Who Stole the Cookie from the Cookie Jar?

Yes I am one of the blessed people in the world – instead of my girls going to daycare my Mother watches the two of them.

If I ever get into a conversation about daycare and I mention that she takes care of them I will ALWAYS hear “Oh, how lucky you are! You have no idea what a BLESSING it is to have your Mother home with your girls!”

Am I?

Pop-Quiz everyone…what is the one thing children crave more than anything in the world?

SUGAR, SUGAR and oh yes a little more S-U-G-A-R!

This is my Mom. The kids call her “Nonni Roo”. She is with her sidekick ”Little Roo” – a private moment they were sharing when they thought I wasn’t looking.

Let me introduce you to Roo’s “junk cabinet”. Like the junk drawer, but filled with a plethora of tasty treats as opposed to pens that no longer write, an array of lip gloss sans caps, stickers that no longer stick and pennies galore. 

Now, how harmful coud one little cookie be you ask?

Not too bad if it’s once in a while! Not too bad if it’s after dinner. However, the cookie seen here was happily given and received at 10 am.

This is something that happens on a regular basis with Roo, Little Roo and my other daughter whom we call Beanie. See Roo’s philosophy is that if the kids eat their breakfast why not let them have cookies, M&M’s or even Doritos right after.

And if you were wondering, yes even at 8 in the morning this is allowed.

While grandparents watching the grandchildren is a blessing in more ways than I could ever explain grandparents tend to wreak havoc on good nutrition. I am a stickler for no dessert until dinner. Our house abides by the ”just one bite” rule and I am also a big proponent of the “first, then” rule.

I know I’m not alone in this battle. Grandparents tend to, well, be grandparents. Their sole job in life is to spoil their grandchildren. So when Little Roo brings Nonni Roo to the junk cabinet, Nonni Roo gladly gives in because what is better than a huge smile from Little Roo?

Nothing.

Parents and grandparents can work together though. One tactic that we’ve incorporated is the “Kids Drawer” in the fridge. Inside Little Roo and Beanie find all kinds of tasty treats they like and can have any time of the day. It’s filled with yogurt, yogurt smoothies, carrots, nuts, bananas, watermelon, strawberries, bottled water and even pudding every now and then. They even get to go to the grocery store with Nooni Roo and re-stock the drawer.

I am blessed and I know it. My grandmother watched me and I see the same bond between my girls and my Mother that I had with my grandmother.

I guess no cookie, even at 10 am, can be more important than that.

 

School’s Out – Tips to Keep Your Kids Healthy!

I just read an article about how unhealthy summer camps can be for kids. With food items like “cheesy fries” being served it’s no wonder we have such an epidemic with childhood obesity.

Well summer vacation does not have to be this way! Summer is a time when kids can become even more active. With the sun shining even longer kids are able to get outside and enjoy some fresh air and exercise!

Every night after dinner we take walks together. This has been a part of our daily routine since my oldest was born. Before she could remember we would pack her up and walk around the neighborhood. She’s four and her sister is almost two. They know when the dishes are done – we’re out the door!

 

It’s important for parents to remember that at each stage of life fitness is an important aspect to incorporate into daily living. Even your toddlers should get outside to hop, skip or jump around.

 

Here are ten fun games you and your children can play together this summer:

 

1.      Create a Pirate Adventure in your own backyard. Draw a map that leads to a treasure chest filled with stickers, pencils and coloring paper. Along the way incorporate physical opportunities like jumping, hopping or running in place. (ideal for 2-3 year olds)

2.      Red Light, Green Light (ideal for 2-3 year olds)

3.      Duck, Duck Goose (ideal for 4-5 year olds)

4.      Set up a goal and kick a ball back and forth (ideal for 4-5 year olds)

5.      Hit a baseball off a T-ball stand (ideal for 4-5 year olds)

6.      Play freeze tag or Marco Polo (in or out of water) (ideal for 4-5 year olds)

7.      Visit a hiking or biking trail (ideal for children 6 and up)

8.      Walk the family dog! (ideal for children 6 and up)

9.      Get friends together and create your own Summer Olympic event (ideal for children 6 and up)

10.  Visit a playground (ideal for children of all ages)

 

We all know that being healthy improves self-esteem, helps maintain a healthy weight, and decreases the risk of serious illnesses such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. Eating right and staying active is a key component to developing good habits that will last a lifetime.

 

Parents are huge part of kids being healthy so do your part and become active right along side your kids. This will do wonders in bonding and building your relationship with your child!