[8] March 4, 2011
www.redmond-reporter.com
...TODAY’S parent
Caffeine and popular energy drinks may pose risk for kids M afternoon. But when does this habit become harmful or an addiction? And what about when it comes to our children? More studies are showPatti SkeltonMcGougan
PARENTING LIFELINE
ost of us are guilty of needing a little pick-me-up to start our day or a caffeine charge to temporarily fix lack of sleep or a tiring
ing that caffeine has the potential to actually be harmful for youth, especially when it comes to energy drinks which are increasing in popularity every year. In fact, as many as 50 percent of teens are now consuming energy drinks on a regular basis. Nutritional labels on energy drinks offer caffeine amounts, but they don’t tell the whole story. Herbs such as guarana, kola nut, cocoa and yerba mate are
not required to be listed, yet many contain high, understudied and unregulated amounts of caffeine. Thus, the total amount of caffeine in many energy boosting beverages is significantly higher and can cause serious side effects such as dehydration, vomiting, tremors, insomnia, delirium, seizures and increased heart rhythms. Kids are particularly sensitive to the effects of caffeine. According to the
Journal of Pediatrics, youth younger than 19 accounted for almost half of the caffeine overdoses reported in 2007. And emergency room doctors are reporting an increase in “caffeine attacks” or patients whose symptoms mirror heart attacks – racing pulse and chest pain – but are actually caffeine overdoses. As to caffeine’s addictiveness, if you’ve ever tried to quit it, you know there are physical symptoms of withdrawal which can be mild to severe including irritability, head-
aches, fatigue or drowsiness, muscle stiffness, difficulty concentrating and chills and/or hot spells. Talk with your children, so they are aware and open about the risks associated with caffeine consumption. Make sure they understand that there are many ingredients that aren’t listed and encourage them to limit their intake. Patti Skelton-McGougan is Executive Director of Youth Eastside Services (YES). For more information, visit www.YouthEastsideServices. org.
Summer Camps 2011 Summer Camps Ages 3 - 12
Third Generation Violin Maker
June 27- July 1 July 22 - July 15 July 25 - July 29 Aug. 23 - Aug. 25
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Dance Camp Intensives Ages 9 - 15 Tap, Musical Theatre, Modern, Hip Hop July 18 - July 22
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17945 NE 65th • Suite 100 • Redmond, WA 98052
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Get in the Game DigiPen institute of technology t presents a two-week summer workshop series that introduces participants of all levels in Grade 8 or beyond fundamentals of:
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to the
Video Game Programming 3D Computer animation Game Design Robotics
not yet in Grade 8? ProjectFUN also offers workshops in both video game design and animation for students in Grades 5-7.
Preview Day Get a sneak peek of the Workshops at Preview Day on Saturday, April 23! Attendees will receive a $100.00 discount toward any one of the Workshops. Find out more at:
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9931 Willows Road NE, Redmond, WA 98052 Phone: (425) 558-0299 • Toll-Free (866) 478-5236
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Camp Enchanted II Dance Camp Rocks! On Broadway Catch the Dance Wave!
March 4, 2011 [9]
www.redmond-reporter.com
...TODAY’S PARENT
Making the move from playtime to preschool T SOCIAL SKILLS
Denise Ensign
Learning social skills is an essential part of early childhood development. The more children interact with people other than their parents or siblings, the better they will be able to adapt to classmates and teachers. Participate in a “playdate.” The intention of a playdate is to give children time to interact freely with others while fostering friendships. Search parenting websites for information on groups nearby. Denise Ensign is the director
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B
MATH
Numeracy skills development has become a high
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sMembers of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
Redmond Toddler Group Annual Fundraising
CARNIVAL Saturday, March 13, 2010 9am – 2pm
Evergreen Junior High School Cafeteria 6900 208th Ave NE (Union Hill) Redmond 98053
Fun games with prizes
•
especially for kids ages 1-5
Games, Crafts, Cake Walk, Prizes and Raffle
★ WESTERN and ENGLISH ★ Show program consistently
produces world champions
Food & Drink available for purchase
★ National and world level training ★ Monthly events for young riders ★ Indoor & outdoor arenas/heated
Cash Only!
• • • •
rice ep r th . o f FARM . ons ree only ess of thtudents 4L s New
suzuki strings
www.redmondkidsdentistry.com
of Redmond
Cello, Violin or Viola Guiding you and your child on your musical path. Contact us for a FREE trial lesson 8250 165th Ave. NE Ste. #100 Redmond, WA
suzukistringsofredmond.com
Accepting new patients Same day & Saturday appointments On-site lab and x-ray Two locations for your convenience
saTurday appoinTmenTs
www.LakeshoreCLiniC.Com
9am – 4pm
Kurt R. Billett, M.D. ToTem Lake CLiniC 12710 Totem Lake Blvd NE Swapna J. Bobba, M.D. Paul E. Buehrens, M.D. Kirkland, WA 98034
BoTheLL CLiniC Buckley A. Eckert, M.D. 10025 NE 186th St Sally R. Esser, M.D. Bothell, WA 98011 David A. Higginbotham, D.O.
425-821-4040
425-486-9131 Hours: M-F: 8AM – 6PM S: 9AM – 4PM
Lilaine Leonardo, M.D. Ann S. Lu, M.D. Theresa A. Platz, M.D. Peter V. Sefton, M.D. Thomas A. Wilson, M.D.
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Hours: M-Th: 8AM – 7PM F: 8AM – 5PM
Debra M. Chaput, M.D. Alexis R. David, M.D. Peter J. Lallas, D.P.M. Paul K. Mayeda, M.D. Larry E. Nacht, M.D. Paul E. Sandstrom, M.D. Roohi H. Wani, M.D. Chao-Ching Wu, M.D.
*Bring a nonperishable food receive item to be donated to Hopelink & ONE free game ticket per child
16650 NE 79th St., #100, Redmond, WA 98052 (425) 558-4562
Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics & Podiatry • • • •
Preferred provider for MICROSOFT PREMERA New patients welcome! State-of-the-art equipment and a caring dental team Comprehensive Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics conveniently in one location
www.redmondtoddler.org
456923
(425) 891-1560
Family Admission: $5.00 at the door Game Tickets: 2 for $1.00* Raffle Tickets: $2.00 each
Dr. Stephanie’s children, Alex and Kira.
466086
viewing room
462964
Since literacy skills develop in toddlerhood, parents can give their children an early start by exposing them to printed material. Read aloud to your children daily. This activity exposes them to language, teaches them about books and helps them start identifying words and their sounds.
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For more information, call (425) 869-3939.
RIDING LESSONS
www.capstonetrainingstables.com
READING
A
of the Kumon Math and Reading Center of Redmond.
425.869.5605
461409
priority for many school systems. Aid your children’s number savvy with simple and fun activities. Count random objects from fingers and toes to fruits and vegetables. Once children learn basic numbers, they’ll probably want to count everything they see. Sing and say common counting rhymes such as “one-two-buckle my shoe” and “one potato, two potato” to reinforce numbers or be creative and make up your own.
KUMON CENTER
ransitioning your toddler from the playpen to preschool and kindergarten doesn’t have to be as overwhelming a task as it may seem, if you know what to expect. Experts on education say children who are engaged in learning activities at an early age can most easily adapt to the new formal school environment. Parents can help make the transition easier by preparing a home environment similar to the classroom and engaging children in educational activities. Young children are naturally curious and eager to learn. Instilling a love of learning at an early age will help make the transition a positive experience. The following activities will help foster a child’s love of learning even before entering the classroom.