If you have children in the fourth to sixth grades in your home, you are most likely seeing a lot a changes in them mentally and physically. This can be a very important time in your children's life, as they explore their interests and strengths. During this time they will also develop their self-image, of who they are as reflected by their peers. This can be a very challenging time as children will try to assume the morals and values of their peers over what they have been taught in the home by their parents.
There are several resources for parents to read for guidance to help their children during this time. Two series that are written for parents are, Focus on the Family and Family Life Today. These books discuss tough topics like authority, peer pressure, puberty, and dating from a biblical perspective. You can modify the information to meet your family's morals and values.
There are several other things you can do to stay connected to your pre-adolescent. Plan family activities together, eat your evening meal together, and listen to their issues on friendships. Then invite those friends over so that you can get to know them and they can see your family's lifestyle. Don't get discouraged if your children are not receptive to these ideas. Be persistent as they do want their parents involved in their lives.
Good luck!
Gina
Monday, September 25, 2006
Monday, September 18, 2006
Healthy Stress
There have been several studies done over the last ten years that have reported that stress can ruin our health. Doctors report that stress can increase our blood pressure and the risk of heart disease. Studies have also linked stress to immune suppression which can put us at risk for colds and flu. What the news hasn't reported is that short-term stress can give our immune system a boost and the additional energy boost needed in those life or death situations.
Other studies have reported for years that 30 minutes of exercise daily can boost our immune system and relieve stress. But prolonged exercise that becomes to intense can also weaken your immune system. Marathon runners are always fighting colds and their defense systems can take months to resume normalacy after a race. Studies have also reported that the long distance bicycler will not suffer from this depletion of the system.
Moderate exercise for senior citizens can slow the aging of their immune system. Combining movement, meditation, and special breathing which is practice in Tai Chi has been known to lower the risk of heart disease, and even change the growth of neurotransmitters to improve our mood.
So making time for short-term stress on our bodies can be healthy for us. Make time in your schedule for you and live a balanced life. Choose activities that you enjoy and do them in moderation. It will be the best gift that you ever gave yourself.
Take care
Gina
Other studies have reported for years that 30 minutes of exercise daily can boost our immune system and relieve stress. But prolonged exercise that becomes to intense can also weaken your immune system. Marathon runners are always fighting colds and their defense systems can take months to resume normalacy after a race. Studies have also reported that the long distance bicycler will not suffer from this depletion of the system.
Moderate exercise for senior citizens can slow the aging of their immune system. Combining movement, meditation, and special breathing which is practice in Tai Chi has been known to lower the risk of heart disease, and even change the growth of neurotransmitters to improve our mood.
So making time for short-term stress on our bodies can be healthy for us. Make time in your schedule for you and live a balanced life. Choose activities that you enjoy and do them in moderation. It will be the best gift that you ever gave yourself.
Take care
Gina
Monday, September 11, 2006
Preventing Suicide
Living with a loved one that suffers from depression is no simple task. Even if they are taking an anti-depressant, there will still be times when they will feel depressed, sad and withdrawn. For these individuals it will be very important that they live a healthy, balanced lifestyle. They will need to eat healthy, exercise, maintain an average of eight hours of sleep and nurture their spiritual life. Sustaining this lifestyle takes structure and dedication that many people have difficulty perserving.
Individuals that suffer from depression often have a pessimistic viewpoint of life. They will obsess about wanting to die, abuse drugs and alcohol and make choices that will deliberately harm themself and the people that they love. If you are concerned about someone suffering from depression there are some steps that you can take.
Individuals that suffer from depression often have a pessimistic viewpoint of life. They will obsess about wanting to die, abuse drugs and alcohol and make choices that will deliberately harm themself and the people that they love. If you are concerned about someone suffering from depression there are some steps that you can take.
- Let the person talk about their feelings.
- Be accepting of them and try not to judge.
- Ask them if they are having suicidal thoughts.
- Take all suicide threats seriously.
- Do not swear to secrecy. Tell someone.
- Contact a counselor, pastor, or your local mental health helpline.
There are several websites that offer more informations and support.
- Suicide Information & Education Centre www.suicideinfo.ca
- American Association of Suicidology www.suicidology.org
- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention www.afsp.org
- Suicide Awareness/Voices of Education www.save.org
It is important to address all warning signals that a depressed person may share with you. You could be saving a life.
Take care and I will write to you again next week.
Gina
Sunday, September 03, 2006
Teaching Money Skills with an Allowance
Your children are back in school and it is time to become more consistent with your schedules and responsiblities. This will be an adjustment for your whole family and it leaves little time for relaxing together unless everyone is helping. When everyone in the family works together to complete daily tasks it teaches your family unity and responsiblity in helping one another.
You may want to start paying an allowance to your children. An allowance is one of the best ways to teach children how to manage their money. It helps them to distinguish their needs and wants and gives parents the opportunity to teach their children how to save for their wants. Some parents like to pay their children for good grades. The author of "Raising Money Smart Kids", by Janet Bodar states that buying grades is distracting to children from the real reward of earning grades, and the accomplishment they should feel when they have earned their grades.
An allowance is still one of the best ways to teach money managing skills. Create a work schedule with your children and discuss their responsibilities. Give them an annual review on job performance and allowance increase as their responsiblities increase. If your children do extra chores for your discuss incentive pay for those chores and how much money that would be for them. You could also match their savings to incourage them to save more than they spend.
Some parents feel uncomfortable in sharing the cost of items with their children. This is a very important life lesson they must learn so that they are able to manage their money as an adult. When eating out at a restuarant share the cost with them and discuss how much the tip should be for that service. As you fill up your car with gas share with your children how much it costs to drive a car per month and how you must budget every expense.
Your children are always learning from your example and guidance. Teaching them about money is another way to prepare your children for that step into adulthood.
See you next week.
Gina
You may want to start paying an allowance to your children. An allowance is one of the best ways to teach children how to manage their money. It helps them to distinguish their needs and wants and gives parents the opportunity to teach their children how to save for their wants. Some parents like to pay their children for good grades. The author of "Raising Money Smart Kids", by Janet Bodar states that buying grades is distracting to children from the real reward of earning grades, and the accomplishment they should feel when they have earned their grades.
An allowance is still one of the best ways to teach money managing skills. Create a work schedule with your children and discuss their responsibilities. Give them an annual review on job performance and allowance increase as their responsiblities increase. If your children do extra chores for your discuss incentive pay for those chores and how much money that would be for them. You could also match their savings to incourage them to save more than they spend.
Some parents feel uncomfortable in sharing the cost of items with their children. This is a very important life lesson they must learn so that they are able to manage their money as an adult. When eating out at a restuarant share the cost with them and discuss how much the tip should be for that service. As you fill up your car with gas share with your children how much it costs to drive a car per month and how you must budget every expense.
Your children are always learning from your example and guidance. Teaching them about money is another way to prepare your children for that step into adulthood.
See you next week.
Gina
Monday, August 21, 2006
Back to School Anxiety
School is starting for many children and everyone is probably a little anxious about the new school year. Your children are wondering if their teacher will be nice, if any of their friends will be in their classroom, and if the academics will be too demanding. For children in grades kindergarten thru second grade it may help both the parent and the child feel less anxious if you make time to take your child to school the first day. It's an opportune time to meet their teacher and help your child unpack their school supplies. Usually from third grade and older the children will feel uncomfortable if their parents walk them to their classroom as they are trying to display independence in front of their peers and teachers.
When your child gets home from school try to be there and listen to him or her about their day. Your child will need a empathetic ear that will unconditionally listen about their struggles and triumphs. You can normalize your child's fears at this time by sharing a story from your childhood about school, or even a favorite teacher and memory. It will help your child to understand that everyone experiences similar situations that will be resolved in time.
It may be that your child is very shy and is needing guidance on how to make new friends in the classroom. You can role play asking friends to play at recess, or if you know the parents of a child in the classroom, it may help to schedule play dates for your child, so that he or she may practice their social skills. The more confidence your child displays in social situations the happier he or she will be away from home.
If your child continues to display anxieties about school issues, do not hesitate to discuss them with the teacher or school counselor. They will be able to give you more insight on the concerns and suggestions on how to support your child in the classroom. You can become involved in your parent group at school or try to be a room parent for your child's teacher. These small gestures of support lets your child know that you care and are involved with their life.
Take care and I will write again next week!
Gina
When your child gets home from school try to be there and listen to him or her about their day. Your child will need a empathetic ear that will unconditionally listen about their struggles and triumphs. You can normalize your child's fears at this time by sharing a story from your childhood about school, or even a favorite teacher and memory. It will help your child to understand that everyone experiences similar situations that will be resolved in time.
It may be that your child is very shy and is needing guidance on how to make new friends in the classroom. You can role play asking friends to play at recess, or if you know the parents of a child in the classroom, it may help to schedule play dates for your child, so that he or she may practice their social skills. The more confidence your child displays in social situations the happier he or she will be away from home.
If your child continues to display anxieties about school issues, do not hesitate to discuss them with the teacher or school counselor. They will be able to give you more insight on the concerns and suggestions on how to support your child in the classroom. You can become involved in your parent group at school or try to be a room parent for your child's teacher. These small gestures of support lets your child know that you care and are involved with their life.
Take care and I will write again next week!
Gina
Monday, August 14, 2006
Establishing a Bedtime Routine
With more and more things competing for your child's waking hours, it is not surprising to hear that most children are sleep deprived. A recent KidsHealth KidsPoll estimated that 62 percent of children ages 9 to 13 do not get enough sleep and 70 percent were wishing they could get more sleep. Experts recommend that school-age children receive 9 to 10 hours of sleep each night.
Establishing a consistent bedtime routine is the best intervention is helping your child prepare for the next day.
Establishing a consistent bedtime routine is the best intervention is helping your child prepare for the next day.
- Set a bedtime for school nights, and stick to it.
- Make sure that all homework and other preparations for the next day is completed early enough in the evening, so that your child gets to bed on time.
- Have you child begin their nightly hygiene routine at least 30 minutes before their bedtime.
- After your child has completed their evening tasks, allow them some quiet reading time to slow down, and relax before bed.
- Spend some quiet time with your child discussing their day and activities. Ask your child about any projects, or concerns that they may have and need assistance with.
- Say goodnight to your child and state your expectations about staying in bed in a kind but firm voice.
Ensuring that your child is rested for the next day is also important in helping their immune system fight infection effectively. Children that are sleep deprived are likely to be ill more often, have a negative outlook on their life, and display poor social skills when interacting with others. Helping your child get enough sleep is just one more step in teaching your child self-care skills for life.
See you next week.
Gina
Sunday, August 06, 2006
Can We Have a Snack Now?
As a parent I wonder how many times a day we hear this question. Americans love to snack or have a "treat" several times a day even if we are not hungry. Current studies report that Americans are more inactive and obese than ever before. If you do not want your household to be a current statistic there are several things you can do.
Families have become addicted to the screen. The television, computer, Ipod, or Blackberry are just a few of today's electronics that are absorbing our time and leave us very sedentary. Try limiting your family's time using these gadgets and plan a game night. You could also learn a new exercise, go for a walk, bike ride or even join the local YMCA. Try having your family cook the evening meal together, clean it up and then read together. Working and playing together as a family helps you create memories that your children will relive with their children.
Food is also a way that people connect with each other daily. Smaller children due to their growth and development needs will need a snack every few hours. To avoid teaching your child poor eating habits talk to them about nutrition and meeting the needs of their body. There are several healthy snacks that you can have ready for your family.
Families have become addicted to the screen. The television, computer, Ipod, or Blackberry are just a few of today's electronics that are absorbing our time and leave us very sedentary. Try limiting your family's time using these gadgets and plan a game night. You could also learn a new exercise, go for a walk, bike ride or even join the local YMCA. Try having your family cook the evening meal together, clean it up and then read together. Working and playing together as a family helps you create memories that your children will relive with their children.
Food is also a way that people connect with each other daily. Smaller children due to their growth and development needs will need a snack every few hours. To avoid teaching your child poor eating habits talk to them about nutrition and meeting the needs of their body. There are several healthy snacks that you can have ready for your family.
- Raw vegetables with low-fat dip
- Fresh fruit
- Popsicles made with 100% fruit juice
- Pudding made with low-fat milk
- Jello
- Dry cereal mixed with dry fruit
- Animal crackers and a glass of milk
- Cottage cheese and fruit
- Peanut butter on apple slices, crackers or bread
- Tortillas rolled around turkey or beans
To put these ideas in place have a family meeting. Discuss the concerns that you have and what you would like to change as a family. You will need to give everyone a chance to speak and listen to their ideas. Write the ideas down and use them to schedule activities for the week. Ask their preferences on snacks and have them grocery shop with you. That way they know what is available to snack on and keeps them from asking, "Can I have a snack?"
See you next week.
Gina
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