1. Cell Phones
The invention of the cell phone has changed the way we communicate—most would say for the better! And yet, there comes a time when it’s appropriate to power down that phone—like when you’re at the dinner table, for example. Why? One of the biggest advantages of sitting down to eat together as a family is the chance to connect with each other and share what’s going on in each other’s lives, face to face, and in person. (You know, like families did before there were cell phones!) Don’t worry, you can always catch up with the missed text messages and voice mails after dinner.
2. The Salt Shaker
Chances are that you and your family are eating too much sodium. (The American Heart Association recommends that adults get no more than 1,500 milligrams each day.) This nutrient might seem harmless—and tasty—but sodium has been associated with higher blood pressure and an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Season foods during cooking and leave the salt shaker in the kitchen. Doing so will help habitual salters break the habit of sprinkling their food before they even taste it. If you must, have a shaker filled with a salt alternative on hand to help fill the void.
3. Contentious Conversation
Conversation just seems to flow naturally around a table filled with food. But some subjects are better addressed elsewhere. Not that the old rule about talking politics, religion or sex need apply. Each family has a different tolerance level of lively debate, after all. But things that make your stomach turn—appetite-spoiling gory descriptions, for example, or outbursts of anger, conflict or lectures about sensitive topics should be off limits. After all, mealtime is also a time to relax.
4. The (Really) Bad Fat
You’ve probably heard about good fats and bad fats. Trans fats, or partially hydrogenated fats—like stick margarine—were once touted as being better (or at least healthier) than butter, but current science says these artificially created fats might be just as bad for your heart as saturated fat, or even worse. If you usually serve butter or margarine with bread, try replacing it with a dish of heart-healthy olive oil for dipping instead. Many processed, prepackaged and frozen foods also contain trans fats, so read labels carefully before serving them up.
5. High-Fructose Corn Syrup
Another scientifically created invention, high-fructose corn syrup, may be wreaking havoc on America’s health. Recent research suggests that this ingredient, which is used to sweeten everything from soda pop to catsup, could be causing the dramatic increase in type 2 diabetes, obesity and heart disease seen over the past few decades. If you usually serve soda pop or a “fruit” juice that’s little more than artificial color, flavor and high-fructose corn syrup, try replacing them with water, milk or homemade hot or iced tea instead.
6. Germs!
If you’re worried about getting colds or the flu from people sneezing or coughing on you, but you fail to wash your hands before eating, guess what? You’re well on your way toward a fever, cough or digestive distress. It’s much more likely that you’ll ingest harmful viruses or bacteria along with food that’s been touched by your own unwashed hands than you’ll breathe in the same pathogens from the air. Make washing up an everyday part of your pre-mealtime routine.
7. Toys and Games
Toys and games are entertaining, but not at the table. Just like cell phones and televisions can disrupt conversation and take the focus off the food, so can playthings. (This includes that handheld video game that your kid is so addicted to.) Make mealtime just that—time for the meal. The tots can always return to their land of make believe as soon as the dishes are cleared from the table.
8. Your Messiest Selves
It might seem old-fashioned, but stopping to freshen up before sitting down to eat shows respect for the cook and others around the table. Sure, you may not want to make every meal a black-tie affair, but asking your daughter to run a comb through her windswept hair or your son to change out of the shirt he just wore to mow the lawn helps everyone remember that mealtime is a special—and civilized—time.
9. Dangerous Dishware
Until recently, no one thought twice about taking advantage of the convenience of plastic glasses, plates and bowls. After all, they seemed far less dangerous than breakable porcelain and glass. But recent studies show there may be a danger called bisphenol-a, or BPA, lurking in plastic dishware. The substance has been widely used to make the hard, clear and nearly unbreakable plastic called polycarbonate. However, BPA can leach out of plastic and into foods when exposed to heat and repeated use. Yuck. Unless you are sure your dishware is BPA-free (and many made today are), retire it to the recycle bin rather than take the risk.
10. The Boob Tube
The point of eating at the dinner table is to eliminate distractions, remember? Even when it’s on in the background, TV can present serious competition for the attention of those at the table and prevent everyone from being fully focused. You can always record the game or your favorite show to watch later, but the moments you have with those you love can’t be put on pause. Do all you can to savor them!
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Tips For Mom-How To Stop Losing Your Cool
The Scene: It is bath time, but your child refuses to get undressed. You are trying to be patient, but the truth is your frustration is growing by the moment. Not only do you need your child in bed so that you can have some time alone, but you also have to finish a project immediately.
For the 5th time you say - with a strained, yet still calm voice: "Honey, this is the last time I am going to say it. It is bath time. Let me get you undressed." And for the 5th time, your child says "NO!' You feel your anger well up to a level that makes you feel a bit out of control. In your anger, you walk over to your child and forcibly start taking of his/her shirt. Your child starts to cry, scream and flail as you attempt to get his/her clothes off.
By the end of the power struggle, both you and your child feel defeated and upset.
Sound familiar?
Well, if it does join the club! Many moms get into unsettling and guilt-provoking power struggles with their child. And yet it does not have to be so tough! Indeed, there are simple strategies that you can use in order to stop losing your cool!
1. When you want your child to listen to a specific request, remember to give him/her a choice!
For Example, ask your child:
• Do you want to wear the red shirt or the green shirt?
• Do you want to take a bath now or in 5 minutes (and then set a timer)?
• Do you want to read 1 book or 2 books before you go to sleep?
Often, kids will take a few seconds to think about their choice and then do what you want them to do. Being able to make a choice will give your child a satisfying sense of control over his/her body and behavior. It will also help him/her to feel and to become more autonomous.
2. If your child is resistant even after s/he is given a choice (e.g., s/he chooses to take a bath in 5 minutes, but then refuses to get in), give a choice that aligns your goal with your child's:
For example:
Are you going to get into the bath now and read 2 books with mommy before bed, or are you going to refuse to go into the bath and read no books with mommy?
Usually, children will pick the the option that is more fun and cozy. But if your child does otherwise, follow through with what you said you would do. The next time a similar situation occurs, your child will be more likely to choose what brings him/her more joy.
3. Remember that sometimes it is wise to let things slide!
Before you enter a power struggle with your child, think about whether whatever you are trying to get your child to do is worth the battle.
For example:
• When my client Pam's daughter did not want to put on her PJs, Pam let her sleep in her clothes.
• When my client Jane's 2 year old son refused to take a bath, she said, "Okay, no bath today."
• When 3 year old Eliza would not get into her stroller, her mom decided to be late for Eliza's play date and stood still until Eliza was ready to go.
• When Jen's 2 year old daughter refused to eat anything but bagels and cream cheese, Jen served bagels and cream cheese 3 times a day (other food was always available).
Giving your child a choice and remembering to let non-essentials slide creates a win/win outcome for both you and your child: Your child gains by feeling proud of his/her autonomy and you benefit by acting in ways that feel right!
Claudia Heilbrunn
For the 5th time you say - with a strained, yet still calm voice: "Honey, this is the last time I am going to say it. It is bath time. Let me get you undressed." And for the 5th time, your child says "NO!' You feel your anger well up to a level that makes you feel a bit out of control. In your anger, you walk over to your child and forcibly start taking of his/her shirt. Your child starts to cry, scream and flail as you attempt to get his/her clothes off.
By the end of the power struggle, both you and your child feel defeated and upset.
Sound familiar?
Well, if it does join the club! Many moms get into unsettling and guilt-provoking power struggles with their child. And yet it does not have to be so tough! Indeed, there are simple strategies that you can use in order to stop losing your cool!
1. When you want your child to listen to a specific request, remember to give him/her a choice!
For Example, ask your child:
• Do you want to wear the red shirt or the green shirt?
• Do you want to take a bath now or in 5 minutes (and then set a timer)?
• Do you want to read 1 book or 2 books before you go to sleep?
Often, kids will take a few seconds to think about their choice and then do what you want them to do. Being able to make a choice will give your child a satisfying sense of control over his/her body and behavior. It will also help him/her to feel and to become more autonomous.
2. If your child is resistant even after s/he is given a choice (e.g., s/he chooses to take a bath in 5 minutes, but then refuses to get in), give a choice that aligns your goal with your child's:
For example:
Are you going to get into the bath now and read 2 books with mommy before bed, or are you going to refuse to go into the bath and read no books with mommy?
Usually, children will pick the the option that is more fun and cozy. But if your child does otherwise, follow through with what you said you would do. The next time a similar situation occurs, your child will be more likely to choose what brings him/her more joy.
3. Remember that sometimes it is wise to let things slide!
Before you enter a power struggle with your child, think about whether whatever you are trying to get your child to do is worth the battle.
For example:
• When my client Pam's daughter did not want to put on her PJs, Pam let her sleep in her clothes.
• When my client Jane's 2 year old son refused to take a bath, she said, "Okay, no bath today."
• When 3 year old Eliza would not get into her stroller, her mom decided to be late for Eliza's play date and stood still until Eliza was ready to go.
• When Jen's 2 year old daughter refused to eat anything but bagels and cream cheese, Jen served bagels and cream cheese 3 times a day (other food was always available).
Giving your child a choice and remembering to let non-essentials slide creates a win/win outcome for both you and your child: Your child gains by feeling proud of his/her autonomy and you benefit by acting in ways that feel right!
Claudia Heilbrunn
How to choose the right Shoes For Kids
If you have a little cute baby, you need to purchase the right shoes to enhance their appearance. Although your baby seldom wears the shoes, it is not problem if you buy him a pair. It can be used when you will go for a walk or attend other baby showers.
In fact, purchasing the right shoes for kid is not easy thing. You need to know about some important considerations before determining the right choices for him. The considerations you need to know are:
1. You need to know whether the shoes fit or not. To answer this statement, you need to take into account the width, length and depth of shoes. Make sure that your choices are proper with your kid's legs so he does not need to get hurt. You are suggested to purchase new shoes every 3 to 4 months, since it could help you in keeping the fit suitable for his feet.
2. You must check what kind of material to make the shoes. Kid is always active so it is important to choose the upper part of the shoe is created of a strong but breathable material like leather or canvas. The outer sole of the shoes must provide flexibility, traction and cushioning.
3. You should know whether it is suitable for your kid or not. If your kid tries to walk, you must give the shoes which have a smooth sole and a high top. It is also created from which are breathable and light. If your kid is a school-age kid, you should the proper shoes such as sandals, hiking boots and tennis shoes.
Emil S Andrews
In fact, purchasing the right shoes for kid is not easy thing. You need to know about some important considerations before determining the right choices for him. The considerations you need to know are:
1. You need to know whether the shoes fit or not. To answer this statement, you need to take into account the width, length and depth of shoes. Make sure that your choices are proper with your kid's legs so he does not need to get hurt. You are suggested to purchase new shoes every 3 to 4 months, since it could help you in keeping the fit suitable for his feet.
2. You must check what kind of material to make the shoes. Kid is always active so it is important to choose the upper part of the shoe is created of a strong but breathable material like leather or canvas. The outer sole of the shoes must provide flexibility, traction and cushioning.
3. You should know whether it is suitable for your kid or not. If your kid tries to walk, you must give the shoes which have a smooth sole and a high top. It is also created from which are breathable and light. If your kid is a school-age kid, you should the proper shoes such as sandals, hiking boots and tennis shoes.
Emil S Andrews
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