By Stacy Huisman Definition of a Military Connected Youth: A child, adolescent, or student with a close family member (parent, step parent, sibling, step-sibling, cousin) or friend serving in any branch of the United States Armed Forces and any status Active Duty, Reserve, or National Guard. Fact: There are 2,000,000 military-connected children in America; of those: • 1,381,584 of the military-connected children are 4-18 years old • Over 80% of these children – 1,105,267 students – attend … [Read more...]
The Naked Truth about Gender Roles and Children
One hot summer day, my friend and I are sitting outside watching the kids play in the pool. Dakota, who has just turned five, comes up to me and asks to swim naked because the swimsuit is annoying and it’s really hot out. Our yard is very private so I say sure! Dakota quickly takes the swimsuit off and hops back in the pool. Do you picture Dakota as a boy or a girl? Does the child’s sex determine how you feel about the situation? Full disclosure, this story is half true. The child … [Read more...]
Helping Your Child’s Body Image, It’s Not What You Think
I’m working on the computer, when my 6 year old daughter walks up to me and says, “Mommy, does my tummy look fat?” Oh. Sh*t. I really, really, REALLY hoped I would never hear these words from her. Why? Because I know exactly where she picked up those words from. Me. I am a recovering, chronic dieter, who has done everything in the book to lose weight, including but not limited to, weight loss surgery (LapBand). Nothing has EVER worked. Nothing. How my children see themselves and their … [Read more...]
5 Fun Ways To Teach Kids About Healthy Eating
According to research, food preferences are formed in early childhood and affect an individual’s eating habits for life. For LIFE? No pressure, right? And as we all know...kids do what they see. So strive to be a good role model! I know I know...it seems impossible to compete with the peer pressure and junk food commercials. But every little bit helps! Even small changes in your family's eating habits can make a big impact on your children's health. By encouraging awareness and sharing … [Read more...]