AJ Earley's blog https://www.kidsinthehouse.com/blogs/aj-earley en My Favorite Family Tradition (And How You Can Start One, Too!) https://www.kidsinthehouse.com/blogs/aj-earley/my-favorite-family-tradition-and-how-you-can-start-one-too <div class="field field-name-field-article-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.kidsinthehouse.com/sites/default/files/mother-1599653_640.jpg" width="640" height="504" alt="mother and daughter laughing" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>Most people will tell you that’s it’s a bad idea to give a gift that someone may never use. I personally disagree with this stance, and here’s why: the tradition of joke gift-giving has brightened up every family holiday, birthday, and celebratory occasion for years. Joke gifts (or as some call them, ‘prank’ or ‘gag’ gifts,) are rarely “useful” in the traditional sense, and they can definitely go too far. But, if you do it right (with love and humor) it will bring about tons of laughs, make lasting family memories, and take some of the weight off of the material aspect of giving and receiving.</p> <p>It all started when I was a teenager. I told my dad I wanted a fifty-dollar gift certificate to the mall for my birthday. He laughed a little and said “yeah, right!” and I knew it was because fifty bucks was a bit much to ask for our family budget. But I was aiming a little high, and also being a little selfish, a newfound trait I had absorbed from my teenage girl-dom.</p> <p>Well, my birthday rolled around and there it was: a wrapped clothing box and that tell-tale, wax-sealed envelope from The Boise Towne Square (these were the days before gift cards existed.) I ripped open the certificate first and started jumping around when I saw the number fifty, but my face immediately dropped when I realized it was only made out for fifty cents.</p> <p>I knew I was asking a bit much, but fifty cents? I didn’t want to be a jerk, so I just said thanks and opened my wrapped present, in which I found a new pair of pajamas and a vanilla-scented candle. But guess what was hiding under it? Another gift certificate, this time for an actual fifty dollars. I was so thrilled. I danced around and said thank you a hundred times.</p> <p>When I look back, I imagine I still would have been grateful if my dad hadn’t preempted with the joke gift certificate. However, having that moment of sadness and disappointment only to find out minutes later that it was a little prank made my emotions soar and my gratefulness swells even more so than they would have without the slight amount of joshing that came beforehand.</p> <p>My dad kept it up, beginning each of our ceremonial birthday present openings with a little joke of some sort. One year, my siblings and I decided to hit him back hard for Christmas.</p> <p>It was the first Christmas after my parent’s divorce, and my dad had just started dating again. We had a T-shirt made especially for him that said “SINGLE” with his actual phone number under it on the front, and on the back, we had printed, “Caution: has three kids.” We thought it was pretty funny, but in the end, the joke was on us. He wore it everywhere, despite our embarrassment.</p> <p>After that, the joke-gifting turned into a fierce (yet fun) competition where we tried to one-up each other’s gags, and I have happily kept the custom going with my own family throughout the years. In other words, we created our own long-standing family tradition.</p> <p>I think any family can benefit from this playful institution. It’s hard to make every gift you give memorable, especially if you’re on a budget. But making each ceremony an act of comedy is sure to make every special day go down in history. If you’d like to start a similar tradition with your own kiddos, here are some ideas for joke gifts that will entertain kids of various ages:</p> <p>Little ones are always entertained by farts. You could go DIY and use <a href="http://www.fartnames.com/" target="_blank">this meticulously categorized list of fart types and fart synonyms</a> to create a fun game or challenge, or spring for <a href="http://www.powells.com/book/farts-in-the-wild-9781452106311/2-2" target="_blank">a book that helps kids identify different animal farts</a> (complete with sound!)<br />Or, for that member of the family who is known to create the most impressive (or offensive?) farts, <a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/c/award-plaques?id=232" target="_blank">have a trophy or plaque specially made</a> for them, with a prize line that reads, “World’s Stinkiest Farts,” “Most Valuable Vaporizer,” or “Fantastic Flatulence World Champion.”</p> <p>When it comes to joke gifts, customizable stuff is something my family turns to often. It’s usually inexpensive, and you can turn any inside joke into a tangible object that will memorialize your family’s collective sense of humor. You could take all of their most embarrassing childhood photos and make them into a calendar. You could also put a mortifying baby photo or a silly personalized joke onto a t-shirt (and act really sad when they don’t want to wear it.)</p> <p>If you’d prefer to see confusion spread across their face before the laughter comes, get them a completely random household item like a toilet plunger, a half-eaten sandwich, or an old banana. Their reaction will be priceless, and you might even be able to record it and go viral.</p> <p>If you want to see real horror and panic, make the joke last a little longer by setting up a fake photoshoot. First, hit the thrift store and pick up the gaudiest or most out-of-date outfits you can find. Then, inform them that they’re going to wear them for a themed <a href="https://www.milkbooks.com/blog/family/the-importance-of-family-photo-books/">family photo</a> shoot. The only thing worse than telling them they have to wear the tacky treasures you find will be the threat of memorializing the event with photography. If you actually do go through with the shoot, it could make for some awkwardly fun family memories that might even be Christmas card-worthy...</p> <p>If your kids are always joking about your lack of tech-savviness, play that out by getting them a tube monitor for their laptop, a super old school cable for their gaming system or an extremely outdated phone case for their fancy smartphone.</p> <p>You can also pack their regular gifts into a box from a random household item, like a coffee maker or crockpot. Or, you could buy a hilarious prank gift box, like this “<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Prank-Pack-Extreme-Chores/dp/B00A0UUOUQ/ref=sr_1_41?s=toys-and-games&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1450383849&amp;sr=1-41" target="_blank">extreme chores</a>” video game one.<br />If all they ever ask for is cash, be silly about it, and have a ribbon-cutting ceremony complete with one of those giant novelty checks.</p> <p>There are far too many cheesy joke gifts out there to list them all, and I’m sure you of all people know what will tickle your family’s funny bone. Either way, I hope my story along with these suggestions can help you start a new family tradition and bring some laughter and fond memories into your celebrations.</p> </div></div></div> Sun, 28 Nov 2021 21:33:26 +0000 AJ Earley 50459 at https://www.kidsinthehouse.com https://www.kidsinthehouse.com/blogs/aj-earley/my-favorite-family-tradition-and-how-you-can-start-one-too#comments How To Help Your Kids Cope When Relocating To A New City Or State https://www.kidsinthehouse.com/blogs/aj-earley/how-to-help-your-kids-cope-when-relocating-to-a-new-city-or-state <div class="field field-name-field-article-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.kidsinthehouse.com/sites/default/files/scream-1819736_640.jpg" width="640" height="426" alt="angry girl" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>Flashback to little AJ Earley, 14 going on 15. She’d attended Monroe Elementary for six years, and spent her entire junior high tenure at Boise, Idaho’s lovely South Junior High. It was nearing the end of the first half of her 9th grade year, her last year of junior high, after which she’d move on to Borah High School, and take with her all of the friends she’d gained over the last nine years. There were some bumpy patches (like when some of the kids would make fun of her weight by calling her “Speedbump,”) but the bullying was made easier by the good friends she’d always had by her side.</p> <p>Everything seemed to be going perfectly, until her parents decided to buy a new house and move a couple of miles away. Into a new school district. The school district of West Junior High, where there were no good friends to make her feel safe and comfortable. West was in Borah’s district, which meant little AJ would be reunited with her friends in less than a year’s time, but this just wasn’t the plan.</p> <p>She loved her friends, she loved her school. Her classes and her teachers, she realized that all of it was perfect as soon as she was threatened with losing it. And West Junior High… ugh, they said such awful things about that school: the band was terrible, the kids were mean, and all the girls had eating disorders. And worst of all, she didn’t know anyone. She was too upset, too angry, too scared. Switching schools the last half of ninth grade was literally the worst thing that could happen to little AJ. She was certain a strange new environment would be her absolute downfall. She couldn't handle the pain. She was desperate.</p> <p>Little AJ wrote up a petition stating why she shouldn’t have to change schools, printed it out, and spent a couple of days gathering signatures from her South Junior High schoolmates. She got over 280 classmates to sign it, and presented it to her parents. Yes, she petitioned her parents (anyone who knows her won’t at all be surprised by this.) She also arranged for a friend’s mother to give her rides (that she’d pay for with her paper route money) so her parents wouldn’t have to worry about that. And let’s not forget that she’d have to quit her paper route if she moved! How would she be able to afford that expensive shampoo and the cool brands of shoes and jeans?! What you wore and how you looked was the only way to define your character back then…</p> <p>Well, the petition didn’t work. Little AJ had to change schools, and it was really rough. She just didn’t understand how her parents could do this to her… her life was literally ruined. Emo may or may not have been in at the time, and she may or may not have worn a lot of black and talked constantly about how her emotions were just too much. It was awful.</p> <p>Okay, I will admit: little AJ was a dramatic teenage girl who was still learning that the world didn’t revolve around her (and maybe grown-up AJ will admit that her parents not giving into her charades may have helped with that lesson a bit,) but that doesn’t change the fact that switching schools is definitely a traumatic experience for kids, especially when you’re moving to an entirely new state or city where their friends aren’t close enough to hang out on the weekends.</p> <p>Of course, as parents, we can’t not take opportunities for better jobs, or responsibilities to help out family members, or really any other reason that would cause us to uproot our families and move to a new place. Parents in this situation shouldn’t feel bad about “taking away” their children’s comfortable environments. However, they should be equipped with a toolkit to help their kids cope with the massive changes they’re about to undergo. Here is my best advice for parents in this situation:</p> <p><strong>Let Them Mourn</strong></p> <p>The first step is to let them process their emotions and <a href="https://www.kidsinthehouse.com/teenager/parenting-teens/talking-with-your-teen/keeping-communication-open-by-listening-to-your" target="_blank">be there to hear them out</a>. They may be excited for the change, or they may think it’s the end of their world; either way, they will have some strong feelings on the matter, and they need to know that this is okay. They will eventually have to cope, but if you act like they’re being overly dramatic and come at it with a, “get over it” attitude, you may get an extreme response (like your own kids petitioning you.) Being there to help them through this transition will make a world of difference to them.</p> <p><strong>Focus On The Positive</strong></p> <p>Once they’ve had space to air their negative feelings, help relinquish them by giving them positive things to focus on. If  you have any family or friends where you’re going, remind them that they won’t be entirely surrounded by strangers. Look up all the cool stuff in your new home and get your kids excited about that.</p> <p>Are they an athlete? Look up the sports programs at their new school and talk about how great they are. Into music? Maybe your new town has a thriving music scene and you can offer to take them to a few concerts that they wouldn’t be able to see where you are now. If they’re outdoorsy, find the hiking/mountain biking/fishing/etc. options near your new home and make some plans to check them out, or encourage any little history buffs to look up the heritage of their new locale and find all the cool museums and tours they’d like to go on. Giving them things to look forward to once you’re relocated will help them naturally turn some of their negative feelings into positive anticipation and excitement.</p> <p><strong>Grand Goodbyes</strong></p> <p>Moving away is a big deal to kids, especially those who have settled in long enough to have a good network of friends and extracurricular activities. One way you can lend credence to how much this will impact them is to throw them a giant going away bash that acknowledges what a big deal their move is. Let them invite all their friends and give them time to hang out one last time and say their goodbyes.</p> <p>You can also get a little crafty and set up a station where their friends all write their addresses down on envelopes, and then get some cool stationary and use it all to set up a <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=pen%20pal%20kit&amp;rs=typed&amp;term_meta[]=pen%7Ctyped&amp;term_meta[]=pal%7Ctyped&amp;term_meta[]=kit%7Ctyped" target="_blank">ready-to-go pen pal kit</a> to give them once you’re moved. Sending letters via snail mail is kind of old-fashioned, but in the instance of losing the presence of a good friend, all parties will be thrilled to receive a handwritten letter. The last time I moved away, which was a lot less stressful, thanks to a great moving company (try searching for <a href="https://threemovers.com/long-distance-movers-near-me/">ThreeMovers.com out of state movers near me</a>)<font color="#222222" face="Verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 16px;">, </span></font>I set up a craft table with all sorts of fun, random supplies and asked all my friends to make me a little piece of art, whatever they wanted, for me to hang on my fridge to remind me of all my loved ones back home. Your kids will be excited to have a bunch of very personal art to display in their new bedrooms once they move.</p> <p><strong>Lead By Example</strong></p> <p><a href="https://www.kidsinthehouse.com/preschooler/friends-and-siblings/making-friends/difficulty-making-friends" target="_blank">Some kids are more adept at making friends than others</a>, but no matter how much of a social butterfly your little one is, they might need some help in an entirely new environment. One of the quickest and easiest ways to help your children (and yourself) cultivate some familiar faces in a strange place is to be a good neighbor and <a href="http://www.usa-relocate.com/neighbors/" target="_blank">take the initiative to get to know people in your new neighborhood</a>: go on walks and hit up local spots like parks, coffee shops, and farmer’s markets. Strike up conversations with those you see on your outings, and try to plan a small get-together with other neighborhood families. This is a great way to help your kids meet potential new friends. Once they start school, try getting involved in the PTA, or other parent-focused group, so you can make friends with other parents from your child’s school, and hopefully, help your kids meet some new friends too.</p> <p><strong>Be Encouraging</strong></p> <p>Once they do find kids they like, encourage them to spend time together, or take the initiative to plan playdates if they are littler ones. Again, be there to hear them out and let them tell you all about their adventures, and let them talk about the not-so-good times too. No matter what, taking extra time to lend a listening ear and encourage them to keep getting out there and exploring their new home will make a huge difference during their tough transition.</p> <p>No matter how you go about it, relocating to a new city or state is a big change for any kid. If you handle it the right way, though, they will be making new friends and finding new places to spend their time, and before you know it, they will feel like they are truly home.</p> </div></div></div> Thu, 10 Aug 2017 19:36:01 +0000 AJ Earley 50696 at https://www.kidsinthehouse.com https://www.kidsinthehouse.com/blogs/aj-earley/how-to-help-your-kids-cope-when-relocating-to-a-new-city-or-state#comments A Look At The Overall Health Of Our Nation’s Youth https://www.kidsinthehouse.com/blogs/aj-earley/a-look-at-the-overall-health-of-our-nations-youth <div class="field field-name-field-article-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.kidsinthehouse.com/sites/default/files/kids-in-a-lab-coat.jpg" width="1200" height="907" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>When it comes to the overall health and wellness of America’s precious youth, we’ve all seen and heard news that tips either end of the scale. While medical advances like vaccinations and better medicinal and surgical options have decreased childhood death rates, we’ve also seen <a href="https://www.kidsinthehouse.com/all-parents/nutrition/healthy-meals-and-snacks/increase-obesity" target="_blank">an increase in childhood obesity</a> and <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/health/2016/08/12/many-childrens-heart-health-not-up-to-standards.html" target="_blank">heart health issues</a>.</p> <p>So then, what’s the consensus? Are today’s children healthier than last century’s, or not?</p> <p>The answer to that question isn’t so simple, but we can look at several of the factors affecting children’s health, and thus, get a roundabout outlook on the ups and downs, pros and cons, and the successes and failures we’ve seen so far.</p> <p>First off, <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/media/7-big-advances-in-childrens-health/" target="_blank">recent medical advances have saved the lives of countless children in many ways</a>, making death rates decrease and quality of life increase across the board. Immunizations top the list of lifesavers, followed closely by advances in breathing equipment for premature babies and tools to reduce the instances of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome.)</p> <p>Recent medical research has also led to advances that have drastically reduced the death rates from diseases like Acute lymphocytic leukemia, AIDS, and sickle cell anemia, to name just a few. Lastly, we can’t forget how advanced carseat technology, updated rules and regulations regarding safety seats, and increased awareness have reduced car accident deaths by 71 percent in children under one, and by 45 percent in children 4 to 8 years old (which means use those booster seats, folks!)</p> <p>However, we have seen a decline in other areas of children’s health. While the instances of overweight and obese children have increased over recent decades, so have <a href="http://onlinemph.unr.edu/resources/articles/what-has-the-impact-of-lets-move-had-on-childhood-obesity/" target="_blank">initiatives to stop childhood obesity rates from increasing</a>. It’s only been seven years since the implementation of the “Let’s Move” campaign, but we’ve actually seen it have more than one positive effect. For instance, food manufacturers and grocery chains are making an effort to cut down sugar and fat in their products, and to make fresh produce more affordable and accessible to all of our nation’s youth.</p> <p>Some more good news: more children are up and active than ever before. The last 43 years have seen a <a href="http://onlinemasters.ohio.edu/youth-sports-participation-rate/" target="_blank">97.1 increase in youth sports participation</a>. This means that almost eight million American high schoolers are involved in some sort of sporting activity, which encourages a healthy and active lifestyle for all of them. Recent years have seen parents concerned about sports injuries, especially concussions obtained in sports like football. However, as concussion rates rise, so do innovations that help decrease their instances, as well as <a href="http://safetymanagement.eku.edu/resources/articles/concussions-management-for-school-safety-professionals/" target="_blank">policies and procedures for concussion management</a> that help school safety officials prevent, recognize, and treat sports injuries obtained by youth athletes.</p> <p>Another major concern in recent years is <a href="http://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/searching-for-answers/autism-rise" target="_blank">rising autism rates and the mystery surrounding their cause</a>. We’ve seen an alarming increase in the diagnosis of autism-related disorders over the last half a century, from one in 2000 children diagnosed, to one in 150. There are still many questions surrounding the reason for such a drastic increase that have yet to be answered. But, along with those questions, there is hope. Professionals of all kinds are working on better ways to <a href="https://www.kidsinthehouse.com/special-needs/autism/biomedical-treatments/resources-for-finding-biomedical-treatments-for-autism" target="_blank">treat</a> and to encourage the growth and development of those on the spectrum, and the fact of the matter is, most individuals with an <a href="https://www.kidsinthehouse.com/livetv/autism">autism spectrum disorder</a> do lead happy, healthy lives.</p> <p>There are many factors involved in the health and wellness of our nation's children; some are good, some are not so good. However, if you take a look and the recent advances, and pair them with all of the recent developments in treating and preventing the health issues that have risen over the years, I think it’s safe to say that today, American children are healthier than ever before.</p> <p>What are some of the ways you encourage your children to be more active, healthy individuals?<br />  </p> </div></div></div> Sat, 22 Jul 2017 22:50:16 +0000 AJ Earley 50682 at https://www.kidsinthehouse.com https://www.kidsinthehouse.com/blogs/aj-earley/a-look-at-the-overall-health-of-our-nations-youth#comments Being A Good Parent Starts With A Good Night’s Sleep https://www.kidsinthehouse.com/blogs/aj-earley/being-a-good-parent-starts-with-a-good-nights-sleep <div class="field field-name-field-article-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.kidsinthehouse.com/sites/default/files/quality-sleep-time.jpg" width="1200" height="800" alt="how to help kids get a good night&#039;s sleep" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>It is amazing how much energy children can suck out of us some days, and what is worse is that having kids in the house makes it more difficult to get to sleep! Getting adequate sleep is, by far, one of the most important aspects to living a healthy, happy life. It is hard to be a good parent when you are tired, irritable, and distracted, yet so many of us struggle to get the sleep we need. Unless you have a serious health condition, medication can be a dangerous option and is not ideal for most.</p> <p>Having a small baby around kind of makes all of this null and void, <a href="http://www.kidsinthehouse.com/baby/sleep/getting-your-baby-to-sleep/getting-your-baby-to-sleep-through-the-night">but it won’t last forever</a>. Here are some tips on how to get a good night’s sleep once all the kids are on a regular sleep schedule of their own.</p> <p><strong>Wind Down Before Bedtime</strong></p> <p>It is important to get your mind out of its hectic daily-life-flurry and into calm mode before bed. Try to reserve an hour before bed time where you can relax. Dim the lights if possible, and no screens. The artificial light emitted from televisions, computers, and smartphones <a href="http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/features/power-down-better-sleep">inhibit your brain’s ability to release melatonin</a>, and even mundane activities like watching television or checking email and social media keep our brains locked in busy mode. <span style="font-size: 13.008px;">There are many <a href="http://www.thesleepjudge.com/different-ways-technology-affects-sleep-quality/">different ways technology could affect sleep</a>.</span></p> <p>Spending time with electronics is common for most right before bed, but there are much more beneficial activities, like reading, listening to calming music, or simply spending time chatting with your family (but keep it upbeat: don’t talk about frustrations or work.)</p> <p>There are few better times to sneak in some exercise than after you have put the kids to bed. It is a common myth that vigorous exercise late at night can keep you up, but that is not the case. However, if you are prone to getting wound up, do <a href="http://www.yourmesotheliomalawfirm.com/yoga/">yoga</a> or tai chi.</p> <p>If you are a late-night snacker, there are lots of things you can enjoy to promote healthy sleep. <a href="http://blog.doctoroz.com/oz-experts/want-better-sleep-change-your-diet">Vitamin B3 promotes REM sleep, and vitamin B6 helps your body produce the relaxing hormone serotonin</a>, so eat foods high in vitamin B complex like leafy greens or lean fish. Magnesium deficiencies have been shown to contribute to insomnia, so eating things like bananas and nuts (walnuts, cashews, or almonds are the best) can help. Lastly, cherries are one of the few natural sources of melatonin.</p> <p><strong>Have a Dedicated Sleep Space</strong></p> <p>It is essential to make sure that the environment in which you sleep helps instead of hinders. If you are sensitive to sunlight or often have to sleep during daylight hours, <a href="http://www.247blinds.co.uk/blog/manage-light-levels-at-different-times-of-year/">blackout blinds</a> can make a huge difference. If you can sleep without any lights on, do. If not, make sure you use a gentle, non-fluorescent bulb.</p> <p>You also want to make sure that your bed is for sleep (and intimacy) only. It is best to keep work, hobby, and family time completely out of the bedroom, but if you must utilize your bedroom space for work, get a desk or table to sit at. Watching television, playing video games, or doing school or office work from your bed <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/04/24/sleep-hygiene-tips_n_5030168.html">will detract from its relaxing appeal and will make it difficult for your brain to settle into calm mode</a> every time you get in it. You want your sleep space to be a peaceful oasis, so keep whatever you can of your waking life out of it.</p> <p>Co-sleeping is a somewhat controversial issue, but for the most part, it just depends on your family. <a href="http://www.kidsinthehouse.com/baby/sleep/co-sleeping/research-based-benefits-co-sleeping">Some benefit from co-sleeping</a>, while others have issues with it. You know what is best for your family and you should trust your judgement.</p> <p><strong>Alleviate Distractions</strong></p> <p>It is often difficult to get our minds to wind down and stay down once we are tucked in. The first thing you want to consider is keeping noise down. If you have older children that stay up later than you, make sure you you let them know how important it is for them to be respectful with their noise levels.</p> <p>A good way to calm your mind at night is aromatherapy. <a href="https://www.hipmunk.com/tailwind/how-to-get-the-best-sleep-ever-in-your-hotel-and-some-of-the-best-hotels-for-snoozing/#.VkNzlrerSUk">Aromatherapy can be soothing and helpful for inducing sleep</a>. Essential oils are safer than burning candles all night, and can be used in several ways, including oil lamps and burners, humidifiers, and topical application. Some of the best scents for relaxation are lavender, vetiver, valerian, and Roman chamomile.</p> <p>Having a family can be extremely stressful at times, so if you find yourself lying there thinking, hoping, worrying, planning—as many of us do—it’s time for some meditation. There are so many benefits of meditating in your daily life, and while it may seem complicated, <a href="http://www.lifeoptimizer.org/2011/12/27/simple-but-powerful-life-changes/">you can do it anywhere, anytime, by just focusing on your breathing</a>.</p> <p>There are <a href="http://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/5-ways-quiet-racing-mind/">lots of other techniques</a> you can use to quiet your mind, like focusing on positive things or activities that relax you. As a parent, it is very important to have some “me” time every day, and it is probably a good thing to spend some time before bed thinking about yourself and what makes you happy instead of focusing on your family. They are always at the forefront of your mind, which is why it is so important to focus on other things from time to time.</p> <p>All <a href="https://blog.tsheets.com/2015/news/five-guaranteed-ways-to-have-an-awesome-day">awesome days</a> start with awesome sleep. Trying out some of these tips will help to ensure that you start each day off in a good mood, which will (usually) rub off on your children. Being the best parent that you can be always starts with a good night’s sleep.</p> <p> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="http://www.kidsinthehouse.com/sites/default/files/web-newborn-baby-3.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 400px;" /></p> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>More resources on sleep:</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kidsinthehouse.com/teenager/health-and-development/sleep/the-three-purposes-of-sleep">The 3 purposes of sleep</a> - Pediatrician, <a href="http://www.kidsinthehouse.com/teenager/health-and-development/sleep/the-three-purposes-of-sleep">Cara Natterson, MD</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kidsinthehouse.com/preschooler/sleep/sleep-schedules-and-naps/how-much-sleep-kids-need-at-different-stages">How much sleep kids need at different stages</a> - Pediatrician, <a href="http://www.kidsinthehouse.com/preschooler/sleep/sleep-schedules-and-naps/how-much-sleep-kids-need-at-different-stages">Sonya Sethi Gohill, MD</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kidsinthehouse.com/preschooler/sleep/sleep-schedules-and-naps/the-most-common-napping-issues">The most common napping issues</a> - Parent educator/author, <a href="http://www.kidsinthehouse.com/preschooler/sleep/sleep-schedules-and-naps/the-most-common-napping-issues">Elizabeth Pantley</a></p> </div></div></div> Sun, 08 Jan 2017 20:20:21 +0000 AJ Earley 49474 at https://www.kidsinthehouse.com https://www.kidsinthehouse.com/blogs/aj-earley/being-a-good-parent-starts-with-a-good-nights-sleep#comments Talking To Kids About Chronic Illness https://www.kidsinthehouse.com/blogs/aj-earley/talking-to-kids-about-chronic-illness <div class="field field-name-field-article-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.kidsinthehouse.com/sites/default/files/hugs-1613208_640.jpg" width="640" height="458" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p dir="ltr">One of the most difficult things any parent will ever have to do is talk to their children about death and serious illness. Ideally this would be a chat had at the dinner table about hypothetical situations that could, and probably will, happen in the future. But not every family has that luxury. Often times, these devastating concepts have to be explained to children long before they’re ready.</p> <p dir="ltr">For the many parents who find themselves in this situation, what’s the best way to go about it?</p> <p dir="ltr">The answer isn’t simple at all. Each and every family is different, and in the end, you know what’s best for your child. However, there are a few helpful tips on how to approach the topic and make sure it is conveyed smoothly and clearly.</p> <p dir="ltr">Approaching The Topic Of Serious Illness</p> <p dir="ltr">Depending on the age of the child, the approach may or may not be easy. The easiest way to go about it is to just call a family meeting, or say that you need to sit down and have a chat. The younger ones should be swayed pretty easily, but older children are likely to know that something’s up, so it’s best to announce it at the last minute so they don’t grill you with questions or grow anxious with anticipation or worry beforehand. That being said, you shouldn’t just throw the issue right out there. Give them time to get comfortable, ask them how their day was, how they are feeling. Asking a few trivial questions and giving children time to say a few words before you dive in will make them feel like this more of a conversation and less of an announcement that they have to walk away with and handle on their own.</p> <p dir="ltr">It will help very young children to make sure they understand the concepts of illness and death before you tell them that someone they love is sick. It’s important to use words and phrases that they understand. For example: <a href="http://healthadministration.uc.edu/news-and-resources/articles/health-library-cancer" rel="nofollow">when explaining something like cancer to kids</a>, break it down by describing in easily understood terms how the body works, and how this illness changes that. It might take some research on your part, but the better you understand something, the better you can explain it to a wide variety of audiences. You’ll definitely want to be armed with as much information as you can for this task.</p> <p dir="ltr">For all ages, it’s important to remember that the child will be, first and foremost, concerned with their relationship to the person who is sick, and how their illness will affect that relationship. Instead of delving right in with the announcement, maybe talk about the individual for a bit first, if they are not there to be a part of the conversation. </p> <p dir="ltr">Making Sense Of The Senselessness</p> <p dir="ltr">This will likely be the most difficult part. If you’re armed with information as mentioned before, it won’t be difficult to make sense of the facts in the situation. But, the difficult questions will come, <a href="http://theparentcue.org/how-to-respond-when-your-child-asks-you-questions-you-cant-answer/" rel="nofollow">the ones that you might not be able to answer</a>. The hows, the whens, and the worst of all: the whys.</p> <p dir="ltr">There is really no way to explain to children the reasons why these things happen, but it is an unfortunate reality: everyone is going to die someday, and not all of us will be lucky enough to die comfortably in our sleep of old age.</p> <p dir="ltr">The way you crack open this reality highly depends on your beliefs and parenting philosophies, but however you do it, be prepared for your children to be confused for a while. This type of reality, even if understood hypothetically prior to the situation, can be difficult to grasp when someone very young is actually faced with it. They will need time and patience to come to terms.</p> <p dir="ltr">Most importantly, they will need you to be distressingly honest. If you don’t know the answer to something, tell them that. It’s okay for them to know that there aren’t always easy explanations. Make sure you also reassure them that it is, indeed, okay to be confused, and to need time to understand and cope.</p> <p dir="ltr">Dealing With The Aftermath</p> <p dir="ltr">In the time following your initial discussion, more questions will likely pop up. This is going to be difficult for the entire family, but taking time out to be there for your children is imperative. Do whatever you can to let them know that you are there, especially since they may be dealing with an impending loss.</p> <p dir="ltr">Under normal circumstances, setting boundaries with children is healthy and necessary. If you are busy with something important, they can wait for you to finish. If they continuosly pester you with a question you’ve already answered, they need to learn to accept it. But in areas like this that are inherently gray, those boundaries may not apply. If they are clearly distressed about something, they may become your most important task at the moment. If they continue to ask a question you’ve already answered, it may not be them trying to manipulate a different answer out of you: they may be desperate for more information or a clearer understanding of the concept.</p> <p dir="ltr">Finding out a loved one is suffering from a chronic illness is a stressful and depressing time for everyone, including children. It’s a little tougher with them, though, because <a href="http://www.innerself.com/content/personal/attitudes-transformed/fear-and-worry/13093-helping-kids-cope-with-stress.html" rel="nofollow">it’s harder for children to understand complex emotions like stress</a>, so they might not be able to tell you what’s wrong. Further, the <a href="http://www.kidsinthehouse.com/teenager/health-and-development/anxiety-and-depression/signs-of-stress-in-your-child" rel="nofollow">signs of being over-stressed</a> or <a href="http://www.kidsinthehouse.com/teenager/health-and-development/anxiety-and-depression/common-signs-depression-children" rel="nofollow">depressed in children</a> are a little different than those for adults, so it’s important to be cognizant of these signs and keep your eye out.</p> <p dir="ltr">If your child is having a significantly tough time dealing or understanding, there are a number of things that can be done. Seeking out counseling is a very wise option. Not every family has the resources to hire a professional, but you can also consider church counseling, and this might even be an issue that falls under <a href="http://counseling.online.wfu.edu/resources/articles/5-responsibilities-of-the-school-counselor/" rel="nofollow">the jurisdiction of a school counselor</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">There are also plenty of ways you can help kids cope with stress at home, like yoga, meditation, or a new hobby. While it’s important to talk about the issue as much as your child needs to feel comfortable with it, it might also help to utilize some distraction techniques like a new pet, <a href="http://www.inspiremalibu.com/blog/non-12-step/benefits-of-equine-therapy/" rel="nofollow">equine therapy</a>, or even some good old-fashioned family fun. And there’s no underestimating the importance of quality time spent with your children, and also offering up quality time with their afflicted loved one.</p> <p dir="ltr">In Conclusion</p> <p>It’s impossible to say that there’s no wrong way to talk to your children about the chronic illness of a loved on, but there’s definitely no set, right way. As long as you take the time to consider what you’re going to say and how you’re going to say it, and to make sure you’re able to answer the more practical of their questions, things should go smoothly. Being patient and understanding in the aftermath is imperative, as is keeping some moments for yourself and your own healing. This is a tough time for any family, but if everyone sticks together, you’ll make it through.</p> </div></div></div> Mon, 21 Nov 2016 17:37:15 +0000 AJ Earley 50050 at https://www.kidsinthehouse.com https://www.kidsinthehouse.com/blogs/aj-earley/talking-to-kids-about-chronic-illness#comments Dental Care And Pregnancy: It’s Not Just For Moms https://www.kidsinthehouse.com/blogs/aj-earley/dental-care-and-pregnancy-its-not-just-for-moms <div class="field field-name-field-article-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.kidsinthehouse.com/sites/default/files/zahnreinigung-1514692_640.jpg" width="640" height="426" alt="pregnancy and dental care" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p dir="ltr">Conception and pregnancy can both be very harrowing, especially when it comes to the seemingly never-ending lists of things you should avoid. Many think the dentist is on this list of no-nos, and that’s no surprise to anyone who’s had more than a cleaning done. The X-Ray machines combined with all those whirring torturous devices are terrifying enough, and soon-to-be moms are likely to start wondering what kind of dangerous chemicals are in all of the toothpastes and mouthwashes they use every day.</p> <p dir="ltr">It is a misconception that pregnant women, or those trying to conceive, should avoid the dentist. In fact, <a href="http://www.emergencydentistsusa.com/dental-care-pregnancy/#DentalCare&amp;Pregnancy" rel="nofollow">proper dental care is crucial to a healthy pregnancy for so many reasons</a>. First off, approximately 18% of premature births are believed to be associated with periodontal disease. Second, the hormones your body manufactures during pregnancy cause gums to swell and bleed, which increases your risk of several types of periodontal issues. A thriving fetus also carries the potential to leach the mother’s body of important nutrients, including calcium, which means that you could potentially end up with teeth much weaker than those you started with.</p> <p dir="ltr">The increased risk of dental issues, combined with their potential to negatively impact a pregnancy, means that you should definitely keep oral hygiene at the forefront of your mind during this time. And yes, you should visit the dentist at least once during your pregnancy.</p> <p dir="ltr">A few important things to keep in mind when visiting the dentist while pregnant:</p> <ul dir="ltr"> <li>If you need a filling, don’t opt for the metal version as they contain high amounts of mercury, which can be incredibly harmful to a growing baby.</li> <li><a href="http://www.fda.gov/Radiation-EmittingProducts/RadiationEmittingProductsandProcedures/MedicalImaging/MedicalX-Rays/ucm142632.htm" rel="nofollow">X-rays should be avoided during a pregnancy</a>. In an emergency situation, a magnetic apron can be placed over the torso and pelvis to protect the baby, but if it can wait, it should.</li> <li>Always tell your dentist that you are pregnant. This information will not only affect your treatment options, but also the recommendations given when you leave. It’s best to keep all healthcare providers in the loop about a pregnancy, even if you think the procedures are unrelated or won’t affect you or the baby.</li> </ul> <p dir="ltr">Apart from visiting the dentist at least once during your pregnancy, you should also make at-home oral care a top priority. Flossing daily is always recommended, but it is even more imperative at this time as your gums are at an increased risk of swelling. Try to floss and brush a minimum of twice a day. If you can work it in after each meal, even better.</p> <p dir="ltr">You definitely want to use fluoride toothpaste. Your teeth have a higher chance of losing enamel during pregnancy, and the fluoride can also help the baby’s developing teeth even before birth. If your gums become swollen or irritated, or if they are bleeding in excess, you may be developing a periodontal disease like gingivitis, and you should make an appointment to have it checked out.</p> <p dir="ltr">Proper oral care is an important aspect of having a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby, but it should begin long before the actual conception. Dental hygiene should be taken into account as soon as you start trying to conceive. If you suspect you already have a periodontal issue, it could affect your chances of getting pregnant, so a visit to the dentist beforehand could never hurt.</p> <p dir="ltr">Dental care while trying to conceive is a little different than dental care while pregnant, as some common ingredients can cause conception issues. Not surprisingly, <a href="http://www.emergencydentistsusa.com/dental-care-pregnancy/#TryingToConceive" rel="nofollow">these harmful chemicals affect the father’s fertility just as much as the mother’s</a>. Fluoride can decrease fertility in both men and women, so it’s recommended that you both use a non-fluoridated toothpaste while trying to conceive, unlike during the actual pregnancy. Triclosan is another common ingredient in oral care products that can make it difficult for both males and females to conceive, so make sure to avoid that as well.</p> <p dir="ltr">High levels of mercury can be just as detrimental to fertility as they are to a growing fetus, so nix the metal fillings, and also avoid x-rays just in case your efforts have been successful. As with a pregnancy, you always want to inform your healthcare providers that you are trying to conceive. The more information they have about you and your situation, the better they are able to help you.</p> <p>Daily oral hygiene, including flossing, should be just as much of a priority while you’re attempting to get pregnant as it is when you actually do. I can’t stress enough just how important dental care is to the health of you and your developing baby, and <a href="http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/pregnancy" rel="nofollow">the American Dental Association agrees</a>. I hope this information helps you along the way to a safe, happy pregnancy and a cheerful, healthy baby.</p> </div></div></div> Mon, 07 Nov 2016 18:31:05 +0000 AJ Earley 50024 at https://www.kidsinthehouse.com https://www.kidsinthehouse.com/blogs/aj-earley/dental-care-and-pregnancy-its-not-just-for-moms#comments So You Think Your Teen is Experimenting with Drugs https://www.kidsinthehouse.com/blogs/aj-earley/so-you-think-your-teen-is-experimenting-with-drugs <div class="field field-name-field-other-author field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Katie Kapro</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-article-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.kidsinthehouse.com/sites/default/files/teen_drug_use.jpg" width="624" height="412" alt="teen using drugs" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>Being a parent is frightening enough - even before they learn to walk, if we’re being honest - and then they become teenagers and enter the big wide world of booze and drugs. Just the thought is enough to set most parents on edge.</p> <p>The media tells us that our kids are more susceptible than ever to falling prey to drug and alcohol abuse, especially <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2016/06/09/its-not-just-prince-moms-dads-sons-daughters-are-dying-every-day-opiate-overdoses.html" target="_blank">hard drugs like heroin and other opioids</a>. But in truth when we look at the statistics, teens are far from the most affected population in the undeniably gruesome <a href="http://www.hhs.gov/opioids/about-the-epidemic/" target="_blank">US opioid crisis</a>. Parents, take a moment to breathe.</p> <p><img alt="Opiod Deaths By Age" src="http://i1.wp.com/www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/heroin_opioids_age.png" style="width: 680px; height: 316px;" /></p> <p>Courtesy of <a href="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/article/how-bad-is-the-opioid-epidemic/" target="_blank">PBS</a></p> <p><strong>The Realities</strong></p> <p>Scare tactics aside, the world is still, well, what it is - and it is likely that teens will encounter drugs or alcohol somewhere along the way. Marijuana, ecstasy, and prescription drugs are among the most <a href="https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-adolescent-substance-use-disorder-treatment-research-based-guide/frequently-asked-questions/what-drugs-are-most-frequently-used-by-adolescents" target="_blank">commonly abused by adolescents</a>, and parents would be remiss to pretend like they don’t exist as realities for teens. The most important thing we can do for our kids is to pay attention to their lives as much as possible. If they are displaying signs that could point to <a href="http://www.kidsinthehouse.com/index.php?q=teenager/substance-abuse/drug-use/warning-signs-adolescent-drug-addiction" target="_blank">substance abuse issues</a> - extreme moodiness, isolation, declining grades, changing friend groups - talk to them, and address your concerns head-on. Seeing warning signs can allow a parent to act from a place of prevention, to redefine the problem, before it gets unmanageable.</p> <p>In nearly every act of parenthood, parents walk a fine line between compassion and discipline. Does it really work to throw a kid out of the house if they’re using drugs? Where is the line between <a href="http://www.ohioarc.com/are-you-enabling-an-addict/" target="_blank">enabling a would-be addict</a> and tossing them to the wolves to fight the battle all alone?</p> <p>Some experts have <a href="http://healthland.time.com/2012/08/17/treating-addiction-a-top-doc-explains-why-kind-love-beats-tough-love/" target="_blank">voiced concern</a> about the “tough love” approach to parenting when an adolescent is toying with drugs and alcohol. They say there is something intrinsically counterproductive about shaming our kids and cutting them off at the first signs of potential of drug use.</p> <p>Perhaps it time to reframe the problem, and our response to it.</p> <p>It would seem that the era of substance exposure prevention has come to an end. There’s no way that parents can shelter teens from all the drugs and alcohol in the world, and studies show that the general alternative has been to <a href="http://www.livescience.com/16037-parents-underestimate-kids-substance.html" target="_blank">err on the side of ignorance</a>. So what is left to do? Sit by and wait for kids to start experimenting with drugs before saying anything? Hardly.</p> <p><strong>Harm Reduction</strong></p> <p>Many recovery specialists are seeing the value of treating teen addicts with a more holistic approach, and using the benefit of parental intervention to their advantage. Parents, who are sometimes the first adults to suspect their child’s drug use, are asked to fortify their children with the skills to resist addiction before it even becomes a problem.</p> <p>Addiction specialist Stanton Peele calls this <a href="http://www.rehabs.com/pro-talk-articles/addiction-prevention-can-your-children-avoid-addiction/" target="_blank">the resilience model</a>:</p> <p style="margin-left: 40px;"><em>The resilience model means that you have helped a child to become sufficiently sturdy so that he or she won’t be waylaid by every potential addiction they encounter in life.</em></p> <p style="margin-left: 40px;"><em>This is, after all, quite a different way of thinking about addiction and prevention, isn’t it? Instead of “Drugs are evil and uncontrollable, so just say no,” we are saying, “We have instilled in you sufficient confidence, self-respect, values, and – above all – purpose in your life so that we believe you will be able to resist addiction when you experience these things and activities.”</em></p> <p>It sounds like a great alternative, no? It doesn’t end there. What about parents who have already crossed the bridge of substance use and need to take an active role in their teen’s life to steer them away from addiction?</p> <p>In the article "<a href="https://www.thefix.com/content/teen-drug-use-skilled-parenting-addiction-treatment8212?page=all" target="_blank">Teens and Drugs: Helping Parents Chill Out</a>," Therapist Barry Lessin outlines the four pillars that parents can take into consideration when thinking about substance abuse prevention:</p> <ol> <li>People use drugs for reasons</li> <li>It’s important to meet people “where they’re at”</li> <li>There’s value in small positive steps</li> <li>There’s no need to “hit bottom”</li> </ol> <p>This framework allows parents to express concern for their child’s wellbeing without throwing down the iron gates so often associated with the tough love approach. In addition, it gives teens a chance to actually hear what’s being said instead of going into fight or flight mode and pulling away from the relationship.</p> <p>Think, if you find a joint in your teen’s backpack and sit her down at the dining room table, you’ll have a much better chance at getting through to her by starting the conversation off with something that establishes you as an ally rather than threatening her. If you waylay giving her an unattainable ultimatum and start by tackling the important issues, like the fact that <a href="http://www.lwmpersonalinjurylawyers.com/drunk-driving-on-the-decline-drugged-driving-on-the-rise/" target="_blank">drugged driving is on the rise</a> due to lack of education and the fact that many don’t know it’s more dangerous than drunk driving, it will be clear that you care about her and her defenses will slowly melt away. It’s never too early to bring in a professional to help with these conversations.</p> <p><strong>Support Networks</strong></p> <p>Talking to teens about substance abuse is never going to be a fun topic, but nipping the issue in the bud is extremely important. Having a compassionate, concerned conversation early on can save them and you from experiencing the horrors of full-fledged addiction later.</p> <p>Establish yourself as part of your teen’s support network before they even need it.</p> <p>It’s also invaluable to keep the stigma of addiction from <a href="http://www.kidsinthehouse.com/teenager/substance-abuse/support-and-rehabilitation/advice-parents-how-forgive-your-addicted-child" target="_blank">infiltrating the family dynamic</a>. Don’t let fear drive you to label your teen as a drug user. Be vigilant and aware going forward, of course, but don’t put them in a box.</p> <p>Yes, parenting can be scary and full of unexpected turns. But paying attention to your kids and acting from a place of authoritative compassion will help both parents and teens navigate the tumultuous world together.</p> <p>Have your kids had a run-in with drugs or alcohol? How did you conquer it?</p> </div></div></div> Wed, 14 Sep 2016 14:23:46 +0000 AJ Earley 49947 at https://www.kidsinthehouse.com https://www.kidsinthehouse.com/blogs/aj-earley/so-you-think-your-teen-is-experimenting-with-drugs#comments The Secret To Getting Picky Eaters To Try New Things https://www.kidsinthehouse.com/blogs/aj-earley/the-secret-to-getting-picky-eaters-to-try-new-things <div class="field field-name-field-article-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.kidsinthehouse.com/sites/default/files/child-1121178_640_0.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="picky eater" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>Picky eating habits can start at any age, from infancy to the teen years, and if you’ve dealt with a picky eater, you know that they can turn every single meal into a battle. Finicky eaters are a touchy subject, and each parent handles this situation in a different way. On the one hand, it’s of the utmost importance to ensure that your child gets the proper nutrition they need to grow and thrive, while on the other <a href="http://www.kidsinthehouse.com/teenager/health-and-development/nutrition/creating-healthy-relationship-food">you need to allow them to enjoy food and have a healthy relationship with it</a>. And while it’s important to not let your children dictate what you do or how you do it, it’s also imperative to respect their boundaries to a certain degree.</p> <p>When I was a nanny, and later a daycare provider, I quickly learned that each parent has their own philosophy and their own tactics, so I won’t attempt to preach about how you should or shouldn’t handle a picky eater. I will simply stress that “<a href="http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/262759.php">teaching young children an overarching, conceptual framework for nutrition</a>” is an ideal way to get them to want to try new things, and then offer my best tactic for implementing this: have them help you in the kitchen! It works almost every time, because it’s difficult for children to not get excited about eating something that they helped create, and the process of preparing food is a very natural and organic place to teach them nutrition basics.</p> <p>Here are some of my favorite ideas:<br />  </p> <p><strong>Pizza Party</strong></p> <p>Making your own pizza is super fun, and what kid doesn’t like pizza? There are so many ways you can do this: buy pre-made pizza crusts and sauce, or the true aficionado can make their own. Gather up your cheese and a smattering of toppings, and set the kids to work designing their very own personal pan pizza. If you’ve got little ones that are learning to count, you can make this an educational activity by asking them to add three mushrooms, seven olives, etc...</p> <p>At my house, whether we order pizza or make our own, there’s always a strict vegetable rule: each person must pick at least two vegetables to be on their pizza. Whether or not you want to follow this is up to you, but it’s a great time to encourage little ones to try something new and also educate them about the importance of proper nutrition. Maybe just say they have to add one vegetable, or one new item that they’ve never tried on pizza before. Either way, your little ones will be so proud of their creations that they won’t be able to help but gobble them up!<br />  </p> <p><strong>Incorporate One Of Their Passions</strong></p> <p>If your kid has a passion or an enthusiasm for a certain thing, try and incorporate that into a new or healthy meal. When I ran a daycare, a simple Pinterest search for “fun kid sandwiches” pulled up results for everything from animal-shaped sammies, to ones modeled after famous characters like Spongebob, Nemo, and Mater from Cars. If you can make a sandwich into a fun shape your kids will love, they’re unlikely to notice that there’s a new kind of cheese, a different nut butter, or a tomato and some lettuce on it. Okay, I lied. They will likely notice if you sneak new vegetables on it, but hey, you needed that cucumber and olive for the eyes and those sprouts for the hair, right?</p> <p>You can get creative and experiment with more than just sandwiches. Things like eggs or pancakes (ahem, buckwheat, of course,) can be fried up into almost any shape using cookie cutters or a squeeze bottle. You can also have a ton of fun yourself creating different shapes and landscapes out of everyday fruits and vegetables. Things like raw bell pepper strips or broccoli florets might be more appealing if they’re offered up as a piece of “art.”</p> <p>You might also be able to incorporate something your kid is enthusiastic about into their meals. If you’ve got a kid that loves gardening or nature, incorporate unconventional plants into their meals. For instance, did you know <a href="http://www.odealarose.com/blog/complete-guide-edible-flowers/">there’s a ton of ways you can cook with edible flowers</a>? Fish are very healthy, but not popular with the kiddos, especially the picky ones. However, if you or a relative takes them fishing for the first time, it might encourage them to eat what they catch. Just don’t gut it in front of them...</p> <p><strong>Pasta Hunt</strong></p> <p>This one starts at the grocery store. Tell the little ones that pasta is for dinner, but they get to design it themselves. Start with the foundation of your dish: the noodles! These are arguably the most funpart and likely to get the kiddos pumped about the activity. When they’ve got an array of choices that spans from fun shapes like bowties and corkscrews, to giant shells that they can stuff with things or lasagna noodles they can layer or roll up, they’re sure to get their heads in the game fast.</p> <p>Then move on to the next step: the sauce. From cheesy, to tomatoey, to something interesting like a pesto or a lemony white wine concoction, this will get the flavor profile of the dish started. Next move onto protein(s… you can pick more than one.) You don’t have to stick with the classics (meatball, ground beef, chicken, etc...) Turkey, bacon, and even beans can be added to pasta. Pepperoni is also a kid-friendly and delicious addition.</p> <p>Lastly, move on to the vegetables. Have them pick a few to round the dish out. Maybe make it fun by having them pick vegetables that are different colors, or different shapes (like one round one, one long skinny one, and one oddly shaped one.) If you want to get super creative, have them smell several spices and pick a few that they think will taste good in the final concoction.</p> <p>Keep in mind that getting picky eaters to try new things should be done in baby steps: don’t start by getting them to try pesto if you know they’re comfortable with marinara sauce. Maybe just encourage them to try one new vegetable, and then get bolder and a little more assertive with each new attempt at this “hunt.” You should encourage them to come up with different combinations each time, but if you end up creating a dish you all love, you can write down the recipe and start a family collection of dishes you created together.<br />  </p> <p><strong>Fruitsicles</strong></p> <p>Most kids don’t have too much trouble getting their daily intake of fresh fruits, but it can be difficult to get kids to eat a wide variety of fruits, which is important when trying to make sure they get all the vitamins and minerals they need. An apple a day isn’t quite going to keep the doctor away if that’s the only fresh fruit they’re consuming.</p> <p>One of the funnest ways to get them to try new fruits is to make Fruitsicles. I’ve never met a kid that didn’t get thrilled about popsicles, and <a href="https://youtu.be/32sw_1Gyhc4">fruitsicles are super easy to make</a>. You just need a popsicle mold, fresh fruit, and fruit juice. If you’ve got multiple kiddos, have a contest to see whose creation is the most colorful, or let the kiddos know that they need to choose at least “x” number of fruits, or at least one fruit that they haven’t tried before. This is an extra fun one because it takes several hours for the fruitsicles to freeze, so the anticipation builds, and by the time they’re ready to eat, the little ones won’t even remember that they’re venturing into new culinary territory.<br />  </p> <p><strong>Just Have Them Help!</strong></p> <p>These are just a few fun ideas. I promise you can find plenty more online if you try. Remember, it doesn’t have to be all fun and games. The older kids get, the more responsibility they should have, and helping cook dinner on a regular basis can be considered one of their responsibilities.</p> <p>You can start as early as age one, where you can have the little ones help you add and stir ingredients. Older children can do more and more depending on age, and you’ll know best what tasks your kids are capable of in the kitchen. Slowly add to their repertoire, to where they can feed themselves or make entire family meals by their early teens. <a href="http://www.eatright.org/resource/food/resources/eatright-infographics/kid-friendly-kitchen-tasks">This infographic shows what tasks are appropriate for different ages</a>, but you should always keep in mind your own understanding of your child’s skills and abilities.</p> <p>Don’t forget to take every opportunity to help them learn about nutrition along the way. If they complain about having to put vegetables or fruit on something, remind them that balanced meals that include fresh produce are an important aspect of everyday life. If you’re making something with an ingredient they are particularly averse to, do a little research on it beforehand and explain to your children why it’s so good for them. For example, things like <a href="http://www.kidsinthehouse.com/all-parents/nutrition/healthy-meals-and-snacks/best-brain-food-kids">whole grains and fish have omega-3s that are great for the brain and memory</a>, which might just be enough to convince that stellar student (or that pre-test worrier) to try it.<br />  </p> <p><strong>The most important thing</strong> is to be encouraging throughout the process. Encouragement will not only foster a love and appreciation for food and nutrition, <a href="http://www.healthline.com/health/parenting/self-esteem-in-children#2">it will also help children develop a healthy sense of self-esteem</a>, both in the kitchen and out. Also, be appreciative of their efforts, and compliment their work (even if it may look like… well, a five-year-old made it.)</p> <p>Having your kiddos start helping in the kitchen as early as possible will provide lifelong benefits. You’ll thank yourself when they’re older and they prepare your favorite dish after a long, hard day at work. They’ll thank you as adults, not just for the skills you gave them, but for stressing the importance of preparing healthy, balanced meals. Good luck, and if you have any tips or ideas of your own to get kids involved in cooking, please share them in the comments!</p> </div></div></div> Wed, 07 Sep 2016 14:00:37 +0000 AJ Earley 49899 at https://www.kidsinthehouse.com https://www.kidsinthehouse.com/blogs/aj-earley/the-secret-to-getting-picky-eaters-to-try-new-things#comments How To Throw An All-Inclusive Birthday Party https://www.kidsinthehouse.com/blogs/aj-earley/how-to-throw-an-all-inclusive-birthday-party <div class="field field-name-field-article-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.kidsinthehouse.com/sites/default/files/celebrate-954796_640_0.jpg" width="640" height="494" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>If you have a child with special needs, you know the disappointment that comes when they are invited to an activity that they can’t participate in. You’ve seen the defeated look on their face when they watch the other kids having a great time, or the look of sadness in their eyes when they can’t have cake and ice cream with everyone else. You’ve also seen how much of a difference it can make when others take a little time and effort to include them in the fun.</p> <p>If you don’t have a child with special needs, chances are your kids will make all different types of friends in their lifetime. Being sensitive to someone’s needs without making a big deal of them is the best way to make them feel welcome and included. Being that birthday parties happen once a year, and that these are the cases where individuals with special needs feel left out the most, I’ve comprised some tips and ideas on how to throw a birthday party that all of your children’s friends can enjoy.</p> <p><strong>Dietary Restrictions</strong></p> <p>A lot of children have dietary restrictions for many different reasons. One of the most common is food allergies. Some children can get really sick ingesting certain foods, while others risk anaphylactic shock. In extremely severe cases, people can have what’s called an “in the room” allergy, where they risk a reaction simply from being in the same room as the substance they are allergic to. If you plan on serving food at your party, it’s a good idea to ask parents to inform you of any allergies when they RSVP. It’s always better to play it safe from the get-go.</p> <p>Another common cause for dietary restrictions is juvenile diabetes. Even type 2 diabetes, which was once thought to be strictly an adult disease, <a href="http://www.healthline.com/health-news/why-are-more-american-kids-getting-type-2-diabetes-111414#2">is being diagnosed in more and more children each year</a>. It’s difficult for diabetic children to indulge in treats, especially if their blood sugar is high.</p> <p>If you know you have a diabetic child attending your party, <a href="http://www.kidspot.com.au/33-no-sugar-birthday-party-recipes-that-are-still-fun/">consider making some sugar free birthday treats</a>. If a cake without sugar is just unimaginable, try swapping out the traditional birthday dessert for a soda float bar, with sugar-free ice cream and pop options. I don’t know anyone that doesn’t love a good float. If a piñata is on the docket, fill it with inexpensive party favors and sugar free candy.</p> <p><strong>Physical Limitations</strong></p> <p>There are all sorts of physical disabilities that can limit the activities each child can participate in. It will definitely make everyone’s day if you try to ensure that there are games that children of all abilities can participate in. For younger children, <a href="http://www.learning4kids.net/list-of-sensory-play-ideas/">a sensory party</a> with different materials and bins of things they can touch and feel is a great way to include all abilities and foster learning and growth. If it’s warm enough, swimming or even a homemade backyard water park can be enjoyed by almost all, and indoor games that are more verbal than physical are still super fun.</p> <p>If your home isn’t wheelchair accessible, there are several great options that all of your children’s friends can partake in. A playground or park-like setting with lots of grass, gravel, or rocks can be hard to navigate, but paved outdoor settings like a zoo can be great. Also, <a href="https://www.bowling.com/bowling-blog/bowling-event/4-good-reasons-your-family-should-be-bowling-together/">the majority of bowling alleys are wheelchair accessible</a>, and offer free equipment to help individuals of all abilities hit a strike.</p> <p><strong>Developmental and Sensory Limitations</strong></p> <p>Many children don’t enjoy environments with high amounts of stimulation. There are lots of common disorders that cause sensory sensitivity, of them, the most common is autism spectrum disorder. <a href="http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd/index.shtml">Autism spectrum disorder covers many different types of autism across a spectrum</a>, meaning it’s different for each child. One thing that many individuals with autism have in common is that they dislike high amounts of stimuli. A place like Chuck-E-Cheese or a theme park would not be an ideal party location if you’re inviting someone on the spectrum. A quiet park or calm restaurant can be a good option. If you’re hosting a party at your house, consider setting aside a room with a few age-appropriate toys, games, or books that children can escape to if the festivities become too much.</p> <p>Developmental disabilities also come in a very wide range, and can affect each child differently. Consider offering games that don’t have too many rules or activities that aren’t strictly defined and up to each individual child. Word games won’t be too much fun for someone with dyslexia, while active-participation sports may. <a href="https://www.autismspeaks.org/blog/2013/03/08/horseback-riding-autism-therapy">There are also some fun activities that have a therapeutic aspect, like horseback riding</a>. Try to be sensitive to the needs of every child without making it apparent, and everyone will have fun.</p> <p><strong>Behavioral Needs</strong></p> <p>Behavioral disorders also come in all shapes and sizes. <a href="http://www.healthline.com/health/parenting/behavioral-disorders-in-children">The most common among children is ADHD</a>, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Children with ADHD have trouble sitting still and staying focused, and need space to breathe. While it is good for them to practice patience, a birthday party is not the time to be doing so. A quiet tea party or movie can be tough to make it through, so consider offering some outside play to those who don’t want to participate in anything that might not hold their attention. Hosting a party at a park or gym may be a great option, as children will generally entertain themselves the entire time without needing much attention from adults. In the end, the best thing you can offer is patience and understanding.</p> <p>These are just a few of the most common examples of special needs. Remember that every child is unique, but they all want to be included in the fun and feel like a part of the festivities. Hopefully these tips can help you throw a birthday party where everyone feels warm and welcome.</p> </div></div></div> Mon, 13 Jun 2016 16:54:17 +0000 AJ Earley 49750 at https://www.kidsinthehouse.com https://www.kidsinthehouse.com/blogs/aj-earley/how-to-throw-an-all-inclusive-birthday-party#comments Parenting + Working From Home: Is It Really The Fairy Tale It’s Rumored To Be? https://www.kidsinthehouse.com/blogs/aj-earley/parenting-working-from-home-is-it-really-the-fairy-tale-its-rumored-to-be <div class="field field-name-field-article-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.kidsinthehouse.com/sites/default/files/child-1073638_1280.jpg" width="1280" height="854" alt="work from home parent" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>Many parents don’t have the option to stay home and not work, while others simply love their careers and consider them an important part of their life. Those of us who already do work from home know that it’s not the fairy tale it’s made out to be. It can be just as stressful as being in a soul-crushing environment away from your family for 40+ hours a week. It can also be very rewarding. Working from home is not right for everyone, every home, or every situation, and I’m here to talk realistically about the pros and cons of being a stay-at-home working parent.</p> <p>If you are considering working from home, the first thing you’ll want to do is <a href="http://www.kidsinthehouse.com/blogs/elizabeth-pantley/should-i-work-from-home-7-questions-to-ask-yourself">ask yourself these important questions</a>. Next thing you’ll want to do is weigh in on the ups and downs and how they may or may not apply to your family:</p> <p><strong>More Control</strong></p> <p>In many ways, working from home will give you more control over several aspects of your life. You don’t have to worry about the daycare feeding your kids processed foods because you’ll be there to provide meals, and you have more choices about how to lighten your workload. When working onsite, you probably have a list of responsibilities that are your obligations even if others would be better at some of them. If you work from home, especially if running your own small business, you can outsource anything and everything, from web hosting to email to beverage delivery (Hey Rocco, will you please go get mommy a glass of juice?)</p> <p>On the flipside, it’s hard to maintain control if you have too many things going on at once. Multi-tasking is not something that comes easily to everyone. On top of that, you’re apt to become discouraged when you have everything laid out in front of you all at once. It’s easy to worry about how you’ll get your work tasks done during your allotted workday and your home tasks done after you get off when the two are separate. When they both exist in the same place and time, it may seem overwhelming.</p> <p>Of course, if you are going to work from home, one thing you really will need to take control of is your internet connection. You will not be able to work well if speeds are too slow for you to work efficiently, or if the connection keeps cutting out halfway through important business meetings. Therefore, you will want to make sure you have a reliable high-speed connection such as <a href="https://www.highspeedoptions.com/providers/xfinity">xfinity internet</a>. Then, your best bet is to figure out how to balance the things you have control over with the things you don’t. Separating the two is crucial, and is necessary to keep yourself from losing hope as to how it is all going to fit in one day.</p> <p><strong>Career Options</strong></p> <p>This could be a positive or negative for some. For creative or tech-savvy types, work-from-home positions may actually be more available and desirable than those offered onsite.</p> <p>On the flipside, it’s often thought that career options are limited when it comes to working from home. While this is some truth to this (you can’t be a taxi driver or a coal miner from home,) there’s a good chance that there are work-from-home options in your current area of expertise, or the area you hope to end up in. From the <a href="http://www.medicalbillingphr.com/general/learn-about-becoming-a-medical-assistant-medicalassisting-edu-com/">medical field</a> to <a href="https://www.flexjobs.com/jobs/education-online-teaching">elementary education</a>, there are a number of careers you can obtain a degree and a job in entirely online and from home.</p> <p>Really, the balance here is deciding whether you can follow a professional path that will make you happy while working from home. Sure, a chef can open up their own restaurant/menu consulting business from home, but if they’re the type that thrives in a bustling kitchen, it may not be worth it.</p> <p><strong>Time Spent With Family</strong></p> <p>First off, you get to be around your family more often.</p> <p>Second, I say “be around your family,” and not “spend more time with your family” for a reason. Not all time spent with someone is quality time, and simply being in the same room as another person does not necessarily constitute spending time with them. Furthermore, having constant distractions from work, as well as constant distractions from family, can disintegrate productivity and lead to you spending more time getting less done with both.</p> <p>Where the balance lies here is the ability to manage time and distractions effectively. It’s not unhealthy for children to learn to be patient when their parents are busy with an important task, so there’s no harm in telling your child to wait a bit in most situations. Having older children makes this easier, <a href="http://www.kidsinthehouse.com/preschooler/activities/getting-work-done-with-a-toddler-around">younger ones make it near impossible</a>. If you have a job where you need to stay focused for long periods of time, you may want to consider keeping work and kids separate until they are all school-aged.</p> <p><strong>Flexibility</strong></p> <p>There is absolutely no doubt that working from home will give you more flexibility in both areas of your life. How many jobs will allow you to regularly duck out to shuffle kids to lessons or practices? How many families have the option to stay at home with sick kids and still get their work done for the day? If you’ve got a soccer mom parenting schedule, but need or want to work full-time, working from home may be the option.</p> <p>The only downside here is the constant opportunity for slacking and neglect. If you are not a good self-motivator, your work may suffer if done from home. If you are the type who is constantly worried about work, <a href="http://www.kidsinthehouse.com/blogs/dr-rutherford-and-molly/the-secret-to-successfully-working-from-home-with-kids">it may be difficult for you to separate work and home life</a> if both things happen in the same place.</p> <p>I think most individuals know whether or not this kind of balance is feasible for them. That being said, it’s important to have realistic expectations. No one is going to get it right from the get-go, and there will be times where you feel like your work, family, or both are suffering. As long as you are doing the best you can, you will get into the swing of things over time.</p> <p><strong>Surviving vs. Thriving</strong></p> <p>This is the biggest factor to consider when you’re dabbling in the home office world. It’s very important to ask yourself why you are doing this, or why you want to do it, and try and decipher if it is out of some sense of duty or necessity, or if it’s something that can actually benefit both areas of your life. In the long-term at least, the decision to work from home needs to be one that will benefit your family and your career.</p> <p>In the end, don’t make a decision that will just get you by, that will only help you survive. Choose a path that will give you the option to thrive, to be the best parent, and the best professional, you can be.</p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-article-expert-reference field-type-node-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Expert Reference:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/expert/parenting-advice-from-elizabeth-pantley">Elizabeth Pantley</a></div></div></div> Tue, 10 May 2016 20:19:17 +0000 AJ Earley 49655 at https://www.kidsinthehouse.com https://www.kidsinthehouse.com/blogs/aj-earley/parenting-working-from-home-is-it-really-the-fairy-tale-its-rumored-to-be#comments