Happy Grandparents Day!

National Grandparents Day!

    This Sunday is National Grandparents Day. Marian McQuade is credited with founding the day back in 1970, but it was President Jimmy Carter who signed National Grandparents Day into law in 1978 and the first Sunday in September, after Labor Day, has been designated as National Grandparents Day ever since.  While not a federal national holiday, it is a day to be observed in honor of grandparents across the country.

    Our grandparents play many roles in our lives and the lives of our children, and make meaningful contributions to families and society as a whole. So whether your grandparents are blood relatives, adopted or foster family-- this Sunday do something special for the grandparents in your life while remembering all the great "Grands" that were once with us as well.

    For more on National Grandparents Day go to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Grandparents_Day

    Looking for great gift ideas for the grandparents? Check out http://www.aplaceformom.com/blog/9-3-15-gift-ideas-for-grandparents-day/

    There are many Grandparents Day celebrations in Central Florida including http://www.visitcentralflorida.org/m/events/national-grandparents-day
and http://blog.feedhopenow.org/event/grandparents-day/   

Donate During Hunger Action Month!

    Hunger in America and right here in Central Florida is a devastating reality, but we can all play a part in alleviating it.  In addition to trying our very best not to waste food, take action and donate whatever you can. Every little bit helps. You can also initiate a food drive, and the best way to do that is in conjunction with your local food bank.

    Just remember to collect only non-perishable items and never collect homemade items because you want to be one hundred percent sure that they are safe. Stay away from glass because it can break. Many food bank networks accept canned goods, fresh produce and dairy and juice with expiration dates.

    Feeding America is a great source of information: http://www.feedingamerica.org/ways-to-give/give-food/food-drives/

    Here in Central Florida contact Second Harvest Food bank: http://www.foodbankcentralflorida.org/site/PageServer#.VemGH0anxuk

    There are also food pantries that appreciate support: http://www.foodpantries.org/ci/fl-orlando

Hunger Action Month!

    September is just around the corner and I want to take this opportunity to remind you that the coming month is "Hunger Action Month" and September third is "Hunger Action Day". Started by "Feeding America" in 2008, "Hunger Action Month" is not only an awareness campaign to remind everyone that hunger does indeed exist in the U.S.-- and right here in Central Florida-- but it's also a call to action for everyone to get involved in our community to do whatever possible to eliminate hunger here.

    One of the easiest and quickest ways to help eliminate hunger is to stop wasting food. Did you know Americans waste 40% of the food we produce. That's an astounding number so here are some tips on how you and your family can start to put the brakes on food waste:
-Pay attention to expiration dates but realize the "sell by" date is for stores and is different from the expiration date.
-Buy imperfect produce-- just because some fruits and vegetables are a little bruised doesn't mean they're bad or bad tasting.
-Learn and practice efficient ways to freeze and store foods so that they last longer.

    You can get involved in the fight to end hunger right here in Central Florida through several organizations including Second Harvest Food Bank and Catholic Charities.

    For more tips on how to prevent food waste, check out these sites:
http://www.nrdc.org/food/wasted-food.asp
http://www.foodrecoverynetwork.org/#about
http://www.feedingamerica.org/


 

   

To Volunteer is to Care!

     One very easy way to teach your children about giving, sharing and selflessness is to encourage them to volunteer. While the rewards may not be financial-- the benefits can last a lifetime. Start out by setting a good example and volunteer yourself-- but your toddlers, teenagers, and young adults can all get in on the action too. Whether it's visiting the sick or elderly, taking part in a community clean-up or just helping out at school or church-- there's something for everyone.

    Our state, and Central Florida in particular, have amazing volunteer programs-- kids included. In fact, there's even a website designed to match your children with a volunteer program that's perfect.

    Check out these sites:

    http://www.parents.com/parenting/better-parenting/teaching-tolerance/childrens-volunteering-resource-guide/
    http://www.volunteermatch.org/search/?l=FL&v=false&categories=22
    http://www.handsonbroward.org/

Should Your Kids Ride the Social Media Merry-go-round?

    Let's face it-- social media networking sites play a huge role in how we communicate today.  Our kids are so tech-savvy that it only makes sense that they want in on the internet action too.  In fact, 60% of kids aged 13 to 17 have at least one profile on-line and spend about two hours a day on social media, while 59% of kids are social networking by age 10.

    The minimum age required by many sites is 13 but there are no procedures in place to verify age and there's growing concern that more and more children, some as young as 5, are creating accounts-- and while there are specific sites designed for younger children the concern is that young kids are getting on sites meant for adults.  Why worry? Well because as much as social media can foster your children's self-expression through sharing photos, art, and opinions and keep them connected to friends-- there are also many dangers involved with communicating on-line. Cyber bullying is a major concern-- but your kids can also make themselves vulnerable to adult predators, spend too much time away from physical activity and shy away from developing in-person, personal relationships.

   So what's the bottom line? Rules! You know your children so you should determine the age they are allowed to join a social media network-- and just like you teach your children not to talk to or open the door for strangers and give them curfews and watch who their friends are-- you should also monitor their on-line interactions and limit computer time.

    For helpful tips on teaching your kids safe, on-line etiquette check out these sites:
http://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/Facts_for_Families_Pages/Children_Online_59.aspx
http://www.webmd.com/parenting/features/social-media-and-tweens-teens
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/19/style/letting-your-kids-play-in-the-social-media-sandbox.html?_r=0

   

Rebirth of Independence!

    With the recent Supreme Court decisions on gay marriage and the removal of the Confederate flag from state institutions as well as the preservation of the Affordable Care Act-- our nation is experiencing a renaissance of a government for, by and of the people.

    As we celebrate this Fourth of July let us be thankful for the checks and balances our government provides that allow us to continue to pursue life, liberty and happiness.

    But also remember to take personal time for you and your family. Use the Fourth of July to kick-off the last half of 2015. Recommit to be better mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, neighbors and friends. Be a better you!!!

   Happy Independence day!