DCC_Parent Source_042419

Parent Source

Serving DeKalb County

Spring Resource Guide for Parents

ANXIETY IN CHILDREN & TEENS The new normal?

CODING PARTIES

The hot new trend in kids’ birthday activities

THE JUGGLE IS REAL Online students’ tips to balance family, school

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EV E RY T H I N G YO U N E E D FO R YO U R L I T T L EST B I G P R I O R I T Y. We know your pregnancy journey begins as soon as you see those two pink lines. No matter what stage of pregnancy you’re in, Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital and Northwestern Medicine Valley West Hospital have the exceptional care you planned for, with the resources for everything you didn’t.

Get access to world-class care close to home, from family planning to postnatal classes, and everything in-between.

To learn more, visit maternitysuites.nm.org

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INSIDE 4

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NEWBORN TO 13+: Car safety tips for kids of all ages Anxiety in Children and Teens: The new normal?

CODING PARTIES: The hot new trend in kids’ birthday activities

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5 things parents should know

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AMERICAN WORKERS: Seek

before choosing a summer camp

learning and development

programs to close skills gap

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6 fun facts about bananas that

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THE JUGGLE IS REAL: Online

will inspire you to eat more

students’ tips to balance family, school

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Parent Source is distributed in the Daily Chronicle PROJECT MANAGER: Lisa Angel DESIGN & LAYOUT: Allison LaPorta

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Championing girls’ confidence

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Sneaky ways to get your kids

through puberty and beyond

eating healthier

We reserve the right to include and edit all editorial content of this publication.

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 NEWBORN TO 3 YEARS (INFANT AND REAR-FACING CAR SEAT) The youngest passengers should remain in a rear-facing car seat until they reach the maximum weight or height of their seat. This positioning better absorbs the force of an impact, making it a better option for small passengers whose necks and spines are still developing. In fact, car seats have been shown to reduce fatal injury by 71 percent for infants (under one year old) in passenger cars.

Keep in mind, even if your child’s feet touch the back of the vehicle seat, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re ready for a forward-facing seat. Parents shouldn’t move their toddlers into a forward-facing car seat until they’ve hit the maximum height or weight limit of their current car seat.

 4-7 YEARS OLD (FORWARD-FACING CAR SEAT)

NEWBORN TO 13+ CAR SAFETY TIPS FOR KIDS OF ALL AGES (BPT) - For many parents, you buckle up your kids and off you go to day care, school or the park. You trust their car seat or booster seat will keep your child safe should something happen, but are you sure the seat you installed months or years ago is truly secure?

“I am deeply concerned that nearly half of all car seats are not used correctly,” says Heidi King, deputy administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). “You don’t have to be a parent to play a part in protecting children. I urge everyone to follow these simple tips to ensure kids stay safe in the car at every age.”

Additionally, always make sure the chest clip is secured across the chest rather than on the belly. These clips have a tendency to move down, so it’s up to caregivers to align it properly. Make it a habit to always slide the clip up to the appropriate place after buckling your child in to their seat.

 8-12 YEARS OLD (BOOSTER SEAT) After a child exceeds the age and size limits of their forward-facing seat, they can transition to a booster seat. A booster seat lifts a child up and helps their body properly align with the vehicle’s existing seat belt.

Kids should stay in a booster seat until they are big enough to sit properly with the lap and shoulder belt securely buckled. That means the lap belt is snug across their upper thighs, not their stomach, and the shoulder belt is snug across their shoulder and chest, not their neck or face.

 “TWEENS” AND PRETEENS

The right car seat is the best protection in a crash.

(SEAT BELT)

Every 33 seconds, a child under 13 years old is involved in a car crash, according to NHTSA data. Even more startling: Car crashes are a leading cause of death for children ages 1-13.

Once your child is big enough to ride safely without needing a car seat or booster seat, keep in mind the back seat is still the safest place. All kids 13 and under should ride in the back, even if they try to convince you the front is the “cool” place to be.

One of the most common mistakes parents and caregivers make is moving children to the next car seat too soon. No matter their age, you need to make sure that the car seat you use is the right one for your child’s age, as well as their size (based on their weight and height).

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At this age your child will likely use a forward-facing car seat with a harness. One critical step for installing this car seat correctly is making sure to secure it with its tether, not just a seat belt. The tether is an adjustable strap with a hook that can be found at the top of most forward-facing car seats. When you secure the tether to the tether anchor in your vehicle, it keeps the car seat from moving forward in a crash, helping protect your child from head and neck injuries.

For more advice and to find a car seat check location near you, visit NHTSA.gov/TheRightSeat.

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Anxiety in Children and Teens:

The new normal?

BY FRAN TIERNEY, MA, LCPC Therapist in Private Practice

Most people know someone who experiences mild to severe anxiety. Throughout the life span, most people will themselves experience episodes of anxiety. In the last decade, the topic of anxiety has become more discussed and more common for our society, in general.

Today, more children and adolescents, then ever, are experiencing a diagnosable level of anxiety. In fact, anxiety is the most common mental health disorder for people under the age of 18, according to the source, childmind.org. Based on the level of development, different types of anxiety appear to be more prevalent.

For example, anxiety disorders such as separation anxiety and phobias tend to show up in younger children. While social anxiety and generalized anxiety tends to be more common among older children and teens, as classmate or peer relationships become more significant in development. In fact, more high school students seek therapy services for anxiety today more than ever.

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Symptoms of Anxiety

Everyone experiences moments or situations of anxiety. It is a normal and healthy response in many circumstances. However, when anxiety reaches a point of emotional and physical discomfort, which lasts across situations or over a substantial period of time, there may be benefits to understanding and addressing the presented symptoms. Common symptoms of anxiety include: (www.mayoclinic.org) • Feeling nervous, restless or tense • Having a sense of impending danger or panic • Having an increased heart rate

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• Breathing rapidly or hyperventilation

• Preschool/Pre-K ............................ Full & Half Day

• Sweating or Trembling

• Kindergarten................................. Full & Half Day

• Difficulty with concentration or forgetfulness

• Primary........................................... 1st - 5th Grade

• Sleep disturbances

• Middle School .............................. 6th - 8th Grade

• GI issues • Difficulty managing worry • Desire to avoid things that contribute to anxious feelings

Why now?

There are many reasons that anxiety responses develop. One major reason, are social concerns, which are very common among many children, and most teens, due to the high value that this age group tends to place on acceptance by their peers.

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Today, most people who fall into the teen population, tend to be overly “connected”. By connected, I’m referring to electronic device interactions and constant awareness of what everyone is doing through the use of social media. The more time that teens spend on their devices, the more aware they are of their peers displayed life experiences, and the more likely they fall into a pattern of comparison which is highly detrimental to their own life satisfaction.

Imagine scrolling through your favorite social media app, sometimes hundreds of times per day, only to see everyone’s best moments, on a day when you are feeling blah or less than in some way. This situation happens for most teens at least several times per week if not per day. Imagine scrolling through to see that most people from your class or group of peers were invited to a party, however, you were not included. Imagine comparing your accomplishments, looks, wardrobe and life in general to people who you know, on a daily basis.

Somehow the increase in the prevalence of anxiety seems to make more sense, when you consider these aspects of constant connection and awareness through social media.

Performance expectations are also a potential contributing factor to the frequency of reported

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anxiety among young people.

Whether it be academics or athletics, music or dance performance, artistic activities, expectations are becoming more and more ambitious for most children and teens. Children are becoming aware at a young age that there is competition for certain opportunities. Activities which are typically meant to be fun or entertaining now can be subject to added pressure.

Another important consideration to the onset of anxiety is family dynamics and stress management among the family. When relational stress is present in the home, children and teens are more at risk for developing symptoms of anxiety. Many teens also report that worry about their family’s financial situation contributes to their concerns and fears.

What can parents do to help?

As a parent, there is nothing worse than seeing your child experience emotional pain. Here are a few proven suggestions that can assist your teen in dealing with their anxiety.

• Ask questions to check in and LISTEN to their responses. Be careful not to minimize or go

into problem solving mode immediately.

• Limit their use of the internet or screen time. Most plans have the option to turn off the internet at a certain time. If your teen cannot manage their time, as a parent, you can assist them by ensuring disconnection from apps.

• Encourage your teen to focus on their strengths and their ability to try new things or to expand on an area of interest.

• Remind your child that they can do difficult things. Even if something is challenging, they will be okay.

• Encourage healthy and supportive friendships. If you notice your teen continues to want to be included, however frequently feels bad about themselves, after exclusion, chances are these “friends” are not contributing to the best interest of your child.

Discuss healthy relationships, setting appropriate boundaries, and the benefits of exploring new and more fulfilling friendships.

• Encourage and model healthy self-esteem, positive self-talk, and respect for self and others.

• Encourage goal setting behavior, which allows your teen to focus on their future and to strive for personal fulfillment in various areas of life.

• Make changes that can help reduce the amount of family stress and improve the overall dynamic of the household.

• Seek professional therapy services. Anxiety is a very treatable mental health issue.

Once identified, the prognosis for improvement is dramatic. There are specific therapy interventions that address the challenges with cognitions and behavior, as well as overall acceptance of life and natural challenges that people face. Therapy can provide strategies for coping and challenging anxiety patterns that can be used throughout the lifespan.

In some cases, in addition to talk therapy, certain SSRI medications may be recommended. There are many licensed professionals who can assist your child, teen, or family to reduce the experience of anxiety symptoms and to move forward with greater ease and comfort.

Fran

Fran Tierney, MA, LCPC is a licensed clinical professional counselor who works in private practice in Sycamore Illinois. She provides therapy services to teens, adults, couples and families. Ms. Tierney has over 20 years of professional experience in treating issues such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, among many other mental health concerns. If you are interested in scheduling an appointment with Fran Tierney, please call the Associates in Counseling office at 815.899.0501 or visit her website at www.frantierneylcpc.net

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CODING PARTIES The hot new trend in kids’ birthday activities

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he days of celebrating a child’s birthday with a homemade cake and pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey seem to have faded like Polaroid pictures. The culture of convenience means more parents are forgoing the hassle and mess of entertaining their children’s friends at home and are opting instead for themed party packages at venues from dance studios to movie theaters to museums.

By D.M. Herra for example, the birthday boy or girl can choose a video game they want to create. They and their guests get a mini lesson on the code that makes up the foundation of the game. Guests are then free to manipulate the code to make their own version of the game – a sort of high-tech version of make-andtake party favors.

Party activities with an enrichment component are also in fashion, from performing volunteer work to learning a new skill.

“A lot of kids really enjoy coding,” edUcate Director Panthea Spyratos says. “So why not have a party that doesn’t mess up your house, where they can have fun and share their interest with their friends?”

For kids with a passion for computers and creating, a coding party can be a fun option. At edUcate in Sycamore,

When coding their own video game, Spyratos says children have the best of both working independently and

collaborating with others. Everyone gets to make their own game, but they might ask one another questions like “How did you change the background color?” or “How did you make your guy jump?”

“Coding is a lot of trial and error,” she says. “It’s rewarding because they’re creating something and they can see the impact of their changes immediately – you change this code and the guy goes right instead of left, you change that code and now the sky is purple.” edUcate offers test preparation, individual and small group tutoring, academic enrichment classes and more.

Learn more at www.educateinc.org.

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hould s s t n e r a p s g in th oosing h c e r o f e b w o n k p a summer cam

Looking for a cure for the winter blues?

Start making plans for the summer. Having something fun to look forward to - such as days off and family trips - can make those dreary days more bearable. One thing you’ll want to add to your summer planning list is finding a great summer camp or two for your kids.

Even before leaves start appearing on the trees, many organizations begin announcing dates and enrollment for summer camp sessions. Get a jump start on the process with this guide to choosing an enriching summer activity, where your child will also have a blast.  FIRST, KNOW THE BEST PLACES TO LOOK: You may not be aware of the number of great summer day camps taking place around your community.

Start with college campuses, parks and recreation departments, local school districts and churches.

Be sure to tune in to nonprofits, like performing arts centers, museums and your local animal shelter or zoo. Finally, ask the other adults in your child’s life for the inside scoop. The art teacher, soccer coach

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and scout leader may be in the know about the best camps in town.  LOOK FOR THE IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE: When you think about it, “camp” is an odd word choice.

But look at what sleep-away camp means to kids, and it makes sense. Yes, it’s fun to sleep in a cabin and spend all day sailing, swimming and climbing.

What’s key is that these kids are immersed in a new reality that’s different from the usual home and school routines. So when a local organization bills an activity a “camp,” they promise an experience that lets your kid jump in and become a part of something. When choosing the right camp, look for that quality. Is there a clear theme or topic? Will kids be active and involved? Or is the “camp” just made up of a series of talks led by adults?  MAKE SURE YOUR CHILD IS ON BOARD: Consider your child’s interests and how camp can make them stronger. Your play-acting child with a flair for drama will probably thrive and bloom at theater camp. However, if camp is a strategy to help them improve at something they struggle with, make sure the program is designed for these kids, or you’re setting them up for a session of misery. After all, you wouldn’t send your sports-loathing child to, say, a high-intensity wrestling camp, to make them more athletic.  DON’T FORGET THE FUN FACTOR: What makes camp truly memorable is having fun, so make sure the camp you’re looking at takes fun seriously.

For example, Blake Furlow, CEO of Bricks 4 Kidz, says kids keep coming back to their camps partly because these sessions bring building with LEGO Bricks to the next level of fun and exciting. But watching their enjoyment unfold during the camp is also massively rewarding. “Seeing the kids light up, get excited and make new connections during a Bricks 4 Kidz class is a heart-warming experience,” Furlow says.  CONSIDER LONGEVITY: When looking at various programs, a good question to ask is how long the camp has been around. New summer camp themes and programs can sound exciting and fresh, but it takes a few rounds to work out the kinks with any new organization. Choosing well-established programs with experienced leaders is one way to ensure that your child will get that worthwhile and fun experience with a new activity.

If you’re looking for a camp experience from a trusted provider that fosters learning in STEM subjects, look for a Bricks 4 Kidz franchise in your community. Bricks 4 Kidz is celebrating its 10th anniversary of providing fun and enrichment for kids in schools and communities across the United States and beyond! At these camps, kids get to use LEGO Bricks along with specialized LEGO Technic pieces like gears, axles and electric motors to build unique and exciting models to help kids explore engineering and architecture - while having a blast doing it. To discover camps taking place in your area, visit Bricks4Kidz.com. (BPT)

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AMERICAN WORKERS SEEK LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS TO CLOSE SKILLS GAP

Unemployment is at its lowest point since 1969 and job openings are at a 17-year high, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

With a tightened labor market the competition for candidates with the right skill set is soaring. Yet, many workers lack the skills necessary to pursue new opportunities, suggests a new survey from Prudential Financial, Inc.

The skills gap is even more concerning for millennials - 51 percent say they’re worried a lack of skills or education will negatively impact their career in the next five years.

The biggest barriers to building those skills?

According to American workers, access to educational opportunities and financial concerns rank at the top. For millennials, most likely to be new parents, more than half say learning and developing new skills will require access to affordable childcare.

American workers expect the private sector to take the lead in their personal development - nearly four in five say the private sector has responsibility for retraining, and nearly six in 10 expect their employer to help pay for The fifth American Workers Survey, conducted training and new skills. in November on behalf of Prudential by “Jobs are core to the foundation of American Morning Consult, found that more than one in workers’ financial well-being,” said Rob four American Workers say opportunities for Falzon, vice chairman of Prudential. “Right career advancement are available to them now, there’s a skills gap emerging. There’s but they lack the skills and training for these competition for talent, but at the same positions. time, the jobs are changing as a result of

disruption. Ensuring workers have the right skill sets to fill these jobs will be paramount for their future financial wellness.”

Companies including Prudential have been addressing this challenge through investments in the National Fund for Workforce Solutions and partnerships with local universities that help shape educational experiences and mentor students for careers in financial services and information technology. Companies are also looking for ways to help tap into new talent pools.

For example, Prudential’s program with Workplace Opportunity Services is designed to train and prepare veterans and military spouses for the civilian workforce.

“The future of work is already here,” Falzon said. “Employers need to create opportunities to strengthen our workforce by increasing worker flexibility and mobility.”

Please visit news.prudential.com to learn more about this survey. (BPT)

THE AMERICAN WORKERS SURVEY IS THE FIFTH IN A SERIES CONDUCTED ON BEHALF OF PRUDENTIAL BY MORNING CONSULT FROM NOV. 13 TO 16, 2018, AMONG A NATIONAL SAMPLE OF 1,919 SELF-IDENTIFIED PART-TIME AND FULL-TIME EMPLOYED ADULTS (AGE 18 AND OVER). THE INTERVIEWS WERE CONDUCTED ONLINE, AND THE DATA WAS WEIGHTED TO APPROXIMATE A TARGET SAMPLE OF ADULTS BASED ON AGE, RACE/ETHNICITY AND GENDER. RESULTS FROM THE FULL SURVEY HAVE A MARGIN OF ERROR OF ±2 PERCENTAGE POINTS. PERCENTAGES MAY NOT TOTAL 100 PERCENT DUE TO ROUNDING.

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fun facts

about bananas that will inspire you to eat more

(BPT) - Bananas are a tasty snack that many people eat regularly without much thought, but there’s more to the iconic yellow fruit than just its convenience and color. Bananas are a superfood loaded with nutrients and have been enjoyed worldwide for hundreds of years. In fact, there are many reasons to consider eating more bananas.  VERSATILITY: Bananas are one of the most versatile foods available. They come in their own container and you can eat them right out of the peel. You can slice up fresh bananas to enhance favorite snack foods, like cereal, yogurt or smoothies. They are a natural alternative to sugar to sweeten desserts and can be used in a variety of recipes, including savory ones. They are even tasty dried and eaten as banana chips.  NUTRIENT POWERHOUSE: Bananas are not only a powerhouse for potassium with nearly 10 percent of the recommended daily value, but also boast many other nutritional benefits. Just one banana has 35 percent of the daily recommended B-6, which helps with cell growth. In addition, you’ll be giving your body important vitamins and minerals like magnesium, manganese, vitamin C and copper. Bananas are also a good source of antioxidants to support a healthy immune system.  DON’T BELIEVE THE SUGAR RUMORS: Bananas are actually a wonderful source of natural sugars (the good kind) and carbohydrates, which help provide sustained energy. It’s a common misconception that bananas aren’t as healthy due to the higher sugar content, however, the natural sugars in bananas come with fiber, which slows digestion and gives the body time to use it as fuel instead of storing it as fat.  LOW-FAT, LOW-CAL: Bananas have no fat, cholesterol or sodium, making them ideal for nutritious eating as well as a good option if you’re on many specialty diets. Plus, they’re just 100 calories per banana, providing you all-natural, long-lasting energy. Whether it’s a snack or addition to a recipe, you can feel good about eating bananas.  DIGESTIVE HEALTH: Bananas are often one of baby’s first foods. They are also one of the first things we eat when we are sick. Why? Because they are soft to chew and easy to digest. In fact, bananas can support digestive health thanks to their pectin level that acts as a fiber. If you prefer your bananas a bit on the unripe side, you’re also in luck because unripe bananas contain higher levels of resistant starches, which are a soluble fiber.  BANANA BREAD: One of the most popular ways to bake with bananas is banana bread. What many people might not know is the history of the moist, sweet loaf featuring the classic yellow fruit. Banana bread is the creation of thrifty housewives during the Great Depression who had to stretch their family’s food supplies, including utilizing overly-ripe bananas.

Chiquita Banana Nut Bread Ingredients:

4 ripe Chiquita bananas 3 eggs 1 cup almond flour/spelt flour 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup 1/4 cup pecans 1/4 cup walnuts 2 tablespoons baking powder 2 tablespoons ginger powder 1 teaspoon vanilla powder 2 tablespoons cinnamon 1 can coconut milk (13.5 fl. oz.)

1 tablespoon honey 1 teaspoon vanilla powder

Directions: Purée 3 bananas with a hand mixer. Scoop the bananas into a big bowl.

Chop nuts coarsely. Now add all other ingredients and mix thoroughly.

Pour batter into greased pan. Cut the fourth banana lengthwise in half and place the slices on top of the batter.

Bake loaf for about 45 minutes in oven.

The night before, put the coconut milk in the fridge (to separate fluid from cream). Scoop only the top layer of cream from the can into a big bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 teaspoon of vanilla and mix it until you get a smooth mixture. Serve with the loaf.

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The juggle is real Online students’ tips to balance family, school (BPT) - Balancing work, school and family can be a challenge.

Some days might feel like more of a struggle than a juggle, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to have it all. In fact, one in four of the 17 million Americans enrolled as an undergraduate in a higher education institution is caring for a child, according to the National Center for Education. Many people in this position turn to online education to help make it possible to manage work, life, family and earning their degree.

Learning how to successfully integrate coursework into an already-packed schedule comes with practice (and patience!).

It never hurts to receive advice from those who’ve been in similar shoes. Here are three tips from juggling connoisseurs who have experience completing their degrees online while raising a family:

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Have patience and think about the big picture Brian Hood juggled earning a bachelor’s degree in software engineering online with Arizona State University (ASU) while parenting young triplets. His road to graduation wasn’t without its fair share of challenges.

“My desk is in the middle of my house and opens to a room that doubles as my kids’ playroom. To say that I had challenges while trying to listen to lectures is an understatement,” Hood said.

Several times throughout his academic journey, he hit roadblocks trying to balance it all. “It was so frustrating, and at times, deflating. But then you take a step back, look at the situation, and ask yourself, ‘How do I do this?’ When you tell yourself that failure isn’t an option, it becomes much easier to focus on finding a solution, rather than being consumed by the problem,” Hood said.

Hood’s expert tip: With young kids around, invest in a good pair of headphones, and be flexible, patient and willing to pause and re-watch your lectures.

Communication is key For Cherise Shockley, the key to finding balance was opening a dialogue with her family and ensuring everyone was on the same page about her online degree program. “If you are married or have kids, you have to tell your family what’s going on. Explain to them that this will require a time commitment but, in the end, it will be worth it,” Shockley said.

Openness and honesty go a long way, according to Shockley, who earned her mass communication and media studies degree online with ASU. “You have to be organized and know that there are no shortcuts.

If a problem comes up, make sure to speak up and ask when you need help.”

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Shockley’s expert tip: When challenges arise - as they inevitably do remind yourself and your family that anything is possible with sacrifice, hard work, faith and determination.

Make your family a priority Robert Rutledge, an online student with ASU, earned a bachelor’s degree in business with a concentration in global leadership while juggling a full-time job and parenthood.

Often, while he worked on his studies, his two younger children would come into his office and ask, “Daddy, are you done yet?” In these instances, Rutledge would take time to explain to his children what he was doing and why he was doing it.

2019-2020 school year Classes begin September 2019

His biggest piece of advice? Make your kids a priority. “It’s difficult for [children] to grasp the importance of the time you’re spending on your education instead of with them - especially with younger children.”

Small class sizes / 5:1 student/teacher ratio

Rutledge’s expert tip: Use study breaks as bonding time with your loved ones. Go for a walk or play a game with your children and come back to your studies refreshed and ready!

For Children ages 3–5 years

Managing everything can be overwhelming at times, but remember: completing your education can open doors to so many new possibilities for you and your family, such as the opportunity to advance your career, increase your overall earning potential and even pursue a personal passion.

With nearly 4.8 million parents pursuing degrees, remember that you’re in good company and are now armed with some expert advice on how to successfully juggle life, learning and family. With the right support and resources, earning your degree is possible and there is no better time than now to get started on pursuing your educational dreams.

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23 years in the community

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girlsthrough ’ confidence puberty and beyond Is a transformational time for girls that comes with unique challenges in physical, mental and emotional forms. Between trying to manage increasingly complex emotions, adjusting to their evolving bodies and navigating social changes, it’s no wonder half of girls lose confidence at this moment in life - and many never fully recover. This is why it’s crucial to not only educate girls about the changes they’re experiencing, but to actively support them as they develop their confidence.

This drop in confidence can be even more significant when girls are not prepared. A recent Always Confidence & Puberty Survey revealed that nearly

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1 in 5 girls miss school because they do not have the proper access to period products. And it’s not just school they miss, it also means they miss out on activities they love like sports and clubs. These activities help build her confidence and skills, and missing out can limit a girl’s potential and opportunities far beyond puberty.

There are many ways that individuals can help champion girls, and the impact can be even greater when larger organizations also come together in support. For example, Always and Walmart have joined forces via the Live #LikeAGirl program, which is aimed at helping #EndPeriodPoverty for puberty-aged girls so they can stay in extracurricular activities. Together, these two companies are making pad donations to 50 teams in 50 states, and offering access to puberty and confidence education and tips from key experts. The program

kicked off in Florida, where a local martial arts studio that serves girls in need became a recipient of the program. The girls on the team talk about their experience here: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=MZBrna5E0u4&feature=youtu.be.

Live #LikeAGirl program experts include New York Times bestselling author and confidence expert and co-founder of Girls Leadership, Rachel Simmons, and Girlology Co-founder Dr. Melisa Holmes who will provide information and coaching to the activity leaders helping support girls through this life stage.

According to Simmons and Holmes, these easy-toaction tips can help you become a champion of girls’ confidence and provide the best support system for the girls in your life:  CONSISTENTLY SUPPORT THEM THROUGH SUCCESSES AND FAILURES: Whether it is persevering through a tough class in school or

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getting enough practice in before the talent show, being part of their daily accomplishments makes these moments more enjoyable for girls. Consistently being there and cheering them on is one of the most important things you can do for them, especially at puberty. Expressing praise and noticing how hard they’ve worked for something, even if they fail, will help boost their confidence in more ways than you may know.  KEEP THEM INVOLVED IN EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES: As girls develop their confidence, it’s important to help them discover their true passions in life - whether it’s art club, martial arts or softball. Create opportunities for girls to try new activities and expand their skills. Rachel Simmons advises that when girls are part of a bigger team, whether sports, service or the arts, they learn to work cooperatively and persevere through setbacks. Learning new skills will help them grow in confidence.  HAVE OPEN AND FREQUENT DISCUSSIONS ABOUT PUBERTY: At puberty, it can be nerve-wracking to speak openly about the physical changes we all experience. Preparing for “the talk” can feel like a daunting task, but to help girls better understand what is going on, Holmes advises keeping an open and positive dialogue about what to expect. Start the conversations early and use the correct terms for body parts. Remind them often that the changes they’re experiencing are completely normal.

Additionally, it’s important to let girls know the importance of using safe and hygienic period protection. For example, if not all girls have access to proper period products, some may have to resort to using non-pad materials such as toilet paper or paper towels which may result in irritation and rashes. She also shares that some girls and their families may not be aware of additional resources to get the period protection they need.

Talk to your daughter about the resources that exist in your community, whether it’s a school nurse, a school pantry or local shelter.  TEACH HER TO BOUNCE RIGHT BACK: Girls can learn the importance of perseverance from you, so let her see how you dust yourself off after a setback. Failure is part of the learning process and role modeling the right behavior can give her a clear script for her own positive self-talk. When she judges herself harshly, remind her of all she’s accomplished already. After a misstep, help her to regroup and plan her next move by asking her to write down some next steps. Focus on small goals. For example, if she makes a bad grade in chemistry, encourage her to aim for a grade letter higher the next time around and formulate a study plan to help her meet that goal.  PREPARE YOURSELF WITH THE RIGHT INFORMATION, GUIDANCE AND ADVICE: Utilizing the proper resources as a guide to care for girls during these years will not only benefit the girls, but also parents, caretakers, mentors and coaches in providing the stability they need for a growth in their confidence during puberty and beyond. There are multiple resources to rely on in local communities that can make sure you’re helping girls navigate in the best way possible, including recreation centers, community centers, educational classes and online resources like www.Always.com.

Parent Source Serving DeKalb County

Resource Guide for Parents

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By following these steps, you can help the girls in your life navigate puberty with greater ease and create a strong foundation for their confidence throughout life. (BPT)

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TRY THIS FAMILY FAVORITE RECIPE:

Sneaky ways

to get your kids eating healthier (BPT) - Every parent knows it can be a challenge to get kids to eat healthy foods.

Serving piles of vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins might be our goal, but it might not guarantee that children will actually eat them.

Registered dietitian Dawn Jackson Blatner offers tips for upping the nutrients in family meals without your kids suspecting a thing.

Pack the meatloaf with vegetables. If meatloaf is a family favorite, you’re in luck.

It’s easy to add finely grated vegetables like carrots into your meatloaf mix without anyone being the wiser. Carrots are loaded with nutrients such as fiber, potassium and beta-carotene. Or try adding minced celery, green peppers or spinach to meatloaf (or meatballs!) for a nutrition boost. You can also combine cooked lentils with your ground beef for a leaner meatloaf without sacrificing flavor.

Italian favorites with added veggies. When cooking Italian dishes like lasagna, adding chopped broccoli or spinach to one of your layers is an easy way to increase its nutritional value. Boost nutrition of jarred pasta sauce for any Italian dish by pureeing in your favorite cooked veggies like broccoli, carrots, squash or peppers without anyone

18

Baked Chicken Nuggets Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes Yield: 6 servings | Recipe by: TermiNatetor Family Kitchen

Ingredients 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (roughly 1 pound total), cut into 1-inch pieces

1 tablespoon garlic powder

noticing. This powered-up sauce is great for making homemade superfood pizza, too.

1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko works too!)*

Salt and pepper

Asian stir fry at home. Instead of relying on Asian takeout meals, make stir fry at home.

It’s quick and easy, and you can buy pre-cut chicken or beef to speed up your prep time.

Get fresh or frozen veggies like sugar snap peas, grated carrots, broccoli florets and peppers and stir fry with soy sauce and a bit of ginger and garlic powder. It’s a highveggie, craveable meal loaded with vitamins and fiber. Serve with brown rice instead of white for even more nutrition.

1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup all-purpose flour*

Use the best ingredients. Choosing your ingredients with care makes a huge difference in nutritional value. Blatner says that using Eggland’s Best eggs makes any recipe more nutritious, as they contain more than double the vitamin B12 when compared with ordinary eggs. “Vitamin B12 transforms food to energy that kids need to play and grow,” says Blatner. They also contain more vitamin D, which helps a child’s body absorb calcium, a mineral that bones need to stay strong and grow properly, according to the National Institutes of Health. Compared to ordinary eggs, they have 25 percent less saturated fat, plus contain more than double the omega-3s and 10 times more vitamin E.

In a shallow bowl, whisk together breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper and seasonings.

1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 3 Eggland’s Best eggs (large) Cooking spray

Preparation Preheat oven to 450 F.

In two separate bowls, add the flour in one and whisk the eggs in the other.

Set a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet and lightly coat rack with cooking spray.

In batches, coat the chicken in the flour, shaking off excess, then in the egg wash, then in the bread crumb mixture, pressing to adhere.

Place on rack.

Bake until chicken is fully cooked, about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. *Dawn’s Healthy Swap: Use whole grain instead of regular bread crumbs and all-purpose flour!

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NIU BRINGS WORLD-CLASS ARTS EVENTS HOME

Experience our wealth of talent in theater, dance, art and music.

Be the ďŹ rst to know about upcoming events and interesting stories:

go.niu.edu/artsblog

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