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Best TV for Preschoolers

March 1, 2017 by Kelley Leave a Comment

A couple years back, I wrote a post—one of this site’s most popular, ever—about the best TV shows for teens and ‘tweens. I had dug into the topic because it seemed that all the great children’s television was (and has always been) reserved for little kids. That remains true—almost, dare I say, maddeningly so. With Netflix, Amazon, cable, and other streaming sites constantly rotating similarly splashy looking, “enriching” tot bait, finding a great program for my Pre-K’er is like trying to pick out the best piece of hay from a haystack. I don’t even know where to look first first anymore.

I realize that homing in on “TV shows” makes me sound like a borderline Luddite. Like many of his peers who could tap and swipe before they could speak full sentences, my five-year-old will almost always pass up a TV show in favor of trying to propel Mr. Crab to the top of a perpetually rotating vertical obstacle course on the iPad. But the fact is, while the science on this subject is early and mixed, from my mom perch, I do see benefits to my kids watching “passive” television and movies rather than frenetically “interacting” with apps. Mr. Crab makes my son, well, crabby. But when he watches a good show, especially when curled up next to one of his brothers or parents, his little body seems to relax. Some days, that’s just what the situation calls for.

As when I reviewed big-kid TV, I reached out to the fantastic thinkers at Common Sense Media, my go-to site for children’s movie, TVs and game reviews, for recommendations on preschool shows that really raise the bar when it comes to unique themes or lessons. Polly Conway, TV editor for the site, shared five of her current top picks. Two are probably familiar to you; the others might be new discoveries.

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood
Inspired by the gentlest media of our own generation, Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood, it’s no surprise this program is a critical darling. Kids learn social cues, citizenship lessons, and a smattering of letter and number knowledge along with the curious little tiger cub who stars in the show.
Watch it: PBS Kids

Doc McStuffins
Another exemplar of getting little kids to think about social-emotional concepts, Doc also emphasizes the fun of imaginative play, the importance of caring for others, and as a bonus, good hygiene. The Common Sense Media review of the show lauds how it pokes a few subtle holes into stereotypes, with Doc’s mom away at work most of the day and dad helping out at home.
Watch it: Disney Junior

The Stinky and Dirty Show
One of a growing number of gems produced by Amazon, Stinky and Dirty “is a great new show that helps preschoolers learn teamwork and communication,” says Conway. Based on a series of books by Jim and Kate McMullan, two hard-working, fun-loving friends—a garbage truck and backhoe loader—are constantly faced with challenges they must overcome together. The animation and dialogue are first-rate.
Watch it: Amazon

Word Party
“This is a fun one from Netflix that lets kids be the teachers to a group of even younger learners,” says Conway. This unique premise is inspirational to little kids who might constantly feel like they’re on the receiving end of instruction from remote grown-ups. For toddlers and younger preschoolers, there’s some real skill development to be found here; and they seem to find the baby animals, created by Jim Henson’s production company, mesmerizing to watch.
Watch it: Netflix

Puffin Rock
Also from Netflix, Conway says her personal fave is a “beautifully animated, gentle and sweet show that teaches empathy and a little environmental science.” Puffling Oona, her baby brother, and pals explore notions of friendship, family bonds, and appreciation for nature. A perfect wind-down pick.
Watch it: Netflix

For more preschool show ideas, check out Common Sense Media reviews here and here. What are your family’s top picks for shows for the preschool set? Clue us in to more ideas in the comments here or on our Facebook page.

photo credit: donnierayjones Relaxed Twinning via photopin (license)

Why We Should Cook with Our Kids

January 16, 2017 by Kelley 2 Comments

This is a guest post by Cassie Phillips, a freelance writer from Ohio. For more on Cassie, see below.

There’s no better time to get your children involved in cooking than winter—we’re all forced to be inside more, and there’s something cozy about being in the kitchen together. So why not just break out the board games and order a pizza? Solid research—as well as nutrition gurus like Michael Pollan—have convinced us that kids who are exposed to cooking eat more healthfully and try new things. And the benefits aren’t only health-related either; teaching your children cooking basics can boost their confidence, inspire conversation, strengthen math skills, and foster independent thinking.

Ready to shake images of accidents and messes, and get your kids in the kitchen? Follow these steps to get started.

Start Small

It’s important to begin one step at a time and first determine what sorts of cooking tasks your children can safely and confidently complete. Giving them too many tough tasks too quickly can set the stage for disaster. To keep you and them organized, establish firm roles at the start of meal prep, and give them just a job or two to focus on.

Preschoolers have limited dexterity, so should be given tasks that involve less fine motor work. Think:
-finding and fetching ingredients from the fridge and pantry,
-tearing leafy greens or fresh herbs
-stirring and mixing ingredients together
-mashing potatoes, yams, or turnips
-garnishing dishes with spices (or baked goods with sprinkles). Just be sure to measure out ingredients for them in advance if you want them to decorate or garnish anything!

Kindergarteners and young elementary-schoolers love to get their hands into things. Put them to work by:
-Washing and cleaning dishes; fill up a sink with soapy water and let them have at it
-Scooping, kneading or forming dough
-Preparing pans or bakeware by oiling, greasing or lining
-Spreading jams, peanut butter, or frosting
-Squeezing or juicing citrus and pouring ingredients into mixing bowls.

Older children can be given the tougher tasks as they get better and more comfortable in the kitchen. Teach them to:
-Chop and slice carefully. It might sound counterintuitive to hand children knives, but they can be taught to respect and be proficient with them by the age 7 or 8.
-Measure ingredients. Older kids can begin learning and remembering recipes.
-Use food processors and electric mixers. Close supervision is essential, but once they get the hang of these appliances, it will really make them feel like a chef.

Find Kid-Friendly Recipes

A lot of the food that will catch a child’s eye might not be practical to make. Obviously, it may not be a good idea to start out by baking something complicated like a triple-layer cake or macarons, as pretty as they are. You want them to be excited to eat what they cook, though, so picking a stew, if your child is meat- and veg-averse, may not be a good idea either. Children need time to pick up the basics, so you should start by researching some kid-friendly recipes, and your kids will love. One nice recipe to start with is a healthy, simple afterschool snack like these easy apple rings.

YouTube has a great lineup of different cooking channels with age-appropriate recipes. Some of my family’s personal favorites include Cook with Amber and Nerdy Nummies. Cook with Amber is hosted by a kid—which children love—and has a great mix of both healthy recipes and desserts. Nerdy Nummies is unique because it focuses on fun food that references our favorite fantasy worlds.

Get Cooking!

As there are so many benefits to cooking with your kids, there’s really no reason not to get started right away. It may even help improve your health if you’ve traditionally avoided spending much time in the kitchen.

What kinds of dishes are you looking forward to cooking with your children? Tell us your thoughts in the comments.

About the Author: Cassie is a health and technology blogger for eHealth Informer as well as Secure Thoughts and Culture Coverage. When not writing about her experiences and passions, she enjoys preparing healthy, delicious meals with her family.

Top Kids’ Health Headlines of 2016

December 30, 2016 by Kelley Leave a Comment

I think we can all agree that 2016 was a news roller coaster —at turns nauseating, exciting, and just plain sobering. And the output of fascinating headlines included an unusual amount of news relevant to parents and kids. Here are five family-centric health topics that caught my attention last year, and are good to catch up on if you haven’t already. What am I missing? Be sure to comment here or on Facebook to let me know. Happy New Year to you and yours…and thanks so very much for reading.

Screen Time for Tots O.K.—As Long as Parents Get Involved. For the past decade, parents have struggled to heed American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendations banning any and all screen-time for kids under 2. But now, conceding the ubiquitousness of digital media in all our lives, the AAP have updated their guidelines to not include an age floor for screen use—but instead encourages parents to be more proactive in how, what, and for how long kids of all ages watch. They recommend printing out and sticking to a Family Media Use plan like this one that encourages careful vetting of games and shows, time for outdoor play and exercise, and putting phones and tablets “to bed” when kids do.

HPV Vaccination Works—But Not Enough Kids Are Getting It. The prevalence of the cancer-causing human papilloma virus (HPV) in teen girls has dropped impressively—by 64%—since the HPV vaccine was introduced a decade ago. And yet, just 42 percent of girls and 22 percent of boys between the ages of 13 and 17 are getting the recommended 3-dose vaccine series. A just-released study in Pediatrics suggests that pediatricians take a more formal approach to getting families on board—presenting it clearly as one of the recommended vaccines for kids rather than launching an open-ended conversation about it over the course of a well visit.

Dads are Crucial to Kids’ Healthy Development. Shifting family dynamics have gotten more fathers involved in childcare, but old stereotypes and gender norms still perpetuate the notion that moms are the emotional center of kids’ lives. New research and guidelines may change that perception: In a rigorous review of recent research on fatherhood, the AAP released a clinical report showing that dads’ involvement is a stronger predictor of kids’ health and success than many might assume. Among their findings: Healthy “horseplay” often initiated by dads may challenge children to be more confident in taking risks; the amount of father communicates with a child at age 3 may be one of the chief predictors of kids’ later verbal ability; and teens with involved dads are less likely to engage in risky behavior or suffer from depression. Michael Yogman, M.D., chair of the AAP Committee on Psychosocial Aspects of Child and Family Health and co-author of the report, goes so far as to suggest that pediatricians start giving dads, specifically, a prescription at infant well visits: “Play with your baby every day.”

Zika Hits Home—and the Impact Goes Beyond Microcephaly. A little more than a year after we started reading about the devastating effects of the mosquito-borne virus in South America, cases of Zika started popping up in Florida in July 2016. The spread, at least domestically, seems to have been contained by now, but public health officials warn that warm weather in 2017 could bring about more cases—and more dangers. A new study in the New England Journal of Medicine, suggests that damage during fetal development from the mosquito-borne virus can occur throughout pregnancy, and that other birth defects are even more common than microcephaly, when babies are born with very small heads. Given Zika and the increase in tick-borne illness diagnoses in kids, it’s more important than ever that parents get as serious about applying an effective insect repellent to kids—and themselves, especially if pregnant—as they’ve become about slathering on sunscreen. We’ve listed the most effective safe bug sprays, here.

U.S. Kids are Heating Healthier, But… Finally, some good news on the kid diet front: Brown University research on children’s eating patterns between 1999 and 2012 reveals that kids are eating more whole grains, whole fruits, dairy, and protein from seafood and plants. They’re also laying off sugary foods and drinks more than ever before. But: they continue to eat too much salt and not enough vegetables—even fewer veggies than previous, less health-conscious generations consumed, say Brown epidemiologists. Here are some HHK ideas for some simple, kid-friendly veggie side dishes, and 25 superfoods—including seven vitamin-packed vegetables—worth trying on your children.

12 Healthy Gift Ideas

December 13, 2016 by Kelley 1 Comment

When considering our nearest and dearest at the holidays, we’d all like to find a happy medium between passing off a plastic gift card and spending a hair-raising amount of time or money for the sake of “meaning.” Enter what I’ll call a “healthy gift”—an easy little something that helps a loved one feel, look, or do better; and, ideally, keeps on giving throughout the coming year. I tapped some of the doctors and wellness gurus whose advice we’ve shared on this blog to share their favorite healthy gifts to give in 2017. Hope you can find something for a special someone—including, maybe, you.

For your neighbor…
Instead of a cookie platter, dietitian and fitness trainer Dana White, R.D. likes to give homemade flavorings that people can use to make a recipe taste even more delicious. Her two favorites, that are super-easy to make but have a big “wow” factor: Homemade vanilla extract and rosemary-citrus sea salt. She packages the vanilla extract with her pumpkin chocolate chip muffin recipe, and the gourmet salt with her “ready-in-minutes” baked sweet potato chip recipe.
Get Dana’s vanilla extract recipe here and pumpkin-chocolate chip recipe here. Be sure to order small food-grade bottles in advance. You can get them at craft stores or 12 for $16 at Amazon.
Get Dana’s rosemary-citrus sea salt recipe here and baked sweet potato chip recipe here.

For elementary schoolers…
Balance toys promote all-important core strength, keep children active inside or out, and are unique in that they actually keep kids interest as they grow. Curt Hinson, Ph.D., founder of the Dr. Recess program encouraging more effective and creative physical fitness in schools, has two faves:
Teeter Popper: Kids can sit or stand on the treads, and rocking motion makes for cool suction noises on pavement $35 at Amazon.
Spooner Board: Kids can master tricks on this wide balance board, and get a jump start on the core movements they need to master surfing, skateboarding, or snowboarding. $45 at Fat Brain Toys.

For big kids…
Yale Pediatric Sleep Center director Craig Canapari, M.D. has written on here and on his phenomenal blog about how crucial rest is for kids and grown-ups alike. But due to anxiety, hormonal shifts, or noisy households, many kids have sleep problems that develop or persist beyond their baby years. For them (or sleep-deprived adults), “you can’t beat a Marpac sound conditioner,” says Dr. Canapari. Appropriately tech-y-looking for discerning older children, the domed device emits the soothing, consistent sound of gentle rushing air, with customizable tone and volume control. Marpac Dohm All-Natural White Noise Sound Machine, $45-50 at Amazon.

For ‘tweens and teens…
It may be infuriating, but it’s natural and even healthy for teens to crave some space from parents and younger siblings. For Two Peds in a Pod pediatricians and moms Julie Kardos, M.D. and Julie Kardos, M.D., a well-received gift for this age group are tools that honor their desire for privacy—”within reason.” Along with journals that can lock and remote controls that allow kids to put out their own light before putting themselves to bed, Drs. Kardos and Lai like bedroom doorbells that can attach to the outside of teens’ doors. Girlz Own Bedroom Doorbell, $13, Amazon.

For a sister or best friend…
When life feels like a closed circuit board of family and work, a great gift is something pampering and utterly self-involved. New York City dermatologist and mom of three, Julie Karen, M.D., of CompleteSkinMd, tries and tests hundreds of products, and is head-over-heels right now with one in particular: Alastin Restorative Eye Treatment. “This peptide rich cream is very hydrating, helps diminish undereye dark circles and puffiness, and also has the unique ability to stimulate new healthy elastic tissue,” she says. Alastin Restorative Eye Treatment, $85, CompleteSkinMD.

For your mom…
The growing season doesn’t have to end with the cold weather. Gardening guru Marion Mass suggests giving anyone who appreciates nature (and healthy eating) a “sprouting kit” to grow salad- and smoothie-friendly microgreens on the windowsill. You can buy a complete kit, like the one below), or give a cute, small container and seeds separately. Include a written or e-card with a link to Marion’s how-to on kitchen gardening: http://www.chicksforlife.com/videos-pxhnf. The Simply Good Box by Home Greens, $28, Amazon.

For your significant other…
“My favorite suggestion is to give a gift that does not involve a material possession but that involves growth,” says Ellen Braaten, Ph.D., director of the Learning and Emotional Assessment Program (LEAP) at the Clay Center for Young Healthy Minds at Massachusetts General Hospital. Classes in a budding hobby or a personal passion, like cooking, can be a real treat. You can pick a Sur La Table specialty class in a fave topic—cookies to roasts—in many different culinary areas in 22 states. Sur La Table cooking classes, surlatable.com

For anyone…
A totally free and meaningful gift that family members can give one another is a handwritten gift certificate for a gesture or service that only they can provide, says Erica Reischer, Ph.D., a psychologist and parenting coach and author of What Great Parents Do: 75 Simple Strategies for Raising Kids Who Thrive. “One might say, “when presented with this certificate, mom or dad will put down their phone (or get off their computer) and spend time with me,” suggests Dr. Reischer. Other ideas: a 10-minute back massage before bed, a round of a favorite board game, or help with a house project that’s been back-burnered. What’s more: Honor it—and your loved one—with your full attention when it’s cashed in.

Photo credit: Dana White

Getting Kids Outside this Winter

December 8, 2016 by Kelley 1 Comment

On these cold, dark December days, it’s tempting to crank up the thermostat, “lose track” of kids’ screen time, and daydream of an existence where we could teleport from car to house with zero exposure to the elements. But some recent reading is convincing me that I need to toughen up and get myself—and the kids—outside as much as possible this winter.

For one thing, studies are showing what kindergarten teachers have always known: Fresh air, even and maybe especially during wintertime, boosts attention. It’s something that Finland, which typically gives students 15 minutes of outdoor recess for every 45 minutes of classroom time, year-round, credits for its top rankings in the Program for International Student Assessment survey of reading, math and science scores. What’s more, outdoor activity in the colder months, specifically, may give us an extra health boost. Muscles work harder in slick or snowy conditions, and we burn more calories as our bodies have to work harder to raise our body temperature. Also, people who spend a lot of time outside in the wintertime are less likely to encounter germs that proliferate indoors when it’s cold, which can help protect us against some nasty bugs.

And yet, weather is the thing most likely to keep kids from playing outside, cited even more often than safety concerns, homework, and busy schedules by parents in a 2012 survey by the National Wildlife Federation. So what can we do to successfully nudge ourselves and kids outdoors when artificial light and heat seem so much more inviting?

L.L. Bean Mad Bomber Hat

Pay less attention to jackets, and more to hats. Kids are notorious for balking at and shedding their coats. In reality, children do have an elevated metabolism and energy level that does cause them to feel hotter than us, so they are apt to get overwarm and annoyed if the are overly bundled. But they also lose body heat more rapidly. Get them a winter jacket that they, above all, will want to keep on, and don’t sweat too much the “temperature ranges” that fancy puffer coat companies market. Where to spend your money (and your nagging quota): Hats. “A hat can go a long way toward keeping your child warm,” pediatrician Lee Bears, M.D., recently told the Washington Post. “If you are going to fight over something, that might be the thing to fight over.” As goofy as they look, you can’t beat bomber hats with chin straps for warmth. L.L Bean makes them in boy- and girl-friendly styles, and if parent reviewers in places like northern Maine and Newfoundland are satisfied, you probably will be, too.

Fold and Stow Snow Scooter

Snow Fort Building Set

Nite Ize “Flashlight”

Counter empty-yard syndrome. There’s nothing that makes backyard play less appealing than an empty patch of dead grass or crusty snow. Kids are far more apt to engage in active play when given more toy choices, according to research, so don’t stash all of the toys away with the skateboards and sprinklers when the temperature drops. Certain playthings are meant for cold or snowy conditions. Some kid-tested crowd-pleasers:
Hearthsong’s Fold and Stow Snow Scooter: This nifty scooter “floats” on the snow thanks to a ridged bottom. Ages 4 and up.
Glow-in-the-dark frisbees: Frisbees are great because they’re easier to grab than balls when you have gloves on, and these Nite Ize “Flashlight” LED-illuminated discs come in four super-bright colors that will be easier to see in the darkening pre-dinnertime hours.
Snow Fort Building Set: Much more than some plastic molds, kids can really sculpt a fortress with this kit. Ages 5 and up.

Fix.com’s winter fun ideas

Lead them in some simple games. We love Fix.com’s great (and simple) list of cold- and kid-friendly games, like Snow Spray Paint Art. Find it here.

Keep it short and sweet. Keeping outdoor play intervals short are more appealing as well as safer when the temperatures drop below freezing. To help motivate, set a timer on your watch or phone for 15 minutes, Finland’s typical recess interval—even this short a stint can get the heart pumping and is totally doable, especially if you ensure that kids have a set place to find and deposit their outwear on the way in and out. And a promise of sweet incentives upon their return indoors, like a cup of Silly Cow’s pricey, but truly excellent marshmallow-swirl flavored cocoa, hurts very little.

E.R. Nurse’s Wish List

December 1, 2016 by Kelley Leave a Comment

This post is part of a “Wish List” series in which I ask experts in different pediatric fields—medicine, education, etc.—what they really want parents to know and do better. Interested in hearing from a certain type of expert? Please make a suggestion here.

If there’s one genuinely stressful experience common to pretty much any parent, it’s a trip to the emergency room. There are few circumstances when we feel less in control than headed into the E.R. with a sick child in arms, and yet, it ranks high among situations when we’d most like to have our wits about us. As we approach winter, when emergency department volume peaks, I asked Katie, a pediatric nurse who’s worked in a major children’s hospital E. R. and a neonatal intensive care unit, what she wishes every parent knew before heading to the hospital. Thanks for the tips, Katie!

1. Buy a thermometer—and use it. One of the most frequent statements parents make is, “he/she has a fever.” The nurse will always ask, “how high was the fever?” and the most frequent response is “well, I don’t know. He/she just felt warm.” You can save time and money by simply taking your child’s temperature before heading to the hospital. A fever below 101 typically does not merit a visit to your local E.R. on its own.

2. Before coming to the ER, call your pediatrician and give your child a proper dosage of Motrin or Tylenol.
Your pediatrician knows your child (hopefully) better than we do. Calling them and giving them a heads up, and explaining symptoms or injuries, will determine if you truly need to go to your local E.R. To be safe, they’ll often tell you to go to your E.R., but they will also give us a heads up that you are coming. This may expedite your process, and we’ll have a better idea of who you are when you come into the E.R. Also, give a dose of Tylenol or Motrin before coming in, if your child has a headache, fever, pain, or is uncomfortable. This will also expedite your visit and you’ll be one step ahead of the game once you arrive to the E.R.

3. If you have a child with a complicated medical history, write down their allergies, history and medications and bring it with you. Life is hectic. We get it. But, if your child has multiple conditions, medications, allergies, or any other specific medical concerns, write them down in a lucid moment and put it in a slip of paper in your wallet or save it on your phone. Parents who come to the E.R. even slightly organized will help nurses and doctors do their job better. There have been countless occasions where parents have failed to mention an important medication or symptoms that can be very key in the diagnostic or treatment process. We truly need all the information. You know your child best, so be prepared to share your knowledge.

4. Do not be afraid to ask questions, ask for help, or inquire about resources. One of the best parts of being in an E.R. is that we get a chance to educate patients about almost anything health-related. Don’t be afraid to ask your doctor or nurse questions even if it seems silly or you think it might be common sense. We have access to multiple resources, from child life specialists who can stop by during your visit to outside specialists we can refer you to. We’d rather take extra time with you than have you walk out confused.

5. Be prepared to wait. The busiest time to go to any E.R. is between 4pm-midnight. The reason: School and sports practices end, kids will admit around dinner time that they do not feel well, or they have been sick all day and it seems to get worse around bedtime. We wish this wasn’t the case, but it is. Patients receive treatment based on how sick they are, not in the order they arrive. Bring a book, iPad, games, coloring books or anything else that can help keep kids occupied for about an hour or more. We’ll do everything we can for your child, and if they seem to be doing worse as you’re waiting, tell us. We definitely do not want you waiting longer than you have to, and if your child needs more Tylenol, Motrin, an Ice Pack, Band-Aid, blanket or anything else, we are always happy to help.

Read more expert wish lists here.

Helping Kids Help Others

November 10, 2016 by Kelley Leave a Comment

Before the recent palate cleanser of humane, humble speeches from both winners and losers, kids have digested a pretty unwholesome diet of politics over the past several months. Many of our children entered this election season with scant understanding of government, and too many have come away from it with little more than memories than a lot of grown-ups fighting about emails, money, walls, and some lady in a purple dress.

What I wish our kids would have gotten a little more of from sitting on the sidelines of this high-profile election is the idea that these coiffed, powerful, argumentative adults are vying not just for the privilege to rule, but also to serve—to make life better for people. I recently took my boys to the JFK Memorial Library in Boston, and while exhibits about the Cuban Missile Crisis and the allure of pillbox hats went over their heads, a clip of Kennedy’s 1961 inaugural address caused them to linger: “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” If only quotes like this, and not crotch-grabbing, dominated headlines a half-century later.

Most of us—and our kids—are feeling either letdown or energized or both by the election results. But rather than let feelings fizzle with media coverage, I’m hoping to parlay our new (and renewed) family-wide interest in civic life into a more serious commitment to helping others. I know we’re not the only ones who spend an unhealthy portion of our weekends on the trail of missing mouthguards or new free apps. The thing is, activities and downtime don’t have to come at the expense of a small act or two of public service a few times a month. Like most positive changes, it just takes a little research and planning.

As recently as five years ago, it was hard to find opportunities to volunteer with children under 14 or so outside of schools and churches. But more and more organizations and websites are cropping up that match families with jobs big and small, from delivering blankets to shelters to delivering a prescription to an unwell neighbor once a week. A great time and place to start: Saturday, November 19, which is Family Volunteer Day, sponsored by GenerationOn and Disney. You can even share your good acts on the website for a chance to win a $500 gift card for holiday shopping of a “family-night-out” package.

Click on the following links for general family volunteering ideas or to connect with organizations who could use a hand (even small ones). Through VolunteerMatch.org, we’re set to rake leaves for some senior neighbors on the 19th. After the past month, the fresh air will be a relief.

Family Volunteer Day website. While the site is designed to spread the word about Family Volunteer Day on Nov. 19th, you can find ideas for helping out year-round. There’s a section about DIY projects at home, like making an “Upcycle” Piggy Bank, or you can enter your zip code to find events where parents and kids can lend their time.

Volunteer Match Think of it as a dating site for families and organizations that need help. You can enter your location, zip code, and how many people you have in your crew, and filter volunteer jobs by all sorts of criteria, including the interests (animals? arts?) and ages of the volunteers (there’s a special “kids” section).

Doing Good Together This non-profit has gained traction in New York, Boston, Seattle, Baltimore, and others, and is growing. To become one of their “Big-Hearted Families,” you can pick a monthly (or more frequent) creative, engaging, at-home project from a long list on their website, or subscribe to a newsletter advertising local family-friendly volunteer jobs through the site.

How to Teach a Kid to Ride a Bike

September 28, 2016 by Kelley 3 Comments

Is it just me, or does parenting a child from ages 4 to 6 seems seem like a disproportionately packed stretch of “teaching?” It’s in this tiny window when we’re told many of our children are “ready” (read: expected) to master the basics of an extraordinary number of life skills. Swimming. Swinging. Skating. Tooth-brushing. Buttoning. Writing. Reading. The list goes on. No wonder kids this age seem tired all the time.

For our Pre-K’er, the skill du jour is riding a bike. He’s clearly outgrowing his 12-inch training-wheeled number, and his penchant for endless loops around our driveway makes me think he might be ready to ditch the training wheels. But I don’t know if I’m ready—at least if this move will precipitate the tears and panic that characterized his older brothers’ graduation from four to two wheels. So I turned to Curt Hinson, Ph.D, a physical education expert and a Happy Healthy Kids adviser, for guidance. Dr. Hinson, who consults school P.E. departments around the country with his Dr. Recess program, has taught hundreds of kids to ride a bike, and usually after just several minutes of instruction. Here are his expert tips.

Skip training wheels. I had a feeling this was a miss on my part, and Dr. Hinson confirmed it. “They actually keep the kid from learning because they balance the bike for the rider,” he says. The key is to get their core engaged from the get-go, to make it easier to shift to a big-kid bike. For 3- and 4-year-olds learning to ride, he recommends a pedal-less bike (a.k.a. “balance bike”). “The rider sits on the seat and propels himself forward with his feet

Cleary Bikes’ Starfish Balance Bike

on the ground. This enables the child to balance the bike on his own and steer it, which are the two keys to learning to ride,” Dr. Hinson says. A really good one recently on the market: the 12-inch Starfish Balance Bike by Cleary Bikes. It’s pricey—starting at $199—but with a leather seat, special sealants to protect the paint, and (almost unheard of in balance bikes) a hand break, it’s one special piece of engineering. Find it at clearybikes.com or here at amazon.com. Another good, more affordable option is Tauki Kids 12-inch Balance Bike, available for $80 at amazon.com.

Bell’s Zipper Helmet

(And don’t forget a helmet, of course: The Bell Zipper has some great designs, and has been recommended in Consumer Reports’ safety ratings.)
Kids between 5 and 7 are a little too big for these little balance bikes. In their case, start with a regular two-wheeler that’s sized appropriately for them. This chart from the International Bicycle Fund is a good starting point to figure out what to buy.

What Size Bike is Right?

Age	Inseam size (from crotch to foot)	Wheel diameter (bike size)
4-6 years	16-20 inches	14 inches
5-8 years	18-22 inches	16 inches
6-9 years	20-24 inches	18 inches
7-10 years	22-25 inches	20 inches

Source: International Bicycle Fund

Lower the seat and have them practice “walking” the bike on grass. Having their feet flat on the ground at first is helpful. Encourage them to walk the bike while sitting on it. “The child should walk his feet on the ground, moving the bike, making turns and circles,” says Dr. Hinson. ” The goal is for him to get the feel of what it takes to steer the bike and balance it. Since their feet are on the ground, it’s fairly easy, and falls are eliminated.”
Do the same thing on the pavement. Once the child seems comfortable making turns and circles on foot while seated on the bike, progress to the driveway or a parking lot (preferably something flat, smooth, and with a lot of room to go off course). Have him try walking while making turns and circles on the pavement, until he’s comfortable.
Raise the seat back up to a proper height to try pedaling. “Many people want to keep the seat low and have the kid pedal with the seat low—they think this is safer because the kid will be able to put his feet on the ground if he begins to fall,” Dr. Hinson says. But once they are past the “walking” stage, this is a no-no: “Having the seat low makes it really difficult to pedal, as your legs are never fully extended, and when beginners sense they are falling they don’t always put their feet on the ground, but rather let go of the handle bars and basically try to jump off the bike—it’s just instinct, they all do it.” Move the seat up so there’s about a 10-degree bend in their knee when the pedal is at the bottom of the pedal stroke—their toes should just barely touch the ground.
Lightly support the rider as they start push off one foot and start pedaling. “People try to hold the seat, but that’s just balancing it for the rider—the same thing as training wheels,” says Dr. Hinson. “I typically will either grab the rider up under both armpits or grab a hold of his shirt in the center of his back and bunch it up in my hand. Then run along side of the rider—that’s the difficult part. It takes effort, stamina, strength and compassion (no yelling allowed!).”
Keep the mood light, too. Some kids will be riding capably in a few minutes, others will take more time. For slower learners—often the kids who are little more risk-averse—be sure to not put on too much pressure, which will just make them more anxious. Take a break and try again later.

Guide to Kids’ Belly Pain

September 13, 2016 by Kelley 2 Comments

If I crunched the numbers on how often my kids have uttered certain phrases, “my belly hurts,” ranks pretty darn high. So common is this refrain, and typically uneventful the outcome, that there’s a cry-wolf quality to it; I typically point my child towards the pantry or bathroom and go about my day. But sometimes, a stomachache persists, and then figuring out the cause can be like falling into a rabbit hole (and equally unpleasant). And we bumbling parents aren’t the only ones to feel this way. “Belly pain is a dreaded symptom around the office,” says pediatrician Naline Lai, M.D., co-founder of the Two Peds in a Pod blog and an HHK adviser. “It’s so complex, and there are so many different things it can be.”

This is particularly true during these back-to-school days, a perfect storm of abdominal pain risk factors. There’s the fresh viral soup that a closely congregated group of young children stirs up, leading to potential stomach bugs. There’s the suddenly tight schedule of socializing and learning, which cause some kids to drink less water and ignore signs of having to go to the bathroom, both of which can cause constipation. And then there’s stress, a not-well-understood and yet definite trigger of belly discomfort.

With the help of Dr. Lai, we came up with a list of five common belly ailments school-aged kids, and sneaky signs that can help point in the direction of a culprit. Please note that this is only a starting point of reference, and in just about every case of belly pain that doesn’t pass quickly or recurs regularly, you should consult your child’s doctor. Dr. Lai and her Two Peds colleague, Julie Kardos, M.D. ran a helpful post about when you should definitely talk to the pediatrician about your child’s belly pain, here.

Problem	Typical Symptoms	Keep in Mind...
GI Bug	Can come on fast; nausea or stomach cramps followed by vomiting and/or diarrhea; sometimes a fever but not often	Little kids, especially, have trouble explaining what nausea feels like, says Dr. Lai. They may talk about a boo-boo in their belly, but other red flags are refusing food, general fussiness and clinginess, and fatigue.
Constipation	Usually a dull ache, often around the belly button area; reduced number or size of bowel movements; can be bloating around the belly if advanced	Constipation can be very painful, but other things can mimic the severe discomfort sometimes associated with it, like a twist in an ovary or testicle, so call a doctor if concerned. "Also, if they're uncomfortable, be sure to keep track of their bowel movements--kids certainly won't," says Dr. Lai.
Non-gut-related infections (urinary tract infections, pneumonia, etc.)	Fevers are often apparent; kids with UTIs often complain of belly aches low and centered around bladder, and often have pain when urinating and/or an urge to urinate frequently; pneumonia that affects the lower part of the lungs can cause stomach pain or nausea, and typically is associated with a bad cough	"Organs not associated with the gut can cause belly pain," Dr. Lai says. If bacterial, infections often require antibiotics, so if your child has these symptoms, run them by the pediatrician.
Food sensitivity (i.e. lactose intolerance)	Crampy abdominal pain following the consumption of certain foods; loose stools	Lactose intolerance is the most common food sensitivity we see, and can develop as kids get older, says Dr. Lai.
Appendicitis	Pain often starts out in belly button area and moves to the right lower abdominal area; can become very severe	Appendicitis is one of the "great masqueraders of medicine, because it's tricky to tell the difference between this and something benign," says Dr. Lai. If there's any question, go to the doctor.
Stress	The key to anxiety-related stomach pain is that it's very situational, Dr. Lai says. "What often happens in kids who suffer from it is that they have belly pain every morning before school, but miraculously, not on weekends."	"The abdomen is a little known stress point," says Dr. Lai. "Some people get headaches when they're troubled, and others get stomachaches." If every other cause of persistent belly pain is ruled out, docs often look to what's going on at school, at home, and with friends to see if something might be stressing a child out.

School Morning Doughnuts

August 23, 2016 by Kelley 2 Comments

Hear me out.

Like lemonade, ice cream, and Fruit Ninja, doughnuts appeal to just about every kid. Of course, doughnuts are the epitome of a breakfast that you grab in a moment of weakness and regret when your child is hyperactive and hungry 20 minutes later. I’m pretty sure that if you want your child to bomb a test, your contribution to the effort would be to offer him a rainbow-sprinkled on his way out the door.

That said, what is a doughnut, technically, other than a fluffy, puffy, ring-shaped pastry? (Yes, I realize that connoisseurs would balk at this—including Pennsylvania Dutch grandparents, professional bakers who made, by all accounts, delicious fastnachts, yeast doughnuts traditionally fried in lard.) But with the whole wheat croissants at my favorite New York City coffee shop, Via Quadronno, in mind, it occurred to me that one could fortify the simple “cake” doughnut, even just a little bit, and have them still be appealing to kids. Having not seen whole grain doughnuts in the wild, I turned to my friend the Internet, and found and tweaked a couple of recipes (thanks to eatgood4life for getting me started). With some milk and fruit for good measure, these are two school-morning-worthy treats kids—and you—can get behind.

(A few things that seem key, here: A nonstick doughnut pan (I got two of these Wilton doughnut pans from Amazon); whole wheat pastry flour (pastry flour makes baked goods more tender, important for cake doughnuts); and some really good flavorings. Inspired by Ina Garten’s bookmark-worthy list of favorite pantry staples and a few free samples from the company itself, I’ve become pretty devoted to Nielsen-Massey’s vanilla and chocolate extracts. (At the risk of sounding like a really annoying baking purist, in simple baked goods, especially, quality extracts do make a difference.)

Whole Wheat Cinnamon-Sugar Doughnuts
Makes 6-8

Ingredients
1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 large egg
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
(For topping:)
3 tablespoons butter, melted
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Cooking or baking spray oil (I use Coconut Oil spray for most baked goods)

Steps
Preheat oven to 350 and lightly spray doughnut pan with cooking spray. Sift together dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt) in small bowl and set aside. In medium or large bowl, whisk together sugar, milk, yogurt, egg and vanilla until smooth. Fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients. Distribute into doughnut pan holes, taking care to not overfill (about 3/4 full is just right). Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until doughnuts spring back slightly at a light touch. Cool completely. While cooling, in a shallow dish, mix melted butter and sugar and cinnamon for topping. Dip cooled doughnuts into butter and sugar mixture, coating on all sides.

Whole Wheat Chocolate Doughnuts
Makes 6-8

Ingredients
1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
3/4 cup white flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (my favorite is Ghiradelli’s cocoa powder)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 cup plus 3 tablespoons of milk
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons canola, sunflower or coconut oil
1 teaspoon chocolate extract
(For topping:)
1 cup white chocolate chips or white baking chips
Cooking or baking spray oil (I use Coconut Oil spray for most baked goods)

Steps
Preheat oven to 325 and lightly spray doughnut pan with cooking spray. Sift together dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, cocoa and salt) in small bowl and set aside. In medium or large bowl, whisk together sugar, milk, eggs, oil, and chocolate extract until smooth. Fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients. Distribute into doughnut pan holes, taking care to not overfill (about 3/4 full is just right). Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until doughnuts spring back slightly at a light touch. Cool completely. While cooling, in a shallow dish, melt white chocolate chips in the microwave at 30 seconds intervals, stirring each time you take it out, until smooth. (Should take at most 2 rounds for a total of 60 seconds. Don’t overheat. Spoon melted chips into snack or quart sized plastic bag. Snip tiny corner off of end. Pipe onto cooled doughnuts in any design you like.