May 2009

  • Sneaking in Family Fitness

    By sarajean on 5/24/09 8:24pm
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    DDRDDRYou may have mastered the art of sneaking in some good nutrition into your kids’ lives (yogurt “smoothies” and veggie “bugs,” anyone?), but getting them to exercise can take cunning, craftiness—real skills on the front of the parenting battlefield. But fret not, oh working soldier mom-or-pop; this guide will help you sneak in some physical activity in your kids’ lives—as well as your own—keeping you healthy while you have fun together.

    Go outside and play. This is the best way to get some movement in your day because you also get fresh air. While it’s not so sneaky, just being willing to take a break from work and play with your kids—whether it’s Frisbee, catch, or simply tag—will send the message that playtime is important. Show them what you played as a kid. Chances are, they’ve probably never even heard of stickball.

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  • May is National Foster Care Month

    By sarajean on 5/22/09 10:36pm
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    National Foster Care MonthNational Foster Care MonthThere are currently 496,000 American children in the foster care system right now, and each one is in need of a safe place to call home. 44% of these kids enter the system before age six, and children who do not get adopted throughout their time in foster care may fall victim to a number of things, including homelessness, incarceration, and unemployment; they are also more likely than children outside the system to develop physical, developmental and mental health problems.

    Being a foster parent is just as much responsibility as being a biological one, if not more so, as many foster children feel very vulnerable and will need extra love and support. Many enter the system abused or neglected; some have even witnessed horrors that many people do not see in a lifetime. That’s why it’s so crucial that they establish some kind of loving, supportive relationship during their youth; through this relationship, they can establish the necessary trust and bonding needed between humans to live a healthy, happy life.

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  • May is Better Sleep Month

    By sarajean on 5/14/09 4:08am
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    Better Sleep MonthBetter Sleep MonthWith both your duties as a parent and your job outside the home (or inside it, if you work at home), chances are you’re probably pretty worn out by the end of the day. Every adult needs at least seven hours of rest each night to be at optimal function—but when you’re responsible for another person (no matter how much smaller he or she may be!), it’s even more important to catch those Z’s.

    Since May is Better Sleep Month, why not try and make getting some rest one of your goals for the upcoming week? Sleep is just as important to a healthy lifestyle as a good diet and exercise. Sufficient sleep is linked to a better memory, more energy, and better health. Seven out of ten Americans say that they are more likely to work out if they had a good night’s sleep. Try some of these tips to get a better night’s rest tonight.

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  • 8 Ways to Keep a Preschooler Engaged While You Work

    By sarajean on 5/4/09 5:46pm
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    If you work from home and you have a child, chances are you hear the words “Mommy! Mama! MOM!” more often than you hear from your editor, boss, or clients. With a little luck and some ingenuity, you can keep your kids busy—and yourself insane—to meet those deadlines. Here are 8 ways to help you beat the clock, keep your kids happy, and wow your friends with your incredible multitasking skills.

    8. Stick in a DVD. This is your last resort, which is why it’s last on the list! If you have Noggin, or PBS, those might work—just check out the shows before you let your kids watch (for example, while many children enjoy The Wonder Pets, at least one episode promotes circuses using animals, which some parents may not approve. While you probably don’t want to use this tactic daily, a half an hour here and there probably won’t hurt. Use your own beliefs and judgment.

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