION

Progressive Community Inviting Atmosphere A Great Place to Raise a Family.

Princeton, Indiana...

Mayor - Robert Hurst Mindy Brines - Clerk Treasurer

A place you can call home.

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TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015 • A SUPPLEMENT TO THE PRINCETON DAILY CLARION