About Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is a general term describing a group of chronic non-progressive neurological symptoms which cause impaired control of movement and which are evident in the first few years of life, usually before age 3. The disorders are induced by damage or faulty development of the motor areas in the brain, disrupting the patient's ability to control movement and posture. Symptoms of cerebral palsy include difficulty with fine motor tasks such as writing, poor balance and walking, and involuntary movements. The exact combination of symptoms differs from patient to patient and may vary over time. Some patients also have seizures and intellectual disability, however, this is not always the case. Babies with cerebral palsy are frequently slower than average in achieving developmental milestones like learning to roll over, sit, crawl, smile, or walk. Cerebral palsy is usually thought of as congenital or perinatal, however, it can also be acquired after birth. Many of the causes of cerebral palsy that have been identified through research are preventable or even treatable: head injury, Rh incompatibility, jaundice and rubella (German measles). 

 

Diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy 

 

Doctors diagnose cerebral palsy by tests of motor skills and reflexes and by medical history. 

 

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computerized Tomography (CT) scans are typically ordered when the physician suspects cerebral palsy; however, they are not definitive. These tests can provide evidence of physical abnormalities such as hydrocephalus (an accumulation of fluid in the cerebral ventricles of the brain), and they can be utilized to exclude other brain disorders. These scans do not prove that the patient has cerebral palsy; nor do they predict how well a specific patient will function in the future. Patients with normal scans may have severe symptoms, and while others whose scans are clearly abnormal have only modest physical signs. However, as a group, patients with cerebral palsy are statistically more likely to have brain scars, cysts, and other changes visible on scans. When physical examination suggests cerebral palsy, an abnormal scan helps confirms the clinical diagnosis. 

 

Even though specific symptoms can change as time passes, cerebral palsy by definition isn't progressive, so if a patient shows increasing impairment, the problem is usually another neurological disorder. 

 

Varieties of Cerebral Palsy 

 

Cerebral palsy is classified by the type of movement problem (such as spastic or even athetoid cerebral palsy) or by he body parts affected (hemiplegia, diplegia, and quadriplegia). Spasticity refers to the inability of a muscle to relax, while athetosis refers to an inability to control its movement. Babies who are initially hypotonic ("floppy") may later develop spasticity. Hemiplegia is cerebral palsy that involves 1 arm and 1 leg on one side of the body, whereas diplegia is the involvement of both legs. Quadriplegia refers to symptoms involving all 4 extremities as well as trunk and neck muscles. Balance and coordination problems are referred to as ataxia. 

 

For instance, a patient with spastic diplegia has mostly spastic muscle problems of the legs, while perhaps also displaying a smaller component of athetosis and balance problems. The patient with athetoid quadriplegia, on the more hand, would have lack of control of the muscles of both arms and legs, however such a patient will usually have smaller problems with ataxia and spasticity as well. Normally a child with quadriplegic cerebral palsy will be unable to walk independently. The degree of impairment can vary from patient to patient and range from mild to severe. 

 

Cerebral Palsy Therapy 

 

There is no standard therapy that benefits all patients. Drugs are useful to control seizures and muscle cramps and braces can compensate for muscle imbalance. Surgery, mechanical aids to help overcome impairments, counseling for emotional and psychological needs, and physical, occupational, speech, and behavioral therapy are all effective. 

 

Prognosis for Cerebral Palsy 

 

Though cerebral palsy is incurable to date, many patients can enjoy near-normal lives if their neurological symptoms are properly managed. 

 

Medical Research 

 

There is evidence which suggests that cerebral palsy results from incorrect cell development early in prenatal life. As an example, a group of researchers has recently observed that approximately one-third of cerebral palsy patients also have missing enamel on certain teeth. Bleeding inside the brain, breathing and circulation problems and seizures can all cause cerebral palsy and each has separate causes and treatment. Researchers are currently conducting trials to determine whether certain drugs can help halt neonatal stroke, and more investigators are examining the causes of low birth-weight. More studies are being done to determine how brain trauma (like brain damage from a shortage of oxygen or blood flow, bleeding in the brain, and seizures) can cause the release of brain chemicals which lead to permanent brain damage. 

 

Organizations Funding Cerebral Palsy Research & Therapy 

 

Easter Seals, Epilepsy Foundation, March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation, United Cerebral Palsy, National Disability Sports Alliance, Children’s Neurobiological Solutions Foundation, Children’s Hemiplegia and Stroke Foundation.

 

5 Ways to Deal With ADHD

With an increasing number of our youths suffering ADHD, stress syndromes, unemployment, depression, drug use, crime and higher rates of youth suicide than ever before, today’s parents and teachers are finding their roles more and more difficult.

 

According to renowned family relationships specialist, Marguerite Clancy, there are no overnight solutions for issues such as ADHD, but there are a few quick things struggling parents can do now to start dealing with it:

 

1) Get into a routine and stick to it (try to include fun times and laughter) 

 

2) Set up a punching bag or get your child playing a sport 

 

3) Be consistent with discipline and offer rewards where appropriate 

 

4) Use positive language, keep directions short, maintain calm 

 

5) Agree on consequences for behaviour together 

 

“There are many options available to parents and carers. It is important to show love and respect, and to lead by example”, says Marguerite. “There are also many forms of therapy available to help that don’t rely on medication.” For example, she recommends Sandplay Therapy, which is a well-established technique for enhancing emotional growth through play. She suggests parents encourage their child to use toys to represent things that are bothering them. Dolls, action figurines, cars, balls, and even blocks can all be used to represent people, objects, and everyday situations that may be very hard for the child to put into words. “You’d be surprised what problems your child is experiencing - many of them would be things you’d never have even dreamt of,” says Marguerite. “By recognising the significance of imaginary play, you give your child a way to express themselves using a language they’re fluent in.” 

 

According to Marguerite, parents can then talk about these problems with their child. Then if they’re still experiencing problems, they may want to try a punching bag or a sport. “With an easier way to communicate and an outlet for your child’s frustrations, you should find it far easier to figure out how to improve your situation.”

Benefits of Garlic

Benefits of Garlic! A more detailed account of what garlic does for various organs in the human body: If garlic had been created in the laboratory instead of by nature, it would probably be a high-priced prescription drug. 

 

A Common Saying everyone knows. That's just how good it really is... 

 

Garlic is one of the oldest known medicinal plants, and it's been credited with fighting heart disease, lowering blood pressure and helping to fight off colds.

 

In fact, garlic has been used medicinally for at least 3,000 years, but until relatively recently its benefits were considered little more than folklore. According to a report in the Journal of the American Medical Association (Nov. 28, 1990; 264:2614), the therapeutic roles of garlic have been described in more than 1,000 scientific studies. 

 

Cooking with Garlic 

 

Most of the modern research on garlic has concentrated on its ability to lower cholesterol and blood pressure as well as offering protection against strokes and heart disease. 

 

The following is a more detailed account of what garlic does for various organs in the human body: 

 

1. Protection of the liver from toxic substances: Garlic activates the cells of the liver and thereby protects the liver from toxic substances; it also rejuvenates a tired liver and promotes its normal functioning. 

 

2. Improvement of blood circulation: When allicin is heated in the process of cooking the garlic, a substance called ?ajoene" is formed. This substance has a suppressive effect on thrombi and blood cholesterol, so it is effective for the treatment of atherosclerosis and thrombosis. 

 

3. Regulation of stomach function: Allicin promotes the secretion of gastric juices by stimulating the mucous membranes of the stomach; furthermore, it combines with proteins which can reduce excessive activity of the stomach. In addition, allicin regulates the functioning of the stomach by activating the large intestine and thus cure both constipation and diarrhoea. 

 

4. Promotion of insulin secretion: Allicin combines with vitamin B1 (thiamine) to activate the function of the pancreas and thus promote insulin secretion. As a result, garlic is effective in the prevention or the cure of diabetes that is caused by a lack of insulin or by the defective functioning of the pancreas. 

 

5. Normalization of blood circulation: Because it stimulates the brain nerves and controls the workings of the heart at a constant level, garlic stabilizes blood pressure. It is also capable of dissolving cholesterol and fatty substances inside blood vessels and therefore refreshing cells and the blood inside the body. 

 

Today, there is worldwide scientific evidence to support the many health benefits that can be derived from the daily consumption of garlic. 

 

Extensive tests on humans have concluded that a regular intake of garlic can: 

 

• Lower total cholesterol (but raise the good-type HDL cholesterol) 
• Produce more "natural killer" cells in the blood that will tackle infections and tumours 
• Lower blood pressure 
• Reduce the risk of blood clots (that are responsible for most heart attacks and strokes) 
• Destroy infection causing viruses and bacteria 

 

Garlic is classified as both an herb and a vegetable. It can be found in products ranging from ice cream to dry rubs; the versatility of this herb is seemingly endless. 

 

Tips for Cooking with Garlic

 

1. Before cooking, remove the exterior skin of the clove. There are many ways to do this: strike the bulb with the broad side of a kitchen knife, use a rubber garlic rolling tube, soak the garlic in lukewarm water for 30 minutes or dip the cloves into boiling water for 30 seconds. 

 

2. After skinning the garlic, select a cooking method that will result in the appropriate flavour. It can be sautéed to create a nutty, savoury taste; poached to create a mild flavour; oven-roasted to bring out the nutty flavour with a caramelized quality; fried to create a crisp exterior; or grilled to create a soft, smoky flavour. 

 

3. Garlic is very sensitive to heat and will burn easily, especially when sautéing. Expose the garlic to heat just until the oil sizzles and then remove it. When cooking garlic with onions, start the onions first. They will take longer to cook. 

Benefits of Green Tea

If weight loss, the prevention of cancer, healthy teeth, and the idea of low cholesterol does not give you an idea that green tea is a miracle worker, you must be working with some pretty powerful magic.

 

Benefits of Green Tea Introduction

 

There has been an influx of media coverage about the health benefits of green tea. Most green tea enthusiasts may base their opinions on green tea around their own experiences of the beverage. The Chinese have been drinking green tea for thousands of years due to its miracle working abilities. Green tea has been used by the Chinese for treating minor headaches to much larger matters such as preventing cancer. Many health studies are beginning to shine some light on the facets and benefits of green tea. What are the benefits from green tea that can affect your life? The following are five major benefits of green tea that may substantially change your life.

 

First Health of Green Tea - Weight Loss

 

The high concentration of polyphenols in green tea helps to oxidize fat and encourage thermogenesis. Thermogenesis in the body is the rate which the body burns calories. Green tea results in an increase of energy which raises the metabolism, therefore, more weight is lost than normal. As a morning beverage, green tea has a small amount of calories compared to most other beverages that Americans drink in the morning. The constant barrage of coffee as most peoples’ morning beverage results in a higher amount of daily calories compared to green tea as a beverage in the morning. A substitution of green tea instead of reaching for a cup of joe will make a big difference in the size of your waistline.

 

Second Benefit of Green Tea - Prevention of Cancer

 

The antioxidants in green tea eliminate free radicals that plague the body. These free radicals cause aging and cancer. The polyphenols of green tea constantly search for free radicals and they prevent the formation of unstable oxygen molecules in a process known as oxidation. This oxidation damages healthy cells of the body and have been linked to illnesses like cancer, heart disease, and even strokes. The polyphenols in green tea prevent the birth of abnormal cells, inflammation, and destroy most cancer causing agents.

 

Third Benefit of Green Tea - Healthy Teeth

 

Green tea is well known for keeping teeth clean because of one of its ingredients, fluoride. The fluoride kills the bacteria in the mouth that causes plaque. Also, fluoride helps to maintain healthy, cavity-free teeth. This helps to prevent general tooth decay inside of the mouth. This cannot be about coffee which stains the teeth with an ugly yellow tinge. The oral health of teeth can be vastly improved with the consumption of green tea.

 

Fourth Benefit of Green Tea - Lowers Cholesterol

 

Green tea may be a possible solution for all those suffering from conditions of high cholesterol. Heart attacks are one of the most common problems associated with bad cholesterol. Drinking green tea could possibly lower this stunning high risk. Green tea lowers the bad cholesterol’s levels, LDL cholesterol and prevents the occurrence of blood clots in the body. The LDL cholesterol flows through the liver and cells forming heavy deposits on artery walls. The catechins in green tea help to decrease the amount of bad cholesterol. Also, the catechins help to maintain a healthy good cholesterol to bad cholesterol ratio improving the overall health of the body.

 

Benefit of Green Tea Conclusion

 

If weight loss, the prevention of cancer, healthy teeth, and the idea of low cholesterol does not give you an idea that green tea is a miracle worker, you must be working with some pretty powerful magic. A couple of cups of tea in addition to your normal daily beverage will greatly decrease the risk of any bad conditions. The only side effect that has been clearly recognized is the daily overdose of caffeine. This problem has been addressed through the usage of green tea extract. Green tea can be taken in a pill form with all the benefits of normal green tea. So, we hope that you begin a daily green tea regimen tomorrow!

A Beginner's Guide To Using Aromatherapy With Children

Trust your instinct - a beginner’s guide to using aromatherapy with children:

 

Essential oils are pure aromatic plant essences - they are distilled from flowers, fruit, leaves, resins, roots, seeds, and wood. They are used for their healing properties the world over - in , for example, they are only available through licensed, qualified parishioners. In the United States, we have free access to essential oils - but with this comes with some important cautions: Only some of the essential oils available are suitable for children; others are not suitable for children and some are even dangerous to children (children with epilepsy should not come in contact with stimulating essential oils).

 

When used correctly however, essential oils can be of great benefit, and will not conflict with your child’s medically prescribed drugs. Always research the oil of choice thoroughly before using with your infant or child - ask advice from a qualified practitioner, or see the references at the end of this article.

 

That said, essential oils can be a wonderful way of supporting your child's health, happiness and well-being. Essential oils can be very therapeutic and nurturing to both your child and you, the caregiver. Essential oils are used externally (on the outside of the body) in your child’s bath, body lotions, oils, creams, gels, compresses, foot baths, or in an oil warmer. The effects of aromatherapy will generally fall into one of three main categories: 

 

1. Assisting in healing from minor illnesses and accidents,
2. Supporting your child’s overall sense of well-being, and 
3. Assisting your child in getting quality rest.

 

When using essential oils with your child, it is imperative that you find a reputable supplier of therapeutic-grade essential oils, using organic or wildcrafted varieties when possible. Synthetic copies of oils commonly used in perfumery are not appropriate, and may even be harmful to your child’s health. To maintain efficacy, essential oils should be kept in dark amber or cobalt glass containers, in a dark and cool location, away from the child’s access. Wooden storage boxes from craft or 'Pier One' type stores can make a nice container for the bottles.

 

Methods of Using Essential Oils

 

There are two methods of using essential oils with your child:

 

1. Inhalation - through a diffuser, nebulizer, or adding to a humidifier reservoir, and 
2. Topical Application - diluting the essential oil in a carrier oil and applying topically. Adding essential oils to a bath combines the two methods, though we will cover it under topical application.

 

For topical application, essential oils are diluted in varying strengths depending on the use and age of your child. The concentration can vary from one drop of essential oil per tablespoon of carrier oil, to a couple of drops per teaspoon of carrier added to a drawn bath, to an equal ratio of carrier and essential oil applied directly to your child’s feet (as in the case of gentle Lavender). In other words, there is a huge variation in dilution levels depending on the circumstances. Mamas, do your research and then trust your instinct. Only you and your child baby know exactly what is right for your situation.

 

Age of Child and amount of Essential Oil per One Ounce Carrier Oil for Topical/Massage Application

 

General dilution rate guidelines of essential oils in one ounce of carrier oil:

 

• New-born (Consult primary care physician before use): 1-3 drops essential oil / ounce
• 2-6 months: 1-3 drops essential oil / ounce
• 6-12 months: 1-4 drops essential oil / ounce
• 1-4 years (unless very small): 5-8 drops essential oil / ounce
• 6-7 years: 5-10 drops essential oil / ounce
• 9-12 years: 5-12 drops essential oil / ounce
• 12 years to young adult: 10-15 drops essential oil / ounce

 

DO NOT USE AN ESSENTIAL OIL NEAT (undiluted) on children’s skin, unless indicated to do so for a specific condition. If your child has very sensitive skin, it is important to test a small area before using a new single oil or blend. Keep essential oils away from the eyes. When using citrus oils - orange, bergamot, lemon, tangerine, mandarin, and lime - do not use where the skin will be exposed to sunlight for the next 12 hours. These oils are considered 'phototoxic', and can react from the sun's rays. They may be used in a bath, however, where they will be washed off the skin when the bath is done.

 

Essential oils are not to be taken orally (by mouth). When your child is taking medications, reduce the amount of essential oil by half the amount recommended for their age group.

 

Carrier Oils for Children

 

Sweet Almond oil is generally regarded as the safest and best overall carrier oil for use with babies and children. Apricot kernel oil is also considered extremely safe with children over 6. Jojoba oil can be added at about 10% concentration for any blend - it has a soothing effect on the skin and is good for hair.

 

Topical Application - Nurturing Touch Massage Recipes

 

There is nothing better for any child than the loving, nurturing touch of a parent. A gentle hug, a smile, a kiss on the cheek all reassure the child and help the parent and child to bond. These everyday forms of connection are instinctual and children thrive from it.

 

Research shows that massage can help children’s growth both physically and emotionally. In hospitals, studies done with premature babies show that touch is an essential aspect of the children’s ability to thrive.

 

Using aromatherapeutic nurturing touch massage can be therapeutic to both the child and the parent. Using a light, conscientious tough you can massage your child’s feet, arms, hands, back, abdomen, and even legs. The massage should always be done with loving intention and the work is done in the direction that the blood flows-from ankles to leg; from wrist to shoulder, etc.

 

Here are a few suggested blends for this wonderful method - each is in one (1) ounce of Sweet Almond oil:

 

• Restful Sleep - 4 drops lavender, 2 drops Roman Chamomile
• Happy Child - 3 drops Rose, 1 drop Neroli
• Calm and Relaxed - 3 drops Petitgrain, 3 drops Neroli
• Emotional Nurturing - 1 drop Rose, 1 drop Vanilla, 2 drops Lavender

 

For a Baby oil blend, to be used as a moisturizer OR massage oil (note: the frequent washing of a baby's skin actually makes it difficult for them to retain vitamin C; application of a quality skin oil will help them keep adequate supplies of this important nutrient).

 

• 1 ounce of organic sweet almond oil or hazelnut oil
• 1 drop of pure Lavender essential oil
• 1 drop of Vanilla essential oil

 

OR

 

• 1 ounce of organic sweet almond oil
• 2 drops of pure Lavender essential oil
• 1 drop of pure Chamomile (German) essential oil

 

The above blends can also be added to the bath. One teaspoon with the following amount of essential oils added can be added AFTER the bath is filled, per the age of the child: 3-5 years, 2 drops; 6-8 years, 3 drops; 8-11 years, 5 drops. Perhaps the easiest way to do this would be to make a full strength blend (without carrier oil) of your choice, then dilute as needed for the application.

 

Inhalation of Essential Oils

 

For inhalation, one can apply one or two drops to a handkerchief and inhale, or add oils to a water misting bottle or humidifier. Calming essential oils that may be used are Lavender (recommended for sleep - one to four drops can be placed under the pillow), Mandarin, Roman Chamomile, Ho Wood (an ecologically friendly replacement for Rosewood), Tangerine, Petitgrain, Vanilla, and Neroli. Use these oils singly, create your own blend, or use one of the body oil blends above without the carrier oil. A few drops per quart of water in a mister sprayed throughout a room or added humidifier reservoir will do.

 

For an anti-anxiety blend: Try 5 drops bergamot, 1 drop lavender and 3 drops geranium - dilute to 10 drops per Ω pint of water for a room spray or use in a humidifier, or dilute to the appropriate level for your child's age if using topically. For alertness, try lemon, bergamot, grapefruit or pine, either singly or in a blend that pleases your senses (usually the best way to blend is to trust your nose!)

 

Essential oils can also be used in a candle lamp or warmer - with the oil gently evaporated from the surface of a small bowl of water by the heat of a candle. An electric nebulizing diffuser is generally not recommended for use with children, as the concentration of oils in the air can be too high.

 

Last but not least, essential oils are wonderful antiseptics.

 

Cuts and scrapes are simply a way of life for the little ones! A great blend for minor wounds is a 1:1 mix of Lavender and Tea Tree oil. The lavender is soothing, anti-inflammatory, and has regenerative 'ketones', while the tea tree is a strong antiseptic used for many generations by native Australians. Use this blend in the water used for cleaning wounds, and apply a few drops to the gauze of a bandage - do not apply directly to the skin as it will be unnecessarily irritating. On the bandage, however, it will be soothing and accelerate the healing process.

 

So this is a very brief overview of using essential oils with children. There are many, many diverse applications for essential oils for almost every conceivable minor ailment seen in childhood. The key is knowledge - finding a good practitioner, or reputable resource for your needs. For further reading, books by Valerie Ann Woorwood are excellent: "Aromatherapy for the Healthy Child" and "The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy"; for safety data, see "Essential Oil Safety" by Robert Tisserand and Tony Balacs. The essential oils mentioned within this article are recognized as safe for most individuals - if you or your child are recognized as having a specific illness, and/or are under a doctor's regular care, please consult an appropriate practitioner before proceeding.

 

That said, aromatherapy can be a very fun and rewarding endeavour for both you and your child. Essential oils have benefited the lives of many the world over, and have a little bit of plant magic available to everyone.

Healthy Diet For Your Child

It is the belief of most parents that children are eating a relatively healthy diet, but if not, they throw up their hands and give up. Children are then plied with multivitamins. Though this is not a bad thing to do, many children think they are candy especially now that they come in gummi candy, gumballs, and cute animal and cartoon characters.

 

This is extremely serious because if they are with a kids reach, they could be taking more than you know about. If there is the remotest chance your child has ingested too many, immediately call Poison Control and get them to the emergency room.

 

If your child overdoses with multivitamins with iron your child could become seriously ill or die. All manner of medications must absolutely be kept out of the reach children. If you think your child needs them generic multivitamins are fine but for the most part, children get a lot of their vitamins in their diets.

 

If your child is either allergic to dairy products or won’t eat them, calcium will need to come from other sources. A consultation with your child’s paediatrician is important. One vitamin daily is all a child needs even if his diet has been questionable for that week.

 

The absorption of other vitamins could be blocked if there is too much of any one vitamin. For example, too much calcium can prevent the absorption of other vitamins such as iron. Healthy food choices are not a child’s priority you can expect to be giving your child vitamins well into their teens.

 

Before buying vitamins you should know that opinions about vitamins with iron for children vary greatly. One belief is that you should, in fact, be giving vitamins with iron. Another philosophy is that never should a child be given vitamins with iron in them.

 

In infancy my own child showed signs of iron deficiency as an infant. Always check with your child’s doctor; my child’s doctor put him on iron fortified vitamins and he is healthy now. A disease called Hemochromatosis is caused by too much iron in the blood.

 

The iron becomes unusable by the body and it is not washed out of the body easily. It is almost always a fatal disease and can cause serious health issues. Calcium helps build strong bones and muscles and is a very important part of your child’s diet.

 

Calcium is a mineral.  Kids who eat ice cream, yogurt, and cheese or who drink milk usually get enough calcium from their diets. Some do not like dairy products, still others are allergic to them. Children can be assisted in getting what they need by consuming calcium fortified juices, cereals and vitamins.

 

Drinking fluoride treated tap water and bottled water and/or using fluoridated toothpaste is enough for most children. Your child should not be given fluoride supplements without checking with your paediatrician. Your child’s teeth could be permanently stained if they get too much fluoride.

 

This defeats entirely, the purpose of the treatment of water and the use of toothpaste meant to protect your child’s teeth. Infant multivitamins in liquid form is available and usually administered with an eye dropper.

 

The drops contain vitamins A, C, and D and may have added iron. Also they may have other vitamins and minerals such as thiamine, niacin, riboflavin and vitamin B-12. Chewable children’s vitamins are available in the forms of cartoon characters and/or animals. Now vitamins are available in gummi candy and gumballs.

 

Try buying gum ball vitamins or cartoon characters if your child is difficult about taking vitamins. Your child should always be supervised while he’s taking his vitamins. My son never gets to take his vitamins on his own, I give them to him.

 

He may or may not take it or he could take too many. Children’s vitamins could be a very good thing but too much of a good thing could be fatal. They should not be left in the reach of children. Eating what is right is not your child’s top priority so giving him vitamins may offset some of that.

 

Adjustments to child’s diet should always be discussed with your child’s paediatrician, it’s better to err on the side of caution. It’s fine to have fun shapes but your child could think they are candy and they should be kept out of reach of children or locked in a cabinet.

Good Nutrition in School Can Help to Fight Childhood Obesity

Perhaps you are trying to help your child lose weight, or you feel he or she may be in danger of becoming overweight or unhealthy because of their eating and exercise habits.

 

If so, it is important that you consider the impact of your child’s time at school as you think about what you need to change.

 

As the U.S. government has studied obesity, many of their agencies have produced reports and established guidelines to help parents and school systems understand how to make important changes.

 

These guidelines are designed to encourage our children to eat healthy foods and get plenty of exercise.

 

Across the country, schools are beginning to offer more good food choices, and look at their physical education and extra-curricular activities to ensure that they encourage good habits.

 

Of course your involvement and understanding is important if your child is going to get the right support while she or he is in school during the day.

 

And, you need to ensure that your child understands the importance of CHOOSING the healthy foods and participating in exercise programs, but the first step is to make sure these choices are AVAILABLE to your child.

 

Working with medical organizations, the USDA published ‘Prescription for Change’, and ‘Healthy School Nutrition Environments’.

 

These reports were meant to be used by schools to improve their nutritional program.

 

Here are some of the recommendations included in those reports.

 

The Serving and Dining Environment

** The Federal, State and local government must provide adequate funding for food and eating environs to support healthy eating.

 

** Dining space will be adequate, pleasant and socially accommodating, and will accommodate all students and staff scheduled to eat at a certain time of day.

 

** Serving areas will be sufficient to ensure that every student has access to meals with a minimum of waiting time, so that they have plenty of time to eat before their next class.

 

** The staff and administration of the school, AND the students and parents will analyze the current environment, working together to create a space that matches the needs of all parties.

 

Nutritional Concerns Regarding Meals and Foods

 

** Meals should comply with USDA nutritional standards and guidelines, and students should have plenty of food choices, with new foods introduced to keep the menu interesting and healthy.

 

** Food preparation and preferences should be varied enough to comply with various tastes and ethnic preferences or religious requirements.

 

** Additional food and drink offered, over and above meals served, e.g. vending machines and packaged snacks, will represent the 5 major food groups in the Food Guide Pyramid.

 

** Students must have designated lunch periods, long enough for them to get their food and eat at a healthy pace.

 

** Lunch periods should be as close to the middle of the day as possible and should allow time for socialization and a relaxed eating pace.

 

** All decisions made by the school system regarding the type, variety and quantity of food and drink to be sold in the school will be based on nutritional goals and sound guidelines, NOT on the profit the school can make.

 

Nutrition and Health Focused Curriculum

 

** Kindergarten through Grade 12 classes should include education and information on healthy eating habits and the types of foods a child should eat to stay healthy and help them grow.

 

Now that you understand the concerns and recommendations of the USDA and the national medical organizations, go to a school board meeting and talk to the board members about what they are doing to comply with these guidelines.

 

If you don’t know what your child’s eating environment and food choices are, visit the school and find out. Get involved with the PTA or PTO in your school system and get to work!

Thrown Into Schooling at Home

Finding yourself thrown into schooling the kids at home can be an overwhelming experience. It can also be rewarding. Whatever the reason why you’ve made the change to homeschool, it’s definitely an adjustment.

 

The prospect of staying home from work to not only care for your children, but to now be responsible for their education is quite overwhelming to most parents. Rightfully so, because raising children is not an easy job on its own. Besides the usual tasks that come along with parenting, can we handle being their teachers too? Take a deep breath, parents, we can do this! We were our children’s first teachers when we taught them to walk, talk and their numbers and colors. We can do this too! Implementing a few tricks will make schooling from home go more smoothly.

 

One of the things that may help both you and your child as they learn virtually from home is to stick to a schedule. Waking up early and at the same time every day to start school, even if it’s from home can help both you and your child feel more organized and in control. Children crave a stable and predictable schedule and this will set them up for success.

 

Limiting recreational screen time is important as well. Schools will need to rely on computers for communication with students using tools like Google Classrooms and Zoom. There is already going to be a lot of screen time needed for learning. So, when they are not on the computer doing school work, find other ways to entertain them. Go outside, ride bikes, go for walks, and go swimming. Remember to get that recess time in. Running around and getting their energy out will help kids be able focus on their school work later?

 

Lastly, try to remain calm and give yourself a break. Most of us are not trained teachers. But we can help guide our kids through this unpredictable time in a manner that is helpful to them. When tensions rise, and surely, they will, take a time out for yourself to cool down, go to another room and breathe. It’s important to remember that kids will be stressed or anxious too, so try to give them a break as well. With time, it will get easier. Putting use to these tips will help you and the kids get through the adjustment period. Homeschooling will feel natural before you know it.

31 Days of Fun: Word Search (Worksheet)

30 Family Friendly Karaoke Songs (Worksheet)

 

31 Days of Family Activities: Calendar (Infographic)

 

31 Days of Family Activities (Part 6)

Make A Critter House


 

A typical birdhouse can be a home for lots of animals besides birds! Chipmunks, squirrels, mice, and other small mammals can also make their homes in birdhouses. This is a great way to keep these little guys warm and sheltered in the rain or cold that may be coming up where you live.

 

Follow An Online Tutorial


 

This can be anything from cake decorating, to wreath making, to knitting a scarf! Just find a beginner video of something cool, and if you have the supplies you need—give it a try! It can be a lot of fun to see how your finished product compares with the video’s. This can be a team effort to do one big project, or each family member can work on one small project! This is a great way to see how differently each person can do the same thing. Use this as an opportunity to teach your kids about individuality, and help them see that everyone is different in awesome ways!

 

Play In The Rain


 

Rain is usually an excuse to stay indoors, but you can have a lot of fun stomping in puddles and playing in the mud. Just make sure it is not too cold out, and that there is not any lightning nearby.

 

Scavenger Hunt


 

Scavenger hunts are really awesome ways to get the brain and body moving. There are also lots of ways to set up a scavenger hunt! You can theme it by color, size, room, and more! Set a time limit if you have older kids; and make sure if you have younger kids, that they can have fun without feeling too pressured to “win.” Family days and activities should be all about fun!

 

Paint Rocks


 

Have everyone find a cool rock outside. Then, you all can use your imaginations to see a shape of something specific in that rock. Once you have figured out what your rock looks like, you can paint it so it becomes that thing. For example, a lumpy rock might look like a toad; so you can paint legs and eyes and spots on it to make it look like a real toad!

 

Quiet Time


 

Quiet time is an opportunity for the kids to think, play by themselves, and give mom and dad a break! 



 

Here are a few ideas to try for quiet time:





1. Puzzles


2. Word search


3. Reading


4. Educational worksheets


5. Extra chores



 

Helpful Links:

https://www.howweelearn.com/quiet-time-activities-mess-free/

http://www.wordblanks.com/mad-libs/adventure/story-generator/amp/

http://puzzlemaker.discoveryeducation.com

http://puzzlemaker.discoveryeducation.com/WordSearchSetupForm.asp

https://www.parenting.com/child/10-best-educational-websites-kids/

Family activities are wonderful opportunities to bond and create amazing memories with your kids. Always be sure that everyone can enjoy themselves, and that not everything is a competition. Just be creative and have fun with it, and it will be a wonderful thirty days of family activities the whole family will love.

31 Days of Family Activities (Part 5)

Family Video Games


 

A lot of modern video games and systems have awesome multiplayer options that make family fun super easy! The Wii in particular has some of the best games and features for this, but you can use any system if you take turns playing one single player game. Keep it pressure free and have fun! Games are meant to be played to have FUN, not just to win.

 

Check Out Old Photo Albums


 

Learning about family history is a great way to keep memories and traditions alive. Great grandma’s cookie recipe will mean that much more if your kids have a face to place with the stories. Pictures are worth a thousand words, and they also preserve the memories of the past.

 

Make A Scrapbook With New Photos


 

To make your own memories for your family’s future, take pictures and add them to a new album! You can even try out scrapbooking to make it even more meaningful and organized. Everyone can fill out a page in their own style and write their own little memory notes next to each picture.

 

Life Sized Drawings


 

Get a big piece of poster board and have someone lay down on it. Then you can trace around their body so you have a template. Once that is done, everyone can work together to fill in the template and make a life-sized drawing of the family member!

 

Karaoke


 

Karaoke is a lot of fun, and making it a family affair is sure to get lots of laughs. You can even hold a contest for silliest song/voice combo… Bonus points for interpretive dance!