Parent Source Fall 2013

Parent Source 1 | Parent Source | Fall 2013

Serving DeKalb County

Dental Health Let’s Talk About It: Is My Child Anxious?

Homework Habits

Fall Resource Guide for Parents

2 | Parent Source | Fall 2013

Table of Contents 3

Breakfast is more than the first meal of the day for kids

10 Breastfeeding moms: Tips for

4

Let’s talk about it: Is my child anxious?

12 Sleeping tips for back-to-school

6

Eight ways to help kids hone their homework habits

13 Checkups aren’t just for babies

8

Essential dental care for children

long-term success

success

14 Three unique ways to help kids embrace a blended family

Parent Source is distributed in the Daily Chronicle

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

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Fall 2013 | Parent Source | 3

Breakfast is more than the first meal of the day for kids (BPT) - Most kids don’t want us to remind them that breakfast is the most important meal of the day as they’re running out the door to get to school on time.

But they might be interested in hearing that eating a balanced breakfast will make them feel better, inside and out, contributing to better grades, better performance on the field and better nutrition choices throughout their days.

A significant percentage of elementary and an even greater percentage of middle and high school students skip breakfast daily or a few times a week.

On a given day, up to 30 percent of teens in the U.S. skip breakfast. As they get older, homework, jobs, sports teams, the arts and the Internet result in all-tooshort nights for students, and the need to catch a few more moments of sleep in the morning.

Breakfast allows students to break the fast of nighttime, reigniting brains and concentration abilities. “It’s everything you’ve heard about in terms of it being a critical meal of the day,” says Sue Moores, a registered dietitian and consultant to schools in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota. “Miss or skip breakfast and you start the day playing catch up.”

According to Moores, many kids already lack important body-strengthening, body “building” nutrients such as calcium, vitamin D, potassium, protein and fiber. Without breakfast, which is a meal that can easily offer all of these, there’s extra pressure to fill the nutritional gaps with snacks and other meals.

Including carbohydrates in the morning meal (wholegrain carbs, says Moores) is key, as carbs are the preferred source of energy for the brain. Add in a bit of protein to help distribute the energy carbohydrates offer, and you have the start of a great meal.

Skipping breakfast may not only put students behind the eight-ball for morning nutrition, adds Moores, it may also set them back by way of poor food choices for the rest of the day. Some studies show breakfastskippers actually crave salty, higher fat, sweet foods throughout the day compared to people who eat a morning meal. What they eat in place of breakfast is far from nutritious fare.

Beginning this school year, school breakfasts are required to meet the United States Department of Agriculture’s new food-based meal pattern, which outlines increased amounts of fruits/vegetables, grains and milk food components.

Amy Harkey, a registered dietitian and director of Child Nutrition Operations with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, North Carolina, says that this fall the Universal School Breakfast Program is being implemented in her district, meaning that more than 140,000 students will receive a balanced morning meal at no charge.

Previously, these breakfasts were offered to all students based on their eligibility.

“We want to remove any misperceptions that breakfast is only for those children who are economically disadvantaged,” says Harkey. “It’s important for all students to ‘break the fast’ and get the nutrition they need to begin their busy academic days.”

Harkey explains that they provide a variety of “Quick Bites for Breakfast,” offering both hot and cold options that meet the complete school breakfast requirements. “We learned in our pilot test of the program this spring that the students are reacting positively to our breakfast menus. They enjoy having the menu board outside the cafeteria so that in the afternoons they can see what will be offered the next morning,” says Harkey.

Companies have stepped up to the plate, delivering whole grain and protein-rich options that, when paired with a calcium-rich, low-fat milk, provide a solid start to the day. Schwan’s Food Service offers the new Beacon Street Cafe (TM) 51 percent whole grain Sausage, Egg and Cheese Sliders this fall, with 8 grams of protein, 11 grams of whole grains, 0 grams of trans fat and only 160 calories per serving (two pieces).

“Whether students catch a brain-boosting breakfast at home or at school, it’s important to find a way to fit nutrient-rich foods in for a good day of learning,” says Moores. “It may seem inconsequential to skip a morning meal, but results in the classroom show that breakfast is key.”

4 | Parent Source | Fall 2013

Let’s talk about it:

Is your child anxious?

By Michael Flora, MBA, M.A. Ed., LCPC

All children experience anxiety. Anxiety in children is expected and normal at specific times in development. For example, from approximately age 8 months through the preschool years, healthy youngsters may show intense distress (anxiety) at times of separation from their parents or other persons with whom they are close. Young children may have short-lived fears, (such as fear of the dark, storms, animals, or strangers). If anxieties become severe and begin to interfere with the daily activities of childhood, such as separating from parents, attending school and making friends, parents should consider seeking the evaluation and advice of a child and adolescent psychiatrist.

One type of anxiety that may need treatment is called separation anxiety. Behaviors of separation anxiety include: • Constant thoughts and fears about safety of self and parents • Refusing to go to school • Frequent stomachaches and other physical complaints • Extreme worries about sleeping away from home • Overly clingy • Panic or tantrums at times of separation from parents • Trouble sleeping or nightmares Another type of anxiety (phobia) is when a child is afraid of specific things such as dogs, insects, or needles and these fears cause significant distress.

Fall 2013 | Parent Source | 5

Some anxious children are afraid to meet or talk to new people.

Children with this difficulty may have few friends outside the family.

What treatments are available for anxiety disorders?

Other children with severe anxiety may have: • Many worries about things before they happen • Constant worries or concern about school performance, friends, or sports • Repetitive thoughts or actions (obsessions) • Fears of embarrassment or making mistakes • Low self esteem

Effective treatments for anxiety disorders include medication, specific forms of psychotherapy (known as behavioral therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy), family therapy, or a combination of these. Cognitive-behavioral treatment involves the young person’s learning to deal with his or her fears by modifying the way he or she thinks and behaves by practicing new behaviors.

Anxious children are often overly tense. Some may seek a lot of reassurance, and their worries may interfere with activities.

Because anxious children may also be quiet, compliant and eager to please, their difficulties may be missed. Parents should be alert to the signs of severe anxiety so they can intervene early to prevent complications. It is important not to discount a child’s fears.

If you are concerned that your child has difficulty with anxiety, consult with a child and adolescent psychiatrist or other qualified mental health professional. Severe anxiety problems in children can be treated. Early treatment can prevent future difficulties, such as, loss of friendships, failure to reach social and academic potential, and feelings of low self-esteem. Treatments may include a combination of the following: individual psychotherapy, family therapy, medications, behavioral treatments, and consultation to the school.

What are anxiety disorders?

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illnesses in America; they affect as many as one in 10 young people. Anxiety disorders cause people to feel excessively frightened, distressed, and uneasy during situations in which most others would not experience these symptoms. Left untreated, these disorders can dramatically reduce productivity and significantly diminish an individual’s quality of life.

Anxiety disorders in children can lead to poor school attendance, low self-esteem, deficient interpersonal skills, alcohol abuse, and adjustment difficulty.

Are there any known causes of anxiety disorders?

Although studies suggest that children and adolescents are more likely to have an anxiety disorder if their caregivers have anxiety disorders, it has not been shown whether biology or environment plays the greater role in the development of these disorders. High levels of anxiety or excessive shyness in children aged six to eight may be indicators of a developing anxiety disorder.

Scientists at the National Institute of Mental Health and elsewhere have recently found that some cases of obsessive-compulsive disorder occur following infection or exposure to streptococcus bacteria. More research is being done to pinpoint who is at greatest risk, but this is another reason to treat strep throats seriously and promptly.

Ultimately, parents and caregivers should learn to be understanding and patient when dealing with children with anxiety disorders.

Specific plans of care can often be developed, and the child or adolescent should be involved in the decision-making process whenever possible. At the Ben Gordon Center we have counselors, social workers, psychologists and board certified Psychiatrists and Advanced Practice Nurses with expertise in treating Anxiety Disorders.

The Ben Gordon Center, Inc. also accepts all Insurance Plans, Medicaid, Medicare, and. offers services on a sliding fee for those who qualify. The Ben Gordon Center is fully accredited by JCAHO, Illinois Division of Mental Health and the Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services. For more information call 815-756-4875.

Michael Flora, MBA, M.A. Ed., LCPC, is President/CEO of Ben Gordon Center, DeKalb County’s comprehensive counseling center for children, teens, adults and families. If you would like more information about the programs and services of the Ben Gordon Center call 815-756-4875 or go to www.bengordoncenter.org Ben Gordon Center, 12 Health Services Drive, DeKalb, Illinois 60115

• Depression • ADHD/ADD • Autism Spectrum Disorders • Divorce • Conflict and Behavioral Concerns • Mood Disorders • Stress • Anxiety • Substance Abuse

6 | Parent Source | Fall 2013

8

ways to help kids hone their homework habits

(BPT) - Helping children with their homework requires more than an understanding of the subject matter, whether it’s algebra or world literature. To help children succeed throughout the school year, it’s important for parents to nurture positive study habits and organizational skills, and provide kids with a home environment that fosters concentration.

“Whether your kids are just learning to read, write and spell, or they are studying for the SATs, we parents have an opportunity to help instill work and study habits that will stick with our children for life,” says education and parenting expert Dr. Michele Borba, who is the bestselling author of 22 parenting books and a frequent TODAY show contributor.

Borba offers parents some easy tips to help children of all ages develop skills that will help them reach their academic goals:

1. Give them space

Create a dedicated space for homework and study. This underscores the importance of homework to kids. If you don’t have room for a homework desk, consider keeping all homework and study tools in a bin or box that children can take out and use every day. Keep all essentials in one place to help avoid time wasted looking for the dictionary, ruler, calculator or other tool.

2. Create a routine

Choose a time that works best for your child to do homework, then stick to that time every day. A set and predictable schedule helps minimize homework battles. “Work before play” can motivate kids to get their homework done, but if your child plays sports or has other after-school commitments, doing homework after dinner may be the best option.

3. Give them smart tools and study aids

Just as your mechanic can’t fix your car without the right tools, it’s hard for kids to do homework without the proper tools.

Choose tools like the new Post-it Study collection (www.Post-it. com), which is designed to help students stay organized and use time efficiently. For example, Post-it Study Message Flags are restickable flags that feature helpful reminders like “Study,” “To Do” and “On Test” that help kids highlight material that needs additional attention. Note Tabs, Page Markers, Flags and other products in this collection by Post-it Brand stick securely to papers, notebooks, textbooks and more - yet remove cleanly to help kids organize information during homework and study time.

4. Avoid distractions

Establish a technology-free zone for homework and studying.

Turn off TVs, ban text messaging and ensure kids are using their PC for research, rather than Facebook. This measure may seem

obvious to you, but remember - kids are so tied to tech these days that they may be surprised to find out they can more efficiently use their time without the distractions of technology.

5. Map out assignments

Help children plot homework on a schedule so they have simple reminders of daily, weekly or long-term assignments.

Include other engagements like sports or music lessons to help kids have a clearer picture of their own schedules. This can help build basic time management skills, like working on a long-term project every day over time, or avoiding a late-night cramming session for a big test.

6. Lessons in planning and prioritizing

Teach kids to make lists of what they need to do each night in order of priority. As your child accomplishes each item, have him cross it off the list. For children who had difficulty staying on task, breaking large projects into smaller, more manageable tasks can help. Encourage kids to do the hardest homework first to help relieve the pressure of a long to-do list.

7. Emphasize the effort

Stressing perseverance and effort in a task helps children work longer and harder, because they recognize their success is based on how hard they work. Instead of asking “What score did you get?” ask “How hard are you working?”

8. Effective study habits

Spreading out study sessions and practice testing were the two most-effective learning tactics, according to a recent report by the Association for Psychological Science. Both techniques involve strong time management skills. Help children think of study sessions or pieces of a larger project as daily to-dos, and just as important as the homework assignment that may be due tomorrow.

Fall 2013 | Parent Source | 7

Can your child’s after-school program lead to a STEM career?

Science Technology Engineering Math

It’s important for parents to assess afterschool or summer camp programs with a critical eye, and consider how successfully a program combines learning with fun and basic care.

While many programs are effective at keeping kids safely occupied after school ends but before parents are done with work, not all emphasize educational material. Programs that stimulate a child’s interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) subjects can be particularly valuable - possibly even inspiring an interest in a high-demand STEM career.

An after-school program with a STEM emphasis can fulfill both the need to educate children and inspire a lifelong love of STEM subjects, experts agree. Parents seeking a STEM program for their children should look for one that:

• Offers creative and engaging activities that are as fun and motivational as they are educational.

• Encourages curiosity and creativity, which are building blocks of independent thinking.

• Draws on the real-life expertise of people working in STEM fields. For example, engineers and architects designed Bricks 4 Kidz modules.

• Uses familiar, loved learning tools, like LEGO (R) bricks, to provide hands-on, interactive STEM lessons.

To find a Bricks 4 Kidz program in your area, visit the interactive map at www.bricks4kidz.com/locations. You can learn more about the programs and search for a location by state or ZIP code.

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8 | Parent Source | Fall 2013

Spring 2013

Essential dental care for children

By Dr. Dennis Collins, Collins Dental Group, Sycamore, Illinois

Most pediatric dentists will agree that regular dental care should begin by one year of age, with a dental check-up at least twice each consecutive year for most children. Some children may need more frequent evaluations and care.

A dentist check-up is an essential part of preventative care for your child. In order to prevent dental problems, your child should see a pediatric dentist when the first tooth appears, or no later than his/her first birthday.

Visiting the dentist before the new school year has begun is a great time for your dentist to check your child’s teeth. The Illinois Department of Health requires a child to have an oral health examination before they enter kindergarten, the second grade and the sixth grade.

Tips for your child’s first dental visit include: • Allow your child to go with you when you visit a dental clinic. The dental professional may offer your child a ride in the dental chair for fun.

• Help children to accept that dental visits are part of a regular routine.

• Be positive about dental visits and highlight the new, interesting and fun aspect of visiting the dental professional.

• Make your child’s appointment early in the day so your child is not tired.

When you take your child to the dentist, it’s a good idea to bring a checklist of questions and concerns. Be sure to mention any of the following problems:

• Arrive before the appointment time to let your child become familiar with the new surroundings.

• Bleeding when your child brushes. Bleeding is a common sign of gum disease. The earlier the disease is caught, the easier it is to treat.

• Be a ‘passive observer’ and let the oral health professional have your child’s full attention

• Pain or sensitivity. Tooth pain or unusual sensitivity when biting down or eating hot or cold foods can be a sign of a cracked teeth, broken fillings or cavities.

• It is not necessary to ‘bribe’ children to see the dentist or oral health professional, or for parents to be anxious.

Fall 2013 | Parent Source | 9 • Sores inside your child’s mouth that don’t heal normally. Sores that don’t heal may be an early warning sign of oral cancer.

Early detection is crucial to find oral cancer when it’s more easily treated.

• Problems with flossing or brushing. A jagged tooth or broken filling can make it difficult to floss. Your dental team can help find the source of the problem and offer solutions.

• Clenching their jaw or grinding their teeth. Many people clench their jaws or grind their teeth, especially at night. Over time, grinding and clenching can wear teeth down, damaging the enamel and making teeth more susceptible to decay. Talk to your dentist if you think your child grinds their teeth.

Make sure your dentist and dental hygienist know your child’s complete medical history. Some medical problems can lead to dry mouth, which increases your risk of cavities.

Alert your doctor to any changes in your child’s health since their previous visit. The more your dentist knows about your child’s overall health, the better able he or she will be to give them the personalized care they require.

At each dental visit, your dentist will provide the following services for your child: • Review and assess the overall oral health • Take x-rays, as needed • Scale and clean the teeth • Provide a fluoride treatment to help protect the teeth • Check and treat cavities • Assess teeth alignment • Assess the presence of the third molar or “wisdom” teeth for children 12 years and older • Educate your child or teen on how to maintain a healthy smile Everyone has different dental needs and risk levels, which should decide the frequency of check-ups. The standard recommendation is to visit your dentist twice a year for check-ups and cleanings. This frequency level works well for most people, although some people with gum disease, a genetic predisposition for plaque buildup or cavities, or a weakened immune system might need to visit the dentist more frequently for optimal care. Talk with your dentist or oral health professional about your child’s risk level and how often they need to visit for an oral health check.

10 | Parent Source | Fall 2013

Breastfeeding

moms: Tips for long-term success

(BPT) - No one argues the benefits of breastfeeding - 77 percent of babies start out being breastfed, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The problem is that six months later, only 16 percent of babies are exclusively breastfed. What’s causing the significant drop off?

Both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Surgeon General recommend exclusive breastfeeding until six months of age.

And while breastfeeding and breast-pumping rates continue to grow, according to research from Medela, only 30 percent of moms are satisfied with their ability to meet their goals as well as national goals for breastfeeding.

Though breastfeeding is natural, the technique is a learned skill.

Many new moms struggle with the task within the first months of their baby’s life, and frustrations paired with difficulties cause them to give up too quickly.

Moms-to-be can increase the likelihood of breastfeeding success with the right education and appropriate tools. Here are five expert tips for expectant parents to prepare themselves for a successful breastfeeding journey:

1. Get tools and supplies covered by the Affordable Care Act. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is redefining health care in America, and breastfeeding moms in particular are benefitting. While changes vary among insurance plans, the ACA now requires insurance companies to cover breastfeeding support and supplies. This may include lactation consultation, breast pumps and other health supplies needed for moms and babies to successfully breastfeed. For information on the ACA, how to talk to your insurance provider and more, visit www.breastfeedinginsurance.com. It’s important to have your questions answered and to be as knowledgeable as possible before baby arrives.

2. Educate yourself before baby’s arrival.

Reading books and watching videos can be extremely helpful for moms-to-be who want to breastfeed. Because there is a lot to learn, an online class can be particularly beneficial. The Medela Breastfeeding University is a 90-minute online course developed by health care professionals that walks moms through what to expect during pregnancy as their bodies change, what to expect at the hospital, how to transition at home and work, and even what fathers and grandparents can do to support breastfeeding efforts. Available in both English and Spanish, the $25 course fee will

Fall Fall2013 2013| |Parent ParentSource Source| |1111 be donated to the Ronald McDonald House, plus moms who complete the course will receive a $25 coupon for a breastfeeding Accessory Starter Set. Visit-medelabreastfeedingu. com to learn more.

Use the code RELjN5GmY for a free registration for Medela Breastfeeding University in English, and use code RELSPqT6XAK to register in Spanish. Moms who use the free registration codes and complete the course are still eligible to receive the $25 coupon.

3. Build a support system

Breastfeeding takes time and dedication. Having a support system can help women overcome obstacles and successfully breastfeed for six months or longer. Spouses, family members and friends can all provide important support. Expert support can help as well, particularly when it comes to overcoming any hurdles such as latching problems or low-supply concerns.

Consider meeting with a certified lactation consultant or join a support organization like La Leche League International or the Nursing Mothers’ Council. Your local Women, Infants and Children (WIC) office can also provide excellent breastfeeding support.

4. Prepare for comfortable breastfeeding at home A few items can make breastfeeding at home easier and more comfortable for moms and babies. Some top supplies to consider stocking at home include a breastfeeding pillow to help support and position baby correctly, a rocking chair

or glider, and multiple burping clothes to quickly clean up messes. Nursing bras, washable or disposable bra pads, and lanolin ointment are helpful also. Some women like to stock their breastfeeding area with bottled water, small snacks or reading material that they can enjoy while bonding with baby.

5. Prepare for heading back to work

With the right tools and a little preparation, mothers can continue breastfeeding while working. Federal law states employers must provide reasonable break times for employees to express breast milk for one year after a child’s birth. Employers must also provide a comfortable, private area that is free of intrusion, other than the bathroom. Talk with your employer or human resources contact about your intent to express milk during work hours.

A double-electric pump and storage containers are good supplies to keep at work. Expressed milk can be safely stored at room temperature for four to six hours, in the refrigerator for three to eight days at 39 degrees or lower, and in the freezer for six to 12 months at 4 degrees or lower, according to www.BreastmilkGuidelines.com.

Stay connected to your baby, even when you’re not there. To learn more, visit www.medela.com.

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12 | Parent Source | Fall 2013

Sleeping tips

for back-to-school success

(BPT) - Did you know the best preparation for back to school is a good night’s sleep? Lack of sleep can affect a child’s performance, attention, learning, behavior and biological functions, experts say. In fact, recent studies show that American students might be falling behind in school due to a lack of shut-eye.

With all the excitement and stress that accompanies the new school year, many children slip into a pattern all too familiar to tired parents. One more book, one more glass of water, one more TV show ... the child who continually resists going to bed experiences difficulty in falling asleep, resulting in what doctors identify as limit-setting sleep disorder.

Parents can help children through the transition by creating an enjoyable bedtime routine that’s fun and relaxing, says Dr. Laura Sergis, pediatrician for the Children’s Medical Group and advisory board member at Cloud b, creators of award-winning products designed to help children sleep. The all important routine can include family story time with favorite books, sing-alongs to favorite lullabies and cuddly companions that alleviate night time fears with soothing sounds and lights. Incorporating a trusted buddy like Cloud b’s new Twilight Carz in the bedtime routine helps children transition from playtime to bedtime with its fun push and play action by day and its soothing starlight projection by night.

Sleep expert Kim West, licensed certified social worker, also known as The Sleep Lady, recommends that all electronics be turned off

an hour before bedtime. Homework and getting bags together should be done before the one-hour electronics off time - the one hour should be for relaxing activities including bathing, washing up, reading, talking about the day, etc. Read stories like the new Scholastic classic, “My Turtle and Me”, inspired by Cloud b’s Twilight Turtle, an adorable plush that projects a soothing view of the night sky to comfort children to a peaceful night’s sleep.

Parents can add another magical element to the routine with Cloud b’s new Twilight Turtle Tunes that plays personalized lullabies featuring favorite songs, soothing sounds and even the voices of loving parents or caregivers as it projects a starry sky above. Parents put it all together on the Twilight Turtle Tunes app that delivers the magic to the special edition toy via Bluetooth.

In planning the ideal bedtime, West suggests parents do “the math backwards.” For example, if your 2-year-old needs to be up at 7 a.m. to get dressed and out the door to daycare, then he should be asleep by 8 p.m. (This age needs, on average, 11 hours at night and two hours during the day.)

She notes that it also goes without saying that parents should eliminate caffeine from their children’s diets. If it can’t be done completely, then no caffeine after 3 p.m. Dinner should be at least two hours before bedtime so that your child gets a chance to digest.

Finally, exercise during the day does help a child sleep better, but try to avoid exercise an hour before bedtime. Definitely avoid rough-housing, which can really rile up a child just when you want him to be settling down.

Twilight Turtle Tunes

As parents find the best routine and stick to it, they’ll discover that the whole family is functioning better. Bedtime may become the best time of the day - a calm, quiet moment before slumber to make great memories and strengthen the bond between parents and children. For more information on sleep-friendly toys and products, visit www.cloudb.com.

Fall 2013 | Parent Source | 13

Checkups aren’t just for babies (BPT) - Parents of infants and young children regularly visit the pediatrician’s office for their child’s checkups. These visits offer an opportunity to learn about keeping your child healthy and to ensure he/she is up-to-date on vaccines. However, when a child reaches the teen years, these annual checkups may fall off the radar. A recent survey, fielded by Harris Interactive, and commissioned by the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID), in collaboration with and with support from Pfizer Inc, found that while 85 percent of parents polled say an annual checkup is very important for those zero to five years, only 61 percent believe the same is true for teens.

Teens have a unique set of healthcare needs.-Annual checkups can be an important opportunity for healthcare providers to identify key health issues and for adolescents to begin to independently make decisions regarding their health.

“Annual visits offer teens an opportunity to develop a oneon-one relationship with their physician and to begin to take

responsibility for their own health,” said Susan J. Rehm, MD, NFID medical director. “It is particularly concerning for teens to be missing out on annual checkups because adolescence is a crucial period in life and it’s important for teens to establish healthy habits.”

Even though health experts recommend annual wellness visits for teens, about 60 percent of teens surveyed identified at least one reason for not getting an annual checkup.

Of those, about one-third believe that they only need to see a doctor when sick. However, physicians polled report that teens and their parents are more likely to ask about a number of health topics, including weight, sexual health, vaccines, and stress-related conditions, during an annual checkup than at a sick visit.

For more information about the survey results, visit teenhealthsurvey.com. Parents can also find more information at myteenshealth.com, a new website with tips for parents navigating the teen health landscape.

Have you heard? we’re committed to quality care and service.

At Genesis Pediatric Medicine, we want to build a lasting relationship with you, your family and our community. We are committed to giving you a combination of traditional customer service and up-to-date technologies to provide the best possible experience with each visit.

“I want to make a difference in the lives of my patients. When I practice medicine, I want to feel that my personal gifts are utilized in the most effective way. At the end of each day, I want to believe that I honored my profession as I had been taught and in doing so, honored those who gave of themselves to teach it. Most of all, I want to care for my patients and their families with good faith, kindness, and respect. I believe I have and will continue to do all of these things to the best of my ability.” – Dr. Mark Dr. Mark Regnier 1680 Mediterranean Drive, Suite 107, Sycamore 815-899-0001 raising expectations together

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14 | Parent Source | Fall 2013

Three unique ways to help kids embrace a blended family (BPT) - About 1,300 new stepfamilies form each day in the United States, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

And of the 60 million American children younger than 13, half are currently living with one biological parent and that parent’s partner. As a result, couples are trying to find ways to include their stepchildren in the marriage ceremony and commemorate the union of all members of the new blended family.

Andy Netzel of Geneva, Ohio, turned to Things Remembered, the nation’s leading retailer of personalized gifts, to find something unique and meaningful to commemorate the special day he married his wife, Margie, and became stepfather to Emily, 4.

During the couple’s ceremony, instead of naming Andy and Margie husband and wife, Pastor Michael Meranda paused after the couple kissed and asked Emily to step forward. The couple hadn’t prepared the little girl for this moment. If she knew about it ahead of time, they knew she’d be anxious throughout the entire ceremony.

Andy took the microphone and told his stepdaughter-to-be that it wasn’t just he and Margie who were joined, but rather all three of them. He opened a jewelry box with a Things Remembered bracelet inside. It was engraved with “Mom, Emily, Andy.”

“To me, this wasn’t just about Margie and I getting married.

This was a lifelong commitment to our new family,” he says.

“Margie had a ring. I wanted Emily to have something she could remember this day by, even when she was getting married herself.” It appears to have worked. Emily now refers to the wedding day as “the day we all got married.”

Personalized treasures More couples are turning to personalized gifts to commemorate the occasion, says Amy Myers, vice president of Creative Services at Things Remembered. The retailer has seen a steady increase in the number of couples coming in to commemorate the occasion.

“We began noticing couples using commemorative gifts about 10 years ago,” Myers says. “Our store managers were the ones who pointed it out to us. We began including engraving suggestions for stepfamilies about five years ago. We have a lot of people come in, not knowing exactly what to say.”

Myers says the message seems to drive the gift. Once they find the right words, finding a gift is usually the easy part.

Community bricks Many families have also purchased engraved “community bricks” to honor the day they became an official family. Bricks can be purchased through churches, schools, civic organizations or even to support a special landmark that is special to the family. Online retailer, Cut In Stone, specializes in engraved bricks of all shapes, sizes and materials.

Fall 2013 | Parent Source | 15 The symbolism of creating a cornerstone to celebrate the day a blended family came together has a powerful impact, as does the permanence of placing the brick in a prominent part of the community. Many families make a family event out of visiting the location of their brick on their anniversary. When purchasing a brick, families should inquire about purchasing a second one to keep in addition to the one that becomes part of the community landscape.

Handwritten letters Some stepparents use the occasion to create a time capsule of sorts with a handwritten letter. In addition to writing a letter to the child about the formation of their family, stepparents can write about what this new family means to them and their hopes for their future together. This further emphasizes the transformation from a couple to an official family.

The letters are often stored in a special box with a few photos and other mementos from the wedding day. Even if the child is quite young on the wedding day, they’ll see the effort that went into making them a big part of that day - and the couple’s life.

Just as a first-time wedding is cause for celebration, the coming together of two people and their children to create a blended family is an extraordinarily special event. By taking a moment to recognize and pay tribute to the children in a blended family, couples help children realize they are not losing a parent, but rather gaining another person or group of people to love and support them throughout their future.

Parent Source Serving DeKalb County

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