Balanced Eating

How do you bring balance into your home when it comes to food?

We let you know that it is National Eating Disorder Awareness Week and talked some about disordered eating with kids. This is definitely a topic that could be discussed endlessly. To round out the week, we want to ask you to think about balance.

We all have to eat. There is no doubt about that, but food can sometimes be a scary thing with talks about eating disorders in kids and confusion about food.

I have worked to teach my little girl about balanced meals and eating in moderation. I struggled with food as a child and don't want to pass that on to her. I find that the best way to teach her about food is to eat healthy meals with her each day.

I used to eat on the go while I was making her lunch or just bring food back and forth to the table. I usually ended up not eating enough and not sitting down with her to show her the value in eating. I realized that it is more healthy for BOTH of us if I sit down with my balanced meal and show her how imperative it is to eat.

Children need to eat to develop and grow. If we offer them healthy choices, for the most part there's no need to restrict foods with our kids. We have found that balance is the key to eating. We do not restrict all sugar, but work to limit the quantities. So one cookie is acceptable, whereas we offer an apple or carrots if she is still hungry after that one.

It is also about quality. Sometimes my little one only wants to eat cheese all day. I have to say, some days I feel that way. To help with over consumption and make sure she receives other nutrients, I try to offer her something else with the cheese. Maybe it is a raisin-cheese combo or cheese and pear. We find that although sometimes she does not always eat everything we offer her, it is important to offer fruits and vegetables at lunch and dinner each day.

Balance is the most important thing when it comes to food. If we restrict one thing, it only makes it more enticing. If we try to only force one type of food, those other options get left out.

I Should Have Explored More Career Options

We can help prepare our kids for their future career (whatever that may be).

When I was very young, I wanted to be a veterinarian. I also wanted to be a Marine, a music teacher, and a flight attendant. As children, we wish to be many things when we grow up, but sometimes wait to fully explore our options. I should have investigated all those career paths, and taken my children along for the ride.

We could have started with animals and visited a local pet hospital, animal shelter, or zoo. We would have learned the many responsibilities of a veterinarians and animal technicians. We would have discovered jobs that didn't even involve working with animals but were vital to these locations. We would have learned about the education required for each job. But we could have taken it a step further and helped out at the animal facility by taking needed supplies or simply asking how we could help.

We could have walked the path of a Marine. We could have learned about boot camp and uniforms and salutes. We would have learned about educational opportunities and service commitments. But we also could have learned how to support those serving our country. We could have written letters and sent packages from home.

We could looked around our home and talked to those who keep us comfortable and entertained. We could have watched a local repairman work on an appliance or a handyman repair something broken. We could have watched a carpenter build a house or a plumber fix a leak. We could have asked what it took to become that expert. But we could have shown our thanks by going beyond paying the bill. We could have written a note of thanks or offered a plate of cookies.

We could have talked to doctors and lawyers and observed an office. We would have studied how much education was needed for the various positions in that office. But we could also have learned what they do to support our community outside the office.

We could have talked to garbage men and cleaning teams and waitresses and asked about their jobs, both the good and the bad. We could have learned how we could make their jobs easier, and help to spread that word. We would have learned that some jobs are harder that others, and to appreciate the people that work the hard ones.

As adults, my children are choosing their career paths. But if I had started earlier exploring careers with them, we all would fully understood the most important thing about any job - the actual person who is working it.

About the Author:

Luanne Davidson is the proud mother of three adult children and wonders what might have been if she had done a thing or two differently. She writes her "Coulda, Woudla, Shoulda" column each Thursday.

Creativity: No More Excuses

It may seem you have not time for creativity, but we can find places to be creative in any time in our lives.

Over the past few months, I have rediscovered my creativity. For years that part of me was shelved because I had babies to feed and diapers to change. Well, at least that's what I thought the reason was. That was actually an excuse. Now I'm not putting up with any more excuses. I need to exercise my creativity for my own peace of mind as well as for the peace of my family. My kids are part of the process. Their creative muscles need exercise, too. Tuesday mornings we paint. Sure it’s messy, but it's a lot of fun!

Quick Tip:
Begin your own creative recovery. Pick one thing this week that you can do - paint, write, garden, bake. Enjoy!

Definition:
Creativity is thinking of new ideas; dreaming of what could be

Read:
Harold and the Purple Crayon
by Crockett Johnson

Talk:
Besides drawing pictures and making up stories like Harold, what are some other ways you can use your imagination?

Act:
Create your own imaginary world together and play.

About the Author:

Tamara Batarseh, Executive Director of Love In A Big World (LBW), is a singer/songerwriter/performer with over fifteen years of performance experience. She is co-founder of LBW and has been the creator of the organization's programs and materials. Batarseh has recorded two albums, written LBW's character education curriculum, trained LBW's performers, and performed live for thousands of kids.

Attitude Adjustment

One mom shares how she creatively deals with tantrums and fits.

When I was a little girl, my parents' motto was "say yes whenever possible." My brothers and I were the kids that could show up at school with a Superman Cape and a tutu if we wanted. We were allowed to play in the mud, play dress-up in our parents' closet, and scream at the top of our lungs, BUT it was always within the boundaries set by Mom and Dad.

They gave us the world, a little at a time. We knew our limits. Yes, we can play in the mud, but not in our Sunday clothes. Yes, we can wear what we want during playtime, but Mommy helps us pick out Sunday-appropriate clothes. Yes, we can play dress-up in our parents' closet, but raiding Mommy's makeup stash and covering the walls is a major no-no. And as for screaming, this was my favorite.

Sometimes kids throw tantrums. It's their only way to get out their emotions, but sometimes they need to keep their emotions in check. Throwing a tantrum in a grocery store may not be the best time. All of us knew where every bathroom was in every store. It only took a few times before we realized the rules: tantrums in public places did not give us control. It didn't make Mommy leave; it didn’t allow us to get what we wanted. It just resulted in punishment, which for us, meant a spanking in the bathroom (which I know is unheard of nowadays).

Regardless of what punishment method you use for your children, there are places where it is unacceptable to pitch a fit. The key, though, is to allow a place where they CAN.

I used to get so angry when I was little. My middle brother and I were very close, and he would pick on me and I'd get so furious. I was given a choice-if I needed to vent, I could go in my room, close the door, and do whatever to get my anger out that wasn't destructive (cry, scream, beat a pillow), but I could not do it in the living room, at a store, or by hitting my brother.

I distinctly remember storming down the hall, shutting my door (not slamming it, as this was a no because of squished fingers), and screaming my lungs out. I'd cry in my pillow, scream out loud, sit around, and come back out a new person.

This brings us to attitude. My Dad would always tell me that "you are in charge of your attitude." I could choose whether I was happy or sad, excited or mad. And when we were in a bad mood and taking it out on others, we got an "attitude adjustment," which consisted of us sitting and listening to a motivational tape. Sometimes we listened to inspirational talks on different values that we were struggling with.

We learned valuable lessons during those times. It got us to sit and think, and was much more effective than a basic time out, as we were learning principles to carry out in our lives, and new ways of handling situations. It's funny how I'll catch myself quoting something to my friends now that I learned during one of my "attitude adjustments."

Now I understand that we are allowed to have every range of emotions. It's okay to be angry or sad; it's okay to let it out in a healthy way. But if it darkens my whole day and affects the mood of people around me, that's of my doing. I have the power to feel and then move on. I can decide how my day will be. I can vent my frustrations and then be free to enjoy the rest of the day with my family. And now, when my daughter decides to scream her head off, I can be annoyed, take a deep breath, and know that I can choose to be happy anyway!

Surprisingly enough, that also affects others, and my daughter usually ends up laughing with me and forgot what she was mad about in the first place!

Safe Winter

Take a look at some ways to stay safe and well in the winter.

Forgive me as I state the obvious: it's winter. We have been talking about ways to use alternative means to help with health, but there are also some very traditional ways we can work to keeps our kids safe in this season. The American Academy of Pediatrics lists these means to help in the winter months. The following is taken from the AAP site on Winter.

What to Wear

Dress infants and children warmly for outdoor activities.  Several thin layers will keep them dry and warm.  Clothing for children should consist of thermal long johns, turtlenecks, one or two shirts, pants, sweater, coat, warm socks, boots, gloves or mittens, and a hat.

The rule of thumb for older babies and young children is to dress them in one more layer of clothing than an adult would wear in the same conditions.

Blankets, quilts, pillows, sheepskins and other loose bedding may contribute to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and should be kept out of an infant’s sleeping environment.  Sleep clothing like one-piece sleepers is preferred. 

If a blanket must be used to keep a sleeping infant warm, it should be tucked in around the crib mattress, reaching only as far as your baby's chest, so the infant's face is less likely to become covered by bedding.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia develops when a child's temperature falls below normal due to exposure to cold. It often happens when a youngster is playing outdoors in extremely cold weather without wearing proper clothing. As hypothermia sets in, the child may shiver and become lethargic and clumsy.  His speech may become slurred and his body temperature will decline.

If you suspect your child is hypothermic, call 911 at once. Until help arrives, take the child indoors, remove any wet clothing, and wrap him in blankets or warm clothes.

Frostbite

Frostbite happens when the skin and outer tissues become frozen.  This condition tends to happen on extremities like the fingers, toes, ears and nose.  They may become pale, gray and blistered. At the same time, the child may complain that her skin burns or has become numb.

If frostbite occurs, bring the child indoors and place the frostbitten parts of her body in warm (not hot) water.  104 degrees Fahrenheit (about the temperature of most hot tubs) is recommended. Warm washcloths may be applied to frostbitten nose, ears and lips.

Do not rub the frozen areas.

After a few minutes, dry and cover him with clothing or blankets. Give him something warm to drink. If the numbness continues for more than a few minutes, call your doctor.

Winter Health

If your child suffers from winter nosebleeds, try using a cold air humidifier in the child's room at night. Saline nose drops may help keep tissues moist. If bleeding is severe or recurrent, consult your pediatrician. Many pediatricians feel that bathing two or three times a week is enough for an infant’s first year. More frequent baths may dry out the skin, especially during the winter.

Cold weather does not cause colds or flu.  But the viruses that cause colds and flu tend to be more common in the winter, when children are in school and are in closer contact with each other.  Frequent hand washing and teaching your child to sneeze or cough into the bend of her elbow may help reduce the spread of colds and flu.

Children between the ages of 6 and 59 months [are recommended] to get the influenza vaccine to reduce their risk of catching the flu.

American Academy of Pediatrics, 11/07 SafeKids,  11/105

The above is from the American Academy of Pediatrics. CoolMomsCare does not officially endorse or oppose vaccines or any other methods suggested.

Cool Moms in the Community - East Nashville Dreams Green

An interview with a mom in East Nashville who is making t-shirts to change the world.

Yesterday I had the honor to meet with a wonderful woman and her sweet, angelic son in an East Nashville coffee shop. As we sat and talked about her business she launched on November 18, 2007, I watched this sweet little one stack tea baskets and reusable coffee sleeves. Victoria McGowen of Peas On Earth is truly a mom. She commonly takes this little man on outings such as this. Much like CoolMomsCare, Peas On Earth is seeking to change the world through our kids.

Peas On Earth began with an idea, as most fabulous businesses. This mother of two wanted to do something kid-oriented that would incorporate her love of art and the environment. Native to Nashville, Victoria went away to Boulder, Colorado and was met with lots of organic options. She took what she learned there and when she returned to Nashville incorporated it into her idea.

Peas On Earth makes baby and kid's shirts with a purpose. This Dream Green collection exists to bring awareness to kids about the environment. The goal is to teach through apparel. Each shirt is hand silk-screened and printed on American Apparel. These shirts are extremely soft, durable, and the best 100% cotton (made in the USA) around. The ink used in the screening process is organic and soy-based. The shirts run sizes 3-6 months to 6T. The shirts fit true to size and can be worn for up to two year, depending on the age of your child. Their creative design is with kids in mind. As Victoria mentions, all the kids point and stare at the images on the shirts everywhere her child wears them. They truly are attracting the eyes of the young.

Although Victoria is just shortly into this web-based business she runs out of her home while she is a full-time mom, she already has plans for its expansion. She hopes to have all her shirts in 100% organic cotton. She also hopes to get more images of children in these Peas On Earth T's. She also hope to get more apparel lines in the future to include pants and newborn outfits.

Check out this Cool Mom in the Community that is seeking to change the world though the awarenesses of our children.

I Should Have Chosen My Favorite

Tell each child why they are their favorite.

It all started over lunch. I asked my adult daughter, "Out of the three of you children, who do you think had it the easiest?" She answered, then we decided to call the other two and ask their opinions. The first question led to the second, "Who do you think is Mom's and Dad's favorite?" Naturally, each had his or her own choices and reasons for those choices. After hearing their reasoning, I realized I should have chosen my own favorites.

I should have done it every day, every moment I was with them. I should have let them know it, out loud and on paper. I should have verified their position as favorite so there would be no later discussion. I should have told them exactly who was my favorite, and why.

It really was quite simple, because my favorite changed constantly, as did the reason. I knew which was my favorite, but I could have let them in on the secret.

When shopping with my youngest, I could have told her that she was my favorite because she helped me decide what to buy that day. A month earlier, I could have told my middle child she was my favorite because she dragged me out shopping that day. I would have told my oldest he was my favorite because he never took me shopping.

I would have my youngest she was my favorite because she cooked from scratch, and then took it out of my hand when I was eating too much. I could have told my middle child she was my favorite because she kept going and was not afraid when she split open her chin. I should have told my oldest he was my favorite because he thought it was an adventure when we were travelling and stopped with only $2.19 for lunch.

I could have told my youngest she was my favorite because she stood her ground through tears and determination. I should have told my middle child she was my favorite because she took care of her grandfather when I couldn't be there. I should have told my oldest he was my favorite because he was there for the firsts - my first child, my first published Letter to the Editor, my first marathon.

They are all my favorites, and I think they know it. Each is my favorite because of the very essence of who they are, and what they mean to my life. I should have told them so they would have ammunition for the next time the question is asked. Now that would be a fun discussion to hear: "I'm Mom's favorite because she told me..." As a child, it's a great feeling to know you're the favorite. As a mom, it's great feeling to know all your children are your favorites and why.

About the Author:

Luanne Davidson is the proud mother of three adult children and wonders what might have been if she had done a thing or two differently. She writes her "Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda" column each Thursday.

Purpose - What am I Doing?

How can we teach purpose to our kids?

There are days when I am working my way through the never-ending pile of laundry that I wonder what I am doing with my life. There has to be more to it than washing clothes! Even though I'm a part-time, working mom I have those moments of self-doubt and frustration. But then my baby boy will smile at me, showing his dimples or my big boy will tell me his latest problem or my little girl says, "Guess who I love, Mommy. You!" I know that being their mom is the most important thing I could ever do.

Definition
Purpose is determination; setting goals; finding a reason for being

Read:
Ruby's Wish
by Shirin Yim Bridges

Talk:
Do you want to go to college? Why or why not?

Act:
The author of Ruby's Wish is Ruby's granddaughter, Shirin Yim Bridges. Learn the story of one of your grandparents and write it down.

About the Author:

Tamara Batarseh, Executive Director of Love In A Big World (LBW), is a singer/songerwriter/performer with over fifteen years of performance experience. She is co-founder of LBW and has been the creator of the organization’s programs and materials. Batarseh has recorded two albums, written LBW’s character education curriculum, trained LBW’s performers, and performed live for thousands of kids.

Becoming a Soccer Mom

One mom talks about her journey towards being less selfish.

I never wanted to be a mom. I'm an extraordinarily selfish person who knew I had no space in my life for anyone else, much less for a helpless little one utterly dependent on me not only for the basics, but for their complete and total welfare. Can we say "pressure?"

I stumbled into the job and 4 years later, I'm still stumbling in the job. I've noticed something in the process, though. What I once imagined to be a path going up the side of Mt. Everest. It's actually more like a stone exhilarating down a hill. A ride down the Alpine slide with no breaks, no pauses, only acceleration and interestingly no fear.

I'm definitely concerned with my daughter's welfare: that she's eating the right things, learning the right things, making the right growth milestones, getting to bed on time and keeping her teeth brushed. More importantly, I'm concerned she's learning to smile and to laugh in hundreds of languages, to dance for the light and moon-shadows, to juggle stars.

This life we lead is about very important things like work and success and making money, but more importantly it's about truly living that life and enjoying that life, every blink and breath of it.

I'm still selfish, and when she's tucked into bed and the house is silent, I'm horrifically selfish. When she is asleep I do exactly what I want to do and pamper myself with an uninterrupted shower (those "relaxing body washes" are a wonderful addition to a nighttime shower), or curl up in bed with a book, my latest crochet or sewing project, or just fall asleep watching a favorite movie.

But when she's awake? You bet I'm still selfish. I want to spend all my time with her; I want all her smiles and hugs for myself. I want to hear that fabulous laugh of hers due to something I did or a fun moment we shared. I want all the precious sweet hugs and kisses I can get that come attached to the most blessed words in the world, "I love you, mommy."

We go to dance class on Mondays, and soccer once a week (she'll get her first soccer award next week, and I can't wait to see the joy in her face!). We make space derby rockets and play Slap Jack with the mini-jelly boxes at the restaurant (strawberry is always the Jack. I’m waiting for the day it gets slapped too hard), we sleep in on Saturdays, and have Friday night picnics; on the lawn in the summer, or the living room floor when it's too cold outside.

I'm still selfish, sure, but now I'm a selfish soccer mom, enjoying every blink and breath of it. Each day, I work a little harder to be a better mom and each day I get closer to being just a soccer mom (with less selfish).

Natural Healing: Tip 6

Vitamin C... the miracle vitamin or not?

We are sure you have read Tip 1,Tip 2, Tip 3, Tip 4 and Tip 5. This week we wrap up our six-week series on Natural Healing, but have not fear, we will always bring any health tips we find!

This week we are going to talk some about Vitamin C. Please remember to research before you try anything out.

Tip 6: Vitamin C

A little about Vitamin C

1. Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin.
   
2. Vitamin C cannot be produced by your body, so it must be gotten from food or supplementation.
   
3. Vitamin C is vital in maintaining healthy body tissues (like your gums and muscles).
   
4. Vitamin C is not a cure-all as some marketers try to tells us, however, it does help.
   
5. Vitamin C can be found in citrus foods, strawberries and and cabbage.

Vitamins are vital nutrients found in foods that we eat. If you are not getting enough vitamins in your kids through food, taking a multivitamin may be necessary. As previously mentioned, Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin. This means that it does not stay in your body for long periods of time. When taken, your body will use what it needs and discard the rest in your pee. That being said, taking MORE Vitamin C will NOT increase its effectiveness in our kids. Doing this will only increase the work load on their little kidneys. So be careful in giving too many vitamins.

There has been a great deal of controversy over the efficacy of Vitamin C, especially in children. Some studies have been done that say very high doses can help adults, but with kids it is different. When I see a Vitamin C product that says something like, "Limits the duration of the common cold" I get a little suspicious. Nonetheless, products like Emergen-C have proven effectiveness in ADULTS. That being said, if you do want to try Vitamin C with your little one, here is a little more information about usage with kids.

Dosage for children is recommended as follows: 0.5 grams of Vitamin C per day for one fortnight (two weeks). I ran across this pretty nifty equation in dosing children's vitamins and herbs. REMEMBER, some vitamins, minerals and herbs can be toxic to children (like goldenseal or oregano oil), so be very cautious about giving your kids anything that does not offer specific doses for kids.

(child's age)/ (child's age)+12 = portion of adult dose
So of a child is 6 years old, it would be 6/18 = 1/3 of an adult dose

Additionally, if your child appears to have an infection of any kind, no herbal remedy or vitamin supplement should not be a substitute for calling your physician.

Cool Moms in the Community - Indianapolis Reads

One mom in Indianapolis tells us about a project she started inspired by her 80 year old mother.

My 80 year old mom was the inspiration for a very special project I began. Last year, while I was visiting her, we were talking about her past and her teaching career. We reminisced about how she was able to use some wonderful, creative ways to inspire her children to learn. Her children learned well and really succeeded.

We continued to talk and suddenly she came up with a great idea of what could be done to motivate families to help inspire their children to read. It would be actually a family affair.

After I left her home, I began to think of ways to make her idea become a reality. After a year, I wanted to revisit her idea. Her idea has evolved into a program called "Read to Me." This is a program that reaches out to teen mothers and fathers to encourage them to read to their young children. The goal is to be able to provide five to six starter books to these families free of charge. We hope that these books and awareness will help encourage reading as a family.

I always knew that this would be a blessing to the teen moms to enjoy reading to their children and to prepare them for school. When I saw an article in my local paper about the percentage of unwed teen moms, it confirmed that what my mom and I are embarking upon will be of help. I knew from reading the article that I may not be able to help with huge issues that these young teens are facing, but there is one that we can help with. My mom and I are able to help in the area of education. These books will be that tool to lead these children in being better prepared when they first walk into a classroom.

It is an ongoing project to always have books on hand to distribute to these young parents. We hope to continue to collect books from our community to be able to distribute them where needed. We are in need of books for pre-k aged-to early elementary aged children. We are always seeking out volunteers to help collect books. We have had many moms donate their children's gently used books and a social worker from a local school has helped us out as well.

I am hoping that this project will help our teens to understand the value and importance to reading to their children at an early age. I can still hear my son even now as he remembers those precious times when I was able to read to him, even when he requested me reading his favorite books many times over. At fifteen, he treasures that memory.

What inspires me to do this project? I saw a glimmer in my 80 year old mom when she came up with the idea and also in her own special way she is still wanting our children succeed! I, too, am like my mom!

My mom was instrumental in me becoming a teacher years later. However, I have joined her in retirement. I will always believe that even though I have retired from the classroom I will always be working with children. This project has validated that!

I visited my mom and showed her some of the books that were beginning to come to us. She was happy that it was now coming to fruition. Then, she began to think of other ways to get the books out. She will never be released from helping children, either!

Celebrating Valentine's Day

Showing love at home is the most important on this day.

I thought I had done it all for Valentine's Day. As a child, I bought, made, and sent cards to my classmates, and received theirs in my decorated paper bag or box. When my children started play groups and school, I did the same for them. I planned the classroom parties, cooked the cookies, and supervised the activities. As a teacher, I set the Valentine's Day rules and procedures for the party and made sure all my students were treated equally. Somewhere along this busy line, I forgot to have the celebration I should have had at home.

Although there are many stories about the origin of Valentine's Day, one thing remains constant. Valentine's Day is a day to celebrate and honor those you love. Often in the midst of making sure the class party preparations were complete for my children, I forgot to celebrate them, the ones I love the most and who are my true valentines.

I could have bought the special cards for my children, or the heart candy, or one of the many gifts created for February 14. But I should expanded my thoughts and gone further.

I could have concentrated on what I loved about each child, and celebrated those qualities on this day. I could have a written a note to them each year, telling them what I loved about them that particular year. Those yearly notes would have changed over the years and would have reminded them how special they were each year.

I could have created something special for each child that represented my love for them. Today, photos can be made into a myriad of products. I would have chosen a favorite photograph to be made into a pillow case or a mouse pad or a quilt as a reminder of this day for this year. I could have chosen several photographs and created a short story about their life for this year. I could have chosen a frame and added a picture each year, creating a history of each preceding Valentine's Day behind the glass.

We could have talked about the how this holiday is celebrated in other countries, and practiced some of their traditions. We could have planned family projects to show Valentine love to those who wouldn't otherwise receive it. We could have created family traditions for this day that would brighten up a winter day, like planting flower seeds in indoor containers or reminiscing over last summer's adventures. We could create a holiday poster by having every family member write loving comments about the others. We could have celebrated and cherished the love that holds us together as a family.

Valentine's Day is a day to honor and be thankful for the love we have in our lives. Our greatest love is found in our children. What better place to celebrate this day of love than where it all begins - at home.

About the Author:

Luanne Davidson is the proud mother of three adult children and wonders what might have been if she had done a thing or two differently. She writes her "Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda" column each Thursday.

Organization - Rhythm of Time

How can we get more organized?

I once read this quote in a magazine when I was a teenager, “Boundaries. Live within them and the possibilities are endless.” My daily schedule gives me boundaries. When I follow it, I have a productive day and I'm usually surprised by what I've been able to accomplish. Of course, there are times when I sleep late or do something special, but then I'm usually out of sync and I end up frustrated by noon. I need to feel the peaceful rhythm that my daily schedule provides.

Definition
Organization is keeping things in order; having a plan of action

Quick Tip:
A daily schedule helps us have time for work, rest and play. Write down your schedule as well as your children’s schedule. Use this as a guide, not a law, for how you spend your time.

Read:
Clara and the Bookwagon
by Nancy Smiler Levinson

Talk:
What do you need to organize: your desk, your books, your toys, your clothes, your room? Make a plan of action to get these things organized. And do it!

Act:
Visit the library. Before looking for a book, talk with the librarian about how the books are Organized on the shelves. Be sure to ask her what would happen if the books were not organized in that way. Ask the librarian if your children may try to help put returned books back on the shelves. Through this service-learning project, they will see just how Organized the library is.

About the Author:

Tamara Batarseh, Executive Director of Love In A Big World (LBW), is a singer/songerwriter/performer with over fifteen years of performance experience. She is co-founder of LBW and has been the creator of the organization’s programs and materials. Batarseh has recorded two albums, written LBW’s character education curriculum, trained LBW’s performers, and performed live for thousands of kids.

Duty or Delight?

Are you parenting out of Duty or Delight?

I suppose when one thinks of duty, there is certain nobility to the sound of the word. It is my duty to be a good American, friend, wife, mother, daughter, and employee, but whatever is done for duty’s sake has not been personified, has not been felt, has not been lived. There is nothing but a pragmatic, stoic action behind duty. Duty is absent of emotion, sacrifice extravagance and love. If we parent out of a sense of duty, we find ourselves bitter, burnt out people, wondering when our reward will come. Duty stifles hope and joy. What if our work suddenly resembled children playing in the sandbox? How do we move from a posture of drudgery to a posture of delight?

Do you know yourself well enough to know what you delight in? What brings you pleasure? How have you put those things out to the margin of life in a season of raising children? Why? Identify these things and start to integrate them into your day. If we can lean into the way we're made rather than being so resistant to it, we might find ourselves laughing over the kitchen sink as we clank the dinner dishes clean.

Remember: You will need to find some play time if you want to delight in your work.

Try this: What did you used to love to do when you were a kid? Dance, ice skate, take a hike in the woods? Take two hours this week and go do it! Do it by yourself and allow for some good playtime. The more you play, the more you find delight in your work.

Natural Healing: Tip 5

Elderberry and Cherry Bark are great aids when sore throats and coughs attack.

Hopefully you read Tip 1,Tip 2, Tip 3 and Tip 4 and are feeling some of the great effects of using natural medicine. This week, we journey to some more herbs that are known for their great healing properties: Elderberry and Cherry Bark. Please remember to research before you try anything out.

Tip 5: Elderberry and Cherry Bark

A little about Elderberry

1. Elderberry comes from elder trees that can either be native to North American or Europe.
   
2. Elderberry is just one part used from this amazing tree (the roots, bark, berries, leaves and flowers have been used hundres of years in natural healing practices).
   
3. Elderberry is known to boost the immune system.
   
4. Elderberry has a high level of vitamin C and antioxidants and is a vital food source for many birds.
   
5. Elderberry is often found in children's herbal remedies for its strong, yet gentle, healing properties in respiratory ailments.

Read more about Elderberry to find out more about its health benefits.

Elderberry is usually found in proprietary blends and not usually alone. There are syrups that are great for respiratory problems that your child may be having. I have seen great results when my little one has a sore throat or other bronchial issues.

Additionally, if your child appears to have an infection of any kind, Elderberry should not be a substitute for calling your physician.

A little about Cherry Bark

1. Cherry Bark is known as an expectorant.
   
2. Cherry Bark was used at its peak in 1926.
   
3. Cherry Bark is sometimes used to treat diarrhea.
   
4. Cherry Bark helps with irritated, dry throats and other respiratory issues.
   
5. Cherry Bark is said to be a great alternative to cough syrup because it is without dyes, alcohol, and sugar.
   

I add Cherry Bark to my little one's juice when she is coughing a great deal. Much like Elderberry, it is found in many proprietary blends of herbs for throat and respiratory illnesses. The taste is great without the sugar and other additives of western medicines. I gave my little girl some over the counter, non-herbal medicine the other day and she spit it out. She has grown accustomed to the natural tastes of many of these herbs. I was actually shocked, as the bottle advertised its "Great taste."

So this season, if it's sore throats, coughs and respiratory problems you have (like we do), try to use one of these alternatives. If your child has a fever, please make sure to check with your pediatrician!

Cool Moms in the Community - Birmingham Feeds Hungry

One mom in Birmingham tells us a little about what her family did for Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2008.

“Mom, I’m hungry!”

So you put a PB&J together, offer a handful of Cheerios, or something else.

But what if there was nothing for you to eat? Collat Jewish Family Services and Greater Birmingham Ministries teamed with the great volunteer organizers at Hands On Birmingham to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Junior’s birthday with a food drive for hungry people. Our family worked with these organizations this year to help bring food to those less fortunate in our community.

Children especially suffer when school is out. Many kids have the advantage of hot lunch programs, which are not in operation on some holidays. Today’s children are tomorrow’s volunteer leaders. Talk with your children about what you could do if you had nothing—then make sure there is some way you give your child to participate in your community.

Please share any Caring Stories you may have where you have gotten your children involved! Thanks for caring!