Family & parenting april 2016

RhodyBeat

presents

Managing Money How to build your household budget

Mastering the Balancing Act

Tips for juggling work and family

The Family That Plays Together Weeknight activities the whole family can enjoy April 2016 A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT FROM

Beacon Communications View this section online @ www.rhodybeat.com

Family & Parenting • April 2016 •

rtists’

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Tour our 84-acre waterfront campus, meet our passionate faculty, and learn how we excite and engage students about the process of learning.

Household budget building how-to

5 Enjoy dining out with kids 6 Finding the right family car

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Tips for juggling work and family

8 How families can prepare for downsizing to smaller homes 9 Conquering the clutter Cleanliness with kids is not impossible 10 How to keep connected kids safe 11 How families can cut vacation costs 12 Safety guidelines for new parents 13 Tips for grandparents helping to raise children 13 Understanding gestational diabetes 14 Various types of family caregivers 15 Did you know – online coupons 16 How to find more time for family

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Weeknight activities the whole family can enjoy

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Encourage a love of physical activity in youngsters How to be a good youth sport parent Questions to ask when looking for an afterschool program

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Family & Parenting • April 2016 •

Household budget building how-to T

he majority of families must live on budgets. Heads of households where money is no object may be able to spend at will, but many men and women must develop budgets so their families’ everyday needs are fulfilled and so there is a safety net should an unforeseen situation arise and threaten family stability.

Building a budget can be a significant undertaking, but there is a method men and women can employ when developing a family budget to make that process go as smoothly as possible.

Gather pertinent documents. The first step toward building a household budget is to gather pertinent documents, such as earnings statements, utility bills, mortgage documents, and any other documents that can help you figure out your earnings and expenses.

Determine what’s coming in and what’s going out. When building a budget, you

must determine how much income your household is generating and how much of that income is already earmarked for necessities like mortgage payments, car payments, etc. Make a list that includes an incoming and outgoing category for expenses, and make a separate category for outgoing expenses that are not necessities, such as the amount of money you spend each month on dining out.

Peruse past bank statements to determine those discretionary expenses.

Determine which discretionary expenses can be trimmed. Certain expenses, such as mortgage and car payments, are likely fixed. Unless you can refinance your mortgage to earn a lower monthly payment or pay off your car loan so you no longer have to make monthly payments, you probably need to examine your discretionary spending to find opportunities to save money. It’s best that men and women working together to build a household budget come to a consensus on where to make cutbacks, as you don’t want any resentment to build because one person was forced to sacrifice something important while the other was not. Be respectful of each other’s concerns and plan on each of you making a sacrifice so resentment does not develop Agree to make initial cutbacks a trial run that you will revisit in the near future to determine how the sacrifices are affecting your quality of life.

Prioritize paying down debt. One of the best ways to clear up money long-term is to eradicate debt, and consumer debt in particular. It is unrealistic to eradicate certain debts, like a mortgage, in the shortterm. But consumer debt, which includes credit cards, tends to come with high interest rates, and carrying substantial consumer debt can negatively affect

your credit rating. When attempting to pay off consumer debt, resolve to avoid using credit cards unless it’s a genuine emergency and you don’t have the cash to cover the associated expenses.

Periodically revisit your budget. Men and women should periodically revisit their household budgets to determine if their budgets are effective and how those budgets are impacting life at home. Expect to make some minor tweaks whenever revisiting your budget, and don’t be averse to making more significant changes if the budget is proving especially difficult on certain members of your household.

Building a household budget is no small task. Men and women willing to work together and revisit their budgets every so often may find that such an approach eventually creates a more financially stable and enjoyable situation at home.

Practice, patience and choosing the right times to dine can make dining out with children a positive experience for families.

P

arents know taking kids out to eat requires patience. The sights and sounds of a restaurant can be overwhelming and distracting to children used to eating at home.

Toddlers have not learned to control their impulses yet, and even school-aged children may experience intermittent breakdowns when they are uncomfortable or not feeling well. But parents who want to take their tots out on the town can employ some easy steps to make eating out a fun excursion for everyone.

Practice Daniel Post Senning, the great-grandson of etiquette expert Emily Post and coauthor of “Emily Post’s Etiquette, 18th edition,” says parents can practice dining out by replicating the experience (as much as possible) at home. Ask the children to use inside voices and exhibit proper behavior at the dinner table. Remove children from the table if they misbehave and try again another time.

Parents also can acclimate their youngsters to dining out by gradually working their way up to more formal restaurants. Start by dining out at a place where table behavior or noise may be more tolerable, such as a fast-food restaurant, before moving on to a casual restaurant and then a nicer restaurant when kids can handle it.

Provide distractions Many young children cannot sit still for long and may need a series of distractions to keep them entertained throughout meals.

Pack a bag of tricks that includes toys, games, books, and even a digital device tuned to kids’ favorite programs.

Pick restaurants that do not have a long wait to get a seat so that kids’ patience has not worn thin before you even make it to the table. A sightseeing walk around the restaurant also may be able to provide a welcome distraction until the food is ready.

Pack snacks Although the goal may be to eat out, kids may not be as patient as adults when waiting for their meals to be delivered. Ask servers to bring out the kids’ meals when appetizers are served or think ahead and have some light snacks, such as crackers or dry cereal, available to tame kids’ hunger pangs.

Choose restaurants wisely Make concessions as to where and when you eat. Coordinate around nap times so children will be happy and well-rested.

Select restaurants that accommodate children. Ask to be seated out of the way just in case your son or daughter acts up.

This way you will not disturb other patrons.

Restaurants tend to be less busy right before dinner service and directly after. If you can time your meals to these off-peak hours, it may make for a more enjoyable dining experience.

Offer plenty of praise Always let children know when they are doing a great job and behaving well in a restaurant. Engage kids in conversation and keep them entertained. Boredom or attention-seeking behavior can make dining out with youngsters more difficult to manage.

A treat or a special reward (sticker or coloring book) can be offered to a child who behaves when dining out.

Be courteous and respectful Many children will eventually act up in restaurants, and parents should respond to such instances as courteously as possible.

Apologize to those around you whom your child has disturbed. Remove your son or daughter from the area and take a few moments to help him or her calm down. If kids can’t be calmed down, ask that your meal be wrapped.

Remember to clean up after yourselves and thank the waitstaff for any extra service, such as lugging a heavy high chair or providing extra silverware if kids drop any forks or spoons. Don’t leave a large mess for the server, and tip accordingly.

Children grow accustomed to dining out over time. It may take some practice, but with the right planning, families can enjoy meals away from home.

Open your heart to a child in foster care...

There are many ways you can get involved with Adoption Rhode Island and help make a difference in the life of a child in care: Join us at our Annual Spring Gala Fundraiser on Friday, April 29 at Warwick Country Club!

Gather your family & friends and join Adoption RI and the RI Lions, District 42 as we try to break the World Record for the most sand angels made at one time!

Project Sand Angels takes place at Narragansett Town Beach on May 7th.

Our Summer Camp Program helps raise money to send children in care to camp for a week. Stop by Finn’s Harborside in E. Greenwich on June 20th for dinner, dancing and fun while offering a child a chance to create meaningful childhood memories!

Our Car Donation Program turns your used car into dollars to help support the various programs we have for children and families impacted by adoption and foster care.

Every child deserves a childhood!

For information on these and other ways you can help visit our website at adoptionri.org.

Adoption Rhode Island 401-865-6000 • www.adoptionri.org • facebook.com/AdoptionRI • twitter.com/AdoptionRI

5 • April 2016 • Family & Parenting

Enjoy dining out with kids

Family & Parenting • April 2016 •

Finding the right family car

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arents have a host of options at their disposal when the time comes to buy new cars for their families.

While dad might have long dreamed of driving the fastest sports car on the market, such a vehicle does not make much practical sense when car trips figure to be made with kids in tow.

Finding the right car for a family depends on a host of factors, as what makes a good vehicle for one family will not always make a great choice for another family right down the street. When choosing a car for their families, parents can consider the following factors to ensure they choose the vehicles that best suit the needs of their broods.

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While cost should not be the only consideration when choosing a family vehicle, parents must determine their budget before beginning their search for a new ride. Aside from a home, cars are the most expensive purchase many people will ever make, which only highlights the importance parents must place on finding the right vehicles for their families. Luxury cars, SUVs and sports cars tend to be the most expensive vehicles on the market, and young parents just starting out or parents of school-aged kids with college educations to consider might find that less expensive vehicles make the most practical sense for their families. Parents also must determine if they are financing or leasing their vehicles or buying them outright. Financing and leasing often requires full insurance coverage, which can be pricey, while buying outright affords vehicle owners to choose the level of coverage they are most comfortable with. Determine insurance costs on a given model before driving off the lot with the pedal to the metal.

Family size

The size and potential size of the family also must be considered before buying a

new car. Kids grow up and get bigger, and parents who want to have more children down the road should consider just how big they want their family to be before buying a new car. Look for a car that not only suits your family now, but one that will cater to your family’s needs down the road as well. Overlooking this important factor now may force you to replace the car you ultimately buy sooner than you had hoped.

Safety Safety is the top priority for many parents as they purchase new cars for their families. Look for a car with a high safety rating and a proven track record of ensuring passengers survive accidents. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (www.iihs.org) as well as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (www.nhtsa.gov) test and rate new vehicles for safety, and parents should look up the results of these tests and ratings on any vehicle they are considering purchasing for their families.

Use Family cars are rarely limited to getting mom or dad to and from work and for trips to the grocery store. Today’s kids are more active than ever before, and chances are their schedules are as packed as their parents’. Consider the many chauffeuring trips you will have to make in the years to come, and choose a car that is equipped to handle those trips.

Parents who double as soccer coaches may benefit from buying minivans that can easily store all that sports equipment, while those whose children participate in activities that take them far and wide may want a car that’s especially fuel efficient.

Comfort Luxury vehicles may provide the most comfortable ride, but parents who are not yet ready to go that route need not sacrifice comfort in favor of practicality.

Families spend lots of time in their vehicles, and summer vacations or winter holiday road trips are that much more enjoyable when everyone is riding in comfort.

While comfort might not be the foremost priority for parents, it is something to consider when buying new family vehicles.

alancing work and family is a juggling act faced by many working parents. Responsibilities to work and family often overlap, and that can make solving the riddle of balancing work and family that much more difficult.

Single-income households have decreased dramatically over the last several decades, as escalating costs of living have made it difficult for many families to get by on just one income. But working parents can employ several strategies, both at the office and at home, as they attempt to make the job of juggling commitments to work and family a little less difficult.

Around the office A major concern many parents have as they attempt to balance work and family is that they are not spending enough time at home with their children or not paying enough attention to their kids or even their spouses when they are home. One way to find more time at home is to inquire about the possibility of working remotely.

Advancements in technology that have made it easier to remotely communicate with clients and coworkers has led to an influx of work-from-home employees.

While working from home does not mean workloads will diminish, it does save men and women the time they would spend commuting to and from work, and that translates to more time at home with the family. If working remotely full-time is not a possibility, men and women can ask if it’s possible to do so one or two days a week, as such a schedule will still provide more time at home.

Another avenue men and women can explore as they attempt to achieve a better balance between work and family concerns how efficiently they do their jobs.

Chatting with coworkers about issues that do not pertain to work can be a great way to reduce work-related stress, but professionals who feel as if they never have enough time to get their jobs done in a typical work day should determine if they are working as efficiently

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Tips for juggling work and family B

as possible. Avoid too much water cooler chitchat and resist the temptation to check personal emails or text messages while at work. Such distractions can eat up a considerable amount of time over the course of a workday, making it harder for men and women to get their jobs done in a typical workday and forcing them to stay late or bring work home.

Men and women working to achieve a greater balance between work and family also can examine how willing they are to take on additional work. While coworkers love a team player willing to pitch in, routinely accepting extra work can drastically cut into the time men and women have to do their own jobs as well as the time they have to spend with their families. Helping coworkers out in a pinch is fine, but men and women should resist any urges to take on more than they can reasonably handle.

At home Men and women also can take steps at home to create a better balance between work and family. Working parents who want the time they have with their children each night to be more substantive can turn off their devices upon arriving home from work. Devices such as smartphones and tablets keep working professionals attached to their offices, and many men and women are tempted to check work emails or answer phone calls and voicemails even when they have left the office for the day. Parents should resist that temptation so their families know their focus is on them and not back at the office.

Another way to create a greater balance between work and family life is to make more efficient use of time at home. For example, rather than spending an hour each night making dinner, working parents can use a slow cooker so family meals are ready the moment everyone arrives home at night. That frees up time the family can spend together and gives working parents one less thing to do when they arrive home.

Working parents looking get more quality time with their

families also can cut back on the time families spend watching television each night. Limit television time to an hour or two each night, using the extra time to connect with one another.

Many working parents strive to create a greater balance between work and family. While doing so is not always easy, men and women can employ strategies at work and at home to make the challenge a little less complicated.

Family & Parenting • April 2016 •

How families can prepare for downsizing to smaller homes

D

uring the housing market crash of the first decade of the 21st century, many families learned to get by with less. For some of those families, less lavish living fit like a glove, prompting them to change their lifestyles for the long haul.

Downsizing to smaller homes was a move made by many families over the last several years.

Some did so out of economic need, while others preferred the simpler lifestyle that often comes with living in a smaller home. Families about to downsize to smaller homes may find the task ahead of them daunting, but there are some ways to make the transition to less spacious residences go more smoothly.

Discuss downsizing with kids. In many ways, youngsters adapt to change better than adults.

But it’s still a good idea for parents to explain downsizing to their children before they begin to prepare for their transitions to smaller living spaces. Kids who understand the reasons behind downsizing are more likely to embrace the move, while those who have not been involved in the process may find it more difficult to adjust. When the time comes to begin choosing items to discard, allow children to choose which of their items they will not be keeping.

Respect their decisions, exercising patience if kids are initially reluctant or don’t seem to understand downsizing.

Design a downsizing system. It is not uncommon for families to be lukewarm when the initial process of downsizing begins, as people are understandably hesitant to discard items they worked hard to accumulate or cherish for various reasons. A downsizing system can make that initial period less uncomfortable, especially if family members are together on the first day of downsizing. Let each family member take a turn choosing an item to sell, donate or discard, and continue so family members know everyone is in it together. Once kids have seen that everyone is making sacrifices, they are more likely to embrace downsizing.

Begin in the attic, basement and garage.

Downsizing to a smaller home often means less storage space, and attics, basements and garages tend to serve as in-house storage units where seldom-used items accumulate over time.

When trying to choose which items won’t be coming along to their smaller homes, families can start in their current homes’ attics, basements and garages, looking for items that take up too much space or those that will serve no practical purpose at their new homes. For example, that snow blower in the garage may be a godsend when the time comes to clear your expansive current driveway of another storm’s worth of snow, but it might not be worth the space it takes up if your next home has a short driveway or just on-street parking. Once rooms used primarily for storage have been cleaned out, you can then move on to other rooms in the house to find items that won’t be going with you.

Look to sell, donate or discard items that will not serve much purpose at your next home.

Don’t just discard, donate or sell. One of the hidden benefits of downsizing to a smaller home is the chance to make some money by selling those items you won’t be needing after you move into your new digs. Schedule a yard sale and give ample notice to neighbors or fellow community members so you can get as much as possible for the items you no longer need. If money is no object, donating your unwanted items to a local goodwill store or another charity is a great way to ensure your possessions find their way into the homes of people who truly need them. When getting rid of personal items, only discard those items that are no longer functional. If they can still serve a purpose, then someone can benefit from using them.

Promise to revisit the decision down the road after moving. Families who are downsizing for a lifestyle change as opposed to out of economic need can promise to revisit the decision together in the future. Families may be quick to adjust and be grateful for the change, while others might realize their decision did not produce the desired results. Promising to revisit the decision once the dust has settled can give everyone some peace of mind and make the transition that much easier.

Families downsize to smaller homes for a number of reasons, and there are many ways to make that transition go more smoothly regardless of the reasons behind the move.

F

amed comedienne Phyllis Diller once said, “Cleaning your house while your kids are still growing is like shoveling the sidewalk before it stops snowing.” Many parents realize that having children means their homes will be filled with a vast assortment of toys, clothing and other items that seemingly spend more time scattered across the family room floor than in children’s bedrooms.

Homes where young children lay their heads at night may not be as tidy as the photos lining home decorating magazine spreads. But while lived-in family homes may never be spotless, they do not have to be overrun with clutter, either. It’s possible to find a happy balance with the right strategy and by investing in a few organizational products.

Work one room at a time. Cleaning up cluttered homes can seem like a monumental effort when looking at clutter as a whole. But parents can do themselves a favor by choosing a starting point and tackling the project one room at a time.

Find the room that needs the most work or a space where clutter causes the biggest headaches. Once you clean such rooms, you may discover extra motivation to move on to the others.

Resist the urge to wander. One of the obstacles many people face when attempting to declutter a home is the tendency to remove an item from one room only to add it to the existing clutter in another room. For example, if a child’s toy is in the living room, you may walk that toy up to the bedroom and get involved in tidying up the bedroom, leaving the mess behind in the living room.

When organizing a home, stay in a particular room until that room is clean.

Have designated bins or bags for items that need to be carried into another room, but only transfer such containers after a room has been cleaned.

Cull twice a year. Children accumulate

the greatest number of new toys on birthdays and holidays. Set a schedule to go through existing toys prior to these events and sort out the broken, old or seldomused items. Donate these toys to preschools, afterschool programs, family support centers, or babysitting centers at your office or gym. Whatever can’t be salvaged should be put into the trash or recycling bins.

Invest in storage cubes and bins. Toys that are easily accessible and seen are easier to find and put away. Develop a storage system that works for your family. Labeling bins with words (or pictures for children who can’t yet read) helps children identify where things belong.

Find a system that will have long-term functionality and grow with the family.

Many stores sell storage bookcases that blend with home décor.

Tame the toys. Making too many items available at any given time can become overwhelming to children. Rotate toys rather than always buying new ones so that items will be fresh and interesting.

Toys out of the rotation can be stored in a basement or attic. Belongings that are not requested or missed can be given away. Another idea is to create wishlists for birthdays and holidays. This way friends and relatives only buy what kids want, rather than an array of toys that may just end up taking up space.

Get items off of the floor. Any organizational system that can move items vertically is beneficial. Children will become accustomed to hanging things up rather than leaving belongings on the floor.

Hooks, hangers and shelving mounted on walls, will free up precious floor space.

Choose furniture that serves double duty. Beds with drawers underneath or a toy chest that doubles as a bench can work well in spaces that need some clutter control.

Establish a school memory box. Parents can give each of their children a plastic bin where they can store memorable items from school. Not every assignment or drawing sent home needs to be kept. Reserve the memory box for those special things that have the most meaning.

Kids and clutter often go hand in hand. However, there are ways to keep the mess under control.

9 • April 2016 • Family & Parenting

Conquering the clutter Cleanliness with kids is not impossible

Family & Parenting • April 2016 • 1

How to keep connected kids safe While parents worry about their kids going online, smartphones enable families to stay readily in touch, and many students turn to the Internet for school assignments.

Parents who want to protect their youngsters from less reputable online elements can take certain measures to reduce the risk that their kids will come across questionable people and/or content when surfing the Internet.

Set up parental controls

Parental and security controls are built into most devices that connect to the Internet. Parents can customize the settings, limiting what kids can and can’t do on each particular device. Websites with questionable or adult content can be blocked, and location services or chatting may be turned off. Security settings also enable parents to set up passwords so that purchases can be prevented or that certain applications require entry of a password before they can be accessed.

Keep personal information to a minimum

T

he popularity of mobile devices and smartphones has produced more tech-savvy kids. Based on a 2013 survey by Scratch Wireless, nearly one in five kids uses a mobile device every day. Other children regularly go online through tablets, laptops and home PCs. Connectivity is ever more in reach — and often outside of the watchful eyes of parents and other caregivers.

Although statistics vary, Symantec, maker of Norton Internet Security software, estimates that at least 20 percent of kids will receive harassing, hateful or insulting messages via the Internet. That’s not the only hazard of browsing the Internet. According to the Journal of Adolescent Health, 65 percent of online sex offenders use social networking sites to gain home and school information about their victims and 82 percent of online sex crimes against minors originate from online social information. The Internet also can put children in touch with age-inappropriate media content and pornographic or racy imagery. Mobile devices can provide a distraction for teenagers, which can be dangerous when used while they are driving.

Whenever children and even adults create new online accounts or profiles, they should limit the amount of personal information they provide. Try not to set up usernames that include full first and last names. Avoid any mention of birthdays, addresses, phone numbers, and names of schools. Vague profiles protect user information and make it more difficult for online predators to target people.

Turn off geolocation services

Many mobile apps use something called geolocation to automatically share a person’s location with others. Other apps may require location information for maps or to provide directions or recommendations for businesses in the area. In addition, some photos taken with geolocation services activated may be geo-tagged, meaning the digital image is imprinted with a code that can tell others where it was taken. Location services can identify where a child is and put this information in the hands of people trolling for personal information online.

Use hotspots cautiously

Wi-Fi hotspots provide free Internet connectivity when customers are at restaurants, parks or other areas with Wi-Fi service available. Hotspots can be particularly

attractive to kids with limited data plans. However, hotspots are less secure than home Internet connections, and Wi-Fi hotspot users are vulnerable to cyber criminals. Kids should never share personal information, account numbers or other intimate details when using a hotspot.

Avoid compromising photos The “selfie” craze invites people from all over to post pictures of themselves on social media sites. While it can be fun to share images over the Internet, availability of photos can lead to trouble. Photos could give others clues to where kids go to school, work or live. Images posted while on vacation may alert others that someone is not home.

Compromising or suggestive photos can harm a child’s reputation or even lead to exploitation. Stress to children that they should only take photos they would be willing to share with their parents and that they should keep posted photos to a minimum. Exercise caution whenever posting images, and rely on security measures to limit who can view those images.

Be on alert for malware A program or app may contain malware that steals information behind the scenes. Only download content that can be verified as valid. Free offers and email messages that advertise software for download or Web links should be avoided.

Don’t interact with online strangers The Web puts many people who live all around the world in instant contact with one another. Children should never send information or interact on a personal level with someone they do not know. Parents should stress the importance of avoiding strangers online just like they do when teaching kids to avoid strangers in public.

The Internet has changed the way parents must safeguard their children from dangers in the world.

Practicing common sense and employing safety measures and software can limit kids’ vulnerability to the dangers that lurk online.

F

amily vacations are the one time each year when all members of the family get to leave the daily grind behind to enjoy a little R&R together. Such excursions often strengthen family bonds and help to create lasting memories that parents and kids will cherish for years to come.

Families planning this summer’s annual getaway may already know that the cost of travel is on the rise. While there are always deals to be had, budget-conscious parents may still find themselves looking for ways to cut their travel costs so more of their money can be spent on having fun instead of financing trips. The following are a handful of ways parents can trim their families’ travel costs without sacrificing the quality of their vacations.

Stay closer to home. It may sound simple, but vacationing closer to home is perhaps the best way for families to save a substantial amount of money on their vacations. Airline tickets can take up a sizable portion of a family vacation budget, and once the plane touches down families may need to add the additional expense of rental cars so they can get around their destination and enjoy all its sights and sounds. But families who choose to vacation closer to home can take their own vehicles, paying only for gas instead of airline tickets, car rentals (including rental insurance) and gas. Find a location close to home that still offers everyone an escape, but one that’s not far enough away that car travel will prove burdensome and exhausting.

Plan to make some of your own meals.

Dining out is another considerable expense for families on vacation.

Depending on the size of their families, parents may find that their dining budgets

will approach or even exceed the cost of air travel by the end of a single week.

But parents can drastically reduce those costs by planning to make some their own meals while away on vacation.

Bring along a couple of cereal boxes so breakfast is simple and inexpensive, and try to book accommodations equipped with kitchens or outdoor areas where the family can fire up a grill a few times during the week to save on costly dinner tabs.

Travel light. Families who must travel by air can trim some of the cost of flying by traveling light. Many airlines now charge fees for bags that exceed preestablished weight limits and may charge for additional baggage as well.

Leave hefty jackets and extra footwear behind when traveling during the warmer months, as everyone can likely get by with just some lighter summer attire and less formal footwear. If traveling to a ski resort in the winter, consider renting bulky skiing

attire, including boots, so baggage limits are not exceeded.

Work with a travel agency that specializes in your locale. Many families may feel they can now plan their own vacations and save money, but planning through a travel agency may still be a family’s best bet. When booking trips via a travel agency, families can often negotiate with a representative, who can work to tailor a vacation that fits families’ budgets.

Such negotiation is much more difficult when going it alone or working through a travel website. In addition, many travel agencies include tours and other attractions in the price of their packages, and that can be a great way to earn discounts to local sights and activities.

Travel is expensive, especially for parents traveling with kids in tow. But costconscious moms and dads can still plan relaxing and enjoyable vacations without breaking the bank.

11 • April 2016 • Family & Parenting

How families can cut vacation costs

Family & Parenting • April 2016 • 1

Safety W guidelines for new parents

elcoming a new child into a family dynamic requires certain adjustments on the part of family members. New parents have come to expect shortened sleep schedules as they handle early-morning feedings and babies who haven’t quite adjusted to their parents’ sleep/wake schedules.

Parents soon learn another aspect of childcare that fills their days is safety. Keeping little ones safe, whether at home or on the go, becomes the utmost priority.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s “Childhood Injury Report” indicates more than 12,000 children die each year in the United States from an unintentional injury.

Injuries involving transportation, drowning and suffocation account for the largest number of accidental deaths among young children.

One of the first safety steps parents can take is to become informed about common childhood injuries and statistics.

Educating oneself about the potential for injury is the key to preventing accidents from occurring.

The next step is to take measures to childproof areas in and around the home. Various organizations, including Kids Health, the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the National Safety Council, recommend caregivers take the following safety measures.

• Use safety latches and locks for cabinets and drawers to keep children away from potentially harmful poisons and household items.

• Employ safety gates to prevent falls down stairs and to keep children from entering rooms that are not supervised or contain possible dangers.

• Keep track of baby’s milestones, including when infants learn to pull themselves up in the crib.

The crib mattress should be set to the lowest position and items removed so curious kids cannot climb out of the crib.

• Bathtubs are a common location for injury. Never leave a child unattended in a bath — even for a minute. Bathrooms can be made safer by installing a soft cover on the bath faucet head, using a secure and nonskid bath seat for the child and relying on a thermometer to check the temperature of the bath water.

• Use knob covers to prevent access to the stove. Always supervise children in and around the kitchen, where there are many hazards and hot surfaces.

• Use bolts or anchors to secure items like televisions, bookcases or dressers to the wall to prevent them from tipping over.

• Getting a shock is easy when babies with saliva-drenched fingers touch electrical outlets.

Use safety plugs or special covers to prevent access.

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• Use corner guards to protect young heads from falls against furniture or fireplace hearths.

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• Make sure area rugs are secured with a nonskid backing and repair any tripping hazards so children do not fall while learning to walk.

• Drapery and blinds cords should be kept out of youngsters’ reach.

Window coverings that are cordfree are safer options.

• Parents can benefit by learning CPR and other first aid techniques. You never know when they might come in handy.

• Window guards and safety netting can prevent falls from windows, balconies, landings, and decks. Check these safety devices frequently to make sure they are still secure.

• Be sure to check that smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are functioning as they should and have fresh batteries.

• Create layers of protection around a swimming pool, which includes installing self-latching fences, alarms and safety covers.

• Make a first aid kit and store emergency instructions inside.

Post important phone numbers close to a landline phone or program them into a mobile phone.

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s retirement age approaches, many older adults envision themselves downsizing and moving to a quaint community to enjoy their golden years in as relaxing a fashion as possible. However, for a growing number of seniors, their retirement years are being spent helping to raise grandchildren.

United States Census data from 2010 indicates 4.9 million American children are being raised solely by their grandparents.

CanGrads, a National Kinship Support organization, says approximately 62,500 children are being raised by grandparents and other family in Canada. Many grandparents provide part-time care when their older children have to move back home with their families, as roughly 13 million children are now living in homes with their grandparents.

require a lot of gear, more than grandparents likely used when raising their own children.

Certain safety requirements are in place to safeguard young children, and that often means investing in new cribs, car seats, high chairs, and other items. Grandparents should resist the temptation to use old items they may have kept in storage, as such items may no longer be safe and could put grandchildren at risk for injury.

Gather important documents.

Grandparents should keep pertinent documents in one easily accessible place in their homes should an emergency arise.

These include birth certificates, health immunization records, death certificates (if the child’s parents are deceased), dental records, school papers, citizenship papers, and proof of income and assets.

Although being raised by grandparents may not be the ideal situation for all parties involved, such situations are a necessity for many families. Seniors who are once again thrown into the caregiver arena may need a crash course in childcare or a few pointers on parenting in the modern age.

Speak with an attorney. Lawyers can help grandparents wade through legal arrangements, such as filing for custody, guardianship or adoption. Options vary depending on where petitioners live, but lawyers can provide peace of mind to grandparents concerned about their grandkids’ futures.

Get the right equipment. Children certainly

Investigate financial assistance. Seniors

may not earn the income they once did and may be on assistance programs or living off of retirement savings.

Grandparents who find themselves caring for a child may be eligible for financial assistance. The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families is a joint federal and state program that can provide need-based financial assistance. The AARP or the organization GrandFamilies may be able to put grandparents in touch with financial advisors in their areas.

Contact schools and daycare centers.

School-aged children will need to be enrolled in school. Grandparents should contact the department of education where they live to learn about local school systems, especially when grandkids are moving in with their grandparents. Some grandparents can qualify for free or low-cost daycare, and such programs can be discussed with local Social Services offices. Enrollment in school or daycare can provide grandparents with much-needed free time during the day.

Find emotional support. Taking care of grandchildren is a full-time job. At times, grandparents may feel stressed or out of sorts. Having a strong support system available can help grandparents work through the peaks and valleys of this new and unexpected stage in life. Church- or community center-based counseling services may be available. Grandparents also can check with their healthcare providers to determine if counseling or therapy sessions are covered under their plans.

Caring for grandchildren is a life-changing event. Although it can be fulfilling, it also requires a lot of energy and commitment.

But grandparents needn’t go it alone, as there are numerous resources available to seniors who suddenly find themselves caring for their grandchildren.

Understanding gestational diabetes

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any people are familiar with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, both of which are characterized by high blood glucose levels that can lead to additional health problems. Insulin injections, dietary changes, exercise, and medication may be needed to correct the ratio of sugar to insulin in the body.

Another common form of diabetes may not be as well-known as the others but can be a concern for expecting parents.

Gestational diabetes, according to the

American Diabetes Association, refers to the appearance of high blood sugar levels during pregnancy. Women who have never before been diagnosed with diabetes can experience elevated sugar levels while carrying a child. A 2014 analysis by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates the prevalence of gestational diabetes can be as high as 9 percent among pregnant women in the United States.

While doctors are not completely certain why gestational diabetes occurs, the National Institutes of Health notes that some doctors suspect pregnancy hormones produced in the placenta block naturally-occurring insulin from working effectively. When this occurs, glucose levels can spike. This problem is called insulin resistance, and women may need three times as much insulin at this time.

Blood sugar usually returns to normal after delivery, but treatment may be necessary during pregnancy.

Certain women are at a higher risk of developing gestational diabetes than others.

These include women older than 25 and

those with a family history of diabetes.

Excess weight or diabetes during a previous pregnancy also increases risk. Women who have delivered babies who weighed more than 9 pounds also have an elevated chance of gestational diabetes.

mother, who is at greater risk for high blood pressure and preeclampsia, a serious complication of pregnancy. Risk of diabetes in subsequent pregnancies or later in life also is greater among women who have had gestational diabetes.

Although many women deliver healthy babies while dealing with gestational diabetes, poorly controlled gestational diabetes can hurt the unborn child. The ADA says extra blood glucose goes through the placenta, giving the baby high blood glucose levels and causing the baby’s pancreas to make extra insulin to get rid of the blood glucose. Since the baby is getting more energy than it needs to grow and develop, the extra energy is stored as fat. An overweight baby may have difficulty exiting the birth canal, and a C-section may be necessary. Newborns with very low blood glucose levels at birth due to high insulin production are at a greater risk for breathing problems. Some babies born to mothers with gestational diabetes develop type 2 diabetes later in life.

Symptoms of gestational diabetes are not always noticeable. Because gestational diabetes can occur midway through a pregnancy, women are usually advised to take an oral glucose tolerance test between the 24th and 28th week of pregnancy to screen for diabetes. If diabetes is detected, a strict diet that’s low in fat and sugar will be advised. Carbohydrates should be consumed through complex grains and vegetables. If dietary changes do not work, diabetes medication or insulin therapy may be prescribed.

Gestational diabetes also can affect the

Women concerned about gestational diabetes should speak with their obstetricians or midwives about their potential risk, as these medical professionals may be able to test earlier for gestational diabetes or begin on healthcare regimens to help prevent high blood sugar levels.

13 • April 2016 • Family & Parenting

Tips for grandparents helping to raise children

Family & Parenting • April 2016 • 1

Various types of family caregivers Daycare One of the first types of places working parents turn to when looking for caregivers for their children are neighborhood daycare centers. These generally licensed and state- or province-managed centers charge a tuition for enrollment in a set number of hours per week or month. Daycare centers may operate out of private buildings or be associated with churches, schools or community centers. Some daycare facilities are run out of private homes.

Larger centers may have more flexible hours to coordinate with parents’ schedules. Some daycare centers also may provide some measure of educational support to children in addition to general care, meals and entertainment. Daycare centers can be ideal places for childhood social interaction and give kids an early taste of traditional school environments.

Nanny

Working parents frequently rely on the services of nannies, daycare centers and babysitters to provide care for their children.

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ata from Pew Research shows that, since 1965, mothers have almost tripled the amount of paid work they do each week, and dual-income households have become more the norm than the exception.

Equal shares of working mothers and fathers say it is difficult to balance work and family responsibilities and often they feel rushed or pulled in different directions. Still, many working parents feel that remaining in the workforce is a necessity or beneficial for their families.

Busy parents often seek assistance to help manage their families’ daily activities. Parents must weigh a host of factors when choosing among the various types of caregivers who specialize in looking after children.

Some children flourish under the care of a nanny, or an individual who comes into a private residence to watch children from the comfort of the children’s homes. While the primary job of the nanny is to be in charge of the children, according to the Nanny Network, some nannies may be willing to do other domestic activities related directly to the children they watch. This may include cleaning, laundry and shopping. Advantage to hiring a nanny are that the childcare comes to you and the nanny can provide more focused attention for a child than that afforded kids in group settings.

Au pair An au pair is typically a young person from a different country who comes to work for a family in exchange for housing and a weekly salary. (Note: The term “au pair” also may pertain to live-in domestic childcare providers.)

Au pairs may be placed through an agency, which helps regulate and screen potential caregivers. Childcare provided by an au pair can be affordable because some costs are offset by the room and board provided.

However, some au pairs also are given a certain portion of funds to be put toward educational expenses.

Much like a nanny, an au pair can offer oneon-one interaction with a child and other household services as they relate to watching and managing the kids.

Babysitter

Parents often need a few hours here or there to bridge scheduling gaps in childcare. This is when a babysitter can be a good choice. A babysitter is often a young person who watches children for a few hours when parents are away from home. Many babysitters are family friends or neighbors with no special training in childcare. Yet, an increasing number are seeing the benefits of carrying CPR certification and other types of babysitting training offered through organizations like the Red Cross and Safe Sitter.

According to the United States Department of Labor, while wages for many American workers have stagnated, babysitters have seen their wages rise exponentially, about nine times faster than inflation rates, since the early 1980s. Sitters may fetch anywhere from $10 to $17 per hour depending on their experience.

High wages also are attracting older sitters to the babysitting pool.

Working parents also have the option of relying on family members to care for their children, but this may not always be a viable longterm solution. Some families use a variety of caregiving solutions to fit their needs. Any care provider should be thoroughly screened and vetted to ensure kids’ safety.

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Parents have long relied on coupons to help them reduce the cost of raising their families. While it might once have been necessary to scan grocery store circulars and break out the scissors to take advantage of store discounts, more and more consumers are now turning to digital coupons offered via their mobile devices to save money. According to eMarketer, a firm that covers digital marketing, media and commerce, the number of adults who redeem coupons via their mobile devices is expected to rise to roughly 104 million people by 2016. That’s a significant uptick from the number of digital couponers in 2014, when a little more than 78.5 million adults took advantage of digital coupons offered via their mobile devices. The growing popularity of mobile coupons has sparked increased interest among marketers, as eMarketer projects that 44.5 percent of marketers will offer mobile coupons in 2016, compared to just 36.5 percent in 2014. Families looking to save money on their next shopping trip would be wise to take their mobile devices along with them.

15 • April 2016 • Family & Parenting

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Did you know?

Family & Parenting • April 2016 • 1

How to find more time for family W orking parents tend to have hectic schedules, and those responsibilities often impede on the time moms and dads get to spend with their families. Many parents strive to make more time for their families, and doing so can prove a greater reward than any promotions or bonuses earned at the office.

For those parents whose efforts to achieve better work-life balances remain works in progress, the following are a few ways to free up more time for those people who matter the most to you.

Parents can invite youngsters to join them as they prepare meals in an attempt to increase family time.

Stop working. Once you leave the office for the day, resist the temptation to pick up your smartphone and check your email or listen to your voicemail messages. Smartphones have made it easier than ever before to stay connected to the office. But many working professionals feel this convenience has a significant downside, making them feel as if they are working round-the-clock, even during moments that were initially earmarked as family time. Working parents who want to make the most of the time they have with their children should ignore their smartphones during dinner or the time they

spend hanging out with their kids or helping them do their homework. You can always sneak a peek at your emails when the kids go to bed.

of realistic ways to institute change so you and your coworkers can get more time with your families without falling short of company goals.

Shake things up. If your list of responsibilities is truly taking time away from your family, don’t be afraid to shake up your routine. For example, instead of cooking dinner alone, involve the kids so you can get some extra time in with them. If you like to go on a nightly jog around the neighborhood, let the kids accompany you on their bicycles so you can still get your exercise without having to sacrifice time spent with your children.

Move closer to the office. Though this might be a drastic change, moving closer to the office might free up more time for parents to spend with their families than any other potential change they can make. According to data from the United States Census Bureau, more than 8 percent of workers have a commute to work of 60 minutes or more. The Census Bureau’s 2013 American Community Survey also found that nearly 24 percent of workers worked outside their county of residence, which no doubt contributed to the nearly 26-minute average commute time to work. Parents who feel their commutes are greatly diminishing the time they get to spend with their families may want to consider moving closer to their offices so they spend less time sitting in traffic and more time with their families.

Propose changes at work. Work is one of the biggest consumers of parents’ time.

Parents who feel their work schedules are inefficient or in need of some change should try to think of ways to approach those inefficiencies so they aren’t having such adverse effects on family time. Business travel was once a reality of life for many working professionals, but nowadays technology, such as video conference calls, can let working moms and dads stay closer to home without sacrificing their productivity.

Before bringing any issues to your boss, think

Many parents are determined to spend more time with their families, and those willing to make a few adjustments can find that goal is not as difficult as it seems.

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any families have their own routines on weeknights. Kids may tackle their homework before dinner, and once everyone’s plate is clean, family members may spend time together or go their separate ways, spending time online with friends or watching their favorite television programs on the couch.

Parents who feel their weeknights don’t include enough family time are often on the hunt for more family-friendly activities the whole family can enjoy even if everyone has to go to work or school the next day. The following are a handful of family-friendly weeknight activities that can bring families closer together.

Movie night: Family movie night is a tradition for many families, and parents who want to spend more time together as families may find that movie night is a great way to share a few laughs or even facilitate discussions about important topics broached in certain films. Each week let a different family member pick that week’s movie and ask him or her to explain his or her choice and why they think it’s a film the whole family will enjoy.

Let the kids join you as you get the popcorn ready or make special treats to enjoy while the movie is playing.

Family walk: Walking is a great way for parents to instill a love of physical activity in their children, and nightly walks also make great opportunities for families to leave their devices behind and discuss the goings-on in their lives. Weather permitting, take a family walk after dinner each night, which can help make your family healthier and strengthen the bonds between family members.

Writing activities: Another way families can escape their devices and resist the temptation of social media on weeknights is to get together for weekly writing sessions. Ask each family member to create brief lists on a range of topics, whether it’s a list of favorite books or countries each person wants to visit or a bucket list of things each family member wants to do at one point in their lives. Allow about 15 minutes for each person to write his or her lists, and then discuss each person’s list, including the inspiration behind each item that made it onto the lists.

Game night: Classic board games or games like checkers might not be as popular today as they were prior to the advent of the Internet, but that does not mean a night centered around such games does not still make for a very family-friendly evening. Stock up on some classic board games and share the responsibility of choosing which game to play each week. Board games can take up to a few hours to play, and that’s a great opportunity for families to share some laughs without being interrupted by their devices.

Crafts night: Arts and crafts night is another great way for families to spend time together. Parents can choose ageappropriate projects that can help kids and adults alike tap into their creative sides. Solicit ideas when planning crafts night so everyone feels like they played their part.

Nights together as a family do not need to be limited to weekends. Parents willing to get a little creative can enjoy familyfriendly evenings no matter what day it happens to be.

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17 • April 2016 • Family & Parenting

Weeknight activities

Family & Parenting • April 2016 • 1

Encourage a love of physical activity in youngsters Parents who resolve to exercise with their children may find their youngsters more receptive to the daily physical activity they need to promote long-term health.

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ccording to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, children and adolescents should engage in physical activity for 60 minutes or more each day. While fulfilling those requirements might not have been a problem for kids who grew up before the dawn of the Internet, nowadays kids are spending less time playing outside and more time on their computers or other devices.

That reality is problematic for parents who want their kids to embrace physical activity thanks to the positive impact that exercise can have on kids’ physical and mental wellbeing. Parents hoping to instill a love of physical activity in their youngsters may find that taking a more active role by exercising with their kids is an effective way to get them off the couch and away from their computer screens.

Turn errands into exercise opportunities.

Many parents take their children along with them when running errands. When such errands don’t necessarily require the use of a car, consider riding bicycles instead. Kids who otherwise don’t enjoy errands may now find them more fun, all the while fulfilling their daily recommended quotas for exercise and spending quality time with their parents.

Include kids in your own athletic pursuits.

Parents might not be able to take younger kids along with them to the gym, but that does not mean your youngsters must be excluded from all of your athletic pursuits. If you have any upcoming athletic activities or challenges on your schedule, such as a new recreational sports season or community fun run or 5K, let kids tag along as you train or

practice. Parents of adolescents can inquire at their local gyms if they offer discounted memberships to teens. If so, take kids along with you on trips to the gym so they learn the value and benefits of daily strength and conditioning exercises.

Make more time to play. Parents may already have busy schedules, but finding time to play with their kids is a great way to get youngsters to embrace physical activity.

Kids might be reluctant to shoot hoops in the driveway if no one is willing to join them, but they will likely be far more willing to do so if mom and dad are willing to play with them.

This is not only a good way for parents to ensure their kids get enough exercise, but also a great and fun way for moms and dads to make time for physical activity.

Recognize that physical activity does not have to mean organized sports. Some kids have no interest in team sports while others do not have the athletic ability to compete after a certain age. Parents who want their kids to exercise more should recognize that there are plenty of ways to be physically active that do not involve organized team sports. Hiking; riding bicycles; swimming at a nearby pool, lake or ocean; and even going for nightly walks are all physical activities that people of all ages and athletic abilities can enjoy.

Physical activity is an important component of a healthy lifestyle. While getting kids to put down their tablets and gaming system remote controls may not be easy, parents who resolve to exercise with their children might find their youngsters more receptive to regular physical activity.

Parents can take several steps to make their kids’ experiences with sports as positive as possible.

xtracurricular and summer season sports leagues keep thousands of children occupied.

Youth sports promote physical fitness and teamwork while helping children acquaint themselves with sportsmanship and camaraderie.

The Journal of Sports Medicine says three out of four American families with school-aged children have at least one child playing an organized sport. While many kids play just for recreation, others play competitively.

Sports are meant to be sources of enjoyment for children, but parental pressure and poor adult behavior on the sidelines can make kids reluctant to compete. Parents who behave poorly may inadvertently pass on bad habits to their children or cause kids to prematurely abandon their athletic pursuits. The following are a few tips for parents who want to encourage their kids’ passions for sports in positive ways.

Show respect for coaches and officials. Parents should not act like they are the final authority on calls or how

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team members should play. Respect should always be shown to coaches and referees.

Let your child have fun regardless of his or her performance. Too often parents get swept up in how their children are performing when the goal for young athletes should be to enjoy themselves. Resist the urge to focus on performance and focus instead of whether or not your child is having fun.

Recognize college scholarships may not be in the cards. Although some children are destined for athletic greatness, many will not play sports after high school. Pressuring older children to improve their performance in the hopes of landing college scholarships can make the little time they do have to play their favorite sports less enjoyable.

Take cues from the child. Children are often great indicators of parental behavior at sporting events. Parents whose children seem unenthusiastic about mom and dad attending their sporting events may be trying to tell

you they don’t appreciate your behavior at the games.

Provide constructive criticism. Early coaching and practice with parents can give kids a leg up on the competition. But keep your advice constructive. Parents who become pushy or force constant practices can make sports unenjoyable.

Place emphasis on fun and learning skills. Find out what the kids hope to accomplish by playing sports and help them to achieve those goals. Focus on being supportive rather than emphasizing winning, as doing so can help children view sports participation in a more positive light.

If children seem to have lost interest in sports, parents can ask why in an effort to make sports fun again or encourage other pursuits. Many sports now require year-round participation, which can cause burnout in some youngsters. Sometimes a brief break and some fine-tuning may be all that’s needed to rekindle a child’s passion for sports.

19 • April 2016 • Family & Parenting

How to be a good youth sports parent E

Family & Parenting • April 2016 • 2

Questions to ask when looking for an aftershool program work. Choosing an after-school program is a decision many parents find difficult, but there are some questions parents can ask during their searches for programs that should make those decisions easier.

Can I tour and observe the facility?

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any of today’s working professionals grew up in single-income households where only one of their parents went to work each day. But that once-common dynamic is now largely a thing of the past, as economic necessity has driven both moms and dads to continue their careers even after they have had children.

That reality has led many working parents to lean heavily on afterschool programs to serve as safe havens that provide structure for their kids while mom and dad are still at

When considering a particular afterschool program for their children, parents should ask to tour the facility, paying specific attention to the areas of the facility where their youngsters will spend the bulk of their time. Do the classrooms look clean? Are the materials up-to-date? Is the playground equipment safe and well-maintained? Well-maintained facilities with new supplies and equipment can make the program more enjoyable and safer for kids.

Parents also should ask to spend some time observing the facility when it is abuzz with activity. Such observation can give parents an idea of what their kids’ afternoons will be like should they enroll in the program. Stay out of the way, but watch to see how engaged kids and staff members are and how conducive to doing homework the environment is.

What is the program schedule?

Schedule is a significant issue for working parents, many of whom want a program that is open on holidays when schools are closed. Flexibility also is a concern for working parents, some of whom may need a facility that is open before school starts. Parents also may want a facility that allows youngsters to attend just a few days a week, which might make certain programs that require parents to commit to full weeks less enticing.

When discussing the facility schedule with staff members, be sure to get as specific a schedule as possible, inquiring about any additional costs associated with extending the typical schedule as well.

What are the activities available to the kids?

Many afterschool programs provide more than just a place for kids to sit and do their homework until their folks come to pick them up. Ask staff members at the facility how big a role activities play in their programs. Many programs try to offer an array of activities that range from academic programs to athletic

events and more. A wide range of programs can increase the chances that youngsters will find activities that pique their interests and make the afterschool program more enjoyable.

How are staff members vetted?

Parents also may want to ask about the program’s hiring practices. Ask about the background checks performed on staff members and if the facility requires any specific certifications for staff who will be dealing directly with children.

When asking about hiring practices, parents also may want to inquire about the ratio of staff members to children. The smaller the ratio, the more attention youngsters will receive.

Facilities with an especially high ratio of staff to children may not be able to provide the type of environment parents want for their children.

Finding an afterschool program requires parents to exercise their due diligence.

Parents who can be patient and learn as much about facilities as possible are more likely to find the right fit for their children.

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