The Good Fun Book: 12 Months of Parties That Celebrate Service

All parents want to raise kids that are grateful for what they have and are generous enough to give back to those that are in need. Well, authors Karen Duncan and Kate Hannigan Issa have written a book that has awesome activities that help kids give back. The book is called The Good Fun! Book: 12 Months of Parties That Celebrate Service. It will hit stores on October 22, 2010 and coincidentally it is also National Make A Difference Day! It's perfect for preschoolers on up through the teen years. Even adults can get great ideas on giving back to their communities.

What could be better than having fun while doing good things for the city you live in and the people around you. The book helps young children engage in their communities to do some good while having a good time with family and friends. Whether it's a party to help animals, a party to collect sports equipment for needy kids, or a party to make goody bags for needy families, this book will have your kids giving back in no time. It includes 12 party plans to help mostly elementary school aged children make a difference. It's fill with tons of ideas that include participation from friends, family, classmates and more. It promotes critical thinking, problem solving and most importantly, generosity! It even includes invitation suggestions, craft ideas, recipes and charity profiles. It's a great tool for parents and teachers that are interested in participating in service projects with their little ones while teaching them real life skills. It helps educate children on charities and non profit agencies that were created to help people in their communities and those around the world. This book promises to deliver by getting kids excited about giving back! It'll be $15.95 and, in my opinion, worth every penny!

Educational Websites for Kids with Tons of Activities

Educational Websites for Kids with Activities, Recipes,

Birthday Party Themes, Printables and More!

Here's a great website I came across when I was looking for new activities for my daughter and friends. It's Activities for Kids and, not only does it have recipes, printables, crafts and travel games, but it also has tons of features for teachers! The site features classroom activities, personalized open house invitations, activity calendars and more. Parents can use these at home as well if you have a few kids around the same age and/or have other kids cared for at your home.

In addition to all of the features for teachers and parents to teach their kids anything and everything including art, math, American Presidents, the Pledge of Allegiance and more, the site also features tons of Birthday Party ideas! Make free personalized invitations, thank you cards, guest lists and happy birthday banners with clip art directly from their site. They also feature party games, party foods, recipes and more. Need to keep kids entertained, print out the printable games they feature. Not sure what theme to go with for the party? They have a long list of themes along with great ideas on incorporating them. Having tons of family over for the holidays? Entertain them with fun holiday activities, recipes and arts and crafts!

Everything on the site is free and printable without any copyright restrictions. Check it out!

Visit the La Brea Tar Pits for FREE

Looking for a fun activity t do with your kids ? Low on cash and would like to do something that's F.R.E.E.? If you live in or around the Los Angeles area, why not take your little ones to the La Brea Tar Pits Museum! It's free on the first Tuesday of each month (tomorrow). The museum is located at the Rancho La Brea Tar Pits in the heart of Los Angeles. It's a world famous location displaying fossils from centuries ago. The museum is recognized as having the largest and most diverse assemblage of extinct Ice Age plants and animals in the world! Visitors can learn about LA as it was between 10,000 and 40,000 years ago during the last Ice Age. You and your kids can learn about a time in our history when animals such as the saber-toothed tiger and the whooly mammoth roamed the LA Basin. You can even watch bones being cleaned and repaired through the windows of the museum's laboratory! Outside the museum, your kids will be able to see life size replicas of the animals they learned about in the museum. Hancock Park, situated directly accross the street, features several extinct animal statues. Parking is only $7 so it's a great deal. You and your kids can get out on a sunny day and participate in an educational activity together!

Teach Your Kids Spanish at Any Age

You don't have to speak Spanish yourself or have relatives that speak Spanish to teach your little ones. Many parents have expressed to me lately how much they wished they spoke Spanish because they want their kids to be bilingual. With the economy the way it is and with jobs being so hard to find, they want to give their kids an early advantage and get them interested in the language early on so they maintain it and continue learning it through elementary, high school and onto college. Well, I always tell them that they don't need to speak Spanish themselves in order to teach their kids. There are tons of resources, most of them free, to teach their kids Spanish at home. Below are some examples, along with some ways to make your home a bilingual one. The whole family can learn together!

Nickelodeon Nick Jr's Say It Two Ways Program with Dora & Diego

Nickelodeon's Nick Jr website offers games, activities and printables to help your child learn words in English and Spanish. Perfect for young preschool or kindergarten age children just starting with the language.

Spanish for Kids

This is an excellent, comprehensive website for parents and kids of all ages to test their Spanish and learn it at any level. It features tons of free activities including memory games, vocabulary, alphabet sounds, children's videos, songs & lyrics, spelling practice, conversational Spanish to speak with friends, age appropriate activities, worksheets and more! The site also has sections to make your own flashcards, puzzles and even a section for Spanish teachers that you can check out. It also has a "Test Your Spanish Level" section to estimate yours or your child's level of fluency in the language. For older children, it has a Verb Conjugator section to help with the most difficult part of learning the language. Simply enter the word and it conjugates the verb for you. There's also a Spanish/English Dictionary, Text Translator and Sentence Maker. Excellent learning or tutoring resource! What more could you ask for and it's free!!

Spanish Lessons

This website features specific lessons on all of the major Spanish topics, including music and literature. It's ideal for high school age children or children that already speak the language and want to learn to read and write. The site features audio samples, quizzes, musical audio and more. It also allows you to subscribe to a free email newsletter so you can get notification whenever new activities are posted. Some of the lessons include people identifiers, question words, verbs, masculine and feminine words, days of the week, months of the year, imperfect verbs and much more!

Teaching Spanish at Home

• In order to enforce lessons at home, it may help to label items all around your house in Spanish and English. Simply write the words on 3 x 5 cards or Post-It notes and tape them everywhere such as on chairs, windows, doors, appliances, etc. You can also type them and cut them out to make all of the letters look exactly the same and encourage font recognition.
• Practice the words when eating, bathing, playing, etc by asking your child what it is and having him or her tell you in both English and Spanish.
• You can also make Spanish/English bingo games, flash cards, memory games and more!
• When your child draws pictures, see if he or she can draw items that he knows the Spanish words to so he can tell you what it is in Spanish.
• When asking for something, have him or her say Please and Thank you in Spanish as well as English.

Simple tasks such as these and using the online resources will help your entire family learn the language and quickly spark an interest in your little ones so they keep learning it through childhood and into college!

Top 3 Baby Bottles

After getting pregnant, moms and dads are faced with many decisions. What are they going to name their baby? What color will they paint the room? What hospital will the baby be delivered in? Another important choice that most parents do not even realize is one of any importance is what type of bottle they will use to feed their baby for at least the first year of their life. When parents are ready to introduce a bottle, it's important to use a bottle that is BPA free and provides a next generation nipple for a smooth transition. Below are examples of three bottles that either I or friends of mine have used and have been very happy with. All are BPA free and also offer various types of nipples.

1. Weil Baby Nurser Bottles: Dr Andrew Weil, M.D. is an integrative medicine specialist. He believes that there are other chemicals in plastic besides BPA that disrupt an infant's hormone regulation. His bottles are made with an exclusive new material called Tritan. His claims are that it's completely nontoxic. They also have a bubble reducing vent that is just one piece so it's easier to clean. Bottles can be found at weilbaby.com and are $8.99 for a 9 oz bottle

2. Born Free Bottles: This is the first bottle maker to go completely BPA free in the US. They've become a trusted brand for all feeding gear. The bottles are especially sturdy and also have a bubble reducing vent that is composed of two parts. The bottles are very popular amongst parents, especially because they never leak and stand up to a lot of wear and tear. Visit newbornfree.com. They are $18.99 for two 5 oz bottles or $19.99 for two 9 oz bottles.

3. Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Bottles: These bottles have an ultrawide and ultrasoft nipple. They rae also BPA free and are especially designed to make an easy transition from breast to bottle. Some nursing moms claim that this is the only bottle that worked when transitioning their babies. Go to tommeetippee.com where you'll find 5 oz and 9 oz bottles for $7.99.

In addition to BPA free bottles, parents should also be mindful to use only BPA free plastic when feeding their baby. Plastic plates, cups, bowls and utensils should also never be heated up in a microwave or on a stove top since it is known to release toxins into its contents. When heating food or beverages for yourself and your family, heat it in glass or porcelain dishes and cover with a paper towel instead of plastic wrap.

Are There Toxins in Your Home?

Are you a parent that is unsure about possible toxins in your home or in products? Perhaps you are a parent concerned about symptoms in your child, symptoms that just don't seem to go away. Maybe you are a healthcare professional treating a child with a persistent and non-responsive condition. Are you a school or community official concerned that many children are showing similar symptoms. Regardless of your concern, the Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit can help.


The Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit organization was formed to serve as a respected network of experts in children's environmental health. They are a source of medical information and advice on environmental conditions that influence children's health. Because children's environmental health covers a wide variety of issues, the PEHSU network has experts in pediatrics, allergy/immunology, neurodevelopment, toxicology, occupational and environmental medicine, nursing, and other specialized areas. PEHSU work with health care professionals, parents, schools and community groups, and others to provide information on protecting children from environmental hazards. They also work with Federal, State, and local agencies to address children's environmental health issues in homes, schools, and communities.


Their website offers a Frequently Asked Questions page, numerous resources, health information, links to fact sheets and publications and more. The site is a free resource available to parents, offering them a network of health experts at their fingertips. For more information go to www.PEHSU.net Click on your state to find an expert. Then call or send an e-mail and a physician will get back to you.

Gluten & Casein Free Diets and Their Benefits in Autistic Children

The Autism debate and the possible causes of autism are an ongoing debate amongst parents, doctors, teachers, psychologists and virtually everyone involved in the lives of children. From vaccinations to genetics, no one truly knows what causes autism. What many have figured out, however, is a way to improve the lives of autistic children through managing their diets. After beginning a gluten and casein free diet, most Autistic children show significant improvement. Their behavior improves, their emotions are more evident, they are more open to being social with other children and their eating habits improve.

Why does a gluten free and casein free diet help autistic children?
According to Bruce Semon, M.D., Ph. D, the gluten and casein free diet for autistic children is derived from the role that the proteins left over from digestion of those foods leaves in the body. The protein in milk and dairy products is casein while the protein in wheat products is called gluten. The structures of these proteins are what make it difficult for the body to process. They remain in the body long after food is digested and react with receptors in the brain called opioid receptors. Dr Bruce Sermon states that these receptors are what keep the brain functioning normally. When the proteins in casein and gluten bind themselves to these opioids, they slow the brain down as would opiate drugs such as opiates. Dr Sermon states that studies of the brains of most autistic children show that their brain is less active and has decreased blood flow, specifically in the areas that control speech. Adding gluten and casein further slows them down and does not allow autism to improve. This has, in turn, led to many parents, doctors and therapists to eliminate gluten and casein from the diets of autistic children.

Eliminating Gluten and Casein From the Autistic Child's Diet
Many parents cannot fathom eliminating milk from a child's diet. That seems to be the stable in most children's diets and something they need to grow and develop. Breads, crackers, cereals and other carbohydrate laden snacks are also some of the favorite items of most children. Both, however, can be eliminated and substituted in a diet. Parents should begin by eliminating dairy products and casein. After a child has adjusted, they can begin to minimize foods containing gluten and eventually eliminate them. Gluten free diets are becoming ever more popular and many grocery store chains carry a wide variety of gluten free foods. There are gluten free pastas, soups, cereals, desserts and much more. As far as dairy products are concerned, soy is a good option but there are also many other options of butters, cheeses, almond milk, rice milk and even chocolate that are dairy free! The Gluten Free Mom offers a site to help parents in their quest to eliminate gluten and casein from a child's diet. She offers recipes, substitutions, options for dining out and much more.

How a Gluten and Casein Free Diet Cured Autism
Dr Bruce Semon uses one of his patients, Carl, as one of the best examples of how gluten and casein free diets can help minimize or diminish autism. Carl went to see Dr Semon at the age of 2 and a half. He had stopped speaking at 18 months, was having seizures and was on medication in addition to behavioral therapy by the age of 3 years old. His mom had tried homeopathic drugs and, along with therapy, his symptoms showed slight improvement, however, changes were minimal and Carl was still not able to function in a regular classroom at school. Once the casein and gluten free diet was begun, Carl showed almost immediate improvement. Dr Bruce Semon stated that Carl was talking more, responding to questions and his name, was more spontaneous, was eating better, played appropriately and was showing general child behavior. Six months later, Carl was off any medications, greeted others and seemed less withdrawn and could even read and write! A year after treatment with a casein and gluten free diet began, Carl was in a full day kindergarten class and by the time he turned 8 years old, he was no longer diagnosed as autistic. In this case, the diet eliminated the autism all together!

The Autistic Network for Dietary Intervention recommends the gluten free, casein free diet as well and suggests that parents incorporate it into their child's diet for at least 3 months. This means the items must be removed and there is no cheating. It can be challenging and children will resist at first but it can make a tremendous difference in the livelihood an autistic child lives. It may not be the cure for autism but it's certainly a step in the right direction and an option that every parent of an autistic child can try.

More resources

http://www.autismndi.com/

http://www.nutritioninstitute.com/Autism.html

http://glutenfreemom.com/AboutUs.html

Food Essentials: A Nutritional Info App

A Comprehensive Website with a Wealth of Nutritional Information for You and Your Family

Food Essentials.com is a nutritional website that gives you information on more than 20,000 brand name groceries. Whether you're a parent or not, this is one of the most useful and practical websites and phone apps available. Whether you're dieting or just want to monitor yours and your family's eating, you'll want to download this app. Experts at Food Essentials add more and more products daily to keep the database up to date on new products. When you search a product, the site shows you a page that has all of the following information on it:

• UPC code
• Nutritional label
• Label information
• Allergens it may or may not contain
• Additives it contatins
• Function each ingredient plays in the product (flavor, preservative, etc)
• Any extra ingredients product may contain to help family members that are specially allergic to certain foods

You can look up foods free on website or download the now Food Essentials App on your iPhone or Blackberry! The app used to be $4.99 but it is only $2.99 for now! With the app on your phone, all you need to do is scan the bar code on any grocery item and the information will immediately pop up on your phone! Why not download this app for you and your family's health, safety and nutrition!

The site also features a blog that has tons of educational articles on anything and everything nutrition.

Parenting Ages & Stages App

If you're a parent and also an iPhone and iTouch user, you will LOVE this app! It will solve all of your parenting dilemmas on the go. The brand new Parenting Ages & Stages app is now available and best of all, it's free! All you need to do is go to your iPhone or iTunes App Store and download the app directly to your iPhone or iTouch. Get all the best of Parenting.com in the palm of your hand, with info on everything from stretch marks to breastfeeding, potty training, disciplining, feeding, weight loss and nutrition and more. You can also customize the app to match the stage in your pregnancy or the age of your child or children too! What more could you want in an app and especially when it's free! It's like having a parenting encyclopedia with you everywhere you go.

Random Healthy Eating Tips

Help Your Entire Family Improve Their Diet!

1. Not sure if the produce you're buying is really organic? If the number on the sticker starts with a 9 them it is!

2. Have stale bread at home? Don't throw it out! Make breadcrumbs out of it & use them to make baked milanesas! It's like country fried steak but it in the oven instead. Or cut it up in cubes, toss in olive oil & make home made croutons to add to add your salad!

3. Here's a nutrition rule the whole family should be aim to follow! From baby to grandma! Choose foods with no more than 5 ingredients, surely not more than 10, no ingredients you can't pronounce and no cartoons on the package! That'll help insure you and your family are eating healthy, clean foods!

4. For a quick healthy mid-day snack on the go, grab a string cheese, 12 almonds & an apple. It's about 250 calories and has just the right amount of nutrients, protein & carbohydrates to keep you moving through your day!

5. Be cognisant of the difference between eating your food and savoring every bite. Teach your kids to enjoy their food. Chew 10 or 20 times, drink water and wait a bit until your next bite. Not only will you enjoy your food much more but you'll also get full quicker, leading you to avoid overeating!

6. Instead of harping on one bad food choice that you made today (you grabbed a Snickers on the run or ate a donut in the office), get past it and make a very good choice for the next meal. Make up for it by eating a super healthy, clean dinner and make a promise to stay on track the next day.

7. Even if you're tired, had a long day at work or your kids wore you out at home, push yourself to get out for a brisk after dinner walk. Even just 30 minutes a day, especially after a large evening meal, will help digestion, burn calories, get your heart rate up and help you sleep better.

For more tips on healthy living, go to the Whole Living website. There you'll find workout tips, recipes, ideas for healthy snacks and much more!