Study: Mothers Know Best for Online Shopping
Moms were also more likely than non-moms to single out customer product reviews or ratings as the most influential source for obtaining holiday gift information
Dec 17, 2008
By Katy Bachman
Mom knows best when it comes to shopping, and there's a good reason for it: She's big on conducting research before plunking down the dollars. That's according to results from a new Mindshare Online Research study released Tuesday (Dec. 16) that found that 61 percent of moms research holiday gifts compared to only 48 percent of non-moms.
Moms were also more likely than non-moms to single out customer product reviews or ratings as the most influential source for obtaining holiday gift information, 23 percent versus 12 percent.
Another valuable tool is the Internet with 54 percent of all shoppers surveyed doing the bulk of holiday shopping online.
Overall, women are the family members most likely to handle the holiday shopping--77 percent of women compared to 36 percent for men.
As expected, 64 percent of all shoppers said they expect to spend less on gifts this year than previous year and more than three-fourths said they will shop around to find the best prices.
Conducted in December by BuzzBack Market Research, Mindshare's online study was based on a survey of 350 adults.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Monday, December 15, 2008
Give yourself the gift of planning
Today, there are 10 days until Christmas. Presents are wrapped and hidden, the holiday meal has been planned, invitations to holiday parties and get-togethers have been accepted, and batches of holiday cookies have been baked.
If you have guests arriving before or on Christmas day, however, then you still have plenty to do in order to prepare your home for the Christmas festivities. Begin each day with a plan of attack. Move your least pleasant tasks to the top of the list and plan to do them first thing in the morning.
Give yourself the gift of early preparation & confidence! www.listplanit.com
If you have guests arriving before or on Christmas day, however, then you still have plenty to do in order to prepare your home for the Christmas festivities. Begin each day with a plan of attack. Move your least pleasant tasks to the top of the list and plan to do them first thing in the morning.
Give yourself the gift of early preparation & confidence! www.listplanit.com
Monday, December 8, 2008
How to Create your Most Peaceful Holiday Season Ever!
How to Create your Most Peaceful Holiday Season Ever!
Are you overwhelmed just thinking of your holiday to- do list?
Has holiday stress already started to take its’ toll on you?
Are you wondering how you will ever get everything done?
Do you dream of a peaceful, joyful holiday season?
Join me on Tuesday Dec 9, 2008 at 1200 noon EST and I guarantee that you will be able to create the best most peaceful holiday season ever.
During this teleclass you will learn:
* the ONE thing you need to do that can dramatically increase your enjoyment of the holidays
* ways to create priceless memories that can be carried on for generations
* how to bring the spirit of the holidays into your household and your heart
* steps you can take to reduce your stress and keep your sanity intact this year
* how you can bring in the NEW YEAR with grace, enthusiasm and peace instead of overwhelm, regret or anxiety
* the ONE thing you must avoid in order to REDUCE STRESS this season
AND the 2 Strategies I have been using that is helping to create my Most Peaceful Holiday Season yet!
Date: Dec 9th 2008 at 1200 noon Eastern Standard Time, 1:00 pm Atlantic Standard Time and 9:00am Pacific Time. $17.00
http://www.peggyporter.com/dec08-teleclass.php
Are you overwhelmed just thinking of your holiday to- do list?
Has holiday stress already started to take its’ toll on you?
Are you wondering how you will ever get everything done?
Do you dream of a peaceful, joyful holiday season?
Join me on Tuesday Dec 9, 2008 at 1200 noon EST and I guarantee that you will be able to create the best most peaceful holiday season ever.
During this teleclass you will learn:
* the ONE thing you need to do that can dramatically increase your enjoyment of the holidays
* ways to create priceless memories that can be carried on for generations
* how to bring the spirit of the holidays into your household and your heart
* steps you can take to reduce your stress and keep your sanity intact this year
* how you can bring in the NEW YEAR with grace, enthusiasm and peace instead of overwhelm, regret or anxiety
* the ONE thing you must avoid in order to REDUCE STRESS this season
AND the 2 Strategies I have been using that is helping to create my Most Peaceful Holiday Season yet!
Date: Dec 9th 2008 at 1200 noon Eastern Standard Time, 1:00 pm Atlantic Standard Time and 9:00am Pacific Time. $17.00
http://www.peggyporter.com/dec08-teleclass.php
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Defining Yourself as an Entrepreneur
Yvette Craddock decided her entrepreneurial fate at six years of age. In 2002, she began her journey by establishing Click Marketing Solutions, a full-service marketing firm, which received immediate industry recognition and has garnered over a dozen awards, including international recognition. In 2008, Yvette launched another business that derives from her personal passion for fashion. ShopStyleFolio.com is devoted to bold, modern and luxurious women’s jewelry and offers only one of each item. Through her entrepreneurial outlets, she continues to design her life and inspire others. www.click-marketing.net
4 P’s
Path - What activities/interests are you attracted to; people or causes.
Passion – What are your strengths; things that you do effortlessly for free if you had to.
Purpose – Combine path and passion to define opportunities for change in your area of expertise/interest.
Plan - What is your realistic, comprehensive business plan? How does that factor into your life plan.
Visit Yvette Craddock at
www.click-marketing.net
www.twittermoms.com/profile/LynneKenney
4 P’s
Path - What activities/interests are you attracted to; people or causes.
Passion – What are your strengths; things that you do effortlessly for free if you had to.
Purpose – Combine path and passion to define opportunities for change in your area of expertise/interest.
Plan - What is your realistic, comprehensive business plan? How does that factor into your life plan.
Visit Yvette Craddock at
www.click-marketing.net
www.twittermoms.com/profile/LynneKenney
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
GRANDMA'S CEREAL COOKIES
What child doesn't like cookies? If you're having trouble your children to eat their cereal in the morning, here's the recipe for delicious, nutritious cookies, from my grandma.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup shortening or organic butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla
1 cup sifted flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
¼ cup milk
2 cups of your favorite nutritious cereal (We use Wheaties)
1 cup chocolate chips
Three steps that make you a cook:
1) Cream the shortening or butter, sugar, brown sugar, milk, egg and vanilla. 2) In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, the baking soda, the powder and the salt. 3) Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. When they're mixed fold in 1 cup chocolate chips and 2 cups of your favorite cereal.
Cook at 350 degrees on a buttered cookie sheet for 10-12 minutes.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Roadblocks to Entrepreneurial Success
You may be holiday shopping or cooking today. Perhaps you are already thinking about how to make 2009 a more productive year than 2008. If so, listen to these hard earned words of John Bishop. Plan for your entrepreneurial success...
There will be challenges along the way to your success. Here are ten potential roadblocks to look out for:
1. No clear vision - The clearer your vision is of your definition for success, the faster you will achieve it.
2. Fear of failure - Eliminate the Bummer Words - no, never, can’t, won’t, maybe and if.
3. Lack of determination - Turn challenges into a problems that need to be overcome.
4. No action plan - Write a detailed, step-by-step plan of how you will achieve your success. Include a timetable for completion, and place the written strategy where you can read it, every day.
5. Inflexibility - You will have to make adjustments in your life to focus on reaching the success you want.
6. Negative thinking - Everyone has some self-doubt. Ask yourself everyday: a). Did I give my best effort to today’s activities? b) Did I move closer to reaching my goals?
7. Lack of enthusiasm - All days are good; some are better than others. You will find enthusiasm is contagious; give some to others.
8. Procrastination - You can have the best plan in the world, but if you don’t take action on it you simply have a dream.
9. Making excuses - Take personal responsibility for your success by eliminating excuses. Avoid blaming others for your lack of effort.
10. Refusal to learn from your mistakes - Successful people learn valuable life lessons from their mistakes.
These roadblocks can actually become stepping stones to your success. How? By identifying which ones are holding you back from reaching your goals and diligently working to eliminate them. Set monthly and quarterly goals. Post affirmations around your home. Seek relationships with positive thinkers. Plan for Success in 2009!
There will be challenges along the way to your success. Here are ten potential roadblocks to look out for:
1. No clear vision - The clearer your vision is of your definition for success, the faster you will achieve it.
2. Fear of failure - Eliminate the Bummer Words - no, never, can’t, won’t, maybe and if.
3. Lack of determination - Turn challenges into a problems that need to be overcome.
4. No action plan - Write a detailed, step-by-step plan of how you will achieve your success. Include a timetable for completion, and place the written strategy where you can read it, every day.
5. Inflexibility - You will have to make adjustments in your life to focus on reaching the success you want.
6. Negative thinking - Everyone has some self-doubt. Ask yourself everyday: a). Did I give my best effort to today’s activities? b) Did I move closer to reaching my goals?
7. Lack of enthusiasm - All days are good; some are better than others. You will find enthusiasm is contagious; give some to others.
8. Procrastination - You can have the best plan in the world, but if you don’t take action on it you simply have a dream.
9. Making excuses - Take personal responsibility for your success by eliminating excuses. Avoid blaming others for your lack of effort.
10. Refusal to learn from your mistakes - Successful people learn valuable life lessons from their mistakes.
These roadblocks can actually become stepping stones to your success. How? By identifying which ones are holding you back from reaching your goals and diligently working to eliminate them. Set monthly and quarterly goals. Post affirmations around your home. Seek relationships with positive thinkers. Plan for Success in 2009!
AND BABY MAKES TWO- - Things that make you say eeeew and smile
First time parents are in for their share of terrible sights and smells! Some of us are better at it than others; but it’s safe to say that we all have some issues dealing with those baby bodily functions. Here are some tips for dealing with the grossest of the gross.
Spitting up
Moms of young babies often feel that they spend their entire lives wearing a dirty shirt. Not only is it difficult to keep your clothing clean, but it’s difficult to keep yourself (and baby) smelling fresh. First, keep some sort of cloth around for your shoulder and lap whenever you’re burping baby. They make specific burp rags, but when my babies were young, I found that these cloths were not wide enough to cover my whole shoulder. Cloth diapers worked much better. I pretty much walked around the house with a cloth diaper on my shoulder at all times when I had a small infant.
Washing those clothes that have been regurgitated upon takes some special care. The smell (especially if you’re using formula) can be hard to remove. Try putting a splash of color safe bleach in the wash to completely remove the smell.
Moms who work have a special challenge – getting to work in the morning without having to change your shirt before you drop off baby. Here was my solution for this dilemma. After I got dressed in the morning, I would put one of my husband’s old dress shirts on over my clothes. I wore it until after I had dropped the baby off at the sitter. It covered nearly my entire outfit.
Poopy Diapers
Get a surgical mask if you need it, you’re going to be changing these for a while. However, once your baby gets a little older, there will be fewer each day. You just have to toughen up about changing them. The best solution for controlling the smell is just to get them out of the house quickly. No, really just bag em and toss em. Luckily, a newborn’s diet prevents the smell from being too offensive; just wait until they start eating solids or better yet, til they are teens...
Little Boy Accidents During Diaper Change
Has it happened to you yet? If you’re the parent of a newborn boy, it’s only a matter of time until your little darling sprays you in the face with a stream of urine during the diaper change. My advice is to keep your son’s penis covered as much as possible during the diaper change. An extra cloth close by can be a lifesaver!
Honestly, babies smell great no matter what the secretions. A bit of humor goes a long way. Here is a great link for large swaddling blankets that are super helpful. I use the aden + anais large swaddling blankets for everything. www.clevermom.me
Spitting up
Moms of young babies often feel that they spend their entire lives wearing a dirty shirt. Not only is it difficult to keep your clothing clean, but it’s difficult to keep yourself (and baby) smelling fresh. First, keep some sort of cloth around for your shoulder and lap whenever you’re burping baby. They make specific burp rags, but when my babies were young, I found that these cloths were not wide enough to cover my whole shoulder. Cloth diapers worked much better. I pretty much walked around the house with a cloth diaper on my shoulder at all times when I had a small infant.
Washing those clothes that have been regurgitated upon takes some special care. The smell (especially if you’re using formula) can be hard to remove. Try putting a splash of color safe bleach in the wash to completely remove the smell.
Moms who work have a special challenge – getting to work in the morning without having to change your shirt before you drop off baby. Here was my solution for this dilemma. After I got dressed in the morning, I would put one of my husband’s old dress shirts on over my clothes. I wore it until after I had dropped the baby off at the sitter. It covered nearly my entire outfit.
Poopy Diapers
Get a surgical mask if you need it, you’re going to be changing these for a while. However, once your baby gets a little older, there will be fewer each day. You just have to toughen up about changing them. The best solution for controlling the smell is just to get them out of the house quickly. No, really just bag em and toss em. Luckily, a newborn’s diet prevents the smell from being too offensive; just wait until they start eating solids or better yet, til they are teens...
Little Boy Accidents During Diaper Change
Has it happened to you yet? If you’re the parent of a newborn boy, it’s only a matter of time until your little darling sprays you in the face with a stream of urine during the diaper change. My advice is to keep your son’s penis covered as much as possible during the diaper change. An extra cloth close by can be a lifesaver!
Honestly, babies smell great no matter what the secretions. A bit of humor goes a long way. Here is a great link for large swaddling blankets that are super helpful. I use the aden + anais large swaddling blankets for everything. www.clevermom.me
Kids Health and Activity Camp
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
Location Village Health Club and Spa at DC Ranch
Open to ages 6-15 5-6:15pm
December 15th, 2008 thru January 9th, 2009
Excluding December 24th, 25, 31st and Jan 1st, 2009
$15 per single class/ $100 for 10 classes/ $120 for 15 classes
(no make-ups and classes must be used in the scheduled time)
Kids do not need to be members to attend these classes
Contact Cindy Feltman Angulo CPT (602) 451-3672
Location Village Health Club and Spa at DC Ranch
Open to ages 6-15 5-6:15pm
December 15th, 2008 thru January 9th, 2009
Excluding December 24th, 25, 31st and Jan 1st, 2009
$15 per single class/ $100 for 10 classes/ $120 for 15 classes
(no make-ups and classes must be used in the scheduled time)
Kids do not need to be members to attend these classes
Contact Cindy Feltman Angulo CPT (602) 451-3672
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Check out Dr. Kenney 1 pm Today Channel 12 LIVE
Get Real—Set Reasonable Expectations
The holiday season may be portrayed as trouble free and festive. But family problems may escalate when the season arrives. The reality of the holidays, much like life, is that real people and families are not perfect. If you can change your expectations—don't expect holidays to be like the movies!—you may have a more enjoyable experience.
Tips for setting reasonable expectations:
* Do your best to stick to your regular family routine. Changing your schedule to fit in holiday activities and traveling can be tough on you and your kids, so try to keep things as normal as possible. Try to keep bedtimes and mealtimes the same even when you're away from home.
* Talk with your family about schedules. Take time to explain each day's activities to your children and let them know what you expect from them. Together, choose activities that you really want to do. You can't do everything, so you might let your children pick their favorite things for your family to do. Do the things that you all will enjoy the most, and then say "no" to extra activities.
* Talk with family members about your expectations for their behavior at the holidays. We can't tell our children to behave if a family member models drinking too much, swearing and bringing their old baggage to the table.
* Talk with your family about finances. Even young children can learn how to budget for gifts. Urge them to get creative and make presents for family members instead of buying them. Receiving a thoughtful gift from a child can be a memorable holiday moment. Many families concentrate on special things they can make or do for each other.
Maintain Your Health:
* Eat in moderation - Eat small meals several times throughout the day.
* If a meal is particularly delicious - take half of it off your plate and save it for later.
* Drink water - stay hydrated.
* Drink in moderation or replace alcohol with lemon water, fresh tea or sparkling organic lemonade.
* Get your sleep. Sleep deprivation leads to stress.
* Exercise - Use 10 minute movement morsels if you cannot get outside to ride your bike or go for a walk.
Take Time To Relax and Play with Your Family:
Plan quiet time or at least downtime from activities. Take a few moments to read a book, take a bubble bath, or sit down and listen to your favorite songs. You also may want to:
* Play a board game with your family.
* Go for a walk with your family to see holiday displays in your neighborhood.
* Join your kids for fun family exercise. If you choose something outdoors, the fresh air and exercise can lift your spirits.
* Settle down for storytime with your family. Pull out holiday stories that you loved as a child and read them aloud together.
Volunteer at a Local Charity:
Carving out a few hours to volunteer at a charity might seem impossible but giving your time and energy may help you find the spirit of the season. Stuck for ideas? You and your family might help wrap gifts for needy children, deliver meals to families in need, or visit residents in a local nursing home.
Just Do Your Best:
As you enjoy the holiday season, do your best to limit stress. Don't expect everything to go as planned. Your child may get sick on the holiday, the oven might break as you are cooking a special dinner, or a storm may prevent relatives from visiting. When these things happen, let the family help decide on a new plan. For example, if the electricity goes out, grab your flashlights and make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Use cookie cutters to cut them into fun shapes!
Don't let unexpected events ruin the holidays for you. Be adaptable and flexible. You can help yourself and your children relax and enjoy the holidays for what they truly are: a time of joy, celebration, and peace with friends and family.
Get organized on www.listplanit.com
Ready Meryl Starr's Personal Organization
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Three Components of Successful School Programs for Children with ADHD
The ADHD child’s school success is often dependent on his or her ability to attend to tasks and teacher and classroom expectations with minimal distraction. When a child exhibits behaviors associated with ADHD, consequences may include difficulties with school and with forming relationships with his or her peers if appropriate instructional methodologies and interventions are not implemented.
There are an estimated 1.46 to 2.46 million children with ADHD in the United States, constituting 3 to 5 percent of the school student population. It has been documented that approximately 25 to 30 percent of all children with ADHD also have learning disabilities. Likewise, children with ADHD have coexisting psychiatric disorders at a much higher rate.
When selecting and implementing successful school strategies and practices for the ADHD student, it is imperative to understand the characteristics of the child, including those pertaining to disabilities. This knowledge will be useful in the evaluation and implementation of successful practices, which are often the same practices that benefit students without ADHD.
Three Components of Successful Programs for Children with ADHD: The three main components of a successful ADHD school strategy are academic instruction, behavioral interventions, and classroom accommodations. This guide outlines a series of strategies proven successful in not only educating children with ADHD but all children. By incorporating techniques from these three areas into their everyday instructional and classroom management practices, teachers will improve the academic performance and the behavior of their students with ADHD.
Academic Instruction: The first major component of the most effective instruction for children with ADHD is effective school instruction. Teachers can help prepare their students with ADHD to achieve by applying the principles of effective teaching when they introduce, conduct, and conclude each lesson during the school day. The discussion and techniques that follow pertain to the instructional process in general (across subject areas); strategies for specific subject areas appear in the subsequent subsection “Individualizing Instructional Practices.”
Behavioral Interventions: The second major component of effective school instruction for children with ADHD involves the use of behavioral interventions. The purpose of behavioral interventions in the school setting is to assist ADHD students in displaying the behaviors that are most conducive to their own learning and that of classmates. Well-managed classrooms prevent many disciplinary problems and provide an environment that is most favorable for learning. When a teacher’s time must be spent interacting with students whose behaviors are not focused on the lesson being presented, less time is available for assisting other students. Behavioral interventions should be viewed as an opportunity for teaching in the most effective and efficient manner, rather than as an opportunity for punishment.
Classroom Accommodations: The third component of a strategy for effectively educating children with ADHD involves physical school classroom accommodations. Children with ADHD often have difficulty adjusting to the structured environment of a classroom, determining what is important, and focusing on their assigned work. They are easily distracted by other children or by nearby activities in the school classroom. As a result, many children with ADHD benefit from accommodations that reduce distractions in the classroom environment and help them to stay on task and learn. Certain accommodations within the physical and learning environments of the classroom can benefit children with ADHD. Source: U.S. Department of Education. To order a hard copy of this ADD teaching report, e-mail edpubs@inet.ed.gov or call (877) 433-7827.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Montel Says Make Exercise a Habit
You are an active person, whether you realize it or not! You may not run five miles a day or hike a mountain every weekend, but chances are you spend at least some time walking, running after your kids, and lifting things (whether they're weights or laundry detergent doesn't matter!).
To truly live well physically, it's important for you to energize your body most days of the week, with at least 30 minutes — heading toward a goal of 60 minutes — of physical activity.
People can always make excuses as to why they don't have time to exercise. But when it comes down to it, if it's important to you, you can fit it in. If you have time to watch TV or go to dinner with friends, you can certainly find time to enjoy some physical activity!
Here are a few ways for you to discover the joy of regular exercise:
* Start slowly and gradually. Over the next few weeks and months, work your way up to 30 minutes (with the goal of reaching 60 minutes) on most days of the week. Remember: Slow and steady wins the race!
* Stay hydrated: Drink fluids, especially water, before, during, and after your activity.
* Before you exercise, warm up with about five minutes of walking, marching in place, or a less strenuous version of the activity you're about to do.
* At the end of the exercise, slow down gradually with five minutes of a cool down similar to your warm-up. For example, if you're finishing a run, slow to a jog, then a walk.
* If you feel pain during exercise, stop and be sure to consult your doctor. Uncomfortable stiffness, dizziness, or severe breathlessness are also signs that you should stop and get medical attention.
Over the next few days, we'll explore the three major types of structured physical activity: aerobic/cardiovascular, resistance/strength, and flexibility. They are all important parts of your fitness program, and they will work together to reinforce one another.
Here's to living well!
To truly live well physically, it's important for you to energize your body most days of the week, with at least 30 minutes — heading toward a goal of 60 minutes — of physical activity.
People can always make excuses as to why they don't have time to exercise. But when it comes down to it, if it's important to you, you can fit it in. If you have time to watch TV or go to dinner with friends, you can certainly find time to enjoy some physical activity!
Here are a few ways for you to discover the joy of regular exercise:
* Start slowly and gradually. Over the next few weeks and months, work your way up to 30 minutes (with the goal of reaching 60 minutes) on most days of the week. Remember: Slow and steady wins the race!
* Stay hydrated: Drink fluids, especially water, before, during, and after your activity.
* Before you exercise, warm up with about five minutes of walking, marching in place, or a less strenuous version of the activity you're about to do.
* At the end of the exercise, slow down gradually with five minutes of a cool down similar to your warm-up. For example, if you're finishing a run, slow to a jog, then a walk.
* If you feel pain during exercise, stop and be sure to consult your doctor. Uncomfortable stiffness, dizziness, or severe breathlessness are also signs that you should stop and get medical attention.
Over the next few days, we'll explore the three major types of structured physical activity: aerobic/cardiovascular, resistance/strength, and flexibility. They are all important parts of your fitness program, and they will work together to reinforce one another.
Here's to living well!
Friday, November 21, 2008
What Is Phonological/Phoneme Awareness?
Sometimes teachers tell parents, "Your child does not have phonemic awareness." What does that mean and what can we do to improve phonemic awareness?
Stanovich (1993) defines "phonological awareness" as the ability to deal explicitly and segmentally with sound units smaller than the syllable. He also notes that researchers "argue intensely" about the meaning of the term and about the nature of the tasks used to measure it.
Phonological awareness sometimes refers to an awareness that words consist of syllables and phonemes (segments of words or groupings of sound).
A phoneme is the smallest contrastive unit in the sound system of a language. Phonemic awareness is the ability to hear, identify, and move individual sounds (manipulate) - phonemes - in spoken words.
Adams (1990) describes 5 levels of phonemic awareness in terms of abilities:
* to hear rhymes and alliteration as measured by knowledge of nursery rhymes
* to do oddity tasks (comparing and contrasting the sounds of words for rhyme and alliteration)
* to blend and split syllables
* to perform phonemic segmentation (such as counting out the number of phonemes in a word)
* to perform phoneme manipulation tasks (such as adding, deleting a particular phoneme and regenerating a word from the remainder).
What can you do to enhance phonemic awareness and consequently reading skills?
Phonemic awareness can be developed through a number of activities, including asking children beginning in preschool (age 3) to:
1. Have fun with your child teaching him rhymes.
2. Clap the rhythm of syllables.
3. Identify and categorize sounds.
4. Blend sounds to form words.
5. Delete or add sounds to form new words.
6. Substitute sounds to make new words.
Read with your child. Practice phonics with your child. Enjoy playing with sounds through music, clapping and movement.
Visit www.hookedonphonics.com to learn more.
Stanovich (1993) defines "phonological awareness" as the ability to deal explicitly and segmentally with sound units smaller than the syllable. He also notes that researchers "argue intensely" about the meaning of the term and about the nature of the tasks used to measure it.
Phonological awareness sometimes refers to an awareness that words consist of syllables and phonemes (segments of words or groupings of sound).
A phoneme is the smallest contrastive unit in the sound system of a language. Phonemic awareness is the ability to hear, identify, and move individual sounds (manipulate) - phonemes - in spoken words.
Adams (1990) describes 5 levels of phonemic awareness in terms of abilities:
* to hear rhymes and alliteration as measured by knowledge of nursery rhymes
* to do oddity tasks (comparing and contrasting the sounds of words for rhyme and alliteration)
* to blend and split syllables
* to perform phonemic segmentation (such as counting out the number of phonemes in a word)
* to perform phoneme manipulation tasks (such as adding, deleting a particular phoneme and regenerating a word from the remainder).
What can you do to enhance phonemic awareness and consequently reading skills?
Phonemic awareness can be developed through a number of activities, including asking children beginning in preschool (age 3) to:
1. Have fun with your child teaching him rhymes.
2. Clap the rhythm of syllables.
3. Identify and categorize sounds.
4. Blend sounds to form words.
5. Delete or add sounds to form new words.
6. Substitute sounds to make new words.
Read with your child. Practice phonics with your child. Enjoy playing with sounds through music, clapping and movement.
Visit www.hookedonphonics.com to learn more.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Michelle LaRowe on the 6 C's of discipline
Listen in to Michelle LaRowe on discipline www.blogtalkradio.com/The-Family-Coach.
Michelle's 6 C's of Effective Discipline.
Comprehension: Understand what true discipline is
Clarity: Be clear with your expectations
Communication: Get everyone on the same page
Consistency: Be regular and predictable
Consideration: Protect little hearts
Centering your faith: Put Jesus first!
www.michellelarowe.com
Michelle's 6 C's of Effective Discipline.
Comprehension: Understand what true discipline is
Clarity: Be clear with your expectations
Communication: Get everyone on the same page
Consistency: Be regular and predictable
Consideration: Protect little hearts
Centering your faith: Put Jesus first!
www.michellelarowe.com
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Parenting expert MARY MURRAY on teaching friendship skills
Listen in to Educational Psychologist Mary Murray, Director of Murray Camp on Nantucket, as we talk about what schools and parents can do to help teach friendship skills.
Mary suggests we visit onetoughjob.org and www.pbs.org/parents for helpful tips and solutions.
www.blogtalkradio.com/the-family-coach
Books that might interest you include:
Queen Bees and Wannabes: Helping Your Daughter Survive Cliques, Gossip, Boyfriends, and Other Realities of Adolescence by Rosalind Wiseman
Friends: Making Them & Keeping Them (American Girl) by Patti Kelley Criswell and Stacy Peterson
A Smart Girls Guide to Friendship Troubles by Patti Kelley Criswell and Angela Martini
Protect Your Child from Bullying: Expert Advice to Help You Recognize, Prevent, and Stop Bullying Before Your Child Gets Hurt by Allan L. Beane
Building Moral Intelligence: The Seven Essential Virtues that Teach Kids to Do the Right Thing by Michele Borba
Parents Do Make a Difference: How to Raise Kids with Solid Character, Strong Minds, and Caring Hearts (The Jossey-Bass Psychology Series) by Michele Borba
Nobody Likes Me, Everybody Hates Me: The Top 25 Friendship Problems and How to Solve Them by Michele Borba
Raising Boys: Why Boys Are Different - And How to Help Them Become Happy and Well-Balanced Men by Steve Biddulph and Paul Stanish
Raising Cain: Protecting the Emotional Life of Boys by Dan Kindlon and Michael Thompson
Mary suggests we visit onetoughjob.org and www.pbs.org/parents for helpful tips and solutions.
www.blogtalkradio.com/the-family-coach
Books that might interest you include:
Queen Bees and Wannabes: Helping Your Daughter Survive Cliques, Gossip, Boyfriends, and Other Realities of Adolescence by Rosalind Wiseman
Friends: Making Them & Keeping Them (American Girl) by Patti Kelley Criswell and Stacy Peterson
A Smart Girls Guide to Friendship Troubles by Patti Kelley Criswell and Angela Martini
Protect Your Child from Bullying: Expert Advice to Help You Recognize, Prevent, and Stop Bullying Before Your Child Gets Hurt by Allan L. Beane
Building Moral Intelligence: The Seven Essential Virtues that Teach Kids to Do the Right Thing by Michele Borba
Parents Do Make a Difference: How to Raise Kids with Solid Character, Strong Minds, and Caring Hearts (The Jossey-Bass Psychology Series) by Michele Borba
Nobody Likes Me, Everybody Hates Me: The Top 25 Friendship Problems and How to Solve Them by Michele Borba
Raising Boys: Why Boys Are Different - And How to Help Them Become Happy and Well-Balanced Men by Steve Biddulph and Paul Stanish
Raising Cain: Protecting the Emotional Life of Boys by Dan Kindlon and Michael Thompson
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
The holidays on a budget with Dr. Caron Goode
For families who are facing tough times, the end of the year holidays may become a source of stress, guilt and worry. But getting creative during these tough times and coming up with alternative ways to celebrate to share time and give gifts (without breaking the bank) brings the joy of the holiday season back to the forefront. To celebrate the holidays on a shoestring budget, put these top ten tips to the test:
1. Start with comfort foods created with a dose of love. I remember the smell of buttery blueberry muffins on Christmas morning that our neighbor provided. She put her heart into cooking, and you can do the same with a few shortcuts for time. Gift muffins, breads or cookies.
a. Cinnamon bread or buns: Buy frozen bread dough and follow instructions for thawing. Before letting the bread rise, use a rolling pin to flatten the dough in roughly a rectangle shape. Sprinkle generously with sugar or sugar substitute, and cinnamon. If you like slivered pecans or almonds, add them at this stage of preparation. Slowly and evenly roll the dough from longest side to the longest side and shape the edges closed. Put into a loaf pan for rising before baking. If you want cinnamon rolls, then roll the dough as suggested very long and stretch a little more. Cut two-inch slices and place on a cookie tray for rising before baking.
b. Gluten-free: For those of you on special diets, try Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix or the Gluten Free Brownie Mix by Bob’s Red Mill. I fix them in my household and find them delicious. Here is the link: http://www.bobsredmill.com/product.php?productid=3746
2. Remember the reason for the season. Take time to reflect on what the holidays mean to you and to your family. This can help to get your focus off of the commercialization and materialism of the holidays and back to the meaning behind them. Doing this can often help you to regain perspective and to approach your family holidays from a different (and more affordable) angle.
3. Use pictures to evoke memories. Dig out your older family holiday pictures. Disply them on corkboard or large poster board. Pictures can evoke emotions and a sense of belonging. Or make a scrapbook of holidays past and present. Talk about what was happening before and after each photo was taken. Write captions. Make this a fun, family event where every age has a say and smile!
4. Encourage an attitude of gratitude in your children. Foster an attitude of gratitude in your children by encouraging them to express thanks for what they do have and by giving back to others who have substantially less. Use pictures to express appreciation. Pictures often inspire people to express what they appreciate or admire about others. A picture of dad dressed as Santa Claus might make children laugh. It might also make them realize they appreciate his sense of humor. Encourage your family to share these types of feelings as you work on your scrapbook.
5. Put the focus on the family. Some of the best family memories are made during the holidays, so take advantage of the time together by doing low cost activities as a family. Playing board games, attending holiday services, going for walks, and watching a classic Christmas movie at home are all no cost ways to celebrate one of the greatest gifts of all.
6. List positive assets in the family holiday scrapbook. You can do this by asking all family members to list five positive things they feel about the family member in a photo. Have them write these attributes on the page where the picture appears or next to the displayed pihotos. Also have them include their name and the date. Small tributes such as these can go a long way towards building a positive family-image and appreciation for each other.
7. Get crafty and creative. Homemade gifts truly make wonderful gifts for family, friends and relatives. From simple ornaments made out of hardened sugar cookies, to packing the dry ingredients of your favorite cookie recipe in a glass gar, giving gifts that are expressions of yourself and your family are not only affordable but meaningful.
8. Give cost free gifts. For parents that usually purchase gifts for teachers, or adult family members and friends, giving no cost gifts can make a great (and often needed) alternative. Free nights of babysitting, a day of housework or gardening or a lesson in a hobby that you excel at can help to significantly slash your holiday budget.
9. Consider doing grabs. Consider suggesting a group grab or playing secret Santa with family to cut back on costs. Another variation of a gift sharing is that each woman contributes a gift for a woman, and the same for each man and child with a gift cap of ten or twenty dollars. The joy is to be creative, useful, indulgent and humorous. Then, each person picks a wrapped, secret gift within his or her grouping.
10. Consider adopting a charity. Some families skip gift giving all together and take on a charity each holiday season. Instead of purchasing gifts, consider donating money, gifts or time to charity in the names of friends and family.
Remember the three Hs this holiday season and give them liberally: hugs, hot chocolate and humor.
Dr. Caron B. Goode is the founder of the Academy for Coaching Parents International, a training and certification program for parent coaches. In addition to duties with the academy, Goode is the founding editor of the website InspiredParenting.net, and the author of eleven books, the most recent of which is Help Kids Cope with Stress & Trauma, which includes several chapters on he use of storytelling strategies. For more information on The Academy for Coaching Parents International or to sign up for academy announcements, visit www.acpi.biz.
1. Start with comfort foods created with a dose of love. I remember the smell of buttery blueberry muffins on Christmas morning that our neighbor provided. She put her heart into cooking, and you can do the same with a few shortcuts for time. Gift muffins, breads or cookies.
a. Cinnamon bread or buns: Buy frozen bread dough and follow instructions for thawing. Before letting the bread rise, use a rolling pin to flatten the dough in roughly a rectangle shape. Sprinkle generously with sugar or sugar substitute, and cinnamon. If you like slivered pecans or almonds, add them at this stage of preparation. Slowly and evenly roll the dough from longest side to the longest side and shape the edges closed. Put into a loaf pan for rising before baking. If you want cinnamon rolls, then roll the dough as suggested very long and stretch a little more. Cut two-inch slices and place on a cookie tray for rising before baking.
b. Gluten-free: For those of you on special diets, try Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix or the Gluten Free Brownie Mix by Bob’s Red Mill. I fix them in my household and find them delicious. Here is the link: http://www.bobsredmill.com/product.php?productid=3746
2. Remember the reason for the season. Take time to reflect on what the holidays mean to you and to your family. This can help to get your focus off of the commercialization and materialism of the holidays and back to the meaning behind them. Doing this can often help you to regain perspective and to approach your family holidays from a different (and more affordable) angle.
3. Use pictures to evoke memories. Dig out your older family holiday pictures. Disply them on corkboard or large poster board. Pictures can evoke emotions and a sense of belonging. Or make a scrapbook of holidays past and present. Talk about what was happening before and after each photo was taken. Write captions. Make this a fun, family event where every age has a say and smile!
4. Encourage an attitude of gratitude in your children. Foster an attitude of gratitude in your children by encouraging them to express thanks for what they do have and by giving back to others who have substantially less. Use pictures to express appreciation. Pictures often inspire people to express what they appreciate or admire about others. A picture of dad dressed as Santa Claus might make children laugh. It might also make them realize they appreciate his sense of humor. Encourage your family to share these types of feelings as you work on your scrapbook.
5. Put the focus on the family. Some of the best family memories are made during the holidays, so take advantage of the time together by doing low cost activities as a family. Playing board games, attending holiday services, going for walks, and watching a classic Christmas movie at home are all no cost ways to celebrate one of the greatest gifts of all.
6. List positive assets in the family holiday scrapbook. You can do this by asking all family members to list five positive things they feel about the family member in a photo. Have them write these attributes on the page where the picture appears or next to the displayed pihotos. Also have them include their name and the date. Small tributes such as these can go a long way towards building a positive family-image and appreciation for each other.
7. Get crafty and creative. Homemade gifts truly make wonderful gifts for family, friends and relatives. From simple ornaments made out of hardened sugar cookies, to packing the dry ingredients of your favorite cookie recipe in a glass gar, giving gifts that are expressions of yourself and your family are not only affordable but meaningful.
8. Give cost free gifts. For parents that usually purchase gifts for teachers, or adult family members and friends, giving no cost gifts can make a great (and often needed) alternative. Free nights of babysitting, a day of housework or gardening or a lesson in a hobby that you excel at can help to significantly slash your holiday budget.
9. Consider doing grabs. Consider suggesting a group grab or playing secret Santa with family to cut back on costs. Another variation of a gift sharing is that each woman contributes a gift for a woman, and the same for each man and child with a gift cap of ten or twenty dollars. The joy is to be creative, useful, indulgent and humorous. Then, each person picks a wrapped, secret gift within his or her grouping.
10. Consider adopting a charity. Some families skip gift giving all together and take on a charity each holiday season. Instead of purchasing gifts, consider donating money, gifts or time to charity in the names of friends and family.
Remember the three Hs this holiday season and give them liberally: hugs, hot chocolate and humor.
Dr. Caron B. Goode is the founder of the Academy for Coaching Parents International, a training and certification program for parent coaches. In addition to duties with the academy, Goode is the founding editor of the website InspiredParenting.net, and the author of eleven books, the most recent of which is Help Kids Cope with Stress & Trauma, which includes several chapters on he use of storytelling strategies. For more information on The Academy for Coaching Parents International or to sign up for academy announcements, visit www.acpi.biz.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Holiday Tips with Peggy Porter
Each year around this time, my girlfriends and I go on our annual shopping trip to the US. This is usually the time for me when I start my shopping and Christmas preparations.
Although for some, it may seem a bit premature, I always like to remind my readers in early November of how they can begin to implement a few tips now that can save them holiday stress later.
Being a busy, working mom is usually demanding enough, however, throw in a holiday and your stress level can go through the roof if you are not organized.
Each year some of us make the promise to ourselves that we will not be so unprepared or disorganized next Christmas. Somehow though, the year creeps up quickly and we are left with the same frantic schedule.
This year make a commitment to fully embrace and enjoy all that this wonderful time of year has to offer. Don't allow another year to go by feeling pressured, stressed and overwhelmed. You have complete control over what your holiday season will consist of.
Following are a few tips that may be helpful in getting a head start so when the season is in full swing, you can relax and enjoy all the festivities.
* Make your Christmas list now and start shopping. Write down who you have to buy for, any suggestions you have for gifts and approximate amount you want to spend on each person. Knowing how much you want to spend will eliminate a lot of needless shopping for items that are out of your price range. With the help of the computer, you can make a master list and save it so you can reuse each year, adding or changing as necessary. Use the convenience of gift certificates and online as well as catalogue shopping. It can make the whole process so much less demanding (unless you get a big rush being in the stores on the Saturday before Christmas!).
* Organize your gift wrapping essentials. Buy a container to house all your wrapping paper, scissors, ribbons and tags. Have it all ready in a convenient place such as a closet or under the bed. As you buy a gift, bring it home and wrap it. Having all the items together makes it easy to wrap as you buy. I have done this for the last few years and it makes my wrapping effortless, or almost effortless!
* Eliminate clutter now. In order to get ready for the new, get rid of the old. Go through your kids' toy boxes and throw out any broken or incomplete toys. Donate any others that your kids have outgrown and are still in good condition. If your kids are old enough, have them organize their own clothing or toys - a great way to teach them responsibility.
* Take care of your health. With the hectic schedule that many of us have during the season, it is a necessity to eat well and exercise regularly if we want to be energized and able to effectively manage holiday stress.
* Put yourself at the top of your Christmas to-do list. Remember that sacrificing your health and sanity does nothing for you or your family's Christmas spirit. Nourish and renew your own spirit this holiday season and I guarantee it will be the best gift your family will receive. Visit www.peggyporter.com for more great ideas from Canada's Finest Mom Coach!
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Wurth Organizing To The Rescue
Winter is a great time to "Spring Clean." If you need an organizer, no one is nicer or more committed than Danielle Wurth, mother and organizer. Here is what Danielle has to say....
Life is busier and more hectic than ever! Our home is our one "sacred retreat" from the craziness of our day. Being organized clears the mind and cleanses the soul from items you may or may or may not need thus creating a peaceful home environment.
Wurth Organizing has a passion for helping others cleanse their home from chaos. Your Organizing Guru Danielle Wurth makes the process fun, and the rewards are wurth the time and energy that is put forth.
We will work WITH you or FOR you to create an organizational system within budget to simplify your life by:
* Maximizing the space whether it is a closet, kitchen, garage or office
* Reducing your personal clutter by removing unwanted items to be donated or sold
* If you are selling your home, we will help you make it more marketable to buyers
* If you are moving into a new home, we'll assist you with the transition process
* Create a time and project management system for a happier, more gratifying life
Danielle Wurth
dlwurth@cox.net
602.579.5274
Life is busier and more hectic than ever! Our home is our one "sacred retreat" from the craziness of our day. Being organized clears the mind and cleanses the soul from items you may or may or may not need thus creating a peaceful home environment.
Wurth Organizing has a passion for helping others cleanse their home from chaos. Your Organizing Guru Danielle Wurth makes the process fun, and the rewards are wurth the time and energy that is put forth.
We will work WITH you or FOR you to create an organizational system within budget to simplify your life by:
* Maximizing the space whether it is a closet, kitchen, garage or office
* Reducing your personal clutter by removing unwanted items to be donated or sold
* If you are selling your home, we will help you make it more marketable to buyers
* If you are moving into a new home, we'll assist you with the transition process
* Create a time and project management system for a happier, more gratifying life
Danielle Wurth
dlwurth@cox.net
602.579.5274
Friday, November 14, 2008
The value of assigning tasks to your children
The majority of families with whom I work are facing issues of lack of control in their homes. They experience their children refusing to do as told, they feel their home lives could be better managed and they desire more peace and calm at home. Fundamentally, when I work with these families establishing a firm foundation of values is first. I have observed that if children are not clearly told what kind of family culture they live in and what behaviors are expected then they are confused and noncompliance is often the most common result.
Often, the first time I meet with a family we review what kind of family they wish to raise and then we begin to establish routines that will help them create the family they desire to live in. By assigning tasks to your children you are living with a value of helping your children become independent and resourceful. Therefore, one of my favorite tools in The Family Coach Toolbox is the ROUTINE TASKS LIST.
These task lists are essential for healthy family functioning. They serve two functions: 1) To help the family regain order and 2) To help the children begin to develop independent skills for health and wellness. Children as young at two years of age know that life experience have some order. They understand routine. A two year old knows that when she sits in her high-chair or at the family table that food is about to be served. They know that sitting comes first and eating comes second. This is the beginning of their understanding that some predictability exists in their world.
Morning and evening routines are the most basic routines to establish. While every family does routines differently, there are some basic tasks children need to complete each day before going to school. Of course, they need to get up, get dressed, get their teeth brushed, brush their hair, eat breakfast and head off to school.
Begin developing task lists by sitting down with your children, yes, even the young ones and talk about basic routines.
"Each morning when we get up we have a lot to do." "What do you do each morning?" "What order do you like to do things in?"
Write down the parts of the child's routine. Let them draw them and color them and write them out to their ability level. With a young child they can draw pictures and you can write underneath the pictures for them. Some children like to bathe in the morning others like to complete their homework in the morning. Write it all down. Then take a white magic marker board, the size you can hang on a bedroom door, and write a list of five tasks. Keep it simple so that your children can experience success.
Your board might look like this:
• Make my bed
• Get dressed
• Eat breakfast
• Brush my teeth
• Brush my hair
Or like this:
• Take a shower
• Get dressed
• Brush my teeth
• Brush my hair
• Eat breakfast
Create a task list for each child, recognizing that they may benefit from different routines. However the routine best works for you and your child, that is how you will write it down. Identifying routines and assigning written tasks to your children helps them become masterful independent children.
Often, the first time I meet with a family we review what kind of family they wish to raise and then we begin to establish routines that will help them create the family they desire to live in. By assigning tasks to your children you are living with a value of helping your children become independent and resourceful. Therefore, one of my favorite tools in The Family Coach Toolbox is the ROUTINE TASKS LIST.
These task lists are essential for healthy family functioning. They serve two functions: 1) To help the family regain order and 2) To help the children begin to develop independent skills for health and wellness. Children as young at two years of age know that life experience have some order. They understand routine. A two year old knows that when she sits in her high-chair or at the family table that food is about to be served. They know that sitting comes first and eating comes second. This is the beginning of their understanding that some predictability exists in their world.
Morning and evening routines are the most basic routines to establish. While every family does routines differently, there are some basic tasks children need to complete each day before going to school. Of course, they need to get up, get dressed, get their teeth brushed, brush their hair, eat breakfast and head off to school.
Begin developing task lists by sitting down with your children, yes, even the young ones and talk about basic routines.
"Each morning when we get up we have a lot to do." "What do you do each morning?" "What order do you like to do things in?"
Write down the parts of the child's routine. Let them draw them and color them and write them out to their ability level. With a young child they can draw pictures and you can write underneath the pictures for them. Some children like to bathe in the morning others like to complete their homework in the morning. Write it all down. Then take a white magic marker board, the size you can hang on a bedroom door, and write a list of five tasks. Keep it simple so that your children can experience success.
Your board might look like this:
• Make my bed
• Get dressed
• Eat breakfast
• Brush my teeth
• Brush my hair
Or like this:
• Take a shower
• Get dressed
• Brush my teeth
• Brush my hair
• Eat breakfast
Create a task list for each child, recognizing that they may benefit from different routines. However the routine best works for you and your child, that is how you will write it down. Identifying routines and assigning written tasks to your children helps them become masterful independent children.
Monday, November 10, 2008
MaryAnn Kohl's Art Books: A must for creative families
Once a month I co-teach an entire day of art to three classes at our girls school. We use MaryAnn Kohls books which I highly recommend to you all! Crayons, clay, fingerpaints, cookie sheets, milk cartons, and music are among the many ingredients that go into her imaginative art projects for kids http://www.brightring.com/Books.html.
The art projects in these award-winning books by MaryAnn Kohl allow children to explore the many facets of their world through art as a process, not just as a product. For your home, for your friends, for your children - check them out http://www.brightring.com/
The art projects in these award-winning books by MaryAnn Kohl allow children to explore the many facets of their world through art as a process, not just as a product. For your home, for your friends, for your children - check them out http://www.brightring.com/
Thursday, November 6, 2008
INFANT SLEEP PATTERNS
In the first three months, tiny babies seldom sleep for more than four-hour stretches without needing a feeding. Tiny babies have tiny tummies. Yet, they usually sleep a total of 14-18 hours a day.
From three to six months, most babies begin to settle. They are awake for longer stretches during the day and some may sleep five-hour stretches at night. Between three to six months, expect one or two nightwakings. You will also see the period of deep sleep lengthen. The vulnerable periods for nightwaking decrease and babies are able to enter deep sleep more quickly. This is called sleep maturity.
Generally, newborns sleep about eight to nine hours in the daytime and about eight hours at night. Most babies do not begin sleeping through the night (six to eight hours) without waking until about three months of age, or until they weigh 12 to 13 pounds. Newborns and young infants have a small stomach and must wake every few hours to eat. In most cases, your baby will awaken and be ready to eat about every three to four hours.
It is not necessary to wake a baby for feedings unless you have been advised to do so by your baby's physician. However, we usually do not let a newborn sleep longer than five hours at a time in the first five to six weeks. Some premature babies need more frequent feedings and must be awakened to eat.
Babies have shorter sleep cycles than you do. Alternating light and deep sleep about every 60 minutes vs Adults 90 minutes.
Signs that baby is falling asleep:
o Sigh Baby
o Grimace Baby
o Flutter Baby
o Twitch Baby
o Limp-limb Baby is usually fast asleep
Some babies need help getting back to sleep. Some "resettlers" or "self-soothers" can go through this vulnerable period without completely awakening, and if they do wake up, they can ease themselves back into a deep sleep.
Blood flow to the brain nearly doubles during REM sleep. (This increased blood flow is particularly evident in the area of the brain that automatically controls breathing.) During REM sleep the body increases its manufacture of certain nerve proteins, the building blocks of the brain. Learning is also thought to occur during the active stage of sleep. Speak with your pediatrician regarding your babies sleep habits as all babies differ.
From three to six months, most babies begin to settle. They are awake for longer stretches during the day and some may sleep five-hour stretches at night. Between three to six months, expect one or two nightwakings. You will also see the period of deep sleep lengthen. The vulnerable periods for nightwaking decrease and babies are able to enter deep sleep more quickly. This is called sleep maturity.
Generally, newborns sleep about eight to nine hours in the daytime and about eight hours at night. Most babies do not begin sleeping through the night (six to eight hours) without waking until about three months of age, or until they weigh 12 to 13 pounds. Newborns and young infants have a small stomach and must wake every few hours to eat. In most cases, your baby will awaken and be ready to eat about every three to four hours.
It is not necessary to wake a baby for feedings unless you have been advised to do so by your baby's physician. However, we usually do not let a newborn sleep longer than five hours at a time in the first five to six weeks. Some premature babies need more frequent feedings and must be awakened to eat.
Babies have shorter sleep cycles than you do. Alternating light and deep sleep about every 60 minutes vs Adults 90 minutes.
Signs that baby is falling asleep:
o Sigh Baby
o Grimace Baby
o Flutter Baby
o Twitch Baby
o Limp-limb Baby is usually fast asleep
Some babies need help getting back to sleep. Some "resettlers" or "self-soothers" can go through this vulnerable period without completely awakening, and if they do wake up, they can ease themselves back into a deep sleep.
Blood flow to the brain nearly doubles during REM sleep. (This increased blood flow is particularly evident in the area of the brain that automatically controls breathing.) During REM sleep the body increases its manufacture of certain nerve proteins, the building blocks of the brain. Learning is also thought to occur during the active stage of sleep. Speak with your pediatrician regarding your babies sleep habits as all babies differ.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
The Perfect Apple Pie
Tune in to The Family Coach Solution Studio to listen to the Empress of Pies, Miss Kris talk about making the perfect apple pie this holiday season.
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/The-Family-Coach
Pie Crust
2 ½ cups flour
1 cup shortening (I like butter flavored Crisco)
1 teaspoon salt
1 Tablespoon white vinegar
1 egg
Up to 1/3 cup cold water
Cut shortening into flour and salt with a pastry blender. You are looking for coarse crumb-like texture.
Measure vinegar and egg in measuring cup. Add cold to make 1/3 cup. Beat lightly. Add to flour mixture until dough holds together – adding more water 1 T at a time if necessary.
Apples
6-8 cups peeled and sliced tart apples (I like Granny Smith best)
3 Tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¾ - 1 cup sugar – depending on the apples
1 Tablespoon lemon juice
2 Tablespoons butter
Toss apples with flour, cinnamon, sugar and lemon juice. Put in crust and dot with butter before adding top crust. Pie should bake at 375 degrees – probably close to an hour. Cover top lightly with foil during the first half hour or so to keep from over browning. Pie is done when crust is flaky and apples are bubbling. Yum!
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/The-Family-Coach
Pie Crust
2 ½ cups flour
1 cup shortening (I like butter flavored Crisco)
1 teaspoon salt
1 Tablespoon white vinegar
1 egg
Up to 1/3 cup cold water
Cut shortening into flour and salt with a pastry blender. You are looking for coarse crumb-like texture.
Measure vinegar and egg in measuring cup. Add cold to make 1/3 cup. Beat lightly. Add to flour mixture until dough holds together – adding more water 1 T at a time if necessary.
Apples
6-8 cups peeled and sliced tart apples (I like Granny Smith best)
3 Tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¾ - 1 cup sugar – depending on the apples
1 Tablespoon lemon juice
2 Tablespoons butter
Toss apples with flour, cinnamon, sugar and lemon juice. Put in crust and dot with butter before adding top crust. Pie should bake at 375 degrees – probably close to an hour. Cover top lightly with foil during the first half hour or so to keep from over browning. Pie is done when crust is flaky and apples are bubbling. Yum!
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Get Dr. Kenney's DVD today
DVD - Parenting Essentials: 10 Steps to More Confident Parenting by Dr. Lynne Kenney
http://www.yoursuccessstore.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=1983
Dr. Lynne Kenney, a self-professed "nine year-old at heart," recognizes that we live in a stressful world. She also believes that kids are resilient and forgiving. In the face of challenges, we can raise strong, independent children while living passionately and helping our children do the same. A clinician and an educator, Dr. Kenney talks about:
· Establishing and communicating values for our children
· Setting boundaries
· Getting out of the "control cycle"
· Helping kids define themselves
Dr. Kenney founded the multimedia franchise Real Time Moms, audiocasts the ModMom show, and hosts Baby Basics on BabyFirst TV. She has written for audiences from children to divorce court judges, and she has a busy clinical practice. She holds a doctorate in psychology from Pepperdine University and has trained at Harvard Medical School and UCLA Medical School. Bonus materials include an in-depth interview with Dr. Kenney, an audience Q&A session and more!
http://www.yoursuccessstore.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=1983
Dr. Lynne Kenney, a self-professed "nine year-old at heart," recognizes that we live in a stressful world. She also believes that kids are resilient and forgiving. In the face of challenges, we can raise strong, independent children while living passionately and helping our children do the same. A clinician and an educator, Dr. Kenney talks about:
· Establishing and communicating values for our children
· Setting boundaries
· Getting out of the "control cycle"
· Helping kids define themselves
Dr. Kenney founded the multimedia franchise Real Time Moms, audiocasts the ModMom show, and hosts Baby Basics on BabyFirst TV. She has written for audiences from children to divorce court judges, and she has a busy clinical practice. She holds a doctorate in psychology from Pepperdine University and has trained at Harvard Medical School and UCLA Medical School. Bonus materials include an in-depth interview with Dr. Kenney, an audience Q&A session and more!
You are what you eat! Teleconference November 13, 2008
Today’s families are overscheduled and overtaxed. Learn the importance of fueling your family life with healthy food, meal planning, simple meals, exercise and fun! Dive into family dining, family meal planning, cooking, dinner table activities and mindful eating. Experience 60 minutes that will change your life. The Family Coach Dr. Lynne Kenney. 12 participant limit. Write me at thefamilycoachATaol.com to register. November 13, 2008 9:30-10:30 am Arizona Time.
a. What are the 12 healthiest foods
b. The Harvard Healthy Food Pyramid
c. Three levels of healthy eating
d. Juicing, mixing, cooking and stirring
e. Family meal planning
f. Healthy cookbooks
g. Family Dinner Time Activities
h. Strategies for picky eaters
i. Family Dinner as a protective factor for your children
Call in numbers and handout will be emailed to your prior to the event.
Come armed with paper, pencil and markers. Hear you there!
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Be A Mentor at AASK
Do you remember the person who helped you search for your first apartment?
Who dropped you off for your first job interview?
Who was there to listen when you came home after a rough day at work?
One of the most critical needs in our community is for mentors to support foster teens age 17 and older. Upon celebrating their 18th birthday, foster teens “age out” of the system. The State provides each teen with monthly financial support for housing and food, but without a caring adult to guide and encourage them it can be very scary to venture into the adult world.
How does the program benefit teens?
As a Community Advisor, you can help make a difference in the life of a foster teen by serving as a role model, mentor and friend. You can provide them with emotional support and assistance in learning life skills as they transition from foster care to an independent life of their own. Community Advisors assist foster teens in learning positive decision-making, relationship building and becoming successful participants in their community.
Nationwide, foster youth without support are less likely to finish high school and are more likely to be homeless, unemployed, live in poverty, become involved in violence, drug and alcohol abuse, or be incarcerated.
How can you get involved?
Find out how you can make a difference in a foster teen’s future. Contact specialfriends@aask-az.org for program details and to download an application. You may also contact: Community Advisor Program Coordinator, Michael Weddle, at mweddle@aask-az.org or at telephone number 602.930.4451. Visit www.aask-az.org for more information.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Five Steps To Being A Mindful Parent
The term “mindful” has been the subject of much research in the past ten years. According to Jon Kabat-Zinn, a prominent researcher in mindfulness, “Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way; On purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally.”
Relative to your daily parenting, mindfulness refers to being present and alert in the moment with yourself first and then your child without distraction. Parenting mindfully means being present and non-judgmental in any given moment or experience. When one is present, alert and experiencing a moment fully, parenting attentively with love and compassion arrive with ease. Each moment flows to the next as you experience the thoughts, sensations and experiences of being in the moment with your child. Being mindful is living alertly in the now.
If one is going to establish a parenting process that takes just 30 mindful minutes a day to implement, it needs to be active, actionable and simple. No parent is going to adhere to a long arduous and confusing process. So the first step is to simplify parenting. Using mindfulness as the backdrop this is achievable.
Here are five simple steps to becoming mindful each day:
1. First thing in the morning, fresh out of bed, sit and meditate for five minutes, take a brisk walk or sit down with your planer and bring being mindful "front of mind."
2. Choose a specific person, activity, word or action to focus on.
3. Create a sentence to say to yourself that will help you to focus mindfully on this person, activity, word or action. As an example, for my daughters birthday, she wished for me to be a more back-stage helper rather than the director of the event. At eight years of age she had an image of how she wanted her party to go and she wished to be the director. So the day of her party, I sat for five minutes with my eyes closed, I centered my thought on the following affirmation "Allie is the director, I am the helper, let her guide the way."
4. When you live your mindful focus by observing your affirmation, sentence, or mantra, take one second to smile to yourself and think "I lived it!"
5. Release your brain to live the rest of your day with free and happy thoughts because you practiced and lived one mindful goal throughout your day.
Remember, one thought one moment at a time.
Relative to your daily parenting, mindfulness refers to being present and alert in the moment with yourself first and then your child without distraction. Parenting mindfully means being present and non-judgmental in any given moment or experience. When one is present, alert and experiencing a moment fully, parenting attentively with love and compassion arrive with ease. Each moment flows to the next as you experience the thoughts, sensations and experiences of being in the moment with your child. Being mindful is living alertly in the now.
If one is going to establish a parenting process that takes just 30 mindful minutes a day to implement, it needs to be active, actionable and simple. No parent is going to adhere to a long arduous and confusing process. So the first step is to simplify parenting. Using mindfulness as the backdrop this is achievable.
Here are five simple steps to becoming mindful each day:
1. First thing in the morning, fresh out of bed, sit and meditate for five minutes, take a brisk walk or sit down with your planer and bring being mindful "front of mind."
2. Choose a specific person, activity, word or action to focus on.
3. Create a sentence to say to yourself that will help you to focus mindfully on this person, activity, word or action. As an example, for my daughters birthday, she wished for me to be a more back-stage helper rather than the director of the event. At eight years of age she had an image of how she wanted her party to go and she wished to be the director. So the day of her party, I sat for five minutes with my eyes closed, I centered my thought on the following affirmation "Allie is the director, I am the helper, let her guide the way."
4. When you live your mindful focus by observing your affirmation, sentence, or mantra, take one second to smile to yourself and think "I lived it!"
5. Release your brain to live the rest of your day with free and happy thoughts because you practiced and lived one mindful goal throughout your day.
Remember, one thought one moment at a time.
What is Stress by Entrepreneur Coach Peggy Porter
What Really is STRESS?
As women and Mom Entrepreneurs, stress is probably a word that we either say or hear daily. If we don't say or hear it then I guarantee most people feel it. It has become a fact of life.
The secret to handling stress, however, is in the management of it.
How a person manages stress and copes with change affects both the quality and length of life a person can expect to live. Hans Selye-the father of stress research and education, discovered in the laboratory that mood affects health. When you are happy, your body emits chemicals and hormones that combat disease and prolong life. When you are sad or depressed, your body releases chemicals and hormones that can trigger disease and prematurely end life.
For the typical person, half the source of stress is job related and half is connected to home and family.
If the workplace is stressful, it helps to have a safe haven at home; if there is stress at home, it is ideal to have smooth sailing at work. The person however who is fighting a double war-stress on the job AND at home-is a candidate for "breakdown", otherwise known as "burnout."
Here's one definition of stress:
The physical and emotional wear and tear resulting from real or imagined problems. When a threat to wellbeing is perceived, a small area of the brain known as the hypothalamus is activated. This stimulates a number of other physiological changes; increased release of hormones and chemicals into the bloodstream, increased heart rate, energy, respiration and blood flow to active muscles. The body goes into a state of "alert" - ready to take action, ready to combat the threat or run away. This is known as the Fight or Flight response. If you do fight or flee, chemicals and hormones are used up quickly by the body.
In the early ages of civilization when men and women were threatened by large predators, forest fires and an adverse climate the fight or flight response served them well. It was an excellent aid for survival; stressor -- physiological reaction -- fight or flee -- body returns to normal because they dealt with the stressor and then the stressor was gone until another one came along.
In the modern day, however, most of our threats are psychological instead of physical...often fighting is not appropriate and fleeing is not possible. Bodies still react just as our ancestors did so hormones and chemicals are released in response to the threat. Because the threats are more psychological than physical, we sit tight (unable to fight or flee as our ancestors did when dealing with a physical threat) and react to one stressor after another-usually leaving our body with no time to return to normal before the next stressor hits us. The level of chemicals and hormones increase and our internal organs experience wear and tear. Damage may result in conditions such as heart attack, stroke, ulcerative colitis, or other harmful diseases.
So as you can see, stress in today's society is much more serious and damaging than in the earlier ages.
Another challenge is that we accept stress as just a normal part of our lives without realizing the toll it is taking on not only on the length of our lives but the quality as well.
In order to be a successful business owner and balanced Mom, effectively recognizing and managing stress is key. Is stress affecting your life or business? If so, stay tuned for my next article where I will talk about the signs of stress and the one thing you MUST do to manage it more effectively. Visit www.peggyporter.com for more.
As women and Mom Entrepreneurs, stress is probably a word that we either say or hear daily. If we don't say or hear it then I guarantee most people feel it. It has become a fact of life.
The secret to handling stress, however, is in the management of it.
How a person manages stress and copes with change affects both the quality and length of life a person can expect to live. Hans Selye-the father of stress research and education, discovered in the laboratory that mood affects health. When you are happy, your body emits chemicals and hormones that combat disease and prolong life. When you are sad or depressed, your body releases chemicals and hormones that can trigger disease and prematurely end life.
For the typical person, half the source of stress is job related and half is connected to home and family.
If the workplace is stressful, it helps to have a safe haven at home; if there is stress at home, it is ideal to have smooth sailing at work. The person however who is fighting a double war-stress on the job AND at home-is a candidate for "breakdown", otherwise known as "burnout."
Here's one definition of stress:
The physical and emotional wear and tear resulting from real or imagined problems. When a threat to wellbeing is perceived, a small area of the brain known as the hypothalamus is activated. This stimulates a number of other physiological changes; increased release of hormones and chemicals into the bloodstream, increased heart rate, energy, respiration and blood flow to active muscles. The body goes into a state of "alert" - ready to take action, ready to combat the threat or run away. This is known as the Fight or Flight response. If you do fight or flee, chemicals and hormones are used up quickly by the body.
In the early ages of civilization when men and women were threatened by large predators, forest fires and an adverse climate the fight or flight response served them well. It was an excellent aid for survival; stressor -- physiological reaction -- fight or flee -- body returns to normal because they dealt with the stressor and then the stressor was gone until another one came along.
In the modern day, however, most of our threats are psychological instead of physical...often fighting is not appropriate and fleeing is not possible. Bodies still react just as our ancestors did so hormones and chemicals are released in response to the threat. Because the threats are more psychological than physical, we sit tight (unable to fight or flee as our ancestors did when dealing with a physical threat) and react to one stressor after another-usually leaving our body with no time to return to normal before the next stressor hits us. The level of chemicals and hormones increase and our internal organs experience wear and tear. Damage may result in conditions such as heart attack, stroke, ulcerative colitis, or other harmful diseases.
So as you can see, stress in today's society is much more serious and damaging than in the earlier ages.
Another challenge is that we accept stress as just a normal part of our lives without realizing the toll it is taking on not only on the length of our lives but the quality as well.
In order to be a successful business owner and balanced Mom, effectively recognizing and managing stress is key. Is stress affecting your life or business? If so, stay tuned for my next article where I will talk about the signs of stress and the one thing you MUST do to manage it more effectively. Visit www.peggyporter.com for more.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Time Management For Moms
In the past few weeks several moms and I have discussed the need to spend 15 simple minutes a day planning their strategies for home success.
Topics we have reviewed:
1. Manage your to do's: Write your to do's in your planner. Prioritize your to do's (ABC). Give a to do to someone else if it is not imperative that you do it.
2. Clean one room a day for 15 minutes and your home will sparkle.
3. Spend 15 mindful face to face uninterrupted minutes with your child, your relationship will blossom.
Now my wonderful colleague Heather Dominick www.energyrichcoach.com has introduced me to Paula Eder "The Time Finder." This is what I learned on her blog this morning - thetimefinder.com/
Finding Time You Didn’t Know You Had!
The secret to finding more time for yourself is by developing the skill that I call “Thinking 15.”
‘Thinking 15″ means looking at 15-minutes as the time-block that you build your day, and your daily plan, around. It means knowing that 15-minutes is plenty of time for many, many tasks in your life. You may not be able to complete a task in 15-minutes - but you can always make a start!
When you’re “Thinking 15″ you’ll find that you are making choices about time in a whole new way. What if you have 15-minutes between the dinner dishes and your coaching call? You won’t let that precious time go, thinking that there’s nothing on your plate that takes just 15-minutes.
Something is better than nothing.
Rather than letting that time go by, when you’re “Thinking 15” you might make a start on a task that you haven’t been getting to. Or how about jumping on the treadmill for a quick run, or lifting some weights? You could return a phone call or respond to some e-mails. Or you might choose to take the moment and sit quietly with yourself, as Connie Ragen Green and I suggested in yesterday’s post.
In all of these examples, the operative concepts are “Thinking 15” and recognizing that whether you consciously choose or not, you’re always making time choices!
As you go through your day, I guarantee that you will find “Thinking 15” to be a very useful tool for both finding and using time more effectively!
How many 15-minute time blocks can you reclaim and put to use today?
I'm looking at my day differently already. Thanks Paula!
Topics we have reviewed:
1. Manage your to do's: Write your to do's in your planner. Prioritize your to do's (ABC). Give a to do to someone else if it is not imperative that you do it.
2. Clean one room a day for 15 minutes and your home will sparkle.
3. Spend 15 mindful face to face uninterrupted minutes with your child, your relationship will blossom.
Now my wonderful colleague Heather Dominick www.energyrichcoach.com has introduced me to Paula Eder "The Time Finder." This is what I learned on her blog this morning - thetimefinder.com/
Finding Time You Didn’t Know You Had!
The secret to finding more time for yourself is by developing the skill that I call “Thinking 15.”
‘Thinking 15″ means looking at 15-minutes as the time-block that you build your day, and your daily plan, around. It means knowing that 15-minutes is plenty of time for many, many tasks in your life. You may not be able to complete a task in 15-minutes - but you can always make a start!
When you’re “Thinking 15″ you’ll find that you are making choices about time in a whole new way. What if you have 15-minutes between the dinner dishes and your coaching call? You won’t let that precious time go, thinking that there’s nothing on your plate that takes just 15-minutes.
Something is better than nothing.
Rather than letting that time go by, when you’re “Thinking 15” you might make a start on a task that you haven’t been getting to. Or how about jumping on the treadmill for a quick run, or lifting some weights? You could return a phone call or respond to some e-mails. Or you might choose to take the moment and sit quietly with yourself, as Connie Ragen Green and I suggested in yesterday’s post.
In all of these examples, the operative concepts are “Thinking 15” and recognizing that whether you consciously choose or not, you’re always making time choices!
As you go through your day, I guarantee that you will find “Thinking 15” to be a very useful tool for both finding and using time more effectively!
How many 15-minute time blocks can you reclaim and put to use today?
I'm looking at my day differently already. Thanks Paula!
Friday, October 10, 2008
The Family Coach Menu
Each day I am honored to receive many phone calls and emails from moms asking, "How can I improve my family life?" A good place to start is with your own personal priorities. What domains do you wish to improve? What are you currently finding most challenging? Look at The Family Coach menu, choose the three top areas in which you wish to work then email me on the CONTACT button on www.lynnekenney.com, I will help to guide you to resources that are best suited for you and your family.
THE FAMILY COACH
Coaching Menu
Better Family Living
Create more family fun
Develop closer family relationships
Develop successful family leadership
Develop successful family systems
Develop successful strategies for disciplining our children
Family meal planning
Getting our children to do as we ask
Goal setting for success
Grocery shopping strategies
Identify the foundation of our family
Nutrition and health planning
Simple cooking strategies
The Organized Home
Daily action plan for healthy families
Develop a system for family roles and responsibilities
Develop a system for family tasks and chores
Develop and implement study centers
Time-management strategies (individual or family)
Use schedules, posters, and picture boards for every day success
The Productive Family
Homework success strategies
Manage ADHD at home or at school
Manage Anxiety/Anger/Avoidance
MoveMent morsels: Health and exercise systems
My family art center
My family music center
My family small manipulatives center
Organizing our toys and tools
Play Time strategies
Setting up centers: Who, what, when, where and how
Teaching readiness and responsibility
You’re personalized “The Family Coach @ Home Curriculum”
THE FAMILY COACH
Coaching Menu
Better Family Living
Create more family fun
Develop closer family relationships
Develop successful family leadership
Develop successful family systems
Develop successful strategies for disciplining our children
Family meal planning
Getting our children to do as we ask
Goal setting for success
Grocery shopping strategies
Identify the foundation of our family
Nutrition and health planning
Simple cooking strategies
The Organized Home
Daily action plan for healthy families
Develop a system for family roles and responsibilities
Develop a system for family tasks and chores
Develop and implement study centers
Time-management strategies (individual or family)
Use schedules, posters, and picture boards for every day success
The Productive Family
Homework success strategies
Manage ADHD at home or at school
Manage Anxiety/Anger/Avoidance
MoveMent morsels: Health and exercise systems
My family art center
My family music center
My family small manipulatives center
Organizing our toys and tools
Play Time strategies
Setting up centers: Who, what, when, where and how
Teaching readiness and responsibility
You’re personalized “The Family Coach @ Home Curriculum”
What Does Coaching Mean To You?
What does coaching mean to you?
When you look back on your life experiences with your coaches, what did they do?
They helped you learn new skills.
They helped you improve your skills and abilities in order to go from ordinary to extraordinary.
The Family Coach is a method where a skilled person outside of your immediate circle, helps you to identify who you want to be and how you are going to get there. Coaching is about change through active questioning, data collection, decision making and implementation.
How The Family Coach works: The coaching process is an enjoyable and amazing journey in which you develop an effective collaboration between the family coach and yourself.
In creating skills for Better Family Living, the coaching work is about laying a clear foundation, identifying where you are, where you are going and how you are going to get there. You participate in an active process of goal setting and reexamination of your achievement towards your goals. You learn the skills to monitor progress toward your goals on a daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual basis.
The Family Coach helps you plan for your future, organize your time, design your family life and realize your potential as a parent, mom entrepreneur and CEO of your family life. You can dive into Better Family Living Skills with The Family Coach Teleclass Series, email Lynne through the CONTACT button on the www.lynnekenney.com website if you wish to learn more.
When you look back on your life experiences with your coaches, what did they do?
They helped you learn new skills.
They helped you improve your skills and abilities in order to go from ordinary to extraordinary.
The Family Coach is a method where a skilled person outside of your immediate circle, helps you to identify who you want to be and how you are going to get there. Coaching is about change through active questioning, data collection, decision making and implementation.
How The Family Coach works: The coaching process is an enjoyable and amazing journey in which you develop an effective collaboration between the family coach and yourself.
In creating skills for Better Family Living, the coaching work is about laying a clear foundation, identifying where you are, where you are going and how you are going to get there. You participate in an active process of goal setting and reexamination of your achievement towards your goals. You learn the skills to monitor progress toward your goals on a daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual basis.
The Family Coach helps you plan for your future, organize your time, design your family life and realize your potential as a parent, mom entrepreneur and CEO of your family life. You can dive into Better Family Living Skills with The Family Coach Teleclass Series, email Lynne through the CONTACT button on the www.lynnekenney.com website if you wish to learn more.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Managing Anger and Anxiety II Teleclass
You are invited to the Managing Anger and Anxiety II Teleclass
Tuesday October 14, 2008 7:30-8:30 pm Pacific Time
I have created a teleclass to extend our learning from the recent NSP Workshop. Even if you were not free to attend, this teleclass will provide valuable content for you.
In this teleclass we will step back to the foundation of our homes. A topic few families ever have the opportunity to explore. We will review progress of your strategies to date and discuss Establishing The Foundation for your happy home.
We will review establishing your family mission statement, creating a values based family, and writing the rules for your happy home. You are free to invite friends if you wish. We all can learn to develop the foundation for our successful homes together.
For Registration Please Visit http://thefamilycoach.eventbrite.com/
The class will last 60 minutes. This teleconferencing opportunity costs $35.00. You dial the conference line and enter the PIN number. You pay for the long-distance charge, which varies based on your own phone sevice agreement. This is a live call similar to a conference call. You will be able to communicate with other class participants, ask questions and offer comments.
Please come to the teleclass armed with white paper, several markers and a pen. If you already have developed your The Family Coach Playbook, our notes will go there, if you have yet to develop your Playbook stay tuned... we will do it Tuesday via phone.
The conference line and PIN will be emailed to you upon registration.
Please secure payment through PAYPAL. I look forward to sharing this learning experience with you.
Very Best,
Lynne Kenney, PsyD
www.lynnekenney.com
Tuesday October 14, 2008 7:30-8:30 pm Pacific Time
I have created a teleclass to extend our learning from the recent NSP Workshop. Even if you were not free to attend, this teleclass will provide valuable content for you.
In this teleclass we will step back to the foundation of our homes. A topic few families ever have the opportunity to explore. We will review progress of your strategies to date and discuss Establishing The Foundation for your happy home.
We will review establishing your family mission statement, creating a values based family, and writing the rules for your happy home. You are free to invite friends if you wish. We all can learn to develop the foundation for our successful homes together.
For Registration Please Visit http://thefamilycoach.eventbrite.com/
The class will last 60 minutes. This teleconferencing opportunity costs $35.00. You dial the conference line and enter the PIN number. You pay for the long-distance charge, which varies based on your own phone sevice agreement. This is a live call similar to a conference call. You will be able to communicate with other class participants, ask questions and offer comments.
Please come to the teleclass armed with white paper, several markers and a pen. If you already have developed your The Family Coach Playbook, our notes will go there, if you have yet to develop your Playbook stay tuned... we will do it Tuesday via phone.
The conference line and PIN will be emailed to you upon registration.
Please secure payment through PAYPAL. I look forward to sharing this learning experience with you.
Very Best,
Lynne Kenney, PsyD
www.lynnekenney.com
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Halloween Health Tips
This Halloween keep your kids on an even keel with these health and nutrition tips:
1. Eat lean proteins such as chicken and complex carbohydrates like brown rice before eating sweets to decrease the associated blood sugar spike. Eating lean protein or complex carbohydrates will help slow down the absorption of the sugar into your blood stream. Did you know that in order for you to lose weight, you must keep your blood sugar level steady to allow your body to burn fat?
2. Offer your children a healthy meal before Trick or Treating. The less hungry they are the less likely they are to overload on candy.
3. During the holiday season keep fresh fruit on the kitchen counter so when your kids grab-n-go they choose fresh fruit over sweets.
4. If candy is a must, offer your children lollipops instead of candy bars. In general, hard candies have fewer calories than chocolate. For example, 2.1 oz of a snickers bar has 280 calories compared to a lollipop with only 22 calories. That means, a snickers bar has over 12x more calories than a piece of a lollipop.
5. Buy your candy at the last minute to avoid eating the candy ahead of time. Consider buying a candy that you don't like to avoid the temptation of eating it
when handing out candy to trick or treaters.
6. After Trick-or-Treating offer to buy the candy your kids gathered for 5 cents a piece, they'll have money to go shopping and you'll have less of a headache from their screaming sugar rush.
7. Donate the candy to a day camp, shelter or school, teachers use one piece at a time for academic reinforcement. One piece at a time is the perfect portion.
Halloween is a time for family and fun. Developing a plan for health ahead of time is the key.
Source: Arnel Ricafranca is the owner of Fitness Boot Camp.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Back To The Dinner Table: Name Your Nights
Getting back on a family dinner schedule is one of the best gifts you can give your children after the holidays. Family dinner has been shown to enhance school success, decrease illegal substance use and decrease bullying and teasing.
Take the time to name each night a different dining experience.
Sunday = Buffet Night
Monday = Hearty Meals Night
Tuesday = Spaghetti Night
Wednesday = On Broadway! As your children prepare and sing a show of any sort. Thursday = Picnic Night – Remember you can picnic anywhere anytime, in your backyard, in the park or even on the family room floor.
Friday = Ethnic Dinner Night, try some exotic food choices or simply stick with Chinese.
Saturday = Date Night, mom and dad go out and kids enjoy Pizza and salad.
Change up your schedule when kids get energized or you run out of recipes. Check out www.cooks.com, www.rachaelray.com, www.allrecipes.com and www.bhg.com for monthly recipes.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
ON THE SAME PAGE – WHEN YOUR DISCIPLINE STYLES VARY
Parenting your children can be difficult. We often struggle with determining the right appropriate limits and with following through with the consequences 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 punishments, or even threats of punishment 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.
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 punishments, or even threats of punishment 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.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Free Parenting Class in Phoenix
Parachutes For Parents is a one-stop parenting program that will show you how to both love and discipline your children. It then shows you how to achieve the kind of communication that leads to close, warm connections, joyful laughter, and memorable times with your family. It also shows you how to by-pass the teen rebellion and offers a 125-page Problem-Solving Guide for every imaginable parenting problem.
You will learn to:
• Keep parent-child relationships close & cooperative, rather than broken and bratty
• Conduct open, fun, & interesting conversation, rather than combative or shut down interactions
• Use problems to teach clear lessons about living life honestly & effectively, rather that resist and dismiss them as unnecessary disruptions
• By-pass the teen rebellion, rather than become paralyzed and ineffective during this phase of child development
• Bring true peace & joy to your family, rather than the chaos that fills so many homes.
Powerful Parenting Class
Wednesdays, September 10th - November 12th
CCOJ - Building 3 (Room 303 & 304)
6:30pm - 8:00pm
Class is Free of Charge (no need to register)
Day-care is Free @ Kid's Kountry (on same campus as CCOJ)
Presented by Bobbie Merrill, MSW and Tom Merrill, Ph. D.
Much of the Merrill's approach to working with children is based on Bobbie's highly acclaimed book, Parachutes for Parents: Raising Loved and Loving Children for a Better World. This model has been successfully demonstrated in schools in the United States and Australia, producing high numbers of intellectually and socially gifted and cooperative children. In addition, thousands of parents have reported significant results when they use this model.
Joy is located on the NW corner of 75th Ave. and Loop 101. 21000 N. 75th Ave., Glendale, AZ 85308
You will learn to:
• Keep parent-child relationships close & cooperative, rather than broken and bratty
• Conduct open, fun, & interesting conversation, rather than combative or shut down interactions
• Use problems to teach clear lessons about living life honestly & effectively, rather that resist and dismiss them as unnecessary disruptions
• By-pass the teen rebellion, rather than become paralyzed and ineffective during this phase of child development
• Bring true peace & joy to your family, rather than the chaos that fills so many homes.
Powerful Parenting Class
Wednesdays, September 10th - November 12th
CCOJ - Building 3 (Room 303 & 304)
6:30pm - 8:00pm
Class is Free of Charge (no need to register)
Day-care is Free @ Kid's Kountry (on same campus as CCOJ)
Presented by Bobbie Merrill, MSW and Tom Merrill, Ph. D.
Much of the Merrill's approach to working with children is based on Bobbie's highly acclaimed book, Parachutes for Parents: Raising Loved and Loving Children for a Better World. This model has been successfully demonstrated in schools in the United States and Australia, producing high numbers of intellectually and socially gifted and cooperative children. In addition, thousands of parents have reported significant results when they use this model.
Joy is located on the NW corner of 75th Ave. and Loop 101. 21000 N. 75th Ave., Glendale, AZ 85308
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Is Your Child Ready For Potty Training
Most children show an interest in learning to potty between the ages of 18-36months. Yet every child is different. If you ask your friends, you'll hear every story under the sun from, "My daughter trained herself at 22 months," to "My five year old still won't poop on the potty."
As a parent you want to remain calm and know that your developmentally skillful child will surely be using the potty by elementary school so don't freak out:). One thing I wish someone had told me before I introduced the potty to our children was that many children pee train before they poop train. No challenge, it will all come in time. Breathe, relax.
Let's begin with signs you child might be ready.
Cognitive Signs
Can follow simple instructions, such as "go get the toy."
Understands the value of putting things where they belong.
Has words for pee and poop.
Has awareness that pee or poop are coming out.
Feels the urge to pee or poop.
Can communicate that urge.
Behavioral Signs
Shows interest in other people using the potty.
Wants to look at or watch people going potty.
Gives a verbal noiuse or sign that she is pottying such as grunting, squatting, or telling you.
Demonstrates a desire for independence.
Takes pride in her accomplishments.
Seems eager to use the potty.
Physical Signs
Can sit down quietly in one position for two to five minutes.
Can pull his pants up and down.
Does not like the feeling of wearing a wet or dirty diaper.
Wants the dirty diaper to come off.
Takes the dirty diaper off himself.
Can walk and run with relative ease.
Can hold her pee for three-four hours or more (this shows bladder control)
Has regular, well-formed bowel movements at relatively predictable times.
Next we'll take a look at introducing pottying to your "potty-ready" child.
As a parent you want to remain calm and know that your developmentally skillful child will surely be using the potty by elementary school so don't freak out:). One thing I wish someone had told me before I introduced the potty to our children was that many children pee train before they poop train. No challenge, it will all come in time. Breathe, relax.
Let's begin with signs you child might be ready.
Cognitive Signs
Can follow simple instructions, such as "go get the toy."
Understands the value of putting things where they belong.
Has words for pee and poop.
Has awareness that pee or poop are coming out.
Feels the urge to pee or poop.
Can communicate that urge.
Behavioral Signs
Shows interest in other people using the potty.
Wants to look at or watch people going potty.
Gives a verbal noiuse or sign that she is pottying such as grunting, squatting, or telling you.
Demonstrates a desire for independence.
Takes pride in her accomplishments.
Seems eager to use the potty.
Physical Signs
Can sit down quietly in one position for two to five minutes.
Can pull his pants up and down.
Does not like the feeling of wearing a wet or dirty diaper.
Wants the dirty diaper to come off.
Takes the dirty diaper off himself.
Can walk and run with relative ease.
Can hold her pee for three-four hours or more (this shows bladder control)
Has regular, well-formed bowel movements at relatively predictable times.
Next we'll take a look at introducing pottying to your "potty-ready" child.
Art Masterpiece Program
Art is a medium for all the senses. A child can look, imagine, think, ponder, draw, paint, sculpt, explore and learn with art. If you have some time in September consider attending the Art Masterpiece Program at the Phoenix Art Museum for educators. Parents are welcome as well. Specifically, it is training for those parents whose schools participate in Art Masterpiece. But really, any parent can come learn and enjoy.
Art Masterpiece Program
The Art Masterpiece Program trains school-based volunteers in tools and techniques to teach elementary-level students about the visual arts. Most participants are classroom volunteers at a child’s school who augment presentation of the visual arts on a regular basis. The Training Program covers basics of looking at and discussing art objects, an overview of art history, resources for materials and ideas, modeling of classroom presentations and activities, and Museum orientation.
Wednesdays in September*
September 3, 10, 17, 24
9:30am – 12 Noon
Phoenix Art Museum
* New material will be presented every Wednesday
You can register online today or at the Museum on Wednesday, September 3 @ 9am
Cost: $20 for entire program/$10 Training Manual.
Want the Training Manual for FREE?
Here is the link:
http://www.phxart.org/events/documents/2008ArtMasterpieceManual_001.pdf
If you wish to bring art into your home on your own here are some helpful resources:
Discovering Great Artists: Hands-On Art for Children in the Styles of the Great Masters (Bright Ideas for Learning) by MaryAnn F. Kohl and Kim Solga
Dynamic Art Projects for Children: Includes Step-By-Step Instructions and Photographs by Denise M. Logan (Spiral-bound - Sep 2005)
How to Teach Art to Children, Grades 1-6 by Joy Evans and Tanya Skelton
The Art of Teaching Art to Children: In School and at Home by Nancy Beal and Gloria Bley Miller
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Text Messaging May Contribute To Decrease in Writing Skills
According to Dr. Cindy Bunin Nurik, a study released by researchers from the Irish State Examination Commission on April 25 revealed that text messaging was directly related to a decline in writing ability.
1) Encourage creative writing ten minutes a day.
2) Create Make-A-Stories with your children, you write a sentence then they add a sentence in writing or even verbally at the dinner table.
3) Incorporate art to your writing. Give your children writing and art journals like Art Escapes by Dory Kanter, to encourage writing and drawing for fun.
4) Encourage writing letters instead of always texting.
5) Texting is habit forming because it is "immediately reinforcing." Talk with your kids about negative habits and encourage them to feed their brains with knowledge and experience by not becoming a texting junkie.
6) Get art and writing books for your youngsters as well like Kids Art Works!: Creating With Color, Design, Texture & More by Sandi Henry & Art for Kids: Drawing: The Only Drawing Book You'll Ever Need to Be the Artist You've Always Wanted to Be by Kathryn Temple
Write, draw, paint, tell stories, elaborate and communicate with your kids. They'll love you for it.
1) Encourage creative writing ten minutes a day.
2) Create Make-A-Stories with your children, you write a sentence then they add a sentence in writing or even verbally at the dinner table.
3) Incorporate art to your writing. Give your children writing and art journals like Art Escapes by Dory Kanter, to encourage writing and drawing for fun.
4) Encourage writing letters instead of always texting.
5) Texting is habit forming because it is "immediately reinforcing." Talk with your kids about negative habits and encourage them to feed their brains with knowledge and experience by not becoming a texting junkie.
6) Get art and writing books for your youngsters as well like Kids Art Works!: Creating With Color, Design, Texture & More by Sandi Henry & Art for Kids: Drawing: The Only Drawing Book You'll Ever Need to Be the Artist You've Always Wanted to Be by Kathryn Temple
Write, draw, paint, tell stories, elaborate and communicate with your kids. They'll love you for it.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
GEORGIA COOKING IN AN OKLAHOMA KITCHEN
A few of you moms have said, "Lynne we can't do organic and low sugar all the time, we need to break loose sometimes." Agreed!
If you're gonna get loose, do it with Trisha Yearwood's decadent GEORGIA COOKING IN AN OKLAHOMA KITCHEN. She even has his and hers variations! That will do a marriage good.
Here's a sample for the upcoming holiday season.
Green Punch - Serve this punch with Cheese Straws. It’s a Yearwood family tradition - Perfect to serve at Christmas parties because it’s a beautiful bright green and makes a pretty punch bowl.
Ingredients: 2 13-ounce packets unsweetened lemon-lime soft drink mix, such as Kool-Aid, 2 cups sugar, 1 46-ounce can pineapple juice, 12 ounces frozen lemonade concentrate thawed, 32 ounces (1 quart) ginger ale. Put 2 quarts of water in a 1-gallon container. Add the drink mix and sugar and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Add the pineapple juice and lemonade concentrate and stir well. Just before serving, add the ginger ale. www.trishayearwood.com.
If you're gonna get loose, do it with Trisha Yearwood's decadent GEORGIA COOKING IN AN OKLAHOMA KITCHEN. She even has his and hers variations! That will do a marriage good.
Here's a sample for the upcoming holiday season.
Green Punch - Serve this punch with Cheese Straws. It’s a Yearwood family tradition - Perfect to serve at Christmas parties because it’s a beautiful bright green and makes a pretty punch bowl.
Ingredients: 2 13-ounce packets unsweetened lemon-lime soft drink mix, such as Kool-Aid, 2 cups sugar, 1 46-ounce can pineapple juice, 12 ounces frozen lemonade concentrate thawed, 32 ounces (1 quart) ginger ale. Put 2 quarts of water in a 1-gallon container. Add the drink mix and sugar and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Add the pineapple juice and lemonade concentrate and stir well. Just before serving, add the ginger ale. www.trishayearwood.com.
Introducing solid foods to baby
Nature made breast milk a complete nutritional package for baby until about around age one, when supplemental foods benefit growth and development. Depending on babies height and weight she may need more calories as early as four months, for growth, that’s when supplementing with rice cereal may begin.
The amount of milk baby is drinking has increased by this age to about 32 ounces per day. Her tummy may be full but she may be hungry because her body is growing and she needs more calories. At this point you may introduce a bit of rice cereal at dinner time. Every baby has different needs, talk with your pediatrician about introducing solids to your child.
Often by five-six months of age baby is ready to explore foods and textures. Offering yogurt on a tiny spoon for baby to eat and explore in a soft beginning. You can also turn organic peas, potatoes, squash and green beans your family eats for dinner into finely processed food for baby to suck off a spoon. Visit www.chow-baby.com to learn more about organic foods and purees.
Doctors often recommend serving one strained vegetable at a time for several days so that any reactions can be noted and addressed.
For more information on preparing natural food for baby you can read about organic baby food at www.earthsbest.com or check out Simply Natural Baby Food: Easy Recipes for Delicious Meals Your Infant and Toddler Will Love by Cathe Olson at your local library or book store.
Signs it is time to talk with your pediatrician about introducing solid foods.
* Head control. Your baby can hold his head steady in an upright position.
* Baby stops using his tongue to push food out of his mouth.
* Baby sits while supported.
* Baby can move food back and forth in his mouth, then swallow.
* Most babies are ready to eat solids when they've doubled their birth weight (or weigh about 15 pounds) and are at least 4 months old.
* He seems hungry, even after gulping his milk.
* Baby shows curiosity about what you're eating.
The amount of milk baby is drinking has increased by this age to about 32 ounces per day. Her tummy may be full but she may be hungry because her body is growing and she needs more calories. At this point you may introduce a bit of rice cereal at dinner time. Every baby has different needs, talk with your pediatrician about introducing solids to your child.
Often by five-six months of age baby is ready to explore foods and textures. Offering yogurt on a tiny spoon for baby to eat and explore in a soft beginning. You can also turn organic peas, potatoes, squash and green beans your family eats for dinner into finely processed food for baby to suck off a spoon. Visit www.chow-baby.com to learn more about organic foods and purees.
Doctors often recommend serving one strained vegetable at a time for several days so that any reactions can be noted and addressed.
For more information on preparing natural food for baby you can read about organic baby food at www.earthsbest.com or check out Simply Natural Baby Food: Easy Recipes for Delicious Meals Your Infant and Toddler Will Love by Cathe Olson at your local library or book store.
Signs it is time to talk with your pediatrician about introducing solid foods.
* Head control. Your baby can hold his head steady in an upright position.
* Baby stops using his tongue to push food out of his mouth.
* Baby sits while supported.
* Baby can move food back and forth in his mouth, then swallow.
* Most babies are ready to eat solids when they've doubled their birth weight (or weigh about 15 pounds) and are at least 4 months old.
* He seems hungry, even after gulping his milk.
* Baby shows curiosity about what you're eating.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
How To Create The Space Between
Create a space between you where you listen, reflect, hear, and respond with warmth.
This space is where you build the relationship so do not rush to solve, shame or ridicule, be reflective, talk slowly and take this opportunity to listen carefully to your child.
The space between is where you take the time to get to now your child better.
The space between is where you can express empathy “You are having so much fun on the scooter, you prefer not to give someone else a turn. “It’s hard to go to school when you are worried the kids will tease you.” “Sometimes you wish your dad would spend special time just with you.”
The space between is where your relationship grows as you show love, affection, patience, caring and empathy.
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