Parenting Strategies and Tips

Recently, I asked my just-turned-five-year-old son to gather items to donate to hurricane and fire victims. I closed my eyes and prepared for howls of “What do you mean you’re giving away my toys?!” It never came. As I opened my eyes, I saw him enthusiastically hauling toys from his toybox and beyond. He relinquished his old baby rattles, Legos, and his prized super hero collection. I asked if he really wanted to take all these items. “Yes, mom,” he replied. As we loaded up our car, I praised him for wanting to give his toys to those in need. That’s when it hit…  

“WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU’RE GIVING AWAY MY TOYS?!” he yelled. 

“Honey, I said we were going to donate today.” 

“Donate? I thought we were getting a donut.” 

Project Zambi is a charity that is dedicated to raising awareness about the estimated 15 million children who have lost parents and relatives to the AIDS epidemic in Africa and around the world. Hasboro has established the Project Zambi Fund within the Hasbory Children’s Fund that will support programs that benefit children orphaned by AIDS in Africa. Hasboro has committed to donate 50% of the net profit (a minimum of $500,000) from the sale of the Furreal Friends Zambi the Baby Elephant. It’s a special edition which is truly special because the design on it’s ears is a special pattern created by children from one of the African communities dedicated to caring for AIDS orphans. Zambi curls her trunk around your finger and blows kisses and trumpets when you pet her back. She also moves her mouth and wiggles her ears. Zambi is recommended for children age four and up. For more information about project Zambi please visit www.projectzambi.com. From our friends at theFind

Most kids love animals and would like to have a pet.  In fact, kids often beg for pets when they see them ... "Can I have a puppy ... please?"  But parents need to think long and hard before introducing a pet into a household.  And of utmost importance is the type of pet your family will be the happiest with and that the pet will be the happiest with and well-cared for.

While some families can deal with a new puppy, others cannot plus puppies are a lot of work ... sort of like having a new baby.  And that is not a joke.  So, even though Susie is begging for a dog or cat, do a little reasearch first ... maybe a bird or fish will fill the pet need, but even little pets need daily care.

Regardless of what pet your family decides on,  you, as parent, should be making this decision by the way, make sure your child will be involved in the care of the pet if they are the one asking for the pet.  Get some books beforehand rather than rushing out to get some little unsuspecting animal.  Read up, with your child, on how much care will be involved, what type of food the animal eats and any other important information.  There are many book that can be borrowed from the library and this is another fun outing that can be part of the Pet planning process.

Explain to your child that they are expected to help care for the pet and really talk about what exactly they will have to do every day.  Whether it is a cat or a bird, explain that not only does the animal need food and water daily, but they must be given attention.  Obviously, depending on the pet, different pets will require different types of attention.  Cats need petting, dogs need exercising, birds like to be talked to.

School is back in session for many kids so let’s talk school lunches. Sodas, juice drinks, cookies, hotdogs, and chips- all common school lunch components but none healthy. Over the past years, some schools have improved the nutritional quality of their lunches but it is an area that desperately needs more attention by both schools and parents.

What’s scary is that the obesity rate of young kids to teens is significantly rising and poor lunch options aren’t making things any better. Over 1/3 of our nation’s youth are either overweight or obese. Poor food choices and a lack of physical activity are contributors to this epidemic. So, what can you do as a parent do to help prevent your child from weight control issues?

For starters, making sure that they have a healthy and adequate lunch will put them on the right track. Kids can be awfully picky when it comes to choosing and eating certain foods. In general, there is an overconsumption of high calorie drinks and high fat foods and an underconsumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. If you are unsure about what your kids may be eating at school, get the school menu and consider visiting at lunchtime. You can also volunteer to serve the children to get a better understanding to see what they are actually eating.

If your kids are taking lunches from home try to limit the highly processed snacks and give them more fresh food items like fruits and vegetables. If you have healthier foods available at home to make a healthy lunch, you can send your kids to school with the reassurance that they’re getting a nutritious meal.

Follow these 5 tips for packing your kids school lunch:

1. Plan Ahead: Since you can only pack a good lunch if you have the foods available make sure to go shopping at least 1-2 times per week so you will have fresh foods on hand.