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Parent Source Serving DeKalb County

WHAT’S BEST FOR BABY?

Try these easy, nutrient-packed first foods

GOOD GAMING Yes, video games can have a positive effect

PIECING IT TOGETHER

How puzzles can boost emotional wellness

Spring Resource Guide For Parents

what’s

INSIDE 3

What’s best for baby? Try these easy, nutrient-packed first foods

Good gaming? Yes, video games can have positive effects

10 ways a weighted blanket can help you find calm

Piecing together your emotional wellness routine in 2021

Parent Source is distributed in the Daily Chronicle Project Manager | Lisa Angel Design & Layout | Julie Barichello We reserve the right to include and edit all editorial content of this publication.

SOURCE 2|PARENT SPRING 2021

baby? WHAT’S BEST FOR

Try these easy, nutrient-packed first foods

t’s the funny face as he tries a new texture. It’s the cute way she smacks her lips as she gobbles up a new food. It’s the waving arms and big smile that says, “I want more!”

consistency or try slicing into tiny pieces that can be easily chewed and swallowed. Save the other half of the avocado for later in the day or join your little one and nosh on some avocado toast.

Experts agree that most babies are ready to try solid foods at around 6 months of age. As a parent or caregiver, this is an exciting but confusing time for your growing child. You want to give your baby the joy of new flavors as well as provide excellent nutrition, but you may not be sure which foods are healthy and safe for your little one.

Bananas are another wholesome option for infants. Widely available and affordable, stocking up on bananas is a great way to provide a nutritious snack for the whole family. Known as a potassium powerhouse, bananas are also a good source of fiber, magnesium and vitamin B6. Just like avocado, you can mush or slice the flesh to make eating easy for baby whether it’s meal or snack time.

“Experts often recommend soft, vitamin-rich foods that are easy to swallow and digest as ideal first foods,” says Dr. John La Puma, Clinical Director of ChefClinic and co-founder of ChefMD®. “Baby cereal such as oat and quinoa are often one of the easiest things to try first when baby is ready, but there are many more foods to add to your infant’s menu that are not only delicious, but nutritious, too.”

FRESH AND READY PRODUCE OPTIONS FOR INFANTS

Avocado is a great example of a nutrient-dense first baby food. When ripe, the fresh, buttery flavor of an avocado is a tasty treat for infants. Avocados are a good source of healthy monounsaturated fat as well as folate and vitamins K and C, so you can feel good about feeding your baby a wholesome food. Because of the soft texture, avocados are great for infants just learning how to swallow. Cut an avocado in half and mush half of the flesh into a baby food

MAKE EVERY BITE COUNT WITH EGGS

For a convenient, yet nutrient-packed option, turn to kitchen staples like eggs. In fact, the 2020 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee of the USDA recently issued recommendations for birth to 24 months old and specifically recommended eggs as an important first food for infants and toddlers. The Advisory Committee also shared a new recommendation based on the latest research revealing early introduction of eggs to babies who are developmentally ready to eat solid foods may help reduce a child’s risk of developing an egg allergy.* In fact, introducing cooked eggs at 4 to 6 months of age might protect against egg allergy.** Eggs are also great for pregnancy since they contain some of the highest levels of choline, a crucial nutrient for fetal brain health. When shopping for eggs, Dr. La Puma advises that not all eggs are created equal. He suggests opting

for Eggland’s Best eggs, as they provide superior nutrition compared to ordinary eggs such as more than double the vitamin B12, which supports muscle, bone and brain development for infants and toddlers. EB eggs also contain six times more vitamin D, 25% less saturated fat, more than double the Omega-3s, and 10 times more vitamin E compared to ordinary eggs. Busy parents can look to convenient, time-saving mealtime solutions. Refrigerated, peeled and readyto-eat, Eggland’s Best Hard-Cooked Peeled Eggs are simple to grab and slice into small pieces for little ones. Learn more and get delicious recipes at www. egglandsbest.com. “Helping infants and toddlers experience a new world of flavors can be as fun for you as it is for them,” says La Puma. “These ideas are simple and can be prepared in just minutes, providing you easy, scientifically sound options for supporting your child’s growth and nutritional well-being.” To celebrate eggs as an important first food for babies, Eggland’s Best is also searching for babies born between Jan. 1, 2020 and April 30, 2021, with the initials E.B.! Visit www.EBFamilySweeps.com by April 30 to enter the EB Baby Sweepstakes for the chance to win a year’s supply of Eggland’s Best eggs! *If your family has a history of food allergy or your baby has eczema, talk to your pediatrician before introducing highly allergenic foods.

(BPT) PARENT SOURCE SPRING 2021

? g n i m a g ➤

Good

Yes, video games can have positive effects

Remote work, virtual education, quarantine, social distancing COVID-19 is causing people to spend more time at home. If you’re like many people you’ve been spending some of the extra time indulging in favorite hobbies such as gaming. Should you feel guilty? Probably not.

SOURCE 4|PARENT SPRING 2021

Studies show that video games can have numerous positive effects for children and adults. While specific benefits will vary depending on the game being played, video games can help keep you mentally sharp and socially connected, which is especially important during the pandemic. Whether you play them by yourself, partner up with your child or plan a date night with your spouse, gaming is a fun activity with loads of benefits, beyond laughs and a good time.

BENEFITS OF VIDEO GAMING More than 214 million people in the United States today play video games one hour or more per week, according to the Entertainment Software Association, and 75% of all U.S. households have at least one person who plays. In total, 64% of U.S. adults and 70% of those under 18 regularly play video games. These may be games played on the computer or numerous consoles available today.

Potential benefits of video gaming are plentiful. Rather than stereotyping video gaming as an isolating activity, many are proving to have the opposite impact. Collaboration and in-game socialization is connecting people virtually in meaningful ways, which is beneficial from a social standpoint because people are unable to see their friends and family in-person like they did previously. Additionally, Psychology Today points to a variety of studies that demonstrate video games have many health benefits including improved spatial attention (ability to locate a target stimulus in a field of distractors), reduced impulsiveness, increased mental flexibility and improved multitasking and problem-solving abilities. Video games can even have a positive impact for older people, providing a reduction of cognitive decline that’s often associated with aging.

VIDEO GAMES AND SKILL BUILDING You can explore history, science, math, languages, cultures, critical thinking, logical reasoning and so much more in video games. You’re learning important skills all while having fun! Here are four must-try games that focus on strategy, problem-solving, critical thinking, management and leadership. ➤ TITLE: SPACEBASE STARTOPIA ➤ GENRE: MANAGEMENT SIMULATOR Spacebase Startopia is a galactic new take on a fan-favorite space base-management game. Work together with up to four players and go solo managing a melting pot of different lifeforms, each with their own individual - and sometimes contradictory - needs and desires. Build rooms across different decks to cater to the needs of visiting aliens and also produce and trade resources to turn a profit while running sabotage missions against your competitors. Release date March 26, 2021. ➤ TITLE: FILAMENT ➤ GENRE: PUZZLE Where’s the crew of The Alabaster? When you play Filament you’ll try to discover the answer by working through more than 300 challenging puzzles. Each step of your exploration uncovers interesting tidbits about the crew and what happened as you uncover crew logs, hidden messages, important records and personal items that all slowly paint a picture of the truth behind the ship’s empty state. Available now.

➤ TITLE: RISE OF INDUSTRY ➤ GENRE: MANAGEMENT SIMULATOR From small-town business to corporate tycoon, Rise of Industry will put your entrepreneurial skills to the test. You’ll have to think strategically and work hard to build your business from the ground up. As an early 20th-century industrialist, you have a lot to learn. Will you be able to adapt to change and the unexpected, or will your business flop? You need to make wise decisions balancing growth and the bottom line. Available now. ➤ TITLE: RAILWAY EMPIRE ➤ GENRE: MANAGEMENT SIMULATOR It’s 1830 and railways are the future of America. You want a piece of the action and are building a rail network that will help the communities you serve to thrive. Choose from over 40 different trains modeled in historic detail, build a railway station, create tourist attractions and more to keep you making money and growing your business faster than the competition. Railway Empire is available now. The next time you want to have fun and exercise your brain, try out one of these games. As research shows, gaming can be good, no matter your age.

(BPT)

Summer in Sycamore means...

Connecting Sycamore to Wellness, Nature, & Each Other

SycamoreParkDistrict.com 815-895-3365

Summer Camps • movies in the park Splash Fountain Splashpad • Community pool hiking • fishing • picnics • summer concert series

come out and play! PARENT SOURCE SPRING 2021

WAYS A WEIGHTED BLANKET CAN HELP YOU FIND

CALM A

ccording to an American Psychological Association survey, nearly eight in 10 adults say the pandemic has caused them stress and anxiety. In 2020, Tranquility weighted blankets became a go-to, natural solution for millions of Americans seeking to unwind and achieve better sleep. Here are 10 unique ways a weighted blanket can help you and your family find calm, no matter what the year brings.

1) FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT.

7) VIRTUAL PJ PARTY.

Weighted blankets are the perfect companion to couch cuddle time and are available in both adult and kids weights so the whole family is covered.

Virtual social gatherings now mean throwing on jammies to “get together” with friends and family from the comfort of home. Make your gathering even more cozy from under the plush comfort of your blanket.

2) DAILY MEDITATION. Need help getting centered? Try folding your weighted blanket in half across your body while lying on your back to help quiet restless limbs.

3) YOGA BREAK. Taking your yoga routine home? Use your weighted blanket as a bolster to gain height in a seated pose or to stay warm during savasana (shah-VAH-sah-nah) at the end of your session.

4) FOCUS UP. Getting ready for the big Zoom meeting? Try pairing your weighted blanket with mindful breathing exercises, like 4-4-4-4 box breathing, ahead of your presentation.

5) GET AWAY. Whisk yourself away with a good book, playlist or podcast while wrapped in your weighted blanket for even more Zen and relaxation.

6) WORKOUT BUDDY. Gym closed? No problem. Grab your rolled-up 12-, 15- or 20-pound weighted blanket to instantly add weight to your at-home fitness routine.

8) BYO-BLANKET. While gathering outside is still safer, bring your blanket to your next porch party or fire pit session as your own personal shield of calm.

9) GIVE A “HUG.” Know someone in need of support? Instead of sweets or flowers, how about sending a virtual hug? Weighted blankets provide Deep Touch Pressure (DTP), a sensory experience similar to a soothing hug, which works to relax the nervous system and create a feeling of calm.

10) DOUBLE CHOCOLATE COMFORT. Warm chocolate chip cookies or a fudge-topped ice cream sundae become that much more indulgent when enjoyed under cover of Tranquility. Other comforting pairings to try while swaddled in your blanket: herbal tea, hot cocoa or a melty grilled cheese (don’t worry, there’s a removable, washable cover just in case). These are just a few ways to add Tranquility to new routines, but with thousands of online reviews, the uses are endless.

(BPT)

SOURCE 6|PARENT SPRING 2021

PIECING TOGETHER YOUR EMOTIONAL WELLNESS ROUTINE IN 2021 2020 WAS A TOUGH YEAR FOR EVERYONE, so it’s more important than ever to develop positive physical, mental and emotional wellness routines as you tackle a new year and new challenges. As Americans continue to spend an increased amount of time in front of screens, these new routines can help reduce stress and anxiety by finding ways to stay grounded in your physical environment. One simple and effective way to incorporate more wellness and relaxation into your daily home life is through doing jigsaw puzzles. With COVID-19 restrictions still in place, puzzles can bring comfort and stress relief straight to your living room or dining room table. In fact, a recent Ipsos study conducted by renowned puzzle maker Ravensburger found that almost 60% of people sampled puzzles to relax, and 45% of people rely on puzzles for stress relief. Due to the sheer variety of puzzle images and piece counts – ranging from fewer than 100 to thousands of pieces – there’s something for people of all ages to enjoy. Your choice of puzzle theme can enhance your experience, bring a sense of fun and exploration as well as satisfaction and peace of mind with every piece you put together. Plus, working toward the same goal provides a feeling of togetherness with family members who puzzle with you.

Here are just some of the wellness benefits offered through puzzling:

THE FAMILY THAT PUZZLES TOGETHER HAS FUN TOGETHER

PICTURES THAT ARE WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS

A 300-piece puzzle takes approximately two to three hours to complete, so it’s the perfect activity for enjoying an evening indoors as a family. Puzzling not only gets your kids away from their screens and gadgets, it also creates a collaborative atmosphere that can inspire lively conversation.

Piecing together a beautiful or comforting image can invoke nostalgic memories and intrigue the imagination about what’s to come. The Cozy Bathroom puzzle from Ravensburger may even inspire a real-life at-home spa experience to unwind and unplug. Some puzzlers find their completed puzzles so attractive to look at that they are glued and framed to be admired as a decorative piece of art for years to come.

THEMED PUZZLES TO MATCH ANY PUZZLER’S INTEREST Adults can find puzzles that are centered around their particular interests or hobbies or picture a favorite place to increase the joy of assembling it. The younger ones in the family can have fun putting together pictures of some of their favorite characters, such as Ravensburger’s Disney Princess Heartsong puzzle that brings beloved princesses to life designed with a piece count that’s just for them. Creating images that represent something you enjoy can provide a great sense of tangible satisfaction and pleasure.

CHALLENGE YOUR BRAIN A challenging puzzle can keep your brain happily occupied for hours as you focus on your task – and away from potentially distressing news and endless doom scrolling. A single-color puzzle like Ravensburger’s Krypt series can be the perfect brain-buster for a winter afternoon. In fact, according to a CBS report, jigsaw puzzles were originally designed to be an educational tool – they were first invented in the 1760s as a way to teach British children geography, then gained popularity in the United States during the Great Depression for entertainment and employment purposes. Whether you are a long-time puzzler or just starting out, there is an endless variety of puzzles to enjoy on your own or with your family that are sure to become a part of your relaxation and stress-relief strategy this year.

(BPT) PARENT SOURCE SPRING 2021

NIU 2021 Summer Arts Camps Five immersive online camps to choose from:

Jazz Camp Drumset Camp Theatre Arts Camp Junior Theatre Arts Camp Senior Visual Arts Camp

All camps start in July. Visit artscamps.niu.edu for more information.

Online Online Online Online Online

College of Visual and Performing Arts

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