7 Awesome Children's Christmas Presents for the Health-Conscious Parent

7 Gifts to Get Your Kids for a Healthy Christmas

Christmas doesn't usually make the average person think about children's health, but it is the perfect opportunity to encourage healthful activities for your kids. Consider these fun children's gifts this Christmas season when you are battling the holiday shoppers!

1. Bicycle

This might seem like a no-brainer, but a new bicycle (or tricycle, depending on your little one's age) is an oldie-but-goodie when it comes to Christmas presents. Getting a bike will encourage your child to get outside and away from a screen, and to engage in that much needed physical activity. Just be sure to purchase a helmet to go along with it!

2. Tether Ball



A tether ball system is another way to get kids to engage in physical activity that doesn't seem like exercise. This will also encourage social interaction, as tether ball is a two-person game. A tether ball system is the perfect gift for siblings.

3. Crawling Tunnels

Crawl tunnels, play tents, and pop-up huts are all a great gift idea for children. Not only are they light and portable so that they don't take up a lot of space, they encourage active play inside. This is perfect for those stormy days when the kids can't go outside. There are a variety of options to choose from as well, from Frozen tents to Wiggly Worm tunnels.

4. Just Dance

Just Dance and other games like it are a fun and interactive way for children to play video games. These games improve coordination and are a lot of fun! They can be an individual or group activity, and appeal to all ages.

5. Themed Dishware

Buying your children interesting dishes can help them get excited about meals. Let them help you pick out some individualized dishware so that they feel included and more willing to participate in mealtime.

6. Trampoline

Safe trampolines are great for giving kids an outlet for their energy. People who live in mild climates can spring for the outdoor version, while those who live in snowy or rainy areas can choose indoor trampolines. Both will work for letting kids jump out their wiggles. You can even get small indoor trampolines with handles for the tiny tykes.

7. Play Set

If you're willing to spend money on a big ticket item, a play set is the way to go. There are many variations: swings, monkey bars, slides, rope swing, etc. You can even find compact indoor variations. They can last for years and provide a prime place for your kids to play and be active.

This list just includes some ideas for Christmas presents that promote fun, physical activity. There are many other options! As long as your gift will get your children moving (safely), then you really can't go wrong!

Bonus Tip: Skip the candy in the stockings this year and use $5 movies or dollar store toys instead!



Sources:

http://schoolrun.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/child-on-bike.jpg
http://feeds2.yourstorewizards.com/1749/images/300x300/tetherball.jpg
https://unitedwaybroome.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/86510161_cropped.jpg
http://ourthreepeas.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/just-dance2.jpg
http://blog.chw.org/wp-content/uploads/trampoline_safety_blog2.jpg
http://s3-production.bobvila.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/blog_bv_swingset_playset2_kids_creations.jpg

The Truth About Kids and Food

Kids and Food: What You Need to Know



The British Broadcasting Company (BBC) released a documentary series called The Truth About Food. One of the episodes explains common misconceptions about children and food. The episode also gave helpful hints about helping your children to improve their eating habits. Here are the highlights from this documentary episode:

1. Don't forbid foods-- especially if they're in plain sight!



The worst thing you can tell a child is that they can't have that treat in the pantry. That food now becomes the "forbidden fruit," and their obsession with it will only grow. The documentary did an experiment with preschool aged children where they distributed two snacks of equal liking: dried mangoes and raisins. The children had rated the snacks equally before the experiment. The teachers told the children they could only have the mangoes until the last two minutes, at which point it was okay to have the raisins. However, they kept both snacks out in plain sight for the duration of snack time. They did this for a few days, and each day the children became more and more fixated on the raisins. It was observed that the children became territorial and even violent to get access to the raisins. By the end of the experiment, the children said that they liked raisins more than the mangoes, even though they had previously rated them equally.
Moral of the story: Don't tell your children that they're not allowed to eat a food, especially if it's in the house! It's as the old adage goes: everything in moderation.

2. There ARE ways to get your kids to eat that vegetable they hate.



The episode explored two main ways to get a picky young boy to eat broccoli – the first being peer pressure. Child actors, hired as classmates, were directed to speak to the boy about the glamorous life of acting and were also told convince him to eat his broccoli. The boy eventually gave in to peer pressure, tasting the broccoli and saying that he liked it after being encouraged by the child actors.
Because it's unrealistic to hire child actors for your kids, there is another option (though it requires more patience). Another young boy who didn’t like avocados was followed. His mother offered the avocado to him every day for ten days. After the ten days, he didn't love the avocados, but there was certainly an improvement in his preference. With more time, he might have even developed a preference for them.
Moral of the story: Peer pressure works, but if you can't manage that, then expose your children to the food over and over until there is a marked improvement (ten times is supposed to be the magic number).

 3. Do Kids Stop When They're Full?



The documentary showed an experiment with young school children having lunch. On the first week, they prepared a daily lunch with a portion size of spaghetti and meat sauce that was deemed appropriate for their age by a registered dietitian. The children were given the portion and they happily ate the majority of their lunches. A week later, the children were given double the portion size of the same spaghetti and meat sauce. The results were astounding: the children had eaten 73% more with the bigger portion sizes. They even said yes to dessert after!
Moral of the story: monitor your children's portion sizes. They don't need adult sized plates at restaurants, and they don't need their food super-sized or king-sized.

4. Does Sugar Make Kids Hyper?



This is perhaps the most widespread notion: kids go crazy on sugar. In The Truth About Food, they decided to find out whether this is a myth. They had two birthday parties on two consecutive days. The first day, they showed the parents the food that would be served at the party and asked them to guess which foods their child would eat. They were told that for the first party, the kids would be eating healthy, sugar-free foods. In reality, the first party would be serving all the sugary treats that the kids could eat. The kids ate the sugar and then proceeded to participate in the underwater, story-telling themed party. The parents reported afterward how calm their children were.
The next day was the healthy lunch party, though the parents were told that their kids would be served sugary snacks. This party had more boisterous activities, like a bounce house. The children at this party were rowdy and energetic, and their parents commented afterward how hyper they were being, claiming it to be the effects of the sweets. Imagine their surprise when they learned that this was the sugar-free party!
Moral of the story: it's the activity, more than the food served, that affects how "boisterous" your child may be acting. However, too much sugar can lead to a drop in blood sugar afterward, which can cause irritability and moodiness. Make sure your children's sources of sugar mainly come in the form of fruit, milk products, and complex carbohydrates.


Sources:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sn/humanbody/truthaboutfood/kids/takeaways.shtml
http://img.webmd.com/dtmcms/live/webmd/consumer_assets/site_images/articles/health_tools/feeding_a_picky_eater_slideshow/getty_rm_photo_of_child_looking_at_cupcakes.jpg
http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/image/4685852-3x2-700x467.jpg
http://static.squarespace.com/static/52c99a1ae4b05d3ee044c046/t/52f01a91e4b044da278d1b78/1391467154010/Child_Eating.jpg
http://renegadehealth.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Kids-Junk-Food.jpg

Cancer and Women

There are over 100 different types of cancer. Every year more than a quarter of a million American women lose their life due to cancer (CDC.gov). Cancer is a disease that is becoming more and more prevalent throughout the world and we are still trying to figure out the most successful way to medically treat it. As for any disease, the best way to survive cancer is to prevent it. Women we are predisposed to more types of cancer than men. Some of these cancers consist of uterine cancer, cervical cancer, breast cancer, skin cancer, and lung cancer (American Cancer Association.org). Cancer usually targets those who are older but it can still occur in younger women.

Predisposing Factors for Cancer

• Genetics: Does cancer run in your family? You may be at risk for developing cancer if it is hereditary. This is most common with genetic breast cancer occurring in younger women.  
• Smoking/Alcohol: If you currently or have in the past consumed large amounts of alcohol or smoked, you can increase your risk of developing cancers such as throat, stomach, and lung cancer. 
• Chemical: Frequent exposure to chemicals such as hair dyes, asbestos, and formaldehyde can lead to cancer. 
• Infectious agents: Some infectious agents such as HIV, HPV, and helicobacter pylori can increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer. 
• Radiation: Living or working in environments that are high in radiation can increase the process and development of cancer cells in the human body. 
• Lifestyle: Having a poor diet high in fats and living a relatively sedentary lifestyle can increase your chances of developing cancer. 

Tips for Preventing Cancer

• Don't smoke and avoid second hand smoke. 
• Get screening tests for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer. 
• Protect your skin from the sun and avoid tanning beds. 
• Be aware of moles and spots on your skin.
• Stay active and keep a healthy weight. 
• Get the HPV vaccine.
• Eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables.
• Limit fat intake in your foods.  
• Limit alcohol or do not consume alcohol. 
• Know yourself, your family history, and personal risks of cancer. 

Resources:
http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/dcpc/resources/features/WomenAndCancer/s_cid=cdc_homepage_whatsnew_004
http://www.cancer.org/healthy/findcancerearly/womenshealth/cancer-facts-for-women
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/causes

Strengthening Relationships

       Mother's day is coming up and it is that time of year when we start reflecting on those women whom we look up to.Wellness is made up of seven different elements two of these elements are emotional wellness and social wellness. These two elements can refer to our feelings and relationships that we have with people. The mother-daughter relationship is an important aspect in a women's life. A mother is the one who helps us learn how to take care of ourselves as we reach womanhood, she gets us through our first breakup, and loves us continually no matter what we say or do. For some of us as we get older and leave the house our relationship with our mother begins to be weakened. As we see our mother less often we begin to lose that closeness we had before when we saw her on a more frequent basis. As we get older we begin to develop our own lifestyle, ideas, and individuality that may differ from our mothers. We may have gotten into a recent disagreement that has caused us to distant ourselves from her. Whatever the reason as to why we have weakened that bond, it is important that we strengthen it whenever possible. In honor of mother's day this week, we have focused on how to strengthen your relationship with your mother or the person who plays the motherly role in your life.  

Relationships

       One thing that we need to keep in mind is that a relationship consist of two people. "Sometimes we spend so much time focusing on ourselves-our shortcomings, problems, and needs-that we overlook the ways that our lives are are affected and enhanced by others". As we get older and become adults our relationship with our mother changes. We become adults and make our own decision but we are still seen as a child by our mother. We have to learn to start a new relationship with our mother in which we are both adults but we still have that mother-daughter feeling. Below are some tips that can help with starting that relationship and how to make it stronger.

1. Make the first move.

It is important that both people are putting forth the effort although one person may have to initiate it first in order for the relationship to begin.

2. Change yourself.

Many think that the only way to improve a relationship is for the other person to change their ways. Think of it as a dance, when one person changes their steps, the dance inevitably changes.

3. Have realistic expectations.

Both moms and daughters often have idealistic expectations about their relationship. It is important that we realize it will not be perfect and the other person will not always do what you expect.   

4. Communicate.

"Lack of communication is a common challenge with moms and daughters. Because moms and daughters aren't mind readers, be clear and calmly state how you’re feeling. Also, speak your mind in a very heartfelt but gentle manner". 

5. Be an active listener.

Active listening is when you reflect back what the other person has just said. This means that when the person is done talking you repeat in your own words what the person just said. By reflecting back what they just said you’re telling her that she’s being heard and that you understand. This can also help someone rephrase what they said if you are understanding them different than what they meant. 

6. Put yourself in her shoes.

Mothers try to see how your daughter feels and how you felt when you where her age. Daughters try to understand that your mother does have experience and has the best intentions for you. 

7. Learn to forgive.

Forgiveness is key to a relationship. Being able to ask for forgiveness and knowing when you have wronged the other person as well as being able to forgive is what will build trust and confidence between you two. 

8. Balance individuality and closeness.

Dr Roni Cohen-Sandler said, "It can be challenging for daughters to build their own identities. Sometimes daughters think that in order to become their own person, they must cut off from their moms. Or, quite the opposite, they’re so fused that they’re unable to make decisions without her input, she said. Both are clearly problematic".

But daughters can find their voices and identities within the relationship. So how can you strike a balance between staying connected and still being true to yourself? It is not easy but with time you will be able to find a perfect balance. 

9. Agree to disagree.

As adults we begin to develop our own views and ideas some which may go against what our mothers believe. It is important that it is accepted that agreement will always occur and to let each other have their own opinions. 

10. Stick to the present.

"Moms and daughters tend to have an old argument that runs like a broken record in the background. It becomes their default disagreement. Instead, avoid bringing up old gripes from the past, and try to focus on the present" -Dr. Roni Cohen-Sandler

11. “Use ‘I’ statements, rather than being accusatory,”

Instead of saying you make me feel  you did this say I. By replacing "you" with "I" your conversation will be more productive and no one will feel like they need to become defensive.  

 References: 

http://psycnet.apa.org/psycinfo/1988-16704-001

http://psychcentral.com/lib/15-insights-on-improving-mother-daughter-relationships/0007635

Roni Cohen-Sandler, Ph.D, psychologist and co-author of I’m Not Mad, I Just Hate You! A New Understanding of Mother-Daughter Conflict http://psychcentral.com/lib/15-insights-on-improving-mother-daughter-relationships/0007635

5 Helpful Resources for Expecting Women, Pregnant Women, and New Mothers

          Pregnancy is an exciting time in every women’s life, but it can also be frightening. Finding the right tools and information to help you do the job correctly can be a daunting task. The CDC offers helpful information in order to assist women in staying healthy and protecting their baby from the time of conception to birth. The CDC suggests these easy to use cyber tools for pregnant women, those considering pregnancy, and even new moms. They offer tips on how to keep yourself and your baby safe and healthy.

Text4baby- A free text messaging service for pregnant women and new moms. You will receive automated texts three times a week with tips on how to have a healthy pregnancy, healthy baby, and how to care for your baby up to age one. The tips are synchronized around your expected due date or your baby’s date of birth. Text4baby Automated Messaging

Test Your Knowledge- How much do you know about your folic acid needs? About one in every 33 babies is born with a birth defect. Test yourself with this quiz to know how much folic acid you should ingest before and during your pregnancy to prevent birth defects. This quiz also helps you find different ways to get the right amount daily. Folic Acid Quiz

Take this quiz to learn about Birth Defect Prevention:

·         Preventing birth Defects

·         Getting vaccinations during pregnancy

·         Using Medication during pregnancy

·         Diabetes and pregnancy, and much more.

Before, During, and After Pregnancy

Go to the CDC’s homepage for information on healthy pregnancies and healthy babies. Be the healthiest version of you so you can give your baby a healthy start in life.

CDC Pregnancy Homepage

 

Health-E-Cards

Help your friends and family by sending CDC health-e-cards to let them know about health issues affecting pregnant women, new moms, and their children. Help them to take care of their health and the babies in their lives.

 Health-E-Cards

Podcasts

Listen in on the CDC’s podcast page, and in just a few minutes, learn reliable health and safety information to help you and your baby. Browse through the pregnancy and women’s health topics.

CDC Pregnancy Podcasts
CDC Women's Health Podcasts

Sources:  http://www.cdc.gov/features/pregnancytools/
  

 



Finding Strength in Family History

 

As members of the church we are often encouraged to find our ancestors and help do work for those that have passed on. We often overlook that in doing their works, we are also lifting ourselves. By learning more about our ancestors, we can gain insights through their life experiences. We can find strength and courage through their struggles to overcome our own trials.

To some the task of finding family can be quite large. You might be the only one listed in your family tree. There’s a simple way to start, add your immediate family and then branch out from there. Soon you will have your grandparents and their children (your uncles and aunts). You can even add your cousins in from there. If you run out of relatives you’ve met in person start asking your family about other family they knew growing up. They might have stories that you will be surprised you never heard!

It’s also important to record stories that are happening today. You might get to an age where you wish you could tell the stories of your youth, but your memory may fail you. Prepare for that possibility by keeping a journal and taking photos (include a short description of what’s happening.) Photos create wonderful recollections and memories. Finding out more about your ancestors also helps you become more acquainted with your living family.  Spending quality time with your family brings peace to our homes.

 See how a grandfather influenced his granddaughters by talking about his experiences during Pearl Harbor.

 

 

To learn more about  Family History visit this site for more steps :

https://www.lds.org/topics/family-history/family-history-is-for-everyone?lang=eng

 

For more videos on Family History: http://www.lds.org/topics/family-history?lang=eng&cid=HPTU011414347&im=true#media=

50 Rexburg Service Ideas

Tis the season to show others you care!  As the Thanksgiving and Christmas season approach, we all look for ways to serve others and show them we care.  Here’s a list of ideas for acts of service (some of them very small!) you can do right here in Rexburg. 

1. Call and talk to a family member who lives at least an hour away
2. Focus on not saying anything negative for a day
3. Write a letter to a missionary
4. Smile at someone as they walk by
5. Pick up trash outside
6. Rake someone’s yard (or shovel snow!)
7. Pay for the person behind you in the drive-thru
8. Attend the temple
9. Give a stranger a compliment
10. Say good morning to someone you don’t normally talk to
    
11. Write a thank-you card to someone who has helped you recently
12. Give someone a hug
13. Hold open the door for someone
14. Be extra courteous to pedestrians crossing the street
15. Make a treat for someone
16. Do something nice for the person/ family you visit or home teach
17. Remember to say please and thank-you…even for simple things
18. Give someone a high-five and tell them good job for something
19. Leave an anonymous note for someone
20. Send a card to a stranger in the phone book
21. Make breakfast for your spouse or roommate
22. Throw away someone’s trash for them
23. Leave a large tip for your waiter/ waitress
24. Babysit for someone’s kids so they can go to the temple
25. Tell someone you love them
26. Tell someone a joke
27. Tell someone why you appreciate them
28. Write and send a letter to someone you love
29. Do a chore for your spouse/ roommate that they usually do for you
30. Put $10 in a random gas pump
31. Index at least 20 names
32. Visit the nursing home and talk to the residents
    
33. Go Christmas caroling (or Thanksgiving caroling…be creative)
34. Take a treat to those waiting in line at the testing center
35. Take a treat to those who finish their test at the testing center
36. Write your roommates notes of appreciation
37.  Get involved with Activities on campus (they even have SERVICE activities!)
38.  Volunteer at the animal/ horse shelter
39. Give someone a ride home from the grocery store
40.  Write a letter/ email to your grandparents
41. Clean out your closet and donate clothes you don’t wear to Deseret Industries/ Goodwill
42.  Bring your bishop a snack for his late after-church meetings
    
43.  Learn how to do family history
44.  Pay your fast offering
45.  Donate supplies to the Family Crisis Center
46.  Pray for someone who needs a little extra help
47.  Help someone who’s moving
48.  Help clean the chapel after services
49.  Let someone go in front of you while you’re waiting in a checkout line or in traffic
50.  Take a treat to the fire station

 Remember, it’s the little things that count.  Elder M. Russell Ballard said “It is my humble prayer, brothers and sisters, that we will ask in our daily prayers for the inspiration to find someone for whom we can provide some meaningful service, including the service of sharing the gospel truths and our testimonies. At the end of each day, may we be able to say yes to the questions: “Have I done any good in the world today? Have I helped anyone in need?””

Here are some great talks and devotionals regarding serving others:

Scatter Sunshine- M. Winston Egan

Unselfish Service- Dallin H. Oaks

Be Anxiously Engaged- M. Russell Ballard

Service- Stephen E. Snow

Pictures from the LDS Media Library

Dealing With Infertility

According to the Mayo Clinic, 10-15% of couples experience infertility.  Thankfully, after treatment, about 2/3 of those couples are able to get pregnant.  Infertility is defined as not being able to get pregnant despite having frequent, unprotected sex for at least a year for most people and six months in certain circumstances. 

There are many causes of infertility.  In approximately 1/3 of cases it is traced back to the woman, 1/3 of cases it is traced back to the man and 1/3 of the cases are due to both partners or the cause is unknown. 

The most common cause of infertility in women is a failure to ovulate.  A few causes of this are Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, where there is a hormone imbalance, and Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea, where excessive physical or emotional stress result in the loss of a period.  Besides these, it can also come from obesity and/ or weight gain, an ovarian tumor or cyst, weight loss including eating disorders and use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs (including caffeine). 

In men, infertility is usually caused by a low sperm count or abnormal sperm development.  A specialist would look at the number of sperm, their motility and shape to determine if this is the cause.  These abnormalities can be caused by overheating of the testicles, unhealthy habits such as drugs and alcohol or medical conditions such as diabetes, cystic fibrosis, trauma or treatments like chemotherapy or radiation. 

There are numerous treatments available for people struggling with infertility.  Women can have ovulation stimulated with fertility drugs, have surgery, or do intrauterine insemination where healthy sperm are placed directly into the uterus.  Infertility in men can be addressed through medication or behavioral changes and surgery or hormones.  Couples may also choose to have a procedure such as in vitro fertilization which combines the sperm and egg in a lab and then implants the embryos into the uterus.  This method is only effective in 40% of the cases of women younger than 35 years of age and declines as the woman becomes older.

Coping with infertility can be difficult, especially when the cause is unknown.  The Mayo Clinic recommends a few steps you can take to prepare yourself for the journey ahead.  First be prepared by asking your doctor a lot of questions.  Next, set limits on what is appropriate and financially acceptable to you and your spouse.  Infertility is deeply emotional so knowing what you will and will not do before asked the question will save you much time and uncertainty.  

You will also want to consider other options if you are not able to become pregnant, such as adoption.  Finally, look for support from friends, family and support groups or counseling services.  Because infertility is so personal, many are unaware of how many struggle with it.  Linking yourself with others in your situation will be a great blessing. 

The church has many talks and personal stories linked to their website regarding infertility.  The following link will take you to stories of couples dealing with infertility as well as numerous talks by General Authorities and others on how to make it through this time in your life.

http://www.lds.org/ensign/2011/04/faith-and-infertility-expanded?lang=eng

Another website geared specifically towards LDS couples dealing with infertility is: www.ldsinfertility.org 

There are many resources out there to help if you struggle with infertility.  Don’t hesitate to reach out to these sources or to talk to your doctor if you think something may be wrong.

Sources:

Infertility. (2013, September 18). Retrieved from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/infertility.html

Infertility fact sheet. (2012, July 16). Retrieved from http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/infertility.html

Mayo Clinic Staff. (2013, July 19). Infertility. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/infertility/DS00310

Nazario, B. (2011, July 28). Understanding ovulation and fertility: Facts to help you get pregnant. Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/baby/ss/slideshow-understanding-fertility-ovulation 
Pictures:
http://www.atlantainfertility.com/
http://9images.blogspot.com/2013/03/sad-hug-couple-back-cute.html

Cooking With Kids

Cooking is so much more then dumping ingredients into a bowl and hoping a delicious dish pops out of the oven.  For your kids it’s learning math and science, it’s having fun with their mom, it’s making a mess and it’s discovering something new.  While cooking with kids can be frustrating for a parent who just wants to get the meal made and in the oven, it can be a bonding time that your children will remember forever.  So slow down and take some time to plan your kids into the meal preparation time!  Here are a few tips on how to include your children while cooking and what you can teach them during the process.

·         Involve Them in the Planning!

Let little Timmy decide what sounds good for dinner that night (you may have to help him by giving him a few options).  Then let them help you make the ingredient list, shop for the produce or find the needed ingredients in your pantry.  Whenever possible, let them make choices about the meal.

·         Create a Safe Environment

Give them their own workspace at a height that’s convenient for them.  Let them have their own spoon, children’s knife, bowl etc.  Don’t worry if their space gets messy and unorganized…just let them have fun in it!

·         Use Dirty Produce

Think we’re joking?  We’re not!  Take your kids to the farmers market and have them pick out the produce.  Let them see their food with dirt on it and teach them about how food grows, what a farmer does, how rain affects the growing process, and why we need to wash fruits and vegetables before eating them.

·         Measure Up

Get them up close and personal with the fractions used in baking and cooking.  Teach them about using one cup or one half of a cup.  For kids that are in grade school and learning fractions, this is an excellent hands-on opportunity.  For kids who are too young for fractions, have them count how many times they stir the brownie batter or how many eggs go into the mix.

·         Follow Instructions

As children learn how to read, have them read the recipe and/ or ingredient list for you.  They will increase their vocabulary and learn the importance of following directions in a specific order.

·         Introduce New Foods

Kids are more likely to try a new food if they are involved in the preparation of it and are able to handle it before it’s prepared.  If you can get them to use the food in a creative way (mushrooms, olives and pepperoni to make a face on a pizza) they are also more likely to try it.

·         Other Little Tips

o   Let them press the buttons on the blender/ food processor

o   Give them a rolling pin and have them roll part of the cookie dough alongside you

o   Cut a sandwich with a cookie cutter to give it a fun shape

o   Have them help with clean-up

o   Cook when you aren’t starving…just enjoy the process!

Sources:

PBS Parents. (n.d.). Cooking with kids. Retrieved from http://www.pbs.org/parents/food-and-fitness/eat-smart/cooking-with-kids/

Gastrokid. (2004, March 24). Top 10 tips for cooking with kids. Retrieved from http://www.bonappetit.com/test-kitchen/cooking-tips/article/top-10-tips-for-cooking-with-kids

Pictures:

http://www.angellebatten.com/real-kids-get-messy-in-the-kitchen/

http://www.kids-cooking-activities.com/

Breastfeeding: The Wonder Milk

All around the BYU-Idaho campus you will find mother’s rooms attached to the women’s restrooms.  There are small stalls with just one plush chair and other larger areas with three or four…sometimes a whole couch!  The mothers of BYU-Idaho are aware of the great benefits breastfeeding can bring to their babies as well as their own health.  Besides being obviously cheaper than buying cases of formula ($1200- $1500 cheaper per year!), breastfeeding has some bonus effects.

·    Breastfed babies typically get sick less. Breastfeeding reduces the risk of ear infections, diarrhea, and stomach problems.

·    Your baby can see you up close and personal. Babies are born extremely nearsighted, which means they can only see things about 8 to 15 inches away. That also happens to be the distance between your face and your baby’s face when breastfeeding. So when your baby locks eyes with you, it’s a true bonding moment.

·    Breastfeeding allows your body to recover from pregnancy and childbirth more quickly. The hormones released when you breastfeed make your uterus contract back to its pre-pregnancy size.

·    Breastfeeding exposes your baby to many different tastes. Formula has one taste. But through your breast milk, your baby eventually gets a slight taste of whatever you eat, although not directly. This will later make introducing solid foods easier.

·    Breastfeeding may help you to lose weight. Mothers who exclusively breastfeed can burn as many as 600 calories a day, which may help you get back to your pre-pregnancy weight.

·    Breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer in moms.

·    Your breast milk changes during a feeding session. When your baby first starts to nurse, your milk is a watery bluish color. Toward the end of the feeding session, your baby gets to thicker, fattier milk, which gives your baby the calories needed to grow healthy and strong.

·    Breast milk heals. Breast milk is filled with special components that are designed to help fight infection and cut down on swelling in the breast. So, if your breasts are sore those first few days, gently massaging some of your milk into your nipples and breasts can soothe the soreness and speed up recovery.

Even with all of these great effects, some women struggle to breastfeed their baby.  Whether it’s because they can’t produce enough milk, the baby won’t latch, or it’s painful for the mother, there are solutions!  The following are great websites with information on how to overcome breastfeeding challenges as well as more information on how to breastfeed and it’s benefits:

-          It’s Only Natural:  http://www.womenshealth.gov/ItsOnlyNatural

-          Your Guide to Breastfeeding: http://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/breastfeeding-9/nursing-basics

-          La Leche League International: http://www.llli.org/

Sources:

http://www.womenshealth.gov/ItsOnlyNatural/