About This Blog
Reporter Nancy Churnin covers healthy families. Join in the conversation on this blog and share how you keep your family strong. March 2010
Recent Posts
Will you let your kids see the new "Alice In Wonderland"? Open House, spring break, and staycations! Young artists ages 5-12 can compete for $26,000 in prizes Finding out your kid isn't racist = Awesome A Dallas (grand)Mom's favorite St. Patrick's Day crafts (+ Disney FamilyFun ideas) Eggs-tra Cheap Easter: what are you putting in YOUR kids' baskets? 12-Year-Old Sam Schwall's interview with Wynton Marsalis Hansel & Gretel: lessons about parenting, siblings and life Recent Comments
Categories
dallasnews.com
Life/Travel Blogs |
March 8, 2010
![]() ![]() The entry "Will you let your kids see the new "Alice In Wonderland"?" is tagged: Alice in Wonderland , Amy Twomey , Bob the Builder , family movies , Harry Potter , Johnny Depp , movies , Star Wars , The Wiggles , Tim Burton
Open House is usually scheduled the week before spring break. My second grade team tends to plan our main field trip to the Dallas World Aquarium the same week, and this can make for a stressful time! But when it's over, it's done! This is a time for parents to visit the classroom where their children spend so many hours, and see projects and displays of their children's work. The children really enjoy the reponsibility of showing parents around the class: their desk, projects, work, journals... But what's on everyone's mind is the count down to spring break! I always have a constant soundtrack to life running in my head and instead of singing "I love Paris in the springtime, I'm singing, "I dread open house in the springtime!" But after open house my song will change to Madonna's Holiday! Photo: Two of Ashley's adorable students from last year's field trip to the Dallas World Aquarium checking out the sharks! ![]() ![]() The entry "Open House, spring break, and staycations!" is tagged: Dallas Arboretum , Dallas World Aquarium , Frank Buck Zoo , G. K. Chesterton , Madonna , Matt Lauer , open house , Rise , spring break , Staycations , Today Show March 7, 2010
For more information click here. Teachers can download or request a free kit that contains "Green Thought Starters" at www.aaronbrothers.com/teachers. ![]() ![]() The entry "Young artists ages 5-12 can compete for $26,000 in prizes" is tagged: Aaron Brothers Art & Framing , Coloring Earth Green , Contest , Crayola Factory , Earth Day
The issue of racism in our household has really been....a non-issue. Not because we don't care about it or think it's relevant, but both my husband and I are from a generation that has never truly seen the effects of such injustice first hand. Actually, let me clarify, there is certainly a level of socioeconomic racism that still exist very much today which we have encountered, and whether it's blighted inner-city schools, or racial profiling, we know that unfortunately those things do still exist. But as far as segregated schools and whites only water fountains, we are blessed to only know about that through our history books. ![]() ![]() The entry "Finding out your kid isn't racist = Awesome" is tagged: Destiny DeLaRosa , George Lopez , racism , The Cosby Show , The Huxtables
My grandkids come over quite often and they love to get into "Gee's" craft supplies and create some fun projects. This weekend we created a simple, fun card for St. Patrick's Day and I know they are going to love my "search for the Gold" game when it gets a little closer to the day!! Here is the game: using a pattern that you can either create or or download from one of those free Internet sites, cut out a number of shamrocks. Let the kids color them green using crayons, markers, paint, whatever you have on hand. Remember, the point is to have fun with your kids, not spend a ton of money! While the kids are coloring, you hide a "treat" of some sort that will be the "pot of gold". Then, take the shamrocks, write age appropriate clues on the back and then hide around your home. When all clues are in place, turn the kids loose to begin their search. Even your youngest "leprechaun" will enjoy this game. ![]() ![]() The entry "A Dallas (grand)Mom's favorite St. Patrick's Day crafts (+ Disney FamilyFun ideas)" is tagged: Anne Brown , crafts , Disney's FamilyFun Magazine , gelatin , leprechauns , limes , National Craft Month , pot of gold , recipe , Richardson , St. Patrick's Day , stamping March 6, 2010
"Some Things That Easter Brings" by Elsie Parrish Easter duck and Easter chick, ![]() ![]() The entry "Eggs-tra Cheap Easter: what are you putting in YOUR kids' baskets?" is tagged: budget , Easter , Easter baskets , Easter Bunny , holiday , ideas , shopping , The Dollar Tree
The remaining concerts are Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $22-$115. Call 214.692.0203 to buy tickets or click dallassymphony.com
Sam: What do you think needs to be done to keep traditional jazz in front of people and kids and keep modern jazz going? Wynton Marsalis: It's important for parents and teachers to teach kids the value of the love of music which is taught by showing them that you love music. Make it purely fun, play music for them. Then, let them play music. When they play music, listen to them, and tell them how great it sounds. ![]() ![]() The entry "12-Year-Old Sam Schwall's interview with Wynton Marsalis " is tagged: August , Brad Schwall , Cochon , Duke Ellington , Embraceable You , George Gershwin , Grammy , improvisation , Jazz , John Besch , Lil Liza Jane , Lincoln Center Orchestra Dallas Symphony Orchestra , Meyerson Symphony Hall , Mila , New Orleans , practice , Sam Schwall , Wynton Marsalis March 5, 2010
I also heard some fascinating thoughts by Heather Carlile, a licensed professional marriage and family counselor, who will talk about "Joys and Challenges of Childhood Fairytales" as part of a free Spiritual Parenting Series at the Center for Spiritual Living Sunday. It starts at 12:45 with a potluck lunch, followed by Heather's presentation. Get the details at www.csldallas.org (free childcare provided). Check out what Heather has to say here: ![]() ![]() The entry "Hansel & Gretel: lessons about parenting, siblings and life " is tagged: Center for Spiritual Living , Dallas Children's Theater , Fairy Tales , Hansel and Gretel , Heather Carlile , Kathy Burks Theatre of Puppetry Arts , spiritual parenting
Volunteers will be needed from 5:30 to 11:30 a.m. on race day; it all kicks off at Central Market. Contact Sophia Sindalovsky at sophia@ntfb.org or Paige Phelps at Paigep@ntfb.org by Tuesday, March 9 to confirm your participation. ![]() ![]() The entry "St. Paddy's Day Dash looking for teen (& family) volunteers" is tagged: Central Market , Greenville , North Texas Food Bank , Run On! , St. Paddy's Day Dash , St. Paddy's Day Dash Down Greenville
![]() ![]() The entry "Flexibility is key to a successful trip with kids " is tagged: Christy Howard , fishing , parenting , pets , seasick , travel
Have you ever had to stifle a laugh or snicker, when your little one said something profound? At the last get-together of the Dallas Mom Bloggers, I recall LaDawn enlightening us about her "gutsy" two-year old daughter, who seems to have a mind of her own. When her daughter didn't get her way at breakfast one morning, LaDawn reported that she had to look away to keep from bursting out in laughter. It seems her daughter looked and sounded too cute, expressing her feelings of dissatisfaction for the decision made by her mother. As LaDawn told her family story, I went back to yesteryear, remembering when my daughter did the same thing. I never wanted to laugh at her, even when she was so cute with her little curls bouncing in time to her defiance. I also remembered not to laugh when she expressed her views, but sounded so much like us - her mom and dad. ![]() ![]() The entry "The three prerequisites for parenthood: understanding, creativity and a sense of humor!" is tagged: art , Candace Hickey , drill team , Flintstone vitamins , grandparents , Jennifer Pennifer , LaDawn Fletcher , Leslie Kuerbitz , parenthood , Pop TDestiny DeLaRosa , Spanx , teaching , triplets March 4, 2010
He talked about the importance of listening because kids aren't always receptive to us "fixing" their problems (and parent-to-parent, I have to agree). But sometimes if we listen, we get a better sense of what it is they need us to do. That's what Dr. Oz does. And he was thrilled to discover that even when he didn't think his oldest, Daphne, was listening to all his great advice, she was internalizing it in her own way. Which is why she came out with her own book for college students wanting to keep fit, The Dorm Room Diet, while she was still an undergraduate at Princeton University. So, did the best-selling author help with his daughter's book? "She told me not to. She said I'd just ruin it," he said and laughed, noting that parents who step back can also learn a lot from their kids. ![]() ![]() The entry "Dr. Mehmet Oz: Sometimes listening is more important than fixing things for our kids" is tagged: Dallas , Daphne Oz , Dr. Mehmet Oz , Nancy Churnin , NBA All-Stars , Oprah Winfrey Show , The Dorm Room Diet , The Dr. Oz Show , W Hotel
It's probably a mix of all of the above, but I think it's typically a beneficial aspect for both parents and kids. As an active stay-at-home mom of two-year-old triplets, I belong to several playgroups and consider it an important part of my children's and my schedule. We meet just frequently enough that it isn't overwhelming to our schedules, but still keeps us connected as a group. PHOTO: Madison, Payson and Hayden (all far right) enjoy lunch at a playdate with three sets of twins ![]() ![]() The entry "Why playgroups matter" is tagged: Jessica Melker , moms of multiples , multiples , playgroups , sharing , socialization , stay-at-home moms , stay-at-home parents , triplets
Each exercise requires nothing more than your body as weight. Be careful not to underestimate the intensity. You will be sore as you begin doing the workout but the pain subsides as the legs tone up and the glutes tighten. Do each exercise for 1 minute, unless otherwise noted. ![]() ![]() The entry "Lower body workout with no weights" is tagged: calf raises , exercise , fitness , half-marathon , jumping jacks , leg extensions , Lisa Keys-Blair , one legged dead lift , plyometric , speed skaters , squats , sumo squats , walking lunges , workouts March 3, 2010
Last year, my first picture book was published. It made me an instant celebrity with children when I visited several elementary schools and book stores. But my son, Allen, is not impressed with me. Recently, a small fiasco happened as I was getting ready to leave for a storytime. "Are you going to another book party?" asks Allen. "AGAIN?" PHOTO: Bettina and Allen ![]() ![]() The entry "Bettina: My son's take on my picture book, Moose and Magpie" is tagged: Barnes and Nobel , Bettina Restrepo , Corduroy , Curious George , Frisco , Harry Potter , IKEA , Legacy Books , Moose and Magpie , Star Wars , Stonebriar Center
PHOTO: Leigh and her family are looking forward to going to the Dallas Museum of Art,for their free Autism Awareness Day Family Celebration ![]() ![]() The entry "Dallas Museum of Art Autism Awareness Day Family Celebration" is tagged: Asperger's Syndrome , Autism Awareness , Autism Awareness Day Family Celebration , Autism Awareness Month , Autism Spectrum Disorders , Dallas Museum of Art , Leigh Attaway Wilcox , Sensory Processing Disorder , the Center for Creative Collections
Choosing the right kind of fuel for our bodies doesn't have to cost a fortune. In fact, choosing foods that are high in nutrients will boost your physical, mental and emotional health and, thus, save you money in the long run. Good nutrition means fewer visits to the doctor and less time off from work and school. Good nutrition also helps you feel energetic and results in a better quality of life for you and your family. ![]() ![]() The entry "Healthy snacks for the mind, body & soul" is tagged: almond butter and apples , Annabel Lugo Hoffman , body , fruit kebobs , hummus , mind , nutritious snacks , quality of life , salsa and pretzels , smoothie recipe , soul , trail mix recipe , turkey rolls March 2, 2010
PHOTO: Scott Hayner having a brain fitness exam at the UT Dallas Center for BrainHealth, photo by Brad Loper, DMN ![]() ![]() The entry "My neck-up check-up at UT Dallas Center for BrainHealth " is tagged: Asperger's Syndrome , autism , avatars , brain fitness test , brain plasticity , neuroplasticity , Norman Doidge , Sandra Chapman , University of Texas at Dallas , UT Dallas Center for Brain Health
What do you do when your kid wants to quit an activity after you have invested a good bit of time, not to mention a good bit of money? We have experienced our kids being both committed to an activity and losing interest in an activity. My son began taking guitar lessons at Zounds Sounds in the 5th grade. He's in the seventh grade still playing the electric guitar and has added trumpet and the banjo to his repertoire. He has a natural passion for music and loves to play. He does not need to be forced. His guitar teacher and his band teachers at school are finding the right ways to motivate him while still helping it be a fun experience. It is the perfect equation of interest, talent, and commitment. My daughter, whose latest interests include her musical dance class, reading, and fashion design, took piano - for a while. Practicing became a chore. She wanted to quit. I have learned to trust my wife's instincts. When we use our instincts together, we make the best decisions. I was torn though about whether to let my daughter stop piano, What lesson does it send if we let her quit? What if she does have a natural talent and just needs to learn to work at it? ![]() ![]() The entry "To quit or not to quit: When piano and other lessons become chores" is tagged: Brad Schwall , Cool Kids , lessons , piano lessons , Rick Riordan , Ryan Sheckler , skateboarding , The Lightning Thief , Tony Hawk
OK, sometimes it isn't necessarily a good dream, more like a nightmare, but overall, my decision to opt out of traditional 9 to 5 employment has been a good one for our family. Once my husband opened a restaurant of his own, and our family grew, it became more difficult to manage our family responsibilities when I worked for someone else and they determined my schedule. ![]() ![]() The entry "Tips on working from home (with three little ones): life is but a dream" is tagged: business , childcare , LaDawn Fletcher , mompreneur , Mother's Day Out , tips , working from home |
THINGS TO DO
|
|
|
|
|
My kids won't see it for many years; th
I agree...great ideas! We will be stay
Great article!
Spring Break will be a great week at th
Great idea! I wish I would think ahead
Amy,
I hear you! There is NO way
Great advice Lisa! Can't wait to start
My girls usually get a new swim suit, a
Ashely, I do love your posts! You have
Awesome Lisa! Thanks for the advice -