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Apr 02
0

Happy 5th Birthday Joshua Truman Carter

By | Kids, Total Wellness, Total Wellness Mom | 2 Comments

JoshBeach

Dear my son Joshua Truman Carter,

Today you turn 5 years old and I want to write you a special note of memory about your past year so we never lose it. I am not one for scrapbooks but I can write so this is what I will do.

You have grown into a little man this past year. At least 5 inches, you tower over others your same age and it appears you will be tall like your Uncle Starr, but not if you don’t start eating more vegetables.

JoshuncleStarr

You are still as loving as you were when you were a baby and toddler. You love to snuggle in the morning, you still like to be carried like Sissy at 40 pounds but our backs only allow that once in a while. You grow more and more handsome everyday.

JoshieBlanket

We have always known you were brilliant but that you like to do things in your own timing. Right after your 4th birthday you started talking all the time, sentences and then more. You had not been much of a talker prior to that and now you communicate very well telling us what you want, your opinions, and concerns.

You still like peace and quiet but your Sissy doesn’t give you a lot of that always loving on you calling you JoshJosh. You love her very much and sometimes call her KAKA as her pet name.

JoshSarahPopcorn

After your 4th birthday you finally started “Pooping on the Potty” THANK YOU GOD.  You definitely made us patiently wait for that, but the Potty Chart along with Nana’s promise if you started pooping on the Potty we would go to see Mickey Mouse seemed to motivate you to new levels of Full Potty Training. I still have the voicemail of you excitedly telling me, “I Poopied on the Potty” when I was away. We and others who loved us prayed for your Potty Training and it worked. THANK YOU GOD.

JoshYoungLiving

June, July and August you spent your first summer in the Florida heat. We had a little blow up pool for you and you loved playing in it and going to the park with water spouts everywhere. You get so sad when we go to the park and there are no kids there, you love playing with friends.

JoshSwinging

This is a picture of a special friend of yours Arianna. Arianna spent 10 months away from her mommy and daddy because they were deployed. And now she will go to live in Japan and you may never see her again so I thought I would post this picture of her for you. So you can always remember and pray for her.

JoshArianna

You got to play with your cousins more this year. You had a lot of fun with Will and you two love to wrestle. Although it is nerve racking to watch, I am understanding the importance of letting you be “Wild at Heart” and not suppressing your boy or manhood.

Joshfishing

We got to go on our first official family vacation to Orlando this year and it was so much fun! We stayed at a time share with a pool right outside our window and a park. We went to our first costume party and you had a blast dancing and having fun. You are such a sweet and loving boy. Nana came and spent the day at Disney World with us. You got to see Mickey Mouse but I think your favorites were the Epcot Aquarium and the Epcot laser lights show and fireworks.

JoshAquarium

We all loved seeing your face light up throughout the day. What fun! After Disney World your imagination took off. You love to play act stories and have fun.

fireworksjosh

Speaking of play, your favorite things to do in your playroom this year was to cook food for us. You would set these elaborate tables of food up for us and it was so neat to see you cook. Your dad and I think you may have culinary arts in your future. As you almost turn 5 years old your play is changing some and cars and different obstacles.

JoshDominos

In February we went to see Nana and the manatees. You loved that special day even though it was so simple and no money spent. You still Thank God almost every night for the manatees, Nana, swimming and Grandma and Grandpa. I am learning and am thankful that simple things make you happy. Going for walks, riding the cart with MawMaw, picking up sticks with dad. Moving to Florida and living in the country has been really great for your development.

JoshiManatee

Grandpa Starr gave you your first Dr. Seuss books this year and you loved them. We read them just a couple of times and now you can almost read them by yourself. You have an extremely good memory like your daddy and we both suspect your intelligence is quite high. Many nights you fall asleep with your books.

Joshbooksasleep

We made the decision that our family is going to home school and we picked Sonlight books to start your path. You don’t like to sit very long but a good book can keep you engaged well. I decided based on Grandpa’s Starr’s advice from 30 plus years teaching boys, my research and mom intuition to start your schooling a little bit later. Make it fun, not to long and not too structured at first. I want you to fall in love with learning and so far it’s been great.

JoshReading

It’s hard to do things differently then everyone else. It’s hard to see other kids already writing and reading but then I remember that God’s calling on our lives and our children is to be set apart. You are set apart Joshua don’t forget you are the firstborn. Your sister follows you, friends will follow you and some day many people will follow your example. It will be hard to be different then the crowds but you are and will be a GREAT MAN. Here is a picture of you and daddy when you were 2 years old.

JoshJayGarden

After Thanksgiving your daddy and mommy got pretty sick and your baby brother Gabriel Daniel went back to heaven. You have 2 brothers and 2 sisters in heaven now Rachel, Jesse, Lauren Elise, and Gabriel. Gabriel’s passing was the hardest on all of us and you showed your sadness through acting out some and breaking out in an eczema on your face and nose. We also realize foods affect you and giving you Omega’s, NingXia Red and a protein shake daily seems to make a world of difference in your behavior.

JoshSarahDishes

This past fall your daddy made a very brave and important decision for our family. He decided that he needed to be here for us and for you, much more than he had been.  He made the hard decision to leave cooperate America. It was very difficult for him but you are a main reason he did.

God has called him to groom you into an amazing man. To be very active in your life, to guide you and direct you toward Jesus. God had to take your daddy to place where he could understand that to be a good provider for this family he doesn’t have to kill himself to do it working late hours and sacrificing his health. There is so much more peace in our home. You are daddy’s favorite alarm clock. You waking him up in the morning saying okay daddy let’s pray. He loves spending the morning breakfast time with you and Sissy, taking you to gymnastics twice a week, and having you help in the yard.

JoshandDaddyMarch2015

We hope to raise you to have a spirit of an entrepreneur but always put God first and then your spouse and family. With those priorities your life will have great meaning and purpose.  Because of daddy’s obedience to God he was blessed to replace his previous cooperate America income where he worked 60-80 hours. In 3 months our Home Business grew and replaced his income. Now daddy works only 30-40 hours a week and has lots more time to spend with you and us.

Joshua I don’t know what this next year will bring you. My hope and prayers for you are that God will give your Dad and I grace and knowledge in teaching and grooming you.  That you will grow stronger in your understanding and love for Jesus and grow joy in your heart. That you will be kind, helpful, encouraging, and blessing to others. That we all can grow in our discipline for learning and better health.

And most of all Numbers 6 :24-26. Hebrews 13:16 and Exodus 20:12.

We love you Joshua Truman Carter. Happy 5th Birthday!

joshlaugh

Sep 29
0

Back to School Tips: Soda, Kids’ Health and Behavioral Problems

By | Essential Oils, Kids, Mommy Tips, NingXia Red, Total Wellness, Total Wellness Mom | No Comments

Back to School Tips: Soda, Kids’ Health and Behavioral Problems

“If you want kids to be less violent, stop giving them this,” said the headline on Twitter. To find out more, I clicked on the link and found an article titled “Soda drinking tied to violent behavior in kids” by the Daily News.

The news said that children consuming four or more servings of soda per day are likely to display bad behavior. Studies show that these kids may have withdrawal and attention problems, destroy other people’s belongings and get into fights and physical attacks.
 
Here are six more problems related to drinking soda and sugar drinks:
 
Sugar overload
A 20 oz. Mountain Dew contains 77g. of sugar and a 7 Eleven 64 oz. Double Gulp Coke contains 186g of sugar. Dr. Mercola has an article on What Happens to Your Body Within an Hour of Drinking a Coke.

He said within the first 10 minutes, you get 10 teaspoons of sugar in your system, within 20 minutes your blood sugar spikes and your liver responds and turns the sugar overload into fat. By 40 minutes, your blood pressure rises and your liver dumps more sugar into your bloodstream. After an hour you’ll start to have a sugar crash. (Read more here.)

Read:
The Truth about Sugar Addiction
The nine benefits of drinking water

Additives and artificial color
A question, “Do you use additives in Coca-Cola?” was posted on Coca Cola Britain’s site. The answer was “We do use additives in some of our drinks, including Coca Cola.”

What are the additives found in your soda drink and why are they harmful? The Consumer Report said caramel color is added to many soft drinks to turn them brown and some of these contain carcinogenic chemical called 4-methylimidazole (4-MeI). They tested the 12-ounce samples of Pepsi One and Malta Goya to have 29 micrograms per can or bottle of 4-MeI. They tested on 81 cans and bottles of popular soda brands from five manufacturers.

Read more about 4-MeI on FDA’s website.

Bad for the teeth
PubMed’s report on “Dental erosion and severe tooth decay related to soft drinks: a case report and literature review” said that the acids and sugars in soft drinks have both acidogenic and cariogenic potential. In layman’s term, it will result in potential tooth decay and enamel erosion.

The publication said sugar-free soft drinks have the same erosive potential as sugar-containing soft drinks. So those with artificial sweeteners will pose the same problems.

Dehydration
We may have come to the assumption that any form of liquid will help hydrate our body. Soda and sugar water may give us an immediate quench of thirst but the reality is the sugar and caffeine inside will speed up dehydration.

Dehydration will then lead to tiredness and mood swings.

Increase obesity and diabetes
“If a child drinks just one soda a day, it will lead to 15.6 pounds of weight a year,” said UCSF. These are empty calories loaded with sugar, additives and caffeine. If a child drinks one soda and two glasses of Kool-Aid each day, he or she would have consumed 390 calories a day.

One pound of fat is 3,500 calories. If the child drinks that amount every day, he or she would potentially increase 40 pounds of weight from drinking soda and sugar drink.

Are sugary drinks the major contributor to obesity in America?

To Harvard School of Public Health the answer is YES. The study is poignant and here are some highlights of why sugary drinks including soda are dangerous to our children’s health:

1. The standard size soft drinks before 1950s was 6.5 ounces.
2. By the 1960s 12-ounce cans were introduced.
3. Early 1990s, 20-ounce plastic bottles were normal.
4. 2011 the 1.25-liter (42-ounce) bottle was introduced.
5. In the 1970s, sugary drinks made up about 4% of US daily calorie intake
6. 2001 risen to 9% and by 1999 to 2004 the average was 224 calories (11% of daily calorie intake) per day from sugary drinks.

Kids ages 6 to 11 consume 130 to 209 calories per day by 2008. (Source: Harvard School of Public Health)

It is not surprising when I saw the chart on CDC showing:

Between 1976-1980 and 2007-2008 obesity among children ages 6 to 11 rose from 6.5% to 19.6%.

Bad behavior
The Journal of Pediatrics reported on August 16, 2013 “Soft drinks and behavioral problems in young children.” In the study, the journal finds that aggression, attention problems, and withdrawal behavior are all associated with soft drink consumption in young children.

This study assessed about 3,000 5-year-old children from 20 large U.S. cities, and 43% of children consumed at least one serving of soft drinks per day, 4% consumed four or more.

Poor diet, obesity, bad behavior, dental problems, type 2 diabetes and poor health have been linked to sugar drinks and soda.

Are your kids drinking soda or sugar drinks?
 
What are the alternatives to soda and sugar drinks for your kids as they are heading back to school?

Surprisingly more soda and sugar drinks are being consumed at home than outside.  I found a Math Project by an elementary school in Waikele Hawaii. The Math Project showed on average the 464 families consumed four cans of soda per family per day. A total of 1,856 per day, 12,992 per week, 55,680 per month and 668,160 per year.

The average cost per can of soda was 31 cents. The 464 families spent $575.36 per day, $4,027.52 per week, $17,260.80 per month and $207,129.60 per year. That’s almost a quarter of a million dollars on soda for an average size elementary school with 464 families.

That’s just one case study. How about your kids’ school?

What would happen if they drank pure water, added a drop or two of pure 100% therapeutic grade
·  Lemon
·  Orange
·  Tangerine
·  Slique
·  Peppermint essential oils to the pure water or

NingXia Red to the water?
 
I would love to hear your thoughts. Please leave me a comment below.

 

Disclaimer: This information is not meant to diagnose, prescribe, treat or cure any illness or disease. It’s strictly for informational, educational, or entertainment purposes ONLY. The products I talk about are not meant to diagnose, prescribe, treat or cure any illness or disease. Any information I give you about them is for informational or entertainment purposes only. They have not been evaluated or approved by the FDA. Please seek the qualified health professional of your choice when making health decisions for yourself, your family and your pets.

Apr 10
0

“Gluten-Free” Kids’ Birthday Celebrations Around the World

By | Food, Gluten Intolerance, Kids, Sugar Addiction, Total Wellness | 4 Comments

In my quest to teach my children the art of eating well, I’ve decided to do less of sugar and more of wholesome foods. My two kids’ birthdays fall in the same month. As a total wellness doc and mom I’m always looking for alternatives to celebrate.

Birthday celebrations are synonymous to sweet treats, sugar laden birthday cupcakes, cakes and more sugary treats. What do you do if you are looking for ways to celebrate the special occasion of each child without indulging in sugar or baked goods? What if your children are gluten intolerant and suffer from sugar hangovers?

I asked these questions too. So I’m on a quest to seek out “gluten-free” kids’ birthday celebrations around the world.

Germany
In the Middle Ages the Germans came up with Geburtstagorten, the first birthday cake layered with sugar to celebrate Kinderfest – young children’s birthdays. In the 17th century birthday cakes became more elaborate with the introduction of icing and decorations. It was catered for the wealthy.

By the 18th century with the creation of modern cookware, birthday cakes became more affordable and were accessible to all consumers. (Source: Proflowers)

That was the origin of birthday cakes.

China
In the Chinese culture the actual birthday of a child is usually not celebrated in grand scale unless it is the child’s one month and one year birthday. These two days are celebrated with dyed red eggs. It is definitely a sugar-free occasion.

The Chinese believe that everyone turns a year older on Chinese New Year Day. “Birthdays” are celebrated on that day with new clothes, new shoes, new haircuts and children receive money in red packets.

On a child’s birthday, simple bowls of noodles are served during lunchtime because it symbolizes long life. The child in turn has to give respect to his or her parents and the elderly before given gifts of money.

Such tradition has been passed down for generations and the Chinese immigrants in parts of Asia like Malaysia and Singapore are still following the same traditions.

The Netherlands
According to BirthdayCelebrations.net, in Holland a child’s 5,10, 15, 20 and 21 birthdays are also known as crown years. They are the most important birthday celebrations. The birthday child receives gifts and family members decorate a birthday child’s chair at the dining room with seasonal flowers or paper streamers and balloons.

Have your heard of the term “go Dutch”? “Going Dutch” means you pay for yourself. A child will bring birthday treats to school to share with classmates and teachers. An adult celebrating his or her birthday is expected to bring and share a birthday cake, the slagroomtaart with the co-workers.

Slagroomtaart is a layered sponge cake with fresh fruit and whipped cream. It is not gluten-free.

The Maasai of Kenya and Tanzania
Africa is diverse in cultures and traditions. The Maasai tribe of Kenya and Tanzania celebrate their children through several rites of passage. They include birth, puberty, “warriorhood” for males and marriage for females.

Early in the morning on the child’s first birthday, the mother chooses a sheep or a cow and the men of the family slaughter the animal.

Then children and women wash themselves and put on the best beadwork outfits. Mother and birthday child will shave their heads. The elderly of the family is responsible in naming the child.

Next important celebration is puberty where circumcision is done. Boys celebrate this rite of passage between the age of 11 to 14 and the girls when they get their first period. You can read more about this from the Southern Nazarene University’s website.

Birthday for the Maasai tribe is more of celebrating the transition or different stages of a child’s life. It defines the moment of manhood, womanhood and responsibility.

Mexico
In Mexico, birthday celebrations include rice and beans for family and friends and a piñata hanging from a tree with treats for the children. No birthday parties are complete without the piñata.

The birthday child is blindfolded and given the honor to hit the piñata until it breaks and have all the goodies flow out. Children attending the birthday celebration will rush to pick up as much goodies as they can.

A children’s book about Rosa Maria, a grandma preparing a birthday party for her youngest grandchild called Arroz con frijoles y unos amables ratones (Rice and Beans and Some Friendly Mice by Pam Munoz Ryan) shows readers the art of slow cooking of rice and beans and an occasion that involves the whole family to celebrate an important day for a child.

Israel
Besides the importance of the 13th birthday, the second or third birthday of a child is important to the Jewish culture. It is celebrated because the child was weaned and the uncertain stage of infancy is over. According to Jewish Encyclopedia, Abraham made a great feast on the day Isaac was weaned.

The Chabad organization suggests the birthday child find a quiet place to think about the past year – what went right and what should be fixed and spend time praying. They are to read the Psalms (Psalms according to their age, age 10=Psalms 10), study the Torah and share with friends what they learned.

The birthday celebration includes giving extra to charity, eating a new seasonal fruit, showing gratitude to God and getting the aliyah (blessings).

These days in cities and richer neighborhoods throughout the world, birthday cakes and candles are a norm for birthday celebrations. You can find them in China, Israel, Mexico and a handful of the Masaai tribe.

From this research I’ve learned two lessons that could be implemented at any home celebrating kids’ birthdays.

1. There is no right or wrong way of celebrating kids’ birthdays. We can adjust and make whatever suits our family’s needs. For families who choose to have gluten-free or sugar-free celebrations, there are now options to get gluten free cakes or sugar-free birthday cakes. Here is a sugar-free birthday cake recipe from Dr. Greene.

2. Birthdays are about creating family traditions and celebrating the rites of passage- a time to add affirmation and encouragement. It is also a time to celebrate the child and let him or her know how much you appreciate them and their growth. It is a perfect moment to speak words of life for the next year. Read more about rites of passage from Focus on the Family.

A friend shared about how she celebrated her children’s birthday. Other than the usual gifts and goodies, each member of the family will speak words of encouragement, even to a child who is three. Words like “John, I like how you have learned to share your toys with your brother, how you have learned to keep your toys away when asked and I also appreciate how you encourage me with kind words whenever I lose in our Uno games.”

Another friend has pictures of the birthday child throughout their life up all around and then Bible Scriptures that encourage the child. After the opening of gifts the adults and or kids will say a blessing over the birthday child.

How do you celebrate your kids’ birthdays? Please share. If you would like to know why we are so “hooked” on sugary treats, read more “10 Hidden Secrets Why You Can’t Get Your Hand Out of the Cookie Jar!”

 

Disclaimer: This information is not meant to diagnose, prescribe, treat or cure any illness or disease. It’s strictly for informational, educational, or entertainment purposes ONLY. The products I talk about are not meant to diagnose, prescribe, treat or cure any illness or disease. Any information I give you about them is for informational or entertainment purposes only. They have not been evaluated or approved by the FDA. Please seek the qualified health professional of your choice when making health decisions for yourself, your family and your pets.

Mar 20
0

10 Things My Kids Have Taught Me About Happiness

By | Kids, Total Wellness | 2 Comments

This week I got to hang out with some friends visiting from NY. My 60 year old friend and team member Kathryn is a lot of fun and we have been traveling and having fun for 12 years now. People can’t believe she is 60. She looks so young.

My other friend and teammate Lisa is awesome too. She is a grandmother but could pass for late 20s. They make work a lot of fun and I help them stay focused. We worked and played while they were here with trips to the beach and late night dance exercising sessions followed by serious business focus sessions.

They played with my kids and helped me clean up messes. And while I laughed a lot while they were here, I realized something that has helped me a lot lately… even though we are grown up we can still be kids.

10 Things My Kids Have Taught Me About Happiness

hang out with your bff

1) Hang Out With Your BFF
For many years I was so focused on my career or schoolwork that I lost touch with many friends. It wasn’t until I lived for 3 weeks with a client who had a serious back injury that I realized how important friends are. In my client’s life she had cultivated over a dozen quality friendships. These people were there for her for months as she recovered. All the money in the world wasn’t worth what I saw in having true friendships.

go for a drive

2) Go For a Drive
My son loves to go for car rides. In my life I have had periods of times where I just hated going to work and wouldn’t leave the house unless I had to. Now I realize that getting out makes you meet new people and brings opportunities for service and encouragement. I don’t think it’s good to stay secluded all the time.

read a good book

3) Read a Book
In the last 3 weeks I have read 2 books. One to encourage me after my loss and one for fun, Divergent. I read to my kids every day and they pretend read all the time. It’s good for your soul especially for moms. I use AUDIBLE so I can listen to books too. Otherwise I’d probably never get through one book in 3 months.

have fun

4) Run and Play Like a Kid
I love watching my son on the playground. He loves to run and play and I do too. There is something about running like a kid or the playground that is so freeing. Try it.

snuggle with your loved ones

5) Snuggle With Your Loved Ones
Whether it’s your kids, honey or stuffed monkey snuggling with them is such a destressor.

watch a good movie

6) Watch a Good Movie
The favorite of the month is Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory in our house, but keeping a good comedy or favorite movie in the house to watch on a Saturday night or rainy day is a must. You would be surprised how much values and inspirational messages you can get from Veggie Tales.

play games

7) Play Games

Recently we got to hang out with our family and play some games. It was fun, made you think and got your mind off all the work piled up at the office.

play sports

8) Play Sports
My son loves gymnastics and I do too. He learns motor skills patience and how to be part of a group. As adults, getting a ball and bat or kicking a soccer ball with your kids or in a legeaue can also be fun and a destressor.

dont be afraid to make a mess

9) Don’t Be Afraid to Make a Mess
Life is messy. Clean is boring… unless you live in the woods where cockroaches lurk, be sure to clean up your mess with Thieves cleaner.

creative

10) Be Creative
I don’t think of myself as creative but with kids you have to be and I am starting to find it fun and good for me.

Lastly I would sum it up to say my children have taught me to remember to have fun.

So let me know if you agree with any of these tips in the comment section below.

Mary Starr Carter
The Total Wellness Doc and Mom

 

Disclaimer: This information is not meant to diagnose, prescribe, treat or cure any illness or disease. It’s strictly for informational, educational, or entertainment purposes ONLY. The products I talk about are not meant to diagnose, prescribe, treat or cure any illness or disease. Any information I give you about them is for informational or entertainment purposes only. They have not been evaluated or approved by the FDA. Please seek the qualified health professional of your choice when making health decisions for yourself, your family and your pets.

Dec 16
0

Truths About Kids Using Electronic Devices

By | Kids, Total Wellness, Total Wellness Mom | One Comment

Truths About Kids Using Electronic Devices

Children’s toys did not appear in the market until the 19th century. Prior to factory-made toys, kids were playing with homemade toys and anything they could find in the woods.

Tin toys and clockwork toys went on sale and only rich children had a choice of train sets, toy soldiers, rocking horses, dolls, doll houses, tea-sets, toy shops with toy fruits, vegetables, meat, hats and medicines. (Source: BBC)

Interestingly in the article written by BBC it said, “In many homes, children were not allowed toys on Sundays – except Noah’s Ark because that was in the Bible.”.

Isn’t that interesting?

Through the years the toy world added more things into the market. Kids have options. Toys became affordable and everyone- poor or rich have plenty of toys to purchase at different price points.

Time has changed since then….

Instead of playing toy cars or Barbie alone, toy companies started introducing toys that were battery operated- with light, sound and some even talk back to your kids. Toys from LeapFrog and vTech were some of those toys. Then there were the Gameboy, Wii and Xbox.

Some of these little kid devices even come with WiFi like this vTech device below (photo taken from Amazon).

Now there is another revolution…the world of tablets like Kindle and iPad.

Recently I posted the following question on Facebook that took off like fire:

I am looking at a Kindle Fire for Joshie, after seeing my friends kindles for their kids. They had screen time monitors, and different activities and even some movies on there. I don’t need the latest and greatest, but does anyone have any comments on their Kindles for their kids?

Is there a right or wrong for kids using electronic devices? Are electronic devices like iPad and Kindle Fire harmful to kids’ health and learning abilities?

What are the truths about kids using electronic devices?

I like the answers given by intouchtablets. Children love to touch things! A touch screen in tablets give children the ‘action-reaction’ that creates anticipation and keeps them interested. It also helps developing hand-eye coordination. (Source: intouchtablets)

Another angle to look at is to treat tablets (iPad and Kindle) just like another toy. It should not replace traditional toys like puzzles, Legos, crayons and colored pencils.

I believe there are many educational games and entertainment programs in the tablets but it should not be the only toy a child has. Children still need to touch a physical shape and texture of toys, hear the sound made by physical drums or the softness of a stuffed animal.

A reader, Vicki W commented:

In my opinion, all things in moderation. Harley has been computer savvy since 3. Every teacher he’s ever had has said that he is the smartest in their class. He’s always had his time restricted and it can be a good time management tool in these busy times.

I never had to really punish him for anything, just restrict computer time when his behavior got out of hand. By the same token, Mary, I know this doesn’t apply to you and Josh with such a young age but my sister who works in the high school has said how detrimental she thinks “game mentality” is.

Games always have a way to win, sometimes many, children learn that there is a way to win and winning becomes more important than cooperation or compassion. Kids learn that if they go around this or through that or try something different they will find a way to win. Also my son has asked to go to friend’s houses to play their Wii or whatever the game system is and he’s played things that other parents allow that I don’t, no guns, no violence, etc. By the same token, we live in a world where cyberspace has great presence, lets face it, we’re all here, right?

Leaving kids illiterate of this realm can be crippling moving forward with the rest of the world. Harley loves his Kindle since last Christmas, you can set up time frames for kids easily. If you choose that I would recommend getting a power charger for it, charging can take a long time.

According to recent national survey, 50% of American kids spend four hours or more per day on computers and electronic devices.

The CHLA.org reported that Dr. Mark Borchert from the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles believes that children can develop blurred vision, headaches and other problems when focusing too long on one object, such as a computer screen and those long video game sessions will not permanently damage a child’s eye.

However extensive use of electronic devices will reduce social interactions or less time doing homework.

I recommend an article written in Bits New York Times, The Child, the Tablet and the Developing Mind. The article talks about kids using tablets at the dinner table and how parents use electronic devices to keep their children quiet while dining out. Is it wrong? And the next question sets me thinking:

So will a child who plays with crayons at dinner rather than a coloring application on an iPad be a more socialized person?

Also read Matt Peckham article “Should toddlers use tablets and smartphones after all?” on Time Magazine Tech online section.

Quoting the article:
New research suggests that using screens may in fact yield slight benefits to very young children when it comes to learning.

Whether we like it or not, technology is here to stay. Our society has changed and just like the toys that have evolved since the 19th century, these toys called Kindle Fire, Nooks, Samsung tablet or iPad are now available for purchase and use. If used wisely and correctly I think these are toys that I may have to look into for my children’s education and development.

Since last year, school districts in Florida, Michigan and Alabama are requiring students to take at least one online course to graduate. The online world and the use of electronic devices are necessary for work, business and every day living.

Oscar Wilde said “Everything in moderation, including moderation.”

What are your thoughts? Please share.

 

Disclaimer: This information is not meant to diagnose, prescribe, treat or cure any illness or disease. It’s strictly for informational, educational, or entertainment purposes ONLY. The products I talk about are not meant to diagnose, prescribe, treat or cure any illness or disease. Any information I give you about them is for informational or entertainment purposes only. They have not been evaluated or approved by the FDA. Please seek the qualified health professional of your choice when making health decisions for yourself, your family and your pets.

Oct 30
0

Are you hurting?

By | Kids, Newsletter | 4 Comments

Like many of you I couldn’t sleep last night worrying about this storm and friends and family in it’s path.  Every time my head hit the pillow I would dream about being near the Jersey shore (one of my favorite places) and trying to escape this storm.   You can tell I watched a little bit too much news these past few days.  

This horrible natural disaster reminds us that the storms of life will hit us all.  Everyone will experience pain, loss, or disaster sometime in their life.  It’s what we do with that loss that makes us or breaks us. 

You may be someone that just lost their home, lost a child, lost a job, or has had a marriage end.  Your heart may be full of pain, anger, hurt, resentment, frustration, and sadness.   It may feel unbearable and like a deep abyss.  But I am here to tell you, encourage you, and remind you that there is a Redeemer that will bring all that you lost back to you 100 fold.  There is a Healer that can heal your broken heart, broken body and broken spirit.  There is a Savior who will make all things new again, and bring peace where hate once lived. 

I have seen hundreds of people RENEWED in the grace of Jesus Christ.  I have witnessed bodies healed, hearts mended, relationships restored, $10,000 of thousands of dollars come out of nowhere to families.  I have seen miracles.

Today I want to encourage you  to give up your hurt to Him. To let go and God take care of the pain.  Ask Him to come into your heart and give you the peace that passes all understanding.  Because if you do….. YOU WILL BE SHOCKED at what lies ahead of you. 

Last year my husband and I lost 2 babies. On Christmas day 2011 I lay in a hospital bed waiting for the surgeons to remove Baby Jesse from me.   I asked God to take this pain, hurt, and heartache from me and what happened next was like nothing you could imagine.  I immediately felt the heaviness leave my body and this incredible peace fall upon me.   The nervousness and anxiety of surgery and being exposed to powerful drugs was gone.  Honestly even before they gave me any medications it felt like I was on a sedative.  After surgery the pain they said I would experience simply wasn’t there.  That peace is still in my heart and although I still mourn for the children I lost I am renewed. 

Tomorrow I will be 19 weeks pregnant.  God has renewed me, restored what I have lost, and healed me and He can do the same for you.  So pray for Jesus Christ to come into your heart. Pray for your miracle.  Pray for the Peace that passes all understanding.  

I love you and pray for your healing too!

Mary Starr Carter

The Total Wellness Doc and Mom 

Disclaimer: This information is not meant to diagnose, prescribe, treat or cure any illness or disease. It’s strictly for informational, educational, or entertainment purposes ONLY. The products I talk about are not meant to diagnose, prescribe, treat or cure any illness or disease. Any information I give you about them is for informational or entertainment purposes only. They have not been evaluated or approved by the FDA. Please seek the qualified health professional of your choice when making health decisions for yourself, your family and your pets.

Jan 05
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How to Raise Responsible Children with Clear Boundaries in an Entitlement Era

By | Kids, Nutritional Supplements, Total Health Support Systems, Total Wellness Mom | 5 Comments

Can indulging too much and giving too much spoil our children? We know there is not a complete parenting manual out there in the marketplace today. Sometimes parents follow the steps in a parenting book and still find it frustrating to have failed in some areas. Me too.

With modern conveniences, busy lifestyles, overscheduled children and demands from every area…are we aware of what is important? How can we cut through the noise and distractions and focus on raising responsible children who know their boundaries? Establishing boundaries that encourage and promote freedom to be who they are designed to be?

When my daughter was four, I brought her to a dance studio against her will. Then she turned five, I sent her for piano lessons because almost everyone was doing that. When she was seven, it was time for violin. The ‘well-intended’ activities turn into family feuds when the ‘good daughter’ would not practice or hated piano and violin.

In frustration I yelled across the soccer field to my husband, “Look, she is just standing at the soccer field, not kicking the ball!” We have come a long way, in fact seven years of ‘remodeling our parenting skills’. Through mistakes and many frustrations, we have enforced certain rules upon ourselves (the parents) and now the children are less scheduled and are very much growing in the way they should go….

Realize parenting is about our own personal growth, boundaries and our own lifestyle. After all, children look up to us and are modeling what we are doing. Now, we believe in parenting like a mentor, a coach who does the very things expected from the children. Now we have authority, as we model and live life with honesty and boundaries…raw in front of our children.

These are seven ways we are teaching responsibilities and boundaries:

1.    Learn to do things on your own. We can show you once or twice. Then you have to take over and do it yourself. There is a difference between a close relationship with my children and dependency. They are to do assigned housework and clean their bathrooms. “Live with your own trash if you want to” philosophy. I don’t want an adult child that depends on me to provide or do certain things for them.
2.    Learn that life is not a bed of roses. Life can be difficult and has obstacles. I share with them the obstacles I’m facing and how certain things that were expected did not turn out the way I wanted.
3.    Learn to cope with disappointment, struggles and unhappy situation. Life is not always a happy time and easy time. However, we can command our soul to be happy and cope with the disappointment.
4.    Learn to work and move forward. We are made to work, for nothing will drop from the sky. Nice things cost money to buy. You need to make the money to support the lifestyle you want.  There is a big difference between a Bugatti and a Toyota made car.
5.    Know there are consequences to everything. There is no bailing out in our family when enough warnings are given about the consequences of certain actions or behavior.
6.    Curb the need for immediate gratification. With lots of conveniences it is easy to feed ourselves and get immediate gratification for almost anything. They are told the difference between convenient food and food made from scratch.
7.    Our children want to be treated well and respected. They are watching us. Do we respect spouse, friends, co-workers, and ourselves and ultimately do we respect them?

I believe the English idiom the apple never falls far from the tree says a lot about parenting responsible children. The bible says train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6).

This year, what words are you speaking over yourselves and your children? Questions to help us move forward:

1.    Do we have an entitlement mentality? For example, I deserve to have a healthy body without putting some work in getting nutritional food into my body.
2.    Do you procrastinate on projects? For example, are you still waiting for the right time to get a home business going. There is no perfect or right time. The time is now.
3.    Are you waiting for the government to make your life better? For example, you are waiting for a pay raise and you have not increased your skills for the last 20 years. You are using the same skill 19 times over without new skills.

If the answers are yes, we need a change. Do you have children that have similar traits as the three illustrations above? I am still learning and growing in these areas and making sure I follow through. To raise responsible kids, I have to be a responsible adult.

To have a healthy body, I put clear boundaries to differentiate between the good nutritional food and supplements and the bad. Please leave us a comment below. We would like to hear from you.

Claudia Looi is a copywriter, travel and web content writer. She’s dedicated herself to helping entrepreneurs create their online presence with email campaign, sales page and web content. A writer and traveler who has lived and worked in Kuala Lumpur, Auckland and New York in the travel industry for over 12 years and has had the luxury of traveling to almost 30 countries. Currently, her works include writing for tour operators, hotels, real estate, wellness and immigration consulting industries. When not working, you will find her reading or planning her next family trip with her husband and two teens.