NewsUSA Parenting
Sat, 04 Feb 2012 12:02:00 +0100
Smartphones Feed New Parental Fears
 (NewsUSA) - The kids are in school, which means they spend most of their day without parental supervision. The days when parents only had to worry about their kids skipping class and getting bullied for lunch money are gone. Now, new threats have emerged around cell phone use.
According to a survey performed by Internet monitoring software company SpectorSoft, sexting is parents' primary concern during the school season.
"Absolutely," said Rebecca Hagelin, a parent who uses SpectorSoft to track her three teenagers. "It's allowed my children to enjoy all the benefits the latest technology has to offer them, and it's allowed me to protect them from the dangers of some of the new technology," she said. "It's a win-win."
Smartphones with advanced Internet capabilities have greatly increased parental fears about cyberbullies, online predators, sexting and the exchange of inappropriate messages and pictures.
SpectorSoft reports that 82 percent of all families surveyed contain at least one child who has a smartphone. Even if teachers and school faculty can keep students off their phones during school hours, who protects them after school?
Bryan Bowers, author of "Keep Your Family Safe Online," said that the survey proves parents are starting to gain greater awareness of what their children are actually up to on their phones and online. "So many children have smartphones, and this tells me parents are starting to get the idea that these devices can be a problem for children," Bowers said. "They are starting to see the reality of what is out there."
SpectorSoft, focused on monitoring products for children since their inception in 1998, has released eBlaster Mobile for Android and BlackBerry phones. This software keeps track of all activity on these smartphones by monitoring and recording text messages, calls and Internet activity and then sending that information to the parent. It also has Geofencing capabilities to enable parents to better understand the whereabouts of their children through their mobile devices. Parents can create electronic location boundaries -- or fences -- that trigger an alert notification when their child enters or exits a pre-defined area with their mobile device.
eBlaster is designed for maximum parental convenience and child safety. The software can be downloaded from its website, www.spectorsoft.com, and then managed from any remote location. Plus, it has a GPS function reporting the exact location of the phone in the event of emergencies.
Thu, 29 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST
The Great Flavored Milk Debate
 (NewsUSA) - A great debate has been building for the past five years in school districts across the country: Is flavored milk contributing to childhood obesity, and should it be taken out of schools?
Facts, research and experts say no. Flavored milk contains the same nine essential nutrients as white milk, including calcium, vitamin D and potassium, three nutrients that children aren't getting enough of, according to the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
"On average, flavored milk accounts for only 2 percent of total calories and 3 percent of all added sugars in kids' diets. But studies show that schools see a severe drop in milk consumption when chocolate milk is taken away," says Alyssa Greenstein, a registered dietitian with the Dairy Council of Florida. "And the nutrients lost from not consuming enough milk aren't easy or affordable to replace."
Research finds that low-fat chocolate milk is the most widely chosen milk option in schools, and despite the availability of white milk, children will turn to sodas and fruit drinks if flavored milk is removed from cafeterias. Sodas are the main source of added sugar in children's diets, and unlike milk, they offer no nutritional value.
Many nutrition and health organizations -- including the American Heart Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Dietetic Association and the School Nutrition Association -- agree that flavored milk is a healthier alternative to soft drinks and a vital part of meeting the dietary needs of youngsters.
"If children don't drink milk with lunch, it becomes almost impossible for them to consume the daily intake of calcium, vitamin D and potassium, which are nutrients of concern as it is," says Greenstein.
Drinking flavored milk is a small but significant contributor to a child's total milk consumption, and it doesn't mean youngsters neglect white milk. In fact, flavored milk makes up only 20-26 percent of kids' total milk intake.
A recent survey of 1,000 moms discovered more than half opposed any school district decision to eliminate chocolate milk from the menu. In the past five years, milk processors nationwide have made significant nutritional changes in milk formulations. With 38 percent less added sugar, flavored milk is projected to contain, on average, just 31 calories more than white milk.
To see more of the nine essential nutrients found in flavored milk, visit www.floridamilk.com.
Tue, 27 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST
For Healthy Babies, Yum-Factor Matters
 (NewsUSA) - Taste matters when it comes to baby food.Erin Jarvis was getting desperate. Her 7-month-old daughter Autumn simply wasn't eating any store-bought food. Like so many moms and dads, Jarvis was worried her baby wasn't getting the nutrition needed for proper growth. Then she tried Baby Gourmet, a new arrival to the U.S. market and available at Walmart."As soon as we tried Baby Gourmet, Autumn made a sound like 'Mmm' and ate the whole pouch in one sitting," Jarvis says with a smile. "We've tried a lot of different brands, but this is the only one she now finishes every time."Baby Gourmet was created by a mom who, like so many others, was worried about her child's well-being. "When Findlay wouldn't eat, I was frantic that she wasn't getting the nutrition she needed to be healthy," says Jennifer Broe.That duel concern over nutrition and taste is why she started making her own baby food and founded Baby Gourmet to help other mothers feed their children healthy, organic food.With flavors like Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp, Vanilla Banana Berry Risotto and Sweet Potato Pie with organic cinnamon, Baby Gourmet offers taste, variety and nutrition.Each package of Baby Gourmet passes strict nutritional and food safety guidelines and passes all USDA and organic requirements. But Baby Gourmet goes a step further -- every recipe starts out in Broe's own kitchen and ends with a personal taste test at the manufacturer.Now, relieved moms everywhere are starting to express their personal joy. "My daughter is just over 1 year old and has refused absolutely all food for seven months. She tried the sweet potato pie today and ate the entire thing in two sittings. I was so happy," Abby Ferris recently shared on Facebook.Another mother, Kristen Ellison, also posted "I have a 12 1/2-month-old who has refused all solids until we tried the pear and garden greens. It literally brought tears because we have tried everything!"Mothers interested in putting Baby Gourmet to the test can find nine choices at Walmart. Find stores near you, and learn more at www.babygourmet.com.
Sat, 24 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST
5 Math Games to Overcome Algebra Woes
 (NewsUSA) - The votes are in: parents would rather teach their children how to drive or educate them about alcohol and drug abuse than help with algebra homework.
But parents aren't alone in their terror of polynomial equations -- 8th- and 9th-graders surveyed by the National Assessment of Educational Progress would eagerly give up Facebook and video games if it meant no more algebra.
Education expert Dr. Richard Bavaria recommends parents treat algebra like reading, a fun chance for quality time with your kids.
"We read with our kids on a fairly regular basis -- story time, bed time, read-aloud time. Why shouldn't we get the same enjoyment doing math with them?" says Bavaria, who has spent 40 years immersed in the education field.
To encourage parents to enjoy helping their middle schoolers with their dreaded algebra homework, Bavaria suggests making math fun with the following games.
1. Keep score. If your kids enjoy sports, board games or playing cards, emphasize the role of score keeper. When watching sporting events, play up "statistics manager" and help them track the stats of their favorite team or player.
2. Use manipulatives. Manipulatives are tangible objects allowing kids to visualize math problems. Tailor it to the interests of your child by using their preferred foods or framing arithmetic questions around their hobbies.
3. Guess the number. Get your whole family to participate by each picking a number while everyone takes turns guessing. Ask smart, educational math questions, like "Can I count to your number by twos? Is it divisible by three?"
4. Use real money. Teach kids to guess what coins are in your pocket by giving them clues, such as four coins that equal eight cents. If appropriate, go to your bank, and have the kids help balance your checkbook or fill in deposit slips.
5. Pick a "number of the day." Instead of a word of the day, choose a number. Challenge your kids to find several ways to reach the number by adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing. Reward them with little prizes for participating.
"We can't allow our math insecurities to get in the way of our kids' success. We can even estimate our kids' progress by using Fit4Algebra -- a free screener that measures how prepared students are for the subject," notes Bavaria.
Fit4Algebra, developed by tutoring service Sylvan Learning, is available online at www.Fit4Algebra.org. Learn more about navigating the math crisis at www.sylvanlearning.com.
Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST
Who Is Teaching Our Teachers?
 (NewsUSA) - When schools are challenged with insufficient funds, outdated infrastructure and a wide gap in achievement levels between low-income and high-income families, the weight of responsibility falls heavily on educators. But who is educating our teachers?
"Most professionals receive ongoing training to keep their skills and knowledge fresh and applicable in a rapidly changing world. Continued professional development is even more important for teachers -- the men and women preparing today's students for college, career, and citizenship," explains Gene Carter, CEO of ASCD, an organization providing professional development to educators across the country and around the world.
Thanks to new teaching methods, materials, curricula and technology, education is evolving more quickly than ever before. Many teachers need support to continually update and improve their teaching. In the fast-paced digital age, teachers' skill sets must continue to grow for their students to see continued success.
For example, according to Carter, the introduction of new common education standards is driving change in classrooms across the country. ASCD offers conferences, workshops, Webinars, online training and even on-site capacity building to instill new skills and better strategies that help educators work with these new standards adopted by states nationwide.
According to experts, ongoing professional development is critical to empowering educators to support the success of each learner.
"The key [to school improvement] is exemplary teaching along with stellar professional development that challenges, supports and inspires teachers to refine practices to improve student learning," notes Lynda Wood, associate superintendent for Southfield Public Schools in Michigan, about her experience with ASCD.
As Wood observes, highly qualified teachers are a must, but it's ongoing professional development that boosts student learning to a higher level of achievement and growth.
"Five years ago, we had extremely low student achievement levels, and we've essentially doubled the number of students who are meeting state standards. That speaks directly to the quality of professional development that's gone on," says Principal Patricia Reynolds from Queens after ASCD faculty implemented a long-term program at her school in New York.
Learn more about professional development at www.ascd.org.
Fri, 9 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST
Moms Deserve a Little "Me Time"
 (NewsUSA) - Moms are the true jacks-of-all-trades. They are the chefs who get meals on the table and lunches packed; the chauffeurs who get kids where they need to be; the doctors who bandage up scrapes; the listeners to problems big and small; the social directors of play dates and parties; and so much more.
With all that they do, moms rarely get a moment to take a break and enjoy a bit of time for themselves.
Dr. Wendy Walsh, busy single mom, TV personality and college professor, understands what it's like to be busy. Here are her tips for helping other moms sneak a little "me time."
* All moms should take a guilt-free break during their busy day. Try arriving at school carpool early. Turn off the car engine, tune into a favorite radio station and reach into your bag for a favorite snack -- like a Keebler Granola Fudge Bar. The granola bars are 150 calories and contain 3 grams of fiber*.
* Watching kids read can remind moms how relaxing it is to escape in the pages of a riveting novel. Get mom-friends together and form a book club, so there's always an excuse to take a break. Tell kids you're doing Mommy-homework, because the book club is meeting soon.
* As the sun sets, parents want to wind down, but sometimes kids, especially colicky babies, wind up. A nice walk is a great way to calm a child down. When the kids get older, keep walking at sunset. It's a great way to take a break from the chaos of the house and soothe yourself.
From taking a peaceful break to enjoying a favorite snack, the importance of a little break in a very hectic day is key for moms. For more wholesome snack ideas like granola bars, that can be enjoyed by mom and the entire family, visit www.keebler.com.
*contain 5-6g total fat per serving
Mon, 21 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST
Grandparents, Grandkids Benefit From Better Hearing
 (NewsUSA) - Grandparents and grandchildren have much to learn from one another, and such valuable relationships should be cultivated. Oxford University research has shown that 'involved' grandparents contribute significantly to better-adjusted grandchildren.
The research suggests that children find unique acceptance in their relationships with grandparents, which benefits them emotionally and mentally. The grandparental bond is built on communication. In fact, most children studied did not identify distance as an important factor if communication was strong.
Unfortunately, hearing loss is the number-one challenge to communication. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), age and hearing loss are strongly related -- 30 percent of seniors from 65 to 74 years old suffer from a hearing disability. For adults 75 years of age or older, hearing loss jumps to 47 percent.
"It doesn't take a PhD for my patients to understand the many costs of hearing loss," says Sreek Cherukuri, MD, a certified ear, nose and throat physician based in Chicago, Ill.
Beyond emotional well-being, even something simple like taking the grandkids to the pool can turn dangerous if grandma can't hear possible cries for help. Driving puts the children at risk if the grandparents cannot hear oncoming traffic or car horns.
The NIDCD reports that only one out of every five people who needs a hearing aid actually wears one. This is largely due to the extravagant cost of most hearing aids.
"I found that I saw too many patients with hearing loss going home without a solution because they couldn't afford hearing aid prices," says Dr. Cherukuri.
Cherukuri's response was to develop inexpensive but effective hearing aids. "With today's technology, a quality hearing aid shouldn't cost more than a digital camera or iPod," Cherukuri says.
MDHearingAid, found at www.mdhearingaid.com, isn't just a reliable source for affordable hearing aids, it's also a good source for expert consumer information.
"You should see a physician and get the best hearing aid you can afford. We offer an excellent choice for those who cannot afford a custom hearing aid." Seniors should enjoy the benefits of their ripe age. This includes plenty of quality time with grandchildren.
Get more info on hearing loss and cost-efficient alternatives at www.MDHearingAid.com .
Fri, 11 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST
America Gets Ready to Celebrate Engineering
 (NewsUSA) - February 19-25, 2012, is Engineers Week, or EWeek, a celebration of the engineering profession and a focal point for public awareness programs showcasing engineering and technology. This national event is held each year during the week of President George Washington's Birthday; many consider George Washington to be the nation's first engineer.
Schools, corporations, museums, government and media groups and technical organizations across the country will join together in the outreach effort, sponsoring various programs and activities to spotlight engineering and promote careers in the field.
A focus of EWeek 2012 will be science, technology, engineering and math education awareness, better known as STEM education, and many organizations will carry out programs that aim to create visibility for the profession in the precollege education sector. For instance, ASME (the American Society of Mechanical Engineers) will conduct the Inspire Innovation workshop, which will bring together engineers and K-12 teachers for a daylong program of fun, enrichment and knowledge-sharing.
"A thrust of the workshop is to motivate K-12 students to consider careers in the engineering profession, and also to inspire K-12 teachers to incorporate engineering into lesson plans as well as learn about tools and resources that can influence effective classroom instruction," said Victoria A. Rockwell, the president of ASME.
In another Engineers Week 2012 program, ASME is launching the "DiscoverE Educator Recognition Awards" to teachers in grades 6-12 who demonstrate success in inspiring students to discover engineering. The awards will be presented in Washington, D.C., site of other EWeek events, including the Future City competition.
While the nation's capital will host several Engineers Week 2012 activities, towns and communities everywhere are encouraged to join in the celebration. Other staples of Engineers Week include "Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day" and the announcement of the "New Faces of Engineering," which features rising stars of the profession.
Experts believe that the United States is facing a shortage of scientific and engineering talent and skills required to develop next-generation technologies enabling the U.S. to compete in the global market. Engineers Week goes a long way toward solving this problem, while also celebrating the many ways that engineers and engineering contribute to the betterment of our quality of life across the world. For information, visit www.asme.org.
Fri, 4 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST
Are Teens Prepared for the Future?
 (NewsUSA) - Among the latest tech gadgets, cell phones and social media sites, today's teen is more connected than ever. Although teens are surrounded by a flurry of electronics and digital media, are they gaining the skills needed to succeed in a technology-driven world?
According to the Department of Commerce, students educated in science, technology, engineering and math at any level make 26 percent more money overall than counterparts who have studied in other fields.
Several non-profits and corporations have rallied together to highlight the importance of teaching young people critical digital literacy skills.
"The access to technology kids get outside of school is often an important complement to the learning that happens in the classrooms," said Dan Rauzi, senior director of technology programs at Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
Boys & Girls Clubs has a long history of providing educational and developmental programs for youth in communities nationwide. Through a national partnership with Microsoft and Comcast, its Club Tech program provides free software and access to technology lessons to youth of all ages. In 2010 alone, the program reached over 850,000 kids who learned how to design posters, collaborate on film projects and make their own music.
Daniel Flores, 16, has participated in Club Tech for two years at Boys & Girls Club of Greater Holland, Mich. He believes the skills he is acquiring in graphic design will help him get into an art college and pursue a career one day. In fact, he's started his own small business offering Web and graphic design services.
"I wanted to create a business that helps other companies market and promote their ideas by developing websites, logos and print making," Flores said.
According to a recent study, teens like Flores who participate in after-school technology programs exhibit a more positive outlook on their future. Many also become more positive about finishing high school and attending college.
"Club Tech is more than just providing computers. We give kids and teens an opportunity to express themselves artistically and engage with technology in a way that builds confidence and real-world skills," added Rauzi.
Fri, 28 Oct 2011 00:00:00 EST
iPhone App Helps Parents Stay One Step Ahead of Lice
 (NewsUSA) - Do you wish you could find out about outbreaks of head lice in your neighborhood or school before your child comes home scratching furiously?
Well, now there's an app for that. "The Facts of Lice" is a free app now available at the iTunes app store -- helping make lice prevention a little easier.
"With 85 percent of school districts reporting lice, busy parents need to be informed about outbreaks in their own communities as quickly as possible," says Risa Barash, founder of Fairy Tales Hair Care, a leader in natural lice prevention products. "The Facts of Lice app allows parents to track lice outbreaks in their own neighborhood so they'll know when it's time to increase prevention efforts at home."
Since most of the 12 million cases of head lice reported each year are found in preschool and elementary school, the new iPhone app is perfect for the entire school year.
The app provides parents with a thorough database of outbreak notifications, which are tracked by state and zip code. Parents can even report outbreaks and access prevention and removal tips.
Preventing lice is far less challenging than getting rid of them, especially with such a useful tool. In addition to paying attention to local outbreaks, parents must teach their children the keys to lice prevention. Classrooms are the perfect environment to help spread head lice. Remind your young kids of the following preventive tips:
* Don't share hats, combs, pillows or helmets. Lice can survive off a human head for up to 36 hours.
* Keep long hair braided or in a pony tail. If you're in contact with infected areas, it's especially important to minimize all encounters.
* Don't wash your hair daily. Lice prefer clean, non-oily hair. Washing your hair once every other day allows natural oils to collect on the hair shaft. This makes your hair healthier and harder for lice to attach themselves.
* Use hair care infused with herbs such as rosemary, citronella and tea tree -- each has been shown to help repel head lice.
Learn more about lice prevention or the iPhone app at www.fairytaleshaircare.com.
Fri, 14 Oct 2011 00:00:00 EST
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