The Importance of Performance Reviews
With the school year quickly approaching, many parents are preparing for their child’s next year of development. Each year our children are learning new skills and throughout the school year are graded and tested on their comprehension of the information they have been taught. As parents, we learn how our child is doing in school by the communication of report card grades and parent teacher conferences. This information is valuable to understanding our child’s strengths and weaknesses and also helps us guide our child to follow their interests and improve.
As parents, we have the opportunity to benefit so much from performance reviews on child care providers. At www.MyChildCareGuide.com, parents are given the opportunity to review childcare providers based on a 5 tier rating system of quality of care, curriculumin, atmosphere, cost/value and quality of staff. Parents are also given the freedom to verbally express their experience with a provider. Combining performance reviews along with your state inpsection and violation results on childcare provider offers a good background of information which is enabling many parents to make faster and more informed choices when choosing a daycare or preschool provider.
With child care being a necessity for working parents across the country, many are overwhelmed with the choices of finding a quality daycare or preschool provider and are turning to the internet to search and read reviews on providers. Childcare reviews are a great way for parents to continously communicate about their experiences and grade a provider based on performance. The information shared by parents creates a valuable network on licensed childcare across the United States.
10 steps to finding a quality childcare provider;
1. Identify the type of provider atmosphere you are seeking (Full time, Part time, Daycare, Preschool, After School, Babysitter, Au Pair or Nanny).
2. Visit www.MyChildCareGuide.com to utilize a national search engine to identify all licensed childcare providers in your area by using our zip code, city and state search engine on our homepage.
3. Read provider reviews and ratings conducted by parents who have experience with this provider.
4. Check out a provider’s inspection and violation history through our state childcare licensing links in the “For Parent’s” tab.
5. Begin contacting providers that appeal to you. Use our telephone interview guide with helpful questions to ask.
6. Be sure to set up a time for you and your child to tour and meet the director at a minimum of three of the facilities that you feel could be a good match for you and your child.
7. Use our touring the facility guide and our meet the director guide when you visit the facility. Bring a pen and take notes about the things you like and dislike about the facility.
8. Ask for references!
9. Use our call references guide. Discuss any areas of concern that you may have noticed while touring the facility and meeting with the director.
10. After you choose a provider, continue to monitor your child’s progress by maintaining relationships with the caregivers and director. Check evaluation and inspection reports every 3-6 months and leave a progress review of your provider at www.MyChildCareGuide.com.
Overuse of Antibiotics in Children
Many parents are faced with sleepless nights when their child is sick with a fever, the flu or a cold. When both parents work, it can become challenging being up half the night taking care of a child and then waking up feeling energized enough to function at work. There is also the issue that the child may be sick enough that they need to stay home from school or daycare for a day or two until they are well enough to return to school or childcare which means a parent must miss work. For these reasons, parents make the decision to call the Dr. and take their child in to get medicine. While this may solve the short term problem, parents may be facing a bigger long term problem of antibiotic resistance.
Antibiotics are useful in fighting bacterial infections, fungus and some parasites. However, antibiotics do not fight infections that are caused by viruses such as the flu, a cold, most coughs, bronchitis or sore throats (unless it is strep). Each time you take an antibiotic you will be running the risk that the bacteria in your body will resist the antibiotic the next time. Bacteria and germs are essential for the body to develop an immune system to fight off the big infections and illnesses to come. Over time, parents may find that the antibiotic isn’t working anymore and switch to another one and so on. Continuing down this path leads to an even bigger problem of multi-resistance or a “superbug” which means that the bug carries several opportunities of resistance which limits the available antibiotics that are effective in killing the bacteria.
Ear infections are the most common use of prescriptions among children in the United States and according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, “80% of children whose ear infections are not treated immediately with antibiotics get better on their own”. (http://www.aap.org/advocacy/releases/maraomrelease.htm) Unfortunately, many parents today rush their child to the doctor upon suspicion of an ear infection and walk out of the doctor’s office with an antibiotic prescription and enter into the vicious cycle of this repetitive behavior.
Parents today are overusing antibiotic prescriptions due to the push of the pharmaceutical industry and the demands of their careers but ultimately we are risking the health of our children. Dr. Greene offers a brief guide for parents that will help determine when an antibiotic might be useful and when it might be best to allow your body to heal on its own http://www.drgreene.com/21_646.html.
For a recommendation from the American Academy of Pediatrics on how to treat an ear infection without using antibiotics, click here http://www.aap.org/sections/media/TreatEarInfect.htm.
Interesting Reads:
CBS News Silent Killers; Scary Superbugs
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2002/09/19/48hours/main522536.shtml
WebMD; Cutting antibiotics for Ear Infections
What does a bar code tell you?
Over the past two years we have heard a lot of reports in the news and online about dangerous and toxic levels of lead in our children’s clothing and toys. The U.S. Consumer and Safety Commission have now recalled millions of Children’s products manufactured in China and other Asian territories and changed policy in the United States to enforce resale of clothing and toys that may contain dangerous lead levels (http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PREREL/prhtml09/09120.html).
With almost every store using computerized scanners at the checkout counters, EAN (European Article Number) codes are now on almost every product in every store. The good news is this helps the consumer understand where a product comes from even if the product tag doesn’t indicate. Here is some helpful information that you can print out and stick in your purse or wallet. 
The first 3 digits of an EAN bar code will tell you what country the bar code was registered in. In this example, it’s Taiwan.
000-019 = USA
030-039 = USA
060-139 = USA
300-379 = France
400-440 = Germany
450- 459 & 490-499 = Japan
471 = Taiwan
480 = Philippines
489 = Hong Kong
500-509 = UK
628 = Saudi Arabia
690-695 = China
740-745 = Central America
885= Thailand
888 = Singapore
899 = Indonesia
955 = Malaysia
Having this information helps parents understand where their child’s clothes or toys are coming from and allowing parents to make more cautious choices when purchasing these items for their child. If you would like to see the full list of country codes, visit http://www.gs1.org/barcodes/support/prefix_list
Interesting Reads:
Bloomberg.com, Toys `R’ Us Asia Removes China-Made Products Containing Lead
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601080&sid=aAlDU0WQlGXI&refer=asia
MSNBC, Mattel issues new massive China Toy Recall
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20254745/
Health, Safety and Environmental Fact Sheet on Lead Exposure
http://legacy.usw.org/usw/program/adminlinks/docs/HSE-FS_Fact%20Sheet%20on%20Lead.pdf
Daycare Fire in Mexico
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31133449/
The recent news of a daycare center fire in Mexico where 44 children died brought so many concerns to my mind. While reading the article I could only imagine the horror and anger of the families involved. Why would a government funded facility have 8 employees watching over 142 infants/toddlers? That leaves each employee responsible for the care of approximately 17 infants/toddlers. The second serious concern I had is the building had a newly installed sprinkler system which did not work due to being improperly installed. Did anyone ever test the system after they installed it? The third question is why is there only 1 emergency exit for a building that houses an estimated 150 people on a daily basis? There was a second door but it was bolted shut and required a key to open. What kind of emergency exit requires a key to get out? As Mexico faces daycare safety issues, we can certainly learn from this mistake.
In the United States, you can run daycare out of your home and care for children without maintaining a license by the government. I think the tragedy in Mexico should bring concern to parents who use providers that are not licensed. Are the non-licensed providers striving to meet all the necessary criteria to keep your child safe? Licensed child care providers are required to meet a large list of requirements and are inspected to ensure they continue to meet these standards on a regular basis. Each state determines their own standards and it can vary from state to state but all must meet required areas including updated immunization records, health, safety and food standards, sanitation, gas, fire, pest control, emergency procedures and insurance. If you use a non-licensed provider, you could be subjecting your child to danger in various areas. www.MyChildCareGuide.com provides “Guides” with quality questions to ask when choosing a daycare or preschool provider for your child. Our website also provides links to each state’s child licensing division where you can review a provider’s violation and inspection history.
How did you choose your daycare or preschool provider?
1. How did you find them?
2. Are they licensed with the state?
3. Did you research your providers’ state violation and inspection records before you enrolled your child?
4. Are you comfortable with leaving your child with a non-licensed provider? If so, why or why not.
PFOA and Microwave Popcorn
The invention of microwave popcorn seemed like the greatest invention for all us popcorn lovers. I have to say it has been one of our favorite snacks around the house, especially on Friday nights when we have family movie night! I recently read information about microwave popcorn that alarmed me enough to throw ours in the trash. The FDA has recently discovered dangers associated with a chemical coating perfluorooctanoic (PFOA) that is in the lining of the popcorn bag that is released when the microwave heats. The EPA has identified PFOA as “likely a carcinogen to humans” (http://www.epa.gov/oppt/pfoa/pubs/hs~faq.html). PFOA also causes infertility, birth defects; increased cancer rates, changes in lipid levels and adverse effects on the immune system (in animal testing). It’s also found in stain resistant products for clothing, furniture, carpet and anti-stick Teflon pots, pans and utensils. Some pizza makers are using it for their pizza boxes to resist grease build up.
If that’s not bad enough there is also very concerning information about diacetyl which is a chemical in the butter flavoring of most microwave popcorn brands and has been associated with a lung disease called bronchiolitis obliterans which causes pulmonary inflammation and obstruction of the lungs. Several microwave popcorns manufacturers such as, Orville Redenbacher, Act II, Pop Secret and Jolly Time removed diacetyl after studies and reports came out about the lung disease associated with it. I looked over the ingredients on a few microwave popcorn boxes while at the grocery store and they only list “natural and artificial flavor and color added”. Since the box doesn’t say diacetyl free then I would assume it’s not.
It’s time to go back to the basics when it comes to popcorn. Buy whole kernels and coat the bottom of your pan with oil, cover and wait until the popcorn pops. As a kid, I remember enjoying the process of making popcorn almost as much as I did eating it. I also found that Trader Joe’s sells air popped popcorn in their snack section. Another alternative to this method would be to buy an air popper which is fun and chemical free!
Interesting Reads:
Perfluorooctanoic (PFOA) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PFOA
PFOA’s and the Teflon Don http://newsgroups.derkeiler.com/Archive/Rec/rec.music.gdead/2005-07/msg00646.html
PFOA’s http://www.ewg.org/node/18390
Diacetyl and Food Flavorings containing Diacetyl http://www.osha.gov/dsg/guidance/diacetyl-guidance.html
Doc Warns that Prolonged Exposure to Microwave Butter Popcorn Fumes Could Cause Lung Disease, Fox News
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,295761,00.html
Health and Fitness on Popcorn Flavoring, April 2009 http://www.cleveland.com/healthfit/index.ssf/2009/04/did_artificial_flavoring_hurt.html
The Best Children’s Vitamins
Many parents today deal with the constant struggle to get their child to eat vegetables or a well balanced diet. When I ask my daughter’s what they would like to eat, the common answers are; PB & J, macaroni n cheese, a hot dog or grilled cheese sandwich. I usually can get them to eat fruit along with a meal but the vegetable is a whole other issue. Like some parents, I rely on a multi-vitamin to help supplement nutrition through the “picky eater” stages of childhood. I know from my own experiences as a child that eventually you do grow out of it and begin to like vegetables.
When I go shopping for a multi vitamin I am always amazed at the amount of choices on the shelf and when I begin to read the ingredients they all look the same. Lots of words that appear to be chemicals and I have no idea what they are. Many of the vitamins at your local drugstore are manufactured using synthetic chemical processes and not from the actual plant itself. The ingredients on a synthetic vitamin bottle will usually read something like; Calcium Carbonate, Magnesium Oxide, Ascorbic Acid and so on.
There are other choices of vitamins available that come from whole foods and have natural ingredients which are not chemically manufactured. Whole food vitamins contain the actual foods that we eat in the ingredients. The label will list the plant that the nutrients come from usually like this; carrots, green beans, spinach, strawberries, etc. Another benefit of whole food vitamins is that they don’t contain preservatives, color additives, aluminum, sugar additives and other fillers. Many are dairy, soy, wheat, salt and gluten free. I believe the main reason why people are buying synthetic vitamins is for one, they are readily available in almost every drugstore and supermarket and two, they are cheaper. I am more comfortable giving my daughter’s a vitamin with spinach and strawberries in it than a vitamin with Aspartame and Sorbitol.
Below is a list of whole food vitamins that are available for children and can be found in health food or organic sections of your local market or at most health food stores. It’s always a good idea to discuss vitamin supplements with a physician before giving it to your child.
1. Hero Yummy Bears 200 gummies for about $15.
http://www.heronutritionals.com/vitamins.jsp?productid=1
2. Rainbow Light Nutri Stars 120 tablets cost about $16.
http://www.amazon.com/Rainbow-Light-Multivitamin-Multimineral-Chewables/dp/B000EE9Y22
3. New Chapter Every Kid powder pouches 28 for about $20. It comes in two flavors Brilliant Berries and Awesome Apple.
http://www.newchapter.com/products/everykid
Interesting Reads:
Dietary Supplements: Nutrition in a Pill? By the Mayo Clinic
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/supplements/NU00198
Vitamins for Kids: Do Healthy Kids need Vitamins? Web MD
http://www.webmd.com/parenting/vitamins-for-kids-do-healthy-kids-need-vitamins
Are your Child’s Bathroom Products Toxic?
As parents, I think many of us assume that the bath, lotion and like products on the market are safe. Why would manufacturers make something that could harm our children? Could our government actually allow them to sell products that are potentially harmful? The FDA has the big job of regulating the safety of personal products sold in the United States but currently, the FDA does not require companies to test products before selling them or disclose the use of harmful contaminants in our products. Most of us are not chemists so we do not know what the ingredients are on our child’s bubble bath, shampoos or lotions but we assume that they are safe. Here is some information for you that may help you decide what products to buy for you and your family and which ones to avoid.
The two most concerning chemicals that are found in many of our children’s bath products are; Dioxane and Formaldehyde. You most likely will not find them listed on your bottle of shampoo, lotion or other products but you will find them listed in the manner below. Dioxane (http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts187.html) is a known eye and respiratory tract irritant as well as a Group 2B Carcinogen, which means that it is classified as a probable carcinogenic in humans because it is a known carcinogen in tested animals. Formaldehyde (http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts111.html) can cause allergies and is classified as a probable human carcinogen by the EPA and already has been banned from the cosmetics industry in other countries (Europe, Sweden, and Japan).
Ingredients likely to be contaminated with 1, 4 Dioxane
· Peg-100 Stearate
· Sodium Laureth Sulfate
· Polyethelene
· Ceteareth-20
Ingredients likely to be contaminated with Formaldehyde
· Quaternium-15
· DMDM hydantoin
· Imidazolidinyl urea
· Diazolidinyl urea
· Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate
Of the products tested by an independent consumer organization (Environmental Working Group), some of the top offenders of Dioxane and/or Formaldehyde in children’s products are; Bath and Body Works, The Body Shop, SpongeBob Square Pants Bubble Bath, Neutrogena, L’Oreal Kids, Dora Bubble Bath, CVS Foam Bath, Caress Bath & Shower, Calgon, Baby Magic, Huggies Clean time Bath Wash Johnson and Johnson and Avon Kids. You can quickly check the products you’re using by visiting http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/.
Read labels! Try to avoid brands that contain these ingredients or added fragrances which are an indicator of phthalates (which are linked to developmental and reproductive toxicity in animals). As a recommendation, I found the following products free of Dioxane and Formaldehyde or other toxic chemicals that may be harmful.
Bubble Bath
1. California Baby Bubble Bath which can be found at Target Stores or various stores online.
2. Burt’s Bee’s Baby Bee Bath which can be found at Target Stores or various stores online.
Shampoo
1. Burt’s Bee’s Super Shiny Grapefruit and Sugar Beet Shampoo which can be found at Ulta Stores, your local Health Food Store or at various stores online.
2. California Baby Shampoo and Body Wash (Super Sensitive or Tea Tree & Lavender) which can be found at Target stores or online.
3. Aubrey Organics Shampoo which can be found at Whole Foods, Sprouts, Wild Oats or most Health Food Markets.
Conditioner
1. Burt’s Bee’s (Super Shiny Grapefruit and Sugar Beet, Avocado Butter) Conditioner
2. Aubrey Organics Conditioner
3. California Baby Conditioner (Calming or Super Sensitive)
Lotion
1. Aveeno Baby Daily Baby Lotion
2. Aubrey Organics Natural Baby and Kids Body Lotion
Toothpaste
1. Burt’s Bee’s Children’s Toothpaste
2. Jason Natural Kids Toothpaste
3. Tom’s of Maine Natural Toothpaste
Diaper Rash Cream or Powder
1. California Baby Diaper Area Wash
2. California Baby Calendula Cream
3. California Baby Non-Talc Powder
Wipes
1. Seventh Generation Unscented Baby Wipes
2. Avalon Organics Baby Wipes
Interesting Reads:
Campaign for Safe Cosmetics Report: Toxic Chemicals found in Kid’s Bath Products, ENews March 12, 2009 http://www.ewg.org/report/toxic-tub/31209
Beauty: Not Just Skin Deep, Minneapolis Examiner March 23, 2009 http://www.ewg.org/node/27755
The Dangers of Chemical Sunscreens. Are they protecting you from skin cancer?
With a growing conscience of a healthier lifestyle many people have increased their use of sunscreens to prevent skin cancer. Yet, there has been an astonishing rise of skin cancer over the past several years. A lot of medical research is going into testing the chemical ingredients in many of the sunscreen products on the market. One concern is that these toxic chemicals could be increasing your cancer risk and doing more harm than good. Many of the chemicals in our sunscreens are actually promoting free radicals and contain chemicals that disrupt hormone balance and normal sexual development in girls. Here is a list of chemicals that are in most often found in popular sunscreens on the market.
Benzophenones (dixoybenzone, oxybenzone)
Cinnamates (cinoxate, ethylhexyl p-methoxycinnamate, octocrylene, octyl methoxycinnamate)
Digalloyl troleate
Menthyl anthranilate
Salicylates (ethylhexyl salicylate, homosalate, octyl salicylate)
PABA (ethyl dihydroxy propyl PAB, glyceryl PABA, p-aminobenzoic acid, padimate-O or octyl dimethyl PABA)
Avobenzone (butyl-methyoxydibenzoylmethane; Parsol 1789).
Many of these chemicals generate free radical growth, which accelerate the aging process and contribute to cancer. Currently, the FDA is evaluating requirements and possible changes to the labeling requirements to make the public more aware of the dangers of the sun. Read the labels and look at the active ingredients when choosing your sunscreen and always make sure you are choosing a sunscreen that is a “broad spectrum” sunscreen. Usually the toxic chemicals begin with oxy, octo, octyl or ethyl, or methyl. Ingredients that have been declared “chemical free” and most effective in blocking the UVA and UVB rays in sunscreens are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
I did some research through EWG, The Environmental Working Group(http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/special/sunscreens2008/index.php) to find out which sunscreens on the market are the safest (free of toxic chemicals) and still protect us from both the UVA and UVB sun rays. These are some of the top ranked sunscreens that are chemical free. I encourage you to always check the ingredients on the sunscreen before you buy. If it is loaded with chemicals then you may want to consider a different sunscreen.
1. Badger Sunscreen SPF 30 – costs about $15 for a 2.9 oz tube and can be bought online at http://green.thefind.com.
2. TruKid Sunny Days Sunscreen SPF 30 – costs about $11 for a 4oz tube and Face sticks SPF 30 for about $9 and can be purchased at www.amazon.com or http://www.trukid.com.
3. California Baby Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 – costs about $13-$18 for a 2.9 oz tube and can be found at most Targets or online at www.Amazon.com or Target stores.
4. Kiss my Face 100% Paraben Free with Oat Protein SPF 30 – costs about $8 for a 4 ounce tube and can be found at www.amazon.com or http://green.thefind.com.
5. Goddess Garden Kids and Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 – costs about $13 for 3oz tube and can be found at www.goddessgarden.com.
6. Jason’s Natural Cosmetic Sunbrellas Mineral Based SPF 30- costs about $12 for a 4oz tube and can be purchased at http://www.jason-natural.com/ , Trader Joe’s or the organic section at your local market or health store.
7. Vanicream Sunscreen (sport, sensitive skin or regular) SPF 15 and above – costs about $15 for a 4oz tube and can be purchased online at www.amazon.com.
8. Mexitan or Tropical Sands Lotion SPF 30 – costs $16.95 for a 8oz tube and can be purchased at http://www.mexitan.com.
9. Soleo Organic Sunscreen SPF 30 – costs about $14 for a 1oz tube and can be purchased at www.amazon.com or http://www.soleousa.com.
10. Sun Science Organic Daily Wear SPF 30 – costs about $22 for a 3.4oz tube and can be purchased online at http://skincarerx.com. They have a coupon for 15% of sunscience15 at checkout.
Keep in mind that you should always check the expiration dates on your sunscreens before applying. If you have a tube that is from last year and you haven’t used it in awhile you may want to consider tossing it and picking up a new tube. Sunscreen does lose its effectiveness over time and may not keep you properly protected from the UVA/UVB rays of the sun. Try to avoid being in the sun during the hottest times of the day noon-4pm but if you must then be sure to reapply your sunscreen every 30 minutes to be sure you are being properly protected.
Interesting Read: CBS News, Many Sunscreens Ineffective, Group Says, March 26, 2009
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/07/02/health/webmd/main4227214.shtml
Super brain foods for our kids
Below are the top 10 most important foods for our growing child’s brains. Many of the foods listed aid in important brain functions such as memory and concentration which could greatly improve your child’s performance at school and sports. The brain is first in line of all our body’s’ organs to absorb the benefits of the food we eat. So eat smart and be smart!
1. Salmon which contains Omega 3 Fatty Acids which is important for brain growth and function.
Kid friendly meal tip: Bake, grill or pan fry your salmon. In a mixing bowl mix honey and light soy sauce together. In a heated pan, pour the sauce into the pan on a medium to high heat until it begins to bubble into a glaze. Pour the delicious sauce over the salmon and serve.
2. Eggs (especially the egg whites) are an excellent source of protein. Egg whites contain choline which helps in memory function.
Kid friendly meal tip: Scramble eggs with your child’s favorite vegetables. Some suggestions are mushrooms, green peppers, tomatoes and avocado. Add his/her favorite cheese and roll up in a whole wheat tortilla for a breakfast burrito.
3. Peanut Butter or peanuts are a fantastic source of vitamin E which protects our nervous membranes. It also contains thiamine which helps the brain and our nervous system turn glucose into energy.
Kid friendly meal tip: Slice up apples, celery, bananas, and bite size pieces of whole wheat bagel or bread for a dipping party. Let your child pick and dip into a bowl of all natural peanut butter. This can make an excellent after school snack.
4. Whole Grains are a good source of vitamin B which help you maintain a healthy nervous system and also a good source of fiber.
Kid friendly meal tip: whole wheat pasta with a dribble of olive oil and parmesan cheese. Throw in some of your child’s favorite nuts or veggies (cooked or raw). This tastes great warm or cold and can be a nice treat in your child’s lunch bag.
5. Oats/Oatmeal are a super source of fiber, vitamin E, B, potassium and zinc which all help with brain function.
Kid friendly meal tip: Mix oatmeal and yogurt together in a cup or bowl. Add a light drizzle of honey and fresh fruit on top for a delicious yogurt parfait. Great for breakfast or an afterschool treat!
6. Berries (strawberries, blueberries, cherries and blackberries) carry high levels of antioxidants and Vitamin C. Strawberries and Blueberries are known to improve memory function.
Kid friendly meal tip: Using whole wheat pancake mix. Pour pancake mix into a pan or griddle and add your child’s favorite berries. Once pancake is fully cooked, place on a plate and add some fresh berries on top. So good, they won’t need syrup!
7. Beans contain protein, complex carbohydrates, fiber with loads of vitamins and minerals. Kidney and pinto beans have more Omega-3 than any other beans. Omega-3 is important for brain growth and function.
Kid friendly meal tip: Smash cooked beans and spread in a whole wheat tortilla with cheese, avocado and tomato for a yummy burrito.
8. Vegetables (sweet potatoes, tomatoes, carrots, spinach, broccoli and pumpkin) are loaded with vitamins and minerals. The deep, rich colored veggies are the best sources of antioxidants which help keep the brain healthy.
Kid friendly meal tip: Peel and slice sweet potatoes in the shape of French fries. Bake in the oven and sprinkle lightly with honey or brown sugar. A great dinner side dish!
9. Milk & Yogurt are loaded with protein, Vitamin B & D which are necessary for brain tissue growth, enzymes, neurotransmitter functions and the neuromuscular system.
Kid friendly meal tip: Combine apple juice, plain yogurt, a banana and a handful of blueberries in the blender for a tasty and healthy smoothie.
10. Lean Beef is one of the best sources of iron which will keep the body energized. Beef also contains zinc which also helps with memory functions.
Kid friendly meal tip: Marinade a skirt or flank steak with orange juice, honey, lime, olive oil, salt and pepper. Grill and cut up into small bite size pieces. Place whole wheat tortillas on the grill or in a pan with your child’s favorite cheese, bite size pieces of steak, tomato, avocado, mushroom or whatever their favorite healthy foods are. Cut up the tortilla into small pizza like slices to make a scrumptious Quesadilla.
Reduce child care costs
Are you looking to lower your childcare costs?
You are not alone! The average costs per year are about $4,000-$6,000 per child, and in some areas of the United States can get as high as $10,000 per year. Here are some ideas that can help you save or lower your child care costs.
1. Ask your employer if they offer a Flexible Spending Account or a Cafeteria Plan. This plan or account allows you to set aside a portion of your income to help pay for designated costs such as child care, dependent care (a senior parent living with you), medical expenses and is all pre-taxed money.
2. Ask family members or neighbors to help with one or two days a week. Offer to do something in return for them, some ideas could be; clean their house, take care of their landscaping, cook them dinners, pick up groceries, or offer to help pay one of their monthly bills or any other ways to contribute in their life.
3. Ask your employer if you can work on a more flexible schedule and coordinate with your spouse’s hours to cut back the amount of hours your child is spending in child care. Inquire about weekend hours or evening work opportunities.
4. Check local college bulletin boards to see if you can find someone to help with at least a few hours a day or 1 day a week. Also, check at your local high school or in your neighborhood for a student who may be interested in watching your child after school until you or your spouse get home from work. Many times babysitters are cheaper than a child care center.
5. Offer to volunteer your time, work part time or offer to give donations of items needed to your child’s child care center to help lower your costs.
6. Find other means of income by seeking part time work with local businesses. Some ideas are; deliver the newspaper, door to door flyers for new or local businesses on the weekends, selling household items or clothing by having a garage sale or on ebay.