QbyUand4U: Getting kids to eat fruits & veggies & TMI Link Up

February 18, 2013 By

At one time or another, I think every mom wonders if she is mothering a child worthy of an expose on 20/20. Some children struggle with medical or emotional challenges expressed in eating habits that require the help of a trained therapist, nutritionist, or doctor. But when one of our moms asked, “How do we get our kids to eat more fruits and vegetables?” the mom audience collectively nodded their heads. It’s time for a “Question by U and 4U!”

veggie bowl
Most children aren’t born craving broccoli. If your kids beg for brussel sprouts on their birthday, just go ahead and skip to the comments and tell us what your secrets are! But for all the rest of us, let’s talk about how to move kids from milk to mangoes in a day when chicken nuggets are made to look like rock stars. Like generations before us, we just want our kids to eat their fruits and veggies!

Is good nutrition worth the battle? Even though we know children need a wide array of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, moms often give in when faced with pouty lipped, arms crossed, nugget loving children. How can we encourage healthy eating without having to do battle?

  1. Model the diet you want for your kids. Be honest here … do you only eat an apricot when it’s in “jam form” in the middle of a pastry? Kids learn from what we choose to eat.
  2. Don’t put junk where good stuff should go. If they turn up their nose at pineapple, don’t shrug your shoulders and trade it for Pringles.
  3. Persevere if it matters … because it does. It doesn’t count as a failure after one rejection or five or ten. Start before they’re using silverware, and then keep putting healthy options in front of your children in every single stage of their life.
  4. Think like a florist and cook like an artist. Create a palette of food on your child’s plate that is varied and colorful, a display of different shapes and textures. Invite their help, their touching and their sampling. Make preparation, serving, and eating a joyful journey of the senses.
  5. Talk it up before you serve it up. Tell your children how thankful you are for the food you have and describe its wonderful qualities. Explain how God has given us the gift of fruits and vegetables to meet our needs and bring us pleasure. When you pray, thank Him for the gifts He’s given.

“And God said, ‘Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind, on the earth.’ And it was so. The earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed according to their own kinds, and trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening and there was morning, the third day” (Genesis 1:11-13).

Like any other healthy habit you train your children to practice, choosing a healthy diet pays dividends their whole life. In April 2008 The Journal of School Health reported that children who regularly eat vegetables and fruits do better academically than children with poor diets. Good nutrition produces increased attention to learn, greater energy levels, more desire for activity, stronger emotional balance, digestive well-being, and better sleep patterns. That’s worth taking the time to keep fruits and veggies on hand and ready to serve to children learning to choose what will help them grow strong for a healthy future.

And by the way, both of our kids beg for brussel sprouts on their birthdays!  I’m not kidding. I drizzle the sprouts with olive oil and sprinkle a little sea salt and roast them for about 30 minutes at 350.  I eat a couple … because the kids are watching.  It makes the florist and the artist and the mother in me so happy.

Click here for a nutrition resource for kids provided by the Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital.

Shared by Julie Sanders

Overwhelmed_3D_Clear

SUBSCRIBE to receive your FREE copy of Overwhelmed today!

AND/OR

SIGN UP to BEGIN a M.O.M. Initiative Mentor Group in your area! You will also receive a FREE copy of Overwhelmed and as a ministry tool, please feel free to make as many copies as you need.

____________________________________________________________________________

Now it’s time to LINK UP & join the fun, meet new friends & make your message more available to others!

(Oh…and don’t forget to grab our button and share the love! :-) )



PinterestShare
Filed Under: Active Kids/Healthy Kids, Childhood, Health, Safety & Nutrition, Julie Sanders, Toddlers & Preschool Tagged With: , , 16 Comments

Flying with Mom – Airline Travel with Kids

July 11, 2012 By

Thinking about flying with kids?

It’s dark and quiet as hundreds around me sleep, now that the small passenger in row 35 has given in. His mother looks relieved, but cautious, slumped under a blanket beside him. Airline travel with small children is not easy, but it can be done well.

Before the flight attendant closed the overhead bins, the elderly lady in row 35 found a way to move far from the little wiggling person making demands before we even pulled away from the gate. Early indications showed it would be a long overnight flight with this half sized, yet powerful, passenger. His mom, on the other hand, seemed to be in denial; she opened a large paperback and ignored her child, who quickly tired of pushing the screen on the back of the chair and moved on to kicking the tray table. Mom had nothing to give him: no secret snacks, hidden toys, sticker books, favorite stuffy, or comforting blanket. Maybe she forgot in her pre-trip hurry, but this has the power to make a break their trip. In a divine show of mercy, when the elderly lady escaped, she left an empty seat beside the toddler, creating more “wiggle room.”

Shortly after the meal service, the toddler melted down, just as the shades were drawn and passengers were urged to sleep. We all knew only one would win: the toddler in row 35 or the other 400 of us. Airline travel with small children can be a battle. Are you up for the challenge?

 

Be realistic.

This is no time to read that Amish classic. Be realistic about travel during this season of life. There will be a day for long novels on trans-Atlantic flights, but not in the toddler-mom days. A successful flight requires being informed, prepared, and engaged. Remember how you slept when the baby slept in the first days? Bring that mindset to the plane.

Be prepared

Some children face emotional anxiety due to the number of people, the noise, the restrictions, or other issues. Know that some factors, like entertainment choices of surrounding passengers, temperature, and time, are out of your control. Physical concerns like ear pain and awkward bathroom facilities mean Mom has to plan ahead. Ask your pediatrician for ways to offset air pressure changes. Plan to offer a lollipop, pacifier, sippy cup, or nursing, depending on the age of the child, for take-offs and landing.

Be creative

The flight may offer “activities” like meals and an entertainment system to help fill time, but go with plans and resources to occupy your child; the whole plane will thank you. Take your child’s age into account, but plan seat activities to rotate. Choose those that are quiet, don’t have a lot of small pieces to drop, and work well in confinement. Challenging! Think: books, coloring, playdough, a game, a simple craft, technical game, story on tape, etc. This is not your chance to catch up on reading. Engaging your child’s body and mind on a plane requires a parent who is engaged.

Be honest

See your child’s response to the flight experience as people around you are seeing it. Remember that some may have flight anxiety, need to sleep, may be facing physical issues, and may not be used to small children. Your interaction with your child can be a blessing to those around you, and you might even find others eager to help you when they see how prepared and thoughtful you are.

Be polite

From the moment you pre-board or drag a car seat down the aisle, people wonder how you will impact the flight. Since you already have a hundred things on your mind, add two more small ones: greet the flight attendants and smile. While it isn’t time to stop and make introductions, it is time to speak to the stewards, thank them for their help, and teach your little one how to “help the helpers.” Your polite manners will make attendants want to help you, and you need that!

Be flexible

It takes more time and effort to fly with little ones, but you can do it if you adjust your expectations. You may not get that two minutes in the restroom to freshen up your make-up before landing, but that’s okay. The attention and affection you show your most precious passenger makes you beautiful. Don’t let spills, tears, fears, or questions upset you. Set a pace for your child that reveals a flexible and patient spirit. More important than getting to your destination is the journey of growing your child.

Be adventurous

Traveling with a small child is exciting! Determine that you will see it that way and talk to your little one about your adventure together. Laugh at the unexpected, making your travel a game and journey to be embraced. Make these days a sweet memory in the heart of your little traveler. All too soon, they’ll grab their own suitcase and be out the door charting their own course.

 

I’ve traveled many miles with our children, but they now sleep in the row behind me, tall and quiet in their own seats. They chose their own meals, didn’t spill, and carried their own bags. They’ve grown to be independent, and I got to read a great book. It’s a new season.

The mom in row 35 sleeps now beside her small mound of a person under a blanket, her book on the floor, but her heart open. The window shades will lift soon, and the toddler will wake up, ready for the next part of his amazing adventure with mom.

What tips do you have for successful airline travel with kids?

PinterestShare
Filed Under: Active Kids/Healthy Kids, Holidays, Julie Sanders, Parenting, Toddlers & Preschool Tagged With: , , , , , 4 Comments

10 Summertime Safety Tips

May 17, 2012 By

I’ve always loved the fun in the sun that defines summer. But it’s also a time when children experience more injuries and make more visits to the emergency room than any other time of year.

Before the last bell of the 2011-2012 school year ushers in the approaching summer season and before a momma starts filling her days with a plethora of plans for the kiddos, it’s wise to consider safety first.

The M.O.M. Initiative wants to help your summertime be filled with fun and accident free, so we’re offering 10 summertime safety tips to help you have the best summer ever!

1. Moderation is key to fun in the sun. Remember, your little ones can become overheated and dehydrated much faster than you. So, when you make outdoor plans be sure to either include some shade or keep the time they spend in direct sunlight to a minimum.

2. Keep the sunscreen on the kids. Sunburns are not only painful but can be dangerous as well as a big cancer causing culprit. Fifteen minutes in direct sunlight is all it takes for tender skin to begin to burn. When it comes to sunscreen a good rule to remember is, if they’re in the sun it’s on their skin. (Make sure the SPF is 15 or more)

3. Don’t be bugged by insects. Avoid scented soaps, scented lotions and perfumes. Avoid garbage cans, standing water, leaves and woodpiles where yellow jackets, mosquitos, ticks and spiders love to dwell.

4. Get ‘em geared up. Most outside activities require some type of gear. Bicycle riding requires helmets; skateboarding requires helmets, elbow & knee pads; soccer requires shin guards and boating requires life vests. Be sure that you get your children properly geared up for whatever activity they’re involved in.

5. Take lessons first. Whether it’s swimming, horseback riding, water skiing or some other sport, be sure to have your child take lessons prior to participating in those activities. Those who teach these lessons also provide safety instructions and help prepare your children to play it safe.

6. Be aware of the weather. Check the weather before you head out. If a lightning storm approaches, avoid open spaces, standing in water and standing under a tree. Find shelter inside if possible. If not, make your way back to your car. The same is true for wind and hail storms.

7. Teach them to stick to the rules. Whatever activity you choose to do, be sure your children are taught the rules. Teach them to take precautions and make sure they stick to the rules. If they do something you’ve told them is outside of the realm of safety, be a good mom and make them sit it out for a little while. While children are often fearless and aren’t mature enough to consider the significance of safety, the consequences of not being able to participate may make them choose to stay safe.

8. Keep it age appropriate. Children are often injured trying to do things they aren’t old enough to do. Their dexterity isn’t always as developed as it needs to be for certain activities. Don’t allow your children to venture into the world of trying to be too big for their britches.

9. Be cool by the pool. Be extremely careful when your are near water. Observe the 2 foot rule when with your small children in the pool. That means don’t allow yourself to be more than 2 foot away from a child even if they’re wearing floaties. Inflatable rings, wings and rafts can easily be deflated and are often too slippery for children to hold on to. No running by the pool. No wrestling in the pool. And most importantly, NO children near the pool without supervision by an adult who can swim.

10. Be prepared. Know CPR and keep a “Summertime Fun Kit” packed and with you at all times. Include a camera, snacks, boxed drinks, a first aid kit, sunscreen, bug repellent, anti-sting lotion, calamine lotion, bandaids, antibiotic ointment, an ace bandage, tweezers, scissors, alcohol or peroxide, Visine, a spare set of clothes, an extra pair of shoes, a comb or brush, a toothbrush and tooth paste, a couple of books, a couple of games.

Summer is such a fun time of the year. Don’t let an injury or accident ruin a moment of it! Keep the kiddos safe and make memories you and your family will never forget.

What would you add to this list?

By Stephanie Shott

PinterestShare
Filed Under: Active Kids/Healthy Kids, MOM Stuff, Stephanie Shott Tagged With: , , , Leave a Comment

18 Memory Making Ideas for Summertime Fun

April 19, 2012 By

“There is a time for everything,  and a season for every activity under heaven” Ecclesiastes 3:1

I love the summer! Everything is alive and lively. The days are longer, the air smells sweeter, the kids are out of school and it’s time to play!

Unfortunately, when my children were young, I often found school was knocking on the door of our summer fun before we really got to enjoy the season that seemed to all-too-quickly slip through our fingers.

Making memories with our kids means we have to intentionally plan our days; purposely putting some things on the back burner and giving up certain daily routines and replacing them with some family time.

Below is a list of ideas that might spark your creative fuel. You can also go to your city’s website and look at the calendar of events. If you don’t find one, go to one of your local television station’s websites. You should be able to find out what’s going on in your town through one of those outlets.

So grab the family, the camera and a smile and get busy making memories!

1. A DAY AT THE ZOO - They are normally inexpensive and if you’re on a budget, pack your lunches (and drinks) in a cooler.

2. A JOURNEY TO YOUR LOCAL PARKS – Map out a few of the parks in your local area and see how many of them you can hit in a day. Take pictures at every park you visit. Pack your lunches (and drinks) in a cooler and have a picnic in the park. Stop by the store, develop your pictures and when you get home make a fun family timeline of your exscursions with your pics.

3. A DAY AT THE MUSEUM – Take the family to the museum. Enjoy taking pictures in front of the attractions. To make a day of it, take your lunches (and drinks) in a cooler.

4. THEME PARKS – Most towns have some sort of theme park within a three hour radius. Save up and take the family to one of the theme parks in your area. Again, you can pack your lunches (and drinks) in a cooler and save money by eating outside of the gate. The walk back will give you enough time to enjoy the rides when you get back in. :-)

5. PLAY TENNIS AT A LOCAL PARK – You may not be able to join a team, but many parks have tennis courts where you can play for free. If you don’t know the rules, you can either take the time to learn them or just do what I do – make them up as you go.

6. HAVE FUN IN THE SUN – Spend a day at the beach, lake, river or pool in your community. Be sure to pack your lunches (and drinks) in a cooler. Contrary to popular belief, sun is good for you. So get out there and absorb all the vitamin D you can…just don’t get a sunburn – and use sunscreen, especially if you’re fair skinned.

7. VBS OR BACKYARD BIBLE CLUBS – Be part of making an eternal difference in your kid’s and other kid’s lives. If your church doesn’t have anything going this summer, ask if you can help at another church and let your children join the fun there. You may want to put on your own backyard Bible club to reach out to your neighbors. Ask some families to help you and make your neighborhood your mission field.

8. TAKE A HIKE – Many towns have a natural habitat area that offers hikes and exhibits. You’ll not only want to take your lunches (and drinks) in a cooler, but you’ll want to take your binoculars too.

9. GO CAMPING – That’s right…tent and all…take your kids for a good, old fashioned camping trip. Hotdogs on the grill, marshmallows over the fire and all the mosquitos you can imagine. There’s really nothing like it!

10. BIKE RIDING – Go on bike trail and enjoy the ride. Stop, smell the roses, hang out and enjoy the lunch you packed (with drinks) in the cooler :-)

11. SKATE-BOWL - That’s right! Go skating and bowling all in the same day. Kind of a marathon fun day.

12. TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALL GAME – Go to a major or minor league baseball game. Hoot and holler for your favorite team together. Don’t forget to eat all the hot dogs and pop corn you can!

13. GO FISH - Take your family on a fishing trip. If you can’t bait your own hook, tell your son it’s time he learn :-) OR just use the fake stuff. You’ll have fun whether you catch anything or not.

14. INDOOR GAME DAY - Plan a day for indoor games. Get a few families together or just hang out with your own family and spend the day playing games. Board games, card games or make up your own (This time you won’t have to pack your lunch). :-)

15. A TRIP TO THE LIBRARY – Local libraries often offer summer reading programs. You can spend the day at the library and join in the activities.

16. DO SOME GOOD – It’s always a good idea to look for ways to make a difference in the lives of others. Paint an elderly neighbors house or mow his/her lawn. Work in a local homeless shelter. Volunteer to help at a local nursing home. Find a way to do good – it will do you all good!

17. CRAFT SMORGASBORD - Organize an all-crafts day in which your children can choose from 3 or 4 different crafts that they can actually complete them. There are great benefits to knowing they have accomplished something and being able to hold a tangible object made with their own hands.

18. COLLECT FOOD AND CLOTHES FOR THE NEEDY - Rather than just volunteering at a local homeless shelter, make it a family project to collect food and clothing for a homeless shelter or for needy families.

So there you have it…a few ideas to intentionally plan the upcoming days with memories instead of wasted moments. (If I could do it all over again, I’d schedule two or three activities a week.) Don’t forget your camera for all your events so you can decorate your home with the memories you make. Dedicate a wall for your summer pictures, cover your refrigerator with the fun-filled photos. Whatever you do…make memories…intentionally.

By Stephanie Shott

PinterestShare
Filed Under: Active Kids/Healthy Kids, MOM Stuff, School Days, Stephanie Shott Tagged With: , , , 2 Comments