Parent-Source April 2016

Parent Source 1 | Parent Source | Spring 2016

Serving DeKalb County

Spring Resource Guide for Parents

Home buying trends for this years market Learning and attention issues Preventing brain drain

2 | Parent Source | Spring 2016

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Table

of

Contents

4

Terrible tantrums

6

Home buying trends for this years market

8

Relax and engage

10

Tire tips for parents on the go

12 Learning and

attention issues

13 Preventing brain drain 14 Prenatal screening tests 15 Tips for satisfying spring cleaning

Parent Source is distributed in the Daily Chronicle

Project Manager: Lisa Angel Design & Layout: Rob Szekely We reserve the right to include and edit all editorial content of this publication.

4 | Parent Source | Spring 2016

TERRIBLE TANTRUMS: 5 Parent Mistakes That Make Them Worse

One minute your toddler is giggling with delight and in the next, he’s having an uncontrollable meltdown. Overwhelmed with emotion, he won’t listen to reason. As a caregiver, you feel embarrassed, helpless and upset. What do you do?

“It’s easy to become overwhelmed when dealing with tantrums,” says Dr. Tom Reimers, child psychologist and author of “Help! There’s a Toddler in the House.” “Fortunately, this common behavioral problem can often be corrected if you avoid common mistakes and take positive action.”

Dr. Reimers is a childhood expert for Boys Town. He contributes to the Boys Town Toddler email series that provides parents advice on how to handle different situations. It also serves as a teaching activity to help implement the advice and

skills that parents and children can work on together. Visit www.boystown.org to sign up for free.

Through his extensive experience, Dr. Reimers notes the top five, most common caregiver mistakes when kids have tantrums:

MISTAKE #1

Ignoring Tantrum Precursors

Tantrums often feel like they come out of nowhere, and while some are unavoidable, others can be diverted by paying attention to your child’s specific cues. You may notice your child acting bored, whining, fidgeting, teasing and ignoring you. These are common clues that a meltdown may be coming soon.

Being a parent can feel overwhelm-

ing. Try to be thoughtful when watching your child’s unique demeanor. If you see these cues, you can take action to avoid a tantrum such as taking a break from whatever you’re doing or diverting your child’s attention to a new activity.

MISTAKE #2

Starting to Count Down

A common way to handle tantrums is to count down; stating that if the behavior doesn’t stop by the count of three, the child is going to be in trouble.

The problem is that this threat doesn’t correct the behavior in a manner that a small child can understand and

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to keep them occupied, so it’s important to plan ahead and bring along activities. He’ll be captivated by a new library book, a small toy car, a flashlight, stickers or coloring book long enough for you to complete your errand and keep your sanity. If he gets bored, play games while you’re out such as spotting colors or counting items.

MISTAKE #5

it often leads to a power struggle, making the situation much worse.

The best approach is to walk away or resist reacting to the tantrum. Remember, your child is acting out of frustration, and when she is small, it’s a difficult emotion to master. You must model the behavior you expect of her in public and at home. Once the tantrum is over and emotions have leveled, you have a better opportunity for talking about expectations.

Rewarding Bad Behavior

Tantrums can happen at the most inconvenient times.

In order to get your child to act differently in the shortest time possible, you beg him to stop by offering a treat or a sticker. Unfortunately, this sends a message to your child that bad behavior is rewarded and can make dealing with future tantrums even more difficult.

Rather than rewarding bad behavior, make sure to focus on good behavior. Praising the times when she listens, follows directions, uses her manners, etc. reinforces the good. You may opt for an occasional sticker or treat as a reward if you’d like, but a “good job” and high-five from Mom or Dad is often enough to make tots grin from ear to ear.

MISTAKE 4 #

Tantrums are terrible for both child and caregiver. Once one has passed, it’s tempting to move on and forget it ever happened. However, doing this means you don’t get the opportunity to talk to your child about the situation when she is calm.

A better strategy once things have settled is to talk with your child directly without distractions and state clearly that tantrum behavior is unacceptable. Then, help your child learn age-appropriate coping mechanisms, like taking a deep breath and counting to 10 or hugging herself tightly.

Practice these methods daily and make them a habit.

“Remember, the toddler phase is short,” says Dr. Reimers. “This too shall pass. In the meantime, these strategies will help tremendously.” n

Being Unprepared With Activities

Life is busy. A long trip to the grocery store or another errand is often unavoidable.

Many parents just power through these trips and figure their young children just have to deal with it. By the end, your toddler is having a tantrum in the checkout lane.

Remember, children have short attention spans. They need things

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MISTAKE #3

Forgetting the Tantrum After It’s Over

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If you’re in the market for a new house this year, don’t be fooled by the brisk chill in the air - the spring house-hunting season is actually closer than you think. That means now is the perfect time to start your planning.

Space requirements such as bedrooms, bathrooms and square footage are essential, but a house is more than just shelter, it’s your home, and the great ones not only have everything you need, but everything you want.

Association of Home Builders (NAHB) found that buyers were extremely interested in functional attributes like new appliances, eat-in layouts, walkin pantries and double sinks.

2

Living rooms are no longer a must. Given today’s diverse home-buying population, the formal living room is becoming less prevalent. “Many buyers would rather use traditional living room square

Five home-buying trends for this year’s 5 top home-buying trends market for this year’s market “Each family lives in their home differently,” says Beazer Homes Senior Creative Manager Michael Phillips. “Some buyers prefer a private dining room, while others want an open-concept kitchen with a more casual eating area. Where one buyer might prefer an owner’s suite on the main level, others may want all their bedrooms on the upper level.”

Although every home buyer’s needs are unique, the market is often dictated by common trends. To better understand your own buying preferences and to see if you’re aligned with others in the real estate marketplace, take a look at these five home-buying trends.

1

Function over aesthetics When you think kitchen trends, you probably think of design features like granite countertops and stainless steel appliances.

While both these options remain popular and are common in new construction, surveys by the National Association of Realtors and the National

footage in a new way,” said Phillips.

“We’re seeing families using the living room as a home office or choosing to forgo the space altogether in exchange for extra square footage in other areas of the home.”

3

New is number one.

According to the NAHB, more than half of surveyed buyers want to purchase a new home. It can be a challenge for buyers to find

7 | Parent Source | Spring 2016

everything they desire in a resale home, and because renovations are often costly and time consuming, it’s hard to deny the appeal of purchasing a brand-new home that is move-in ready.

large windows, NAHB research shows homeowners are putting an increased emphasis on the energy savings that accompany the installation of highperformance windows.

Let there be (energyefficient) light. Home buyers have coveted homes that make good use of natural light for years and that trend is continuing in 2016. In addition to

Make it your own.

Personalizing a new home is easier and more affordable than ever before, thanks to offerings like Beazer’s Choice Plans, which are flexible floorplans that allow you to

4

5

personalize the most lived-in spaces in your home at no additional cost.

Whether you want a kitchen for entertaining or a breakfast nook for family dining, an office space instead of an extra bedroom, you choose ... and Beazer won’t charge you for selecting the best layout for your lifestyle. You can learn more about your options and how to create your own dream home at www.beazer.com/choice-plans.

Start your preparation today It’s never too early to start preparing for shopping for a new home.

The more work you do ahead of time, the more time you can spend exploring the market. So start your research now and you’ll be moved into the home of your dreams before you know it. n Beazer Homes’ Edisto Kitchen Choice Plan Option A features an eat-in layout (left).

Beazer Homes’ Choice Plans program allows home buyers to personalize the most frequently used living spaces in their home according to their needs (opposite page, bottom).

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8 | Parent Source | Spring 2016

Relax and engage 4 ways to learn on vacation With busy schedules and jam packed to-do lists, people often view vacations as a time to simply lounge by the beach and soak up the sun.

And while that may sound like paradise, when was the last time you truly pursued a passion, goal or curiosity?

Vacation is a great time to take your goals and passions off the back burner. A learning vacation can help you reclaim old interests and discover places you never knew existed. One of the best learning vacation destinations is in western New York State. Home

of Chautauqua Institution and many other learning venues, it’s a place to both relax and grow your mind.

Whether you’re traveling with family, friends or all on your own, here are some of the best ways to learn on vacation:

1

Find a destination focused on education

2

Go somewhere to learn a new activity

3

Be adventurous with food and drink

Instead of booking a flight to your ordinary vacation spot, why not try somewhere new? Take an adventure to a destination known for learning.

The Chautauqua Institution is known for its life-long and vacation learning program. This educational center founded in 1874 on Chautauqua Lake features 750 acres of historic buildings, vacation homes and cottages, the grand Athenaeum Hotel and a nine-week summer schedule filled with learning opportunities for all ages. Nearby, the City of Jamestown is home to the Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History, the Robert H. Jackson Center for Justice and the Lucille Ball - Desi Arnaz Center for Comedy.

Is there a sport, activity or hobby you’ve always wanted to try? If you’re interested in birds or nature, choose to vacation in a place with recreational trails and nature gardens. If you’ve always wanted to give skiing or snowboarding a shot, find a resort like Peek’n Peak Resort in Chautauqua County with learning academies focused on winter sports as well as golf. From sailing and kayaking to fly fishing and stand up paddling, the possibilities are endless for what you can learn in western New York.

Make a point to try a dish you’ve never tasted at least once per day on your vacation. Challenge yourself to

9 | Parent Source | Spring 2016

get out of your comfort zone and taste the local cuisine. Wherever you’re staying, ask for recommendations on which restaurants to check out. You could even poll some locals to find the best places to go for coffee, and any other must-visit places. Wine enthusiasts can research local wineries to schedule tours and tastings to discover a new favorite and learn how it’s made. Lake Erie Wine Country has several wineries, events and attractions to keep you informed and entertained while relaxing on vacation.

breakfast can also be easy ways to interact with new people on a daily basis. Look for dining and sightseeing partners; you never know who you’ll meet.

Put a fresh spin on your vacation

planning this year. Design a learning vacation, enjoy new experiences and return home feeling revived and refreshed. For more information and educational ideas, visit www. tourchautauqua.com. n

4 Make travel friends

Traveling gives you the opportunity to meet people from all over the world. Strike up a conversation with the couple or family next to you at lunch and you could end up making some life-long friendships. Staying in a locally owned hotel or bed and

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10 | Parent Source | Spring 2016

TIRE TIPS FOR PARENTS ON THE GO

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A growing number of children are not content to keep all their efforts inside the classroom or play video games.

They seek out different outlets like sports - especially soccer, which makes the largest youth sports organization in America - in order to learn, socialize and have fun.

According to data from the U.S. Census, nearly six out of 10 children between the ages of 6 and 17 are involved in at least one after school extra-curricular activity. Children are stepping out to stay active, but they need some help to get there - literally. Even world-class soccer players on English Premier League champion Chelsea FC once needed parents to drive them around.

However, before kids can even hit the soccer field, the vehicles that get them there need to run smoothly, especially the tires. “With all the soccer practices and games, parents are putting a lot of extra miles on their tires,” says Pat Keating, senior manager, technical engineering for Yokohama Tire Corporation, manufacturer of a variety of tires for passenger cars, SUVs, buses and trucks. “Taking just five minutes a month to check your tires can make a world of difference in how well they perform.”

“The reason to check your tires monthly is to make sure they are properly inflated and the tread depth is still good.

For example, the Rubber Manufacturers Association reports a car can lose up to 2 pounds per-square-inch (psi) each month under normal driving conditions, and up to 2 psi for every 10 degrees F temperature drop. A tire that is underinflated by only 8 psi can reduce fuel economy by up to 2 percent, which means higher gas bill at the pump and fewer funds for soccer league fees, new equipment or jerseys.”

It’s best to check your tires when they are cold, which means at least four hours since the vehicle was driven.

Use a reliable tire gauge and make sure the valve is free of debris and water. The correct tire pressure is actually specified by the manufacturer of the vehicle, not the tire manufacturer. You can find the proper inflation levels on a placard on the inside of the car door or in the owner’s manual.

Keating offers more tips for parents so they can get the most out of their tires year-round: Check your tread depth by placing a penny upside down into a tread groove. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, your tire’s tread has worn down to the legal limit and you need to buy new tires.

Tires must be replaced when the tread is worn down to 2/32 of an inch (the lowest legal limit). It’s best to replace them before they reach 2/32 depending on your drive (geographically and type of streets).

Rotating your tires regularly promotes even wear of the tread. Tires should be rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles.

Check your alignment at least once a year or sooner, especially if the vehicle is pulling to one side. This will help avoid uneven wear on tire tread. Tire balance should also be monitored.

“Tires influence braking, steering, comfort, handling and

even fuel efficiency,” adds Keating.” You can’t play soccer without a ball, and you can’t drive without tires. They are the only part of a vehicle that actually touches the road so maintaining them well is essential.”

Having the right tires is also as important as having the right equipment in sports, Keating reports. “Certain tires offer specific benefits, so it’s imperative to find the tire that fits your car’s requirements. Case in point would be the GEOLANDAR A/T G015, a new tire that’s coming out soon. It’s specifically engineered for SUVs, crossovers, vans and pick-up trucks with its increased durability and ability to perform well on a variety of road surfaces.”

Help your kids kick off their season right by giving your tires some extra care. Tire maintenance is one extra-curricular activity you can’t afford to miss.

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12 | Parent Source | Spring 2016

Learning and attention issues: A child’s invisible struggle Suzanne Lang fondly remembers asking her then 5-year-old son, Alec, what he wanted to be for Halloween.

“The king,” he said, beaming.

So they went to the craft store and picked out red velvet and white fur for a cape. Lang made a scepter out of cardboard and spray-painted it gold.

“When I put the crown on his head, he looked at me with big eyes, full of confidence and joy,” she says. “Sadly, I wouldn’t see that look again for many years.”

There had been hints back in preschool that something wasn’t right.

Alec’s speech was slightly off. He had trouble in kindergarten with letters and words. But at the same time, he was very bright, creative and inquisitive.

In first grade, things began to unravel. Every day the class would spend time writing in their journals. And every day Alec would try hard but only manage to write one word - and he’d spell it wrong, too.

School became unbearable for him. He began chewing through pencil erasers. He’d come home after school yelling or crying, feeling frustrated and overwhelmed. In third grade, when his school evaluated him, he told the staff he was “stupid,” even though the evaluation found he actually had a very

high IQ. “My little ‘king’ seemed so far away,” Lang noted.

Eventually, the Lang family discovered that Alec had dyslexia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These issues aren’t uncommon: one in five children struggle with brain-based issues related to reading, math, writing, attention and organization.

“Back then, all I knew was that I needed to start looking for ways to help my son,” Lang says. “But I hit a roadblock I never expected; few parents wanted to open up to me about their children’s struggles.”

It’s an uncomfortable subject, after all. It’s also invisible - no one can tell by looking at a child that he can’t read or write.

“I turned to the Internet, but it was beyond frustrating. Most websites were full of confusing education jargon. And if I found a site I liked, I kept wondering, ‘Can I really trust this information?’”

Lang spent countless hours tracking down experts, eventually finding a reading specialist named Margie Gillis.

“She helped us understand two very important things: why my son was

struggling and how I could help him,” Lang says.

That knowledge marked a turning point for the Langs. They found a middle school that gave Alec the chance to meet other kids with learning and attention issues. This helped build his confidence and gave him a sense of community.

“I remember him saying, ‘I never thought there were so many people like me,’” Suzanne says.

Once he had the kind of instruction and support he needed, Alec started to make progress. By the end of middle school, he even started talking about wanting to go to college.

“Even as Alec started to thrive, a sadness came over me,” Lang says. “I thought, ‘How many other parents are out there looking for answers?’”

That’s when she embarked on a new mission - to help other parents whose children have learning and attention issues. That journey led her to join the team at Understood.org, a comprehensive resource that empowers parents of kids with learning and attention issues.

Understood was created by 15 nonprofits that care deeply about kids with learning and attention issues. Its mission is to empower parents with clear explanations and practical advice about learning and attention issues. This powerful new resource offers parents daily access to experts, personalized support and connection to other parents in a safe online community. One of the site’s interactive tools, Through Your Child’s Eyes, allows parents to experience the challenges of living with learning and attention issues, like ADHD or dyslexia. All for free.

“Understood launched in October 2014, and my greatest hope is that it becomes a lifeline to every parent who is looking for answers,” Lang says.

Alec is now a college freshman studying engineering. He’s on the dean’s list and is thinking about what he’ll do after graduation.

“I asked him when he visited over spring break if he knew what he wanted to do, having so many options,” Lang says.

While Alec doesn’t exactly know yet, he did let his mother know that he wanted to do something cutting edge - something that will “change the world.”

“He was confident, almost beaming,” she says.

Her “king” was back. n

13 | Parent Source | Spring 2016

children grasp technology in ways they might not during the school year, so they’ll experience a whole new level of amusement. When building with LEGO Bricks, it’s only natural that kids will develop enhanced spatial awareness, visual processing, and fine motor skills. Even better, the Bricks 4 Kidz proprietary models and camp activities are centered around popular themes that kids love!

Get children away from TV and video games.

PREVENTING BRAIN DRAIN

Important aspects of a summer learning program Do you hear that? It’s the cheering of students as they run through the hallways on the last day of school.

They’re excited for three months of playing outside with no teachers and no assignments. What will they get into this summer that will keep them entertained, active, using their brains and socializing with peers?

“It can be tempting for kids to fall into the old habit of lounging on the couch in front of the TV all day when out of school. Students often don’t get an adequate mix of challenge and fun during the summer months,” says Ellen Marks, Curriculum Director of Bricks 4 Kidz(R), an award-winning summer camp and after-school program. “Summer is an ideal time for them to take on new challenges, engage in critical thinking and have fun with peers in an energetic atmosphere.”

Luckily, you have somewhere to turn to shift your children’s summer

break into a fun learning opportunity.

The last day of school comes faster than you think, so there’s no time to waste. If you’re looking for a way to combat couch-potato syndrome and keep your child entertained, an exciting summer camp program may be just what your family needs. A pool of talented Bricks 4 Kidz camp teachers are waiting to help your children grow while having a blast.

Your child’s summer camp should:

Use relatable and engaging tools LEGO Bricks are the ultimate informal learning tool, especially in the summer when kids are wishing for more fun playtime. Not only do they prompt kids to naturally practice methods of engineering through handson building, they also engage their imaginations and boundless creativity.

Gears, motors, robotics, and LEGO computer software programs also help

Don’t let your kids sit at home in front of a screen all summer. “Children need a chance to experience working in a group setting as well as on their own,” says Michelle Cote, founder and president of Bricks 4 Kidz. “Group work allows them the opportunity to collaborate and learn about their peers, while working alone helps build selfconfidence. Creative and imaginative play is also beneficial to child development, so help your kids get up off the couch and into an environment that encourages both playtime and learning.”

Kids can easily avoid brain drain this summer when they learn through playing. Put them in a program that will employ their minds while having fun and making friends along the way.

To find a program in your area, visit www.bricks4kidz.com. You can learn more about their programs and new summer camps by searching for a location by state or zip code. n

14 | Parent Source | Spring 2016

What parents-to-be should know about

prenatal screening tests If you’re pregnant or hoping to become pregnant, recent headlines may have raised your awareness of birth defect risks. Contagious diseases like the Zika virus aren’t the only factors that can affect the development of unborn babies. Fortunately, prenatal testing can do a lot to help relieve your fears - by providing information about your baby’s overall health and development, including alerting you to potential chromosomal abnormalities.

Here’s what you should know about prenatal testing - and what it can tell you about your baby’s health before he or she is born.

Prenatal tests can be non-invasive - such as a blood test or ultrasound or invasive, such as amniocentesis.

Non-invasive tests tend to be screening tests, meaning they’re intended to identify higher risks of certain conditions, such as chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome.

Invasive tests are usually used to diagnose or confirm a condition, and doctors often request them after a non-invasive screening test has raised a concern. Invasive diagnostic tests include amniocentesis, in which a sample of your amniotic fluid will be collected and tested; and chorionic villus sampling, which collects and tests a sample of the placenta. A noninvasive, targeted ultrasound exam can also be used as a diagnostic test.

Prenatal tests aim to provide doctors and parents with information about the mother’s health and the health of her baby, including the risk of the baby’s blood type being incompatible with the mother, the risk of gestational diabetes for the mother, and possible chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus. Depending on your risk factors - such as your

age, an existing medical condition, or a history of chromosomal abnormalities in your family - your doctor may recommend one or more types of prenatal testing.

Today, non-invasive screening tests such as an ultrasound and a blood test can provide parents with a wealth of information. For example, the Harmony Prenatal Test, a simple non-invasive blood test, can help determine the risk of a trisomy defect. “Trisomy”

into your pregnancy, and can provide information about the risk of your baby having this kind of chromosomal abnormality. A recent New England Journal of Medicine study found the Harmony test provided more accurate results than traditional first-trimester screening tests. If the blood test indicates a high-risk result, your doctor should recommend you follow up with additional testing.

Lab-developed blood tests like the

means instead of a pair of every chromosome, a fetus has three of one or more chromosomes. The affected chromosome determines the type of defect a baby may have.

The test detects risks of trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), 18 (Edwards syndrome) and 13 (Patau syndrome), the most common types of trisomy defects, and it can be done for normal pregnancies, as well as ones considered high risk.

A prenatal blood test for trisomies can be done as early as 10 weeks

Harmony test are developed and validated by laboratories to address unmet medical needs when an FDA-approved test is not available.

For more information on prenatal tests, visit the National Library of Medicine’s website, www.nlm.nih.gov or the March of Dimes website, marchofdimes.org.

To learn more about trisomies and the Harmony Prenatal Test, visit www.harmonytestusa.com. n

15 | Parent Source | Spring 2016

bills, but will help create a comfortable and relaxing environment in your home.

With LEDs lasting ten years, this is one task you can cross off your list for years to come.

5 tips

for a satisfying spring cleaning Of the many projects and activities people put on their annual to-do lists, few loom as large as spring cleaning. If you suddenly feel a burst of energy and a need to shake out the dreariness of winter, you’re not alone. While it may seem like a chore, many look forward to spring cleaning, and with good reason.

It’s a time to open up your home, let in the fresh air and get it ready for the warmer months.

To help you get the most out of your spring cleaning, here are five essential and unexpected tips to make your home blossom this spring.

1

Make a game out of it.

Get your kids to help out by turning work into a game. For instance, in the yard, you can have them compete to collect the most sticks. And if they love banging on pots and pans, they’ll be

great helpers when it comes to shaking out rugs or upholstered furniture that need some tough love.

2

Let in the fresh air.

Naturally, you’ll throw open some windows to let in the fresh air, but to really chase out the odors that have accumulated after months of being closed in, you need to do more. To make your home smell fresh, boil water with two tablespoons of baking soda and a lemon peel for a serious odor-fighting solution.

3

Change your light bulbs.

An easy way to spruce up your home is by brightening it up with new lighting.

Replacing old bulbs in every room with energy efficient Philips LED A19 bulbs will not only save you money on your energy

4

Wax on, wax off.

As a matter of routine, we dust, sweep, mop and scrub around the house, but too often forget to wax wooden furniture. Not only does waxing add a shine to wood, it gives it an added layer of protection and increases its longevity.

5

Get rid of all that clutter.

A lot can accumulate over the course of those winter months: unused gifts from the holidays, old and worn winter clothes, and maybe even a damaged sled or two.

Your first impulse might be to hang on to this stuff or just find more storage space, but be bold and get rid of it! Whether you kick these items to the curb or donate them locally, having a clutter-free house heading into the summer months is an unbelievable feeling.

There are few things as satisfying as a good spring cleaning, and once you’re finished, you might be exhausted, but both you and your home will feel rejuvenated. And with 4-packs of Philips LED A19 bulbs now available at The Home Depot for just $9.97, there’s never been a more affordable time to transform your home into a clean, efficient and comfortable place, filled with the liveliness and fresh smells of the season. n

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