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Family Files 2016

Minimizing the impact of change on your child

Minimizing the impact of change on your child Change happens. Some changes are big, such as getting married or divorced, moving or birth of a new baby. Other changes may be smaller, but still can add up over time. Whether changes are life changing or minor inconveniences, they can cause stress....
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The Gifts Kids REALLY Want

Despite the title, I am not going to talk about the latest video game or Monster High doll!  According to authors Jo Robinson and Jean Coppock-Staeheli in their book Unplug the Christmas Machine, as early as the age of four or five kids can lose the ability to be delighted by the sights...
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Do I Have to do Crosswords to Stay Sharp?

  You may have noticed that all of the Family Files blog entries this month have been about brain health and memory in honor of Brain Awareness Week. We have emphasized that exercise, a healthy diet, good sleep, socialization and stress management are all major contributors for a healthy brain....
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Cultivating Empathy in Your Child

View infographic here.Parents have many resources when it comes to developing, growing, nurturing, and cultivating empathy in their children. Empathy is the foundation for developing good relationships, for loving well, and...
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Healthy Adult Sibling Relationships

Recently my four siblings, their spouses, and I got together for our annual sibs weekend. (I'd post a picture of us, but at least one of my sisters would, shall we say, object STRONGLY.) I can always count on my siblings for a lot of laughter, gentle ribbing, and reminiscing and this led me to...
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Physical Fitness in Young Children

Obesity rates - we hear about them all the time and yes, Americans of all ages are fat.  (Sorry, but I want to make a point, and obesity always sounds so much nicer than fat.)For children ages 2-19, 17% of children are considered to be obese (see, being nice again!).  The good news is that there...
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Mental Challenges Help with Memory

Recently I came across an article in one of the local papers titled "No support behind brain games." I have to say that my first instinct was one of panic. I currently facilitate monthly Wits Fitness brain exercise classes in four different locations and many others by request. What will my class...
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Make Time for Mealtime

Many things can happen spontaneously during a family meal - We share family stories We support one another by offering help for concerns or struggles We share family values and expectations We problem solve But many families feel they are just too busy to make time for mealtime.  So, if...
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Coloring - It's not just for kids

Coloring – It's not just for kids! The benefits of coloring were first recognized by Carl Jung back in the early 20th century. Recently we have seen a rise in the availability and popularity of adult coloring books. Adult coloring books often have more...
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Supporting Young Children's Writing

It seems like we pay a lot of attention to encouraging children to read, but what about writing?  Supporting children's writing begins early, even with children who are one year old.  Ideas to encourage those toddlers: Provide non-toxic writing, painting and drawing materials Talk to children...
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Unplug and Re-Engage in Life

  Everywhere around us, we see people constantly checking their smartphones. You might wonder "what could be so important that would have people tied so closely to those little devices?" Are they checking texts from friends? Facebook or Instagram updates? Work e-mails? I have become accustomed to...
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Art Appreciation for Young Children

Every child is an artist.  The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.  - Pablo PicassoI know what you're thinking!  Isn't Art Appreciation what freshman college students take?  Why should we be considering this for young children?  Art can be fun!  There are two ways to enjoy...
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Family Night In - August

Overwork and over scheduling take a toll on families and relationships as we find less time together, especially to just hang out.  Taking a break to spend some relaxed time together as a family can be a way to reconnect.  A family night in is doing something together at home that everyone in the...
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Make 2016 the Year of Less Stress

  Lately, it seems like everyone I know is under a lot of stress. Loved ones to care for, events to plan, finances to balance, and paperwork to complete – these are just a few of the culprits behind their stress. No one can prevent stress, and a little bit can actually be good for you because it...
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Alzheimer's Prevention

As the population in America ages, the number of people with dementia, including Alzheimer's, will continue to rise.  These increasing numbers will mean a burden to our health care system and to the family members called upon to provide care.  In an article posted at SharpBrains.com, Dr. Khalsa of...
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Helping Your Child With Homework

Growing up, I struggled with math. Bringing math homework home became a dreaded task. My dad faithfully and dutifully helped me with my math assignments…..but, because it wasn't my strongest subject, and he excelled at it, our homework sessions often ended with both of us frustrated with...
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Fostering Resiliency in Yourself and Your Family

Have you ever known someone who seemed to go through very difficult times and left you wondering "how can they handle so much?" Resiliency is the ability to recover from life's challenges and hardships without being overwhelmed and to bounce forward rather than back. Families and individuals face...
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Family Night In - October

Fall is here, which may make you think of activities such as football games, field trips, or wiener roasts.  Instead of planning another event out, mark your calendars for a night for "family night in," where you stay home and do an activity as a family.  Some ideas for the beautiful month of...
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Keep Your Cool!

  As the summer gears up, so do the temperatures, and it is vital that we not only take care of ourselves, but also be mindful of those more vulnerable to the intense heat of summer – children, older adults and those with chronic illnesses. Heatstroke is clinically defined as when a person's...
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