by Deborah Hanyon, MPH, RDN, ACE-CHC | May 24, 2021 | Cooking Tips, Homeschooling
5 Easy Homeschool Lunches for Kids
Under normal circumstances, your kids would be eating lunch at school, either a sandwich packed by you or a school-bought lunch. However, the past year of the pandemic required many schools to close, which means that parents have had to homeschool on top of working from home. To make matters worse, not only are you juggling homeschooling and virtual learning, but now you must create homeschool kids' meals every day.
If you’re scratching your head wondering what else to serve your kids, we’re happy to help refresh your recipe book. Here are some simple kid-approved lunches you can whip up while you’re homeschooling. Be sure to have your kids help out with the cooking — they’ll enjoy it and it’s nice to have extra hands in the kitchen, even small ones!
1. Broccoli Mac and Cheese
You can’t go wrong with mac and cheese, particularly not with this quick and easy recipe. Your kids love it and you love that it only takes 15 minutes to make. To make an even healthier option, add in more vegetables like sweet corn or peas and substitute gluten-free brown rice macaroni. Your kids won’t know the difference, but it’s better for them.
2. Chicken Salad Wraps
Your little ones are probably getting tired of ham and cheese sandwiches every day, so mix things up with this super simple chicken salad recipe. With only six healthy ingredients including chicken, mustard, mayo, celery, dill, and relish, this recipe is paleo and low carb. Serve on its own with a side of grapes or wrap the chicken salad in a whole grain or gluten-free tortilla.
3. PB & Strawberry Pita Pockets
There are endless ways to fill a pita pocket and they’re all fun. What food that you eat with your hands isn’t? This pita recipe in particular is a big winner with kids. It’s a twist on a PB & J and calls for peanut butter (or other type of nut butter), honey, sliced strawberries, and banana.
4. Tomato Penne Pasta
Do you have a fussy eater? Keep meals simple and streamlined, like a bowl of buttered penne pasta with parmesan cheese. If they are open to it, you can add a creamy tomato sauce, or serve it on the side. To make this dish healthier, you can use hidden veggie pasta or add vegetables into the sauce.
5. Cauliflower Pizza Bites
A twist on pizza, these cauliflower rice-based muffins are a hit with kids and adults. Along with the cauliflower rice and egg, you can fill your muffin cups with anything you would add to a pizza, from sausage to spinach. The best part is that they take less than 45 minutes to make!
Chloe Kirby is a writer and digital marketing professional. She earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree at McGill University in Montreal, Canada and her Master’s Degree at Goldsmiths University in London, England. Chloe has professional experience in e-commerce, digital marketing, and copywriting. For the last year she has been working in New York City.
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(Image source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/joyful-black-father-giving-high-five-to-adorable-daughter-5996905/)
by Deborah Hanyon, MPH, RDN, ACE-CHC | May 22, 2021 | Homeschooling
Does your child hate school? Mine does. Part of the reason for this is that he has a rough time with the writing process. He also has had an extremely difficult time learning his math facts, and spelling is a nightmare. We have tried so many things! Some have worked, some haven't. Based on my own experience, however, there are at least 10 ways I have found that encourage math and writing. Hopefully, at least one of these ideas will be new to you and will be helpful in your kids' educational journey. (Post contains affiliate links).
Going Back to Pre-School
Before I knew my son would continue to have issues with the mechanics of writing things down with a pencil, I tried to give him a head start by teaching him how to write. Unfortunately, I didn't get very far. I can still remember telling his kindergarten teacher before school started for the year that I had been trying to teach him, unsuccessfully, how to write his name. The problem was, HE WAS NOT WILLING. This is often the case with children who struggle with autism. Of course, I didn't know he had autism at this point. (We didn't get a diagnosis until last summer).
So by the time Nathan got into 1st grade, I was still fighting to get him to write his name. By the end of 1st grade, he had a diagnosis of ADHD, sensory processing disorder (SPD), developmental coordination disorder (DCD), and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). (The ODD was dropped after he went on non-stimulant medication for his ADHD).
Despite the diagnoses, I still knew VERY LITTLE about how to deal with these issues.
Not only could I not get Nathan to write his name, I couldn't get him to write down more than a couple of words at a time. As a result, it would often take hours for him to finish his homework. (We were still in public school until the end of 3rd grade, and spelling homework was required every night, from 1st grade on).
Getting Creative
As a result of his unwillingness to cooperate with my “suggestions,” I had to start getting creative at encouraging math and writing. Like I said a minute ago, I had no real clue how to deal with Nathan's sensory and coordination issues. He had occupational therapy. However, I still found it difficult to get him to do the things the OT suggested. Oftentimes it seemed like a behavioral issue. And I did do my best to “follow the directions.” But it was so hard at times!
Behavior issue or not, when we got down to the nitty-gritty, ALL THAT MATTERED was helping him to be successful in school and in learning. This I felt completely inadequate in achieving at times. I read books, I went shopping at learning centers and other places where they sell teaching materials.
I've always had a thing for educational materials, even before I had a child. I've decided it must have been destiny. Because this love of seeking out new ways of doing things has helped me come up with some great ideas.
One of the first things I tried in 1st grade was letter stickers. For example, instead of making Nathan write down the words, I would have him use the stickers to practice his spelling words. This worked quite well, for a while.
Using Stickers for Spelling Worked Well.
Except that we had to keep buying more stickers. We'd run out of some of the more frequently used letters, such as “a” and “e,” A LOT! This can get expensive if you don't have a Dollar Tree around.
By the way, you can also use stickers for numbers, though I don't think I was desperate enough to need numbers at that point. (Issues with math came later)!
We were somewhat successful with the strategy of stickers. But we later found magnetic letters and numbers and a magnetic white board to be more cost effective (most white boards work). You still have to purchase extra copies for the frequently used letters, but overall, magnetic letters are less expensive. Especially if you have several kids. You can re-use magnetic letters for all your kids if needed.
We continued to use magnetic letters through 4th grade.
In fact, once we started doing school at home, I used this method for helping with bible verses. See pic at right for Bible verse Nathan made the very first week of 4th grade.
The main reason we stopped using the magnetic letters is because the words kept getting bigger and the sentences longer. It wasn't time-efficient by the time he reached 5th grade. However, everyone is different.
Plus, when Nathan started online public school, which is what we did for 4th, 5th and 6th grade, he used the computer more often, and became more tech-savvy. This created a new avenue in which to help with writing and math.
Times Tales
One of the most interesting things I have used to teach Nathan math is called, “Times Tales.” That worked–sort of. He learned some of his math facts this way, but I had to resort to other methods (think “calculator”), 🙁 because unfortunately, for him, the facts just don't stick.
I still think it's a great program, especially for kids who are “right-brained” or picture oriented. I also think it will work well for many kids with learning disabilities. You can find it and download a sample lesson here.
Using a Calculator
By 4th grade, it was becoming increasingly obvious that Nathan's inability to remember his math facts was interfering with his ability to move on to higher level math. I could clearly see he had an aptitude for math. He just couldn't get past those darn multiplication and addition numbers (and division and subtraction). I tried everything until finally I decided that he could use a calculator if the math he was learning was not actually the math facts, but other things such as geometry.
Like I said before, we were still in the public school, just the online version. Nathan had (and still has) an IEP (Individual Education Plan), so we had special education teachers available. His resource specialist agreed that using a calculator was fine when he wasn't learning multiplication and division, etc. So, they added it to his IEP.
Fast forward to today, he can give me math facts–but OH SO slowly!!
Today, for example, we were working on multiplication and division of exponents. He's been using Khan Academy since January, and sometimes he gets stuck. So, I was going over the work with him. He was following along when I tried to explain the steps to him (at least when he didn't get up and walk around). Anyway, we weren't using a calculator, so he had to give me the answers to things such as 10 squared, 6 divided by 3, 9 x -2, etc. He takes a long time to give me an answer, but he is able. So, calculators definitely help speed things up when necessary. By high school and college, he'll be using a calculator, so I don't see it being a problem.
I feel bad for the kids in the public schools who get stuck on multiplication, etc.,
And the school keeps them there and never moves them forward. Everyone has different strengths. And Nathan grasps geometry WAY easier (and tables, bar graphs, etc.) than basic math facts. It's important to me that he gets exposed to higher level math. So, I don't want his inability to completely master basic math facts to interfere with him learning High School Algebra and Geometry.
Online Math Games
This is a more obvious one if you have a kid who likes to play computer games. My son doesn't (can you believe it)? So, he just thinks it's more work when I try to assign math “games.”
Still, here are a few of my favorites. They are all free:
Cool Math Games
Math Playground
Fun Brain
Cool Math 4 Kids
Fact Monster
Khan Academy
We've started using Khan Academy for math since after Christmas. It's free and it has blackboard teaching videos that are really easy to follow. You can skip around, pick what your child needs to practice, or use it as a full curriculum. There are other subjects as well, though it is secular, so if you're a Christian, you probably won't appreciate the history and science as much.
Escape Room Puzzles
This is another way to break up the monotony of the same math homework every day. It can get costly, however. We used 3 different Escape Room Puzzles in December to review ratios, exponents, and fractions. They had a Christmas theme which made them seem a little more fun. My son learned other skills doing these puzzles as well. He had gone into Google, for example. He doesn't have a lot of experience with Google because we are Office people. It was good for both of us to use Google, since a lot of people are using it as well.
Manipulatives
In December, I assigned Nathan several projects that required him to build. For example, I had him create a geometric snowman from a free pattern offered at http://www.minieco.co.uk/. He also created a Sierpinski Fractal Christmas tree (math art). Nathan did an awesome job on both the snowman and the tree and didn't even complain.
The pattern for the tree was provided on the project website (did I mention it was free)? He had to cut out and put together each triangle, and then glue them together. I helped with a few of the triangles because it was a bit tedious. Here is a picture of his completed tree on my Instagram. (Don't forget to follow me :)) There is a principle behind these triangles:
A Sierpinski Triangle
“A Sierpinski Triangle is a mathematically generated pattern in which self-similar shapes are repeated across different scales in a never-ending feedback loop.” Look it up and you and your kids will all learn something!
Many kids don't understand why they are learning math because it is so abstract and seemingly other worldly. Using manipulatives with younger kids is expected. But with older kids, it is helpful as well. For example, building things, such as what I just mentioned, and having students complete other interesting projects such as building taco trucks and zoos (I have seen stuff like this on Teachers Pay Teachers-and plan to get one eventually for my son to use). Click here to see an example.
Hands-on Manipulatives are a great way to teach practical math skills. In addition, manipulatives encourage hands-on learning, reinforce previously learned math facts, and allow for creative (think ART) expression.
Whiteboards and iPad, or Other Tablets
That have blank sheets to write on are great for writing out math problems and for spelling tests, especially if you have a child who hates using a pencil. Plus, you save paper this way. I talk about other strategies I have used here.
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by Deborah Hanyon, MPH, RDN, ACE-CHC | Apr 4, 2021 | Education Materials, Homeschooling, Homeschooling High School
High School Graduation Tips for Homeschoolers
Some of you have asked for High School Graduation Tips and how to know that you are meeting the requirements for your state. Since my son is in 9th grade this year, and since I know it is a big deal that he gets a true valid diploma, I started planning and organizing when he was going into 7th grade. Middle school was sort of a practice run, because it’s not “official” the way high school is. (Post may contain affiliate links).
The other day, I was thinking, “My little system is working so well!” I purchased this little portable file cabinet on wheels, and it has been super helpful.
For example, I can move it out of the way when I’m not using it, which is a HUGE deal because we are living in an apartment that is less than 1000 square feet.
As a result of my system working and giving me confidence, I decided to share it with you. Hopefully, you’ll get some new ideas that will help you feel more organized and on top of things.
The little file cart I purchased was less than $50 and I organize it like I would any other file cabinet. Since I only have one child, some of this might be a little simpler for me. However, what I do is I start with 8 1/2 by 11″ hanging folders. I label them by main subject. For example, Math, English, Social Studies, etc.
The sub-folders I have created include teacher notes, answer keys, to do work, and work completed. You may have other ideas for that. If you have more than one child, you could create more folders (and have a bigger file cabinet (they have bigger ones than I one I’m using).
When I first decided to homeschool, I discovered HSLDA. This stands for “Homeschool Legal Defense Association.” HSLDA is the oversight organization in the United States. They can help you get off to a good start. They have lots of resources, and if you become a member, they will even defend you in court if need be.
I haven’t needed them for legal defense, but have picked up some ideas through their site. And, particularly because Nathan is in High School, I want to keep tabs on what HSLDA has to say as they are usually on top of changes in homeschooling laws.
One of the things HSLDA recommends is researching the specific academic requirements of your state.
My state is Oregon. So, I just typed in “Oregon High School Graduation Requirements 2023” and looked for the information. This is what I got. I am using the basic table from this site to help me with my planning. (It hasn’t updated since I last checked. However, I will keep checking every year, just in case)
In the state of Oregon, in order to graduate with the standard diploma, Nathan has to take three years of math. However, the three years include Algebra 1 and beyond. I chose to enroll him in pre-algebra this year so that he would more easily be able to master Algebra. This means he will get a total of four years of math (he is not happy about this).
I’m okay with this, because even though he hates math, he is not terrible with math. His biggest issue is math facts, and quite possibly, if he would have remained in traditional school, he would be further back than he is currently. He can understand the concepts, and when he has a calculator, he can deal with his difficulties with math facts.
After all, a calculator will only give you a correct answer if you enter the numbers in correctly.
In addition to math, Oregon requires:
- Four credits English/Language Arts (years=credits).
- At least three years/credits of science
- One of the science classes needs to include a lab
- Also, three years of social science
- One credit/year of physical education (PE)
- One credit/year of health
- Three credits/years of either a second language or other arts career and technical education
- Six elective credits
Total of 24 credits, divided by 4, is 6 credits per year, which would be 3 credits per semester.
And one credit/year is equal to 150 to 180 hours (can be as low as 120, depending on the course).
If you’re homeschooling, this is a really good thing to know. Knowing the specifics will make it much easier to plan and also to reassure yourself that your child is doing what he or she needs to do to meet the minimum requirements for graduation.
It’s good to get an idea of the number of hours so you can determine about how much time your child should be spending in school each day as well. You can take the 150 hours, divide it up into the number of school days planned, and voila you have an average amount of time to spend each day.
Of course, you can adjust as necessary throughout the year—it is not set in stone.
And I don’t keep track of every little hour, I simply get an idea for how much time he is spending—or better yet, if he completes the reading and other assignment, it counts as an hour or whatever time—even if he didn’t actually spend that amount of time to finish.
Speaking of which. If you have a child that consistently completes assignments more quickly than average and is highly motivated, you should consider a higher level diploma (I don’t know what it’s called, but I believe that in Oregon there are three levels, standard diploma, adjusted, and higher requirement diploma).
When you are planning your semester or year, keep in mind extra-curricular activities. For example, if your child is taking piano lessons for 2 hours a week (plus practicing in-between lessons), include this time in the total hours spent in music and give your child credit for the time spent. And if you like, you can add some written work to the “class,” like an essay on a particular composer or something similar. Once your child completes the required minimum hours (150+), then you can add 1 credit of music to his transcript.
An example in our house is that my son is involved in puppet ministry at our church. He spends, on average, 3 hours per month at his meetings, at least 1-hour (ideally) practicing for the performance, and another hour prepping before the performance. He is involved year-round. So, by the end of 4 years, he will have earned 1 credit in drama (.25 credit per year x 4 years = 1 credit).
So, make sure you give your kiddos credit for their extra-curricular activities as you deem appropriate.
In addition to Drama, Nathan is currently enrolled in
- Pre-algebra
- Bible
- 9th Grade English
- Social Studies and Geography
- Life Science
- PE
- Math
This year he is taking a Cinema Studies class for 9th grade English. It’s a great experience, watching classic movies, and then discussing and writing about them. This class is working out wonderfully because it involves movies instead of books; 2 movies per month (each movie counts as one novel).
Some of the movies we’ve watched so far include Casablanca, Places in the Heart, Rudy, and High Noon. We are also reading on the side, and I assign writing related to the topics we are learning. For example, when we were studying the presidents at the beginning of the semester, Nathan wrote two essays on two different presidents.
We also read on the side.
For example, before bed. I read to him. There are many reasons why I read to him. First of all, he likes it when I read to him. Second of all, I read faster than he does. Third of all, I honestly believe that when you read to your children, it really helps them build their vocabulary. It also helps develop listening skills and develops their imagination. I especially love reading historical fiction because it makes the real story and real person come to life in ways that an ordinary textbook can’t do. Lastly, if gives us time together.
So, there are LOTS of awesome reasons and excuses to read to your children!
For science, Nathan is reading “The Grand Experiment” Parts 1 and 2. We’ve already finished the first book! He is super smart in science. So, I’m going to have to consider what we are going to do for the rest of the semester!
We’ve studied several Christian martyrs in Social Studies with the assistance of Schoolhouse Teachers and Torchlighters. We also read the book, “When Lightning Struck,” which is a historical fiction/biography written through the eyes of Martin Luther.
This book was written by Danika Cooley. It was really well written and we both enjoyed it! Martin Luther was indeed a complex individual.
For PE, Nathan is signed up for a one-hour class at the local recreation center, “PE for Homeschoolers,” and we drag his reluctant butt to the gym two times a week for weight training (not his favorite thing to do :D).
And last, but not least, Nathan spends 15 hours a week with his ABA therapist. This is most DEFINITELY Life Skills. And I am most definitely giving him credit for the work he is doing. (Not sure how much, but definitely some credit).
Hold on a Second!!! How Am I Supposed to Record All of Those Classes and Hours Without Getting a Headache?
This is where Applecore comes in!
I have all sorts of resources that I’ve gathered from all different places. However, whenever I’m stuck on a subject, and to help with organization and direction, one of the places I go to is SchoolhouseTeachers.com. And I use Applecore system for transcripts and scheduling.
Applecore makes it really easy (not an affiliate).
For example, at the beginning of the year I utilized Applecore to create his course overview (see picture at right). This shows which subjects he’s taking and how much credit he’s going to earn as a result of completing the course by the end of the year (or the end of the semester).
Then I add his schedule for Monday through Thursday plus Friday for life skills what he’s doing every day. Note that I did this mainly for record keeping purposes. I find that in the day-to-day flow of things, it’s much easier to have a hard copy schedule that I can go to plan my day and week.
And last but not least, there’s attendance section (see picture below).
You can just mark attendance based on every day that your child is in school. If you do this, you will have a permanent record which is really nice. And there is no need to update it every day. Once a week, or even once a month, will do.
I actually paid extra for the Applecore Gold because of the fact that Nathan is in high school.
I was already at silver level because you get Applecore silver for free if you subscribe to SchoolhouseTeachers.com
One of my favorite things about Applecore is that it’s online, on their server. So, I don’t have to worry about losing it.
However, if you prefer to keep track offline, then this is another reason to consider SchoolhouseTeachers.com.
Schoolhouse Teachers is always a good deal, but at certain times of the year you can get even better deals for membership. And they are also a great source for high school graduation tips.
Plus, if you have multiple kids, you only have to buy one membership for the whole family! And there are classes for adults as well. For example, Graphic Design, How to Start a Business, stuff like that.
In regard to scheduling, Schoolhouse Teachers can also help you with this. For example, once you join you have access to their HUGE planners, which are updated yearly. Plus, the awesome digital magazine, Old Schoolhouse, and a free subscription to World Book Online.
The planners are available for high school and elementary level. Though I think the high school level might only be available if you have a high school membership, which is a little bit more, because it includes EVEN MORE stuff.
Anyway, lots of choices for you to consider and hopefully the high school graduation tips for homeschoolers in this post are helpful to you!
If you liked this article, please share it with your friends and on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter!
Thank you for being here. 😊
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by Deborah Hanyon, MPH, RDN, ACE-CHC | Mar 19, 2021 | Education Materials, Homeschooling
4 Ways to Involve Kids with Disabilities in the Arts
(Post contains affiliate links).
Children who have learning disabilities can become extraordinarily successful individuals (think Walt Disney, for instance); they might just take a different route to get there if traditional classroom instruction isn’t working well for them.
One way to instill confidence in kids with learning disabilities is through the arts – a paintbrush or a musical instrument might be just the ticket a child needs to unlock their confidence and self-esteem.
Here are 4 ways to help your child with learning disabilities enjoy and learn from the arts.
4 Ways to Involve Kids with Disabilities in the Arts
Explore all the Arts
The term “the arts” includes a wide variety of activities, including music, performing arts, visual arts, dance, crafts and more. Explore one or more styles to determine what might work best for your child based on their interests and learning personalities. If your child is an auditory learner, for example, music might be a better choice for them than painting. A few quick descriptions will help:
- Art: Enhances creativity and gives an appreciation for shapes, dimensions, and textures. Also helps communicate ideas and emotions.
- Music: Helps develop rhythm, sound, pitch, rhyming, math and more. (See below for more on music.)
- Crafts: Let kids solve problems and express themselves.
- Dancing: Helps with motor skills while teaching rhythm, counting, following directions, and working with others.
- Drama: Performing plays can help with memory retention, teamwork and appreciating literary forms and structures.
How Music Helps
Music promotes brain development in all kids but learning a musical instrument can be particularly helpful for children with learning disabilities. It helps them feel good about themselves and relax, while the rhythm and beat give them a greater sense of logic and organization. Singing can help them focus, while the motions required to play an instrument help improve motor skills; playing music also helps kids to multi-task and become more confident in what they can do.
Choosing the right instrument for your child will depend on a combination of things, including their interest and ability. A child who likes to move around, for instance, will do better with an instrument that allows them to stand and move such as a string bass, clarinet, or percussion instrument. The cello gives kids who have motor skill difficulty room to move their fingers. Read here for specific suggestions about which instruments work well with which disabilities.
Create Space
You should give your child a particular space in your house where they have the freedom to express themselves through the arts. Include a desk or table to provide a clean work surface, and stock the room with everything they might need – paints and paintbrushes, paper, crayons, scissors, musical instruments and much more. While the room should be fairly organized to start with, it should also be a place where your kids can make a mess and it really doesn’t matter. Include a designated place in the room to display any work they do and give them a sense of pride and accomplishment.
Keep in mind that you could use this space to teach other children about the arts. For example, if you play an instrument and want to share that knowledge with others, give lessons and teach classes from the comfort of your home. Just remember that you’ll need to make sure you follow local regulations about registering your business with the local government. If you plan to register as an LLC before you start teaching classes, make sure you brush up on your state's guidelines to ensure you protect yourself and your business.
Join In
Kids will be delighted if you join in experiencing the arts along with them. Learn a musical instrument at the same time as your child. Sit down to paint with them. Take them through an art museum. Stay for their dance practice. These gestures will help ease any discomfort or embarrassment kids might feel because of their disability. You desperately want them to succeed, so give them the greatest chance possible.
Teaching the arts to kids with learning disabilities is a fantastic way to help them develop. If they are not using ideas and techniques like this at your child’s school, consider promoting the concept with their teachers. A little creativity goes a long way in raising talented kids with disabilities.
Photo from Unsplash
Article courtesy of Alyssa Strickland
Alyssa Strickland created millennial-parents.com for all the new parents on the block. Alyssa believes the old adage that it takes a village to raise a child, but she also thinks it takes a village to raise a parent! Millennial-Parents is that village. Today’s parents can be more connected than ever, and she hopes her site will enrich those connections. On Millennial-Parents, she shares tips and advice she learns through experience and from other young parents in three key areas — Education, Relationships, and Community.
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by Deborah Hanyon, MPH, RDN, ACE-CHC | Jan 8, 2021 | Getting Kids Moving, Nutrition and Health
Guiding Kids to Healthy Choices
(Post may contain affiliate links).
All parents want the best for their kids. But at the end of the day, kids are their own people who make their own choices. As parents, all we can do is teach them, love them, and give them the tools to make good decisions. One of the most important ways parents can guide their children toward healthy choices is by influencing habits like diet, exercise, and drug and alcohol use.
Homeschooling Dietitian Mom aims to help all families be their absolute best. With that in mind, read on for some valuable information on shaping your child’s behavior now for good health throughout life.
Guiding Kids to Healthy Choices
Diet
Diet is the foundation of good health. As the Novak Djokovic Foundation discusses, the eating habits people learn in childhood carry through to adulthood. So, while relying on processed junk foods to satiate a picky eater might seem like no big deal today, it’s a choice with serious long-term implications.
It’s rare that children enjoy the diversity of foods that adults do, but parents can promote healthy eating by offering healthy choices and modeling a good diet through their own behavior. To overcome the fear of new foods, parents should repeatedly offer new, healthy foods in low-pressure environments. Rather than forcing kids to eat something they don’t want, encourage them to try new ingredients by making them available, pairing new foods with liked foods, and getting kids involved in cooking.
In the kitchen, start by having them help with dinner, either by mixing ingredients by hand, using the toaster oven (which is safe under supervision and easy to use), or measuring portions with a kitchen scale. When they get involved, children have a personal stake, which makes learning more enjoyable.
Exercise
Like eating habits, exercise behaviors are formed early in life. If you want to raise kids who enjoy being active instead of viewing exercise as a burden, incorporate fun physical activity in the fabric of your family life.
Many parents sign kids up for extracurricular sports to keep them active, but playing sports isn’t enough. Because few adults participate in team sports, it’s not an activity that’s easily carried through to adulthood. In addition to sports, weave physical activity into your family’s everyday life. Going on family walks after dinner, running errands by bike, and getting active in the backyard together are wonderful ways to get active and strengthen your family bond.
Drugs and Alcohol
As children grow into pre-teens and teens, another health concern comes into the picture: drugs and alcohol. Substance use doesn’t just get kids into dangerous situations, it can also permanently impair their brain development. Alcohol use before adulthood affects the development of the hippocampus and the prefrontal lobe, the parts of the brain responsible for memory, learning, and decision-making skills. Drugs like marijuana have similar effects, and both drug and alcohol use in adolescence increase the risk of addiction in adulthood.
Kids who turn to drugs and alcohol are often seeking an escape from their problems. In fact, Reuters reports that kids who are bullied are more likely to smoke, drink, and use drugs. Without healthy coping mechanisms at their disposal, substance use becomes a way to escape stress, relationship problems, and poor self-esteem. By giving kids better tools for managing stress, parents can reduce the risk of substance use.
Modeling
A popular book on parenting (and a short film) is titled, “To a Child, Love is Spelled T-i-m-e” – the idea that what children really need from their parents is time. Similarly, what children need to learn is for their parental figures to model healthy behavior, set a good example, pursue their dreams.
For many adults, having children often means that plans get paused, career tracks shift and we find ourselves ending up somewhere we didn't expect. If it's time to ‘right the course of life' as a parent and pursue that online business degree, flexibility is incredibly important because of everything you are already juggling. But it's not impossible, and your children will benefit from the example you set. You got this!
Parents may not be able to control the choices their children make as adults, but they do play a crucial role in shaping those choices. While it’s possible for adults to undo unhealthy habits learned in childhood, it’s much easier to start with healthy habits and maintain them for a lifetime.
For healthy kids that grow into healthy adults, make good nutrition, physical activity, and positive stress relief a priority in your household.
Connect with Homeschooling Dietitian Mom for more valuable insights into your family’s well-being.
Image via Unsplash
Article courtesy of Alyssa Strickland
Alyssa Strickland created millennial-parents.com for all the new parents on the block. Alyssa believes the old adage that it takes a village to raise a child, but she also thinks it takes a village to raise a parent! Millennial-Parents is that village. Today’s parents can be more connected than ever, and she hopes her site will enrich those connections. On Millennial-Parents, she shares tips and advice she learns through experience and from other young parents in three key areas — Education, Relationships, and Community.
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See pic at right for Bible verse Nathan made the very first week of 4th grade.
