READINGROOM EDITOR’S REVIEW
ONLINE IN FEBRUARY
“No Days Off: My Life with Type 1 Diabetes and Journey to the NHL”
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SPRING RESALE EVENTS
Spring is resale season in Northeast Ohio. If you’re looking to save money while filling your kids’ closets, check out these resale and consignment events taking place throughout the region.
By Max Domi
Anyone who knows me and my family understands our winter life revolves around youth hockey schedules. Whether it’s traveling to cities like Buffalo (yes, we did this three times — all in January) or to the local ice rink, or cheering on our favorite NHL teams on the couch, our sons are dedicated to the game. My youngest, Anton, has never been a big reader, so I can only entice him to read books if
CHILDREN’S DENTAL HEALTH
We share advice from area experts on important topics when it comes to kids and dental health.
SHARE THE LOVE
Find a Pinterest-worthy round-up of cards, crafts and cute snacks to help you celebrate Valentine’s Day with your children.
they’re about hockey. He doesn’t like fictional hockey stories, but he wants to learn about the players and games of the past and future. One of his favorite Montreal Canadiens players, Max Domi, recently published a book. It’s about his passion for playing hockey, but also a big event that changed his life: a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes at age 12. It didn’t slow him down or hinder his dream of becoming an NHL player. Even if your kids don’t like hockey, it’s a good story about overcoming obstacles and striving to do whatever it takes to reach your goals. I read the first chapter out loud to Anton, as the 223-page book was still a bit overwhelming for him. However, after that first chapter, he couldn’t put it down — and this was the first time I saw him embrace reading on his own. My advice if you have a reluctant reader, find books about a subject they enjoy. — Angela Gartner
LOCAL AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT
“It’s Cool to Be an OMie” By Debbie Bard
Debbie Bard — a Kent State University graduate, certified children’s yoga instructor and life coach who has a degree in middle childhood education — has a new book that provides a positive message to young readers and yoga enthusiasts: “Peace, love, happiness, Earth” is the
constant theme of what it means to be an “OMie.” She hopes to spread her mission in teaching children the importance of loving oneself, embracing the practice of yoga and the power of nature for one’s mind, body and soul. It’s a happy read for families who want to help their kids to meditate on positivity and life lessons. — Angela Gartner
Time for Hugs
RESEARCH SUGGESTS WARMTH AND AFFECTION CAN HAVE LIFELONG BENEFITS Everyone needs a good hug every now and then — children especially. When we hug our children, according to Dr. Emily Mudd, of Cleveland Clinic Children’s, it actually helps them regulate their emotions and helps their brains develop. “We know that even from the moment we’re born, that touch, physical touch, attention and hugs, are so very important for both nervous system regulation and brain development,” she says. “From the moment we’re born, we talk about kangaroo care and the importance of skin-to-skin contact and that really continues through childhood.” Mudd says research has shown that when we receive a hug, our brains release oxytocin — which is the “feel good” brain chemical — and receiving a hug also can help children manage stress by calming the release of cortisol — which is the stress hormone. When a child is having a meltdown or is overly stressed, Mudd says giving them a hug can help them calm down. When kids receive warmth and affection from their parents at a very young age, research has shown they are more likely to have
greater resilience, get better grades and have better parent-child relationships into adulthood. But if your child isn’t a hugger or gets shy around family members, Mudd says don’t force them to give a hug. “It’s okay to keep a very simple message, for whatever the age of the child is, that ‘you’re in control of your body, and if you don’t want to hug an aunt or an uncle at this gathering, that’s okay, but you can find another way to show them affection,’” she says. “Instead, you can share a special memory with them, give them a high-five or spend extra time with them — and be sure to explain this in advance to your relatives, too.” Of course, hugs will change as your children get older, Mudd says, because teenagers don’t have the same physical attention needs as toddlers. However, regardless of their age, letting your child know that you are there for them, unconditionally, is essential for their development and well-being. —Cleveland Clinic, clevelandclinic.org
February 2020 - NortheastOhioParent.com
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