U&me Magazine Issue 4 by U&me Magazine

m Su m F er on hi as M t us

A Family Bond

s ve Ha

Magazine Family Getaways

“Thanks, Mom!” A Heartfelt Celebration of Motherhood

FASHION

Making a Splash with the Coolest Kids’ Beachwear Ever!

The Power of Passion

Simple Ways to Instill It in Your Kids

How to Prepare Your Children When

Grandma’s Memory Fails

Water Reflections WWW.UANDMEMAG.COM MAY-JUNE 2013 ISSUE 4

“Glamping” in the Great Outdoors!

JUST FOR MOMS

How to Take a Guilt-Free (and Relaxing!) Time –Out

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Coolest Mommy and Daddy Gear Turn Your Kids into

Can-Do Optimists! Alternative Approaches to

Childhood Education

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CONTENTS

MAY/JUNE 2013

Features 14

Making Wishes Out of Weeds

How to Conquer the Bully Phase

The Power of Passion

Obstacles became opportunities the day I learned that “Your attitude is your altitude. It determines how high you fly.” It is time for parents to become proactive in dealing effectively with the bullying epidemic that affects so many of our kids. People who follow their interests are happier, plain and simple. Here are proven ways to discover –and encourage– your children’s interests and passions.

26 Types of Intelligence

According to a psychologist and professor of neuroscience from Harvard University, there may be as many as nine different and distinct “intelligence types.” And your child is a unique combination of each!

What Families Need to Remember as Grandma's Memory Fails

Learn how you can help your children and teens understand and remain strong and connected as a family.

Alternative Approaches to Childhood Education

As we learn more about the profound impact of early childhood education, many parents are torn when it comes to choosing the best approach to educating their little ones.

On the Cover 50 Water Reflections Photography: Marlyne Padilla www.marlynealexander.com Hair & Makeup: Fiorella Viloria Fashion: Bloomingdale's (Aventura) 19555 Biscayne Blvd Aventura, FL 33180

Special 56 Tribute to Motherhood

From baking and ironing to CEO careers, mothers come in all shapes and sizes.

CONTENTS

MAY/JUNE 2013

54 Regulars 9

Mommy Talk

After many years of heartache, and almost losing hope, she is the proud mom of two healthy, beautiful children.

60 Family Getaways 60

The Great Outdoors Luxury Edition

Discover a new way to enjoy an authentic camping trip in nature without sacrificing everyday conveniences.

Daddy Tales

A brave dad reveals how breaking the “poop barrier” opened the door to the new role of fathers...

Craft

Green Corner

Tin Friends

Create fun robots out of recyclable materials.

Well-Being 68

Exercising for Two: Working Out While Expecting

Learn how a safe, healthy exercise routine can be good for you and the baby.

Parents 70

Yes, Moms Can Take a Break and Just Relax!

Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom or work outside the home, building some personal time into your regular routine helps alleviate stress and improve your overall feeling of wellness.

Growing Up Green: Making Environmental Awareness Fun

Resources 72

Books Are My Pals

Calendar of Events

Photography: Kendra Bentley www.kendrajillphotography.com Art Direction: Mauricio Mendoza Fashion: The Red Apple 7283 SW 57th Ave, South Miami, FL 33143 Models: Cathy & Company www.cathycompany.com

Fashion 50 Life is a Wave

Plus 18

Cool Gear for Mommy & Daddy

Summer Must Haves

Children's Fashion Guide

It’s summer at last! And the little ones are ready to make a splash in the coolest beach fashion ever...

FIRST WORDS

Summer Love O ne of my fondest memories as a child was jumping on my mother’s bed Sunday mornings, cuddling up in her arms and feeling as if I was the only person in her world, or at least the most important one, and knowing that she was the one person that, without a second of hesitation, would do anything for me. It is not until we become a mother that we truly understand the love of a parent.

In the launch of our new section, “Daddy Tales”, enjoy Steve’s quirky humor as he talks about all the intricacies faced by the modern dad. And in “A Tribute to Motherhood”, read about Virginia and Milane, two women from different generations that, although each has taken a different path in their journey through motherhood, both have found happiness in their roles as mothers. All too often, though, parents’ juggling act in their attempt to find balance between the demands of everyday living and the tremendous responsibility parenting itself carries, leaves them tired and overwhelmed, making it more difficult to handle the challenge. In “Mommy Time” we bring you simple, affordable, proven and effective ideas on how to disconnect from it all, take time for yourself, and recharge your batteries. Experts say that it is in these rare times of calmness and serenity

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that we are able to reflect and truly appreciate the life we live, making you a happier woman and ultimately a more effective mother. As an educator, and someone who has worked with children from both sides of the spectrum for over fifteen years, ranging from the most intellectually challenged to those that will keep you wondering whether you are in a classroom of elementary school aged students or Harvard Law Graduates, I have found that every single one of them has a special gift to bring to this world regardless of how they score on standardized tests. In “Multiple Intelligences” Dr. Howard Gardner, a psychologist and professor of neuroscience from Harvard University, has discovered that there may be nine different intelligence types that reflect different ways of interacting with the world. For children, however, it is far too hard to recognize their gifts when they are so often confronted with what they should not, cannot, and better not do, so it is up to the parent to help them identify their gifts and, rather than focus on far too many limitations, allow them to explore a world of possibilities. In this issue’s family getaways, we bring you, “The Great Outdoors” a family camping adventure, but with a bit of glam.

U&me is happy to announce that we joined forces with fitness expert Kathleen Check, Erika Boom, founder and president of Belly n Kicks, along with Fit2Go meals, and have launched our first annual mommy makeover where we will provide our six lucky moms with a six month mommy makeover lifestyle program. Log on to our U&me Magazine Facebook page and get inspired. Join us as we take you through their journey of transformation! As always, thank you all for your love and support. Until next time,

Gladys Valladares Editor-In-Chief

LETTERS

Mommy Talk After many years of heartache, and almost losing hope, she is the proud mom of two healthy, beautiful children. Blessed with Motherhood The challenge of being a parent for me began the moment I wanted to become Sandra Vazquez one. For some women becoming pregnant is a stroll in the park, sort-of-speak; for others, like me, it’s not that easy.

For many years I questioned whether I was meant to be a mother. My faith was definitely tested, and when people who didn’t know about my struggle asked if I wanted kids, I just said "not right now", in order to avoid the whole conversation.

“I remember saying to myself: ‘I'm done, and if it's meant to be, it will be.’ Then I began to visualize myself as a mom…”

I struggled many years with doctor visits which never gave me concrete results, which would have allowed me to identify the source of the problem. Even after years of several failed tries, I kept hearing the same answer from different doctors: “There is nothing wrong with you, this is very common."

After five years of seeing different doctors, I decided to stop it all. I remember saying to myself: "I'm done and if it's meant to be, it will be."

Although some people would view this result as a positive one, it infuriated me, because at the time I would have preferred to hear that something was actually wrong, so that I could at least blame it on that.

I began to visualize myself as a mom, which is something I had never done before, and literally went about my business in life. After several months, I caught a terrible flu. After a week or so the flu was gone, but other symptoms,

which I was all too familiar with, came back. I knew the beginning symptoms of being pregnant all too well, and instead of happiness, I felt sadness and fear again. But I had made up my mind to just let it be and, on December 28, 2007, I was finally blessed with a healthy gorgeous baby boy. Four years later the blessing repeated itself with a healthy beautiful baby girl.

“There was a little voice inside of me telling me to remain positive…” Although at times I felt it would never happen for me, there was a little voice inside of me telling me to be patient and remain positive. I thank my husband for his support, my friends and family for all the words of encouragement, and my kids for giving me the biggest joy a mother could ever have. And to everyone who can relate, have patience and believe that one day this blessing can be yours as well.

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Beautiful Spirits: How a Dad and His Son Stay Strong in the Face of Family Disease On March 15th, horrible news came to 10 year old Ahmad Gallon. He was diagnosed with a malignant tumor in his brain stem (VIPD). At first devastated, his father, single dad Michael, then found his courage and realized he needed to be the dad he always had been for Ahmad. "There have always been obstacles I had to learn and detour around, but with the little I have, I always manage, I always made it work for him, I put him first. I can't see myself losing my only child. I don't want to outlive my child." Bravely, amazingly, Ahmad still sounds like a typical 10-year old. "I like history, and I love video games." What would he like to do in the near future? "Go to the White Water Rapids Theme Park." Despite daily radiation treatments, Michael fights off despair and depression to keep life for Ahmad worry free to "focus on life just being a kid," and prays he will be able to get to that water park. It's not easy to make do and provide extras for the naturally protective Michael. "I'm skeptical of food, try to buy organic, but it is expensive. I have to be stricter, but I still have to let him be a kid, take him to Menchies, let him run and scoot even though his vision and balance are off, and he falls." There's constant work to do, requiring ultimate patience. Ahmad's right side is affected. He throws his usual finger foods or sandwich in frustration trying to hold them, balance them. Michael encourages him to "keep on working that hand". Asked how he handles his son’s disease, he responds "I don’t use the word ‘disease’, I call it a condition, because conditions can change, I want to extend his life as long as possible", Michael explains. And so, inspired and strengthened by his love for his son, Michael continues to work to ensure that Ahmad has the chance he deserves to a long and healthy life. If you would like to help change Ahmad and Michael's condition or offer any assistance, please contact Dr. Kristine Burns, Principal, Atala Montessori. KBurns@AtalaMontessori.org Or call 786-738-1210.

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Daddy Tales Because I think that it was breaking the poop barrier that opened the door for all of those other things. I knew personally that if I could change my kid in the middle of the night with the most disgusting rivulets of you know what running down her legs… I could face anything parenting had to throw at me!

Dear dads, or dads to be,

So you are becoming, or just became, a Dad. Congratulations! And welcome to the toughest job you will ever love! But before you join the team, you need to know that being a dad has changed quite a bit from the way it was when I was A brave dad a kid. I know you think you know what I am talking about –that modreveals how ern Dads are more “sensitive”, “enbreaking the gaged,” “in touch with their feminine side”, yada, yada, yada, and “poop barrier” that makes them better fathers.

opened the door to the new role of fathers…

That may all be true. But it’s not the biggest change. However, change is the operative word here, fellows. POOP! There, I said it: poop, ka-ka, doo-doo, or the S word. Whatever you call it, get used to it, because today’s dads do what mine and yours never did –we change diapers!

Dads cook today, they help kids with their homework, they clean house and contribute to their kids’ lives in so many ways that they did not a generation ago. So why am I so hung up on poop?

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Once dads embraced the idea of their kid’s poop, in all its glory, they were able to accept that being a Dad sometimes means that you have to get your hands dirty. And you know what? We are OK with that, whether it’s changing a loaded diaper at 13 months, or easing a broken heart at 13 years.

Go to any airport today, or any public place, and you will not only see “Family Restrooms” and fathers taking their daughters into them, but go into any Men’s Room and you will find a fold-down diaper table, right there next to the urinals. Now that is what I call “changing times!” Your fellow dad,

Steve

Letters to Mom

Making Wishes

Out of Weeds

Obstacles became opportunities the day I learned that “Your attitude is your altitude. It determines how high you fly.” By Tatiana Bengochea

erhaps one of the most touching lessons I’ve learned in a while came from the most random of places: a “Chicken Soup for the Soul” book I found at the bottom of a dusty box. I flipped through it and got caught up in the short story of four-year-old Kristina and her mom, Kathi. I felt Kathi’s pain as she described a drive that could have happened on any day, in any place, to any one of us. The two were running late yet again, invisibly bound by the local speed limits, and detained by every red light possible –it’s easy to understand her frustration. Their van was held back at a stoplight and by their side there was a poorly-tended field of dandelions. Not the bright and yellow kind, but the white fluffy ones. Kathi said “Oh, Kristina, that poor yard… look at all those weeds,” to which she replied “Oh, Mommy, look at all those wishes!” As parents, we naturally want the best for our children. We want them to be healthy. We want them to develop

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friendships and experience love. We want them to be grateful and proud, humble and successful, kind and strong. We want our kids to develop a load of traits in the hope that one day they might have a chance at a happy life. And so, we ask a load of questions in our mission to make our children the best that they can be. Is my son smart enough? Is my daughter a little selfish? Are my children independent enough? Are they too independent? But how often do we ask: is my child a pessimist?

Resilient children have been shown to have future plans that are realistic, positive and achievable. Research has shown that optimists tend to have better physical health, greater success at school, work and sports, and more satisfying relationships. They also have better mental health, reporting less depression and anxiety, and live longer than pessimists.

So really, if positivity has a root in most of the personal successes we wish for our children, why not start there? More importantly, how do you teach a child to think positively? According to Dr. Leslie Walker, Chief of Adolescent Medicine at Seattle Children's Hospital, it starts with you!

“If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door.” - Milton Berle The first step is to determine what changes you need to make as a parent to make sure that you’re setting an example of positivity for your child. "Patterning after their parents is how kids figure out how to live," says Dr. Walker. "If parents are optimistic about what's going in their lives, you can expect the kids to follow." Once you can set a standard for yourself and implement those changes, not only will you be instantly influencing your kids’ disposition, you may even enjoy some of the benefits yourself!

AS WE GROW

“Don't let your failures define you, let them teach you. ” - Barack Obama When your child comes to you with a complaint or a problem, you can walk them through the steps to find a “silver lining”. Making a habit of defining the good as well as the bad in every situation allows them to maintain a realistic view while hanging on to some hope. As Dr. Walker tells her own daughter, "The world is a terrible place. Yes, there are some bad things. But you should always be looking out for the wonderful things. They happen every day." It’s important to really listen to what your kids are telling you. "Kids have strong feelings but often have no words to express it," says Dr. Walker. "They will say, 'I hate math' but what they are

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really saying is 'How can I learn to do math better?'" It's the parent's job to get to the bottom of what they are trying to say.

“Whether you think you can, or that you can’t, you’re usually right.”- Henry Ford Once you get to the bottom of what they are communicating, don’t dismiss it. A simple “Don’t worry, everything will be OK” to a problem can inspire a child to look for the “silver lining”.

“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement.” - Helen Keller Optimists set clear goals that they look forward to fulfilling. Resilient children have been shown to have future

plans that are realistic, positive and achievable. They tend to be oriented towards achievement, and have educational aspirations. Practicing positive thinking with your children can set them on the right path toward a successful and fulfilled lifestyle. After all, in the words of Virgil, “They can, because they think they can.”

RESOURCES FOR YOUR FAMILY These books can help you instill a sense of optimism in your children as they grow. §§ “The Resilient Child: Seven Essential Lessons Parents Must Teach Their Children”, by George S. Everly Jr., PhD. §§ “Raising Resilient Children: Fostering Strength, Hope, and Optimism in Your Child”, by Robert Brooks Ph.D. and Sam Goldstein §§ “The Optimistic Child: A Proven Program to Safeguard Children Against Depression and Build Lifelong Resilience”, by Martin E. P. Seligman

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CRAFT

Tin Friends Create fun robots out of recyclable materials.

You will need: §§ Tin can §§ Electrical tape (optional) §§ Hardware, and various recyclables such as bottle caps, bolts, knobs, etc §§ Hot-glue gun §§ Can opener

Select all the materials needed. Open a tin can with a can opener to prevent sharp edges. If sharp edges occur, use electrical tape and line the inside of the can’s rim.

Use items such as bolts, washers, knobs, brackets, hinges, bottle caps or any other such item that you may have around the house for the facial features, the arms and feet.

Empty the can, wash it well, and dry it.

Hot-glue the body, and facial features to the can. TIP: Start with the feet to balance the robot.

AS WE GROW

How to Conquer

The Bully Phase

It is time for parents to become proactive in dealing effectively with the bullying epidemic that affects so many of our kids. By Andres Duarte

ids are still learning how to interact and express themselves in healthy ways. However, with still so much for them to learn, sometimes their thoughts, ideas, and insecurities can manifest themselves into unhealthy actions and aggressive behavioral tendencies, which can lead to what is known as bullying. For much too long now, these tendencies have gone unchecked and it has resulted in an increase in the bullying culture amongst kids and young adults. Just how serious has this problem become? A recent study conducted by naaas.org concluded that 77% of students report having been victims of bullying, with 14% of those who were bullied claiming they experienced severe reactions to the abuse.

The Disturbing Facts Online studies reveal that over 3.2 million children fall victim to bullying behavior each year. Aside from physical

bullying, kids are often subject to other equally debilitating forms of harassment, such as verbal abuse (i.e. name calling, incessant teasing and insults) and indirect abuse (social exclusion, intimidation, malicious gossip). The significance that bullying can have on children has proven to be substantial.

Parents, teachers and school administrators must work together to combat this growing problem on a daily basis. As a result of constant victimization, kids are often left feeling inadequate, insignificant, and powerless. In recent years, a series of bullying-related suicides in the US and across the globe have drawn attention to the connection between bullying and suicide. Statistics tell us that suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people, resulting in about 4,400 deaths per year,

according to the CDC. For every suicide among young people, there are at least 100 suicide attempts. These numbers are as alarming as they are terrifying. But however uncomfortable it may be to discuss, these realities should illustrate just how bad this epidemic has become, and we can no longer stand by idly and turn a blind eye to the severity of bullying.

How to Cope with Bullying If you believe your child might be the victim of bullying behavior, you MUST get involved. Do not attempt to pass the blame, but rather communicate openly with teachers and school advisors to come up with an effective course of action. Despite bullying prevention programs being enacted in 49 States, statistics illustrate the problem is only growing nationwide. Preventing bullying goes beyond a single school program or awareness seminar. To truly succeed in this ongoing battle, par21

ents, teachers, and school administrators must work together to combat this growing problem on a daily basis.

Online studies reveal that over 3.2 million children fall victim to bullying behavior each year. Dr. Joel Haber, a clinical psychologist and author of the book Bullyproof Your Child for Life, is among the leading experts concerning bullying and bully prevention. He suggests that parents not try to simply take over and solve the problem for their children, even though they may want to. Instead, he recommends parents tell their children that you will work on a plan together that won’t make the bullying situation worse. It is unfair to expect children to understand concepts that are still beyond their comprehension. Telling a kid that everything will be different when they

grow up and belittling their experience is not the way to get through to them. For a kid, their priorities and understanding of the world are directly correlated to the world they see around them. You never want your child to think that you cannot understand their problems; you want them to know that you can relate and that their problems are just as important as anyone else’s.

Keep Your Kids Feeling Safe and Loved Be sure that your home is an environment that inspires confidence within your children. As long as they always have a place to return to where they can feel safe and know they are accepted and loved, they will feel comfortable being themselves and not succumb to the occasional harsh realities that befall everyone. As experts continue to explore ways to minimize the prominence of bullying

among young people, it is becoming more evident that there is no one-sizefits-all solution. Each situation must be dealt with on a case-by-case basis, and it is up to parents to be active participants in their children’s lives. Having a home filled with positive energy, love, and support is the strongest way to ensure your child will grow up with self-confidence, a healthy demeanor, and positive attitude towards life and others.

SIGNS TO LOOK OUT FOR Here are some telltale signs that your child might be a victim of bullying: §§ Change in eating habits / lack of appetite §§ Disinterest in social activities with friends §§ Missing and/or damaged items (i.e. backpack, notebooks, lunch box, etc.) §§ Lack of general enthusiasm §§ Low self-esteem

AS WE GROW

The Power of

Passion

People who follow their interests are happier, plain and simple. Here are proven ways to discover –and encourage– your children’s interests and passions. By Steve Goodman

“Would’ve, Should’ve, Could’ve.”

f I want one thing for my child, I think it is that she grows up and looks back at her life with no regrets. We all know the parents that say “if only I had done ‘so and so’ when I was younger, how different my life would be.” There are two problems with parents like that. First, they tend to try to recapture their youth, or live vicariously, through their own kids. So they insist on giving them the piano lessons they wanted as a kid but their parents couldn’t afford, or sign them up for little league even if their son or daughter hates baseball. Second, and more importantly, they could be blinded to their child’s own passions. As parents, we are responsible for recognizing the things our kids are passionate about. We need to embrace those and encourage them if we want to see our kids grow up to be happy, healthy and well-adjusted adults. “Everyone has gifts! It is important for a parent to identify and nurture the

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gifts within each child to discover their passion,” so says Susan Rakes, Assistant Director of The Art and Culture Center of Hollywood. “These gifts are what make a child unique and special. It is also important for parents to recognize that a child can have multiple passions or that sometimes passions change over time. As parents, it is our job to fully support what a child shows an interest in and wishes to explore.”

“Parents should pay attention to experiences that excite their children, subjects that make them exceptionally inquisitive, and things they request to do multiple times. Encourage their enthusiasm!” As you might imagine, passion is closely related to happiness. Children and adults who have been allowed to pursue their passion just lead happier lives, even if they do so at great per-

sonal sacrifice. According to psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, author of the best-selling book Flow, there is “a direct link between the pursuit of a passionate interest and personal happiness.” He studied adult artists who were determined to pursue their art, despite tough personal circumstances or financial difficulties. He found that each one experienced a total absorption in the activity of painting, sculpting, or whatever it was they were doing. He called this single-mindedness, "flow," and he equates it with happiness. But what is truly interesting about Mihaly’s research, is that he says that his “flow” –that intense passion– is the same thing any child shows when they are “learning to walk, talk, and make sense of the world through rich imaginative play.” So, in other words, children are naturally passionate about everything they do, and we, as parents, need to help them to never lose that.

Turning It On If your child has an obvious passion, you can see the value in having him or her

AS WE GROW

pursue it. But what if they seem not to have any? “The best way for a parent to realize a child's passion is to observe and listen,” says Rakes. “Parents should pay attention to experiences that excite their children, subjects that make them exceptionally inquisitive, and things they request to do multiple times. Encourage their enthusiasm! Ask questions, such as, ‘What about doing that makes you happy?’ or ‘What else would you like to find out about this?’ These questions can help a parent hone in on what it is specifically about the experience the child especially enjoys and why.”

It is important for a parent to identify and nurture the gifts within each child to discover his or her passion. How many times have you heard your kid say, “I’m bored,” despite being surrounded by a roomful of games,

books and toys? It may not be boredom so much as his or her recognition that they are lacking passion. That spark that was in them as a toddler needs to be reignited.

Fortunately, there are specific questions that can help a parent discover what a child loves, and why. “Some children are interested in multiple things and find it difficult to identify one thing they are truly passionate about,” says Rakes. “In this situation, encourage the child to participate in a variety of experiences until they find the one or two things that make them truly happy.” And just because, as is often the case, they turn to TV or video games to fill the void, don’t panic. There are ways to make that positive as well. “If a child

does not get excited about multiple experiences being offered, and only wants to spend a large amount of time playing video games or watching television, encourage that interest by diving deeper into the experience. Visit a television studio to get a behind the scenes tour of how a show is made, or explore video game animation or computer programming necessary to design a game. The further exploration of this interest might just discover a hidden passion!”

Passionate Parenting For better or worse, your child takes after you. A child who lacks passion may have parents who lack or have given up on their own. It is never too late to reignite your own spark, to find your own flow. If you reconnect with your passion, you will encourage it in your kids, and maybe even find something you can be passionate about together! 25

Think That There’s Only One Kind of

Intelligence? Think Again!

y daughter attends what I consider to be a very open-minded and progressive school. Still, they do something that, as a parent, has always disturbed me a bit. They separate kids into an “intellectually gifted” class. Unfortunately, my daughter is not one who made that cut, although some of her friends from earlier grades had. To boost her damaged self-esteem, as I am sure many other parents do in similar situations, my wife and I explained to her that “Everyone has gifts. Yours are just in different areas, like with your writing (yes, she takes after daddy!) and your artwork.”

One child may excel in linguistic intelligence while another may be a Mathematical wiz. Do you know your children’s strong points? 26

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As it turns out, these were not just words to soothe her bruised ego. In fact, according to Dr. Howard Gardner, a psychologist and professor of neuroscience from Harvard University, there may be as many as nine different and distinct “intelligence types.” Dr. Gardner developed his theory of Multiple Intelligences (MI) in 1983. According to MI, as opposed to the traditional view, human beings actually possess nine different kinds of intelligence that reflect different ways of interacting with the world. What I find particularly interesting about this theory is that Dr. Gardner says that instead of having one type of intelligence, we all possess each of the nine he has identified, but in different combinations. No two people have the exact same combination. It is like our DNA or fingerprints. This would explain a lot to parents like me, who have often said in frustration, “I know my kid is really smart, she just doesn’t seem to do well on those standardized tests.”

Gardner's Nine Multiple Intelligences:

1 2 3 4

Linguistic Intelligence: This refers to your ability to use language to express what's on your mind and to understand other people. Writers, actors, lawyers, anyone for whom using language is important, have great linguistic intelligence. Logical/Mathematical Intelligence: Is your ability to understand principles of cause and effect, and work with symbols the way a scientist or mathematician does. Musical Rhythmic Intelligence: Is your ability to think musically; to be able to hear patterns and rhythms and manipulate and create them. Bodily/Kinesthetic Intelligence: Is your ability to use your whole body or parts of your body to problemsolve. People with a great deal of

AS WE GROW

I like the sound of that. And if my daughter can grow to do those things, then she will surely be “gifted,” and a gift to the world, despite her FCAT scores! Brain Boosting Activities for Your Kids Even those who say we are born with a traditional single intelligence, or “IQ” that is fixed at birth, agree you can improve your child’s intellectual and academic performance. Here are a few resources that show how.

Websites Brainy Kids - www.brainy-child.com A website dedicated to improving brain development in children from newborn to age six. It offers product reviews, information and resources, including a live “Ask the Expert” chat. Fun Brain – www.funbrain.com This colorful site allows you to search games by grade or just browse by subject.

this intelligence do well as athletes, or in the performing arts, particularly dancing or acting.

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Spatial Intelligence: Is your ability to represent the spatial world internally in your mind, to navigate and relate to the world around you. People with a great deal of spatial intelligence make not only great pilots and sailors, but also sculptors, and scientists. Naturalist Intelligence: Is your ability to relate to other living things and understand the natural world. Geologists, biologists, botanists, and even chefs, possess a good deal of this intelligence. Intrapersonal Intelligence: Is your ability to know and understand yourself -who you are, what you can do, and what your limitations are. People high in this kind of intelligence can do almost anything, because they are very aware of what they can and cannot do. U&me Magazine

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Kaboose – http://education.kaboose. com/tutoring/brain-index.html The tutoring section of this Web site offers educational games for kids, as well as word puzzles, language builders, online stories, online musical games and mazes.

Interpersonal Intelligence: Is your ability to understand others. Teachers, clinicians, salespersons and politicians, or anyone who deals with other people, benefit from a high degree of this intelligence. Existential Intelligence: Is your capacity to ponder and grasp questions about life, death, and ultimate realities. People who are drawn to philosophy or religious pursuits are high in this type of intelligence.

What is Intelligence? §§ For Gardner, rather than simply being a measure of cognitive ability, intelligence is: §§ The ability to create an effective product or offer a service that is valued in a culture. §§ A set of skills that make it possible for a person to solve problems in life. §§ The potential for finding or creating solutions for problems, which involves gathering new knowledge.

Math.com – www.math.com/students/ puzzles/puzzleapps.html This site claims to be “A world of math online,” and it is! Discovery Education – http://school. discoveryeducation.com/brainboosters/ Brain Boosters are broken down by category: lateral thinking, logic, reasoning, spatial awareness, number and math play, categorization and word and letter play.

Books Seven Times Smarter: 50 Activities, Games, and Projects to Develop the Seven Intelligences of Your Child, Laurel Schmidt (Author) – Available on Amazon Your Child's Growing Mind: Brain Development and Learning from Birth to Adolescence Jane Healy (Author) -- Available on Amazon Help Your Preschooler Build a Better Brain: Early Learning Activities for 2-6 Year Old Children, John Bowman (Author) -- Available on Amazon Brain Fitness: A Recipe for Feeding Your Child's Dreams and Unlocking Their Maximum Brain Power, Simon Evans (Author) -- Available on Amazon

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AS WE GROW

What Families Need to Remember as

Grandma’s Memory Fails Learn how you can help your children and teens understand and remain strong and connected as a family. By Margaret Kessler

ore than five million Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S., and the only natural cause of death that is actually on the rise here. But as much as any illness, dementia takes an enormous physical and emotional toll on families as they tend to their stricken loved one. It can be especially upsetting for children to watch their beloved grandparents or greatgrandparents lose themselves to the ravages of this insidious disease. “My kids knew something was wrong with their grandma early on,” said Laurette Siegel, whose motherin-law suffers from Alzheimer’s. “She was a fabulous cook and one of the first signs of trouble was when her food started tasting odd.” Siegel’s Mother-in-law was leaving out some ingredients while adding too much of others. “When my kids didn’t want to have dinner with my in-laws anymore, I knew it was time to sit down 32

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and talk with them about what was happening to their grandmother.”

Getting kids to open up about their feelings might be as simple as starting a conversation with an openended question, like “What changes have you noticed in grandpa?” Because Siegel’s two boys are in their teens, they understand their grandmother’s illness better than younger kids might. But whatever the age of children dealing with this situation, the Mayo Clinic advises parents to respond to their kids’ questions with “simple, honest answers.” For example, the Mayo Clinic’s suggestion for describing the disease, adapting for age-appropriateness, goes something like this: “Just as children get colds and tummy aches, older adults sometimes

get an illness that causes them to act differently and to forget things. They might look the same on the outside, but their brains are changing on the inside.” If the loved one with Alzheimer's no longer recognizes your child, explain that “The disease makes it hard for grandpa to remember things, but you are still an important part of his life and he will always love you.” “Since older memories stay with dementia patients better than memories of recent events, I encouraged my kids to talk with their grandmother about her life growing up,” said Roberta Byrum, whose mother died in November about six years after being diagnosed with cognitive impairment. “Even though my mom had lost the ability to have a conversation about everyday things like what she did in arts and crafts yesterday, my kids were still able to have very pleasant conversations with her. They genuinely enjoyed

learning about how different life was before computers and cell phones became ubiquitous.”

“If you'll be caring for the person who has Alzheimer's in your home,” according to the Mayo Clinic, “prepare your child for the changes in routine. Explain to your child that your loved one will have good days and bad days. Reassure your child that he or she is loved —no matter what.” Byrum noted that her daughter especially enjoyed hearing about how her grandmother met and fell in love with her grandfather. “Right up to the end,

my mom’s face would light up whenever she talked about my dad.” Getting kids to open up about their feelings might be as simple as starting a conversation with an open-ended question, like “What changes have you noticed in grandpa?” Young children may be concerned that they can catch Alzheimer’s like the flu. In this case, reassure your child that the disease isn't contagious. “If you'll be caring for the person who has Alzheimer's in your home,” according to the Mayo Clinic, “prepare your child for the changes in routine. Explain to your child that your loved one will have good days and bad days. Reassure your child that he or she is loved —no matter what.” Another tip from the Mayo Clinic to help children continue interacting with dementia-stricken family members is

to involve them in familiar activities. “Even young children can stay connected with a loved one who has Alzheimer's by paging through photo albums, listening to music or doing other simple activities together.” By becoming informed, and with patience, compassion and love, families can deal successfully with the ravages of this disease. HELPFUL RESOURCES There are dozens of books available to help children better understand Alzheimer’s disease. Marjorie Ingall, who reviews children’s books for The New York Times, recommends “The Memory Box,” written by Mary Bahr and illustrated by David Cunningham and “Still My Grandma,” by Veronique Van Den Abeele, with illustrations by Claude K. Duboi. For teens she recommends Gordon Korman’s “Pop,” as well as Jordan Sonnenblick’s “Curveball: The Year I Lost My Grip.”

Alternative Approaches to

Childhood Education What's Best for Your Family? As we learn more about the profound impact of early childhood education, many parents are torn when it comes to choosing the best approach to educating their little ones. Here are some of the most popular early childhood movements that caregivers are considering. By Manoela Suarez

ll of the following philosophies take a child-centered approach to education. Still, it is important to keep in mind that a parent should thoroughly examine and understand their child's individual needs when deciding which kind of schooling is the best for their family.

veloping focus and concentration. With the guidance of a Montessori teacher, children are invited to engage in activities that incorporate specially designed hands-on materials displayed on reachable shelves. The teacher guides them and entices them to learn by establishing parameters for work and behavior.

Montessori is an educational method that was developed by physician Maria Montessori in 1897 in Rome, Italy. The program of study focuses on reading, language, math, cultural diversity, science and sensory awareness. Its emphasis is on individuality while at the same time encouraging social interaction.

But after evaluating all the options, one question remains: Does it matter where your children receive their early childhood readiness? The answer might surprise youâ&#x20AC;Ś

This approach to teaching fosters the overall development of the child in terms of intellect, spiritual, emotional and physical capability, while paving the road to independence. The method respects children as individuals, and in return they learn to develop their skills based on their own interests while de34

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The materials are designed to teach a specific skill or concepts, and they become increasingly complex as the student builds on their knowledge. The environment is clean, inviting, clutter free, and thoughtfully prearranged to allow the freedom of choice. Children work

on small tables or on mats rolled out on the floor, which signifies their personal working space. They are free to roam and move about the room and choose the specific activity they would like to learn. The Emilio Reggio educational philosophy was created post World-War II by a group of committed members made up of parents and educators in the town of Emilio Reggio, Italy. It was a movement intent on creating a respectful and community-centered culture. It allows children the power to decide what they want to learn and ways to express themselves. Students learn through researched based projects where art and the implementation of the scientific method are used to expand their knowledge and understanding of concepts and skills. This philosophy allows children to learn and develop skills through movement and sensory processing. And unlike the other methods of education, this one is specifically designed for early childhood edification.

AS WE GROW

Home school is another approach some parents consider as they struggle with the ideas, or lack of, found in traditional and private early childhood settings. Fear of negative social influences, as well as other perceived dangers, are also driving many parents to consider home schooling their children. There is no one-style fits all method in home schooling. Different options can be researched and implemented by a parent or a tutor that takes on the role of the instructor. This option is also childcentered and can be tailored towards the interest and needs of the individual. Research has proved that students that are home schooled test much better on standardized test than those that took the traditional approach. The Waldorf philosophy was developed by Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner, and the first school was introduced in 1919. The curriculum is designed to respond to three developmental stages: birth to 7 years of age; 7 to 14 years of age and 14 to 18 years of age.

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Like Montessori, the Waldorf method respects students as individuals, and as spiritual and creative beings that learn through active play. It promotes creativity and imagination through lots of exposure to the arts, literature, myths and music. The Waldorf method believes the delayed exposure to core academic subjects, excluding the arts, allows students to develop a love of learning rather than be turned off by it. Students do not begin reading until the age of 8 and computers and other forms of technology are discouraged before the age of 9. Student art works adorn the entire walls of the schools.

After evaluating all the options, one question remains: Does it matter where your children receive their early childhood readiness? The answer could surprise you...

But after evaluating all the options, one question remains: Does it matter where your children receive their early childhood readiness? Not really. Research indicates that children do well because of their parentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ongoing support in providing them with the resources that they need to succeed. Attuned parents understand the importance of reading daily to their children and providing rich experiences from which they can build their cognitive abilities. As a teacher, I see students that have been exposed to different types of early childhood programs. Their ability to come in and read at a second grade level has little to do with the type of philosophy they have been exposed to; rather, it is the parentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; on-going influence that allows them to excel. Such students usually are well traveled and exposed to rich experiences that help develop their critical thinking abilities; they are provided a nurturing home environment and receive appropriate health care and well-balanced diets.

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Dive In!

Splish, splash! Summer’s here… It’s time for a conversation about the importance of teaching your kids to swim. By Tatiana Bengochea

hose of us who are lucky enough to live in a tropical paradise enjoy the benefits of being surrounded by water. We all look forward to the days where we can don our bathing suits and sun hats and spend lazy days on the beach. Not many have oceans, lakes and pools for backyards, and we intend to take full advantage of it! Very often, however, we overlook the danger of raising our little ones in our watery playground. Born 2 Swim, a local swimming school, tells it like it is: §§ Drowning is the 2nd leading cause of accidental death in the U.S. among children ages 14 and under, and the leading cause of accidental death of children ages 5 and under. §§ Drowning is the #1 cause of death for children ages 1-4 in Florida. §§ 75% of victims are 12 to 25 months.

§§ 65% drown in the family pool.

§§ 33% drown in a neighbor’s or relative’s pool. §§ For every child that drowns, 4 are hospitalized for near-drowning. §§ 77% were missing for less than 5 minutes. When you take a hard look at the statistics affecting children who don’t know how to swim, the importance of teaching our tots suddenly climbs up the priority list. But not to worry! Teaching your children to swim is relatively easy and you can start before they can even walk. Born 2 swim starts taking “Rolly Pollys” at 6 months old. Consider parent-child courses until you’re comfortable enough instructing your baby on your own. In fact, the sooner, the better –while under the watchful eye of professionals, of course.

“It gives babies a head start in learning basic swimming skills, improves gross motor coordination and balance.” "While no course can 'drown-proof' a child, a progressive learn-to-swim program can provide your child with skills that will last a lifetime," says Connie Harvey, national health-and-safety expert for the American Red Cross. When you’re ready to get your child acclimated to the water on your own, visit http://ww.uswim.com and follow their age-appropriate recommendations. They even have easy-to-follow lesson plans to guide you! So what are you waiting for? Now that the weather is warm, put on your swim trunks, lather the SPF and jump in! Always consider parent-child courses until you’re comfortable enough instructing your baby on your own.

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Growing Up Green: Making Environmental Awareness Fun With all due respect to Kermit the Frog, it is easy being green! Here are some fun and simple ways to teach your kids to love and protect Mother Earth. By Steve Goodman

hildren are closer to nature than adults. I know this every time I see the mud and grass stains on my kid’s clothes! But just because running barefoot through a field of daisies is all in a day’s work for your little ones, it doesn’t mean raising “green” kids comes naturally. The first thing you have to do is lead by example. You know your children are easily influenced by your actions and habits. Practicing a green lifestyle and instilling green values on a regular basis will give your kids a greater appreciation for “living green”. Of course, that starts with embracing the Three R’s – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. But beyond that, here are few specific ways to make environmental awareness easy and fun for the whole family. Catch and Release – One of the best lessons you can teach kids early on is respect for all living creatures, even

U&me Magazine

bugs and worms! Grab a net and go out and catch some critters: grasshoppers, beetles, lizards… whatever. Put them in a jar just long enough to learn a little about them and then set them free. This teaches kids one of the most important and basic environmental lessons – do no harm, and leave everything the way you found it.

The first thing you have to do is lead by example. You know your children are easily influenced by your actions and habits. Reuse Refuse – Kids love to do arts and crafts. Collecting materials like Popsicle sticks, bottle caps, plastic bottles, empty paper rolls, bubble wrap, Styrofoam peanuts and other packaging material, is fun in and of itself. It also provides your kids with an unlimited supply of material to unleash their creativity.

You can find many such activities by age and grade level at www.education.com/ activity/recycled-crafts/ The Green Patrol – My daughter loves this one. Appoint your kid the family’s “environmental cop.” Give yours the responsibility of making sure you switch off the lights when you leave a room, or to remind you to shut off the water while brushing your teeth. Make up a list of “violations” they get to enforce. They can even issue you a ticket, and you may have to pay a “fine” (extra allowance or a treat) for each infraction. They'll be less likely to waste energy themselves. These are only some examples. You can probably think of many more that fit your family and lifestyle. The point is, we can teach our kids from an early age how to take better care of the planet, and hopefully leave it in better shape than they found it for their own kids!

U&me Magazine

Tribute to

Motherhood From baking and ironing to CEO careers, mothers come in all shapes and sizes. By Lorena Sanchez

hen we think about motherhood in the 1960s, we think about family values, Sunday cook- outs on the beach, and the fear of ruining mom’s beehive. Motherhood in the 21st century brings forth thoughts of innovation and self-fulfillment. Fortunately, motherhood is so much more than these stereotypes — so much more than baking sugar cookies and warm apple pies. The role of a mother has shifted in the past 50 years and every generation of motherhood has overcome different challenges and reaped different benefits. Today’s modern moms continue their juggling act in finding harmony between their self-fulfillment and their caretaker roles. Virginia Delgado and Milane Huguet are two women from different generations who exemplify the dynamic changes the role of motherhood has undertaken throughout the years. Both Virginia and Milane have overcome challenges and found happiness in their roles as mothers, although each has taken a different path to fulfilling her happiness. The sharp aroma of Cuban coffee floats through the air of Virginia Delgado’s cozy home. The 64-year-old mother of five is making coffee for her family, a small task she has been doing for more than 40 years. Virginia began rearing her children in the 1960's, a time when a woman was considered the meticulous homemaker, nurturing wife, caring mother, and the person to beat at the annual pie-baking contest.

their backs, and a warm bed to lay their head on every night,” Virginia says. “Our society has just become more consumer-oriented, wanting more and more each passing day.”

tionally behaviorally disturbed students at a Georgia elementary school, and just recently, while being a full-time mother and educator, she received her master’s degree in education.

The Delgado’s recreational activities consisted of quality time with the family.

On weekdays, Milane starts her mornings at 5:30, drops off her 18-month-old son at the caretaker’s home, and makes her way to her school where she works until 4:00 p.m. She then proceeds to pick up her son and begins a completely different job: the role of mom. When she gets home, she bathes her son, tidies up around the house, opens the takeout she picked up earlier, and then it’s time for bed until the cycle begins again.

“On weekends we would go to the beach, the park, or have family reunions at home where we would play board games and cook meals,” Virginia says. “We never went to the mall, unless we needed something. To us, the mall wasn’t a place where quality time was spent; it was just a site to spend money.”

“Values, morals, principles ... those are all things taught at home. I was able to be my children’s educator. I was able to wipe every tear and photograph every smile.” – Virginia Delgado

“We had a very traditional household. My responsibility was to do laundry, iron the clothes, clean the house and make sure dinner was on the table by six every night,” Virginia says. Although the modern woman may view Virginia’s job as oppressive and constrictive, Virginia says it’s the responsibility and obligation she took upon herself when she decided to have children. “I have absolutely no regrets. I loved being there for my kids, being able to watch them grow up everyday with me being present and active in their lives.” Virginia and her family lived off her husband’s salary from his job at a bed mattress factory, where he worked 12 hours a day to make ends meet. “We never lacked anything. There was always food on the table, clothes on 58

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Virginia feels that she and her children reaped the fruits of her labor as a homemaker. She would not change a thing. “Values, morals, principles ... those are all things taught at home. I was able to be my children’s educator. I was able to wipe every tear and photograph every smile. I loved every minute of it and wouldn’t change it for the world.” To this day, Virginia is the classic homemaker. Although her sons and daughters are all adults, they still get together every weekend for a homecooked meal by chef mom. “I am always a mother, first and foremost, it doesn’t end, even if they are all grown-up,” she says. Much has changed since those days. Societal pressures, Virginia and her family lived off her husband’s salary from inflation, divorce rates, and single motherhood have all changed the outlook on being a homemaker. Being a stay- at-home mom these days is something generally reserved for the wealthy because most households can’t manage their finances with a single income. Besides that, nowadays, women place a strong focus on career and monetary success in order to achieve selffulfillment. Milane Huguet, a 25-year-old resident of Atlanta is a mother, wife, and teacher, among the many other hats she wears. She is the lead teacher for emo-

“It’s really stressful, always being on the go,” Milane says. “Sometimes I don’t feel like I have a minute to myself because I am constantly doing one thing or another.” Milane, like many of today’s moms, says she doesn’t have time to do so many of the small things in life. “I would love to have time to bake, have family picnics, or simply take an afternoon walk,” Milane says. “The reality is that I don’t have time for any of it.” Having a double-income household is helpful in maintaining the lifestyle of a modern mom. She is able to afford a beautiful suburban home on a culde-sac, pamper her son with the latest styles, and drive the car of her dreams. “I feel like all the hard work balances out for the quality of life I choose to have. I have been able to fulfill my lifelong professional goals as well as childhood dreams of having a wonderful family and everything it entails.” At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter when you reared your children or how your job is perceived by societal standards. Women don’t need to work a corporate job to feel empowered — a sense of purpose is what matters the most, whether that purpose is achieved through being a homemaker or a CEO that is up to you. So to mothers everywhere, from every walk of life, from the past to the present, we toast to you and celebrate you.

FEATURE

The Great

Outdoors (Luxury Edition)

Discover a new way to enjoy an authentic camping trip in nature without sacrificing everyday conveniences. By Andres Duarte

As we explore the world around us through our family adventures while on vacation, we often look to the bright lights and big attractions of amusement parks and big cities. While such trips can be fun and exciting, parents should also consider the benefits of a vacation that not only entertains the kids, but also strengthens the bonds within the family. And before we go on, here's a thought for those who think that unless you are really roughing it, you are not really camping out. If your family members are turned off by the real hardships of the great outdoors ("What! No showers?!"), it is unlikely they'll want to go camping in the future. So it is in everyone's best interest to make it as "user-friendly" as possible...

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In this edition of U&me, we consider a new kind of vacation experience -one that takes us away from the beaten path and instead features natural adventures without sacrificing modern convenience.

ing about camping with class; combining the luxury and comfort that should accompany any good vacation, with the beauty and tranquility of our own natural planet.

Believe it or not, there are places where you can bask in the glory and wonder of nature while still being able to take a warm shower and sleep in a comfortable bed.

Your family vacations should bring you closer together, and a camping adventure provides the perfect platform to set modern distractions aside and reconnect with one another. Believe it or not, there are places where you can bask in the glory and wonder of nature while still being able to take a warm shower and sleep in a comfortable bed.

“What such adventure,” you ask? We are talking about camping! That’s right: the fresh air, cool breeze, glowing stars, and warm embrace of Mother Nature. However, this is not your ordinary type of camping adventure. We are talk-

Let’s take a look at the premiere luxury camping destinations in America and discover how a good old-fashioned camping trip can be much more than you ever would have imagined!

Big Sur Getwaway California

In our last edition of U&me, we highlighted the beauty of the Pacific Coast Highway and lauded the Big Sur for its lush natural splendor. Now, we return to the Big Sur once again, one of the most magnificent natural habitats that exemplifies the state of California. Big Sur Getaway is located along the edge of the celebrated Andrew Molera State Park in the heart of Big Sur. Featuring breathtaking mountain views, Big Sur Getaway offers luxurious camping trailers located in the embrace of nature, but still near enough civilization where you can find restaurants and modern conveniences. A perfect adventure for a new family looking to spend quality time, Big Sur Getaway provides the ideal â&#x20AC;&#x153;glampingâ&#x20AC;? experience. For more info visit: www.bigsurgetaway.com

Normandy Farm Massachusetts

If you are looking for more of a resort experience, but still want to enjoy the tranquility of the wilderness, you might look to the area of New England. Snuggly nestled between the city of Boston and Cape Cod, Normandy Farms offers a camping experience in several forms. Comfortable cabins can fit the entire family and provide all the amenities to ensure your vacation time is relaxing and rejuvenating. However, this resort just happens to boast a backdrop of rich natural wilderness and serene scenery. For a more authentic adventure, Normandy Farms offers an RV experience as well as yurts, which can be best described as structured tents. Full of bike trails, fishing ponds and recreational facilities of every kind (tennis courts, basketball courts, gym, etc.), Normandy Farms is a perfect destination for families looking to disconnect while staying comfortable. For more info visit: www.normandyfarms.com

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Yellowstone Under Canvas Montana

Your family vacations should bring you closer together, and a camping adventure provides the perfect platform to set modern distractions aside and reconnect with one another.

Consider Camping With Your Family Now you realize ‘camping’ does not have to be synonymous with ‘roughing it.’ Your family can enjoy a genuine adventure and have the authentic camping experience while still allowing for a comfortable and relaxing trip. Yes, you can truly have it all, and now you know where to find these unique destinations. Luxury camping is an idea that has been long overdue, but is now the growing trend. We encourage our readers to explore the places we have highlighted and find out why we at U&me believe that parents should consider a camping trip for their next family vacation.

Around the Clock

RECIPES Pancake Pizza From our friends at Super Healthy Kids

Eggs

Ingredients

1 recipe for a pancake mix or homemade pancakes

1 red bell pepper

1 cup of raspberries.

Cooking spray

4 eggs

1 cup of shredded coconut Directions Directions

Slice bell peppers through the middle.

Make one big pancake – as big as would fit in a griddle.

Place sliced pepper on a hot skillet.

Crack an egg into the center. Place one cup of raspberries in a saucepan, crush When egg whites are no longer runny, flip them with the back of a wooden spoon, and stir until they are broken down into a chunky sauce. and cook on the other side.

1 medium green bell pepper

3 Min. Apple Pie

1/4 cup cilantro 1 stalk green onions

Ingredients

6 roll hamburger buns, whole wheat

Graham crackers

2 avocado, NS as to Florida or California avocados, raw, all commercial varieties

Light cream cheese

Directions

2 apples

Place 2½ cups of the beans in a large bowl and mash with a potato masher or a fork until mostly smooth.

1 teaspoon sugar 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon brown sugar

In a separate bowl, combine the eggs, 1 tablespoon of the oil, cumin, and salt. Stir to blend.

Directions

Black Bean Burger

Add the egg mixture, bread crumbs, the remaining 1½ cup beans, bell pepper, cilantro and green onions to the bowl with the mashed beans. Stir together until evenly combined.

Ingredients

Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions, about ½ cup each. Lightly pack into 1-inch thick patties. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Carefully lay half of the patties in the skillet and cook until well browned on both sides, about 8-10 minutes total.

Chop the apples into tiny pieces and place them in a bowl. Then sprinkle sugar and cinnamon over the apples. Microwave the apples for 1 minute. Take them out and stir. Put them back in for 1 more minute. Then scoop out the chopped/cooked apples onto a graham cracker with cream cheese spread on top. Finally, add a tiny bit of caramel and chocolate, but that is totally optional!

3/4 cup bread crumbs, dry, grated, plain 4 tablespoon Olive Oil 4 cup black beans (mature seeds) cooked with salt 2 medium egg 1 tsp. whole cumin 1/2 tsp. Salt

Mash the avocados, and spread on buns. Top with the bean burger. For more recipes log on to www.superhealthykids.com

WELL-BEING

Exercising for Two:

Working Out While Expecting

Learn how a safe, healthy exercise routine can be good for you and the baby. By Cynthia Goodman

"Hey, let's move!" Claudia was sure her fetus was egging her on to exercise, but she felt nauseous, tired, had swollen ankles, and worried about safety. Claudia, listen to your fetus because nowadays professionals recommend that exercise benefits you physically, emotionally and mentally during and after pregnancy.

“Women feel better and have better circulation, shorter pushing times, shorter delivery times, faster recovery..." The recent Clinical Practice Guidelines encourage women of all pre-pregnancy exercise levels with no health problems and low risk uncomplicated pregnancies, to do moderate intensity level exercise during pregnancy for 30 minutes or more on most, if not all, days of the week. Even regular gym goers or athletes are given the go-ahead to continue 68

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pre-pregnancy activities through the 1st trimester -and then take it down a notch or two. But since every body type and activity level and type is unique, whatever fitness routine you decide, it is essential to do it in consultation with your OBGYN. Dr. Nigel Spier, OBGYN in south Florida for 20 years, supports the new attitudes. "Studies looking at marathon runners while monitoring fetal heart rhythms and responses are very reassuring of fetal recovery. There are no hard limits in exercise. Women feel better and have better circulation, shorter pushing times, shorter delivery times, faster recovery." His recommendations for pregnant women: §§ Be prepared at all times with hydration and nutrition, or to stop and rest. §§ Snacks are important before and after exercising.

lax, weaker, and prone to muscle injury or hernia. Supplement crunches with a side position. §§ After 20 weeks, avoid lying flat on the back, use a tilted position or limit flat back positions to 10 minutes. §§ After normal delivery, exercise can be resumed, but iron tends to be low, so limits are reached faster. With C-section, it is prudent to wait 6 weeks for an exercise program. Walking, of course, is fine. Other OBGYN's would agree and expand a list of dos and don’ts in your exercise program: §§ A warm up and cool down with each exercise session should include range of motion exercises for the major joints and static stretching for muscle groups.

§§ Watch for overheating.

§§ Your heart rate is higher during pregnancy, so give yourself extra time to return to normal resting rate.

§§ Avoid exercise that may involve abdominal straining. Muscles are more

§§ Stop exercising and/or contact your doctor if you have dizziness, preterm

Keep yourself motivated and involved in a routine prenatal exercise class. Instructors have specific training for your special needs, comfort and techniques. Here are a few established centers that have worthwhile prenatal programs:

Belly-n-Kicks 258 SW 8th St Miami, FL 33130 (305) 300-6628 http://www.belly-n-kicks.com This individualized exercise and full body program for pre and post-natal women was established in 2005 by athlete, mom, ACE certified trainer and Yale University Certified in Pre and Post Natal Instruction Erika Boom. The program focuses on training for strength, isometrics, stretch and core work, healthy lifestyle, and staying in shape. Prenatal Plus-Yoga, Inc. 401 Miracle Mile Miami, FL 305-498-6722 PPY Debra Geymayr, who directs this program, has been teaching for over 20 years with a specialty in Prenatal Yoga. Her class provides a safe and gentle program to attend throughout a pregnancy using yoga poses, breathing, and relaxation techniques. Prana Yoga

labor, vaginal bleeding or leaking, cramping or contractions, chest pain, or extra shortness of breath.

bouncing, over-flexing or overextending knee joints.

§§ Avoid contact and impact sports and activities where you can risk falling.

Prenatal exercise programs are ideal because they cater to a pregnant woman's individual needs. One such program in Miami, Belly-n-Kicks, was founded and directed by Erika Boom, a certified pre/postnatal fitness trainer and mother of twins. Boom explains: "With our activity plan focusing on strength training and prenatal isometrics, your body will adapt as gravity and balance changes take place. Women carry to full term, even those carrying multiples, which is not common. If you stick to a good exercise program, after birth you may need work on your core but not much on your weight gain, so you'll have time to focus on what matters."

§§ Swimming and water aerobics are ideal. Water resistance tones and strengthens muscles, and can help to rid of extra fluids. §§ Yoga with deep breathing can relax and help with centering and balance, toning and muscle strengthening. §§ Do not push through pain or exhaustion. §§ Take breaks when you need to sip water, stretch, empty your bladder. §§ Focus on breathing, not endurance. You should be able to carry on a conversation. Movements that can make you strain and hold your breath should be avoided. §§ With more relaxed muscles and joints during pregnancy, you can be more at risk for muscle tears, so avoid jumping,

So the next time you feel that kicking, he or she is probably telling you to get moving! It's good advice for the both of you.

247 Malaga Avenue Coral Gables, FL 305-567-9812 pranayogamiami@aol.com Nancy Alberts, the Pre-natal Certified instructor, is also a mom. She uses pranayama, visualization and asana in a nurturing program that helps expectant moms develop calm and serenity to physically and emotionally meet the challenges of delivery, with the ability to appreciate the time as sacred and special.

Fit4Mom Bayfront Park or Coral Gate Park cecilia@fit4mom.com 954-562-8144 One of the country's well known programs for moms offers a pre and post natal fitness program, not only indoors but outdoors for lucky Floridians. Their goal is to guide all stages of motherhood for optimal health and well-being through power walking, body toning, strength and flexibility exercises in a full body workout. Certified fitness professionals also offer playgroups, mom's clubs and support groups.

Yes, Moms Can Take a Break and

Just Relax!

Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom or work outside the home, building some personal time into your regular routine helps alleviate stress and improve your overall feeling of wellness. By Margaret Kessler

ou’ve heard it over and over: taking time for yourself makes you a better mom and a happier woman. According to Rachelle Disbennett-Lee, a personal life coach in Aurora, Colorado, mommy time makes us "stronger, more relaxed and calmer." Disbennett-Lee notes that "When we are stressed, overwhelmed and tired, we become irritable, and it's more difficult to handle the challenges of being with children." She also points out that mommy time helps our children learn independence and socialization, all while we demonstrate –especially to our daughters, who are likely to become mothers in the future– that taking care of ourselves is important Since the ‘there’s no time to relax’ approach actually makes us less productive, and every mom has to be a master at maintaining everyone’s schedules, make it a priority to put that skill to use by budgeting time for you to recharge your batteries. “I know I deserve an hour of mommy time per week,” said Marieanne Barnes, 70

U&me Magazine

whose two elementary school-aged boys and full-time teaching job keep her exceedingly busy. “But sometimes that’s just impossible, so I aim for at least an hour each month.” Here are some simple, affordable, proven-effective mommy time ideas. Each takes less than an hour but is guaranteed to yield lasting results in improving your emotional and physical health. §§ Take a bath. Better yet, make it a bubble bath. Even better, light a few scented candles and turn out the lights, then lie back and let the tension flow out of you. §§ Retreat to your room, hang a “no kids allowed” sign on the door, grab a grown up libation like a hot cup of tea or a glass of wine. Then curl up with a good book. Don’t know what to read? Check out goodreads.com. Like Pandora, once it knows what you like to read, it makes custom-tailored book recommendations for you. §§ Take a nap… but not a long one. Research indicates that the ideal nap length is 10 to 20 minutes. Longer naps

can cause grogginess and make it harder to fall asleep at night. According to “Psychology Today”, early afternoon naps work best for most people. If you don’t fall asleep, don’t worry: a study by British researchers found that just lying down with the intention of napping was enough to cause a drop in blood pressure. §§ Take a walk, run or bike ride while listening to your favorite music (NO KidzBop on this constitutional, please). §§ Get a mani-pedi. It’s a small indulgence with a big payoff. “No matter how I’m dressed,” said Nora Cuesta, “When my nails look good I feel like a lady.” §§ Hit the beach or pool for an invigorating swim and a few minutes of restful lounging – grown-up style, without having to be on lifeguard duty. §§ Plant a flower or vegetable garden and rediscover your inner child –playing in dirt is fun! §§ Meditate. Even a few minutes every day of solitary quiet time can make a huge difference in your energy level and feeling of overall well-being.

PARENTS

BOOKS ARE MY PALS

Babies and Toddlers Love You Forever By Robert N. Munsch and Sheila McGraw A young woman holds her newborn son and looks at him lovingly. Softly she sings to him "I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always, As long as I'm living, my baby you'll be" This is the story of how that little boy goes through the stages of childhood and becomes a man..

Press Here

By Herve Tullet

Each page of this surprising book instructs the reader to press the dots, shake the pages, tilt the book, and who knows what will happen next! Children and adults alike will giggle with delight as the dots multiply, change direction, and grow in size, in this unique picture book about the power of imagination and interactivity will provide read-aloud fun for all ages. My Dad Loves Me! By Marianne Richmond Now children can relive fun times with their Dad every day. Children enjoy playing with Dad, swimming and napping with Dad - this charming book depicts all of these beloved activities being done by cuddly animals!

U&me Magazine

Picture Books I Want My Hat Back By Jon Klassen

The Little Engine that Could By Watty Piper

Wonder

The bear's hat is gone, and he wants it back. Patiently and politely, he asks the animals he comes across, one by one, whether they have seen it. Each animal says no, some more elaborately than others. But just as the bear begins to despond, a deer comes by and asks a simple question that sparks the bear's memory and renews his search with a vengeance.

"I think I can! I think I can!" This wellloved classic tale of the Little Blue Engine who isn't afraid to try has and will continue to inspire and entertain generations of children. Although he is not very big, the Little Blue Engine agrees to try to pull a stranded train full of toys over the mountain.

August Pullman was born with a facial deformity that, up until now, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Starting 5th grade at Beecher Prep, he wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid—but his new classmates can’t get past Auggie’s extraordinary face. WONDER, now a #1 New York Times bestseller and included on the Texas Bluebonnet Award master list, begins from Auggie’s point of view, but soon switches to include his classmates, his sister, her boyfriend, and others. These perspectives converge in a portrait of one community’s struggle with empathy, compassion, and acceptance.

Early Readers Otis & the Puppy By Loren Long Otis and his farm friends love to play hide-and-seek. Otis especially loves to be "It," finding his friends as they hide. Yet when the newest addition to the farm—a bounding puppy who can't sit still and has a habit of licking faces—tries to hide, he finds his attention wandering and is soon lost in the forest. Night falls and Otis, knowing his new friend is afraid of the dark, sets out to find him. There's just one problem: Otis is also afraid of the dark. His friend is alone and in need, though, so Otis takes a deep breath, counts to ten, and sets off on a different game of hide-and-seek.

By R.J. Palacio

Steam Train, Dream Train By Sherri Duskey Rinker

The team behind the #1 New York Times bestseller Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site returns with another fabulous book for bedtime! The dream train pulls into the station, and one by one the train cars are loaded: polar bears pack the reefer car with ice cream, elephants fill the tanker cars with paints, tortoises stock the auto rack with race cars, bouncy kangaroos stuff the hopper car with balls. Sweet and silly dreams are guaranteed for any budding train enthusiasts!

Pete the Cat & His Four Groovy Buttons By Eric Litwin, illustrated by James Dean Pete the Cat is wearing his favorite shirt the one with the four totally groovy buttons. But when one falls off, does Pete cry? Goodness, no! He just keeps on singing his song—after all, what could be groovier than three groovy buttons? Count down with Pete in this rocking new story from the creators of the bestselling Pete the Cat books.

Youth & Teens Stickman Odyssey by Christopher Ford

Cinder By Marissa Meyer

Zozimos' journey to the kingdom of Sticatha has been anything but smooth. He's survived enslavement, battled golems and a ravenous Cyclops, and generally served as plaything to gods and goddesses looking for a good laugh. All for the sake of reclaiming the Sticathan royal throne stolen from him by an evil witch, a.k.a. his stepmother.

Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. . . Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a secondclass citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.

Parents The Little Big Book for Moms By Lena Tabori The perfect book for every mom who doesn't want her little ones to miss out on the classic tale of the Princess and the Pea but is also infused with the power of Maya Angelou's Life Doesn't Frighten Me; who laughs aloud over Ogden Nash and adores Charlotte's Web. For the mom who wants to be reminded of the words to Rub-a-Dub-Dub, to play I'm a Little Teapot and Itsy, Bitsy, Spider, to learn how to make water music and who wants to make recipes that are especially yummy like Frozen Chocolate Bananas. In other words this is a book for moms who want to be great moms and who want to bring great things to their little ones.

Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters: 10 Secrets Every Father Should Know By Meg Meeker M.D. In today’s increasingly complicated world, it’s often difficult for parents to connect with their daughters– and especially so for fathers. In this unique and invaluable guide, Dr. Meg Meeker, a pediatrician with more than twenty years’ experience counseling girls, reveals that a young woman’s relationship with her father is far more important than we’ve ever realized.

The One & Only Ivan

Feature Book

By Katherine Applegate, Illustrated by Patricia Castelao Ivan is an easygoing gorilla. Living at the Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade, he has grown accustomed to humans watching him through the glass walls of his domain. He rarely misses his life in the jungle. In fact, he hardly ever thinks about it at all. Instead, Ivan thinks about TV shows he’s seen and about his friends Stella, an elderly elephant, and Bob, a stray dog. But mostly Ivan thinks about art and how to capture the taste of a mango or the sound of leaves with color and a well-placed line. Then he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from her family, and she makes Ivan see their home—and his own art—through new eyes. When Ruby arrives, change comes with her, and it’s up to Ivan to make it a change for the better.

Oliver and his BOOM Bike By Erika Boom, Illustrated by Noah Scheiner In our family we are passionate about everything cycling. We love the feeling you get from it, the places you go, the people you meet and the memories you create. We think it's important that parents pass along the fun and healthy habit of riding a bike to our kids. Oliver and his BOOM Bike is the story about this. We hope you all enjoy reading this book as a family, and get inspired to get out there and be active!

The 10 Greatest Gifts I Give My Children: Parenting from the Heart By Steven W. Vannoy An inspirational guide offers a program to put the joy back into parenting and create a harmonious family atmosphere with self-esteem, compassion, balance, humor, communication, integrity, responsibility, conscious choice, and full expression of emotions. 73

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

MAY-JUNE MAY 11-12

MAY 18

Mexico's most famous theater company returns to the Adrienne Arsht Center stage with Sleeping Beauty Dreams. Written by awardwinning playwright, Amaranta Leyva, Sleeping Beauty Dreams reimagines the famous princess as an overprotected daughter looking for a way to break free of her castle walls in order to search for true love... and her true self.

Come and join the fun at The Children's Exchange with the Disney Princesses! Event will feature story time and songs with Belle and Snow White, princess lessons, dancing and refreshments! A portion of all sales that day will go to Champman Partnereship for the homeless.

Marionetas de la Esquina: Slepping Beauty Dreams

Story Time with Belle and Snow White

Belle: 11 :00AM Snow White: 12:00 PM The Children's Exchange 1415 Sunset Dr. Miami, Florida 33143

May 11th: 11 AM, 2 PM, 5PM May 12th: 2 PM The Adrienne Arsht Center 1300 Biscayne Blvd. Miami, FL 33132

JUNE 8

JUN 15

Baby Loves Disco

Scooby Doo Live! Musical Mysteries

Baby Loves Disco returns to Miami June 8th at 1pm, featuring DJs, MCs, dancers, music, crafts, food, unlimited drink boxes, cash bar for the mamas & papas, and of course lots of dancing! Tickets are $20 per walking human or 4 for $60. Come boogie down with the kiddos! 1:00 PM LTM Contemporary Gallery 55 NW 36th St. Miami, FL 33125

JUNE 14

SPRINGS RIVER FESTIVAL Come and see One Direction as they make a stop at the magic city during their world tour. 7:30 PM Miami Airlines Arena 601 Biscayne Boulevard Miami, Florida 33132

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In this exciting new show, SCOOBY-DOO and the Mystery Inc. Gang have been called upon to help solve an epic mystery. A trouble-making ghost is haunting a local theatre and SHAGGY, FRED, DAPHNE, VELMA and SCOOBY-DOO are on their way in the MYSTERY MACHINE to help solve it! 11:00 AM Broward Center for Performing Arts 201 SW Fifth Avenue Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312

786.683.6958

kendrajillphotography.com

Kendrajillphotography@gmail.com