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When faced with the challenges of a dismal economy, many parents are looking for ways to share meaningful and memorable times with their children without spending money. According to psychotherapists Marilyn Kagan, LCSW, and Dr. Neil Einbund, Ph.D., "We are not defined by our money; nurturing stronger connections with your kids is one way to have a more rewarding life."

Kagan and Dr. Einbund are the authors of Defenders of the Heart: Managing the Habits and Attitudes That Block You from a Richer, More Satisfying Life (Hay House, 2008). Here are 5 tips for starting some new activities that can enhance the well-being of your entire family:

1. Give back; teach altruism. Are your kids growing not only out of their clothes but also their toys and books? How about taking three Saturdays and spending a half hour each time with your kids pulling out clothes, toys and books that are no longer used. Donate clothes, books and toys to a homeless shelter. Make sure you explain why people become homeless and how it's important to show compassion toward others who have less.

2. Stop the procrastination; take action for improvements. Have you and other parents at your child's school expressed negativity about the shape of the school? Are you wishing the colors were brighter? The grounds greener? How about setting up one day a month for a "working" lunch. Each family brings food to share and also a rake, a paintbrush, some flowers to plant, some rags and buckets for cleaning. Whatever the joint activity, you are all doing something as a team. Instead of just talking about something in the future, collectively you are stopping the procrastination cycle of "we'll get around to it tomorrow" or "someone should do something about this."

3. Stop rationalizing; resolutions often occur when kids are heard and valued. Are your kids going at each other's throats? Treating each other disrespectfully? Are you so discouraged about the disconnection between all of you that you've started to rationalize to yourself "kids will be kids," or "all families must be like this." One solution is setting up an ongoing weekly family meeting for the same time, same day of the week and same place with everyone expected to be there (no excuses accepted). Each person gets the floor for two to four minutes without being interrupted, or judged. Don't lecture the kids – just listen and learn. Set 10 minutes to seek solutions without any complaints.

4. Build memories; make fun time a weekly regular. Staying physically fit together is a time for family bonding. Make a list of sports, games or anything that gets you moving. Let one family member choose the activity weekly. Initially, there might be resistance and impatience (especially from the older kids). But every family member makes a commitment to be there, participate and do their personal best.

5. Involve them and they will realize that broccoli isn't so bad. Choose healthier eating for yourself and your kids. Know that it can't be a 360-degree change. Start small by setting up two delicious and healthy meals per week. If cooking healthy isn't your strength, go with your kids to the library to check out some simple healthy cookbooks, or search online for recipes. Have your kids help in ways they can, such as washing, dicing, cutting, mixing and preparing the ingredients. Give your kids tasks that they developmentally can handle will set the family up for success. And then have fun cooking and eating together.

(1-06-09)

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), approximately 16 percent of all consumer fireworks injuries are caused by sparklers burning hands and legs, with the majority of sparkler injuries occurring to young children. In fact, sparkler injuries accounted for one-third of all firework injuries to children 5 years or younger. These are injuries that would not have occurred if there had been close adult supervision and if some basic safety steps had been taken. The National Council on Fireworks Safety offers these safety steps for sparklers, in the hopes that sparkler injuries to young children can be greatly reduced.

Children under the age of 12 should not use sparklers without very close adult supervision.

Always remain standing while using sparklers.

Never hold a child in your arms while using sparklers.

Never hold, or light, more than one sparkler at a time.

Sparklers and bare feet can be a painful combination. Always wear closed-toe shoes when using sparklers.

Sparkler wire and stick remain hot long after the flame has gone out. Be sure to drop the spent sparklers directly in a bucket of water.

Never hand a lighted sparkler to another person. Give them the unlit sparkler and then light it.

Always stand at least 6 feet from another person while using sparklers.

Never throw sparklers.

Show children how to hold sparklers away from their body and at arm's length.

Teach children not to wave sparklers, especially wooden stick sparklers, or run while holding sparklers.

Sparklers have been a traditional means of celebration for hundreds of years. Let's teach our children how to use them safely and help prevent needless injuries.

The National Council on Fireworks Safety is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose sole mission is to educate the public on the safe and responsible use of consumer fireworks. Learn more at www.fireworkssafety.org.

(12-30-08)

A new study links in-home smoking bans with parental understanding of the negative effects of thirdhand smoke – the residual tobacco contamination that remains after a cigarette is extinguished, according to a study in the journal Pediatrics.

For the study, researchers conducted phone surveys of more than 1,500 households to assess the level of agreement with the statements that breathing air in a room today where people smoked yesterday could harm the health of children.

Overall, 95.4 percent of nonsmokers versus 84.1 percent of smokers agreed that secondhand smoke harms the health of children, and 65.2 percent of nonsmokers versus 43.3 percent of smokers, that thirdhand smoke harms children. Strict rules prohibiting smoking in the home were more prevalent among nonsmokers – 88.4 percent versus 26.7 percent. Belief that thirdhand smoke harms the health of children was independently associated with rules prohibiting smoking in the home. Health messages about thirdhand smoke contamination should be incorporated into tobacco control campaigns, programs and routine clinical practice.

(12-30-08)

The new recommended Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule urges an annual influenza vaccine for all children, ages 6 months through age 18, all eligible close contacts of children 0 through age 4 and contacts of children ages 5 through 18 who have an underlying medical condition that predisposes them to influenza complications.

The new schedule also includes the dosage schedule for a second oral rotavirus vaccine recently licensed by the Food and Drug Administration. The immunization schedule has been approved by the AAP, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Family Physicians.

(12-30-08)

Despite dramatic decreases in the number of fatal child poisonings over the past several decades, approximately 86,000 U.S. children were treated in hospital emergency departments in 2004 after ingesting drugs, cleaning products and/or other poisonous substances, according to a new study in the journal Pediatrics.

For the study, researchers reviewed data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission National Electronic Injury Surveillance System, related to unintentional poisonings in children, ages 4 and younger, who were treated in hospital emergency rooms.

The review found that about 70 percent of the poisonings involved children ages 1 or 2; more than half involved boys; and 13.3 percent resulted in hospital admission. Nearly 60 percent of the poisonings involved oral prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs or supplements.

The study authors state that child poisoning remains a "serious health concern," and that additional research is needed to better understand the circumstances surrounding unintentional poisonings, and improvements made to child resistant packaging.

(12-23-08)

Families are experiencing the emotional stress that comes with economic upheaval. From job loss to spending cuts, current economic times can negatively impact children's emotional well-being. But how can you recognize the symptoms of depression in your children and get your family through this difficult time?

According to Henry Ford Health System psychologist Dr. Victor Gardner, the main symptoms of depression in children involve persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness as well as mood changes, similar to adults. Here are additional symptoms to watch out for:

• Social withdrawal
• Significant increase or decrease in appetite
• Insomnia or hypersomnia, (sleeping too much)
• Increased emotionality/crying spells
• Problems concentrating
• Lack of energy and motivation
• Reduced interest in previously enjoyed activities
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Physical complaints like headaches or stomach aches that seem to have no physical cause
• Thoughts of death or suicide.

"In children, depression may be expressed more so through persistent anger or irritability as well as angry 'acting-out' behaviors," says Dr. Gardner. "Significant changes in peer relationships, self-mutilating behavior (like superficial cutting on arms or legs) and abuse of alcohol or drugs may also be seen in extremely depressed children."

For tough topics, like a job loss or move, Dr. Gardner explains it is important to talk to children in an age-appropriate manner. "Children are often able to detect signs that something is wrong at home and if left uninformed about their parents' employment or economic status, children may become overwhelmed with negative thoughts or assumptions about their family situation," says Dr. Gardner. "When informing kids about job loss, parents should reassure their children that steps are being taken to cope with this situation, including seeking out other employment opportunities and making changes in their spending habits."

Parents can also inform their children that they are not alone in these challenging economic times, that this situation is likely to be temporary and that people have rebounded from situations like this before.

Another difficult topic may be expectations about the upcoming holidays or birthdays. Dr. Gardner suggests that parents should initially acknowledge and empathize with any feelings of disappointment their children may experience when informed about plans to reduce holiday spending. "Parents can then reassure their children that the reduction in the amount or type of gifts they may receive has nothing to do with the degree to which they are loved," says Dr. Gardner.

Parents can also admit to mistakes of overspending in the past or of emphasizing material goods, instead of focusing on the true reason for the holiday season. Likewise, parents can help children see that as a result of the economy, many families are making similar changes in their spending.

"If parents are concerned about their child's mood or any significant changes in behavior, they should consult with a pediatrician or family physician as soon as possible," says Dr. Gardner. "The pediatrician or family physician can provide a brief screening for depression and determine the need for mental health counseling, psychiatric consultation and/or placement on antidepressant medication."

But, there are things parents can do to help their families through a difficult time, including the following:

• Get your child involved in some physical exercise, walking or recreational activity, which have been found to relieve symptoms of depression.
• Encourage healthy eating.
• Seek advice and consultation with a mental health provider if the child's symptoms of depression persist and appear to be negatively impacting his or her daily functioning, school performance, family interactions or relationships with friends.
• Make sure that your child is compliant with any medication he or she may be prescribed by a psychiatrist to treat depression.

"Try to prevent your child from spending extended periods of time in isolation or away from positive influences. And, most importantly, keep communication channels open," Dr. Gardner says.

To promote positive communication with your child:

• Spend time with your child.
• Stay attentive and involved.
• Be empathic and caring and let children know that you are concerned about their emotional well-being.

(12-23-08)

Nearly half of all children in the United States are still exposed to secondhand smoke (SHS) each week, according to a new survey from the American Legacy Foundation®, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Julius B. Richmond Center of Excellence and researchers from Mississippi State University.

The groups say that while America has come a long way in changing the social perception of smoking in the past 10 years, children are still exposed to secondhand smoke at alarming rates, and they are encouraging parents who smoke to quit for good.

The Social Climate Survey of Tobacco has found that 42 percent of children are exposed to SHS each week, and there are public settings where children could be exposed that are still not smoke-free.

"Children especially deserve smoke-free environments, and all public places where children eat and play should be protected from secondhand smoke," says Dr. Jonathan Klein, director of the American Academy of Pediatrics Julius B. Richmond Center for Excellence. "Adults have the power to make healthier decisions for their children, and there needs to be more done to protect children in homes and cars from the dangers of secondhand smoke."

Other key findings include the following:

• While 75 percent of U.S households prohibit smoking in the home and car, that leaves 25 percent of American homes and cars unprotected.
• More non-smokers prohibit smoking in the home than smokers.
• More than one quarter of smokers report that their child had been exposed to secondhand smoke in their home.
• Among parents who smoke, only 53.5 percent prohibit smoking in the home and even fewer (22.5 percent) prohibit smoking in the family vehicle.
• 8.1 percent of U.S. parents report that their child was exposed to SHS in an indoor public place in the past seven days.

Over the years, studies have concluded that SHS can be just as harmful as cigarette smoking. It is estimated that SHS exposure causes approximately 3,400 lung cancer deaths annually among adult nonsmokers in the United States. Even more disturbing is the fact that young children who are exposed to SHS are at a higher risk of developing asthma, ear infections and cavities. Infants are at a higher risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).

"The effects of secondhand smoke are serious and should not be minimized," says Cheryl G. Healton, president and CEO of the American Legacy Foundation, the only national public health foundation solely dedicated to reducing tobacco use in the United States. "Addressing this issue starts with helping adult smokers and parents quit. Most know they are dealing with a tough addiction, so pediatricians and others can provide the tools and resources for parents to re-learn their life without cigarettes."

Today's research coincides with the launch of a new partnership between Parents® magazine and the American Legacy Foundation, Parents Quit for Good. The program provides a free quit plan for moms and dads powered by the foundation's online cessation program, Become an Ex. The program launches just in time to help parents plan their New Year's resolutions to quit smoking.

This new collaborative will be featured in three upcoming issues of Parents starting in January, and includes a new Web site, www.ParentsQuitForGood.com where moms and dads can receive step-by-step assistance in identifying their own smoking triggers, in finding new ways to get through the day without cigarettes, and avoiding weight gain along the way.

(12-23-08)

With the holidays fast approaching, shoppers nationwide are looking for easy, affordable and meaningful ways to give gifts to friends and family. Americans stressed at crowded malls are also trying to find ways to add significance to the holidays. So World Vision, an international aid organization working with children and families, offers Americans some alternatives to cope with the holidays as the recession deepens.

According to a recent World Vision gift-giving survey, four out of five U.S. adults prefer to receive a meaningful gift this holiday season. More than seven out of 10 Americans plan to spend less on gifts, but almost half of those surveyed say that given the current economic climate, they're now more likely to give a "charitable gift," something that helps other people instead of a traditional gift like clothing or home electronics.

Here are the top 5 ways to help your family cope with the holiday recession:

1. As a family, select a charitable organization that you'd like to support, and make a donation online.
2. Consider do-it-yourself gifts (for teachers or friends) that you can make with your children.
3. Lend a hand to a neighbor or shut-in by shoveling their sidewalk or delivering hot chocolate.
4. Give the gift of your time and set aside a few hours to volunteer as a family at your local charity.
5. Buy gift certificates for friends to do family-friendly activities like going to the movies or ice-skating.

World Vision's Devin Hermanson is seeing a return to meaningful giving through World Vision's Gift Catalog, where sales are running ahead of 2007. "The holiday season can be a stressful time of year. There are gifts to purchase and wrap, cookies to bake, and family to visit but as the economy struggles, let's remember our friends and neighbors in need," says Hermanson.

For more information, visit www.worldvision.org.

(12-23-08)

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is again reminding public pool and spa owners and operators nationwide that the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act becomes effective on December 19, 2008. This law requires installation of anti-entrapment drain covers and other systems as outlined in the Act.

The Pool and Spa Safety Act was enacted by Congress and signed by President Bush on December 19, 2007, and is designed to prevent the tragic and hidden hazard of drain entrapments and eviscerations in pools and spas. Under the law, all public pools and spas must have ASME/ANSI A112.19.8-2007 compliant drain covers installed and a second anti-entrapment system installed, when there is only a single main drain. Congress gave all affected pool and spa operators one year to comply with this law.

Public pools and spas that operate year-round are expected to be in compliance by December 19, 2008. CPSC staff has taken the position that seasonal public pools and spas that are currently closed must be in compliance with the law on the day that they reopen in 2009.

"Our mission at the CPSC is to keep American families safe," says Nancy Nord, CPSC Acting Chairman. "CPSC will enforce the requirements of this pool and spa safety law with a focus on where the greatest risk of drain entrapment to children exists, such as wading pools, pools designed specifically for toddlers and young children, and in-ground spas, particularly where these types of pools and spas have flat drain grates and single main drain systems."

Nord adds, "State health and enforcement agencies share the responsibility to ensure this law is properly enforced. I recommend these agencies take the same approach as CPSC concerning enforcement priorities."

Pool and spa operators are encouraged to continue working as diligently as possible to come into compliance, as the agency and state Attorneys General are empowered to close down any pool or spa that fails to meet the Act's requirements.

For more information about the Pool and Spa Safety Act, how to comply, and which companies have been certified to manufacturer drain covers and safety vacuum release systems, please log on to www.cpsc.gov/whatsnew.html#pool.

(12-16-08)

The Gosselin family, stars of TLC's hit series Jon and Kate Plus 8 visited St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis recently to support the hospital's Thanks and Giving campaign, a national fundraising and awareness program that runs throughout the holiday season.

Jon, Kate and the kids went shopping at Kmart for gifts for the patients at St. Jude who are fighting cancer and other catastrophic diseases. To support the Thanks and Giving campaign, each family member added a dollar at the register during checkout, which was donated to the hospital.

The parents also met some patients and their families as well as doctors, nurses and child life specialists, and toured the hospital. And although not allowed to go into the hospital, the children visited with patients via teleconference from the St. Jude Pavilion and were introduced to St. Jude's chemotherapy dolls, which are used to help ease patients' anxiety before treatment. The visit was filmed for an upcoming episode of Jon and Kate Plus 8 that will air on December 15 at 9 p.m. on TLC.

Kate Gosselin was iParenting's October 2008 Mom of the Month! Read the article here! (12-16-08)