Friday, July 27, 2007
Monday, May 21, 2007
Children & Sex Education
Teaching children the facts of sex & sexual development needs to be done with care, sensitivity and in a holistic manner. Coping with changes in sexual development is an issue every child must face, and the challenge is even more critical for children during their early formative years. Educators and parents must therefore regard sexuality as part of human drives and needs that must be correctly channelled.
The necessity for giving correct information about sexual development to children is of paramount importance. Children nowadays are exposed to knowledge about sex - through the mas media (often with gory details), books, through the internet and also from their peers, and if they are not taught to differentiate between what is appropriate and what is not, they might end up exhibiting inappropriate behaviour. No parents will ever want their children to obtain information on sexual development from the gutter.
Parents can impart knowledge of sex to their children but such information needs to be tailored to the child's level of understanding - in this case, the mental age, which may not correspond to the child's chronological age. Children are very innocent and can easily be victims of sexual abuse in the hands of unscrupulous adults. The child may not even realize that he is being used as an object to gratify the deviant sexual needs of adults.
One important area is the need to inform children as to what constitutes 'appropriate and inappropriate touching'. The importance of giving such awareness to children is stressed on parents. The child needs to know who is allowed to touch him or her and when, and where; what a doctor can touch, situations the child should avoid, and how best to stop inappropriate conduct in the classroom.
Parents themselves need to be aware that inappropriate touching could also happen between relatives. For instance, parents usually tell their children to 'beware of strangers', yet studies have shown that in child sexual abuse cases, the majority of abusers are in fact known to the child, or are members of the child's own family.
As with other children in society, children require open lines of communication with their parents. This would include openness in discussing issues connected with sex. If any untoward physical contact has occurred they should be comfortable in teling their parents about it, instead of being too ashamed or too afraid to reveal details.
Sex education is important because one cannot expect teenagers to follow rules blindly without knowing why they must follow them. One of the subjects they should be educated about is why they should abstain from sex until after marriage. Many people oppose sex education for children because they think that 'once you tell them about it, they will go out and abuse it.' It is significant to note that in Switzerland, sex education is taught in kindergardens and that country has the lowest number of teenage pregnancies in the world. What if vitally important is that children be taught responsible sexual behaviour from the time they are ready for such instruction. A sound sexual education will save the child untold stress from guilt, fear, remorse and retribution in the future.
The necessity for giving correct information about sexual development to children is of paramount importance. Children nowadays are exposed to knowledge about sex - through the mas media (often with gory details), books, through the internet and also from their peers, and if they are not taught to differentiate between what is appropriate and what is not, they might end up exhibiting inappropriate behaviour. No parents will ever want their children to obtain information on sexual development from the gutter.
Parents can impart knowledge of sex to their children but such information needs to be tailored to the child's level of understanding - in this case, the mental age, which may not correspond to the child's chronological age. Children are very innocent and can easily be victims of sexual abuse in the hands of unscrupulous adults. The child may not even realize that he is being used as an object to gratify the deviant sexual needs of adults.
One important area is the need to inform children as to what constitutes 'appropriate and inappropriate touching'. The importance of giving such awareness to children is stressed on parents. The child needs to know who is allowed to touch him or her and when, and where; what a doctor can touch, situations the child should avoid, and how best to stop inappropriate conduct in the classroom.
Parents themselves need to be aware that inappropriate touching could also happen between relatives. For instance, parents usually tell their children to 'beware of strangers', yet studies have shown that in child sexual abuse cases, the majority of abusers are in fact known to the child, or are members of the child's own family.
As with other children in society, children require open lines of communication with their parents. This would include openness in discussing issues connected with sex. If any untoward physical contact has occurred they should be comfortable in teling their parents about it, instead of being too ashamed or too afraid to reveal details.
Sex education is important because one cannot expect teenagers to follow rules blindly without knowing why they must follow them. One of the subjects they should be educated about is why they should abstain from sex until after marriage. Many people oppose sex education for children because they think that 'once you tell them about it, they will go out and abuse it.' It is significant to note that in Switzerland, sex education is taught in kindergardens and that country has the lowest number of teenage pregnancies in the world. What if vitally important is that children be taught responsible sexual behaviour from the time they are ready for such instruction. A sound sexual education will save the child untold stress from guilt, fear, remorse and retribution in the future.
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Have Fun with Your Kids
Phrase "I am bored" again. Some days you feel like no energy left to devote to your kids , it is important for you to remember that these are the times that they will later cherish in their memory and you will be glad you had a chance to experience a variety of things with them. Having fun is not that difficult. Just get off the couch and open the door to excitement.
Spending quality time with your children does not only help them build a better relationship with you, it does also offer to you the opportunity to examine how your kids feel to be able to smile to something else than that TV set they usually watch. One interesting idea is for you to invest in buying a trampoline. If you have a garden or a park nearby, trampolines are always fun to play with regardless of the kids' age. Burning calories and having fun can be combined through this exciting outdoor activity and if you have a video-camera prepare to film your kids' movements up on the air.
Interesting idea - have fun and spend time with your beloved ones - go fishing, or experience the sea by experimenting with a variety of water-sports. Since you know that children always enjoy splashing around in the bathtub why not see them do whatever they want in the pool of your local water resort? If you budget can handle the expense, there is always the solution of investing in an above-ground pool that is big enough to fit both you and your kids. Balls, rubber toys, boats, can be added to the scene and your kids will look you with excitement every time you mention that it is bath-time again!
If summer is approaching and you have no time available to take the kids off to that destination you believe they would enjoy while schools are on a break, consider the solution of a summer camp. Experienced professionals offer a variety of activities and your kids will feel that this adventure belongs only to them. Even if you are not willing to let your children summer camp overnight, you can always select a day camp and pick them up by sunset. Of course, you can go fly a kite, play soccer, baseball, football or any sport they like with them. Kids love to run around, why not let them test their talents and have fun at the same time? Physical activity is strongly advised by experts and children should be outdoors as often as possible and experience life as they should.
When the rainy days come, you can have your kids help you out in the kitchen. Teach them to make their favorite chocolate cake, bake cookies or cook that dinner you are planning for grandpa and grandma. Imagine their faces when they will announce to their grandparents that this meal is the outcome of their efforts. Although you are now thinking of the mess you will have later to clean, it is certainly more enjoyable to prepare a meal with them than to have them play a video-game all day.
Also, you can organize a dress up contest and have the winner do something next week that he or she wants. Old pillow cases, overused towels or unused blankets can become the dress-code of your kids' dinner party and you will be glad you decided to stay in and enjoy that "beautiful day in the indoor park" with them. Imagine, create, and experience the life you will later remember with nostalgia. Kids eventually grow up and it will be difficult for you to chase them over the bed or let them jump up and down the couch! Act now and be sure that your children will cherish the time that you spend with them for a lifetime.
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Burn Fat Easily
Whenever you think of the word 'exercise' you probably think of hard work, right? Unless you consider an hour on the treadmill fun. Wanna start burning fat, losing weight and enjoying it at the same time. Read the following :
Play with the kids - It's amazing how many calories you can burn while running around with those little balls of energy, or going for some nature walks or playing in the local park.
Play with your friends - No matter what your age, getting together with some friends or family and having some healthy competition is tons of fun. Play some tennis, basketball, baseball, hockey, football, etc. or indoor facilities.
Community centers - Join some local leisure centers such as fitness centre where they have all kinds of activities and programs. With yoga classes, aerobics, pilates, step dance, and sports leagues, you should be able to find something that suits your own needs.
Music - Adding some upbeat music can turn a boring workout routine into something fun. Turn on some of your favorite songs while you run on the treadmill, ride your stationary bike, or do a circuit routine at home. Each time you do, try to make it for one more song each time as you build your endurance. Listening to music while you do a cardio workout will help you focus more on the music and less on the actual workout.
Housecleaning - Hmmm... why is housecleaning on this list. But this is another way that music can turn something 'not fun' into something fun. Regular household chores can be serious calorie burners, like vacuuming, washing walls, scrubbing tubs and mopping floors. Again, if you put on some fun music, it will give you a little boost in your step (or scrub) and burn a few extra calories than normal.
Monday, October 02, 2006
Healthy Habits
Healthy eating habits are important for children.
The Surgeon General has put out a call to action to prevent and decrease overweight and obesity!
A recent study indicated that 13% of children aged 6 to 11 years and 14% of adolescents in the United States are overweight, and unfortunately, obesity is on the rise.
Poor eating habits and lack of exercise are putting our children at risk for heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes. It’s important for parents to guide their children toward healthier foods, and to encourage exercise and outdoor activities.
Note: Children should get 60 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week. Parents and caregivers can encourage swimming, biking, skating, ball sports and other fun activities. Plan family activities that provide everyone with exercise and enjoyment.
Tips for parents: IF YOUR CHILD IS OVERWEIGHT
* Many overweight children who are still growing will not need to lose weight, but can reduce their rate of weight gain so that they can "grow into" their weight.
* Your child's diet should be safe and nutritious. It should include all of the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) for vitamins, minerals, and protein and contain the foods from the major Food Guide Pyramid groups. Any weight-loss diet should be low in calories (energy) only, not in essential nutrients.
* Even with extremely overweight children, weight loss should be gradual.
* Crash diets and diet pills can compromise growth and are not recommended by many health care professionals.
* Weight lost during a diet is frequently regained unless children are motivated to change their eating habits and activity levels for a lifetime.
* Weight control must be considered a lifelong effort.
* A physician should supervise any weight management program for children.
For more information, visit the Health and Human Services website: www.hhs.gov
For free recipes, you can visit the American Institute for Cancer Research at www.aicr.org. These recipes not only offer healthy, nutritious meals, but have the added benefit of including foods that may help prevent cancer as well.
The Surgeon General has put out a call to action to prevent and decrease overweight and obesity!
A recent study indicated that 13% of children aged 6 to 11 years and 14% of adolescents in the United States are overweight, and unfortunately, obesity is on the rise.
Poor eating habits and lack of exercise are putting our children at risk for heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes. It’s important for parents to guide their children toward healthier foods, and to encourage exercise and outdoor activities.
Note: Children should get 60 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week. Parents and caregivers can encourage swimming, biking, skating, ball sports and other fun activities. Plan family activities that provide everyone with exercise and enjoyment.
Tips for parents: IF YOUR CHILD IS OVERWEIGHT
* Many overweight children who are still growing will not need to lose weight, but can reduce their rate of weight gain so that they can "grow into" their weight.
* Your child's diet should be safe and nutritious. It should include all of the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) for vitamins, minerals, and protein and contain the foods from the major Food Guide Pyramid groups. Any weight-loss diet should be low in calories (energy) only, not in essential nutrients.
* Even with extremely overweight children, weight loss should be gradual.
* Crash diets and diet pills can compromise growth and are not recommended by many health care professionals.
* Weight lost during a diet is frequently regained unless children are motivated to change their eating habits and activity levels for a lifetime.
* Weight control must be considered a lifelong effort.
* A physician should supervise any weight management program for children.
For more information, visit the Health and Human Services website: www.hhs.gov
For free recipes, you can visit the American Institute for Cancer Research at www.aicr.org. These recipes not only offer healthy, nutritious meals, but have the added benefit of including foods that may help prevent cancer as well.
Nutrition For Kids
What is a "Healthy Diet"?
The Dietary Guidelines describe a healthy diet as one that
Choose a variety of fruits and vegetables each day. In particular, select from all five vegetable sub-groups (dark green, orange, legumes, starchy vegetables, and others) several times per week.
Consume 6 or more servings of grain products per day - with at least half the grains coming from whole grains.
Consume 3 cups per day of fat-free or low-fat milk or equilvalent milk products.
Keep total fat intake between 20 to 35 percent of calories, with most fats coming from sources of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, such as fish, nuts, and vegetable oils.
Visit mypyramid.gov to find out more.
The Dietary Guidelines describe a healthy diet as one that
- Emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products;
- Includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts; and
- Is low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt (sodium), and added sugars.
Choose a variety of fruits and vegetables each day. In particular, select from all five vegetable sub-groups (dark green, orange, legumes, starchy vegetables, and others) several times per week.
Consume 6 or more servings of grain products per day - with at least half the grains coming from whole grains.
Consume 3 cups per day of fat-free or low-fat milk or equilvalent milk products.
Keep total fat intake between 20 to 35 percent of calories, with most fats coming from sources of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, such as fish, nuts, and vegetable oils.
Visit mypyramid.gov to find out more.
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