Let’s Get Swimming!

My undergraduate college had a swimming requirement that students had to fulfill in order to graduate. During freshman orientation, you could take a swim test that involved swimming two lengths of the pool and treading water for three minutes that would satisfy the requirement and exempt you from the Introduction to Swimming course, and luckily I passed the test on the first attempt. As a mark of my naivety, I assumed that nobody would have trouble passing the swim test. By 2007, I thought, who the heck didn’t know how to swim?

Who knows? Maybe your water baby will grow up to be an award-winning swimmer! (Image Credit:http://iheartmesa.blogspot.com/2009/10/hubbard-family-swim-school-giveaway.html)

Of course, the answer was quite a few people still didn’t know how to swim. This realization made me think more about my own privilege in knowing how to swim. While I did grow up only a short distance from the Great Lakes (although sometimes the thought of swimming in Lake Erie is less than enticing), my swimming knowledge came from the fact that my local high school had a pool. My parents enrolled me in a water babies swim course as a child, and this knowledge was reinforced as part of my school’s PE curriculum involved swimming from grades 3 to 12. For many students, however, the reality is quite different. Pools are expensive to build and maintain, and also require quite a bit of dedicated space, especially for school districts that may have limits on these resources. Some are lucky enough to live close to a place with a pool, such as a YMCA, but many more are not. Some kids may have pools in their backyards, but many more do not.

So is the ability to swim important? I definitely think so, not matter how far from the ocean you live. So how can you teach your child to swim if you don’t have your own pool?

Seek out a family-friendly gym that has a pool. A great option is often the local YMCA. Invest in a family membership, and ask if there are any swim classes available for children. For a cheaper option, look at local school districts to see if they have a pool. Many districts that have pools also offer swim classes for children of all ages. If you’re close to a college or university, it’s a good bet that they too will have a pool and offer lessons or, at the very least, open swim times. University at Buffalo offers eight 40 minute lessons for only $50.

 

Let’s Get Political

There’s a popular rule when it comes to polite society: never talk about religion or politics at the dinner table. I, for one, would like to challenge that particular notion. If we don’t talk about religion or politics at the dinner table, then how can we ever learn how to deal with differences in a way that’s respectful and educational? As a kid, I don’t really remember my family discussing difficult topics at the dinner table. Most extended family dinners consisted mostly of gossiping and sports, neither of which I was particularly educated or interested in. In some ways, this lack of discussion allowed me to develop my own views on religion, politics, and other controversial and heated topics. However, to form these opinions, I had to take the bulk of the initiative.

Taking your child to a political rally may be a little extreme, but having political conversations and demonstrating your own political engagement are certainly positive! (Image Credit:http://www.patrioticmoms.com/1/category/teaching%20kids/1.html)

Some kids will be interested and engaged with touchy subjects from a young age, while others may take a while to mature. However, one of the things that makes me most nervous about American politics today is lack of voter education. Part of being a member of a democracy is having an understanding of the party system and the issues at hand, and it seems as though many of my peers (young voters) are not necessarily engaged. In fact, many voters don’t even take advantage of their right to vote.

So what is a parent’s role in the political education of children? I think the ideal role is that of educator. Of course you should share your own opinion with your children, but you should also present other viewpoints. Expose your children to both MSNBC and Fox News. Have discussions with people from the opposite political party in front of your child, and make sure that you demonstrate the importance of respectfully disagreeing. Modeling these kinds of good behaviors will make your child a better citizen, and a better person. It’s also important to be supportive of your child as he or she becomes more politically engaged. You may disagree with your child’s beliefs, but rather than saying “You’re wrong” or “That’s stupid,” engage in an open dialogue.

What are your tips for exposing children to politics?

Sunday Morning Shout Out

Part of the Issue (Source: http://freshhealthyvending.com/tag/healthy-foods/page/2/)

Young Americans and Americans in general are experiencing a health epidemic. It’s called obesity and the rates are soaring in this country. During this past week, HBO aired a documentary called “The Weight of a Nation” that looked at obesity and its consequences on American society. Consequences According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 68.8% of Americans are overweight or obese. One segment of the show looked specifically at the consequences of obesity for children. This is where I would like to focus.

According to the statistics given in the documentary, childhood obesity rates have tripled in one generation. Over 18% of children today are obese.  When this occurs, it becomes much more likely for an obese child to become an obese adult. Obesity places children and adults at a much greater risk for diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, asthma, liver disease, and many other health problems.   One in three children born in 2000 will acquire diabetes.  According to the documentary, one in two African-American and Latino children born in 2000 will acquire diabetes. This generation of children maybe the first generation to have a shorter life span than their parents

So what is occurring?  Part of it is what we eat. American children, following adults’ leads, eat more unhealthy food than healthy food. Part of this can be explained by parents buying foods that their children desire, want, and will eat based on habits and marketing. Children eat what is before them. If their parents are unhealthy eaters, children will follow suit. As part of this problem, children are bombarded by television messages telling them, showing them why they should eat xyz; how fun it is; how it will make them feel;  or because their favorite cartoon character, pop star, or athlete endorse it. Many children ask for it and many parents acquiesce.

Dietary Changes (Source: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704250104575238121192548644.html)

Certainly convenience, cost, and false marketing that states “how good” certain foods are for children is also to blame. The documentary pointed out that the food industry has very little oversight in how it markets its product. For example, sugary cereals can state they are a good source of fiber or certain vitamins, while still being a way too sugary cereal for healthy breakfast consumption. Beliefs that a product extension from what one believes to be a ‘healthy’ product can also become an issue. I fell into that trap when I though a V-8 product known as Splash would be good for my child. Wow, was I wrong once I read the label at home! Unhealthy school lunches and sugar or corn syrup laden juices and ‘sports drinks’ are also part of the unhealthy foods our children regularly consume, adding up to excessive, excessive calories.

A much more sedentary lifestyle is also part of the problem. Americans are eating and consuming more calories than they burn. Children are watching more television than ever before with the documentary citing 4.5 hours of television consumption as the norm. This does not take into account overall media consumption, with computer, cell phone, and video game usage, included. Children are not as physically active as generations past, who jumped rope; walked to school;  came in from outside when the street lights came on;  or had required gym class, not mandatory in most states  in the country.  Many parents fear what will happen to their children if they play outside out of site or walk to school by themselves. Very bluntly and frankly stated, maybe parents need to be more afraid of what will happen if their children become obese?

Vending in Schools (Source: http://blog.fooducate.com/2009/12/04/the-real-reason-schools-are-still-full-of-junk-food/)

The cost to individuals and our country as a whole are high. If this trend continues, health and economic costs will disable the nation, both figuratively and literally. Diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, liver disease, strokes, and sleep apnea will be the norm not the exception affecting more and more individuals, families, businesses, communities and the entire nation.  The documentary suggests that some of the  answers may lie in self-control; increased exercise; further healthy regulation of school lunches and marketing of foods, particularly marketing of foods to children; and emphasizing local foods and farms over the large corporate model. Part of the problem is also that healthy food tends to cost more (or is it that profits are inflated?) thus fewer people can afford it. Obesity is definitely a complex problem. What this documentary clearly shows is that to continue to ignore this problem as a country will do us in.

Promoting the Magic of Reading

The Reading Bug (Source: Barnes and Noble – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/u/summer-reading/379003570?cm_mmc=Targeted-_-Misc-_-120523_NH_SUMMER_READING_KICK_OFF-_-summ3 )

So by now you might have guessed that all our writers love their books and will stop at nothing to pass along the reading bug! Looking at my inbox today I found that Barnes and Noble are offering free books to young readers. According to the BN site you need to:

Step 1. Read any 8 books and record them in the Reading Journal
(PDF).
Step 2. Bring the completed Reading Journal to your local B&N store.
Step 3. Choose a FREE BOOK from our selection on the Reading Journal list at the store… Enjoy reading!

Another great spot for free rewards for your readers is your local library. Often they have programs sponsored by organizations like Applebee’s Bookworm Reading Club and Pizza Hut’s Book It. If you know of any other programs please send them along!

Rewards for reading are a great way to get children reading. Plus it helps keep them busy over summer and reduces ‘summer learning loss’

 

Family Book Club

Let’s face it: children’s books are in right now. From The Hunger Games to Harry Potter to Twilight, young adult fiction is not just for young adults anymore. While some may bemoan the fact that maybe this means reading ability has decreased and that good fiction is dead, I personally see this as a triumph. What could be better than getting more people interested in books and reading than getting people interested in books that can involve an entire family?

Find books that appeal to family members of all ages to help increase your odds of book club success! (Image Credit:http://www.barbarabushfoundation.com/site/c.jhLSK2PALmF/b.4425441/k.7FE1/Frequently_Asked_Questions.htm)

Unfortunately, my younger brother was never much of a reader, and both my parents seemed to always have their own reading they wanted to do. I worked my way through all the Harry Potter books on my own, and this past February, when I worked through Suzanne Collins’ trilogy, I did so alone. However, after giving rave reviews, my mom decided she was interested in reading the novels. Her enthusiasm quickly caught on, and my stepmom started reading the books as well. Good book recommendations can catch like wildfire, and our Nooks made it simple for us to share our reading material. While this unintentional group reading was great, I can’t help but wonder how much more fulfilling it would have been if we had all read the books at the same time, and started our own impromptu family book club.

Could a family book club work? I definitely think so. Finding the books may not always be as easy as The Hunger Games proved for my family, but having each member bring a recommendation and then having a discussion/vote could be helpful. For those seeking alternative entertainments that don’t involve television, this could be the answer. So what do you think? Would you start a family book club? What books would you recommend for such an endeavor?

Homemade Summer Popsicles

As a kid, one of the things I remember most about summer is the sudden explosion in homemade foods and drinks. Maybe it was because the garden was in full bloom, and my dad would frequently send my brother and I out to snip some herb or another for dinner, to pick lettuce for a salad, or to check if any tomatoes were ripe. My dad also made iced tea in the sun, which I remember as tasting excessively bland to my childish palate. As the summer is now warming up, however, my mind is definitely heading to the cooler side of food.

My personal favorite is strawberry! (Image Credit:http://www.laaloosh.com/2011/06/20/homemade-strawberry-popsicle-recipe/)

Of course, one of my favorite homemade treats in the summer were homemade popsicles. We had a set of popsicle molds, and my family frequently experimented with different combinations of fruits and fruit juices. For extra creaminess, you can add yogurt (I recommend Greek yogurt). These popsicles are an easy way to get young chefs into the kitchen, and an easy way to experiment. After all, it’s hard to go wrong when it comes to popsicles!

And homemade popsicles are great because you control what goes into them! Want to use all organic ingredients? Go ahead! Want to try and sneak in some veggies for picky eaters? Popsicles can handle it!

So gather up some fresh ingredients and get…freezing? What are some of your favorite homemade popsicle combinations?

Lessons from Glee

I used to be a big fan of Glee, but lately I haven’t been tuning in. However, tonight’s episode really struck a chord with me.

Why the HECK would ANYONE apply to only one school? Why would ANYONE have only ONE plan for graduating from high school?

And then, I had a horrible realization. I had only applied to one college during my senior year of high school. Luckily for me, I was accepted. For many students, however, including the fictional Finn and Curt, those kinds of risks do not pay off. Spend the extra hundred dollars and have at least two schools you’re applying to. If you don’t plan to continue your education, at least have a few potential jobs or careers in mind.

 

Tips For Choosing Summer Camp

Parents often ask us ‘what questions I ask when considering a summer camp for my child?’ In responding we remind them that Summer camp should be a fun experience for their child that helps them to grow and develop socially. It’s really important to take into account their needs and desires when choosing a summer camp. Together you and your child should ask yourselves the pertinent questions that will help you form the questions that will help you to make the right choice.

Some questions to ask yourself as you start your development of questions are:

• What does your child want from a summer camp? Including students in the decision-making process will help them to feel empowered.
• What do you want your child to gain from their summer camp experience? Summer camps have many benefits which enable your student to learn new skills, hone old ones, excel at sports, live a healthier life or make new friends. Camps can be a combination of these things too.
• Review your budget and your traveling capabilities to decide which camps you can afford and how far your child can travel.
• Decide whether you want a small camp where child will receive individual attention and get to know the other students and staff members well or opt for a bigger camp where your child will have the opportunity to mix with a large variety of people.
• Examine the camp’s ethos and philosophical approach to ensure that they reflect values that you support and would like to impart to your student. Ensure that the counselors are well trained and friendly so that your student gets all the support they need.
• Did you read the references? Read reviews and comments from camp attendees to get a feel for the place. Long lists of impressive activities don’t tell the whole story and hearing good reviews from trusted friends and family members help you to make the right choice.
• Look at the ratio of counselors to students and the return rates of previous campers. Discuss the methodologies councilors employ to resolve conflicts between campers to see if your child will fit in.
• Ensure sure that the camp is accredited and that it has adequate medical facilities to deal with emergencies. Check that counselors are properly trained and are old enough to cope with problems that may arise.
• Does the camp have indoor recreation and activities will help to alleviate boredom in the event of inclement weather?
Make a short list of four or five summer camps that tick all of your boxes. Discuss your choices with your child and get them to pick their top three. Use this as a guide when making your final decision. There are a number of websites that list camps according to various criteria. This will make it easier to find camps in your area.

Helpful US websites:
My Summer Camps
American Camp Association
Camp Page

Helpful Canadian Websites:
Our Kids
Summer Camps in Canada
Camp Page

Bottom line is that Summer camp is an investment in your child’s development. You both need to feel comfortable with the choice to make it truly beneficial. Remember that the only bad question is the one not asked!

(Note: This entry was adapted from a post by Tutor Doctor dated Mon, 04/09/2012)

Too Much Screen Time

A few days ago, I figured out how much time I spend in front of a computer screen per day. The results weren’t pretty. For many people, the amount of time spent in front of a screen (be it a computer screen, television screen, e-reader screen, smart phone screen, or handheld video game console screen) can be shocking. After all, most people use computers for their line of work. Even students use computers for almost any class imaginable now, whether it’s a game for improving math skills or a word processor for typing a paper. People of all ages now check their e-mails, Facebooks, and other social media sites constantly. We are a plugged-in culture, and it isn’t just for working or staying connected. Electronic media also serves as a form of recreation. Whether it’s watching Cupcake Wars on The Food Network or playing a game of Solitaire on the computer, using plugged-in technologies for fun means that we spend even more time on the grid.

When I hear about people who plan to go off the grid, I usually smirk to myself. Luddites, I think to myself, and wonder at the practicality of such an experiment. What are these people trying to prove, exactly? In some ways, aren’t they like the cave people who refused to use fire when it was first introduced? Technology is an integral part of our society today, and not being connected isn’t really a viable option anymore. I certainly applaud those who try to limit their exposure (indeed, I should probably be doing the same), but to totally unplug? That’s foolish.

I’m all about finding alternatives to computers, televisions, and other such things. A family game of Scrabble is an excellent substitute for Words With Friends, and sitting around a campfire sharing ghost stories is preferable to watching a scary movie on television. However, there has to be balance. If you want to limit your screen time and your child’s screen time, I certainly encourage you to. Find other things that are going on in your community! Make your own fun! However, I would suggest first using the internet to connect and get some great ideas.

Sunday Morning Shout Out

In his critically acclaimed 2005 book Last Child in the Woods, Richard Louv  coined the term “nature deficit disorder.”  In the book, he argued that many children today have an abject separation from nature and embrace the  great indoors instead, through an overly indulgent electronic media diet and fear of things outside. He looked at the alarmingly high rates of childhood obesity, attention deficit disorder, and other mental health diagnosis that are so present in children today and made a strong case, both empirically and anecdotally, that children who connect with nature in a meaningfully way are that much happier and healthier because of it.  He found that they could be more successful in school as well, as immersion in nature increased children’s ability to concentrate; fostered creative play;  and relieved attention deficit disorder symptoms. This is not to forget the heavy dose of awe and wonder nature supplies children and us all.

His book helped touch off a back to nature movement for children and spurred a national debate. Such thoughts have not been far from one local school. The Alexander Central School District is currently building an outdoor classroom designed to reduce nature deficiencies .  Concerned about these issues, long-term elementary teacher Ellie Jinks pursued and was awarded a $50,000 “Refresh Everything” Pepsi grant to start the project. When phase one is completed, the school will have the first certified outdoor classroom in this part of New York. With design and planning assistance from The Arbor Day Foundation, The Dimensions Educational Research Foundation, Nature Explore Classroom Certification Program, and project direction from local company Conservation Matters, school, business, and other community volunteers, have begun construction. Ten learning stations are being constructed in the school’s existing nature study area. There will be distinct areas for bird watching, writing, performance, math, water play, wheel toys, art and performance, as well as gardening. A fitness path and a greenhouse are also part of the plans, with the construction of the greenhouse to be done in 2013. The emphasis will be on learning, as teachers will be trained in how to teach New York State Curriculum within the outdoor classroom, but also on unstructured play in nature and appreciation of it.

Citing the book, the school said it hoped to do its part to save its students from “nature deficit disorder” and promote health, exercise, and outdoor play. You can read more about the project in the report published recently by The Batavian.