Roundup: Mother's Day in Orlando

Mother's Day Offers 2023

STK Steakhouse is introducing its very first afternoon tea service for Mother’s Day. The Afternoon Tea which includes hot tea, sandwiches, scones and dessert, is the perfect way to ensure that mom feels like a queen on Mother’s Day.  A glass of bubbly is included and additional cocktail offerings are available. Afternoon tea will be offered 2 pm to 5 pm local time.  Make your reservation HERE or HERE. 

Summer Travel: Family Travel Packing Tips By Sandra Aris

Spring and summer travel is here, and parents are ready to get kids out of the house and on the road or in the air. But before kicking off their dream vacation, parents are left with the difficult task of packing for everyone in the family. And while it may be as simple as outfits and skincare for adults, packing for kids requires much more preparation, thought, and consideration.

Tips to help you celebrate Earth Day (April 22) without ever leaving home!

The 50th anniversary of Earth Day is on April 22, but anyone can start celebrating today right in their very own backyard with tips from the TurfMutt Foundation and reap the health and de-stressing benefits of spending time in green space.

“You don’t need to leave home to celebrate Earth Day. Remember, nature starts at your back door,” says Kris Kiser, President of the TurfMutt Foundation. “Get outside, mow your lawn, trim bushes, plant a butterfly bush. By becoming  a steward of your yard, you are helping preserving your own corner of the overall ecosystem.”

Six Fun Ways to Incorporate Your Pool into Homeschooling & Virtual Learning

Tips provided by Pool Troopers

Homeschooling and virtual learning are on the rise and a necessary part of American life during safer-at-home orders in many states. If you're new to it – and so many of us are -- you're probably looking for ways to make lessons fun and engaging.

An excellent way to keep kids from getting bored by their at-home school routine is to mix things up. Show them there are other places to enjoy their lessons--like the pool! Not only will they continue to learn, but they also get to enhance their swimming skills.

Disney Channel's "ZOMBIES 2" AWOO Challenge Invites Fans to Be Part of the Longest Howling Video Of All Time

User-Generated Video Submissions Will Give Fans a Chance to Win a "ZOMBIES 2" Prize Pack

Disney Channel is launching a "ZOMBIES 2" AWOO Challenge, an interactive promotion that gives fans the opportunity to be part of the longest howl of all time. "ZOMBIES 2," the highly anticipated sequel to the Disney Channel Original Movie "ZOMBIES," premieres Friday, February 14 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel and DisneyNOW.

Beginning today through Sunday, February 2, fans can show off their wild side by entering the "ZOMBIES 2" AWOO Challenge and uploading their very own howling video, to potentially be included in a compilation video to be released on National Werewolf Day on Thursday, February 6.  All submissions will be entered for a chance to win a "ZOMBIES 2" prize pack full of movie-inspired swag from the upcoming Disney Channel Original Movie. Click here for information on submission rules and details.*

In addition, fans can also participate in the "ZOMBIES 2" AWOO Challenge by visiting a special "ZOMBIES 2" Surprise Lockers event in three locations across the country to record and upload their video in-person. The "ZOMBIES 2" Surprise Lockers events are scheduled for Saturday, February 1 and Sunday, February 2 in the following cities: San Diego, California (Fashion Valley Mall), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (King of Prussia), and Louisville, Kentucky (Jurassic Quest at the Kentucky Exposition Center).

"ZOMBIES 2" is a music- and dance-filled story that picks up as cheerleader Addison and zombie football player Zed are readying for Seabrook High's Prawn, the school's super-sized prom. However, the arrival of a new group of outsiders – mysterious werewolves – threatens to shake up Seabrook's newfound peace and causes a rift in Zed and Addison's budding romance.

For more information on the "ZOMBIES 2" AWOO Challenge, visit z2awoo.com.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Many Will Enter, 25 Will Win. Enter sweepstakes by 2/2/20 at 11:59pm ET. Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S. & D.C. See Official Rules here z2awoo.com/official-rules for full details including eligibility, prize descriptions & limitations. Void where prohibited.

Trick-or-Treat Tips

From the candy to the costumes, trick-or-treat night is a highlight of the season for kids. Halloween is the one night of the year when kids venture out and enjoy themselves by the thousands. Parents may take the opportunity to give their kids a little more freedom than they normally would. Unfortunately, whether or not parents join their kids on the candy trail, it can be a dangerous night if they aren’t careful. Krav Maga Worldwide, one of the nation’s leading self-defense organizations, has a few important safety tips for parents to keep in mind before heading out the door this Halloween.

1. There’s mischief around every corner. Explain to kids that they need to be fully aware of what is happening around them and take notice of anything suspicious. If they do notice something is odd, they need to inform a parent or trusted adult that is with their group.

2. Witches and ghosts always go in pairs. Be sure to tell your child how important it is to stay with the group and not to venture off alone. With a large number of people out and about it is easy for a child to get lost in the crowd.

3. Teach kids to kick some monster butt. Kids should know safety and defense skills that can come in handy on any day, but especially in large crowds and unfamiliar territory. Sign kids up for age-appropriate self-defense classes that not only teaches kids physical skills, but body language and verbal skills that can help deter assailants. If your child doesn’t have time to go to a class, Krav Maga Worldwide offers online courses through their Online Academy that can be done in the comfort of your living room.

4. Be mindful of costumes. Equip your child with comfortable shoes, flame retardant costume, prop safety, forgo masks and use face paint for better sight and breathing. It is also a good idea to provide your child with a reflector strip, glow sticks, or flashlights.

5. Snap a picture of your lil ghoul.  Take a picture of your child before leaving the house so that you can instantly recall what their costume looked like in case you get separated. It is also a smart idea to put your name and number on your child’s hand and seal it with liquid Band-Aid so it stays put.

6. Stranger danger can give you a fright. Stress the importance to kids that they should not associate with strangers or enter a stranger’s home. Teach your child to only accept treats from the doorway and to let you know if something occurs that makes them uncomfortable while they are going door-to-door. 

7. When in doubt throw it out. Once you are home and sorting through your child’s candy, get rid of anything that is open, has been repackages or is homemade. It’s better to be safe than sorry! Also, pay attention to candy that can cause choking hazards like gum and hard candies.

For more information check out www.kravmaga.com see the Facebook page (Krav Maga Worldwide), follow on Instagram @krav_maga_worldwide or call 800.572.8624.

Victoria's Voice...The book that could save your Child's Life

In 2015, David and Jackie Siegel lost their oldest daughter, Victoria, to an opioid overdose. They are now fierce advocates against the opioid crisis in America, raising funds and awareness and speaking with lawmakers about what needs to happen to protect other families from experiencing this tragic heartbreak.

If you live in Central Florida, you have heard of David and Jackie Siegel.  Those outside the Orlando area may know the couple from the Sundance award-winning documentary, The Queen of Versailles.

The Siegels lives changed on June 6, 2015 when they received a call no parents should ever get. 

Their 18-year-old beautiful, vibrant daughter Victoria had died of a drug overdose. From that moment on, the Siegels vowed to do whatever it takes to prevent this from happening to other parents. 

Now, the main thing they want to be known for is their passionate fight against the opioid crisis in the United States, and using their platform to help save the lives of other teens who are struggling with drug addiction. Right after Victoria passed away, Jackie received a text from one of Victoria's friends directing her to look in her bedroom nightstand for a secret diary she had kept – and suggested they publish it. The Siegels decided to honor Victoria's wish, and published Victoria’s Voice: Our daughter’s dying wish to share her diary and save lives from drugs.  

“Nearly 200 people are dying of an opioid overdose every single day. That is like a jetliner crashing seven days a week,” David says. “Something needs to be done. My daughter’s legacy is that through her death, we hope thousands more will be saved.”

Victoria’s Voice is a raw look at the life of Victoria in her own words through her colorfully-illustrated diary, accompanied by expert commentary, medical advice, tips and resources that teach both parents and teens about substance abuse and provide support for overcoming experimentation and addiction. 

Victoria’s Voice is available on Amazon and wherever books are sold.

Victoria’s Voice: Our daughter's dying wish to share her diary and save lives from drugs

Authors: David and Jackie Siegel

Publisher: Momosa Publishing, LLC

Publication Date: March 1, 2019

Paperback: 304 pages, $19.95

eBook: 304 pages, $9.99

The Siegels also founded The Victoria’s Voice Foundation, which aim to reduce drug experimentation, addiction and overdose death through supporting legislation and raising awareness. They are also creating a speaker’s bureau, with hopes of reaching every single middle school in the United States with presentations on the dangers of drug and opioid abuse.

Treat Mom to a Magical Mother’s Day at Walt Disney World Resort

Walt Disney World Resort is the perfect place to celebrate mothers who deserve the best on their special day.

 

From relaxing spa treatments and delicious meals to shopping at Disney Springs and exploring Walt Disney World theme parks, there are near limitless options to give mom the perfect Mother’s Day this year. Special offerings include floral gift packages, holiday menus at several restaurants, Mother’s Day-themed events at select Disney resorts and more.

Joanna Gaines's New Children’s Book Comes Out This Month

Magnolia co-founder and New York Times bestselling author Joanna Gaines will publish her first children’s book, We Are the Gardeners, on March 26, 2019 with Tommy Nelson.

In We Are the Gardeners, Joanna and her kids chronicle the adventures of starting their own family garden. From their failed endeavors, obstacles to overcome (like bunnies that eat everything!), and all the knowledge they’ve gained along the way, the Gaines family shares how they learned to grow a happy, successful garden.

“The garden has always been a place that inspires me. There’s something about digging deep into fresh soil or watching new life burst from what was not long ago just a tiny seed that reinforces what a gift life is,” said Joanna. “I think that’s part of why my kids have come to love spending time in the garden just as much as I do. It can be a great teacher, if we pause long enough to notice all there is to learn. Where every day can be a lesson in hard work, and sometimes even in failure, but where there’s also growth worth celebrating. This book is our way of sharing what the garden means to us, and the many adventures we’ve had along the way!"

Children and their families will be able to start their own gardens, learn how to take care of plants, and enjoy the fruits of their labors together. As it turns out, trying something new isn’t always easy, but the hardest work often yields the greatest reward—there are always new lessons waiting to be learned in the garden!

Julianna Swaney’s illustrations bring the Gaines's family garden to life with colorful, whimsical watercolors in We Are the Gardeners, inviting readers to enjoy the beauty a thriving garden provides.

This will be the Gaines family’s fifth book with HarperCollins Publishers. Their previous books include The Magnolia Story (Thomas Nelson), Capital Gaines: Smart Things I Learned Doing Stupid Stuff (Thomas Nelson); Magnolia Table: A Collection of Recipes for Gathering (William Morrow Cookbooks); and Homebody: A Guide to Creating Spaces You Never Want to Leave (Harper Design).

5 Ways Young People (And Everyone Else) Can Fight For The Environment

Climate change continues to draw attention globally, from governmental debates on pollution solutions to people protesting against a lack of action.

In Europe, teenage girls and young women are leading a large student environmental movement, and organizers in the U.S. are planning to join an international day of action on March 15. Against this backdrop, those engaged in environmental issues say that while there is strength in numbers during protest events, the difference often starts with individuals doing the right things daily for clean air and water – when no one is watching.

“Creating awareness on a massive stage is wonderful, but how many realize the responsibility each of us has in this critical battle and how it can’t be won unless we all make the necessary changes?” asks Leslie Landis (www.chendell.com), author of Chendell: A Natural Warrior, a fantasy novel with environmental themes.

Landis hopes her novel will expand awareness of climate change and inspire young people to work together and foster environmental improvements. The characters in her book have a special relationship with nature and that leads to a superhero who fights for environmental issues.

“Anyone can be a hero in the fight against pollution; anyone can step up for any of the environmental problems that plague us and be a natural warrior,” Landis says. “From everyday habits to small lifestyle changes, doing those things daily can make a huge difference.”

Landis lists five ways to be a natural warrior for the environment:

• Take a tote. “Ditch the plastic shopping bag and opt for a more versatile alternative like a reusable tote bag,” Landis says. “States like California are already doing their part to reduce the use of plastic bags, and you can help carry that movement forward by keeping a handful of reusable bags in your house and car.”
• Think before you drink. “Say goodbye to plastic water bottles by getting a reusable canteen or thermos,” Landis says. “Not only do these items help Mother Nature by cutting down on plastic waste, they also reduce your exposure to BPA and help keep your beverages insulated.”
• Get thrifty. “The fashion industry creates a lot of unnecessary waste,” Landis says. “But you can help slow it down by giving discarded clothes a second chance. Shop at thrift stores, second-hand shops and vintage boutiques. By sporting looks from the past, you’ll actually be helping the environment in the future.”
• Don’t put the pedal to the metal. Environmental experts talk about how we all leave carbon footprints by the modes of transportation we use. “It’s a lot larger than you think,” Landis says. “Fortunately, there are many alternative means of transportation. Whether you ride your bike to work, carpool to school, or walk, you’ll be saving yourself from the high price of gas while helping reduce carbon emissions in our air.”
• Grow green. Whether you’re planting trees to combat the carbon emissions or planting an edible garden to cut back on store-bought waste, Landis says, “Putting your green thumb to good use will always have a positive effect on the government.”

“It’s great to see young people in particular get involved in large numbers regarding climate change,” Landis says. “But it’s amazing how simple it is for everyone to get involved to save our most precious resources.”



About Leslie Landis: Leslie Landis (www.chendell.com) is the author of Chendell: A Natural Warrior. She holds an M.A. in psychology and is a licensed marriage and family therapist. Landis also has been a legislative assistant to a U.S. senator, a teacher, financial planner, and associate director in television.

Taking a Few Minutes each day to Become a Better Mom

Like many moms today, I always feel a need to be perfect; and when I am not at my best, I have mom guilt!  Then, throw in the fact that I am constantly on the go (carpool, grocery shopping, etc).  Plus, I work a part-time job.  Needless to say, I rarely get "me time".  I know it's important but it is something I have neglected for quite a while. I just can't seem to find the time.

Well until recently.  A few weeks ago, I was given a complimentary copy of "The Better Mom Devotional" by Ruth Schwenk.  I decided to put it in my car's glove box and I pull it out each afternoon while waiting in carpool line! (Heck, it's the few minutes where I get some quiet and I will take it!)

In this new devotional, Ruth encourages and inspires moms with scripture, reflective questions and journaling space. The hardcover book includes 100 devotions that cover topics such as: the power of being gentle, guarding the heart and home from grumbling, friendships that are realistic, taking fun more seriously, pursuing holiness, loving by listening, speaking life into marriage, and not "mommimg" alone. 

Thank you to Ruth Schwenk for showing me how to better a better mom! I have learned to love and appreciate spending a few minutes in thought each day, followed by daily prayer for my children. My entire family can see the difference and for that I am blessed. 

Check out Ruth's web site at www.thebettermom.com and her new devotional on Amazon. 

Hardcover: 224 pages

Publisher: Zondervan (October 23, 2018)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 031009545X

ISBN-13: 978-0310095453

Product Dimensions: 6.3 x 1 x 8.2 inches

Game changer! App lets teens earn gas money

BusyKid reinvents chores as kids’ first jobs, key to their future financial success

Photo by JESHOOTS.com from Pexels

While generation after generation have faced many of the same challenges when it comes to raising children, it appears as if there has never been a more critical time than now in the development process to teach kids about a strong work ethic and managing money.

Currently millions of Americans have no savings, are weighted down with huge debt and can’t take advantage of a booming stock market. Studies have shown that a major contributor to these issues is a lack of financial education. BusyKid provides real “life lessons” through hands-on experience of earning, saving, sharing, spending, and investing real allowance each week.

BusyKid is the first chore/allowance app where children can earn, save, share, spend, and invest real money wisely. It is now available for free download in the Apple and Google Play stores and the timing couldn’t be better.

“Parents are raising children in a very difficult environment today,” said BusyKid Co-Founder/CEO Gregg Murset. “Being raised in a time when money transactions are invisible and handled remotely can be confusing for anyone, but especially children. Without the aid of schools teaching important financial lessons, it’s no wonder young adults are having difficulties managing money.”

Chores and allowance are two hotly debated topics among parents. Some feel their kids are worked hard enough between school and extra-curricular activities. Others expect their kids to help out around the house either for a reward or simply as a member of the family who needs to contribute to the happiness and well-being of the group. BusyKid takes a new approach, framing chores as a tool parents can use to set their kids up for future financial success.

“We suggest that parents help their children to overcome the challenges of being raised in the digital age by introducing chores as early as age three or four,” added Murset. “I also think using a system that functions like a real-world job instead of relying on chore charts or rewarding kids with stickers and points provides life lessons that will be needed soon enough.”

For example, BusyKid features pre-loaded chores based on children’s ages that parents can customize as needed. Kids easily log into their account, review their tasks and mark them off when completed. Kids receive allowance every Friday (Payday) after parents check the work to verify that it was completed and approve a text message to ok the transfer of funds.

After getting paid, children can save some money, donate some and use the rest to buy gift cards, get cash, buy shares of real stock or make purchases by using the BusyKid VISA Prepaid Spend Card.

BusyKid is only $14.95 a year for an entire family and is available in the Apple Store and Google Play.

Expert Advice for Getting to the Root of the Problem with a Teenager

Okay, moms. Let’s face it.  13-year-olds are moody.  The eye-rolling, the sarcasm, the one-word answers. It's all expected. 

But what happens when your gut tells you more is going on?  My friend, Sarah, called me last week, worried about her teenager in 8th grade.

Sarah confided, “At first, I figured all this moping was just teen hormones, but then, she started crying every morning when it was time to leave for carpool. It was like flipping a switch. She didn’t want to talk about it, but I could at least get her to say she misses me during the day. She’s usually such a happy kid, but now, she wants to stay by my side.”

I really didn’t know what to tell Sarah. I wanted to help her with her daughter, so I reached out to Dr. Sanam Hafeez PsyD, founder and Clinical Director of Comprehensive Consultation Psychological Services.  

Dr. Sanam Hafeez 

"Perhaps a teacher embarrassed the 13-year-old and she doesn't want to be a tattler for fear of the teacher coming down even harder. Or perhaps, it's something to do with a boy, being made fun of, humiliated or bullied," says Dr. Hafeez. "Girls are incredibly hypersensitive at age 13 due to hormone fluctuations."

Dr. Hafeez suggested that something traumatic may have happened to Sarah’s daughter over the past two weeks that she doesn't want to share with Mom, maybe from embarrassment or fear.

We all know the teenager years are just miserable and I am sure we all have our own embarrassing stories.  Sarah and I sat on the phone for an hour, trading stories about our middle school experiences. 

"It is normal for a 13-year-old girl to want to be homeschooled after a bad few weeks and then, overnight, the conflict or whatever is going on at school resolves itself and she's back in the mix, eager not to miss out on what is going on at school," Dr. Hafeez. "Consider reminding her that you are happy to explore homeschooling as an option and first want to understand her side and what inspired her request to be homeschooled."

Dr. Hafeez stressed to me the language used is very important when Sarah is talking her daughter.

1. It's respecting her wishes and not making her wrong in any way for feeling frustrated or anxious.

2. It's seeking to understand her by holding space so she can freely express what's going on without any judgement. (In a nutshell, let her speak freely without judgement.) 

3. When you’re connecting and finding a solution together, that’s where you can step in as a parent and help guide her way.

"Saying something like, 'My sweet beautiful girl, I want to hear you out on this so we can get you learning in the best way. As you can understand, if we decide to homeschool you, I'll have to present the decision to the teachers and school administration. There's a whole process parents have to go through, so I want to get all the facts from you so we can get all the ducks in a row.'"

Let me translate “clinical psychologist” into “busy mom.” Sarah needs to make a safe space for her daughter and shouldn’t dismiss her worries as immature junior high BS.

"First it is important that she is validated, heard and understood," said Dr. Hafeez.  "Consider opening the conversation with, “I'm not sure if we can pull off homeschooling but if this really matters to you I want you to discuss it openly with me. Cool? Ok so tell me, what led to your decision to want to be homeschooled'?"

I passed along the information to Sarah, and prayed for the situation.

Two days later, Sarah called me.  She was able to have a meaningful conversation with her daughter that bonded the two.  Apparently, her daughter was being “outcast” by the leader of the “group”.  Others in the group were being told by the bully not to hang out with her daughter.

Sarah’s daughter admitted that she loved her friends and actually loved school, but this one girl was stressing her out. Sarah and her daughter came up with a plan on how to handle the bully (which I plan to write about in a future post).  Fortunately, in a few days, Sarah’s daughter was eager to be at school.  

So what can we learn from Sarah’s story? If you have a teenager who seems more stressed out than normal, give your child a safe space to talk to you. Don’t dismiss his or her feelings. The key here is to get answers to solve what is really going on.

Dr. Sanam Hafeez PsyD is a NYC based licensed clinical psychologist, teaching faculty member at the prestigious Columbia University Teacher’s College and the founder and Clinical Director of Comprehensive Consultation Psychological Services, P.C. a neuropsychological, developmental and educational center in New York City. Dr. Hafeez has appeared on The Doctors, Dr. Oz, CNN and Fox News plus local NYC news channels.

Is it time for you to start living happy?

Let's face it. Life is crazy and at times overwhelming.
Is it time for you to start living happy?

The Year of Living Happy: Finding Contentment and Connection in a Crazy World
(Zondervan, Hardcover, October 2, 2018)

In her new book, The Year of Living Happy: Finding Contentment and Connection In A Crazy World,  Alli Worthington walks women through the ways in which busyness and fear can wreak havoc on their best lives.  With 100 inspirational devotions, beautiful art, and journaling pages throughout, this gorgeous devotional offers practical ways to make your life happier day by day.  In a nutshell, this new hardcover book is a field guide to being happy for anyone. (Available October 2 on Amazon.)

"Happiness is the topic that everyone talks about on a mass level," said Worthington. "I don't feel like happiness and holiness are two different things. The more we seek God, the more we seek holiness, the happier we become. And on the other side of it, the more times we seek authentic happiness, the real things that make us happy in life, we find God."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Alli Worthington helps people be successful in life and business.  She is a speaker, business coach and entrepreneur. Alli's no-nonsense, guilt-free take on motherhood, parenting, and balance has led to Appearance on The Today Show and Good Morning America.

 Alli's favorite happy quote is...

"God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing." 

~ C.S.Lewis

Guest Post: 6 Ways To Teach Your Kids About Finance

Back-to-school time means plenty of lessons to learn in the classroom. But parents usually have to be the teachers when it comes to a subject their kids will need to understand throughout their adult lives – personal finance.

Photo credit: Pexels/skitterphoto.com

Studies show that teaching finance is not a top priority of the U.S. education system. Fewer than 20 percent of teachers report feeling competent to teach personal finance, according to a Council for Economic Education Survey, and only 17 states require students to take a personal finance course in high school.

New Children's Book: BENJI AND THE GIANT KITE

Have You Ever Wanted One Thing More Than Anything Else In The World?

In His Illustrated Children’s Book, BENJI AND THE GIANT KITE, Bestselling Author Alan C. Fox Focuses On Perseverance, Dreams, and Letting Go

Have you ever wanted one thing – just one thing – more than anything else in the world? A toy? A new bike? A computer game? Did you imagine that this one possession would make you incredibly happy – forever? For Benji that one thing is an enormous orange kite. In BENJI AND THE GIANT KITE (Clavis Publishing; August 2018), bestselling author Alan C. Fox tells the enchanting story of a young boy who learns that possessing something is not quite as meaningful as letting it go.

Benji adores kites. All kinds of kites – big or small, plain or fancy, square or diamond- shaped. He loves flying them at the beach, watching them float high in the sky. One day Benji sees a giant orange kite at the toy store. He wants it more than anything else – ever. But his mom explains that he’ll need to earn the money to buy the kite. So Benji buckles down and weeds the garden for the next two weeks – the vegetables in the morning and the flowers in the afternoon. It seems like he’ll never be done.

Finally the special day arrives, and Benji’s mom hands him the giant orange kite of his dreams. At the beach, Benji lets his kite soar higher and higher with every gust of wind. He watches it rise above the people, the hotdog stand, and even the houses beyond. Soon the kite becomes a distant speck in the sky. Benji is thrilled. But when it’s time to pull the kite down and head back home, Benji can’t bear to do it. He wants to set the kite free to fulfill its destiny among the clouds. Benji lets the twine go and the kite disappears into the sunset sky. The kite may still be up there yet.

Alan Fox explains that like all of his books, “BENJI AND THE GIANT KITE is based on a real-life incident. This one happened when I was a child. I decided to tell the story, because I wanted to share the sense of achievement I felt by working hard to obtain something I really loved. But once I saw the kite flying at the beach, I wanted to let it go. My dream had been accomplished. It was time move on to another, new experience. You must always keep going to fulfill your dreams and aspirations.”

BENJI AND THE GIANT KITE, with illustrations by Eefje Jujil, is the second in Alan Fox’s series of picture books. The first, BENJI AND THE 24 POUND BANANA SQUASH, was named a notable children’s book of 2017 by Booklist magazine and has become a much-loved story for youngsters and parents alike.

About the author
Alan C. Fox is the bestselling author of three books for adults, PEOPLE TOOLS, PEOPLE TOOLS FOR BUSINESS, and PEOPLE TOOLS FOR LOVE AND RELATIONSHIPS. His two children’s books are BENJI AND THE 24 POUND BANANA SQUASH (Clavis 2017) and BENJI AND THE GIANT KITE (Clavis 2018). An entrepreneur, philanthropist, and relationships expert, Alan is also the publisher of the poetry magazine, Rattle. He founded a charity that works to maximize the potentional of youth as well as an organization that encourages young people to become active in helping others. Alan lives in Los Angeles, California. To learn more, visit Alan’s website: alancfox.com

Eefje Juijl, a graduate of the School of the Arts Utrech, creates colorful illustrations for children's books, magazines, postcards and more. She lives in The Netherlands with her partner Philip, her son Guus, daughter Fien, and their dog Jip.

5 Powerfully Valuable Steps to Help Busy Parents Soothe Their Child’s Anxiety

5 Powerfully Valuable Steps to Help Busy Parents Soothe Their Child’s Anxiety
By Laurie Hollman, Ph.D

 

Anxiety in children and teens is on the rise. More than 1 in 20 children in the U.S. experience serious anxiety. While occasional anxiety is part of normal life, children and teens with anxiety disorders frequently have intense, excessive, persistent worry about everyday situations. The disorder causes biochemical changes in the body, and has a bearing on a child or teen’s future behavior.

Busy parents trying to manage a family on the go need a way to quickly and effectively help their child cope with anxiety. Stable, supportive, secure parent-child and parent-teen relationships are the most important elements to resolving experiences of anxiety. Parents’ non-judgmental, empathic responses help children and teens resolve these highly tension-producing experiences.

Common anxiety disorders range from generalized anxiety to separation anxiety, panic disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorders. Parents first need to understand each episode’s meaning and to consider it a message -- and even an invitation -- to empathic understanding.

To do so, here are five steps that provide parents a way to quickly and effectively approach their child’s anxiety:

1. Step back. Parents need to first say to themselves, “Slo-o-o-w down. Take your time. Don’t rush forward. Breathe deeply. Consider what to say or do, if anything.” Without distancing themselves from their emotional response, parents often make rash decisions. If they never pause, they never allow emotions to subside and thinking to begin. By resisting the impulse to burst in with a quick solution, parents model for their child a calm manner that will help ease the child’s own distress.

2. Self-reflect. Self-reflecting allows parents to observe themselves objectively and think about the genesis of their feelings, motives and actions in response to their child’s behavior. When parents are busy, this step is often left out, but in the long run it saves time because self-understanding then leads to an understanding of their reactions to their child. Self-reflecting allows parents to discover how their past experiences of anxiety affect their present approach to parenting.

3. Understand the child’s mind. Most parents can recognize their child’s moods, but they need time to figure out the reason for a particular mood. Anxious behavior is meaningful and it’s important for parents to examine their ideas about what elicited it with their child. This shows empathy, and when the child or teen feels understood, it can help in containing the emotions and thinking them through.

4. Understand your child’s development. When you set expectations for your child, be sure they reflect the child’s developmental level, which may fall behind or step ahead of his or her chronological age. Watch for the development of individual capacities and interpersonal skills -- impulse control, effective communication, empathy and autonomy. Being critical of a child for not completing tasks expected for his or her chronological age creates anxiety and lowers self-esteem.

5. Problem-solve. Discuss and create alternative ways for coping with anxiety that lead to resolving the internal torment and pain. The four previous steps leading to problem solving may seem linear, but parents may need to go back and forth among them. This is truly significant because the earlier steps bear directly on the process of problem solving. When children learn that their parents realize the underlying problems behind their original anxiety, they become more open to hearing what their parents have to say. It helps them to feel understood.

This 5-step approach provides busy parents not only a structured way to help their anxious child or teen, but it also offers a vision of hope. It’s an avenue for parents to better understand their children at all ages and developmental levels, firming up and fortifying the parent-child and parent-teen relationships.

One word of caution: If the child’s anxiety isn’t just occasional and fleeting, parents will want to discuss this emotional trouble with a healthcare expert.

*      *      *

Laurie Hollman, PhD, is a psychoanalyst with specialized clinical training in infant-parent, child, adolescent, and adult psychotherapy a unique practice that covers the life span. Dr. Hollman is widely published on topics relevant to parents and children such as juried articles and chapters in the international Psychoanalytic Study of the Child, The International Journal of Infant Observation, and the Inner World of the Mother. She is the author of Unlocking Parental Intelligence – Finding Meaning in Your Child’s Behavior, winner of the Mom’s Choice Award, and the Busy Parent’s Guides series of books: The Busy Parent’s Guide to Managing Anxiety in Children Teens – The Parental Intelligence Way, and The Busy Parent’s Guide to Managing Anger in Children and Teens – The Parental Intelligence Way (Familius, Aug. 1, 2018). Learn more at lauriehollmanph.com.

Tips for Packing Healthy School Lunches on a Budget

Dr. Yum serves up tips on how to pack affordable healthy lunches this school year.

Nimali Fernando, MD, MPH  is a pediatrician practicing in Fredericksburg, VA and founder of the website doctoryum.org and The Doctor Yum Project.

Back to school means back to lunch preparation for parents around the country. It’s a challenge that many parents take on, but often struggle to keep healthy. While it’s easy to toss in convenient snacks, it’s not going to do much in the way of keeping their little bodies healthy and developing well. One pediatrician wants parents to know that sending kids to school with healthy lunches each day doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. In fact, she’s on a mission to help teach parents how to pack healthy school lunches on a budget.

“School lunches may not seem significant in a child’s life, but when you add up that they are eating them five days per week it’s quite a lot of their calorie consumption,” says Dr. Nimali Fernando, a Fredericksburg, Virginia-based pediatrician who founded The Doctor Yum Project. “Teaching them healthy lunch habits from a young age will give them the tools to build lifelong healthy habits.”

Of concern for many pediatricians is the fact that most children are simply not eating enough healthy foods to begin with. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a report earlier this year which stated that only 12 percent of adults meet the daily recommended fruit intake, and only 9 percent reach the daily vegetable intake. They went on to say that most U.S. children do not meet national recommendations for daily fruit and vegetable servings. Add to it the fact they report that 14 percent of preschool aged children are considered obese, and it’s a recipe for health disaster.

Here are tips from Dr. Yum for packing healthy school lunches on a budget:

• Plan lunches for the week. Every weekend, sit down and make a list of what lunches you will make throughout the week. Dr. Yum’s Menu Planner can help you plan lunches, dinners, breakfasts and snacks and then gives you a shopping list for the week that is even sorted by department.
• Buy in bulk. Skip buying individually packaged items like snacks. They are often much more expensive that way. Buy items in bulk, such as at Costco, and use reusable containers to put the items in. Keep it healthy by opting for things like dried fruit, trail mix, unsweetened applesauce, etc.
• Use leftovers. Plan your dinner meals so that you can make extra and then put some aside for lunch the next day. The Dr. Yum Menu Planner is terrific for this too!
• Make from scratch. When we buy items, such as muffins, premade at the store, they often have ingredients in them that we would never find in our pantry. Take it old school by going back to making your own items from scratch. Preparing a batch of healthy muffins, for example, and then putting them in the freezer will help you save money and have healthy options on hand at all times.
• Skip the sugary drinks. Buying sugary drinks is not only expensive, but it puts too much sugar into your child’s diet. Opt for sending them with a reusable container filled with water or unsweetened tea.
• Take a twist on old favorites. Most kids like a traditional PBJ, but you can add some twists by making peanut butter and sliced banana sandwiches, using a whole wheat tortilla, or putting peanut butter and jelly into a whole wheat tortilla and grilling it like a quesadilla. Each variation makes it a bit different, but very few different ingredients are used, keeping it easy and affordable.
• Think smoothies. Packing a smoothie like Dr. Yum’s Green Dragon Smoothie once a week is a great way to get kids nutrition, serve them something they like, and make lunch preparation easy. Keep bags of frozen fruits and veggies (like spinach and kale) on hand and whip together a smoothie to put in their thermos. Smoothies are not just for breakfast!

“Get your kids involved in helping to make healthy lunches this year, which will teach them healthy habits and make them more likely to actually eat what you pack together” added Heidi DiEugenio, director of the Doctor Yum Project. “Once you decide you want to serve healthy and affordable lunches, you just need to stick with the commitment and make it happen. It will become a healthy habit for the whole family.”

Dr. Fernando created The Doctor Yum Project, an organization with the mission of transforming the lives of families and communities by providing an understanding of the connection between food and overall health, as well as empowering them with the tools to live a healthy life. The project offers healthy cooking classes, child nutrition classes, cooking camps for kids, hands-on cooking instruction for families, first foods classes, a teaching garden, and online tools to help families make healthier meals. They also offer a preschool nutrition program, with 40 classrooms and almost 600 participating preschoolers.

Dr. Fernando, otherwise known as Dr. Yum, is a board-certified pediatrician. She is also the co-author of the book “Raising a Healthy, Happy Eater: A Parent’s Handbook” (The Experiment, October 2015). To learn more, visit the site at: www.doctoryum.org.

About The Doctor Yum Project: Founded by Dr. Nimali Fernando, The Doctor Yum Project is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to transforming the lives of families and communities by providing an understanding of the connection between food and overall health, as well as empowering them with the tools to live a healthy life. They offer a variety of community programs to help with those efforts. They are located in Fredericksburg, Virginia, and feature an instructional kitchen and teaching garden for holding classes. To learn more, visit the site at: www.doctoryum.org.

A snack with only one ingredient? Yes please!

It's summer which means I am constantly hearing, "Mom....I'm hungry!" 

As a parent, I read food labels. I was so happy to find a snack with only one ingredient...FRUIT!

Crispy Green is a delicious, convenient way to add more fruit to your child's daily diet.  Each bag provides approximately one serving of fruit and 55 calories or less per bag.

My two kids LOVE the taste of Crispy Green's Crispy Fruit...

and I love that they are Gluten Free, Dairy Free and Peanut free!
And NO ADDED SUGAR!

Crispy Green’s Crispy Fruit can be found in many major grocery retailers nationwide as well as through Amazon. 

All Crispy Fruit snacks are available in convenient, single-serving “grab & go” bags (MSRP: $1.49 each) or a “family” six-pack that includes six, single-serving bags (MSRP: $7.99). For more on Crispy Fruit and nutritional labeling information, visit www.crispygreen.com/products/apple.

Crispy Green’s new packaging will be rolling out in stores throughout June and beyond as it replenishes orders in over 5000 retail stores that currently carry Crispy Green today.  The new brand launch also includes a completely redesigned website (www.crispygreen.com).

What flavor will you try first?

For more information, visit www.CrispyGreen.com or www.SmartLifeBites.com.


Disclaimer: I received a free sample of the product in exchange for a fair and honest review. 

Parents: Five common summer illnesses

Summer is here, and that means more time in the great outdoors. It also means exposure to some different illnesses. Here are some fairly common ones your kids might pick up this summer and what you can do to help (via CDC). As with any illness, if symptoms persist or become severe, be sure to contact your pediatrician and keep track of any changes with your Kinsa.

Photo courtesy: Kinsa/Facebook

Coxsackie

A form of enterovirus, Coxsackie often leads to Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease - a nasty virus that often occurs in kids under 5.


Signs of Hand, Foot and Mouth:

·        Fever

·        Low appetite

·        Sore throat

·        Sores in mouth, developing 1-2 days after fever starts

·        Skin rash with red spots on palms of hands and soles of feet

·        May also develop a rash on knees, elbows, buttocks and genital area


What to do:

·        There’s no treatment for the disease - it will need to run its course

·        Keep kids hydrated, even if it’s difficult to swallow

·        Consider over the counter pain relievers (not Aspirin)

·        Certain mouthwashes may numb mouth pain


Prevention:

·        The illness is transmitted from one infected person to another via bodily fluids or via contaminated water

·        Be sure to wash hands often and clean frequently touched surfaces

·        Avoid contact with anyone infected with the virus



Croup

Croup is an infection of the upper airway, which leads to inflammation of the airway and obstructed breathing.


Signs of Croup:

·        Mucous in the airway

·        Noisy breathing and a hoarse, barking cough

·        Usually starts with cold symptoms


What to do:

·        Breathing moist air may offer comfort to your child

·        Give children over 6 months ibuprofen or acetaminophen for comfort

·        Make sure they drink plenty of fluids

·        Monitor their breathing, especially at night


Prevention:

·        Croup is transmitted through a virus that can be spread from an infected person to another

·        Most cases clear up on their own, but it’s a good idea to keep an infected child away from healthy children to prevent spreading

Lyme Disease

Lyme Disease is a bacterial infection transmitted by ticks.


Signs of Lyme Disease (often flu-like):

·        Fever

·        Headache

·        Fatigue

·        Skin rash

·        Muscle and joint aches

·        Chills

·        Untreated infections can spread to the joints, heart and nervous system


What to do:

·        Lyme Disease found early can be easily treated with antibiotics

·        If you suspect your child has been bitten by a tick, keep a close eye on them

·        Get your child checked early if there’s any chance of Lyme Disease


Prevention:

·        Lyme Disease is spread through insect bites, mainly via infected ticks

·        Use insect repellent when in the woods or grass

·        Search your children for ticks after they’ve been outside, and remove any promptly



Whooping Cough (Pertussis)

Whooping Cough, also known as Pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory disease and is commonly spread at summer camp.


Signs of Whooping Cough:

·        Starts with a cold-like cough, runny nose and fever

·        Babies may develop apnea - a pause in breathing

·        Violent coughing, often uncontrollable, followed by a deep inhale that makes a “whooping” sound

·        Vomiting

·        Exhaustion


What to do:

·        It can be treated with prescribed antibiotics

·        If suspected, take your child to the doctor immediately

·        DO NOT give your child cough medicine

·        Make sure your child is drinking fluids and eating, especially if vomiting occurs


Prevention:

·        There is a vaccine for Whooping Cough

·        It can be transmitted from one infected person to another



Norovirus

The Norovirus is a very contagious virus that causes gastroenteritis, or the stomach bug. It’s often foodborne and causes your stomach and intestines to become inflamed.


Signs of Norovirus:

·        Diarrhea

·        Nausea/vomiting

·        Stomach pain

·        Fever

·        Head and body aches


What to do:

·        Ensure your child is properly hydrated

·        There’s no specific treatment; the virus will have to run its course


Prevention:

·        Wash hands regularly and ensure food is properly cooked and washed

·        Avoid being around someone who is infected with Norovirus