Kids just wanna have fun...

We had a wonderful evening with our Champions For Change children last night. This is a state-wide USDA funded program we deliver in partnership with Marin County Health & Human Services Nutrition Wellness Program. LIFT / Levántate delivers the physical activity and life skills mentoring to Latino families in the Canal area of San Rafael.

We began the evening with a little family hula-hooping and then some Zumba dancing that got everyone on their feet, parents and children alike. We then moved the children next door to our activity room for specialized physical activities that are non-competitive and non-skill based, yet fun and engaging. The goal is participation. Get up, get moving and have fun doing it!

Usually the children range in age from 6-14 years old, but this night we had the young ones. The age range was from 3-10 years old and they just about melted our hearts. They giggled and laughed and moved their bodies in many different directions. They Zumba danced (or something resembling Zumba dancing), they did Shape of Yoga which twisted their little bodies into fruit and vegetable shapes and then Power Up, a strength and coordination program geared for youth and families. We finished with some bunny hopping and side stepping and then a relaxing cool-down.

What made this an extra special evening, and they are always wonderful evenings, was the complete joy that comes from participating fully. They were not focused on "doing it right" or "doing it better" than the person next to them. They were literally "jumping for joy". They were happy being active, alive and part of a group that was sharing a healthy, positive experience together. These are not the kind of experiences one gets from hours of screen time sitting on a couch alone.

And their laughter...and their giggles...and their smiles...and their hugs. They didn't want to let go of the moment. And neither did we.

Sharing a Healthy Halloween post...

Beat the Trick-or-Treat Temptation with These Easy Tips

Hit the right balance between letting your kids have fun and keeping them healthy with these easy tips.

October 30, 2010

new

Candy corn is a popular Halloween candy.

Concerned about hitting the right balance between letting your kids have fun and keeping them healthy? Here is some practical advice written by a local nutritionist.

Halloween is a fun, festive time of year for children and families. But it can also be a challenging time if you are trying to limit sugar and calories.

"With childhood obesity on the rise, we are all a lot more aware of the need to maintain a healthy weight for ourselves and our children,'' said Rachel Harris, RD, CNSD, CDN, Clinical Nutrition Manager at Hudson Valley Hospital Center. "Cutting back on candy and offering children alternatives can help make Halloween a healthier holiday without spoiling the fun.''

According to the Centers for Disease Control, obesity is a serious health concern for children and adolescents. An estimated 17 percent of children and adolescents 2 to 19, are obese.

Obese children and adolescents are at risk for health problems later in life such as high blood pressure, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. They are also more likely to become obese adults. One study found that approximately 80 percent of children who were overweight at 10–15 were obese by 25.

Harris said in addition to offering healthier treat alternatives like popcorn balls, cereal bars, animal or Goldfish Crackers, adults can skip the treats altogether and give out prizes such as crayons, bubbles, markers, temporary tattoos or glow sticks.

"Parents can also try to take the focus off the candy by planning a party, making a costume or working on a special holiday craft,'' said Harris.

She offered these other tips:

• Have a healthy dinner before going out to trick or treat.
• Limit the size of your child's Halloween bag.
• Don't ban sweets. Limit sweets to 1-2 per day or offer to trade candy for money or a prize.
• After a week or two, toss leftovers out.

Where it all starts...

The research shows that children begin to learn lessons that last a lifetime once they build trusted relationships with non-familial adults. Learning that lasts is a process, not an event.

The core of our curriculum is that every child in our program matters to a mentor in our program. We listen, we connect, we care...and the children listen. And they trust us. And they learn. And it lasts.

Bringing out the best in kids...

Wednesday October 20, 2010

Sometimes we adults make it harder than it needs to be when working with children. To bring out the best in children and teens, expect the best.

In our afterschool programs and at our wellness workshops, we ask young participants to be our partners and to act like young men and young women. If they start to lose focus or a case of the "uncontrollable sillies" breaks out, we give them a moment to compose themselves either with the group or away from the group. We don't admonish them, plead with them or get angry with them, we simply ask them to remember what we are here to do and redirect them back to the task at hand.

The response is usually a full recovery and a sense of self-confidence that they are responsible for their own behavior. There's also the re-affirmation that we believe in them and care about their feelings.

Funny, but bringing out the best in the kids also brings about the best in us...or is it the other way around.

Richard Waxman
President/Founder
LIFT and Levántate!