Archives for October 2019

Get Prepared for Summer Camp Season

October 28, 2019 By Michelle Yannaco

Start gearing up now for summer camp plans to guarantee kids attend the camps they prefer.

Summer camp season is just around the corner. According to the American Camp Association, each year more than 14 million children and adults in the United States attend camp, where they will learn new skills or master ones they already have. Attending a summer camp assures parents that their children will be spending valuable leisure time being active—something that has become more and more of a challenge in this generation. They will also establish lasting friendships while enjoying a healthy, active and productive summer.

America is home to more than 14,000 day and resident camps (8,400 are overnight camps and 5,600 are day camps). There are camps themed around just about any interest, including sports, music, religion and many academic subjects.

Many people put off summer camp planning until it is too late. Parents should keep in mind that camps begin registration early in the year and have specific cut-off dates for enrollment. Parents who want to beat the crowds this year can use this guide to help plan a summer camp agenda.

· Attend an orientation seminar. Take the time to visit prospective camps for a tour, and use this open house as an opportunity to learn more about the programs offered. If available, find a camp employee to discuss your child’s eligibility for enrollment. Some camps may offer webinars for convenience.

· Fill out the enrollment package completely. Each camp has their own requirements for registration. Expect to submit some personal information, including a medical background and proof of insurance, names and numbers of emergency contacts, and any other pertinent information as it applies to the camper. This may include allergies, fears, physical or mental disabilities, or even preferences in camp courses.

· Establish payment schedules. Summer camps vary in price. The ACA says camp costs range from $100 to more than $1,500 per week. However, many accredited camps offer some sort of financial assistance for children from families with limited financial means. If cost is a factor, be sure to broach the subject.

· Prepare children for the physical challenges a camp may present. Summer camp activities may be rigorous, and campers may need to be cleared by a physician before starting. Be sure to schedule your child a physical checkup and bring along any pertinent forms. Children also can increase their levels of physical activity compared to the often-sedentary nature of winter. Such preparation can prevent injuries when engaging in outdoor and physical activities.

· Shop for supplies. Camps are likely to provide a list of requirements with regard to clothing and other equipment campers will need. If your child will be attending sleepaway camp, find out how often laundry is done so you can make sure they have enough clothing and swimsuits to last between laundry days. Shop with them for sneakers and other camp necessities so they are comfortable with their belongings before they leave.

· Keep children in the loop. Engage children in the planning process to help alleviate their fears and get them excited about summer camp. Review the camp’s list of activities and itinerary to prepare them for the pace of the day. If there is a choice in activities, discuss preferences with your child.

Summer camp can foster lifelong memories. Parents can help kids prepare in advance for the fun that’s soon to arrive.

Secret Ingredients…Revealed!

October 28, 2019 By Michelle Yannaco

Some foods just go together: macaroni and cheese, peanut butter and jelly, eggs and toast. They’re the tried-and-true, classic combinations that we’ve all come to know and love. But what about the flavors you love by themselves but are even better when paired with the unexpected? The secret ingredients in these recipes blend so deliciously, you might want to start combining all the food in your fridge!

Avocado Brownies

Ingredients

1/2 cup mashed avocado
3/4 cup butter
4 oz unsweetened chocolate
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup flour

For the frosting:

3/4 cup powdered sugar
1 ripe avocado
1/2 cup heavy cream

Preheat oven to 350F. Microwave the chocolate and the butter for 2 minutes until the butter melts. Stir the mixture with a large wooden spoon until the chocolate melts and mixture becomes smooth.
Stir in sugar, eggs, mashed avocado and vanilla and mix until smooth. Stir in flour and mix until batter is smooth.
Pour the brownie batter into a greased 9 x 13 pan. Bake the brownies for about 20 minutes until toothpick inserted comes out clean.
While brownies are cooling, make the frosting. Add avocado, sugar and heavy cream into blender and blend on high speed until batter is smooth, no avocado pieces remain and frosting is stiff enough for piping (it is still not as stiff as your typical buttercream of whipped cream frosting, but it should be stiff enough to hold a piped swirl).
After brownies are cooled, cut into squares and pipe with frosting.

From KirbieCravings.com

Chocolate Chili

Ingredients

2 tablespoons coconut oil
2 medium onions, diced (about 2 cups)
4 cloves garlic, minced (about 4 teaspoons)
2 pounds ground beef
1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons ground cumin
1 1/2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon salt
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
1 can (14.5 ounces) fire-roasted, chopped tomatoes
2 cups chicken or beef broth
1 cup water

Heat a large, deep pot over medium-high heat, then add the coconut oil. When the oil is melted, add onions, stir with a wooden spoon and cook until they’re translucent, about 7 minutes. Add the garlic and as soon as it’s fragrant, about 30 seconds, crumble the ground meat into the pan with your hands, mixing with the wooden spoon to combine. Continue to cook the meat, stirring often, until it’s no longer pink.
In a small bowl, crush the oregano between your palms to release its flavor, then add the chili powder, cumin, cocoa, allspice, and salt. Combine with a fork, then add to the pot, stirring like you mean it. Add tomato paste and stir until combined, about 2 minutes.
Add the tomatoes with their juice, beef broth, and water to the pot. Stir well. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat so the chili enjoys a gentle simmer. Simmer uncovered for at least two hours.

From meljoulwan.com

Mustard-Baked Chicken with a Pretzel Crust

Ingredients

1/2 pound hard pretzels, coarsely crushed (4 cups)
1/2 cup canola oil
1/2 cup whole-grain mustard
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1/4 cup water
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
Salt and freshly ground pepper
6 large skinless, boneless chicken breast halves

Preheat the oven to 400°. In a food processor, pulse the pretzels until coarsely ground; you should have coarse chunks and fine crumbs. Transfer to a large, shallow bowl.
Wipe out the food processor. Add the oil, whole-grain and Dijon mustards, water and vinegar and process until smooth. Season the dressing with salt and pepper.
Pour half of the dressing into a large shallow bowl, add the chicken breasts and turn to coat. Dredge the chicken in the pretzel crumbs and transfer to a rack set over a rimmed baking sheet. Bake in the upper third of the oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until cooked through. Slice the chicken and serve warm or at room temperature with the remaining mustard dressing.

From foodandwine.com

Applesauce Meatloaf

Ingredients

1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 1/2 lbs. ground beef
1 cup bread crumbs
2 eggs
1/4 cup chopped onions
2 teaspoon(s) Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon(s) pepper
1/2 teaspoon(s) thyme
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 tablespoon(s) prepared mustard
1 teaspoon(s) Worcestershire sauce

Preheat oven to 350° F.
Combine first eight ingredients. Put into greased loaf pan.
Combine last four ingredients and pour over meat mixture.
Bake for 1 hour or until internal temperature reaches 160° F.
Loosen meatloaf from sides of pan and allow to set for 10 minutes.

From nyapplecountry.com

Bacon Blueberry Scones

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/3 cup cold butter
3/4 cup buttermilk
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
4 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
1 egg
1 tablespoon milk

In a large bowl, combine the first six ingredients. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In a small bowl, whisk buttermilk and oil; add to crumb mixture just until moistened. Stir in blueberries and bacon.
Turn onto a floured surface; knead 10 times. Pat into an 8-in. circle. Cut into eight wedges. Separate wedges and place on a greased baking sheet.
In a small bowl, beat egg and milk; brush over scones. Bake at 425° for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm.

From tasteofhome.com

Stuffed Waffle Pizza

Ingredients

1 recipe pizza dough
8 ounces mozzarella cheese, sliced
Sliced pepperoni, cut into quarters
Marinara sauce for dipping

Preheat your waffle iron. Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface and cut into equal sized squares, about 3″ x 3″ but it doesn’t have to be exact.
Lay the sliced mozzarella in the center of the dough, being generous with the cheese because some will leak out. Add the pepperoni, then top with another square of pizza dough.
Place on the waffle iron and close the lid, pressing down firmly but do not lock the lid. The lid will raise slightly while the dough cooks, but that is fine. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.

From mykitchenescapades.com

How to Survive the Elementary School Years

October 28, 2019 By Michelle Yannaco

8 Parenting Tips for Ages 6 to 10

At every stage of development, parents face new challenges, and the elementary school years are no different. During this exciting period of growing independence, added responsibilities and increased social interaction will bring new issues parents must contend with. Here are some tips to help you through this adventuresome, but trying, stage.

Tattletales. Does your child tattle every time a sibling or playmate breaks a rule? Sometimes they just don’t know the difference between tattling and telling. Other times, kids are looking to get another child into trouble. Explain to your child the difference. Tattling is when another child breaks a rule (or maybe there is no rule), and the action your child is tattling about is relatively harmless. Telling, on the other hand, is when another child is doing something that could cause harm to oneself or others. Make a rule that you don’t want to hear any tattling, but that telling is okay and even necessary.
Lying. Every child tells a lie at some point or another. In fact, most adults are guilty of occasional white lies. Still, teaching kids to tell the truth is vital to them developing into trustworthy adults and forming intimate relationships. Talk to your child about how lying diminishes yours and others’ ability to trust your child and can impact your child’s relationships. Then, if you catch your child in a lie, remind your child, and explain how your child’s future freedom and privileges will depend on how well you can trust your child. Also, to build your child’s trust in you, so your child will be comfortable being honest, practice being open and nonjudgmental. It will go a long way toward your child’s willingness to be open with you.
Media overload. With the overwhelming variety of media available to kids, it’s difficult to know where to draw the line. The American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends that kids be limited to no more than two hours of entertainment-based screen time per day. Invite your child to help you establish rules about media use. Consider the various forms of media including tv, video games, computer, and cell phone. Establish a total number of hours per day your child can use media. Then ask your child to help you break down how much of that time can be spent on specific forms of media. Also, discuss the measures you’ll take if the rules are violated.
Chore wars. As your child grows, so should your child’s responsibilities. In the elementary years, children can pick up their rooms, set and clear off the table, dust, sort their laundry, fold and put away their clean clothes, bring in the mail, rake leaves, and many other simple tasks. During the early elementary years, choose a small number of simple chores. As they grow, increase the number or level of difficulty. To gain your child’s cooperation, set a regular schedule for each task, and offer daily or weekly rewards or an allowance.
Homework. This is a routine challenge for so many parents, so it’s best to set up rules and guidelines early on. Involving your child in the decision making can increase cooperation. One option might be to give your child 30 minutes of free time or media time after school before beginning homework. Another option could be to do chores and free time right after school, but homework will start immediately following dinner. Avoid saving homework for late in the evening though. It’s important to agree on consequences if the rules are not followed, so they are clear about what to expect. Also, choose a distraction-free location to be used for homework. Then require your child put their phone on the charger (away from the homework area) while working on homework.
Name calling and teasing. Sometimes when kids call each other names, they’re just playing. If two kids are going back and forth at each other, both laughing and having a good time, it probably isn’t a big deal. As long as it’s just play, balanced, and no one’s feelings are getting hurt, you can just let it go. On the other hand, if it’s one-sided, mean-spirited, or the child on the receiving end seems angry, upset, scared, or hurt by it, it’s usually best to intervene. First, try to empower the child being teased, and encourage the child to tell the other one to stop. If necessary, take a more direct approach, and make it clear to the child doing the teasing how hurtful the behavior is and that it isn’t acceptable.
The birds and the bees. The question of where do babies come from and discussions of puberty can leave even the most open-minded parents fumbling for words, so it’s best to prepare in advance for the inevitable discussions. That way you’ll be able to answer questions in the best way possible and without showing discomfort. Your comfort is essential to making your child feel at ease and will lead to your child being more open with you as your child matures. To get started, during the early elementary years, read to your child Where Did I Come From? or another age-appropriate book. Such books help take the guesswork out of what and how to say it to your child. By the later elementary years, discussions of puberty and sex should be more complete. Some children reach puberty by the age of 10, so you want your child to be fully prepared for the changes that’ll take place. You also want to make sure your child is accurately informed about sex since by late elementary some kids are already talking about it among each other and are often filled with misinformation.
Defiance. As kids grow, they become more independent – and with independence comes defiance. For dealing with defiance, lay out the ground rules ahead of time, so both you and your child will know the consequences for such behavior. When your child is defiant, keep the following in mind. First, consistency is crucial to being effective. Second, don’t argue. If your child tries to debate you after you’ve already discussed and stated your position on the issue, calmly say you’ve already made up your mind, and you’re not going to discuss it any further. Then leave the room so you won’t be tempted to argue or give in to your child’s badgering.

By Kimberly Blaker, a lifestyle and parenting freelance writer and blogger. • www.theyounggma.com

What To Know If Your Child Wants Contact Lenses

October 28, 2019 By Michelle Yannaco

These days, eyeglasses can look pretty cool. Still, the day may come when your son or daughter asks you for contact lenses. Kids and contact lenses, however, are not always the best fit.

Contact lenses can have benefits, says Bernard P. Lepri, O.D., M.S., M.Ed., an FDA optometrist in the agency’s Contact Lens and Retinal Devices Branch. “They can be better for sports activities, because they don’t break as frames and the lenses of glasses can. And they provide better peripheral vision for sports, or driving, if your teen is of driving age,” Lepri explains. Moreover, in some cases, contact lenses improve the quality of vision in comparison to eyeglasses, especially when a child is very nearsighted, says Lepri.

“On the other hand, you have to remember that contact lenses are medical devices (regulated by the FDA), not cosmetics,” Lepri says. “Like any medical device, contact lenses should be used only if they can be used safely and responsibly. And only under the supervision of your eye care professional.” Serious injury to the eye can result, particularly if the contact lenses are not removed at the first hint of a problem.

“Eye care professionals typically don’t recommend contacts for kids until they are 12 or 13, because the risks are often greater than the benefits for younger children,” Lepri says. ”But age isn’t the only issue. It’s also a question of maturity.”

Lepri suggests that parents who are considering contacts for their kids take a look at how well they handle other responsibilities, especially personal hygiene. “It takes vigilance on the part of the parents,” he says. “You need to constantly be looking over your child’s shoulder to make sure they are properly caring for their lenses.“

As many an eye care professional can attest, kids find all sorts of ways to be less than hygienic. Common, dangerous behaviors include wearing another child’s lens; using saliva to moisten a lens; and wearing decorative lenses purchased from flea markets, beauty supply stores, the Internet and other sources. These behaviors can result in injury. The problems from contact lenses include infections and eye abrasions—meaning that your eye can be bruised from contact lenses.

The reasons? Hygiene and responsibility. Or rather, Lepri says, the lack thereof. He adds that it’s essential for all people who wear contact lenses to follow their eye care professional’s advice “to the letter.” That means observing all hygienic precautions.

Even lenses without corrective power, such as decorative or so-called “colored” or “costume” contact lenses, are still medical devices and have all the risks other contact lenses do, says Lepri.

“Never buy decorative/costume contact lenses without a prescription from your eye doctor,” Lepri adds. And never buy contact lenses from any supplier that does not require a valid prescription. (Again, even zero-powered contact lenses require a prescription for correct and safe fitting.)

If considering contact lenses, your child should be able to follow the following safety tips.

Always wash your hands before cleaning or inserting lenses, and carefully dry your hands with a clean, lint-free cloth.
Rub, rinse, clean and disinfect your contact lenses as directed and only with the products and solutions recommended by your eye care professional.
Never expose your contact lenses to any kind of water or saliva.
Do not wear your lenses for longer than the prescribed wearing schedule. This means that you should not sleep in lenses that were not prescribed to be worn this way.
Never wear someone else’s lenses.
Always have a prescription for any lenses you wear.
When playing sports, wear safety goggles or glasses over your lenses.
In general, always have a pair of back-up glasses handy.
Never put a contact lens into an eye that is red.
Don’t ignore eye itching, burning, irritation or redness that could signal potentially dangerous infection. Remove the lenses and contact your eye care professional. Apply cosmetics after inserting lenses, and remove your lenses before removing makeup.

Not taking the necessary safety precautions can result in ulcers (sores) of the cornea—which is the front of the eye that shields it from germs, dust, and other harmful material—and even blindness.

“Even an experienced lens wearer can scratch a cornea while putting in or taking out a lens,” Lepri notes.

Eye care professionals generally do not recommend extended wear lenses for kids and teens because they can increase the incidence of corneal ulcers, which can lead to permanent loss of vision. Although they are a bit more expensive, daily disposable lenses can reduce some of the risks since the wearer is using a new pair of lenses every day.

In addition, children with seasonal allergies are usually not good candidates for wearing contact lenses. The lenses may only increase the itching and burning caused by their allergies.

You can talk with your child about the risks and responsibilities of wearing contact lenses and whether she or he is able to handle these responsibilities. Then talk with your eye care provider to determine if your child is a good candidate for wearing contact lenses.

Make Egg-celent Eggs: Easter Egg Decorating Ideas

October 28, 2019 By Michelle Yannaco

The store kits are great for beginners, but maybe it’s time to up your Easter Egg game. Your kids will hop with excitement making these awesome DIY eggs.

Minecraft Easter Eggs

Perfect for a video-game themed basket. See the tutorial at STL Motherhood

Emoji Eggs

They’re not just for your text messages. See the Tutorial at Studio DIY

Glow-In-the-Dark Eggs

Get glowing reviews with these eggs. See the tutorial at Growing a Jeweled Rose

Natural Eggs

Skip the artificial stuff. Read more at Alloy.

Mood Easter Eggs

These are so cool! Get the tutorial at Dream a Little Bigger

Dinosaur Eggs

A roaring good idea! See the tutorial at Our Best Bites

Repeat After Me: I LOVE the Park, I LOVE the Park, I LOVE the Park

October 28, 2019 By Michelle Yannaco

I have a confession to make. I kinda hate going to the park with my kids.

Other parents seem to genuinely enjoy their trips to the park. The minute the weather warms up, I see “off to the park with the kids on this gorgeous day!” all over my Facebook and Instagram feeds. Friends tell me that they spent the entire day there and loved every second of it.

Now don’t get me wrong; that’s cool. If you truly like the park, then good on ya. I really wish I had whichever genetic indicator I need in my DNA to enable my experience at the park to be equally as enjoyable, but more power to you for having it.

But me? From the moment we arrive, I’m counting down the minutes ‘til it’s time go. Just being honest! And I’m willing to bet I’m not alone. In fact, the majority of you are already nodding your heads in agreement. Maybe even some of you “off to the park!” folks are secretly with me on this.

But here’s the thing: Going to the park is basically a parenting requirement. Like it or not, I HAVE to go. It doesn’t matter how I feel. Why? Because I’m a MOM, that’s why. When do I get a say in anything?

Below I will walk you through a typical afternoon at the park with my kids. If you find your own park experiences to be similar, then for the love of God, stop pretending it’s so much fun! Shhhh… your kids won’t ever know. It’ll be our little secret! So anyway, a day at the park…..

Oh look, our kids are playing together. Awkward silence, awkward silence, more awkward silence…. Ugh I can’t put off the obligatory small talk any longer. “So how old is she?… Oh, she’s adorable … Yes, they sure do grow up fast….” Yeesh.

Of all the kids in the park, of course my kid decides to play with the hacky, rashy, booger-covered one who is definitely carrying some mutant strain of coxsackie and chicken pox, hereby known as poxsackie. Might as well round up the pediatrician and the pharmacy now.

How old do your kids need to be in order to become the highly unaware, sitting-on-a-bench-checking-her-phone-while-the-kids-play-by-themselves mom?…..Maybe there is no minimum age, since I’m pretty sure baby poxsackie over there belongs to her– and he needs a baby wipe or ten to the face, ASAP.

Pleeeease baby, don’t climb up there. Look! There’s a little structure over there that’s just the right size for you! Ok, I guess the tallest one it is. Just love being that psycho mom who literally climbs inside a jungle gym with her kid to keep him from plunging to his death.

And now you want to climb up that ginormous slide? By yourself? Oh, silly me. Of course not by yourself. Mommy’s here! Climbing the ladder right behind you! So let’s get this over with.

Swings! That’s a great idea! Standing in place definitely beats chasing these kids all over the park!

20 minutes of “standing in place” later: “Push higher, mommy! Higher! HIGHERRRRRR!!!!”

Time check: 2:30p.m. Seriously?? We’ve only been here for 45 minutes?? HOW IS THAT EVEN POSSIBLE? Hasn’t it been at least three hours? So basically, time stands still at the park, but naptime is over before I can finish my coffee.

Poxsackie’s mom has some really cute sunglasses on. Hmm… I wonder if they’re cheap and just look expensive, or really expensive but look like they could potentially be cheap. Either way, I wonder where she got them. Oh wait, where did my kids go?

When the heck did they turn on the sprinklers?? These kids aren’t wearing bathing suits, not that it matters now. And there are some big kids in there playing way too roughly. Do I go grab my kid and get soaked, or stay dry and just leave her alone? Eh, she’ll be fine. How bad could they be?

Not my best decision. Where’s that Band-Aid I had in my bag for the last year and a half? When did I lose it? Why do I never have a Band-Aid on me when I actually need it?? Well, on the bright side, she’ll probably be too upset about her boo-boo to want to stay here any longer.

Wrong. Do I not know my own kids?

Is that sunburn? Darn! I forgot to put sunblock on them! I mean, it’s not like I’m at the beach or anything. I knew I should have brought my big diaper bag. There’s definitely some sunblock in there. And Band-Aids. And probably some bribery candy for when it’s time to leave, too. But who wants to lug a giant bag around the park? You can’t climb up a slide wearing a giant diaper bag. And how on earth does that mom who always just wears the little cross body pouch always have everything she needs? Are those things like tiny bag-shaped clown cars?

I will literally pay you in lollipops not to go anywhere near that sandbox.

It’s so freaking hot today. Would it kill them to plant a few more trees around here??

“Mommy I have to pee!” Come again? You have to PEE? Here? In that nasty, filthy bathroom over there??? Are you sure you can’t just hold it?? At least try for me? No??? Fine. But forget the poxsackie. You’re about to get something a lot worse.

Ok, I’ve had enough. “Kids! Time to go! Yes I know you want to stay but it’s time to go. Mommy is two monkey bars away from a nervous breakdown right now. No, NOT one more time on the slide…. Not the swing either! LET’S GO! Oh, don’t you dare start crying. Shut those waterworks down, missy. Now where did your brother go?”

What?? THE ICE CREAM MAN IS HERE??”

By Jeannine Cintron, the Staten Island mom who discovered the best cure for poxsackie is avoiding the park in the first place.

Plan on braving a trip to the park this spring? Of course you do! Go to siparent-com.go-vip.net/staten-island-playgrounds for a list of playgrounds on the Island. Don’t forget to tag us in your park pics on Instagram @siparent

Get Prepared for Summer Camp Season

Secret Ingredients…Revealed!

Avocado Brownies

Chocolate Chili

Mustard-Baked Chicken with a Pretzel Crust

Applesauce Meatloaf

Bacon Blueberry Scones

Stuffed Waffle Pizza

How to Survive the Elementary School Years

What To Know If Your Child Wants Contact Lenses