FEATURE FRIDAY – Helping Your Child Become Heathly & Fit

What causes children to be overweight?

Just like adults, children are overweight when they eat more calories than they burn through physical activity (in play and exercise). The CDC recommends that children get 60 minutes of activity each day to maintain good health. This is easy to explain, but hard to change because there are so many factors involved. Foods like fruits and vegetables may be more expensive or unavailable in certain communities. Safe spaces for children to play outside the home may be hard to find due to traffic or crime. Some communities have few affordable healthy lifestyle programs for families and children.

What can we do about it?

Teaching children about healthy eating and physical activity is necessary and we need to do it right away. We also need to make changes in schools and daycare settings, places where children spend a lot of time and where there is a great opportunity to promote a healthy diet and offer plenty of activity. By planting the seed of positive lifestyle behaviors at an early age, children will benefit with a lifetime of health and wellness. If children develop sound movement skills early, they improve their self-esteem and are more likely to practice healthful activities as adults.

This is where KID-FIT can help!

KID-FIT is a licensed curriculum that teaches children ages two through five the basics of healthy lifestyle habits. Through an age-appropriate physical fitness class, KID-FIT teaches sports skills, gymnastics, dance, rhythm and creative movement while enhancing muscular strength, endurance, heart health and flexibility. KID-FIT was founded by Michele Silence in Duarte, CA beginning in 1994. With little available in the form of preschool fitness programs and inadequacies in those that did exist, Michele decided to use her expertise to help children start developing healthy lifestyles from the start. This same year, KID-FIT classes began in the preschool where Michele’s child was enrolled. By 1998 KID-FIT was serving over a thousand children in Southern California, and the first instructor training program was designed and implemented. KID-FIT is now taught throughout the United States, as well as eleven different countries.

Children use fun equipment like scarves, bean bags, hoops and balls while learning about different parts of their bodies. At the end of one year, children will have learned a clear set of goals for each body system in addition to the importance of daily exercise and eating healthy.

More importantly, KID-FIT kids associate exercise with fun. This is an exciting first step to helping children enjoy long and healthy lives while decreasing their risk for obesity, diabetes, heart disease and stroke.

Why is KID-FIT different?

The educational component sets KID-FIT apart from other movement classes. Although other programs may mention that nutrition or teaching about the body is included, they have no set educational goals to meet yearly. KID-FIT has clear educational goals for each session throughout the entire year. Children are taught, through fun games and repetition, all about their bodies, organ systems, how to take care of them and why. Nutrition is a part of every class as are materials that reach into children’s homes such as newsletters, handouts, coloring sheets, recipes, class projects and more. In addition, parents receive detailed information at the start of each new session.

No other program produces these new, fresh materials each 6 weeks that involve parents and reflect what is currently going on in the world. Education is core to the KID-FIT program.

Lannette Wolford is a fitness professional, physical educator and mother. She considers herself a warrior in the battle of obesity. Lannette received her physical education degree from DePaul University and is nationally certified by the American Council on Exercise for Personal Training, the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America for Group Exercise, and the American Heart Association in First Aid and and Adult/Child/Infant CPR/AED. She also holds several specialty certifications in the fitness and nutrition arena.

For more information about KID-FIT, please contact our local Chicago area representative Lannette Wolford at Lannette@kidfitchicago.com or visit the website www.kidfitchicago.com.

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FEATURE FRIDAY – WANT A POLISHED PRE-SCHOOLER? It starts with you!

Lately I have been wondering what’s happened to the days when people always held doors for others and saying thank you in any form was routine, not something for special occasions.

Teaching our two-year-old son Eric manners has been important to me and my husband Ric since Eric learned to talk and say “I want thaaaaat!” It doesn’t take long for a toddler to soak up social graces like saying “please“ and “excuse me,“ and Eric is pretty good at remembering them unless there’s a major crisis, like someone grabbing away one of his 100 dinosaurs while he’s playing with it.

Recently Eric and I were walking into one of our favorite places, our local library. Eric was making his way toward the return slot, when two adults walking toward us nearly trampled him because they were talking and not watching where they were going. Eric said, “excuse me” (loudly) as they were walking toward him, and they didn’t even look at him. Once they realized he was underfoot, they just looked away and kept walking. I was amazed by the fact that a two-year old child could have better manners than two adults. I know he’s only two, but that doesn’t mean he shouldn’t be treated with respect.

My kids, both grown and not yet grown, will tell you I am a stickler for sending “thank you” notes, something I inherited from my mother. And I think when one is invited to a party or gathering, she should R.S.V.P. Of course, I know a toddler is not capable of these acts of etiquette, but isn’t it our job as mothers and fathers to lay the groundwork by teaching them the simplest manners now, and building on them?

Any mom will tell you pre-schoolers are like parrots. They mimic most everything we do, good and, unfortunately, bad. So make sure please, thank you, and excuse me are a big part of your own vocabulary.

I find the age appropriate emails I receive from www.babycenter.com to be helpful at times, and I am sharing some of the site’s tips for bringing up polite children. Yes, our kids will need a little reminding, but won’t it make you proud when you hear them say “thank you” on their own or, as they get older, open a door for another person?

From WWW.BABYCENTER.COM‘s Preschool Bulletin:

Your child is definitely old enough to learn — and practice — some of the social graces. Some tips on how to help:

· Start with “please” and “thank you.” If she hasn’t picked up these words naturally, make sure she hears you using them: “Will you please come here?” Don’t be afraid to prompt: “Can you say thank you?” Repetition will make these words a habit.

· Be kind yourself. Modeling consideration of others will show her the ropes. Let her hear you say, “How are you?” and “Excuse me.”

· Connect actions to consequences. Help your child see that a gift of flowers can cheer someone up, or that hitting or making mean comments makes the other person sad.

· Cut your child some slack when she’s ill. Or tired.

- Sheila

Sheila Gray Robinson has it all as a TV morning news anchor and mother of four.  Sheila is a native of Sidney, Ohio and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Ohio University in three years.  She enjoys serving on the board of the Make A Wish Foundation.  Sheila can be seen on TV in Cincinnati or trying to be Supermom in Northern Kentucky.  She and her husband Ric have four children, Kasey, Kari, Katie and Eric.

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Wordless Wednesday – Feeling Blessed

I hardly ever get a photo with all of us in it since I’m usually the one taking the picture.  But, we got one this past week!

It makes me smile when I look at it and see what a beautiful family I have been blessed with.  I am very thankful!

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Going from 2 to 3…Lay It On Me Mamas!

Below is a guest post from Tenille of Feisty, Frugal and Fabulous:

After reading “Making Babies” this past week, it really made me start thinking about whether or not we are ready to add a third child to our family. It doesn’t help that one of my friends just had her third baby girl or that others in my life are pregnant with #3 right now! Someone said that “3 is the new 2″ and I wondered how true that is.

Are you seeing a trend toward 3-child families? Do you think 3 is becoming more common than 2? I know many people who have 2 kids and just “know” they are done having kids. I don’t know how they know but they DO. I don’t know so I guess I’m in Baby Utopia.

It’s odd that I’m even debating the idea, since we had so much trouble getting pregnant with Elijah. In between my two children I had two miscarriages and the entire time I wasn’t on any form of birth control so to say that I have trouble getting pregnant is pretty legitimate.

After I had my daughter (almost 2 years ago now, gasp!) I felt like a horrible person going on birth control (my periods were awful, that was why, obviously not for birth control lol) so now I am thinking of going off and seeing what fate/God/the universe has in store for us.

BUT, the idea of adding a third child is kind of scary. We’ll be outnumbered. Anyone who has three kids of course says it’s wonderful (who would say, “oh it was a bad decision” about a third child in their life, right?) but what’s the real cost? Is there a cost, or is it the best thing to add another child into a loving home to love?

So many things to think about! I’d love to hear your thoughts!

- Tenille

Tenille is a Canadian sahm of 2, with a mad obsession with Tim Hortons coffee (it’s a Canadian thing!) and of course being a fabulous frugal mom.

You can find her wonderful blog at Feisty, Frugal, and Fabulous.

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Holiday Shopping – Are you finished?

It’s December 8th and I am no where near finished with my Christmas Shopping.

Back in September, I told myself that with every paycheck, I’d pick up a couple of gifts so that the “blow” at Christmas wouldn’t be too bad.   That didn’t work out so well.  I think I picked up 2 or 3 gifts.

So, we’ve been trying for the last 3 weekends to get out for a few hours and at least pick up some gifts for the kids.  The 1st weekend, my sister, who is going to watch the kids for the day so we don’t have to pay a babysitter on top of all the shopping we need to do, was busy. The next weekend, I got sick.  And this past weekend, my husband who NEVER gets sick, got sick.  Now, the kids are coming down with a cold, but hopefully it only lasts a few days.

We’re going to try again this weekend!  Crossing my fingers and toes that everyone is well and healthy.  I am really looking forward to the day out alone with my husband.  It’s a rare luxury around here!

Have you finished your Christmas shopping or are you rushing around like me trying to finish up?

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When Your Child Is The Biter

My 17 month old, Andrew,  is a biter and I hate it!  As most moms, I vowed that I would never have a biter and wouldn’t put up with it should I ever have one.  But, now that he’s started doing it,  I’m at a loss.

When most parents  send their child off to Daycare, they expect them to come home bite free.  Yes, maybe some bumps and bruises, but no bites.  Imagine how bad I feel now that I am the Daycare Provider and MY child is the biter.  I feel horrible!

The thing is, he doesn’t do it all the time.  Its only when he’s teething.  He can go weeks and weeks and not even try to bite anyone.  And then all the sudden, he starts to get a tooth trying to pop through and he turns into a biter.

Most of the time he is just loving on you or playing and will chomp down. He’s immediately sorry and cuddles up to you and won’t let go.  He  knows it hurts!  Then recently, he started biting other kids when they make him REALLY mad.  Someone plays tug of war with a toy he has and won’t let go, he just bends down and bites their hand.  Someone won’t get out of his little Elmo chair, he first tries to push them and then bites.

I’m used to Ella or any of the daycare kids I’ve watched just swing at someone when they get really upset.  That’s been the normal reaction around here for toddlers and preschoolers.   But, I’ve never had to deal with a biter.

I don’t really know what to do besides watch him closely when he’s having a hard time teething.  I’ve tried firmly saying no biting and I know that he gets it.  You can tell.  I’ve tried ignoring him and cuddling the child that has been bitten,  removing him completely, and whatever else we could think of.  The only thing to prove successful in preventing Andrew from biting,  is being on top of the situation and watching for the signs that he’s getting upset and then getting him out of the situation.

Hopefully, this is just a phase and it will not turn into a habit.  Considering it seems to only happen when he’s teething, I really don’t think it will.

Let’s talk…
Is your child a biter?  Has your child been bitten by another child?

What did you do?  How did you feel?

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Tips For The Flu Season

With all the H1N1 Flu talk, it just seemed fitting to do a post on what you can do to prevent getting the flu and what you can do to recover should you get it.

I’ve read so much over the past couple of days, my head is spinning with information.  But, what I do know for sure – is that there are some simple steps to help minimize your family’s risk of getting the flu.

• Wash you hands often.  Washing you hands with soap and water ( doesn’t have to be antibacterial soup) long enough to sing “Happy Birthday” TWO times should be sufficient to kill germs that cause illness.  Practice this at home with your children so that they also will be apt to do it when you’re not together.  If soup and water aren’t an option, alcohol based hand sanitizers are an option.

• Avoid touching your face with your hands.  Germs live on the skin and can enter through the mouth, nose and eyes.  This is especially a good tip to teach children as they are ALWAYS rubbing their little faces or shoving their hands in their mouths.

• This may sound obvious, but not one we always abide by – Stay away from people who are sick. A child in your playgroup is coughing and “looks” ill, go home.  Out at the store and the women in front of you in line is sneezing and coughing her head off, change lanes.  Germs are airborne little creatures and can live on surfaces for a long time.  Minimize your chances of picking them up by removing yourself  from the situation.

• Keep surfaces in your home like beside tables, bathroom and kitchen counters, door knobs and toys clean by wiping them down with a household disinfectant.  Also, do not allow shoes to be worn inside.  Shoes can carry lots of yuk that you just don’t need in your home.

Should you and your family don’t come down with the flu, here are some tips to treat the flu symptoms the most natural way.

• REST.  The #1 way to getting better when you’ve come down with something is to rest.  Your body needs to be able to fight off that bug and needs all the energy it can get.

• Drink plenty of fluids. Drinking lots of water, juice and hot liquids helps prevent dehydration and helps to flush the illness out of your body.  Plus – warm liquids help sooth your nose and throat.

• Maintain a balanced diet.  Eating lot of fruits, vegetables and protein helps boost your body’s defenses.  Consider taking a vitamin as well.

Hopefully, the flu doesn’t come knocking on your door this season, but chances are – it will.  Being educated on how to prevent the flu and how to treat it if you get it, is your best bet.

Do you have tips that you’d like to share on preventing the flu or dealing with the symptoms if you get it.  Please share!  We could all benefit from each others knowledge.

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To Vaccinate or Not To Vaccinate – That Is The Question

Late last night after the kids were in bed, my husband and I started discussing the latest news on everyone’s mind.  To get the H1N1 vaccine or not to get the H1N1 vaccine – that is the question.

It’s hard not to be concerned about the H1N1 virus and vaccine with all the media coverage, school letters and blogs discussing it.  I am one of those people who gets anxiety just by hearing all the bad news going on in the world, so I try to not hear or see too much. Just enough to be informed.   But, I gotta tell you…this whole H1N1 thing is really starting to scare me.  I know that it’s really just a another version of the flu, but the unknown of it is what is so scary.

Do we get the vaccine or do we not?  Do we give OUR KIDS the vaccine or take our chances and hope we don’t get it or don’t get it so severe that complications arise?  It seems like it’s a gamble either way.  Get the vaccine and and you MAY get the virus from it or you may have a reaction from the ingredients.  Don’t get the vaccine and you may get seriously ill and maybe even die.  It’s so scary.  I just wish that the vaccine would have been tested for a longer period of time.  Obviously, this is not an option with the current outbreak.

Normally, I HATE medicine.  I hate to take it and hate to give it to my children – but, I will.  I will if it’s absolutely necessary to our well-being.  But, I’m not one to just grab a bottle of Tylenol Cold and Flu or Benadryl to put into my body or my child’s at every cough and sniffle.  Likewise, would I NEVER jeopardize our health because I didn’t want to give  medicine.  I just want to be absolutely certain that it’s safe and necessary.

My husband and I have discussed this at great length and are still not exactly sure what we’re going to do.  I guess we’ll do a little more researching and talking and make a decision – soon. I’ve been told that our doctor’s office will have very few of these vaccines, so if we want one, our best bet is to try the health department.  They just received their shipment yesterday.  They are sure to go quickly though.

What are you going to do?  Are you and your family getting the vaccine or are you hoping your immune system kicks in and protects you?  I’d love to hear your thoughts!!

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Sun Salutes & Downward Dogs

I know that most people don’t enjoy Mondays, but I really don’t enjoy them.  As a childcare provider, Mondays are our worst day of the week.  The kids come in tired and cranky from the weekend of running around with their parents and they have a hard time getting into the groove of being somewhere other than home.  It’s always been this way with any of the kids I’ve ever had.  Even if you try to be on the same page with the parents on discipline, sleeping, eating, etc…it’s not the same at my house as it is at their house.

I love what I do, but Mondays are enough to send anyone running to the hills.  My kids even have tough time adjusting, Mom and dad are busy with the other kids, the rules are slightly different with the daycare here and they’re tired from the weekend as well.

Maybe I need to start our Monday mornings out with Meditation Monday.  Maybe if I start the day off with some Sun Salutes and Downward Dogs, we’ll all be much happier OR we’ll all have a good giggle at my silly attempts to get 5 children under 4 into impossible poses and to be quiet for more than 30 seconds!

Tell me, what do you do to combat those Monday grumps that inevitably always come?

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I Must Be Doing Something Right

As a mom, you question everyday – heck sometimes every hour,  if you’re doing the right thing as a parent.  Whether it be how you discipline your children, the tv time you allow, healthy habits, etc, etc…  There are many days that at the end of the day you wonder…did I do anything right today?

Last night Ella had an especially emotional, whiny night.  She was exhausted from waking up at 6am, swimming for hours and not resting virtually the entire day.  She was driving me and her brother crazy!  I’m really not sure how many times she got in trouble for something or another and  we were both ready for the day to be over.  I sent her into her room around 8pm to get ready for bed while I put Andrew down.  (She gets herself ready at age 3!  She won’t let me help at all.  LOL)  When I got Andrew settled I went in to see her all dressed for bed and getting one of her babies ready for bed as well.  She then proceeded to go to her little rocking chair, raise her shirt and BF her baby as she rocked and sang a little song.  She told me to be quiet because she was putting baby to sleep.  A couple of minutes later, she quietly went over the the baby’s little bed, tucked her in and kissed her so gently on the head and then got into her own bed with a book.

Yes, this is one of those moments that as a mom you realize that you must be doing something right.  : )

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