Article newsfeed http://www.hvparent.com/ en-us Copyright 2010 The Professional Image. All Rights Reserved. Mon, 06 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ ����Kids are constantly asking questions as a means of understanding this complex world of ours, and all parents experience the joy of being able to provide the answers for them.� Sometimes the questions asked however, can be challenging to answer. Such is the case when children ask about death, both in the abstract and when a person they knew or a pet has died. � ����When my son was little, he would say things like, "Daddy don't die! You're not going to die, are you?" He asked me to promise him that I wouldn't die. Although I assured him that I would probably not die for a long time, my lack of a hard and fast promise, which was often the case with other issues, lessened his anxiety, but did not leave him completely comfortable. I could have put his mind at ease by saying, "Don't worry, I won't die", but that would have not been truthful, and he would have to unlearn what I told him at a later time. � ����Many parents worry that by discussing death, it will fuel the child's fears. Children who have a good grasp of the facts about death have an easier time discussing and accepting the concept-and the reality-when it does inevitably occur. Talking about and learning to accept death and the accompanying loss is an important part of a child's development. A death, large or small, can also be a time for a family to share feelings, beliefs, and the processes that are a necessary part of healing grief. � ����When a death in the family occurs many parents try to shield their children from the event as much as possible. Research is clear on this issue; permitting the child to be involved in the process, both by discussing the issues and being in attendance at the funeral, helps to alleviate a child's anxiety and confusion. It also provides a mutual source of support. When a child asks about death and is denied honest responses, he will use his imagination to "create" an answer, and the longer these mysteries exist, the longer the confusion, and the more difficult they will be to correct. Loss is a part of being alive and the feelings accompanying the loss of a loved one adds a dimension to a child's ability to care about others. � ����When talking to your child about death don't make euphemistic statements that may further confuse or frighten your child. Here are a few common statements to be avoided. � Grandma has gone to sleep forever. This may make your child fearful of bedtime or even naptime, believing there may be a possibility that once they go to sleep, they won't wake up.� Grandma is watching you from heaven. Your child may feel constantly spied upon and may become fearful of making mistakes or misbehaving.� We have lost grandma, she has gone away. Your child may be confused and think, "If we lost her, why not try to find her." This type of statement can also increase fears of separation, and when a parent "goes away" for any reason, they may, like grandma, never come back. Grandma was so good, God chose her to live in heaven with him. Children may become apprehensive of being good and may believe that being good causes death. Philosophical and religious concepts may be comforting for adults. However, until a child is old enough to grasp these ideas, they may be confusing and frightening. � ����When you do talk about death with your child, always present your thoughts honestly, simply, and compassionately, creating an atmosphere of comfort and openness. Be direct, encourage questions, and don't be afraid to use the words death or dead in your explanation. If a loved one died, don't try to hide your tears or sadness. A child needs to see that these emotions are acceptable to express. Reassure your child that memories of the person who died will be preserved through pictures, other keepsakes, and memories. � The following are some guidelines you might use to help structure your discussions: � Children under 5-usually don't comprehend the permanence of death. Death is often seen as reversible and temporary. It's important to explain that old age, accidents, or disease caused the death, and that the person will not return. They should be reassured that being bad or having angry thoughts don't make people die. Children 6-11-understand that death is not reversible. They can be told all the facts and should not be left out of the conversations, if they are interested. At this age children may feel both anger and guilt, as well as sadness, about the death and may need help communicating their ambivalent and often confusing feelings. Adolescents-often have the most intense feelings of grief of any age group, and often have the most difficulty expressing their feelings. Although like children, they need support, they also want to be seen as adults and treated as such. � ����Like adults, children, find comfort in rituals. The ritual of the preparation for the funeral and memorial service allows everyone some closure to the loss experience. This ritual process is the beginning of the healing of grief. The funeral provides a structured way of allowing and encouraging both adults and children to comfort each other and honor the person who has died.� Don't try to shield your child from the realities of life, or be afraid to demonstrate to your child that you might not have all the answers. � Paul Schwartz, Ph.D., is a professor of psychology and education at Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh. http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1276 Ask Dr. Schwartz http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1276 Mon, 06 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT The start of a new school year is a hectic time for families. Between shopping for clothes and supplies, doctor appointments and adjusting to new schedules, parents and children can feel frazzled and frayed. Here are some ways to beat back the chaos and ease your family's transition: � Establish a Routine � ����Set a wake-up time and decide whether to serve kids breakfast before or after getting ready. After school, let kids decompress alone or by playing with friends. But set a time when all entertainment stops and studying begins.Make sure to take into consideration all those standing appointments and pre-scheduled activities.�� Go Digital � ����Families traditionally turned to pen, paper and the refrigerator to coordinate calendars, schedules, shopping lists, and other to-dos - but nowadays, this is often inefficient. Go digital. Your schedule comes to you and you can coordinate from computers and cell phones. � ����Consider one of the free Web services available that brings families together online, such as Cozi.com, which allows you to create a calendar, coordinate schedules, and send text or e-mail reminders to family members about appointments and errands. You can even sync your Cozi calendar and shopping lists with your cell phones and mobile devices, so nobody has an excuse for missing that soccer game! � Create a Studying Space � ����Create a quiet place for schoolwork, making sure it's well-lit and stocked with supplies, like highlighters, calculators, and a computer. It's best if it's not the kitchen table, where noise and dinner can interrupt concentration. The breakfast and dinner table, however, is a great place to discuss your family's schedules and to-do lists. � Relax � ����Scheduling recreation is as important as scheduling homework. By asking kids what their favorite activities are and making time for them to do things they like, you can teach your kids balance. Pre-scheduling recreation, like a family game or movie night, can show kids that relaxation time is important. Try to include physical activities, too, especially on the weekends. Raking leaves can be fun when the whole family pitches in. � Check it off � ����Creating checklists can keep things straight. Ironing outfits and packing gym clothes at night avoids morning bedlam. Packing lunch the night before also saves time and you're more likely to provide healthful foods, instead of slapping something together last minute. Checklists also ensure no one forgets to pack the day's essentials. Introducing lists the whole family can access will also eliminate nagging and teach kids responsibility and independence. Most importantly, keep them short and manageable. � ����"Given today's fast pace, most families have to multitask to survive. With good common sense and the latest free online tools, it's easier to get parents and kids on the same page and make a busy life into a better life," says Robbie Cape, CEO of Cozi.com. Good coordination can save more than time-it can improve family communications, bringing everyone closer. � Courtesy of StatePoint Media. http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1283 Elementary School http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1283 Fri, 03 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT Greenbaggin' it � These colorful bags may feature retro-looking robots, rockets, paper dolls, and flying saucers, but being non-toxic and "environmentally friendly," they are very 2010. Kids will find these sacks useful for carrying lunch and a notebook or helping dad with produce at the farmers market. The kid-sized sturdy bags can also do duty as daycare duffels or beach bags. $8.95 at envirosax.com. � Locker d�cor � Like their parents, kids have lots of stuff these days. Even if your child is more of a Felix than an Oscar, a locker, with its long and narrow compartment and limited shelving, doesn't offer much in terms of organization. The Lockershelf will satisfy the neatniks and give the messier kids a framework to help keep things in order. It's a simple shelf system designed to fit lockers like built in shelving. The shelf assembles inside standard lockers-9", 12" (the most common size) or 15"-with no tools, and comes in a cardboard box with a handle for carting it to school. If you're not sure of the size, the company now offers an adjustable shelf. A 12" double shelf system is $19.99 at lockershelfco.com. Find more new products for kids and parents! http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1287 What's New http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1287 Fri, 03 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT September is traditionally a stellar weather month. It's the perfect time to enjoy all the Hudson River has to offer. Use our guide to explore by kayak or enjoy a sail down the river on an old-style Hudson River sloop. Hudson River Sloop Clearwater 724 Wolcott Ave., Beacon 845-265-8080. � The Clearwater sails the Hudson River conducting environmental educational programs and riverfront festivals. For public sails, children of all ages are welcome onboard with proper adult supervision. Clearwater has a limited number of infant/toddler life jackets onboard: Please verify their availability with the sail coordinator prior to sailing, or feel free to bring your child's own Personal Floatation Device (PFD). Check the website for dates, times, and locations of public sails. � Beacon Sloop Club's Woody Guthrie Red Flynn Dr. Beacon 845-297-769. � Free family tours, approximately 2 hours long, with the opportunity to learn more about efforts made to clean up and improve the waters of the Hudson River. For many, it's their first sailing experience. Call for reservations. � Tivoli Sailing Company 845-901-2697. The beautiful Hudson Valley can be enjoyed on the sloop Leda, a 24-foot sailboat complete with grill, iceboxes, CD player, and restroom. Catered and non-catered charters are available, as well as adult sailing lessons and kid's summer sailing school. Check website for details. Hours are by appointment and reservations are required. � The Constitution Marsh Audubon Center & Sanctuary 127 Warren Landing Rd., Garrison 845-265-2601. � Guided tours of Constitution Marsh help visitors enjoy gliding on the gentle tides of the Hudson River and the beauty of its surrounding habitat. Equipment and guided tours available, or you can visit with your own equipment from The Foundry Dock Park launch in Cold Spring. Just follow the water markers into the marsh. Children under age seven are not permitted on the canoe trips. � Norrie Point Paddlesport Center Margaret Lewis Norrie State Park. Straatsburg 845-889-8461. Offer over 75 different kayak tours and instructional programs. Distance on the water is approximately one mile, as activities are done along the way. Kids learn how to paddle and handle the possibility of capsizing. Designed for families with kids over the age of ten. Minimum weight of 40lbs. Kids 12 and under can also go on their Norrie Short Tour. $40/kids using kid's kayaks/paddles/PFDs. $50/adults with adult kayaks/paddles/PFDs. Children under 13 must be accompanied by their guardian and guardians must sign a release form. Open May-September. Call for hours. � Storm King Adventure Tours Cornwall-on-Hudson 845-534-7800. � Paddle in the shadow of Storm King, tour the ruins of Bannerman's Island, or take a spellbinding trip into the seclusion of the Moodna Creek Marsh. You can make a three or four hour kayak trip, setting out from Cornwall Landing. With 30 kayaks, full safety equipment and licensed guides, they provide fun, safe and relaxing adventures for all. All tours are family friendly. The KICKS (Kids in Colorful Kayaks) program is for kids ages 9-15. "Tandem" kayaks are available, allowing parents to paddle with their child. For children to travel in a kayak alone, they should be about 5 feet tall. � Hudson Valley Outfitters 63 Main St., Cold Spring 845-265-0221. Covers a wide array of both kayak rentals and tours. Calendar of tours listed online and run through October, averaging 4-5 hours in length. They include lunch and expert guides. You can rent kayaks for Constitution Marsh, which includes stops at the museum and a waterfall. Access to Hudson River is from Scenic Hudson's Foundry Dock Park. Admission is $100 for adults, $20 for children under 12. Children must weigh 50 lbs. Boating not your thing? Discover these fun alternatives! http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1274 Family http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1274 Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT ����Here we are at another September. That first day of school, getting up while it's still dark, sure can feel like summer is done, kaput. But of course it's not. Officially there are still three weeks left, and September and October often bring some of the finest weather of the year to the Hudson Valley. That's why, in addition to dispensing back to school advice we've included a guide to sailing and kayaking on the Hudson River in this issue. ����It's a fantastic place for children to learn about our natural environment while enjoying one of the amazing rivers of the world, and it's the perfect time to be out on the water-not too hot, not too cold. I was told that having a baby (my guy will be 10 months come mid-September) would bring back a flood of childhood memories. That's true, but so does being an editor of a parenting magazine. I remember going to a neighborhood birthday party in first grade and getting my first pair of glasses in third grade. Who can forget lunch period? School lunch will forever and always, of course, be in its own special circle of culinary wonder, a unique experience that, unless perhaps you find yourself incarcerated some day, you are not likely to run into again as an adult eater. Let us hope we continue to make progress in what we deem fit for our kids to eat via our school lunch programs. ����If I recall correctly, when I was about twelve, we redid my little bedroom on the second floor. After my grandfather installed bleached white paneling over the ancient wallpaper that came with the house, I was allowed to choose my color scheme. I went with "melon orange" for the sloping part of the ceiling, with a funky checkerboard pattern wall to wall carpet-about 85 square feet I would guess-in orange, brown, and beige. A friend of my parents designed and built a captain's bed, and a long desk with a faux wood formica top. Very early 70s. I think I handled the painting. � http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1277 Editorial http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1277 Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT ����September is National Children's Eye Health and Safety Month and there is no better time than back-to-school time to schedule a routine eye exam. An estimated 80 percent of classroom education is presented visually, so it's no surprise that vision is imperative to your child's academic success. Most pediatricians perform a visual acuity test as part of a standard annual check-up. These tests measure a child's ability to identify letters or pictures on a chart at varying distances. If a child fails the vision acuity test, a pediatrician will generally refer the child to an optometrist. � ����There are three types of practitioners that specialize in eye care. An optician is a trained professional who fills prescriptions for, and measures glasses and contact lenses to ensure a proper fit. An ophthalmologist is a physician trained in eye care who is medically licensed to perform surgery. Most children who are suspected of having limited vision are treated by an optometrist. An optometrist is a doctor of optometry. Best known for caring for patients with poor vision, optometrists can also treat eye conditions such as conjunctivitis or muscle dysfunction. They prescribe glasses and diagnose and treat pathology. � ����"Vision begins to mature at about 12-16 months of age," explains Saul Polenberg, O.D., of Dutchess Optometry located in Poughkeepsie and Redhook. "After that, it's a vision influx-vision develops all along until around the age of ten. If a patient is treated by first or second grade, then he or she has the best chance of reaching his or her full potential," While the American Optometric Association recommends that all children have an eye examination by the age of three, Polenberg estimated that most near-sighted or myopic children are diagnosed between third and fifth grade. Many children see an optometrist after failing a visual acuity test at the pediatricians office, but some parents opt to bring their children in for a routine visit, especially if there is a family history of poor eyesight. Other parents schedule an appointment because they notice their child having difficulty seeing clearly, but that is usually the exception to the rule. � ����"Because parents are with their children all the time, they tend to miss some of the subtleties that would indicate their child is having vision problems," says Linda Resto, O.D., an optometrist practicing in Newburgh. "They'll chalk up a child's clumsiness to their personality and it won't even cross their mind that it might have to do with poor vision." � ����Fortunately, according to Resto, it's rare that the visual acuity test performed by a pediatrician doesn't catch potential eyesight problems. At the optometrist's office, the tests are taken a step further to determine each patient's situation. This can pose a challenge for some children, especially for those with limited attention spans. � ����"The first tests I do are always games to relax the child, as children can be apprehensive about the test or about the fact that they might need glasses. I look for fun ways to keep the child occupied and interested," says Resto. � ����Many optometrists have automated machines that can check the status of vision. Optometrists also check binocularity (that both eyes focus together), color vision, the integrity of the eye muscles and scan for tumors that could be causing the eye to turn. Once the patient is diagnosed, he or she is referred to an optician if glasses are required or to an ophthalmologist if corrective surgery is needed. � ����Being able to see the world clearly is one of the greatest gifts a person can have. With the technology available today, many vision problems can be corrected or greatly improved whether with lenses or with corrective surgery. Keeping a sharp eye out for potential vision difficulties and routine vision screenings are essential to helping your child perform well in school and making sure he or she can soak in every nuance of the world around him. � Courtney Bonfante is a writer living in New Windsor with her family. She runs newburghmama.com, a blog dedicated to families living in the greater Newburgh area. http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1278 Health http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1278 Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT If you are looking to simplify your child's birthday party and save money, consider having a joint birthday party. A joint birthday party is when two or more children whose birthdays are near each other have their party together. Typically joint parties are held with classmates or other children who have the same friends. This type of party works well for small children because, at this age, you often invite the whole preschool or kindergarten class. � ����"More parents are starting to have joint birthday parties with other families for their children. This growing trend is the reverse of the "Let's Outdo the Jones" mentality of a few years ago," says Jodi Smith, President of�Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting. "Parents are returning to sensible and reasonable parties instead of excessive parties." It's a cost-saver, too. � Should you have a joint birthday party? � ����Smith advises parents to ask themselves if the birthday kids like each other and get along. They don't need to be best friends, but should enjoy each other's company and have similar interests. Linda Tedesco says she rarely sees conflicts arise with joint parties. "Children who are friends or close in age usually have similar interests," says Tedesco, owner of Brick Kids in Lagrangeville. "This removes a lot of stress from party planning parents who worry that their children may not agree on the theme." � ����Another variation on the joint birthday party is to have a sibling joint birthday party if your children's birthdays are within a few weeks of each other. However, since kids are often more jealous of their siblings than a friend, make sure that both kids are in agreement with a joint celebration. � ����If jealousy arises, compromises can be made, says Tedesco. "For example, let's say you are having a joint party with siblings but they are different genders. You can create a party with a general theme. A popular theme we offer is called "architect." In this party girls and boys can create their own buildings out of Legos. It's important to customize the party so that it works for both children," she says. Be sure to point out the benefits of having a joint party, such as throwing the party at a fun location instead of at home or being able to invite more friends because of the reduced costs. � Planning the party together � ����After you have decided that a joint birthday party is a good option, sit down with the other family and discuss the details. One of the most important topics is the budget. Discuss both the overall budget and budgets for specific items, such as how much to spend on the invitations or the decorations. Smith reminds parents that one family's idea of a typical birthday cake might be to go to a specialty bakery spend $150 on a cake while another family may usually buy birthday cakes from the grocery store. � ����The next details to plan are the venue and theme. Smith recommends that joint parties be held at neutral location, such as a bowling alley or park. This helps both families have more equal say in the party and one family is not bearing the majority of the setup/ cleanup work. Make sure that both kids agree and are excited about the theme for the party. � ����If you do throw a joint party at a house location, Pat Rose of Pat's Pals in Warwick says make sure you don't invite more children than your house can handle. "I've often seen parents become overwhelmed. Don't assume that some children won't show. They will," she says. � ����Another important topic is the invitation list. Families should agree on the mutual friends to invite to the party, such as the entire class or group of neighborhood kids. Oftentimes for joint birthday parties, each child will invite an extra child or two, such as a cousin or neighborhood friend. Smith recommends dividing the costs for the joint invitation list and then each parent contributing on a per child cost for any extra children. � ����Talk with the other family about the best way to handle presents. If the party is for two children, then it is fine for the guests to give presents to both children. However, if a guest would not have attended one of the child's parties, they don't need to bring a gift for the child that they don't know. If the party is for three or more children, you may want to have guests not give presents at the party. Because of the time involved opening presents and the fact that the children will be receiving different presents, Smith recommends not opening presents at joint birthday parties. � On the day of the party � ����During the party, be sure to introduce any guests who do not know each other and encourage everyone to mingle. Also, try to have a separate cake for each child. This allows each child to select the cake they want, and gives each a set of candles to blow out. Be sure to sing "Happy Birthday" to both children. � ����After the party, both families should help with any clean up tasks. Although the money should not be settled during the party, try to settle as quickly as possible after the party. Smith recommends that the parents pay each other with checks instead of cash so that that the money was exchanged and there can be no question about the amount paid. � ����"I highly recommend having joint birthday parties. It is a wonderful way to celebrate your child's birthday while watching your budget," says Smith. Rose, who has been in the party business for over 30 years, also offers this advice: "A birthday party is not a wedding. Keep the planning simple, especially with a joint party. Have a plan, make a budget, but don't go overboard or stress out. As long as you keep the kids entertained and have crafts and back up activities you will be fine. Have fun." � Jennifer Gregory is a mom of two kids and three dogs. She held a joint birthday party for her daughter's first birthday with two other neighbors. Need more party planning tips? Then click here! http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1279 http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1279 Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT ����Debbie Ventriello operates Hot Shots Photo Favors. She works out of Brick, NJ, but often serves clients in the Hudson Valley. Ventriello has worked on a number of joint parties and knows how to plan for the big day. Create memorable munchies and entertainment - You want your guests to leave the party having raving about the food and commenting on how much fun they had. Capture the moment - It isn't until the party is over that you realize no one took the time to take pictures. It's important to designate someone to be responsible for the camera, or consider hiring an outside photo service to capture the memories of the party. Budget beforehand - The key to a successful party is to be smart, stick to a budget, and always remember that the gathering of friends and family to celebrate a special moment in their child's life is the most important part of a celebration. Make a list of what you want and only purchase what you need. It's easy to get caught up with small details like extra decorations that end up costing you more money. Stick to the necessities. http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1280 Party http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1280 Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT ����Pizza. Chicken nuggets. Tater tots. Plates full of beige, government surplus food product. This is the standard fare found in your average school cafeteria. But the nutritional value of the food we're serving our kids is increasingly being scrutinized by everyone from celebrity chefs like Jamie Oliver and Rachael Ray to local grassroots organizations started by concerned parents. It goes all the way to the top, with first lady Michelle Obama taking a keen interest in child obesity and what kind of meals children are being provided at school. � ����While most would agree the quality of food served in our schools leaves room for improvement, there is a lot of discussion over the cost associated with healthier ingredients. In a recent Times Herald-Record article, Washingtonville Schools Food Director Robert Gellman said, "We'd love to do fresh, but it all comes down to the bottom line," a sentiment echoed by other food services directors, including Mike Robinson of the New Paltz schools. � Food budget woes may impact the selection of food schools can afford, but many people see farm to school initiatives as a natural connection to improving what is served in lunchrooms, especially in the Hudson Valley. "Kids need fresh fruits and vegetables and we grow them right here in New York State," says Lisa Jessup, executive director of Common Ground Farm in Fishkill. The question is how to get the food beyond the farmers markets and onto cafeteria tables in the Valley. "A statewide farm to school program would benefit kids, local producers and our environment by keeping farms in business and keeping open space in the state as well." � ����The New York State Farm to School�goal is to connect schools with local farms and food producers to strengthen local agriculture, improve student health, and promote regional food system awareness. There are about 110 farm to school programs in New York State. Currently none of them are in Orange, Ulster, Dutchess, or Sullivan counties. � ����While the extent of the programs vary greatly, many see this a step in the right direction and are working to see that part of the reauthorization of the Child Nutrition Act (CNA) includes provisions for farm to school programs. "One very big hurdle is the federal school lunch program and the budget that they allocate for these meals," says Jessup. � ����The CNA, which constitutes the majority of federal policy and resources for school food programs, is still in the process of being reauthorized. Under the current act, schools get reimbursed $2.68 for each free meal served. Part of the money is used toward the preparation costs associated with the meal, leaving most food service directors with less than a dollar to go toward the purchase of food. ����Critics argue that the reauthorization bills lack the increase in funding required to take school food programs to the level they should be at in order for food service directors to be able to provide fresher and healthier meals. This causes many directors to turn to processed food options instead of more expensive, fresh produce. (One reason local foods are more expensive is a result of the huge subsidies received by large agribusinesses that are not available to small scale farms.) � ����"Eating locally grown food ensures that kids are getting the freshest and most nutrient dense food they can," says Jessup. "These children are our future after all and while I am probably one of the few that thinks that prisoners should also have access to fresh local produce, our kids are getting institutional food on par with that served in prisons. Would you want to eat that?" Janine Boldrin is a freelance writer who lives in West Point with her family. Learn more about the grassroots efforts that are taking place locally. http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1281 Health http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1281 Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT ����Marbletown Elementary School in Ulster County is one school that is working toward improving the education of students on healthy eating in addition to improving the offerings in the cafeteria. From the Ground Up, a grassroots organization founded by three parents of students at Marbletown Elementary, began with a school garden that is approximate 20 feet by 20 feet that is tucked in the U of the building. Some of the produce the school has grown includes raspberries, lettuce, kale, radishes, potatoes, and herbs. �� ��"All of the classes use the garden. They do poetry about (the garden), they weed, they measure potatoes," says Nicci Cagan, who helped begin From the Ground Up and is also the lead of farm to school for the Roundout Valley Growers Association. "We sold kale to local restaurants that allowed us to buy seeds. We grew lettuce that was served on Fridays with pizza." � ����According to Cagan, students help to plant the garden and with the help of teachers, parents and members of the community also help to maintain it. During the summer, harvesters can either keep the food or it is donated to a local food pantry."It always amazes me when the kids come into the garden. They love being outside and connecting to nature," says Cagan. "The kids come into the garden and eat the plants." � ����School gardens have been seen as a way to engage students in actively learning about healthier food options. "Planting a garden is an important step because it connects you to your food source," says Cagan. "It helps children understand where something comes from and how much effort it takes. They are proud of the ownership of their own food system." � ����From the Ground Up has also been working on bringing fresh fruits and vegetables into their school cafeteria by focusing on farm to school concepts over the past year and half. They are also actively working with the school to change policies and bring healthier options into their school cafeteria in the upcoming school years. "We want our children to be strong and healthy. I believe that many people and groups are working on it," says Cagan. "If more parents stood up and said what they wanted, we could change even more." � Janine Boldrin is a freelance writer who lives in West Point with her family. Find out more about healthy lunches here. http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1282 Health http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1282 Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT ����If you and your tween need more inspiration, here is a recent space that�Roberta Wagner�designed for a client of hers. The theme was, "Cottage Chic Meets the Beach." The tween, Mary Auringer of Port Ewen, had a few specific requests: "beachy", a black, white, and aqua color scheme, large black flowered walls, and a chalkboard wall. The four room design budget was $700. � The Lounge:� A rice paper and bamboo backdrop was made using $10 panels hung on a curtain rod. A large area rug was made by arranging eight $2 rugs together. Black and white posters of Mary and her friends were hung for $16 apiece. Black flower sticker appliqu�s for the walls bring out the chic for $30. � The Kitchenette:� Dark cabinets were painted white and then "distressed" (a technique to make new furniture look older using sandpaper), brightening the room. Mary also got her chalkboard wall, which was a big hit with her friends. � The Bath:� The bath was painted with a light aqua paint, and the focal wall was rag rolled with two shades of aqua and white to create the look of water. To make the space feel larger, accent mirrors were used to bring in reflective light. � The Changing Room:� The focal wall was painted white with toffee stripes, giving it the look of a seaside cabana. Three full length mirrors ($5 each) were hung on the stripes. A fabulous old trunk was used as seating. An old dresser and storage bins were brought in for easy access to extra towels and swimsuits. Mary was excited about her haute new space and couldn't wait to share it with friends. It's fantastic knowing that your not-so-little-but-not-quite-teenagers are safe at home, enjoying their tweenhood. � Roberta Wagner is from Port Ewen and is known by her friends as the Martha Stewart of the Hudson Valley. Find exclusive design tips from Roberta here. http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1285 Middle School Teens http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1285 Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT Jazz up your shades: Get some ribbon and dress up plain lamp shades. Wrap the ribbon around the shade and tie in a bow, or use multiple colors, and hot glue stripes. Design your own frames: Buy inexpensive frames or use old ones you have around the house. Use a hot glue gun and add buttons, shells, beads, or hard candies onto the frames.� Make your own pillowcase: Purchase iron-on transfers at your local craft store and personalize away. Painted pots: Shop around for inexpensive terracotta pots and then paint your hand to make handprints all over them. Channel your inner artist: Buy an artist canvas and paint away. Create your own throw pillow: Scan a favorite photo and copy on iron on transfer paper, sold at your local craft store. Iron on fabric of choice. Sew and stuff. Cork it up: Purchase an inexpensive cork board at your local office store. Hot glue ribbon, or fun accessories to make it your own. You can also purchase sticky pins for some extra pizzazz. http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1286 Middle School Teens http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1286 Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT Kid Croc � Hudson Valley Parent and Crocs are giving away five pairs of new shoes to our readers! Go to our contest page at hvparent.com/contests for full details and win a free pair today! The Crocs Genna is a sneaker-inspired flat with sporty midsole band and holes for Jibbitz rhinestone and sparkle charms. The Crocband Gust Shoe is the perfect back to school shoe for any child. With a classic retro-inspired look, this shoe will fit in on any playground. This full coverage shoe can be worn anywhere for anything. The lining is a combo of cozy sweatshirt fabric and durable microfiber, and a colorful elastic shock cord says "sporty." All the new styles for fall feature Croslite for maximum lightweight comfort and come in a fun variety of colors in both child and junior sizes. Genna, $29.99., Gust, $34.99. Available at footwear, sporting goods and department stores. crocs.com�Win a pair for your kid! � Kindergarten chef � What to do when your child is inspired to help you cook dinner but your cupboards are filled with adult-sized utensils, gadgets, and cutlery? The Curious Chef cooking line was designed to give children their own set of kitchen tools and accessories so they could get excited about the cooking experience. Products range from measuring cups to knife sets and everything in between. Each incorporates the elements of safety and vibrant color, and is made for child-size hands. Prices range from $1.99-$60. Available at Culinary Warehouse. 7 Grand St., Kingston. 845-339-2858; culinary-warehouse.com. More new products here! http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1288 What's New http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1288 Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT Does this conversation sound familiar? Parent: "Wait just a second honey, I couldn't hear you - did you say want to paint your room black?" Child: "The official color is called "Midnight Crush.'"� Welcome to the world of tween decorating. Tweens are not quite ready-to-spread-their-wings teenagers, but they are definitely not young children anymore. They want their own space and have specific ideas about how they want that space to reflect their personality and sense of style. � ����This is an opportunity to work together and to score major parental cool points by showing that you see their point of view. But prepare yourself-after creating such an amazing space they may never want to leave. Here are tips to get started. � Create a plan � ����Even though this is your tween's room, you will be footing the bill, so set a budget up front. Before committing to a decorating plan, consult design books or magazines to give your tween some options. After they pick a theme or style, have them draw a sketch of the room they envision. Be sure they include furniture, posters, and bedding. � Color that grows with you ���� ����Choose a color scheme with your tween. They probably have a few favorites in mind, but pick colors that they will grow with. For example, if your tween is craving lime green walls, compromise with one lime green wall, or inexpensive accessories. � Size it right � ����Scale is the most important factor in design. So many do-it-yourself-ers make the biggest mistakes by not measuring furniture before purchasing. If you have a small space, you will need to use small scale furnishings. The same holds true for a large space and large furnishings. � Buy smart � ����Tweens are ever changing. Odds are what they like today may be "out" tomorrow. Purchase expensive items like furniture in neutral colors. Spend less money on accessories. You can create a fabulous space without breaking the bank. Have your tween be actively involved not just in the choosing of the paint colors, but in the actual work. Use the makeover as an opportunity to teach them how to paint, clean baseboards, hang pictures, or even sew. They will appreciate it more and benefit from the experience of doing it themselves. � ����Along with the chain stores like IKEA, PB Teen, and Marshall's, check out local offerings, like The Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Newburgh, for inexpensive furnishings. The ReStore recycles new, gently used, and antique items donated by manufacturers, stores, contractors, and individuals. All proceeds from sales go directly towards Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh's house construction program. � ����Craigslist, yard sales, and thrift stores also yield a gold mine of fun and unique items. And, your tween can always put their creativity to use by making decorations of their own. Don't forget, simply asking your tween where they would like to shop will show that you trust their design ideas. Roberta Wagner is from Port Ewen and is known by her friends as the Martha Stewart of the Hudson Valley. Check out a tween space that Roberta recently transformed. http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1284 Middle School Teens http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1284 Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT A sight-seeing cruise is a fun alternative to the more active water adventure.�Hudson Highlands Cruises� is having a Grandparent's Day Sunday, September 12. This will include special crafts for children and discounts for seniors that bring a grandchild. The cruise will sail north past Stony Point Lighthouse, Verplanck, Tomkins Cove, Peekskill, and turn at the Bear Mountain Bridge and sail back to Haverstraw Marina. Hudson River Cruises offers a Kreepy Kids' Kruise on Saturday, October 30, departing at 11:30am with a DJ, and many other kid-friendly activities. Costumes welcome, but are not required. There will be a costume contest with prizes. Reservations recommended. Both tour companies offer special family cruises during the summer months. � Walkway over the Hudson Parking: 87 Haviland Rd., Highland, or 61 Parker Ave., Poughkeepsie 845-834-2867. For those who prefer a spectacular view of the River without getting their feet wet. Hours of operation are 7am to sunset, year-round, weather permitting. Admission is free and open to all. � Before you begin any of your adventures,�read these��river safety tips. Teri Barr of Hudson Valley Outfitters offers these tips for a safe and enjoyable day on the river: Wear sensible footwear-water shoes, sneakers or well-fitting sandals with bottom grip. Carry any electronic items (cell, cameras, etc) in a waterproof bag. When kayaking or canoeing without a guide, it's suggested you stay close to the shore. The view is better anyway. Know the currents, tides, wind and weather forecasts before you leave. Personal Flotation Devices must be worn and zipped up at all times. Read about more�activities to do on the Hudson. � � http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1275 Family http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1275 Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT Kids have been "repurposing" large appliance boxes for generations, turning them into houses, forts, tunnels, and more. So it was only a matter of time before someone figured out that maybe you could market and sell a fancier version.�Kidscraft currently offers two different cardboard houses, the Creation Cottage and the Shuttle Imagination, each made in the US using 100% recycled material. Unlike the plain brown variety, kids can customize these playhouses by drawing and painting on the white surface. Good for special occasions and everyday fun. Creation Cottage, $59.95; Shuttle Imagination, $69.95. http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1268 What's New http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1268 Tue, 03 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT The transition to motherhood is marked by many gains. But there are losses, too: the loss of personal space and time, the loss of sleep, the loss of friends.The latter is subtle and at times sad. While some friends who are not parents may be turned off by your new life and jump ship, it is more likely that you become estranged by circumstance, as your time and focus is diverted to the needs of your baby. � When my daughter was a few weeks old, I had dinner with two close friends. We had a lot of laughs as they talked about their misadventures: blind dates gone awry, office drama, and gossip from the weekend. While I was amused, I felt out of place. I had nothing to contribute, and though they asked me how I was doing, there wasn't much I could say. When they left, I felt like a bad date had just ended - at once relieved and disappointed. � Despite insisting to my friends throughout my pregnancy that I wasn't going to change, it became clear I had little choice in the matter. Motherhood is like a secret society. It is an experience that can be both unifying and isolating. For women choosing to stay at home it marks the end of (or a hiatus from) a career. Others must prepare themselves to juggle the intense demands of both work and baby. Either way, it is an exhausting, trying, all-consuming enterprise that must be lived to be fully understood. � Face to face or virtual � That's what makes connecting with other moms who are in the same boat so important. It offers camaraderie, a much needed chance to interact with other adults, and depending on the forum, an opportunity to learn. In the early weeks and months, any excuse to get out of the house is welcome, and as a first-time mom you may not know anyone else with a baby. In that case, a hospital or community group is a good place to start. � At the Neugarten Birth Center in Rhinebeck, the on-site lactation consultant facilitates a weekly mom-to-mom breastfeeding support group, which offers new moms an opportunity to ask questions of an expert or just chat with other moms who have chosen to breastfeed. Other birthing centers offer a variety of family-oriented classes that may have support groups affiliated with them. More so than "brick and mortar" mommy groups, the internet allows you to gravitate to people who share the choices you've made for your family - whether you breast or formula feed, use cloth or disposable diapers, work or stay at home, co-sleep or use a crib, etc, chances are you'll find a group online that shares your approach. � Liz Cort of Red Hook started her own group after the birth of her son Jesse in August 2009. When she returned to work full-time, scheduling became an issue with the hospital groups. More important, she had difficulty finding a group that suited her personality. "I just decided to draw from my own background and branch out and see if other moms had similar interests," says Cort, a former collegiate basketball player and fitness competitor. She founded Mommy-Baby Fitness in early 2010 using Meetup.com, a sign-up database that allows you to search for or create groups based on shared interests. "I wasn't sure if there were other moms out there as fanatical about their fitness as me, but there are. Our common bond is that we want to get back in shape, meet other moms, and let our kids play, too." The group now has 75 members from across the Hudson Valley, and hosts several classes a week, from yoga to hiking to boot camp. � Shannon Gallagher lives in Rhinebeck with her partner and their daughter Coraline. � Web resources: Mommy-Baby Fitness of New York� Holistic Moms Network Dutchess County Chapter Hudson Valley Parents�(not to be confused with Hudson Valley Parent at hvparent.com) Hudson Valley Mommies Network Hudson Valley Stay-at-Home-Moms � http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1266 Family http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1266 Mon, 02 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT The most dramatic and pervasive trend in adolescence today is the change in the stage of life we call adolescence itself. Like the universe, the developmental stage called adolescence is expanding! � Adolescence was a nonexistent stage of development 100 years ago. Compulsory education laws and working restrictions for juveniles put adolescence on the map. Until recently, adolescence was a brief developmental period of life, and was seen as a transitional moratorium that separated childhood from the demands and responsibilities of adulthood. Today adolescence has become one of the longest developmental periods. � Older and younger at the same time � Today's adolescent doesn't just jump into adulthood as in the past; it's now a slow weaning process. The implications of this shift are significant. Young children are displaying behaviors well before they are ready to act on or understand their meaning, and older adolescents are staying perpetual children. Watch any of the Seth Rogen movies to see these child/men in action. As one writer put it, "the conveyer belt that transported adolescents into adulthood has broken down." � Another major change is the advancement in technology. This generation has cell phones, iPhones, iPods, MP3's, computers, laptops, net books, tablet PC's, e-readers, touch screen monitors, and of course the old standbys, TV's, radios and CD players. � The variable that has produced the most significant change however, has been the internet. Adolescents can now shop for anything in any part of the world in a matter of seconds. In the past the repository of knowledge and wisdom was found in books or with the elderly or well educated. Now the repository of wisdom lies in Google! � The internet has not only affected shopping and information for today's adolescent; it has dramatically altered the way they communicate socially. On-line friendships are the hallmark of this generation. Face-to-face communication for many adolescents has been eclipsed by Facebook, MySpace and Twitter. The famous American psychologist Harry Stack Sullivan talked about how important the peer group and social acceptance is for an adolescent. He believed that these variables are a precursor of healthy self esteem and identity formation for adolescents. � Sullivan didn't foresee that an adolescent can have literally hundreds of cyber "friends" and never experience the intimacy many theorists believe is necessary for the development of mature adult relationships. There are some psychologists like Daniel Goleman, the author of Emotional Intelligence, who believe that this generation of adolescents is losing the ability to interact with people in a "meaningful" way. It's all about me � Another trend among today's youth is a sense of entitlement. Many come fully equipped with a well-entrenched sense of entitlement that permeates all aspects of their lives. Constant praise for everything a child does, and a belief that their self-esteem needs to be elevated at all cost, coupled with a pop culture that has "look at me" as the highest goal attainable, seems to have germinated a group of adolescents who feel that everyone needs to be there for them without hesitation. � Not all bad � There is good news as well. Cigarette smoking is down among today's youth, as well as the use of most drugs and alcohol. The incidence of teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases are down. They might be a consummately self absorbed generation, but they are also the most well informed generation in history. � So roll your eyes after talking with your adolescent, as our parents and every other parent did since recorded time, and probably earlier. Their path is different from ours, as it should be. But as we did, they too will find their way, however long and circuitous, to a healthy adulthood. � Paul Schwartz, Ph.D., is a professor of psychology and education at Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh. http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1267 Ask Dr. Schwartz http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1267 Mon, 02 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT If cardboard just won't cut it for your kid, you can always contact Barbara Butler. She has been designing play houses since 1987. Using natural redwood, her company builds fantastical fantasy structures in every configuration imaginable. These constructions are not for those without a serious discretionary budget for kid's playthings. Even stock items run into the tens of thousands. (A few years ago, Countrywide would have come up with a mortage for this unit.) The Cape Codder maximizes play space by going upward, with a 2nd level of play on the balcony and a 3rd level of play in the loft under the peaked roof. Cape Codder Playhouse, $14,640. On sale for $8,870 plus delivery. http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1269 What's New http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1269 Sun, 01 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT Not long after my partner Stephanie announced that she was pregnant, I ran into a friend who was also expecting. She was a strong advocate for home births-this would be her third. Being somewhat enamored of de-medicalizing the birth experience, I asked her to have a chat with Stephanie.   It may have been a case of too much too soon. This was Steph's first child, and she was 40 years old, and none of this had even been on her radar. While she did not feel comfortable with the home birth option, she did think it made sense to try a drug-free labor at a birthing center.   Of course, while birthing centers encourage you to write up a "birthing plan," there are no guarantees as to what happens during the actual event. That's part of the appeal of a more "hospital-oriented" process-there is a fairly standard and systematic procedure in place. My mom had five kids in the 1960s this way. There was no option to forego drugs. There were no pre-birth prep classes for mom and dad, and certainly no need for breastfeeding class. The baby was shuttled off to a nursery immediately, and it was fed formula from the get go.   My partner Stephanie and I had our baby in November at the Birthing Pavillion at Hudson Valley Hospital Center in Cortlandt. It was a relaxed, comfortable, low-key environment. Our friend Kate was our doula. Everything went according to plan-until it didn't. When it came down to it, Stephanie seemed unable to push the baby out. There were tense moments for dad, when monitors showed the baby's heart rate going way down. I could see how exhausted my partner was. The doctor and midwife had gone into strictly business mode.   Finally, all hands on duty at the time were called into our room for one final chance to help deliver our baby boy before going to the Caesarean option. The operating room was on standby. A vacuum suction was employed several times, and the midwife climbed up onto the bed to help push the baby out. An episiotomy was performed. And our little guy finally started to emerge into the world. With his large, sloped head he looked like a purple baby gorilla to his stunned and exhausted dad.   It turned out that Mackinley Aden Roland, at 9 pounds 7 ounces, was about 2 pounds heavier than expected. There is no way to know how a home birth would have gone in this particular situation.   I still believe home birth can be the first choice for many parents, as long as mom is 100 percent behind it and has full confidence in all those involved. But as older, first-time parents, we felt more comfortable in a birthing center. In the end, the goal is the same: as safe and healthy a birth as possible for all. http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1263 Editorial http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1263 Fri, 30 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT Are you familiar with this lullaby? "Generals gathered in their masses Just like witches at black masses Evil minds that plot destruction Sorcerers of death's construction."   No? Well, the folks at Rockabye Baby did have the good sense to leave out the lyrics to Black Sabbath's "War Pigs" and other timeless rock music songs when they created their popular nursery-friendly renditions. The infantized tunes will sooth parents as well as babies, as mom and dad recall their glory days while humming along: "Cutie the bomb Met her at a beauty salon With a baby Louis Vuitton Under her underarm" From "Gold Digger" by Kanye West. $16.98 each.    http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1270 What's New http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1270 Wed, 28 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT Bon Secours  Community Hospital 160 East Main St., Port Jervis 845-858-7175 Catskill Regional Medical Center P.O. Box 800, 68 Harris-Bushville Rd. The Birthing Center 845-794-3300  Good Samaritan Hospital 255 Lafayette Ave., Suffern 845-368-5000 Hudson Valley Hospital Center 1980 Crompond Rd. Cortlandt Manor The Women's Pavilion for Birthing 914-737-9000  Kingston Hospital 396 Broadway, Kingston The Family Birthplace 845-331-3131 Northern Dutchess Hospital 6511 Springbrook Ave., Rhinebeck Neugarten Birth Center 845-876-3001 Orange Regional Medical Center 60 Prospect Ave., Middletown Rowley Family Birthing Center 845-342-7240 Sharon Hospital Birthing Suites 50 Hospital Hill Rd. Sharon, CT 860-364-4000  St Anthony Community Hospital 15 Maple Ave., Warwick Kennedy Birthing Center 845-986-2276 St. Luke's Cornwall Hospital 70 Dubois St., Newburgh SLCH Birthing Center 845-561-4400 Vassar Brothers Medical Center 45 Reade Pl., Poughkeepsie 845-454-8500 http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1273 Health http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1273 Wed, 28 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT Shopping at farmers markets may not be as convenient as the supermarket, but it's a wonderful way to introduce healthy foods to your family, and help kids understand our food systems. We asked Cathy Vogt, a certified health counselor and professional chef who uses fresh Hudson Valley ingredients in her meals to share her market shopping secrets and her tips on how to create summer meals for busy families. Find more of her recipes at anaturalchef.com. � Choose foods in season Focus your meal planning around these foods. You can find what's fresh using the calendar on New York State's Department of Agriculture and Markets website. Include your children in the shopping experience by having them pick out a new vegetable or fruit. � Bring cash. Or food stamps. � It'll be faster and easier for everyone. Unlike what is available at the supermarket, fresh, local food is not subsidized and can sometimes cost more. Many farmers markets in the United States participate in the WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) program. WIC provides Federal grants to States for supplemental foods, health care referrals, and nutrition education for low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and non-breastfeeding postpartum women. If your family qualifies, you can receive coupons good at farmer's markets that help supplement your meals. Find more information on the Food and Nutrition Service website. � Another money saving alternative is participating in a local CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). CSAs provide a partnership between a farm and a community of supporters. Common Ground Farm in Beacon is part of the CSA movement and offers a traveling farm stand called "Common Greens" that sets up in Beacon and also visits other towns. This mobile market accepts foods stamps and features cooking demonstrations, raffles, giveaways and more. � Shop early in the day � You'll find the best selection and the freshest produce at this time. Go late if you are looking for deals and are not picky. Vendors will be happy not to haul anything back with them and will want to get rid of leftovers. � Be social � Ask the farmers about their growing practices, how the food is raised, and if they have any cooking suggestions. Many markets offer free recipes and samples, and have cooking demonstrations to inspire you to try new foods. This is a great time to get your kids to experiment, too. � Keep your meals simple � Focus on one or two main farm market ingredients and build a meal around those. A recent trip Vogt took to her local market resulted in the following menu when she purchased a large head of crispy cabbage: quick summer slaw with cabbage, carrots, summer herbs, apples and toasted sunflower seeds, served with locally raised organic turkey burgers on toasted olive bread. Vogt�loves planning meals from farm market finds. Read�here for one her favorites. http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1264 Family http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1264 Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT The following meal of Mediterranean style quinoa salad, poached chicken, and a minty melon bowl is one of Cathy Vogt's, who runs anaturalchef.com, favorites. Quinoa is a quick-cooking gluten-free grain and perfect for an easy family meal. It stores well and is a great whole grain alternative to those pasta salad combinations that are so popular when the weather is hot. Vogt likes using red quinoa, which has a nuttier flavor and looks pretty mixed with colorful market vegetables. Pick up a loaf of country style crusty whole grain bread or a baguette at the market to serve with the salad.   For those who like some animal protein with their meal, serve the quinoa salad with shredded poached chicken. The poaching liquid can be used for preparing a simple sauce, added to yellow squash, onions and other summer veggies for a quick light soup, or frozen for later use. Use the poaching liquid instead of water when cooking rice or other grains for added flavor and extra nutrients.   Finish off the meal with a fruit salad of chilled seasonal melons tossed with fresh lime juice and chopped mint leaves, and drizzled with a teaspoon of local honey. Top with toasted almonds and serve parfait style in tall glasses. Recipe: 1 cup Quinoa, raw 1 pint cherry tomatoes cut into �'s 1 Tbsp. olive oil 2 each garlic cloves, minced 2 tsp. Oregano, fresh, chopped 2 Tbsp. Parsley, chopped � cup calamata olives, chopped 1 15 oz. can Artichoke hearts, drained, chopped 1 bunch Spinach or arugula, fresh, cleaned and chopped or torn into bite sized pieces. � cup-fresh lemon juice � cup-extra virgin olive oil � - � tsp. Sea salt   Rinse quinoa well in cool water and drain in fine mesh strainer. Place in small pot with 2 cups of water and a dash of sea salt. Bring to a boil, stir to combine, turn down heat and cover with a tight-fitting lid. Simmer for about 15-18 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit an additional 10 minutes. Remove pot from heat and place in a bowl. Toss gently.   In a large bowl, toss warm quinoa with lemon juice, oil and salt. Let sit until it reached room temperature. In a saut� pan heat olive oil, add green garlic and saut� on medium heat to soften. Add tomato, oregano and olives, and toss again. Add lightly saut�ed vegetables to quinoa toss and add parsley, artichoke hearts and spinach. Combine all ingredients thoroughly, season with salt and fresh ground pepper and serve. Poached chicken 4 - 6 oz boneless chicken breasts 3 qts. water 2 each celery stalks, cut into chunks 2 each carrots, cut into chunks 1 each onion or fresh leek, cut into chunks 2 each garlic cloves, peeled and crushed 6 each parsley stems, fresh 2 sprigs thyme, fresh 2 each bay leaves   In a medium pot, combine water, celery, carrots, onions, and garlic. Place parsley stems, thyme, bay leaves and peppercorns in a paper coffee filter or piece of cheese cloth and tie with a string. Place sachet bag into the pot along with vegetables. Add salt to the pot.   Bring contents to a boil, turn down to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes. Place chicken breasts in poaching liquid, making sure the breasts are covered fully with liquid, simmer for about 15-18 minutes, until the inside temperature reads 160 degrees, or the chicken is firm to the touch.   Remove chicken from poaching liquid, cool and shred into thin strips. Set aside until ready to use. Strain poaching liquid. The liquid can be put in small containers and frozen for other uses. http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1265 Family http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1265 Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT Some children thrive with a full schedule of activities while others feel stressed and overscheduled. "Well meaning parents sometimes push kids too hard and are trying to make up for lost childhood opportunities." How do you know your child is on extracurricular overload? Here are some red flags according to Smith who remarks if you see these you need to reevaluate your child's schedule: Your child is irritable Your child is exhausted much of the time Your child doesn't want to go to the activity Your child has frequent psychosomatic complaints like stomach aches and headaches Your child doesn't want to go to school Your child's schoolwork begins to suffer Your child doesn't have enough time to do homework How can you ease the stress of finding an afterschool activity? Get the answer!   � � http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1262 Education http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1262 Mon, 26 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT There are good reasons to enroll your child in after school activities, according to Ellen Smith, a licensed clinical social worker and certified health coach in Poughkeepsie. It's a great opportunity for them to develop hobbies, learn new skills, and socialize. It also provides supervision to kids who might otherwise go to an empty home.   Research shows that after school programs can boost academic performance and test scores. However, Smith says a key factor to extracurricular success is that kids enjoy the particular activity.   When selecting after school activities, begin by thinking about what your child chooses to do in his or her down time. Every child has natural abilities. Smith tells parents to observe their child to discover what they are good at and help them further their interests in that direction.   Once you have an idea of the possibilities, make a list of activities that your child has expressed an interest in, along with their daily schedule. Help them weigh the pros and cons. Explain the time commitment involved. If they chose an activity that involves purchasing equipment, discuss whether they will be partially responsible. While parents should have the final say, children are more likely to practice and actively participate in an activity they helped select.   If your child demonstrates a gift, it is wonderful to nurture that talent through lessons. But pushing your child into a full load of after school classes in order to give her a head start may backfire, says Smith. One solution is to break it up with something different. For the budding concert pianist, that might mean a martial arts class one day a week rather than piano lessons every day. For the sports star, a fun science-related program at a local Mad Science program could expand her horizons. Give her other options and encourage other interests so she doesn't feel pressure.   Roberta Cruse-Fordham of Sports, Fitness and Fun in Florida says if trial classes are offered that is a good way to find out which activities your child will be happy participating in. If trials aren't an option, Cruse-Fordham suggests visiting a potential activity while it is in session so you and your child can get a true picture of the environment, the staff and the program. Sports, Fitness and Fun offers a wide range of after school activities that develop gross motor and fine motor skills. She points out that not all children are naturally gifted athletes, so there are programs where kids can simply get moving, socialize, practice teamwork and have fun.   Most experts recommend that parents enroll their children in no more than two activities during the school year. If there is a huge time commitment limit it to one. Smith says that when trying to determine if your child should get involved in multiple activities, consider your child's temperament, how much homework they have each night and the amount of time each week that the activities require. "Listening to your child is key."   A safe environment   Nancy Moore, child care director of The Greater Newburgh YMCA says the YMCA after school program is a safe haven for children of working parents that offers a well-rounded program where kids can make friends and feel they belong. Beyond the basic concerns such as safety, trained staff and enjoyable activities what else should you look for? Ask yourself these questions when evaluating potential after school activities:   Is the programming age appropriate? Does it offer fun, hands on approach to learning? Are the kids enthusiastic and do they seem happy?   Keep your expectations realistic. Your child may need to try a few different actitivities before they find one that suits them. In the process of choosing after school activities remember they will get more out of the activity if they are having fun while doing it. Look around until you find a good match for your child's temperament and your family's needs. Are your kids doing too much all at once? Find out here. http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1261 Education http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1261 Mon, 26 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT The Evenflo Momentum 65 is a child car seat designed to offer greater protection during side impact crashes. In terms of day to day features, car seat harnesses can be a time wasting pain in the neck (literally), so the Momentum features an easily adjustable harness system. The seat works in both forward and rear facing modes, and can handle a child up to 65 pounds. Most important, it comes with a flip-up cup holder. $199.99, Babies R' Us. http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1271 What's New http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1271 Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT The following recipes are courtesy of the National Watermelon Promotion Board. Try one or all three to satisfy your watermelon craving. Watermelon Shirley Temple   This recipe was created by Chef Joe Poon for the National Watermelon Promotion Board.   Ingredients: 4 shots (6 ounces) watermelon juice 4 shots (6 ounces) lemon lime soda 2 teaspoons confectioner's sugar   Instructions: Place all ingredients in a mixer. Mix, then pour over crushed ice and strain into glass.   Servings: Serves 2; Per serving: 186 Calories; 1g Fat (3% calories from fat); 1g Protein; 46g Carbohydrate; 0mg Cholesterol; 24mg Sodium   Grilled Kielbasa with Watermelon Relish   1 cup minced watermelon � cup minced onion � cup finely chopped cabbage 2 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar 2 tablespoons honey mustard 3 pounds kielbasa   Mix the watermelon, onion and cabbage in a mixing bowl.  In another small bowl slowly mix the vinegar into the mustard and then pour the mixture over the watermelon/onion/cabbage mixture and toss together.  Grill the kielbasa until brown and crisp on the exterior but still juicy inside.  Remove from grill to a cutting board and cool for 5 minutes before cutting the kielbasa into bite sized pieces and skewer them with a pick.  Serve warm with the relish for scooping with the kielbasa. Serves 12 as an appetizer. Red White and Blue Watermelon Sundaes   4 cups watermelon balls 2 cups fresh blueberries 4 dollops prepared whipped topping Red, white and blue star sprinkles   Gently mix together the watermelon and blueberries. Divide among 4 sundae bowls. Top each with a dollop of topping and sprinkle with red ,white and blue sprinkles. Serve immediately. Serves 4.       http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1272 Health http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1272 Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT The 75 recipes in Love in Spoonfuls, by the editors of Parenting, are arranged by age, from 6 months to 2 years, so a new parent will be referring to this from first bites through toddlerhood. Each chapter starts with the age-relevant lowdown of how to approach feeding. The beautiful food photography is used not only to accompany the recipes (raspberry puree, Asian-style pork meatballs, baked fish with mango) but also to illustrate early eating concepts-for instance, the minimum safe sizes for various finger foods. Topics such as picky eating, global flavors, and family meals are presented as mini-features. Preparation tricks include making bento boxes, and using cookie cutters to keep food fun, with an eye on creating habitual and healthy meals for your infant that compliment the family meals. This has worked at our house: Mackie's pea and mint puree is so tasty I've been known to slip it onto dad's plate. -Stephanie H., Beacon Love in Spoonfuls, published by Chronicle Books, 159 pages. $19.95. chroniclebooks.com http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1255 What's New http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1255 Tue, 13 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT The rotating hook on chair by�Chicco let's you bring baby to the table with a minimum of fuss & spin her for dinner. It goes on and off easily, and works on most tables, so no hassle taking it with you to grandma's house. The only inconvenience is pressing two little buttons at the same time to remove the chair arms, which requires dexterity and finger strength. Another useful feature is the removable serving tray, which can be popped in the dishwasher. The seat pad comes in two prints for 2010, Miro (shown) and Sea Dreams, and is machine washable. $69.99. Target. http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1256 What's New http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1256 Tue, 13 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT