All Search Results
-
Protecting young athletes with proper hydration
For every person participating in athletic activities, proper hydration plays a crucial role in maintaining health and physical ability. For those of us who live in a hot, humid climate such as Central Florida, we must be vigilant to ensure that our bodies and those of our children are protected from dehydration.
-
Thumb sucking: learning to let go
My little friend Harper sucks her thumb. She is the cutest and sweetest 5-year-old: funny, shy and loves on my little girl like a big sister. I never thought much of it. Some kids suck their thumb; some don’t. But, I’ve come to realize that this seemingly innocent habit can become quite a challenge for many families.
-
Celebrating Independence Day
Happy 4th of July to all of our readers! As we take a break from our traditional blogs this week, we want to leave you with some great 4th of July tips to make your holiday a memorable one for your family. Independence day is filled with activities such as outdoor BBQ’s, family picnics and get togethers, parades, and of course, fireworks! Get your kids involved in the decorating, cooking, and games to get them excited about this special day.
Teaching your kids the meaning of Independence Day
Independence Day is more than good food and fireworks- it’s a celebration of our nation’s birthday. Explaining the meaning behind the words “independence”, “freedom”, “patriotism” will help your kids understand why we celebrate Independence Day. “Independence”- One of the most recognizable symbols of Independence Day is the American Flag. The flag is a great visual representation of the history and meaning of this day. Give your kids a short history lesson by making a homemade flag! All you need is a sheet of blue construction paper, strips of red and white paper, and star stickers. As your kids create their own American Flag, explain what the 50 white stars and 13 red and white stripes symbolize and how they fit into the history of Independence Day. “Freedom”- Independence Day is the celebration of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence and essentially, our freedom. Read a kid-friendly copy of the Declaration of Independence together as a family and talk about the importance of the men who signed this document. Help your kids understand that with independence, comes a lot of freedom AND responsibility, something our nation faced on this very day. “Patriotism”- One of the ways we take pride in our nation is by singing The National Anthem. Print out the lyrics and sing along to a recording of The National Anthem to help them learn and remember the words to “The Star-Spangled Banner”.4th of July Fun
After a quick history lesson on the importance of Independence Day, get your kids in the festive spirit with 4th of July crafts and activities! Check out the Arnold Palmer Hospital Pinterest board that is dedicated to great decorating, food and craft ideas for the 4th of July that your kids will love. -
How was your day?
Every day since he’s been old enough to answer, I’ve been asking my son that question when I pick him up at the end of the day. Usually, I get a relatively enthusiastic “good” and not much else. Sometimes, he’ll offer a little more: a few details about kindergarten drama in the cafeteria, maybe a tidbit about how he and his buddies dug a hole on the playground big enough for them to fit inside (that explains the grubby, little fingernails!).
-
Please, please don’t say the “R” word
This past weekend as I prepared to board a flight, I stood in line at the gate waiting for my section to be allowed to board. I was preoccupied with the same thoughts that often come to mind as I travel. I worried that the weather was going to delay my trip home even further. I hoped there would be room for my carry-on luggage on the full flight. And most of all, in my constant quest for efficiency, I wished I could make everyone around me move a little faster.
-
What we can learn from Leelah Alcorn’s suicide
*this photo was posted on Leelah Alcorn's tumblr site
-
Sibling Bullying: What to do when bullying happens inside your own home
My older brother and his family were recently in town for a vacation. One afternoon, I sat with him, his wife, and my husband talking, while the kids played nearby. We talked and laughed about growing up, and my sister-in-law asked my brother and I, “Did you guys fight much as kids?”
-
The best newborn sleep advice I’ve ever received: Part 1
Before my daughter was born, I read a lot of parenting books. I was probably as prepared as a first-time mom could have been. And yet, when that little bundle finally made her appearance, I didn’t feel prepared at all.
-
The best newborn sleep advice I've ever received: Part 2
In , I shared some of the best advice I received when my daughter was an infant about getting a newborn to sleep. Of course, every family and every baby is different, but here are a few more things I learned that might be helpful to you if you’re struggling to sort out your baby’s sleep problems:
Cry it out at increasing intervals
You may have heard of the “cry-it-out” method. To be honest, I don’t know much about the official method that Dr. Richard Ferber developed. I’ve never read his book because that approach to parenting never appealed to me. Even the name “cry-it-out” just sounds kind of scary. The thought of leaving my baby screaming helplessly and miserably for what seems like an eternity just didn’t feel like the right approach. And, I was frightened by all of the people who told me that I would emotionally scar my baby if I didn’t comfort her immediately. -
The blessing of persistence: Brenna’s story
According to Krista, her daughter Brenna is the goofiest, happiest child. She loves playing with her younger brother and older sister, boating with her best friend and enjoys any activity involving animals. Cheerful and constantly smiling, she may sound like your typical nine-year-old. But, there is a reason Krista considers Brenna to be her hero.
