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A Leaner Christmas

I don't know about you, but the stores did not seem as packed at previous holiday seasons. I think we are learning what the holiday should be about. I also think the kids are learning they will live if the don't get the list of must-haves. Health, togetherness and peace are wonderful. If you have that, you truly are prosperous.

We had a good time decorating the Home Depot tree while listening to classic Christmas songs. This is become a family tradition for us. This year my ds 6 was able to play jingle bells on the piano. I would love for that to be added to the annual traditions. Fortunately, grandma spent the weekend and Christmas dinner was delicious. As we say farewell to the weekend, we are grateful for one another. We hope you are too!

What is going on with our children!

This weekend researchers at the CDC released a report stating that Autism rates jumped 57% in 4 years. One is 70 boys and 1 in 350 girls. Firstly, let's answer the question what is Autism:

Autism - A complex condition, autism is the most commonly diagnosed pervasive developmental disorder. Autism impairs a person’s ability to communicate, both verbally and non-verbally, to form relationships and to interact with others. It also typically results in a range of unusual and repetitive behaviors. A child with autism may initially appear to develop normally, but then withdraw and lose interest in others. Typically diagnosed by the time a child is age 3 or 4, autism can vary from mild to severe. Autism is frequently accompanied by mental retardation, but not always. In many cases, patients will show uneven levels of intelligence with highly developed talents in some areas.

Spotting the symptoms are critical, the earlier treatment is started, the better it is for the child. Here are symptoms to watch for;

Communication Symptoms:

-- Delay in, or total lack of, development of spoken language

-- Difficulty initiating conversation

-- Echolalia (repeating words or phrases instead of using normal language)

-- Doesn’t respond to name

-- Doesn’t use or respond to gestures and other nonverbal cues

Social Interaction Symptoms:

-- Doesn’t point to objects or show them to others

-- Doesn’t make eye contact at appropriate times

-- Doesn’t look at other people’s faces as much

-- Doesn’t respond to facial expressions or body language

-- Doesn’t smile back at others

-- Lack of peer relationships appropriate to age level

-- Less interest in other children

-- Not motivated by praise or physical affection

-- Doesn’t clearly demonstrate sympathy or empathy

Six key symptoms in infants and toddlers that parents should watch for:

Children don’t orient or respond to their names

They don’t look at faces or make eye contact as much

They don’t show objects to others or point at things

They smile at others less

They don’t try to imitate others as much

They show less interest in other children

While researchers search for the cause of the rise in Autism cases, some groups question the toxicity of our food, the mandatory immunization schedule and the age of mothers. Until its figured out, we must stay attentive and responsive to our little ones.

CNN.com video: http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/health/2009/12/18/cohen.cdc.autism.numbers.cnn?iref=videosearch

Mama, Check the fit

Years ago I attended a seminar on how to get your child into the right school.  Since we reside in the competitive New York City private school region, the seminar was well attended. Parents discussed SAT scores, student-teacher ratios, reputations, alumni notables and such.  Yes, we were there to make sure we positioned our toddlers in the right preschools and grade schools.

Our expert speakers focus was the following:  

• The child and school must be a good fit.  From preschool through college, this is the most important thing.  Do not place more importance on the school's "ranking" than your child's liking.  What good is it to have a child hate school and fail miserably at the "best grade school" in the city.
  

My friends and I have had our children in some of the premier schools within our reach and region.  But where have our children been successful, happy and enthusiastic -- not necessarily at the "best" school, but the RIGHT school. 

Remember this mom and dad, we want our children to be happy learners, curious and challenged.  Think of their learning style, proficiencies, and temperament.

Happy Back-to-School 

We are not animals

Thank you Pastor Novie Warner of Living Room International Children's Ministry

I had the pleasure of listening to a woman who loves and care for children speak to a small group of parents.  She admonished us to watch over, care for and teach our children.  She pointed out a significant difference between humans and some creatures in the animal kingdom.

Some creatures lay eggs and leave. Others give birth, spend a short time with their offspring and move on.  But human offspring need parents.  Think about that.  We were made to be taken care of, guided, managed and molded.  Not for a few weeks or months, but for decades.

 The talk was tight but right.  Don't be weary or selfish.  Do the work of parenting.

Now that's Reuse...teaching the 3 R's

I have been teaching my five year old the 3 R's - Recycle, Reduce, Reuse.  He is a very serious little boy and is becoming the "Green Police" in our household.  

Recently he finished drinking his beverage and headed for the kitchen to put his cup in the sink.  I heard him open the freezer drawer so I asked him, "what are you going in the freeze for?"  My Green thinking little boy said, "I am putting my ice cubes back, I'll use it later."  You gotta love him.

I encourage you to start your children on a road to green living or conservation.  Many of us who grew up with parents who were children during the Depression will recall some of the strategies.

Here is a cool site for kids, check it out:    http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=kids.kids_index

It's time to get fit....find your free programs

Moms and Dad

Be sure to check your local municipalities for free fitness programs for your kids.  Many cities have free programs located at local parks.  For example, New York City is offering golf, tennis, track & field, basketball, gardening and much more.

Get your kids moving.  It will be fun, healthy and they will sleep better -- which means so will we.