Category: Parenting

Over the last year as we all spent more time at home, many families started to cook more. For some this was fun and enjoyable and for others it was a burden. Some families did more baking and some did more scratch cooking, and others just ate more simple convenience foods that could be bought at the store and made quickly at home. 

Now that more restaurants are open and family schedules and routines are shifting, many are wondering what their new family “normal” will be. Will families who had started to cook more continue to do so? Or will they take advantage of being able to eat out more? We believe that “eating together as a family” at home post pandemic is an important ritual and way to build healthy family habits around food. 

We do encourage families to get kids involved in the kitchen, but this practice should ideally make family life easier and not more difficult. Getting involved can teach kids good eating habits and self-regulation while also fighting disordered eating habits, anxiety, and even depression, particularly important right now.  

In Sugarproof, we give ideas for specific tasks that kids of various ages can help with in a way that actually lightens the work load of the adults in the house rather than creating additional mess. 

Here are a few examples by age:

• Toddlers can help wash fruits and vegetables, spin salad dry, and pick things like herbs or cherry tomatoes off of stems.
• Preschool aged children can cut soft things like melon or peppers, shell peas, husk corn, snap asparagus, help measure and mix recipes for baked goods, arrange fruits and vegetables onto plates/platters, and set the table.
• Elementary school children can peel carrots, cut/prep a wider variety of raw vegetables or fruits, crack eggs, and learn to operate appliances like a food processor or blender (supervised).
• Older children can find recipes in cookbooks or online and start preparing simple things for the family with some/little assistance.

Involving kids in meal planning, shopping, gardening (where possible), and simple food prep increases their level of connectedness and enthusiasm for eating family meals. And ultimately this can make meal-times much easier for parents and less of a struggle. Kids who feel proud of helping make family meals are more likely to eat them enthusiastically and less likely to complain or refuse healthy foods.

And for when families do choose to buy convenience options or eat at restaurants, we have suggestions in Sugarproof for how to navigate food labels and menus to make smart choices that are lower in sugar and more nutrient-rich overall.

About the Authors

Dr. Michael Goran, Ph.D. and Dr. Emily Ventura, Ph.D. are co-authors of pioneering new book, SUGARPROOF: The Hidden Dangers of Sugar That Are Putting Your Child’s Health at Risk and What You Can Do (Avery/Penguin Random House).  

Dr. Michael Goran, Ph.D. is a professor of pediatrics at the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles and Scientific Advisor for popular brand, Yumi Baby Food. Dr. Emily Ventura is an expert in nutrition education and recipe development. 

Sugarproof busts myths about the various types of sugars and sweeteners, helps families identify sneaky sources of sugar in their diets, and suggests realistic, family-based solutions to reduce sugar consumption and protect kids. To purchase the book or for more information, visit www.sugarproofkids.com

An astounding 69% of parents say that good babysitters are hard to find. However, for some families, hiring a live-in nanny can present a constant and worthy option without having to continually search for a babysitter — though the notion doesn’t come without a few drawbacks. From the convenience and flexibility that a live-in nanny can offer to the negatives worth considering and the importance of keeping your childcare goals in mind along the way, here’s what you need to know.

The undeniable benefits involved

For families looking to hire a live-in nanny, there are a myriad of benefits to be aware of. For starters, a live-in nanny can present a convenient and trusted caretaker for parents who have varying and/or busy schedules. Not only that, but a live-in nanny will also allow for your child to have a familiar face looking after them, which will allow for them to bond with and become a part of the family since a live-in nanny will be committed to working for your family. With a singular nanny looking after your child as opposed to a rotating schedule of babysitters, you can rest assured that your child will get individualized attention while under their care. In turn, this will allow you to have more parental control over things like activities, diet, and overall schedules.

Potential downfalls to consider

While live-in nannies can be a fantastic option for many families, there are some potential downfalls to take into consideration before actually hiring someone. In addition to the cost, another thing to consider is the fact that you’ll be sharing a home with the nanny, which will likely require setting boundaries early on in terms of when the nanny can have time off, what rooms are off limits, etc. in order to prevent any conflict later on. However, there are additional things to consider should you go another route.

If you’ve been looking for the perfect live-in nanny and can’t seem to find one to meet your needs, looking outside the United States is a great solution in broadening your choices. However, while a nanny from another country can be great for introducing your child to a new culture and even in learning a new language, obtaining a work visa for nanny may be required, with one way being to sponsor them for an H-2B nonimmigrant visa, which will allow the nanny to work in your home for a specific period of time. However, while this can be seen as a downfall due to the paperwork involved (such as applying for temporary labor certification, etc.), the end result will allow you to have a nanny that fits your childcare needs perfectly.

Considering your childcare needs and goals

When deciding whether or not hiring a live-in nanny is right for your family, keeping your childcare needs and goals at the forefront of your mind is imperative in making the right choice. For example, if your child needs more individualized attention, or your schedule requires great flexibility in terms of childcare due to a busy work schedule, a live-in nanny could certainly be the right fit, and can allow you to cater to additional goals such as helping your child learn a new language should you sponsor someone from another country. However, if you’re reluctant to share your home with your nanny or don’t need childcare as frequently, perhaps a babysitter would present a better, more cost-effective option.

Should you not mind sharing your home, a live-in nanny can present a wonderful childcare solution for your family, especially if you have a hectic schedule and would like your child to receive more individualized attention. However, this might not be for everyone, as visa considerations and sharing your home can be potential downfalls.

Some children need help regarding speech improvement. Once you realize that they don’t reach certain milestones as they get older, they’re a red flag. The good thing is that you can always ask for help from experts for providing through interventions like speech therapy for children. And here are the benefits of speech therapy.

It improves children’s ability to express ideas

Speech problems can be due to several reasons. Some children have physiological issues. For other children, it’s an emotional problem. If it’s the latter, speech therapy can be of significant help. The process helps children improve their ability to express their thoughts and feelings. Once they get used to the process, they will start to speak up. 

Clarify intelligible speech

Some children are eager to express themselves. You might hear them talking all the time, but they’re unintelligible. It’s challenging to understand what they’re saying. Speech therapy teaches children to speak slowly and clearly. They will enunciate the words well until they become intelligible. 

Able to solve problems independently

While speech therapy assists children when speaking, the goal is to teach them to be independent. The coaches will be there to help correct the mistakes. Eventually, they will learn to express ideas without someone offering prompts. The focus of the therapy is only on improving communication, but the concept of independence also applies in other areas. 

Improved swallowing function

Speech issues may also be due to swallowing functions. The problem might not only revolve around talking. Several body parts are part of the speech process. Some of them are also part of other bodily functions, such as digestion. Hence, correcting the speech problems could also lead to improvement in other areas. 

Prepare children for school 

Children should be capable of talking clearly as they get older. When they reach school age, they won’t have a problem communicating with others. Ask speech therapists to help as early as possible to deal with the problem. Otherwise, it might be too late. These speech problems could also be the reason for getting bullied at school. 

Release frustration

Children also get frustrated. We might not be aware that they feel enraged since they have different means of expressing emotions. Most children talk if they dislike something. The problem is if they’re unable to express themselves clearly. They become even more frustrated. Speech therapy allows them to release their feelings. 

Always be there

While speech therapy helps children improve their ability to speak, you have to continue the process at home. Learn from the experts on how to practice at home. With the appropriate techniques, your children can speak clearly. You might also feel frustrated when you don’t see improvements. It takes time, and there’s nothing wrong with it. Even adults have speech issues since they didn’t get help when they were young. 

Keep an optimistic spirit and continue encouraging your children. Once they overcome the challenges, it feels satisfying. They might even excel in other areas after knowing the best techniques to learn.

When our parents age it can be a scary thing for us to witness. We are used to seeing our parents be strong, quick, and light on their feet. But when they begin to age, a lot of changes occur. They may slow down or need more help and not necessarily ask for the assistance they need. So, we think it is time to step up and help to keep them happy and healthy, without needing to be asked. Where could you start? We have a few ideas that can help you, help your aging parents.

Get them outside

One of the best things you can do for most humans is get them outside and into the sun. Vitamin D is a natural mood enhancer and day-changer. Just being outside can make a huge impact. When your parents age, they may not get outside enough because it might not be as easy for them anymore. If you think they may need some assistance, but they don’t want to have to lean on you, get them some walking sticks to help them out. It will make them more mobile, comfortable, and able to do more.

Understand their new needs

As your parents age, new needs will arise and you probably won’t know about all of them in detail. But that is okay, because there are tons of resources out there to help educate and inform you with the knowledge you need to help them out. So, what are some things that may come up? Well, there are lots of common issues they could be facing and one of them is hand shakiness. Know that there are a few essential tremor causes that you should be familiar with, that way you can help them as best as you can, with the daily tasks that may become difficult for them. Take the time to educate yourself and invest time into understanding their new needs.

Call them often

The simplest thing you can do to make your parents happy and keep them perked up is to call them on a daily basis. Even a 60 second phone call can make a difference in their day and in yours too. They will feel special knowing you took the time to call them, and you will feel good knowing that you can care for them like they cared for you. When you talk with them, listen to see if they mention they need something for around the house or see if they could use a pick-me-up. If you learn of something they need, consider ordering it and either having it delivered to them or delivering it to them yourself. Small gestures can go a long way when it comes to caring for your aging parents.

Take care of some essentials

When you were growing up, it is safe to say that they took care of all of your essentials for you. They made it so you somehow always had food on the table and clothes on your back. So now it is time to make sure that you are doing the same for them. Cook for them, clean for them, help them live the best life possible – it’s what they deserve.

It isn’t going to be easy to see your parents change and age. But just be patient with them and with yourself. Be sure to help as best as you can, and they will surely be thankful.