FIRST BASE GLOVES

Teach Your Child About Good Eating Habits to Fight Obesity

Nowadays, many children are overweight and reaching the brink of obesity. The rapid increases in the rates of obesity are at a disturbing pace which makes it a worldwide issue that should concern each and every parent. It has been said that kids are naturally attracted to junk food and sugary treats and tend to push away all that’s good for them. Hence, it is up to you parents to monitor your child’s food intake and make sure they do not consume too much calories.

Studies show that between the age of 1 till 5, kids tend to be picky eaters and only eat certain things and at certain times. Often enough, this could be difficult as your child would create a big fuss. To avoid your child from growing up overweight, there are a few ways to teach them good eating habits.

First, children are more likely to eat their vegetable if it is cooked rather than raw. Also, give them small portions of a variety of vegetables so that they see different colors and get different taste. It would be best to stick to small portions at each meal so that they don’t see too much of it. Also, put nutritious food in front of your child. Don’t worry on how much he is eating. It is the quality of the food that is important, not the quantity.

Furthermore, satisfy your child’s sweet tooth by serving nutritious fruit based desserts. You can occasionally add the delight of ice cream but not too often. Aside from that, try serving food in attractive ways like cutting vegetables in odd shapes, decorating with ketchup or herbs. Presentation matters to kids, the more attractive it is; the more likely they are to try it.

In conclusion, keep your child happy by serving foods in ways they would happily eat. During those frustrating moments at the dinner table, handle those situations with patience, a positive attitude and firmness. Don’t be aggressive or emotional.…

Early Childhood Education Training – Connecting With the Newest Generations

Early childhood education (ECE) has now become a mainstay in the New Zealand culture, with the widely held community beliefs of the benefit of early childhood education and the success of future generations. Being such a topic of interest for parents, families and governments, much research has been conducted into the benefits of ECE and training for our children. Providing a “jump-start” to their educational journeys, research has shown that children enrolled in early childhood courses outperform those who do not in both mathematical and reading skills, as well as increased cognitive processing. Furthermore, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have found in their recent research program into the multiplier effect of early childhood education, that those attending such courses develop a better educational platform from which to further their education in subsequent learning institutions throughout their life, as well as benefiting from better work opportunities in the long term. This piece of research went further to state that those attending such facilities are better able to socialise and relate to others; and this correlates to more socially competent individuals, both in their childhood and adulthood.

In contrast to the benefits of ECE is the current shortage in New Zealand of suitably qualified personnel to fill the required positions. According to research by Le Quesne, there has been a 32% increase in the numbers of children enrolled in licensed early childhood centres over the past decade. With this increasing demand is a correlating demand for qualified teachers to support the increasing numbers. In reaction to this widening gap of demand and supply, the government is proactively encouraging the increased uptake of ECE training and it’s career path.

Early childhood education training prepares and equips students with all the necessary skills and knowledge to educate the next generation of New Zealanders. On completion, graduates will possess a comprehensive range of abilities across key elements of ECE providing them with long-term career prospects in a rewarding sector. The course provides a comprehensive overview of the early childhood education curriculum, the interpersonal skills required interacting and communicating with children and their families, understanding the basic psychology of childhood growth and development, developing skills and attitudes required of an effective communicator and teacher, along with the regulatory requirements that impact upon the ECE sector. Be a fundamental part in the development of tomorrow’s movers, shakers and leaders and enrol in a course of early childhood education today.…

Adult Children of Alcoholics – Why We Must Heal

When I first began my spiritual work I felt like I was lit on fire. As my awareness of self-grew–and my awareness of my connection to all that is expanded, it was difficult not to run out into the streets and scream, “People I get it! I get it!–We are not our wounds!!! We are so, so, so, so much more than that!!! We are all created from the same source!!! What we experienced as children was not the way it was intended to be… And as adults–we get to script our own stories!!!”

Of course I didn’t do that, but whenever I felt that someone I was speaking to opened the door to their soul, and I felt the intuition to open my mouth and let out what I had learned along my journey–I always found a way to say what I believed needed to get said.

It has been thirteen years since I began my journey inward. Many miracles have shown up in my life since then, all of which I immerse my mind and heart in gratitude for daily, and often.

Older now, I am feeling myself hone in on my purpose here on earth as a wounded healer.

More than ever I feel a kindred tugging towards ACoA, and grandchildren of alcoholics, not only because I have been affected by alcoholism, but because I believe the world is full of people who are under the illusion that alcohol is not as deceptive or soul devouring as it is. In my humble opinion, I believe codependency is epidemic.

I have worked with far too many women who depend on alcohol to loosen them up, or to give them confidence. These women are some of the same women who cannot speak up for their inner self–their inner child, and who consistently run themselves into the ground for the sake of making other people’s lives easier–and too–because of old guilt that sweeps in whenever they even consider setting a boundary.

To all of my dear brothers and sisters who have suffered as children whether the abuse was directly related to alcohol, or because your caretakers abused you in some other verbal, emotional, physical, or sexual way–we all must learn to let go–so that we can free our bodies from old dank energy that is locked within our bodies cells.

Our aches, pains, headaches, panic attacks, nervousness, rashes, asthma and alike, are manifestations of our old pains–the ones we never felt worthy of to express when we were innocent little girls and boys. Within us all is the power to not only lift the veil of illusion that has taught us to turn away from self, but also that we are not worthy of the right to express our pain, and then ultimately let it go.

It is time to heal.

As our earth enters its new age–and raises its vibrational frequency–it is not only a time of cleansing for our planet–but for its children as well…

Feel your pain, allow tears to carry out of you all the old pain you once hid from others in your confusing home, stay in bed for a day or two, wear pajama’s for days at a time and even eat your pints of ice cream if your inner child feels like that is what it needs to do… and when you are through–imagine you learning to be the mother to you–that you always deserved.

Seek masters out who have walked the journey you are on–and in the back of your mind never forget–that pain has served as a contrast–for now child–you know how deeply you want–and deserve to be loved.

The only way to heal self–is through self.…

Recreate Your Favorite Childhood Memories With Your Own Children

Each of us is where we are today based on a combination of factors such as our education, experiences in our family, school, house of worship, and community, our friends, hobbies and activities, our personality, opportunities that have presented themselves to us and decisions that we’ve made along the way. Right now I’d like to challenge you to think of five or six cherished childhood memories that are still with you today and that you’d like to share with your children.

Think back to your carefree days. Did you sneak out early in the morning to go fishing with your buddies? Did you build forts or tree houses in the woods? Did your family stop for a picnic lunch at a special rest stop on your way to grandma’s house? Did you have a very special birthday party? Did you and your mom bake chocolate chip cookies together after school? Did you and your family spread out on the floor and play board games on Friday nights? Did you play word games on long car rides? Did you make something with your dad in his workshop? As you might guess these were some of my family’s favorite childhood memories.

Now what are your memories? Make a list of about five or six. Wouldn’t it be great to share some of these with your own family? It’s one thing to tell your children stories about what it was like when you were a child, but even more impactful to relive them together. I understand the usual reaction as you describe how much fun you had playing board games and eating popcorn when kids today are used to fast-paced video games. What they are missing is being able to play together as a family.

When was the last time your family planned for and went on a picnic rather than stopping for a quick fast food meal? I’m sure the first time you have your family picnic someone will forget to pack the mustard or something else. Oh well, the fun will be in planning a healthy and fun outing. Maybe pick a location at a nearby state park where you can dangle your feet in the water or take a walk. Now you are helping to create cherished memories for your children.

Why not have a family board game night or movie night in which you try out different games. One night could be Monopoly, another could be Go, or Scrabble. Maybe you select a movie for the entire family to watch and then talk about everyone’s favorite part after the movie when it’s over. When I asked my 23-year-old son what his favorite childhood memory was, it was as simple as cuddling and having large picture books read to him.

When was the last time you created artwork? Did you have a favorite artwork activity as a child such as finger painting, drawing with colored pencils, painting with watercolors, or creating origami figures? Doing these as an adult with your kids could be a lot of fun. Have your kids actually sat down and created a card that could be sent in the mail to a relative rather than sending an e-card? They might really like doing this.

As we rush around in our normal frenetic pace it is worthwhile to keep in mind that in the future your children will be adults looking back on their life. What kind of childhood memories do you want to help create for them? I love this quote by Charles Swindoll “Each day of our lives we make deposits in the memory banks of our children.” Let these memories be so special that your children will want to share them with their children.…