Some moms have been asking what supplements to consider for their children.
Some pediatricians will say that nutrients are best found in food not supplements.
That is true but with high levels of corn, petroleum and pesticides in foods, if your children aren't eating whole foods you may want to consider some vitamins such as Nordic Naturals makes omega 3,6,9 and DHA formulas as well as a decent tasting multi for enhancement of biological assimilation.
Nordic Berries, Omega 3,6,9 junior and DHA junior are available at Wild Oats and Sprouts.
Happy Eating!
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Don't skip breakfast
Think gasoline prices are high? The cost of not fueling your body in the morning is much higher.
During childhood we were all told time and again that breakfast is one meal not to be skipped.
Now as moms ourselves, it’s necessary to set a good example regarding the importance of breakfast.
It is essential to get the nutrients and vitamins our bodies need in order to seize the day.
While our bodies need plenty of sleep, getting up 10 minutes earlier in the morning to eat breakfast will improve your academic or professional performance more than those 10 additional minutes of sleep. If still short on time, grab a fast break snack bag filled with fruit, cereal, raisins, or granola to ignite your system.
Weight control starts with your first healthy meal of the day.
Miss breakfast? Miss losing pounds.
Studies show that your child’s ability to perform in school is greatly enhanced when a nourishing breakfast is offered at the start of each day.
Concentration, behavior, hand-eye coordination, and of course, energy, are all propelled by ingesting a hearty meal.
As individuals, we need the energy gained from breakfast to enable us to make it through our chaotic days.
As parents, we need to ensure the same is supplied to our children.
During childhood we were all told time and again that breakfast is one meal not to be skipped.
Now as moms ourselves, it’s necessary to set a good example regarding the importance of breakfast.
It is essential to get the nutrients and vitamins our bodies need in order to seize the day.
While our bodies need plenty of sleep, getting up 10 minutes earlier in the morning to eat breakfast will improve your academic or professional performance more than those 10 additional minutes of sleep. If still short on time, grab a fast break snack bag filled with fruit, cereal, raisins, or granola to ignite your system.
Weight control starts with your first healthy meal of the day.
Miss breakfast? Miss losing pounds.
Studies show that your child’s ability to perform in school is greatly enhanced when a nourishing breakfast is offered at the start of each day.
Concentration, behavior, hand-eye coordination, and of course, energy, are all propelled by ingesting a hearty meal.
As individuals, we need the energy gained from breakfast to enable us to make it through our chaotic days.
As parents, we need to ensure the same is supplied to our children.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Model Marriage
What does your marriage teach your children? Is your marriage an example of love and respect or one of disharmony and suspicion? Take a good hard look at what your marriage teaches your children. It’s extremely important for your child’s own future marriage.
Children learn what marriage is all about from watching their parents. They learn what’s ok and not ok with regard to how to treat a spouse. They learn how they can expect a spouse to treat them. They can learn that marriage is a union that provides support, love and comfort or they learn that marriage is full of fighting and breaking of spirit.
Studies show that children whose parents divorce are more likely to divorce themselves. If one spouse comes from a divorced family, the marriage is twice as likely to dissolve. When both spouses come from a divorced family, they are nearly three times as likely to divorce.
We also know that children who are exposed to abuse when they are children are more likely to be abusers themselves. When boys see their father being verbally or physically abusive to their mother, they are three times as likely to verbally or physically abusive their own wives.
So, you have the power to give your children the inside track when it comes to having a happy marriage. Take a look at the everyday interactions between you and your spouse. Do you speak to each other with respect? When you fight, do you fight fairly? Do you stick to the issues or do you name call and attack character? Are you affectionate with each other? Do you spend time nurturing your relationship? When you talk about your spouse, are you speaking ill of him or complimenting him? Do your children believe that you love each other? Do they believe that you like each other?
Your marriage is a powerful model for your children. Pay attention to how you and your spouse interact and make changes where needed. If you’re not proud of what your marriage is teaching your children, then your marriage may need some help. Seek out the help you need as a couple so that you can have a happy marriage – and so that your children can, too.
Children learn what marriage is all about from watching their parents. They learn what’s ok and not ok with regard to how to treat a spouse. They learn how they can expect a spouse to treat them. They can learn that marriage is a union that provides support, love and comfort or they learn that marriage is full of fighting and breaking of spirit.
Studies show that children whose parents divorce are more likely to divorce themselves. If one spouse comes from a divorced family, the marriage is twice as likely to dissolve. When both spouses come from a divorced family, they are nearly three times as likely to divorce.
We also know that children who are exposed to abuse when they are children are more likely to be abusers themselves. When boys see their father being verbally or physically abusive to their mother, they are three times as likely to verbally or physically abusive their own wives.
So, you have the power to give your children the inside track when it comes to having a happy marriage. Take a look at the everyday interactions between you and your spouse. Do you speak to each other with respect? When you fight, do you fight fairly? Do you stick to the issues or do you name call and attack character? Are you affectionate with each other? Do you spend time nurturing your relationship? When you talk about your spouse, are you speaking ill of him or complimenting him? Do your children believe that you love each other? Do they believe that you like each other?
Your marriage is a powerful model for your children. Pay attention to how you and your spouse interact and make changes where needed. If you’re not proud of what your marriage is teaching your children, then your marriage may need some help. Seek out the help you need as a couple so that you can have a happy marriage – and so that your children can, too.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Rules for Autism Spectrum Kids (and every other child as well)
For about five years I have been going into family homes and doing "Environmental Engineering", recommending:
Color changes to the home environment
Lighting updates
Sensory gardens
Use of blanket holders with organic cotton blankets
Pantry re-organization etc.
For families of chidlren with anxiety, separation anxiety, depression, emotional melt-down, constant tantrums, oppositionalism and sensory issues. This article was the first time I have seen such tips in writing so I copied the whole article for EVERY family to read.
These tips are from Autism Today. They are practical for children in every family, I even use them in ours. Dr. K.
7 Essential Tips For Calming Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders
Let's face it, it's difficult to deal with some children with autism spectrum disorders, so that's why we need to have solutions ready at our fingertips.
1. USE ROUTINES, NOT LIP SERVICE!
Set up a crystal clear, daily structure before the day begins and decrease power struggles.. Think structure, structure, structure. Why get caught in crisis at the last minute for yourself and all concerned. People, especially in the autism spectrum need routine and structure. Be pro-active and structure minded even if you're not. Learn to cut down on directing with words as you begin to chose words with careful thought and consideration and sparingly. A little goes a long way.
2. CHANGE ENVIRONMENT RATHER THAN THE CHILD!
Look around you. If you actually make physical, concrete changes in your household, school, or community setting and change what needs to be changed such as location of furniture, color, lighting, clothing, chaos etc. People in the autism spectrum are especially sensitive to sensory conditions such as sound, lighting, physical touch and so on. This way the environment rather than you dictate the rules and your child can enjoy independence this way!
3. FOLLOW THROUGH WITH FOLLOW UP…FOLLOW UP…FOLLOW UP
Use your routines and rules you set in motion and then make sure they are doing what they are supposed to. By doing so, you are not the bad guy and they will have to deal with the natural consequences of their actions. With those in the autism spectrum, they respond well to follow-up as they thing in concrete terms rather than abstract ones. This can be your salvation and teaches the kids what will happen in the real world. Natural consequences can be difficult for them to comprehend therefore responses and behavior may get worse before it gets better but hang in there.
4. GROUND YOURSELF, NOT THE KIDS WITH GROUND RULES!
Keep your credibility and your word with your kids. Though it's hard at times, stick-to-it-ive-ness is your key to long term success. Kids in the spectrum disorder can actually enjoy grounding and time-outs due to their egocentric nature so be careful. Use masterful logic and reason and don't let them break you down or it will break you up!
5. NEGOTIATION ISN'T JUST FOR ADULTS
When creating rules for your kids, do so with them, not just for them whenever possible. This way they will buy into the process and will be more likely to cooperate. The rules are great for kids with autism as it helps them stay anchored. They will also surprise you many times with their comprehension of what is actually going on. Even if they are non-verbal, this does not mean they are not understanding or communicating so get the buy in.
6. BREAK TASKS INTO SMALL CHUNKS
If you overwhelm them it's no wonder they fight back. By breaking down the tasks into do-able tasks you are ensuring their feeling of success and even raising their own self-esteem. The more they have mastery over their environment the better they will feel about themselves. This should begin as small as need be with small decisions, small responsibilities etc and work up to larger ones. When deciding on the type of task to complete, try to use the seemingly insignificant activities that fill each child's day.
When working with people in this spectrum, life skills are very important to integrate at an early age. Social stories and visual cues can be quite helpful as a reminder. You can place pictures and/or text on a place they normally see so they can easily access this. Its good to put words next to pictures so they can learn to associate the meaning.
7. GIVE KIDS THE "HEAD OF THE TABLE"
Let them be in charge of their responsibilities though its tempting to try and avoid taking over the responsibility. In the short term it may seem easier but that's only if you want to continue doing this for them, in the case of parenting, when they are over 20! They can be rather convincing, none-the-less, hang in there. You can balance your decision to give the responsibility back by maintaining a supportive and caring attitude rather than being the bad guy!
Source: http://www.autismtoday.com/tips.htm
Color changes to the home environment
Lighting updates
Sensory gardens
Use of blanket holders with organic cotton blankets
Pantry re-organization etc.
For families of chidlren with anxiety, separation anxiety, depression, emotional melt-down, constant tantrums, oppositionalism and sensory issues. This article was the first time I have seen such tips in writing so I copied the whole article for EVERY family to read.
These tips are from Autism Today. They are practical for children in every family, I even use them in ours. Dr. K.
7 Essential Tips For Calming Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders
Let's face it, it's difficult to deal with some children with autism spectrum disorders, so that's why we need to have solutions ready at our fingertips.
1. USE ROUTINES, NOT LIP SERVICE!
Set up a crystal clear, daily structure before the day begins and decrease power struggles.. Think structure, structure, structure. Why get caught in crisis at the last minute for yourself and all concerned. People, especially in the autism spectrum need routine and structure. Be pro-active and structure minded even if you're not. Learn to cut down on directing with words as you begin to chose words with careful thought and consideration and sparingly. A little goes a long way.
2. CHANGE ENVIRONMENT RATHER THAN THE CHILD!
Look around you. If you actually make physical, concrete changes in your household, school, or community setting and change what needs to be changed such as location of furniture, color, lighting, clothing, chaos etc. People in the autism spectrum are especially sensitive to sensory conditions such as sound, lighting, physical touch and so on. This way the environment rather than you dictate the rules and your child can enjoy independence this way!
3. FOLLOW THROUGH WITH FOLLOW UP…FOLLOW UP…FOLLOW UP
Use your routines and rules you set in motion and then make sure they are doing what they are supposed to. By doing so, you are not the bad guy and they will have to deal with the natural consequences of their actions. With those in the autism spectrum, they respond well to follow-up as they thing in concrete terms rather than abstract ones. This can be your salvation and teaches the kids what will happen in the real world. Natural consequences can be difficult for them to comprehend therefore responses and behavior may get worse before it gets better but hang in there.
4. GROUND YOURSELF, NOT THE KIDS WITH GROUND RULES!
Keep your credibility and your word with your kids. Though it's hard at times, stick-to-it-ive-ness is your key to long term success. Kids in the spectrum disorder can actually enjoy grounding and time-outs due to their egocentric nature so be careful. Use masterful logic and reason and don't let them break you down or it will break you up!
5. NEGOTIATION ISN'T JUST FOR ADULTS
When creating rules for your kids, do so with them, not just for them whenever possible. This way they will buy into the process and will be more likely to cooperate. The rules are great for kids with autism as it helps them stay anchored. They will also surprise you many times with their comprehension of what is actually going on. Even if they are non-verbal, this does not mean they are not understanding or communicating so get the buy in.
6. BREAK TASKS INTO SMALL CHUNKS
If you overwhelm them it's no wonder they fight back. By breaking down the tasks into do-able tasks you are ensuring their feeling of success and even raising their own self-esteem. The more they have mastery over their environment the better they will feel about themselves. This should begin as small as need be with small decisions, small responsibilities etc and work up to larger ones. When deciding on the type of task to complete, try to use the seemingly insignificant activities that fill each child's day.
When working with people in this spectrum, life skills are very important to integrate at an early age. Social stories and visual cues can be quite helpful as a reminder. You can place pictures and/or text on a place they normally see so they can easily access this. Its good to put words next to pictures so they can learn to associate the meaning.
7. GIVE KIDS THE "HEAD OF THE TABLE"
Let them be in charge of their responsibilities though its tempting to try and avoid taking over the responsibility. In the short term it may seem easier but that's only if you want to continue doing this for them, in the case of parenting, when they are over 20! They can be rather convincing, none-the-less, hang in there. You can balance your decision to give the responsibility back by maintaining a supportive and caring attitude rather than being the bad guy!
Source: http://www.autismtoday.com/tips.htm
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Yoga and Kids
Yoga benefits children in so many ways. It teaches them to harness their inner lion, breath through tough moments and live more flexibly in mind and body. This past week I have been developing a yoga and meditation workshop for kids at North Scottsdale Pediatrics. This has caused me to read a lot, as always:).
Look for the workshop this Fall at the North office.
You might enjoy this article, just reading it is soothing.
"Children derive enormous benefits from yoga. Physically, it enhances their flexibility, strength, coordination, and body awareness. In addition, their concentration and sense of calmness and relaxation improves. Doing yoga, children exercise, play, connect more deeply with the inner self, and develop an intimate relationship with the natural world that surrounds them. Yoga brings that marvelous inner light that all children have to the surface."
http://www.yogajournal.com/practice/210.cfm
OMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM. Dr. K
Look for the workshop this Fall at the North office.
You might enjoy this article, just reading it is soothing.
"Children derive enormous benefits from yoga. Physically, it enhances their flexibility, strength, coordination, and body awareness. In addition, their concentration and sense of calmness and relaxation improves. Doing yoga, children exercise, play, connect more deeply with the inner self, and develop an intimate relationship with the natural world that surrounds them. Yoga brings that marvelous inner light that all children have to the surface."
http://www.yogajournal.com/practice/210.cfm
OMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM. Dr. K
Monday, July 23, 2007
WHEN DISCIPLINE STYLES VARY
GETTING ON THE SAME PAGE – WHEN YOUR DISCIPLINE STYLES VARY
Disciplining your children can be difficult. We often struggle with determining the appropriate consequence and with following through as we’ve promised. But, things can really get complicated when we’re two people who have very different styles of discipline try to parent together.
Good Cop, Bad Cop
It’s not unusual for one parent to be far stricter than the other. But, allowing each parent to discipline as they see fit when they know their style is different from that of their spouse sets you up to have your child play one parent against the other. Your child will soon learn to go to the more lenient parent with issues, leaving out the stricter parent. The child may even ask the “nice” parent to intervene on their behalf with the “mean” one. Neither of you is receiving a great deal of respect from your child when this situation is allowed to arise. Plus, it’s likely to cause issues in your marriage, because you never agree on how the other handles discipline situations.
Meeting in the Middle
If your parenting styles differ significantly, you’re going to need to discuss every discipline situation for a while. You should make the rule that no consequences should be delivered by either parent alone. Sit down and discuss each and every situation. You can begin by discussing what each of you would do if you had to deal with the situation alone, and then choose a disciplinary action that both of you can support.
After a while, some patterns will be established, and each of you will have a good idea of how to handle a situation on your own in a way that would be acceptable to your partner, too.
A United Front
It’s critical that you and your partner present a united front to your child. Children need to understand that mom and dad are working together to make the rules and provide clear direction. Showing your child that both parents are on the same page and that standards and consequences are fully supported by both parties will have a positive impact on your child’s behavior. Children look to us to set the rules; inconsistency between parents is confusing to them. So, hook up with your partner and create clear rules and consequences for breaking them that everyone can understand and support.
One book I highly recommend is Supernanny, she says it like it is.
Disciplining your children can be difficult. We often struggle with determining the appropriate consequence and with following through as we’ve promised. But, things can really get complicated when we’re two people who have very different styles of discipline try to parent together.
Good Cop, Bad Cop
It’s not unusual for one parent to be far stricter than the other. But, allowing each parent to discipline as they see fit when they know their style is different from that of their spouse sets you up to have your child play one parent against the other. Your child will soon learn to go to the more lenient parent with issues, leaving out the stricter parent. The child may even ask the “nice” parent to intervene on their behalf with the “mean” one. Neither of you is receiving a great deal of respect from your child when this situation is allowed to arise. Plus, it’s likely to cause issues in your marriage, because you never agree on how the other handles discipline situations.
Meeting in the Middle
If your parenting styles differ significantly, you’re going to need to discuss every discipline situation for a while. You should make the rule that no consequences should be delivered by either parent alone. Sit down and discuss each and every situation. You can begin by discussing what each of you would do if you had to deal with the situation alone, and then choose a disciplinary action that both of you can support.
After a while, some patterns will be established, and each of you will have a good idea of how to handle a situation on your own in a way that would be acceptable to your partner, too.
A United Front
It’s critical that you and your partner present a united front to your child. Children need to understand that mom and dad are working together to make the rules and provide clear direction. Showing your child that both parents are on the same page and that standards and consequences are fully supported by both parties will have a positive impact on your child’s behavior. Children look to us to set the rules; inconsistency between parents is confusing to them. So, hook up with your partner and create clear rules and consequences for breaking them that everyone can understand and support.
One book I highly recommend is Supernanny, she says it like it is.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Green Kids Online
Recently, a mum in my practice asked me how to help her children "Go Green." There are many excellent books on green-living. Ms. Gregory wrote an article on Suite 101 in 2006 with links for Kids who want to Go Green. It's a great start!
Let me know what Green resources you love.
Lynne
Green Kids Online
Resources for Teaching Children Green Habits
© Shirley Siluk Gregory
Dec 18, 2006
A guide to Websites designed to teach children about green and healthy living, biodiversity and protecting natural resource.
If you’re looking for ways to help your child understand the importance of green living habits, consider bookmarking some of these instructive Websites designed especially for kids:
A Walk in the Woods, created by the University of Illinois Extension Service, aims to help third- through fifth-graders students “gain an appreciation of nature.”
http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/woods/
Adventures with Bobbie Bigfoot provides an interactive quiz to help kids understand how food choices, transportation choices and more affect a person's ecological footprint.
http://www.kidsfootprint.org/index.html
AIRNow for Kids is part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Air Quality Index pages. It features two sections to help kindergarteners and first-graders, as well as 7- to 10-year-olds, learn more about pollution and their local air quality.
http://airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=aqikids_new.main
Be Different, Live Different, Buy Different, Make a Difference is a youth-targeted site created by the World Wildlife Fund and the Center for a New American Dream. Its aim is to “to help young people learn how they can make a difference by buying differently.”
http://www.ibuydifferent.org/about_us.asp
Biodiversity: Everything Counts!, part of the American Museum of Natural History's Website, offers a guide to close-to-home biodiversity, even for kids who live in cities.
http://ology.amnh.org/biodiversity/index.html
EcoKids is Earth Day Canada's environmental Website for kids. It features online games, links for homework help and contests, as well as printable resources for parents and teachers.
http://www.ecokids.ca/pub/index.cfm
EEK!, created by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, offers information to help youngsters recycle, conserve water, plant trees and learn about nature.
http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/caer/ce/eek/index.htm
EERE Kids, part of the U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Web pages, links kids to information about solar energy, alternative fuels, energy efficiency tips and more.
http://www.eere.energy.gov/kids
The EPA's Environmental Kids Club, while not the most appealing or user-friendly site, includes lots of features: games about recycling, information about endangered species, a guide to reducing greenhouse gases, an Earth Day activity book and more.
http://www.epa.gov/kids/
Green Teacher, though not specifically directed at children, offers resources for teachers who want to improve their students' environmental awareness.
http://www.greenteacher.com
KidsHealth, a site run by the The Nemours Foundation's Center for Children's Health Media, provides extensive information for kids on eating well, staying healthy, exercise, illnesses and the challenges of growing up.
http://www.kidshealth.org/kid/
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Kids' Pages offers a wide selection of nature- and science-oriented games, brainteasers, stories and downloadable coloring books about the environment, jokes and more.
http://www.niehs.nih.gov/kids/home.htm
The National Resources Defense Council's Make Waves! section features information on how to protect oceans and wildlife, a guide for eliminating environment and health problems in schools, and links to other green-oriented Websites for kids
http://www.nrdc.org/makewaves/
The National Wildlife Federation's Kids and Families site includes ideas from kids and adults about how to enjoy the outdoors, a Green Hour blog on the importance of letting kids play outside, a guide to gardening for wildlife, and information on subscriptions to the National Wildlife Federation's children's magazines.
http://www.nwf.org/kids/
The San Diego Natural History Museum's Kids' Habitat site includes illustrated guides to California's reptiles and amphibians, arthropods and marine life.
http://www.sdnhm.org/kids/index.html
The U.S. EPA's Website also features a section designed to help kids learn about chemical they might find in their homes.
http://www.epa.gov/kidshometour/
Let me know what Green resources you love.
Lynne
Green Kids Online
Resources for Teaching Children Green Habits
© Shirley Siluk Gregory
Dec 18, 2006
A guide to Websites designed to teach children about green and healthy living, biodiversity and protecting natural resource.
If you’re looking for ways to help your child understand the importance of green living habits, consider bookmarking some of these instructive Websites designed especially for kids:
A Walk in the Woods, created by the University of Illinois Extension Service, aims to help third- through fifth-graders students “gain an appreciation of nature.”
http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/woods/
Adventures with Bobbie Bigfoot provides an interactive quiz to help kids understand how food choices, transportation choices and more affect a person's ecological footprint.
http://www.kidsfootprint.org/index.html
AIRNow for Kids is part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Air Quality Index pages. It features two sections to help kindergarteners and first-graders, as well as 7- to 10-year-olds, learn more about pollution and their local air quality.
http://airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=aqikids_new.main
Be Different, Live Different, Buy Different, Make a Difference is a youth-targeted site created by the World Wildlife Fund and the Center for a New American Dream. Its aim is to “to help young people learn how they can make a difference by buying differently.”
http://www.ibuydifferent.org/about_us.asp
Biodiversity: Everything Counts!, part of the American Museum of Natural History's Website, offers a guide to close-to-home biodiversity, even for kids who live in cities.
http://ology.amnh.org/biodiversity/index.html
EcoKids is Earth Day Canada's environmental Website for kids. It features online games, links for homework help and contests, as well as printable resources for parents and teachers.
http://www.ecokids.ca/pub/index.cfm
EEK!, created by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, offers information to help youngsters recycle, conserve water, plant trees and learn about nature.
http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/caer/ce/eek/index.htm
EERE Kids, part of the U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Web pages, links kids to information about solar energy, alternative fuels, energy efficiency tips and more.
http://www.eere.energy.gov/kids
The EPA's Environmental Kids Club, while not the most appealing or user-friendly site, includes lots of features: games about recycling, information about endangered species, a guide to reducing greenhouse gases, an Earth Day activity book and more.
http://www.epa.gov/kids/
Green Teacher, though not specifically directed at children, offers resources for teachers who want to improve their students' environmental awareness.
http://www.greenteacher.com
KidsHealth, a site run by the The Nemours Foundation's Center for Children's Health Media, provides extensive information for kids on eating well, staying healthy, exercise, illnesses and the challenges of growing up.
http://www.kidshealth.org/kid/
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Kids' Pages offers a wide selection of nature- and science-oriented games, brainteasers, stories and downloadable coloring books about the environment, jokes and more.
http://www.niehs.nih.gov/kids/home.htm
The National Resources Defense Council's Make Waves! section features information on how to protect oceans and wildlife, a guide for eliminating environment and health problems in schools, and links to other green-oriented Websites for kids
http://www.nrdc.org/makewaves/
The National Wildlife Federation's Kids and Families site includes ideas from kids and adults about how to enjoy the outdoors, a Green Hour blog on the importance of letting kids play outside, a guide to gardening for wildlife, and information on subscriptions to the National Wildlife Federation's children's magazines.
http://www.nwf.org/kids/
The San Diego Natural History Museum's Kids' Habitat site includes illustrated guides to California's reptiles and amphibians, arthropods and marine life.
http://www.sdnhm.org/kids/index.html
The U.S. EPA's Website also features a section designed to help kids learn about chemical they might find in their homes.
http://www.epa.gov/kidshometour/
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Telly The Tattle -Tale: Children Learn Through Stories and Metaphor
TELLY THE TATTLE-TALE (AND HOW SHE LEARNED TO BE QUIET)
Telly, her mother, and her little brother Roger were on their way home from school. "Roger forgot his pencils today," said Telly.
"Hush up, Telly," said Roger, blushing. But their mother still scolded him. Telly smiled.
Later, the family was sitting around the table enjoying dinner. "Roger's just pushing his peas around," said Telly.
"Hush up, Telly," said Roger, quickly dropping his fork. But their parents still scolded him. Telly smiled.
Later, the parents went upstairs to read while the kids went to their rooms to work on their homework. "Roger's playing video games and not working," said Telly.
"Hush UP, Telly!" shouted Roger, unplugging the video game. But their father still came in to scold him. Telly smiled a big, wide, smile, and then went back to work on her own assignment.
She was working on a watercolor for art class. It was going to be the biggest, best watercolor any kid had ever turned in, and she was sure to get a gold star on the school Good Behavior chart for it--maybe even two. She imagined herself putting the stars up on the chart, the eyes of all the other children on her. She closed her eyes and reached out her skinny finger to place the star--and her hand knocked the cup with the dirty paint water right onto the carpet.
She opened her eyes, looked down, and moaned: there was a big green puddle, soaking right into the carpet! Then she looked up and moaned again, because there sat Roger in the doorway, a huge smile on his face.
Roger would tell her parents about the puddle. Then it would be Telly who got scolded, and Roger who would get to smile. Her parents would call the school, and they would cross her name right off of the Good Behavior chart with a fat, black marker--no gold stars for her ever again. She felt herself starting to cry.
But suddenly, there was Roger, a big roll of paper towels in his hand. He dropped two paper towels over the puddle and waited. Before long, the green had soaked up into the towels. Then Roger picked up the towels and, like magic, the puddle was gone and the carpet was clean. Roger went back to his own room without a word.
The next night at dinner, they had peas again. Roger was pushing them around on his plate instead of eating them, and Telly opened her mouth to tell on him. And then she remembered the green puddle on the floor, and how frightened she had been--and how Roger hadn't told on her, when he had the chance. Instead of telling on him, she turned back to eating her own peas. But on her mouth was a smile. It was a bigger smile than her usual one, bigger and nicer, somehow.
Telly, her mother, and her little brother Roger were on their way home from school. "Roger forgot his pencils today," said Telly.
"Hush up, Telly," said Roger, blushing. But their mother still scolded him. Telly smiled.
Later, the family was sitting around the table enjoying dinner. "Roger's just pushing his peas around," said Telly.
"Hush up, Telly," said Roger, quickly dropping his fork. But their parents still scolded him. Telly smiled.
Later, the parents went upstairs to read while the kids went to their rooms to work on their homework. "Roger's playing video games and not working," said Telly.
"Hush UP, Telly!" shouted Roger, unplugging the video game. But their father still came in to scold him. Telly smiled a big, wide, smile, and then went back to work on her own assignment.
She was working on a watercolor for art class. It was going to be the biggest, best watercolor any kid had ever turned in, and she was sure to get a gold star on the school Good Behavior chart for it--maybe even two. She imagined herself putting the stars up on the chart, the eyes of all the other children on her. She closed her eyes and reached out her skinny finger to place the star--and her hand knocked the cup with the dirty paint water right onto the carpet.
She opened her eyes, looked down, and moaned: there was a big green puddle, soaking right into the carpet! Then she looked up and moaned again, because there sat Roger in the doorway, a huge smile on his face.
Roger would tell her parents about the puddle. Then it would be Telly who got scolded, and Roger who would get to smile. Her parents would call the school, and they would cross her name right off of the Good Behavior chart with a fat, black marker--no gold stars for her ever again. She felt herself starting to cry.
But suddenly, there was Roger, a big roll of paper towels in his hand. He dropped two paper towels over the puddle and waited. Before long, the green had soaked up into the towels. Then Roger picked up the towels and, like magic, the puddle was gone and the carpet was clean. Roger went back to his own room without a word.
The next night at dinner, they had peas again. Roger was pushing them around on his plate instead of eating them, and Telly opened her mouth to tell on him. And then she remembered the green puddle on the floor, and how frightened she had been--and how Roger hadn't told on her, when he had the chance. Instead of telling on him, she turned back to eating her own peas. But on her mouth was a smile. It was a bigger smile than her usual one, bigger and nicer, somehow.
Sunday, June 3, 2007
What Makes A Family Strong?
After enjoying ten days visiting with family, sharing meaningful moments with friends and their families, and learning how to express gratitude daily, I started thinking, "What makes a family strong?"
Several times this holiday we enjoyed the company of a very special family. The husband and wife were committed and loving. They spoke kindly to one another and the emotional tone at their family gatherings was one of enjoyment, sharing and relaxation. We ate slowly, we drank slowly, we kicked the soccer ball, then we played four square. The conversation ambled, it just walked where it wished, which was so enjoyable. Their daughter was full of glee. There was a natural ease about this family.
I did a spot of research when I got home and found a summary that is interesting.
See if you agree. Do you feel that these characteristics make a family strong?
What makes your family bonded, loving and strong?
What do you want to improve in order to make your family healthier and stronger?
What Makes a Family Strong?
Lucy Schrader, Building Strong Families Program Coordinator,
University of Missouri, Human Environmental Sciences Extension
Researchers believe that a combination of traits makes a family strong rather than just one single characteristic. Strengths come from how family members interact with each other, how they treat one another, and what families do as a group and as individuals to support the adults and children in the family.
In the August 2002 Child Trends Research Brief, researchers looked at family strengths data from two national surveys and found that adolescents and parents reported:
Being close to each other
Feeling concern and caring for one another
Interacting with each other
Their information suggests that the more strengths a family has, the better off the children will be. The researchers found a relationship between the following strengths and positive outcomes for children.
Strengths related to what families do:
1. Positive mental health in parents.
Children whose parents say that they feel calm, peaceful or happy are more likely than other children to be positively involved in school and less likely to act out or have emotional problems.
2. Everyday routines.
Families that tend to have regular routines and roles usually have children who do well in school and have greater self-control. Keeping these everyday routines (like eating together and doing household tasks) is associated with positive outcomes for adolescents. They are more likely to avoid delinquent behavior and less likely to use drugs.
3. Spending time together.
Having fun with one's family is related to better outcomes for adolescents. Again, adolescents are more likely to avoid delinquent behavior and less likely to use drugs. Quality time is important for happiness in family relationships.
4. Communication and praise.
Positive communication (being warm, respectful and interested in a child's opinions) is associated with the well-being of children. Two-way communication can encourage healthy behavior in adolescents.
Adolescents who have parents that use praise and who go to their parents for advice are less likely to have behavioral and emotional problems.
5. Monitoring, supervision, and involvement.
When parents use praise and encouragement, show awareness and monitor adolescents' schoolwork and social life, their children tend to do better in school and show more socially positive behaviors.
Interesting....Be strong.
Several times this holiday we enjoyed the company of a very special family. The husband and wife were committed and loving. They spoke kindly to one another and the emotional tone at their family gatherings was one of enjoyment, sharing and relaxation. We ate slowly, we drank slowly, we kicked the soccer ball, then we played four square. The conversation ambled, it just walked where it wished, which was so enjoyable. Their daughter was full of glee. There was a natural ease about this family.
I did a spot of research when I got home and found a summary that is interesting.
See if you agree. Do you feel that these characteristics make a family strong?
What makes your family bonded, loving and strong?
What do you want to improve in order to make your family healthier and stronger?
What Makes a Family Strong?
Lucy Schrader, Building Strong Families Program Coordinator,
University of Missouri, Human Environmental Sciences Extension
Researchers believe that a combination of traits makes a family strong rather than just one single characteristic. Strengths come from how family members interact with each other, how they treat one another, and what families do as a group and as individuals to support the adults and children in the family.
In the August 2002 Child Trends Research Brief, researchers looked at family strengths data from two national surveys and found that adolescents and parents reported:
Being close to each other
Feeling concern and caring for one another
Interacting with each other
Their information suggests that the more strengths a family has, the better off the children will be. The researchers found a relationship between the following strengths and positive outcomes for children.
Strengths related to what families do:
1. Positive mental health in parents.
Children whose parents say that they feel calm, peaceful or happy are more likely than other children to be positively involved in school and less likely to act out or have emotional problems.
2. Everyday routines.
Families that tend to have regular routines and roles usually have children who do well in school and have greater self-control. Keeping these everyday routines (like eating together and doing household tasks) is associated with positive outcomes for adolescents. They are more likely to avoid delinquent behavior and less likely to use drugs.
3. Spending time together.
Having fun with one's family is related to better outcomes for adolescents. Again, adolescents are more likely to avoid delinquent behavior and less likely to use drugs. Quality time is important for happiness in family relationships.
4. Communication and praise.
Positive communication (being warm, respectful and interested in a child's opinions) is associated with the well-being of children. Two-way communication can encourage healthy behavior in adolescents.
Adolescents who have parents that use praise and who go to their parents for advice are less likely to have behavioral and emotional problems.
5. Monitoring, supervision, and involvement.
When parents use praise and encouragement, show awareness and monitor adolescents' schoolwork and social life, their children tend to do better in school and show more socially positive behaviors.
Interesting....Be strong.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Organic Foods For Your Family www.kidsorganics.com
Today I was doing research for a Suite 101 article on feeding your family organic and I came across www.kidsorganics.com. This site is written by parents interested in feeding their families organic.
They have a nice article on their site about what foods are most important to eat organic.
Do a spot of research, visit their site and let us know what you think - Why or Why Not? Are you going organic?
17 Most Important Foods to Eat Organic From www.kidsorganics.com.
1. Baby Food. The very young are extraordinarily susceptible to pesticides. Here are some organic baby food brands, Earth's Best, Tender Harvest, and Healthy Times, which are available for your baby's safety and health. Or better yet, make your own baby food by cooking and pureeing organic produce. See "Make Your Own Baby Food".
2. Strawberries. Enjoy them while they are in season from local organic farms or buy frozen organic strawberries from your local whole market.
3. Rice. Domestic rice is splattered with mega-doses of pesticides, and now, the chemicals companies are producing "pharm" rice used to produce and store pharmaceuticals. Buy organic rice where you can find it and store it in an airtight container. It stores very well.
4. Green and Red Bell Peppers. Super sources of Vitamin C, but wrought with pesticides. Buy organic, or, better yet, grow your own. Seeds of Change has a plethora of organic seeds, and pepper plants prove to be a hardy bunch!
5. Got Milk? We hope not, at least, not from conventionally raised cows. Today's commercial brands are loaded with antibiotics and growth hormones. Make sure your milk and other dairy is from organically-fed cows without the extra rBST, rBGH and antibiotics.
If you are feeding your child goat milk, and/or goat products, be aware that our science community has now genetically mutated a goat to spin silk in her milk. See the New Scientist article.
6. Corn. Corn is typically not a scale tipper when it comes to pesticide residues. But, take into account that 75- 90% of all domestic corn has been genetically-modified, that the average American eats 11 pounds of it, that most cooking oils include corn oil, and that most everything is sweetened with corn syrup, and suddenly, buying organic corn and corn products, makes more than a little sense. Eat local organic corn in season and freeze some for later, or, leave some kernels to dry, and plant them in the spring.
7. Bananas. This tropical favorite has a short window of ripeness and a very long distance to market (quick, how many local banana farms does your town have?). All of which adds up to a lot of heavy chemical dousing along the way.
8. Green Beans. Over 60 different pesticides are used on green beans. Even beans used in baby food have been found to be contaminated.
9. Peaches. Nothing beats a peach. Until you realize that they often have the highest rates of illegally-applied pesticides. Isn't that just peachy . . .
10. Apples. A decade after the dangers of Alar were exposed, apples are still soaked in pesticides. Put only organic apples in your pie.
Visit www.kidsorganics.com for more on this article....
They have a nice article on their site about what foods are most important to eat organic.
Do a spot of research, visit their site and let us know what you think - Why or Why Not? Are you going organic?
17 Most Important Foods to Eat Organic From www.kidsorganics.com.
1. Baby Food. The very young are extraordinarily susceptible to pesticides. Here are some organic baby food brands, Earth's Best, Tender Harvest, and Healthy Times, which are available for your baby's safety and health. Or better yet, make your own baby food by cooking and pureeing organic produce. See "Make Your Own Baby Food".
2. Strawberries. Enjoy them while they are in season from local organic farms or buy frozen organic strawberries from your local whole market.
3. Rice. Domestic rice is splattered with mega-doses of pesticides, and now, the chemicals companies are producing "pharm" rice used to produce and store pharmaceuticals. Buy organic rice where you can find it and store it in an airtight container. It stores very well.
4. Green and Red Bell Peppers. Super sources of Vitamin C, but wrought with pesticides. Buy organic, or, better yet, grow your own. Seeds of Change has a plethora of organic seeds, and pepper plants prove to be a hardy bunch!
5. Got Milk? We hope not, at least, not from conventionally raised cows. Today's commercial brands are loaded with antibiotics and growth hormones. Make sure your milk and other dairy is from organically-fed cows without the extra rBST, rBGH and antibiotics.
If you are feeding your child goat milk, and/or goat products, be aware that our science community has now genetically mutated a goat to spin silk in her milk. See the New Scientist article.
6. Corn. Corn is typically not a scale tipper when it comes to pesticide residues. But, take into account that 75- 90% of all domestic corn has been genetically-modified, that the average American eats 11 pounds of it, that most cooking oils include corn oil, and that most everything is sweetened with corn syrup, and suddenly, buying organic corn and corn products, makes more than a little sense. Eat local organic corn in season and freeze some for later, or, leave some kernels to dry, and plant them in the spring.
7. Bananas. This tropical favorite has a short window of ripeness and a very long distance to market (quick, how many local banana farms does your town have?). All of which adds up to a lot of heavy chemical dousing along the way.
8. Green Beans. Over 60 different pesticides are used on green beans. Even beans used in baby food have been found to be contaminated.
9. Peaches. Nothing beats a peach. Until you realize that they often have the highest rates of illegally-applied pesticides. Isn't that just peachy . . .
10. Apples. A decade after the dangers of Alar were exposed, apples are still soaked in pesticides. Put only organic apples in your pie.
Visit www.kidsorganics.com for more on this article....
Thursday, May 17, 2007
I said, "Make your bed!"
Getting kids to complete tasks of every day living is important to their development.
If each morning you hear yourself saying, "I said, brush your teeth," or "I said, make your bed," consider the value of clear expectations.
Instead of making a battle out of it, consider your approach. Are you clear in what you expect? Do you assert your expectations modeling peace not anger? Are you enhancing family relationships over asserting control.
Teach your children the value of contributions early on. Do it peacefully and calmly and simply expect that it will be done.
Tasks: Are part of being a healthy family.
"We use task lists to keep the children focused on their brief responsibilities each morning," says Diana from Chicago.
Diana offers this advice,"At our house, the kids are expected to help the “family community” for which they do not get paid money. Just as I make their breakfast or dinner and do their laundry, they have ways in which they contribute to the community. Making their bed, wiping the sink after they brush their teeth, setting the dinner table, and clearing their plates from the table are typical every day expectations."
Make each child a task list and hang them on the bathroom mirror. These are tasks of daily living and do not confer money they are just a part of being a responsible family member.
Establish a weekly task routine. Make play dates, sports and family fun dependent on their accomplishing specific tasks. It's very simple, you give to the family and the family gives back.
Write the tasks down.
JAMES, age 9
Get up
Make bed
Get dressed
Put PJs under pillow
Eat breakfast
Clear the table
Brush teeth
Brush hair
Get backpack
Out the door
Place a 4 x 6 task card on the mirror in the bathroom for each child to check off daily.
"This helps the children feel some mastery over their daily activities, they don't have to keep checking with me to guide their responsibilities, they know clearly what they are," offers Diana.
Chores: Teach children the value of money.
Remember, children do not earn money for doing what is expected. They are expected to be a productive part of the family, their tasks are a piece of that, just as listening respectfully and being kind are expected.
Jane from Scottsdale agrees. "We have some “chores” for which they may get allowance if they choose to help out. Each chore is assigned a specific fee, if they do a chore on the “Family Helper” list, they will get paid every Friday," reports Jane.
"On Saturday there is a pretty good chance that our preschool and school-age children will help out, as they can earn valuable spending money for their participation. This money goes to things they care about like horseback riding, going to the water park and having movie night at home. Without hard work there are no horses and there are no sleep-overs, that's just the way it is," Jane says confidently.
Model your values.
If you are going to give allowance for everyday household tasks, make sure you establish a specific amount, be consistent in giving it out each week and make sure the children complete the tasks assigned to earn allowance.
It is important to also suggest that children do not need to "consume" everything they like. Children can enjoy things in a store and leave them in a store. Life is not about accumulating stuff it's about caring for people.
Kim from Boston offers some clear advice, "When we go to the store, I do not agree to buy them small toys or objects that they can purchase with their allowance. We have a ten dollar per week maximum of allowance earned and they can use that to buy the newest Polly Pocket or Lego toy."
"Further, they are encouraged to put one dollar in savings and one dollar in our “community jar” to give away at the holidays to families in need. If every child contributes, they often have more than one hundred dollars to give away at the holidays, which teaches them to be compassionate as well as generous. They learn the value of hard work early with a spend, save, and donate system," asserts Kim.
Consider delineating what are expected family contributions in your home. Create a morning and evening task list for each child. Keep it simple with (3-8) discrete tasks. If you wish to help your children learn about money management, develop a chore list, assign fees, and encourage your children to spend, save and give.
Teach your children the value of contributing to the family in the early years.
If each morning you hear yourself saying, "I said, brush your teeth," or "I said, make your bed," consider the value of clear expectations.
Instead of making a battle out of it, consider your approach. Are you clear in what you expect? Do you assert your expectations modeling peace not anger? Are you enhancing family relationships over asserting control.
Teach your children the value of contributions early on. Do it peacefully and calmly and simply expect that it will be done.
Tasks: Are part of being a healthy family.
"We use task lists to keep the children focused on their brief responsibilities each morning," says Diana from Chicago.
Diana offers this advice,"At our house, the kids are expected to help the “family community” for which they do not get paid money. Just as I make their breakfast or dinner and do their laundry, they have ways in which they contribute to the community. Making their bed, wiping the sink after they brush their teeth, setting the dinner table, and clearing their plates from the table are typical every day expectations."
Make each child a task list and hang them on the bathroom mirror. These are tasks of daily living and do not confer money they are just a part of being a responsible family member.
Establish a weekly task routine. Make play dates, sports and family fun dependent on their accomplishing specific tasks. It's very simple, you give to the family and the family gives back.
Write the tasks down.
JAMES, age 9
Get up
Make bed
Get dressed
Put PJs under pillow
Eat breakfast
Clear the table
Brush teeth
Brush hair
Get backpack
Out the door
Place a 4 x 6 task card on the mirror in the bathroom for each child to check off daily.
"This helps the children feel some mastery over their daily activities, they don't have to keep checking with me to guide their responsibilities, they know clearly what they are," offers Diana.
Chores: Teach children the value of money.
Remember, children do not earn money for doing what is expected. They are expected to be a productive part of the family, their tasks are a piece of that, just as listening respectfully and being kind are expected.
Jane from Scottsdale agrees. "We have some “chores” for which they may get allowance if they choose to help out. Each chore is assigned a specific fee, if they do a chore on the “Family Helper” list, they will get paid every Friday," reports Jane.
"On Saturday there is a pretty good chance that our preschool and school-age children will help out, as they can earn valuable spending money for their participation. This money goes to things they care about like horseback riding, going to the water park and having movie night at home. Without hard work there are no horses and there are no sleep-overs, that's just the way it is," Jane says confidently.
Model your values.
If you are going to give allowance for everyday household tasks, make sure you establish a specific amount, be consistent in giving it out each week and make sure the children complete the tasks assigned to earn allowance.
It is important to also suggest that children do not need to "consume" everything they like. Children can enjoy things in a store and leave them in a store. Life is not about accumulating stuff it's about caring for people.
Kim from Boston offers some clear advice, "When we go to the store, I do not agree to buy them small toys or objects that they can purchase with their allowance. We have a ten dollar per week maximum of allowance earned and they can use that to buy the newest Polly Pocket or Lego toy."
"Further, they are encouraged to put one dollar in savings and one dollar in our “community jar” to give away at the holidays to families in need. If every child contributes, they often have more than one hundred dollars to give away at the holidays, which teaches them to be compassionate as well as generous. They learn the value of hard work early with a spend, save, and donate system," asserts Kim.
Consider delineating what are expected family contributions in your home. Create a morning and evening task list for each child. Keep it simple with (3-8) discrete tasks. If you wish to help your children learn about money management, develop a chore list, assign fees, and encourage your children to spend, save and give.
Teach your children the value of contributing to the family in the early years.
Saturday, May 12, 2007
"Mommy are you listening?"
Really being present when we interact with our children is important to their self-esteem and attachment. Here is a lovely quote from themindfulparent.org, sit down with a cup of tea, visit their site and learn to be more mindful and attentive with your beautiful child.
"Our days are filled. We experience moments that fly by and moments that pass at a slower pace. No matter how frenetic the pace, there are occasional lulls.
Today, allow the lull to serve as a cue to open awareness to your child.
In the stillness of this moment
I imagine my child
Breathing softly
Calm your mind, breathe deeply and appreciate the quiet of the moment. Even if there is some noise around you, inside yourself you are able to open to the spaciousness of the moment.
Bring your awareness to your child, wherever he or she may be. Let the stillness of the moment resonate as you imagine your child amid the same stillness. Sense your child breathing softly, just as you breathe softly.
As you direct awareness to your child, sense your child opening awareness to your presence in his or her life. Smile."
Take a moment each day to be present and attentive to your children, it will fill you with joy.
Books to read:
Mindful Parenting: Meditations, Verses, & Visualizations for a More Joyful Life (2006) by Scott Rogers.
Everyday Blessing: The Inner Work of Mindful Parenting (1993) by Myla and Jon Kabat-Zinn.
"Our days are filled. We experience moments that fly by and moments that pass at a slower pace. No matter how frenetic the pace, there are occasional lulls.
Today, allow the lull to serve as a cue to open awareness to your child.
In the stillness of this moment
I imagine my child
Breathing softly
Calm your mind, breathe deeply and appreciate the quiet of the moment. Even if there is some noise around you, inside yourself you are able to open to the spaciousness of the moment.
Bring your awareness to your child, wherever he or she may be. Let the stillness of the moment resonate as you imagine your child amid the same stillness. Sense your child breathing softly, just as you breathe softly.
As you direct awareness to your child, sense your child opening awareness to your presence in his or her life. Smile."
Take a moment each day to be present and attentive to your children, it will fill you with joy.
Books to read:
Mindful Parenting: Meditations, Verses, & Visualizations for a More Joyful Life (2006) by Scott Rogers.
Everyday Blessing: The Inner Work of Mindful Parenting (1993) by Myla and Jon Kabat-Zinn.
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
PHAT KIDS CAMP RECIPES
I promised the wonderful families at PHAT KIDS CAMP that Chef Keith and I would come up with some simple recipes that can be served with steamed veggies and brown rice.
Simple Solutions: Make the meat selection, then steam your fresh vegetables or frozen organic veggies, take a moment and slice some onions and quick sautee them with a basket full of mushrooms in 1T olive oil, whip up your Uncle Bens Quick Brown Rice and you have a delicious dinner!
PHAT KIDS CAMP Chicken
INGREDIENTS
1 (2 pound) organic roasting chicken, cut and quartered
2 T organic chicken broth
1 sliced onion
2 cloves garlic, peeled
1 teaspoon salt-free seasoning blend
kosher salt and pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS
Place the chicken into a large pot, and fill with enough water to cover it. Bring to a boil, cover, and cook over medium heat until chicken is easily removed from the bone, about 35-45 minutes. The chicken will be boiling, even though the heat is on medium. Turn the chicken over once during this time so it will cook evenly.
When the chicken is cooked, remove it from the water. Run cool water over it, pull off the skin, pull the meat apart in long shreds and place all of the chicken meat in a clean pyrex dish.
Place 1 T olive oil in the original pan, quick saute the onion on high heat, turn the heat to medium add garlic, toss the chicken back in, pour in 2T chicken stock stir til warm, 3 minutes.
Serve with steamed veggies and brown rice.
HERBED CHICKEN
INGREDIENTS
4 bone-in chicken breast halves, with skin
2 T olive oil
Palmful fresh basil
4 peeled garlic cloves
Kosher salt
Pepper
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Place chicken breasts in a lightly olive oiled 9x13 inch baking dish or roasting pan. Drizzle olive oil lightly on each breast, rub crushed garlic on chicken, sprinkle a touch of kosher salt and pepper over meat. Crumble and lay fresh basil leaves over chicken. Alternately, you can take fresh rosemary and place it between the skin and the meat.
Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for approximately 1 to 1 1/4 hours. Serve with steamed or grilled veggies, mango salsa and brown rice.
GRILLED STEAK
INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 pounds flank steak
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon oregano leaves
2 tablespoons lime juice
Whole wheat tortillas
Gourmet Salsa
DIRECTIONS
Brush steak with olive oil. Combine the next 3 ingredients to make a paste. Rub paste over steak and refrigerate overnight.
Broil or grill and slice thinly to serve. Throw away marinade. Wrap steak in warm flour tortillas. Serve with salsa, grilled onions and peppers.
We recommend Saddlebred Salsa, available from Desert Palms Equestrian Center Cave Creek Arizona.
Simple Solutions: Make the meat selection, then steam your fresh vegetables or frozen organic veggies, take a moment and slice some onions and quick sautee them with a basket full of mushrooms in 1T olive oil, whip up your Uncle Bens Quick Brown Rice and you have a delicious dinner!
PHAT KIDS CAMP Chicken
INGREDIENTS
1 (2 pound) organic roasting chicken, cut and quartered
2 T organic chicken broth
1 sliced onion
2 cloves garlic, peeled
1 teaspoon salt-free seasoning blend
kosher salt and pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS
Place the chicken into a large pot, and fill with enough water to cover it. Bring to a boil, cover, and cook over medium heat until chicken is easily removed from the bone, about 35-45 minutes. The chicken will be boiling, even though the heat is on medium. Turn the chicken over once during this time so it will cook evenly.
When the chicken is cooked, remove it from the water. Run cool water over it, pull off the skin, pull the meat apart in long shreds and place all of the chicken meat in a clean pyrex dish.
Place 1 T olive oil in the original pan, quick saute the onion on high heat, turn the heat to medium add garlic, toss the chicken back in, pour in 2T chicken stock stir til warm, 3 minutes.
Serve with steamed veggies and brown rice.
HERBED CHICKEN
INGREDIENTS
4 bone-in chicken breast halves, with skin
2 T olive oil
Palmful fresh basil
4 peeled garlic cloves
Kosher salt
Pepper
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Place chicken breasts in a lightly olive oiled 9x13 inch baking dish or roasting pan. Drizzle olive oil lightly on each breast, rub crushed garlic on chicken, sprinkle a touch of kosher salt and pepper over meat. Crumble and lay fresh basil leaves over chicken. Alternately, you can take fresh rosemary and place it between the skin and the meat.
Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for approximately 1 to 1 1/4 hours. Serve with steamed or grilled veggies, mango salsa and brown rice.
GRILLED STEAK
INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 pounds flank steak
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon oregano leaves
2 tablespoons lime juice
Whole wheat tortillas
Gourmet Salsa
DIRECTIONS
Brush steak with olive oil. Combine the next 3 ingredients to make a paste. Rub paste over steak and refrigerate overnight.
Broil or grill and slice thinly to serve. Throw away marinade. Wrap steak in warm flour tortillas. Serve with salsa, grilled onions and peppers.
We recommend Saddlebred Salsa, available from Desert Palms Equestrian Center Cave Creek Arizona.
Saturday, May 5, 2007
Child Car Seat Safety
Child car safety seats save lives. It’s as simple as that! Here are some tips on keeping your children safe.
We know it’s fun for children to sit in the front seat of the car but it’s just not safe. If your children are under 12 years of age or 100 lbs they are safer sitting in the back seat. Check your state laws on child passenger safety. Every state is different.
Help get your children accustomed to car seats beginning with the ride home from the hospital. For the first year until a child is 20 lbs he must ride in a rear-facing car seat. Check the height and weight requirements of the specific car seat you own.
• Never place a child in a rear-facing car safety seat in the front seat of a vehicle that has an airbag.
• Set a good example-always wear your seat belt. Do not even start the car before you hear “Click.”
• Remember that each car safety seat is different. Read and keep the instructions that came with your seat.
• Read the owner's manual that came with your car on how to correctly install car safety seats.
When your children are babies, car seats are a necessity and it’s important that you purchase one that fits securely into car. You might be heading to your friend’s down the road or the store up the street and have a crying baby that longs for your arms rather than a confining car seat. While you may be tempted to hold your baby versus dealing with the process of getting him settled in, it is imperative that you secure him in a seat.
Car accidents do not only happen on long journeys. Visit these sites for child safety guidance.
http://www.aap.org/family/carseatguide.htm
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/CPS/CSSRating/Index.cfm
Be safe. We even have a Be Safe song in our family "You'r better safe than sorry, it's better if you wait. Follow the rules, 'cause you're better safe than sorry."
Forward facing-seats and booster seats should be used as your child grows and needs continuing security before he is able to use a seat belt alone.
Check the advised height and weight requirements before advancing to these safety seats. Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration webpage to check their ratings on the safest car seats available, recalls, or local inspection stations and technicians to make sure your child’s seat is properly installed.
As mothers, it’s in our blood to multitask and this trait is generally a huge strength when managing a family life. However when in your vehicle, this is the one time when multitasking is not good idea. As tempting as it is to call work to confirm a meeting, wait. Wait until you are home or until you are no longer driving.
Keeping your family safe should take precedence.
From: Brienne Hollingsworth and Lynne Kenney
We know it’s fun for children to sit in the front seat of the car but it’s just not safe. If your children are under 12 years of age or 100 lbs they are safer sitting in the back seat. Check your state laws on child passenger safety. Every state is different.
Help get your children accustomed to car seats beginning with the ride home from the hospital. For the first year until a child is 20 lbs he must ride in a rear-facing car seat. Check the height and weight requirements of the specific car seat you own.
• Never place a child in a rear-facing car safety seat in the front seat of a vehicle that has an airbag.
• Set a good example-always wear your seat belt. Do not even start the car before you hear “Click.”
• Remember that each car safety seat is different. Read and keep the instructions that came with your seat.
• Read the owner's manual that came with your car on how to correctly install car safety seats.
When your children are babies, car seats are a necessity and it’s important that you purchase one that fits securely into car. You might be heading to your friend’s down the road or the store up the street and have a crying baby that longs for your arms rather than a confining car seat. While you may be tempted to hold your baby versus dealing with the process of getting him settled in, it is imperative that you secure him in a seat.
Car accidents do not only happen on long journeys. Visit these sites for child safety guidance.
http://www.aap.org/family/carseatguide.htm
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/CPS/CSSRating/Index.cfm
Be safe. We even have a Be Safe song in our family "You'r better safe than sorry, it's better if you wait. Follow the rules, 'cause you're better safe than sorry."
Forward facing-seats and booster seats should be used as your child grows and needs continuing security before he is able to use a seat belt alone.
Check the advised height and weight requirements before advancing to these safety seats. Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration webpage to check their ratings on the safest car seats available, recalls, or local inspection stations and technicians to make sure your child’s seat is properly installed.
As mothers, it’s in our blood to multitask and this trait is generally a huge strength when managing a family life. However when in your vehicle, this is the one time when multitasking is not good idea. As tempting as it is to call work to confirm a meeting, wait. Wait until you are home or until you are no longer driving.
Keeping your family safe should take precedence.
From: Brienne Hollingsworth and Lynne Kenney
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Spring Cleaning & Organization
Making your house a home includes creating an environment in which you thrive. Use a bit of The Family Coach Environmental Engineering in order to make your house a home.
Look at your decor, is it drab and in need of a "Lift-Me-Up"?
Change the seating arrangement in your great room, move plants from one room to the next, take a few pictures off the walls and change them out with ones you have in your garage. Throw away your dust collecting knick-knacks and clean the visual palate in your home. Buy some flowers and place them on your kitchen counter and in each bathroom. Fresh flowers say "Welcome."
Don't wait, dive in today!
If you spend just 15-30 minutes a day for one week re-engineering your home, by next weekend, you're home will have had an "environment-lift" and you and your family will feel more energy for the Summer ahead.
Use These Family Coach Solutions to bring the environmental energy back into your home.
MAKE A PLAN:
Make a list of areas you want to work on in priority order
Start with the areas that bother you the most
Write down exactly what you'd like to be better about the specific room
List major areas of change for each room
Draw out placement of large items
Do a quick survey of storage items that you may wish to bring into your environment
Write down which room yu'll work on which day
Take note of every 15 minute block you work to re-engineer your home (you'll be amazed at what you can do!)
Finish one project before starting another
MOTIVATE YOURSELF:
Get help: Friend, Family, Neighbors, your kids
Make it a family game or activity, assign one room to each kid, play "Trading Spaces"
Designate family relationship rewards - When we finish a room we will go for a bike ride, or paint a picture or have a BAR-B-Q
MAKE A HOME FOR SMALL ITEMS:
Make a home for every little thing in your house
Start small- a cabinet, a drawer, a shelf
Use a label machine on everything
Separate items
• Give away/ donate / Sell in a yard sale
• Can help with storage around the house
• No use/ trash
• Recycle
• Doesn’t be long here
• Repair
Don’t put it down, Put it away!
Keep no more than one junk drawer
ENGINEER VERTICALLY AND HORIZONTALLY:
Use a rod, hanger or hook
Use existing shelves
Use a bookcase
Create a files
• Personal papers
• Financial
• Home warranties
• Bank statements
• Tax papers
• School papers
• Divide content by person and year
Divide household categories
Store items hidden on highest pot shelves
Store items under the bed
HARD TO THROW IT AWAY? ASK YOURSELF:
When did I use this last?
When will I use it again?
Do I really need more then one of certain items?
Do I know someone who will get better use out of it?
Does it work? Is it worth repairing?
Does it fit RIGHT NOW?
If I am going to keep, does it belong where I found it?
How hard would it be to replace it in the future if needed it?
GREEN ORGANIZING ON A BUDGET:
Use baby food jars for nuts, screws, paper clips, loose change, etc.
Use film canisters for pins, buttons, tacks, etc.
Use old Tupper Wear
Use extra silverware trays
Use hooks
Use tape
Use old shoe boxes
Use clean pasta sauce jars
Use hat boxes
Use jewelry boxes
Line bathroom drawers with hand towels for easy clean-up
Print this out, send it to a friend, add more tips in the comment section of The Family Coach Blog, 'cause we're all in this together.
Look at your decor, is it drab and in need of a "Lift-Me-Up"?
Change the seating arrangement in your great room, move plants from one room to the next, take a few pictures off the walls and change them out with ones you have in your garage. Throw away your dust collecting knick-knacks and clean the visual palate in your home. Buy some flowers and place them on your kitchen counter and in each bathroom. Fresh flowers say "Welcome."
Don't wait, dive in today!
If you spend just 15-30 minutes a day for one week re-engineering your home, by next weekend, you're home will have had an "environment-lift" and you and your family will feel more energy for the Summer ahead.
Use These Family Coach Solutions to bring the environmental energy back into your home.
MAKE A PLAN:
Make a list of areas you want to work on in priority order
Start with the areas that bother you the most
Write down exactly what you'd like to be better about the specific room
List major areas of change for each room
Draw out placement of large items
Do a quick survey of storage items that you may wish to bring into your environment
Write down which room yu'll work on which day
Take note of every 15 minute block you work to re-engineer your home (you'll be amazed at what you can do!)
Finish one project before starting another
MOTIVATE YOURSELF:
Get help: Friend, Family, Neighbors, your kids
Make it a family game or activity, assign one room to each kid, play "Trading Spaces"
Designate family relationship rewards - When we finish a room we will go for a bike ride, or paint a picture or have a BAR-B-Q
MAKE A HOME FOR SMALL ITEMS:
Make a home for every little thing in your house
Start small- a cabinet, a drawer, a shelf
Use a label machine on everything
Separate items
• Give away/ donate / Sell in a yard sale
• Can help with storage around the house
• No use/ trash
• Recycle
• Doesn’t be long here
• Repair
Don’t put it down, Put it away!
Keep no more than one junk drawer
ENGINEER VERTICALLY AND HORIZONTALLY:
Use a rod, hanger or hook
Use existing shelves
Use a bookcase
Create a files
• Personal papers
• Financial
• Home warranties
• Bank statements
• Tax papers
• School papers
• Divide content by person and year
Divide household categories
Store items hidden on highest pot shelves
Store items under the bed
HARD TO THROW IT AWAY? ASK YOURSELF:
When did I use this last?
When will I use it again?
Do I really need more then one of certain items?
Do I know someone who will get better use out of it?
Does it work? Is it worth repairing?
Does it fit RIGHT NOW?
If I am going to keep, does it belong where I found it?
How hard would it be to replace it in the future if needed it?
GREEN ORGANIZING ON A BUDGET:
Use baby food jars for nuts, screws, paper clips, loose change, etc.
Use film canisters for pins, buttons, tacks, etc.
Use old Tupper Wear
Use extra silverware trays
Use hooks
Use tape
Use old shoe boxes
Use clean pasta sauce jars
Use hat boxes
Use jewelry boxes
Line bathroom drawers with hand towels for easy clean-up
Print this out, send it to a friend, add more tips in the comment section of The Family Coach Blog, 'cause we're all in this together.
Friday, April 27, 2007
Books For New Parents
A new mum asked me for a few baby books. Here is a good start.
Babyhood - Penelope Leach
Complete Baby and Childcare - Miriam Stoppard
Diary of a Baby - Daniel Stern
Dr. Spock's Baby and Child Care, 6th Ed. - Benjamin Spock
Handbook of Infant Development, 2nd Ed. - Joy Osofsky
Help! My Baby Came Without Instructions! - Blythe Lipman
The Baby Manual - Linda Levin & Eileen Bropson
The First Three Years of Life - Burton White
The First Year of Life - Nina Lief
The Interpersonal World of the Infant - Daniel Stern
The Portable Pediatrician - Laura Nathanson
Touchpoints - T. Berry Brazelton
Your Baby and Child: From birth to five - PenelopeLeach
Your Growing Child: Babyhood to adolescence - Penelope Leach
Email us at thefamilycoachATaol.com and tell us what books you like for New Parents.
Babyhood - Penelope Leach
Complete Baby and Childcare - Miriam Stoppard
Diary of a Baby - Daniel Stern
Dr. Spock's Baby and Child Care, 6th Ed. - Benjamin Spock
Handbook of Infant Development, 2nd Ed. - Joy Osofsky
Help! My Baby Came Without Instructions! - Blythe Lipman
The Baby Manual - Linda Levin & Eileen Bropson
The First Three Years of Life - Burton White
The First Year of Life - Nina Lief
The Interpersonal World of the Infant - Daniel Stern
The Portable Pediatrician - Laura Nathanson
Touchpoints - T. Berry Brazelton
Your Baby and Child: From birth to five - PenelopeLeach
Your Growing Child: Babyhood to adolescence - Penelope Leach
Email us at thefamilycoachATaol.com and tell us what books you like for New Parents.
The Family Coach Workshops Calendar
The Family Coach Workshops
The Family Coach Workshops are two hour intensive workshops covering life-changing content, in two consecutive Saturdays.
We learn, implement and evaluate family improvement.
Parents design their plan for Better Family Living and then have a week to implement it prior to reviewing what worked and what needs new strategies.
Interacting with a workshop trainer and supportive parents, you develop your own Family Coach Playbook with skill building worksheets, questionnaires and parenting tips designed to help you zero in on the kind of family you want to raise and exactly how to do it. If you are looking for lifestyle improvements in your every day family life but cannot find the time to make changes these intensive workshops are for you.
Learn how to:
• Be the king of your own castle
• Communicate effectively with your children
• Get your children to mind you
• Discipline effectively with confidence
• Improve every day family routines
• Increase happiness and decrease stress
Whether your children are two years old or teenagers The Family Coach Workshops will provide you an opportunity to raise happy, healthy confident children in a more peaceful home.
2007 Schedule
Make a splash this Summer! with The Family Coach Solution Studio – Strategies for Happy Family Living
Saturday June 9, 2007 9 am - 11 am
Saturday June 16, 2007 9 am – 11 am
Get Back To School: You Rule☺
Saturday August 18, 2007 9 am-11 am
Saturday August 25, 2007 9 am-11 am
Stress-free Holidays: Coming your way!
Saturday November 3, 2007 9 am-11 am
Saturday November 10, 2007 9am-11 am
Workshops held in Scottsdale, Arizona
Contact: thefamilycoachATaol.com
The Family Coach Workshops are two hour intensive workshops covering life-changing content, in two consecutive Saturdays.
We learn, implement and evaluate family improvement.
Parents design their plan for Better Family Living and then have a week to implement it prior to reviewing what worked and what needs new strategies.
Interacting with a workshop trainer and supportive parents, you develop your own Family Coach Playbook with skill building worksheets, questionnaires and parenting tips designed to help you zero in on the kind of family you want to raise and exactly how to do it. If you are looking for lifestyle improvements in your every day family life but cannot find the time to make changes these intensive workshops are for you.
Learn how to:
• Be the king of your own castle
• Communicate effectively with your children
• Get your children to mind you
• Discipline effectively with confidence
• Improve every day family routines
• Increase happiness and decrease stress
Whether your children are two years old or teenagers The Family Coach Workshops will provide you an opportunity to raise happy, healthy confident children in a more peaceful home.
2007 Schedule
Make a splash this Summer! with The Family Coach Solution Studio – Strategies for Happy Family Living
Saturday June 9, 2007 9 am - 11 am
Saturday June 16, 2007 9 am – 11 am
Get Back To School: You Rule☺
Saturday August 18, 2007 9 am-11 am
Saturday August 25, 2007 9 am-11 am
Stress-free Holidays: Coming your way!
Saturday November 3, 2007 9 am-11 am
Saturday November 10, 2007 9am-11 am
Workshops held in Scottsdale, Arizona
Contact: thefamilycoachATaol.com
What is Family Coaching
What is Family Coaching?
Welcome to The Family Coach, family coaching and consultation. The Family Coach is a coaching and consulting program for families desiring to enhance their skills for better family living. Working together, we take your family to the next level of living and wellness. Much like you would go to a tennis or golf coach to improve your game, the family coach program is designed to provide you with consultation, coaching and skills to improve your family and each member of your family as desired.
Family Coaching is a skills based family improvement process for families wishing to improve their skills in any of the following areas:
• Family discipline
• Family health and wellness
• Family meal planning
• Family routines
• Family schedules
• Getting your family on track
• Goal setting for success
• Healthy exercise and fitness
• Home organization
• Improving attention and focus
• Improving friendship skills
• Improving behavior at home
• Improving quality family-time
• Improving quality relationships
• Improving school behavior
• Improving school success
• Keeping your family on track
• Parenting with confidence
• Parenting with consistency
• Problem solving
• Working together with the other parent
How does coaching differ from therapy?
Family Coaching differs from traditional therapy in that it focuses on health and wellness. Coaching is an active goal-setting and goal-accomplishment process. The Family Coach @ Home generally consists of one to five sessions in which goals for healthy family living, behavior management, lifestyle improvement and better every day living are established and implemented. Classes, workshops and The Family Coach Playbook, provide you with skills to enhance your every day family life.
Coaching asserts that you are the expert in your family and with a bit of guidance you can develop the skills of a coach so that you can better solve family challenges as they arise. Coaching starts with things as they are today and focuses on future success. Watch, live, love, learn and grow today! with The Family Coach. Visit www.montelliving.com for video.
Contact: thefamilycoachATaol.com
Welcome to The Family Coach, family coaching and consultation. The Family Coach is a coaching and consulting program for families desiring to enhance their skills for better family living. Working together, we take your family to the next level of living and wellness. Much like you would go to a tennis or golf coach to improve your game, the family coach program is designed to provide you with consultation, coaching and skills to improve your family and each member of your family as desired.
Family Coaching is a skills based family improvement process for families wishing to improve their skills in any of the following areas:
• Family discipline
• Family health and wellness
• Family meal planning
• Family routines
• Family schedules
• Getting your family on track
• Goal setting for success
• Healthy exercise and fitness
• Home organization
• Improving attention and focus
• Improving friendship skills
• Improving behavior at home
• Improving quality family-time
• Improving quality relationships
• Improving school behavior
• Improving school success
• Keeping your family on track
• Parenting with confidence
• Parenting with consistency
• Problem solving
• Working together with the other parent
How does coaching differ from therapy?
Family Coaching differs from traditional therapy in that it focuses on health and wellness. Coaching is an active goal-setting and goal-accomplishment process. The Family Coach @ Home generally consists of one to five sessions in which goals for healthy family living, behavior management, lifestyle improvement and better every day living are established and implemented. Classes, workshops and The Family Coach Playbook, provide you with skills to enhance your every day family life.
Coaching asserts that you are the expert in your family and with a bit of guidance you can develop the skills of a coach so that you can better solve family challenges as they arise. Coaching starts with things as they are today and focuses on future success. Watch, live, love, learn and grow today! with The Family Coach. Visit www.montelliving.com for video.
Contact: thefamilycoachATaol.com
Back To The Family Dinner Table
Dr. Kenney launches her Back To The Family Dinner Table program, with local community teachers, encouraging families to sit down for dinner several nights per week and extend their dinner hour with family activities.
Monday Night is Discovery Night
Bring the “Discovery Box” to the dinner table. Place unique, familiar or fascinating objects in a box and allow each child to pull an object and talk about it. After dinner go on-line or take a trip to your local library to learn more about topics related to the things in your discovery box.
Tuesday Night is Reading Night
Prepare early readers, by bringing everyday objects to the table that have words or print on them, such as cereal boxes and other items in your cupboard. Play reading and guessing games using the printed materials. Play games with the words, making silly sentences, tongue twisters and fun stories.
Wednesday Night “You are a STAR”
Play find your “Star Word.” Assign one word to each child. That is the word that makes them A STAR at this meal. Frequently occurring words such as “The, and, it, him, her, she, he” are good beginning words. Then have each child bring a book to the table, choose a page, and name how many times their STAR word appears. That number becomes the child’s “Magic Number” for the night and every time he encounters that number for the rest of the evening he gets to make a wish or discuss his current life dreams and aspirations.
Thursday Night it’s Show and Tell
Play show and tell at your family table. Have your children bring an object, a piece of art, a song or something to share. Shine the “spot-light” on one child at a time and allow only him or her to share.
Friday Night is Family History Night
Bring family photos, heirlooms or pieces of family history to the table and talk about your family ancestry and historical family member’s life experiences.
Saturday Night is Game Night
Play board games, cards, chess or checkers at the table after dinner to enhance your family experience.
Sunday Night You’re on Broadway!
Put on a show, dance, sing, do a skit – Laugh and “lift each other up” with genuine compliments, enthusiasm and joy.
Contact:
thefamilycoachATaol.com
Monday Night is Discovery Night
Bring the “Discovery Box” to the dinner table. Place unique, familiar or fascinating objects in a box and allow each child to pull an object and talk about it. After dinner go on-line or take a trip to your local library to learn more about topics related to the things in your discovery box.
Tuesday Night is Reading Night
Prepare early readers, by bringing everyday objects to the table that have words or print on them, such as cereal boxes and other items in your cupboard. Play reading and guessing games using the printed materials. Play games with the words, making silly sentences, tongue twisters and fun stories.
Wednesday Night “You are a STAR”
Play find your “Star Word.” Assign one word to each child. That is the word that makes them A STAR at this meal. Frequently occurring words such as “The, and, it, him, her, she, he” are good beginning words. Then have each child bring a book to the table, choose a page, and name how many times their STAR word appears. That number becomes the child’s “Magic Number” for the night and every time he encounters that number for the rest of the evening he gets to make a wish or discuss his current life dreams and aspirations.
Thursday Night it’s Show and Tell
Play show and tell at your family table. Have your children bring an object, a piece of art, a song or something to share. Shine the “spot-light” on one child at a time and allow only him or her to share.
Friday Night is Family History Night
Bring family photos, heirlooms or pieces of family history to the table and talk about your family ancestry and historical family member’s life experiences.
Saturday Night is Game Night
Play board games, cards, chess or checkers at the table after dinner to enhance your family experience.
Sunday Night You’re on Broadway!
Put on a show, dance, sing, do a skit – Laugh and “lift each other up” with genuine compliments, enthusiasm and joy.
Contact:
thefamilycoachATaol.com
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Chef Ann's nutrition report card is a must hang...
Eating well is an important part of family health and wellness. As an innovator in children's health, Chef Ann, has changed the food delivery patterns in schools across America.
Improve your kids habits in a matter of days.
Check this out, print out Chef Ann's report card and hang it on your fridge. Notice how your kids seek out healthier foods, almost immediately.
http://www.lunchlessons.org/html_v2/ChefAnn_ReportCard.pdf
Improve your kids habits in a matter of days.
Check this out, print out Chef Ann's report card and hang it on your fridge. Notice how your kids seek out healthier foods, almost immediately.
http://www.lunchlessons.org/html_v2/ChefAnn_ReportCard.pdf
Listen to Lynne's podcast on coping with divorce
04/02/07 Season 16: The Real Life Brady Bunch- Part 2
In this week’s podcast, join one of Montel’s trusted Living Well coaches, Dr. Lynne Kenney, as she shares additional advice for families going through a divorce. Learn how to make this tough time more tolerable for your family. For more in-depth information on Dr. Kenney, check out www.montelliving.com, and come Live Well with Montel. www.montelshow.com/podcast/
In this week’s podcast, join one of Montel’s trusted Living Well coaches, Dr. Lynne Kenney, as she shares additional advice for families going through a divorce. Learn how to make this tough time more tolerable for your family. For more in-depth information on Dr. Kenney, check out www.montelliving.com, and come Live Well with Montel. www.montelshow.com/podcast/
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
The Family Coach Online: Tools for Better Family Living
The Family Coach online is a Web 2.0+ empowerment experience that enables families to improve their lives through simple practical interactive tools, vignettes, games and activities.
The Family Coach online is comprised of:
Tools for Better Family Living
Custom Content: Audio, video and editorial (e.g. How-to-guides)
Online Series
Online Vignettes
All of our Content is designed to support and enhance the use of The Family Coach Tools based on personalized preferences and Family Feedback™.
The Family Coach online is comprised of:
Tools for Better Family Living
Custom Content: Audio, video and editorial (e.g. How-to-guides)
Online Series
Online Vignettes
All of our Content is designed to support and enhance the use of The Family Coach Tools based on personalized preferences and Family Feedback™.
Your Family Values
Step 2: Define your Values
Your Family Values:
Your family values guide your every day choices, activities and behavior. Even if you have not ever written them down, you have values. Choose some values to live by...
Self Analysis Quiz:
When I wake in the morning my first thought is:
I am ready for the day
I wish I could sleep longer
Oh no, not again
My task list is too long
I can’t wait to tackle this day
I can’t wait to enjoy this day
Tool: Your Family Values from A to Z
Choose your values in the order of importance 1-5.
Here's just a start...
Accountability
Assertiveness
Assertiveness
Balance
Belonging
Caring
Closeness
Compatibility
Commitment
Communication
Compassion
Confidence
Control
Cooperation
Courtesy
Courage
Determination
Devotion
Detail Oriented
Discipline
Diplomatic
Education
Enthusiasm
Energetic
Excellence
Family
Flexibility
Freedom
Forgiveness
Follow Through
Generosity
Goal-directed
Honesty
Helping
Imagination
Initiative
Your Family Values:
Your family values guide your every day choices, activities and behavior. Even if you have not ever written them down, you have values. Choose some values to live by...
Self Analysis Quiz:
When I wake in the morning my first thought is:
I am ready for the day
I wish I could sleep longer
Oh no, not again
My task list is too long
I can’t wait to tackle this day
I can’t wait to enjoy this day
Tool: Your Family Values from A to Z
Choose your values in the order of importance 1-5.
Here's just a start...
Accountability
Assertiveness
Assertiveness
Balance
Belonging
Caring
Closeness
Compatibility
Commitment
Communication
Compassion
Confidence
Control
Cooperation
Courtesy
Courage
Determination
Devotion
Detail Oriented
Discipline
Diplomatic
Education
Enthusiasm
Energetic
Excellence
Family
Flexibility
Freedom
Forgiveness
Follow Through
Generosity
Goal-directed
Honesty
Helping
Imagination
Initiative
The Family Coach Foundation
The Foundation of The Family Coach Better Family Living Playbook is:
The Family Coach @ Home - Mission statement > Vision statement > Your Family Rules
Every home, family and structure is built on a foundation. As you build your extraordinary family home you lay your family foundation, your family mission and values, and your reason for being. Out of your foundation grows the structure of your home, your family rules, behavioral expectations and your opportunities for family health and happiness.
The first step is to pour your family foundation, we’ll build your Happier Home as we go.
Step 1 is to develop your family mission statement, your family values, and your description of the family you want to live in.
Step 1: Define your Mission
Every family lives for a purpose. That purpose is your family mission. Some families live to give back, some live to raise one another up, some live to re-create the past, some live with passion for the future. By summarizing your family purpose, you lay the most stable part of the foundation of your family home. The place where you live, breathe, learn, love and grow.
What is a family mission statement > Why is it important > How do I write a family mission statement > Sample family mission statements > Write your family mission statement for all to see (printable) > Schedule your quarterly family meetings to review and update your mission statement.
Your Family Mission Statement
We are a family who…
__________________________________________________________
The following behaviors will model our family mission…
__________________________________________________________
Sample Family Mission Statements:
We are a family that lives to give back to the community.
We are a family that models respect for others in our words and actions.
We are a family that lives with passion, acceptance and joy in all that we do.
We are a family that accepts one another’s original voice.
We strive to help each individual find his unique strengths and to build his unique talents.
Write your Family Mission Statement and post it on your fridge for all to see. What kind of family do you plan to raise.
The Family Coach @ Home - Mission statement > Vision statement > Your Family Rules
Every home, family and structure is built on a foundation. As you build your extraordinary family home you lay your family foundation, your family mission and values, and your reason for being. Out of your foundation grows the structure of your home, your family rules, behavioral expectations and your opportunities for family health and happiness.
The first step is to pour your family foundation, we’ll build your Happier Home as we go.
Step 1 is to develop your family mission statement, your family values, and your description of the family you want to live in.
Step 1: Define your Mission
Every family lives for a purpose. That purpose is your family mission. Some families live to give back, some live to raise one another up, some live to re-create the past, some live with passion for the future. By summarizing your family purpose, you lay the most stable part of the foundation of your family home. The place where you live, breathe, learn, love and grow.
What is a family mission statement > Why is it important > How do I write a family mission statement > Sample family mission statements > Write your family mission statement for all to see (printable) > Schedule your quarterly family meetings to review and update your mission statement.
Your Family Mission Statement
We are a family who…
__________________________________________________________
The following behaviors will model our family mission…
__________________________________________________________
Sample Family Mission Statements:
We are a family that lives to give back to the community.
We are a family that models respect for others in our words and actions.
We are a family that lives with passion, acceptance and joy in all that we do.
We are a family that accepts one another’s original voice.
We strive to help each individual find his unique strengths and to build his unique talents.
Write your Family Mission Statement and post it on your fridge for all to see. What kind of family do you plan to raise.
The Family Coach
Hello to all our Family Coach Families,
The Family Coach is an interactive Better Family Living Franchise designed to help you develop skills for living a happier healthier family life.
You’ve read all the books, you’ve tried all the strategies, it’s time for The Family Coach! an original online and offline franchise featuring “In-your-life” empowerment interventions on Television, The Family Coach online community, online-tools and live events.
With 20 years of clinical, educational and research experience, licensed psychologist Lynne Kenney, PsyD coaches families to new levels of living. Having learned from families that they need action-oriented solutions they can implement on a moments notice, Dr. Kenney developed The Family Coach.
The Family Coach is a skills-based health and wellness model that synthesizes the steps to healthy parenting into every day strategies that actually change the way a family lives in one day!
Through engaging, informative and practical solutions Dr. Kenney shows families how to “Create” their own extraordinary family right now!
Watch, live, love, learn and grow now!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9527vPuY4A
The Family Coach is an interactive Better Family Living Franchise designed to help you develop skills for living a happier healthier family life.
You’ve read all the books, you’ve tried all the strategies, it’s time for The Family Coach! an original online and offline franchise featuring “In-your-life” empowerment interventions on Television, The Family Coach online community, online-tools and live events.
With 20 years of clinical, educational and research experience, licensed psychologist Lynne Kenney, PsyD coaches families to new levels of living. Having learned from families that they need action-oriented solutions they can implement on a moments notice, Dr. Kenney developed The Family Coach.
The Family Coach is a skills-based health and wellness model that synthesizes the steps to healthy parenting into every day strategies that actually change the way a family lives in one day!
Through engaging, informative and practical solutions Dr. Kenney shows families how to “Create” their own extraordinary family right now!
Watch, live, love, learn and grow now!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9527vPuY4A
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