Reading Inspires Children

"You may have tangible wealth untold;
Caskets of jewels and coffers of gold.
Richer than I you can never be--
I had a mother who read to me"
-Strickland Gillilan

We live in a day and age where there are so many things to worry us, to occupy our time, and to encourage us to be better. We are surrounded by an immense amount of new technology that makes life easier and enables us to do more. New ideas and ways are discovered daily to improve our lives and parents are learning the best ways to care for their children. But, we cannot forget a simple tradition that often is taken for granted and that is reading to children. Since the beginning of time, before writing was invented, people have told and retold stories, and then writing was invented and stories of myth and folk lore are found throughout the world. We have it a lot easier, we have libraries and bookstores with a surplus of books.

An article titled The Importance of Reading states:
"It is observed that children and teenagers who love reading have comparatively higher IQs. They are more creative and do better in school and college. It is recommended that parents begin to inculcate the importance of reading to their children in the early years. Reading is said to significantly help in developing vocabulary, and reading aloud helps to build a strong emotional bond between parents and children. The children who start reading from an early age are observed to have good language skills, and they grasp the variances in phonics much better."




This video is a bit of an exaggeration, but encourage your child to read. You can also teach by example and together your minds will expand with new vocabulary and ideas.

Not every activity you plan has to incorporate physical exercise, but some familiy activities should exercise the mind.

Inspire your children.

Children's Health Care

According to Families USA over 9 million children in America do not have health insurance. On January 29, 2009, the Senate passed CHIP and the House approved on February 4, 2009. President Obama did not wait one day and signed the bill on the same day.

CHIP stands for Children's Health Insurance Program, and it was created to provide health coverage to low income children in families that earn too much to qualify for Medicaid. All states have a CHIP program and are able to design the program according to their desires.

If your child is not insured, check out your states local CHIP program. Protect your child and yourself.

Play Time

Here are some fun activities for your child which are also great ways to exercise. Whether your child is by himself, with a friend, or with a group of friends, there are always ways to have fun and to be active!

When your child is by himself:

• Practice hopscotch
• See how long that she or he can hop on one foot
• Do jumping jacks
• Invent dance moves
• Do sprints and have he or she time him or herself
  

When there are two:

• Have a handstand contest
• Invent dances to favorite songs
• Jump rope together
• Ride bikes
• Practice pitching and hitting a baseball

When there is a group:

• Have a skateboarding contest
• Play tag
• Play outdoor hide-and-seek
• Dance to music

When it is cold outside:

• Play tag in the snow
• Take a nature hike and look for animal footprints
• Go sledding
• Make snow angels

When it is hot outside:

• Go swimming
• Have a water balloon toss
• Take a nature walk on a shady trail
• Wash your dog outside
• Wash cars
• Turn on sprinklers and let them run around

For a more detailed list check out kidshealth.org.

These lists are very short, but hopefully it sparked some creativity and now you will be able to come up with even better ideas of activities for your child.

Don't forget to get out and play with them!

Counting Sheep

Sleep. Sleep. Sleep.


Sleep is a vital necessity that we all too often put aside. As our days get busier we tend to cut back on sleep and not our other daily tasks. Now we could discuss our own sleep problems, but instead let's focus on our children.


The most important thing you can do as a parent is to follow a nightly routine. A routine helps your child relax, fall asleep, and stay asleep throughout the night. Bedtime should be a positive and relaxing experience.

Here is an example from the National Sleep foundation of a typical routine:

1. Have a light snack

2. Take a bath

3. Put on Pajamas

4. Brush teeth

5. Read a story

6. Make sure the room is quiet and at a comfortable temperature

7. Put your child to bed

8. Say goodnight and leave




It is important for you to make sure your child gets enough sleep. You will be able to see a difference in their nature, energy and the smile on their face when they receive an adequate amount of sleep. If your child is not sleeping through the night, then he or she may have a sleep problem and medical attention would be beneficial.

According to The American Academy of Sleep Medicine, experts recommend that your child get the following amount of sleep at each stage of growth:

• Infants(3 to 11 months): 14 to 15 hours


• Toddlers: 12 to 14 hours


• Preschoolers: 11 to 13 hours


• School-age childre: 10 to 11 hours
  

Making sure your child receives a good night's rest will make his or her and your day a lot better. Remember to stick to relaxing activities such as counting sheep and not high stimulating activitise such as T.V. before bedtime.

Kids in the Kitchen?

If you are one of the many parents who struggle with picky eaters, then try bringing them into the kitchen. It is a scary thought, with the sharp utensils and the hot stove, but studies have found that kids who help prepare meals tend to be less picky eaters. Children usually at least try the foods that they have prepared. It creates a positive environment and you will be able to make memories with your child. Preparing dinner can be stressful with children running around, so why not involve them and get them excited to eat what they have prepared after their hard work.

Try these fun recipes or use some family favorites:

Little Kids' Lasagna

Ingredients:
1 small aluminum loaf pan (about 3 by 8 inches, preferably with plastic cover) for each guest
1 pound sweet Italian sausage (or ground beef)
1 pound lasagna noodles
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 jar (32-ounce) spaghetti sauce
4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 cup pesto (optional)

1. Prepare the sausage and the lasagna noodles. (If this is part of a party, prepare the noodles the night before.) Remove the sausage from the casing and cook over medium heat, breaking up the clumps, until completely brown. Drain the fat, set the meat in a bowl, and cover with plastic when cool. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package directions. Rinse the noodles and toss them with olive oil to prevent them from sticking together. (Tip: If the noodles don't fit in your loaf pans very well, you may want to trim them ahead of time.) Lay the noodles in a 13- by 9- by 2-inch pan and cover with plastic. Then store the precooked ingredients in the refrigerator.

2. Just before the party, place the sauce, cheeses, and pesto (if desired) into bowls. Set them around the table along with the cooked lasagna noodles and sausage, and loaf pans and serving spoons.

3. Invite guests to assemble their lasagnas, starting with a layer of sauce on the bottom of their pans (to prevent the noodles from sticking). Have the kids continue layering on noodles, meat, sauce, and cheese until they are satisfied with their lasagnas.

4. Put the pans on cookie sheets and bake at 300º for about 20 minutes, or until the ingredients are warm and the cheeses have melted. Serve the lasagnas slightly cooled and let the kids eat right out of the pans. To send the leftovers home, cover the loaf pans with their plastic covers or aluminum foil. Serves 6 to 8 kids.

Sunny Broccoli

Ingredients
3 cups broccoli florets
2 tablespoons orange juice
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 clove minced garlic
Salt and pepper

Steam 3 cups broccoli florets for 5 minutes. Toss with 2 tablespoons orange juice, 1 tablespoon canola oil, 1 clove minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Spoon the broccoli mixture onto clementine slices arranged in the shape of a flower. Tip: Ready in 15 minutes.

This one is fun and easy and kids can have fun arranging the vegetables on the plate!