ak september
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september issueTRANSCRIPT
The LOCAL Go -To Guide for Busy Families • September 2011
FREE
Check out our Mommy Makeover Winners! pg. 24
RejuvenatingBack-to-School
Routines
ProductsWe Love:
BACKPACKS!
Inside! YourChild CareChecklist
pg. 38
pg. 45
pg. 8
Shelby J. Smith,DDS, MS, PC
Call Today foryour Appointment!
Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
925.755.5115
2213 Buchanan Road, Suite 112Antioch, California 94509w w w. D r S h e l by. c o m
Over the past 17 years Dr. Shelby hasdeveloped the reputation of being the dentistto go to for non-sedation treatment offearful and special needs children. She hasdeveloped behavior management techniquesbased on child development and psychologywhich help most children see the possibilityof having a new and better experiencethan they have had before. Over and overagain Dr. Shelby and staff have been complimented and awarded recognition foroutstanding success with treating childrenwho otherwise might have been sedated.Additionally, Dr. Shelby has a degree inOrthodontics. She enjoys watching the self- esteem grow with the patient as they movethrough the various phases of treatment andbegin to see a beautiful smile emerge.
Kids Love Us,Parents Trust Us
Features
SeptemberSeptember
14 Calendar22 Meal Deals23 Parent Marketplace44 Products We Love46 Advertising Directory
In Every Issue
7 Connecting the Generations
8 Child Care Checklist
10 Ask Nurse Rona
13 Yoga: Just for Moms?
18 The First Checkup
26 Choking Causes & Precautions
28 The Best App for Internet & Cell Phone Safety - Communication
30 Happy Tips for Happy Families
33 New Parents Donʼt Exercise?
37 Park Guide
38 Rejuvenating Back-to-School Routines
40 What is Your Child Eating in School?
43 The Teenager in Us All
Makeover Photography by Simply Inspired Photography, www.simplyinspiredphotography.net
NEW!
MommyMakeoverWINNERS!pg. 24
The LOCAL Go -To Guide for Busy Families
Tracie Vollgraf & the Active K ids Team
Back-to-school has begun and we are jumping right in! Read up on our fav articles for September: Rejuvi-
nating Back-to-School Routines page 38, Products We Love: Backpacks! page 45, and What Are Your Kids Eating in School? page 40.
Publisher | Editor Tracie Vollgraf
Marketing ManagerVirginia Dolen
Advertising Sales ManagersKaren Ruskowski (East Contra Costa County)[email protected]
Graphic DesignerKrista Connollywww.designkcy.com
InternsEvent Intern: Alisa MosmanSocial Media Intern: Allyse Bacharach Editorial Intern: Elizabeth Schroeder
Contributing WritersAmy Sluss, RNBruce M. Gach, MDChristine Carter, Ph. DDr. BethDr. Ozzie Jafarnia, DDSElizabeth SchroederGabriel WelcherJean MirandoKim RiceLillian LeeLittle People ChildcarePraveena ChinthaluriRona Renner
Contributing PhotographerKelly Gaowww.simplyinspiredphotography.net
On th
e co
ver:
ACTIVE KIDS is publishedBy TAG Marketing Group
P.O Box 5158Pleasanton, CA 94566
www.activekidsdirectory.com
Advertising Inquiries(925) 789-0709
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6 ACTIVE KIDS activekidsdirectory.com July 2011 ACTIVE KIDS 7
Learning Outside the Lines
by Amy Sluss, RN
Fall is a fun and exciting time for kids - class begins, activities start, and pals reunite. However, back-to-school can be a dreaded and difficult time for children who donʼt learn well in that environment. If your child doesnʼt seem to fit the mold, know that you
are not alone. Itʼs likely your son or daughter learns in a modality that isnʼt being addressed in school. This experience can be hard on your child and even more on the family, so challenge yourself to explore your childʼs learning style and discover an outlet where he can thrive.
When our son was in 4th grade, it became clear he was struggling in school. We consulted teachers, counselors, administrators, and learning specialists, none of which yielded results. Our son was consequently sad and withdrawn and had taken on a negative view of himself as a learner. He begged to stay home. He feigned illness. Needless to say, I was concerned for his mental health and well -being.
During winter break, we made a bold move and took him out of public school to pursue homeschooling. We were uncertain how this would affect his outlook on learning but pushed forward to find educational activities that were engaging and fun. We went to a variety of museums and enrolled in science exploration classes. Homeschooling isnʼt for everyone, but in this situation, our son thrived! He bounced back emotionally and was able to rediscover a love for learning.
There are plenty of ways to learn. If your daughter doesnʼt thrive in school, make sure she has success in other places. Hobbies, sports teams, martial arts, dance, mentoring relationships, and scout groups all offer opportunities for kids to engage, learn, develop, and grow. Find an activity, group, or outlet your child will excel in, and most importantly, people or friends to connect with.
If school isnʼt your childʼs “thing” you may have to downplay the importance of school. Do whatever you can to help your child connect, find passion, and learn to excel - thatʼs the key. The truth is, success in school does not always correlate to success in life; we parents would do well to remember that!
Believe in your kids, be available for help, and above all, be compassionate. They need your love and support, especially in times of struggle or confusion. If your kids learn outside the lines, give them the love and support to thrive.
theconnecting
Generations
Amy Sluss, RN, is an author and family-life specialist from Pleasanton, CA. Check out back-to-school parenting kits at fab2bfem.com/blog
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September 2011 ACTIVE KIDS 9 8 ACTIVE KIDS activekidsdirectory.com
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Each month there is a different theme. PT, FT, and drop ins welcome! (925) 640-9909
Picking a child care provider can be stressful and may often get put on the back-burner in fear you will never find someone you trust 110%. To begin the process, set a checklist and follow the
steps below to ensure you are hiring the best caretaker.
1. See the child care license issued by the State of CA displayed2. Verify background checks have been done/TB testing3. Fire and safety requirements are updated4. CPR and First Aid training requirements are met5. Parents have an open door policy during business hours6. Staff is trained and follows safety requirements7. Staff provides positive discipline 8. Ask for current references9. Smoke free environment10. Ensure provider takes time weekly or monthly to share your childʼs achievements and behavior
While Theyʼre Away...*Always keep an emergency contact list in their pack. Make sure their caretaker knows where to find it. Include cell numbers for mom and dad, grandpa and grandma, and closest family friends. *Put their name on everything - backpack, lunchbox, food bags, even clothes! Make sure they return with everything. *Pack their favorite toy or book. When play time begins, they will be prepared.*Always pack a canteen with extra water or juice. Pack a couple extra snacks to ensure they donʼt go hungry.
Child CareChecklist
10 ACTIVE KIDS activekidsdirectory.com September 2011 ACTIVE KIDS 11
Ask
Get you r qu estion a nswered.Email to [email protected]
Rona Renner, RN
Q. I’ve been having a great summer with my boys, who are 2.5 and 5, but now I’m getting anxious because I’m going back to work and my kids are starting childcare and Kindergarten. How do I prepare them for the changes, and what can I do to calm myself down?
A. Change is hard for everyone to different degrees. Planning can help, so it’s great that you’re starting now. Your attitude will have an impact on their reactions to a new school environment. Get support from friends and family, and practice being calm and positive around them (“fake it ‘till you make it”). Your children are entering a new phase, and will rely on other adults for learning and comfort, and at the same time you will remain the essential and primary anchor for them.
Tips for a smooth transition:• Talk to them and read books about pre-school and Kindergarten and tell them about the fun and exciting things theyʼll be doing and what their day will be like. • Many teachers say that itʼs the social skills and self-regulation thatʼs most important when entering Kindergarten. If your child isnʼt used to sitting during circle time, listening to stories, or taking turns, be sure and practice these things during the summer. “Simon Says” is a good game to help kids follow instructions and pay attention. • Encourage independence and let them do what they can for themselves. Have your two-year-old practice pulling his diapers or underpants on and off and washing his own hands; while your five-year-old can help with dinner and shopping. Having him practice his name and letters might make him feel more confident, but donʼt pressure him to learn things last minute.• Maintain regular communication with your childrenʼs teachers. You know your kids better than anyone and can provide the teachers or providers with information to help ensure they have a fun and stimulating time away from home.
Nurse Rona is the host of Childhood Matters radio show, a nurse for 45 years, a temperament specialist, mother of four, and grandmother of two. To hear previous shows,
go to www.childhoodmatters.org, and tune in Sundays 7-8AM on 98.1 KISSFM. She is also available to do individual temperament consultations, parent coaching, and
Nurse Rona
Best of luck,
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Published by TAG Marketing GroupP.O. Box 5158
Pleasanton, CA 94566T. 925-789-0709F. 925-484-2677
Advertising Inquiries:[email protected]
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12 ACTIVE KIDS activekidsdirectory.com September 2011 ACTIVE KIDS 13
by Praveena Chinthaluri
Do your kids get enough time to relax and renew every day? With overexposure to television, social media, and video games, your kids need downtime to relax and clear their little minds. Help cure common problems of fatigue for you and the kids with a not -so-traditional technique, but one we recommend: restorative yoga. Practicing
one or two restorative poses with your child, before dinner or bedtime, sets the tone for the evening. It will relax, connect, and energize you both.
Restorative yoga is described as a supported, conscious body/mind relaxation practice. When supported with props, the body relaxes and releases tension and stress. Props being blocks, pillows, blankets and bolsters. When used with these poses, restorative yoga reduces the risk for strain, injuries and pain (great for kids!). This type of yoga also helps strengthen the immune system, promotes healthier sleep, balances energy, and builds confidence and self-esteem. And good news for kids, it increases concentration, focus and attention span!
Start with 5 minutes, and after some practice work up to 10. Try the ʻlegs up the wallʼ pose. Sit sideways on one or two folded blankets with one side of your body as close to the wall as possible. Pivot on your bottom, placing your back and shoulders on the floor, and legs up the wall. To move closer to the wall, bend your knees, lift your hips and slowly inch forward toward the wall. Use an eye pillow or wash cloth and cover your eyes. Breathe deeply, and relax. When you begin to feel uncomfortable, after five or so minutes, come out of the pose. Do this by slowly sliding off the blankets and bringing your legs to to the floor, lying on your side. Take a moment to rest before sitting up.
When in position, the important places to check for tension are neck, lower back, abdomen and jaw muscles. When you are in the pose you can watch the sensations of the body; soften, open and release tension. Moreover, focus on your breathing when posing; practice a long, slow inhalation through your nose, followed by a long, slow and gentle exhalation. Witness the quality of breathing, through the beginning, middle, and end. Practice this often, and soon you will see the day-to-day quality of life improve for you and your kids.
Praveena Chinthaluri teaches prenatal, postnatal beginner and intermediate yoga classes at Downtown Yoga in Pleasanton, CA, www.pleasantonyoga.com. She is a trained restorative yoga teacher and mother of an eight year old. You can contact her at
[email protected] , or on facebook at Yoga with Praveena.
YogaJust for Moms?
14 ACTIVE KIDS activekidsdirectory.com February 2011 ACTIVE KIDS 15
SEPTEMBERcalendar
ALAMEDA COUNTY
SEPTEMBER 1Ringling BrothersCow Palace, San FranciscoThrough September 51-800-745-3000Free to all enrolled
SEPTEMBER 1Baby Boot CampBella Vista Community Park7350 Johnson Dr, PleasantonEvery Tue, Thur9:15 am – 10:15 am(925) 353-6193
Children’s StorytimeBarnes & Noble4972 Dublin Blvd, DublinEvery Thursday10:30 am(925) 560-1495
SEPTEMBER 2Baby Boot CampEmerald Glen ParkTassajara Rd at Gleason, DublinEvery Mon, Wed, Fri9:15 am – 10:15 am(925) 353-6193
Concert in the ParkLions Wayside Park, Pleasanton7:00 pm – 8:30 pm(925) 484-2199
SEPTEMBER 2 - 11Summer MusicalsWoodminster Amphitheatre
3300 Joaquin Miller Rd, OaklandTimes Vary(510) 531-9597
SEPTEMBER 5Family Jump TimePump It Up530 Boulder Ct, PleasantonEvery Mon, Tues, Wed, FriTimes Vary(925) 600-9663
SEPTEMBER 7Children’s StorytimeGolden Apple Learning Center4807 Hopyard Road, PleasantonEvery Wednesday10:30 am & 3:30 pm(925) 460-5163
1st WednesdayStreet PartyMain St, Pleasanton6:00 pm – 9:00 pm(925) 484-2199
SEPTEMBER 9USS Hornet Family OvernightUSS Hornet Museum707 W. Hornet Ave, Pier 3, Alameda Point5:00 pm – 10:00 am(510) 521-8448
SEPTEMBER 11Grandparents DayOakland Zoo9777 Gold Links Rd
10:00 am(510) 632-9525
SEPTEMBER 16Karaoke & Glow NightPump It Up530 Boulder Ct, Pleasanton7:00 pm – 8:30 pm(925) 600-9663
Starlight Movies inthe ParkToy Story 3Leydecker Field3225 Mecartney Road,Bay Farm Island7:30 pm(510) 747-7529
SEPTEMBER 17Pony Rides &Petting ZooPlay Café4400 Keller Ave, Oakland11:30 am – 1:00 pm(510) 638-3712
Some like it hot:Savannah AnimalsOakland Zoo9777 Golf Links Rd3rd & 4th Saturday of September9:30 am – 12:00 pm(510) 632-9525
Oak Ecology & AcornFood PlayshopOakland Zoo9777 Golf Links Rd2:00 pm – 4:00 pm(510) 632-9525
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
SEPTEMBER 18Roots & Shoots Dayof PeaceOakland Zoo9777 Golf Links Rd10:00 am(510) 632-9525
SEPTEMBER 25Cal Performance Free-For-AllFree performances for the publicUC Berkeley CampusBancroft & Oxford11:00 am – 6:00 pm(510) 642-9988
SEPTEMBER 1Baby Boot CampPleasant Hill Park147 Gregory LaneEvery Tue, Thur9:30 am – 10:30 am(925) 360-1045
Plaza ConcertsDowntown Pleasant HillNext to Jackʼs RestaurantFirst & Third Thursday6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
SEPTEMBER 2Baby Boot CampDestination Maternity1604 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Walnut CreekEvery Friday9:30 am – 10:30 am(415) 350-6970
SEPTEMBER 3Free Crafts for KidsLakeshore Learning Center1929 Mt. Diablo Blvd,Walnut CreekEvery Saturday11:00 am – 3:00 pm(925) 944-1495
SEPTEMBER 3-5Walnut CreekFamily FestHeather Farm Park301 North San Carlos Drive, Walnut Creek10:00 am – 6:00 pm(925) 408-4014
SEPTEMBER 4Family Fun DaysBlackhawk Plaza, DanvilleEvery Sunday thru October 3112:00 pm – 3:00 pm(925) 736-2751
Sunset by theLake ConcertPleasant Hill City Hall100 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill6:00 pm – 8:00 pm(925) 671-5229
SEPTEMBER 5Antiquest & Art FaireRailroad Ave MunicipalParking LotDowntown Danville9:00 am – 3:00 pm(925) 837-2664
SEPTEMBER 6 - 27Cruisin’ TuesdaysBike Rideʼs &Taco Tuesday SpecialsNormʼs Place356 Hartz Avenue, Danville7:00 pm – 11:00 pm(925) 552-6676
SEPTEMBER 7Petting Circle & Fedding DemonstrationLindsay Wildlife Museum1931 First Ave, Walnut CreekEvery Wednesday thru SundayTimes Vary(925) 935-1978
SEPTEMBER 9Dan Chanthe Music ManThe Village Theatre233 Front Street, Danville10:00 am – 11:00 am(925) 314-3466
The Wizard of OzDiablo Theater CompanyLesher Center for the Arts1601 Civic Drive, Walnut CreekPlaying till Oct 1Times Vary(925) 943-7469
Trapped in a Rumor:ImprovComedy ShowThe Village Theatre233 Front Street, Danville8:00 pm – 10:00 pm(925) 314-3466
SEPTEMBER 10EmergencyPreparedness Fair655 Old Orchard Road, Danville9:00 am – 2:00 pm(925) 314-3700
SEPTEMBER 14Fall Wine WalkDowntown Walnut Creek6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
SEPTEMBER 17-18Model Train ShowWalnut Creek Model TrainShow Society2751 Buena Vista Ave, Walnut Creek11:00 am – 6:00 pm(925) 937-1888
Lafayette Art &Wine ShowDowntown Lafayette10:00 am – 6:00 pm(925) 284-7404
16 ACTIVE KIDS activekidsdirectory.com August 2011 ACTIVE KIDS 17
EAST COUNTY
SEPTEMBER 24 - 25Pacific Fine Arts FestivalNorth Main and Locust Streets, Walnut Creek10:00 am – 5:00 pm(209) 267-4394
SEPTEMBER 27World’s Largest IceCream Social, Benefit-ting Make-A-Wish60 Crescent Drive, Pleasant Hill5:00 pm – 8:00 pm(925) 288-0388
SEPTEMBER 1Pop In PlaytimePump It Up5351 Neroly Rd, OakleyEvery Mon, Thur10:00 am – 11:30 am(925) 969-9663
SEPTEMBER 5Preschool StorytimeOakley Library1050 Neroly Road, OakleyEvery Tuesday1:15 pm – 1:45 pm(925) 625-2400
SEPTEMBER 6Family Jump TimePump It Up5351 Neroly Rd, OakleyEvery Tuesday6:30 pm – 8:00 pm(925) 969-9663
Summer Walk Inand PlayBricks 4 Kidz - $53150 Balfour Rd, BrentwoodEvery Tue, Wed, Thur 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm(925) 684-4082
SEPTEMBER 7StorytimeBarnes & Noble5709 Lone Tree Way, AntiochEvery Monday & Wednesday10:00 am(925) 978-1031
Birds in YourNeighborhoodAntioch Library501 W. 18th Street, Antioch3:00 pm – 3:45 pm(925) 757-9224
SEPTEMBER 9-11Oakley Almond FestivalOʼHara Park1100 OʼHara Ave, OakleyTimes Vary(925) 848-5966
SEPTEMBER 10Buddy BlastFour Starts Gymnastics Academy1799 Vineyard Drive, Antioch6:00 pm – 8:00 pm(925) 778-8650
SEPTEMBER 12Pajama StorytimeBrentwood Library104 Oak Street, BrentwoodSecond, Third, & Fourth Monday7:00 pm – 7:30 pm(925) 516-5290
SEPTEMBER 17Lego & ListenOakley Library1050 Neroly Road, Oakley2:00 pm – 3:00 pm(925) 625-2400
SEPTEMBER 18Delta Harvest RunThe Streets of Brentwood2565 Sand Creek Rd, BrentwoodRun times vary(925) 595-0292
SEPTEMBER 21TWEEN Scene -Wii AfternoonAntioch Library501 W. 18th Street, Antioch3:00 pm – 3:45 pm(925) 757-9224
SEPTEMBER 244th Annual Jiu-JitsuTournamentCrosley Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy3291 Walnut Blvd, Brentwood9:00 am – 4:00 pm(925) 634-6958
Parents Survival NightThe Little Gym3850 Balfour Rd, Brentwood5:00 pm(925) 634-0034
Kids Play Night: Treasure HuntFour Star Gymnastics Academy1799 Vineyard Drive, Antioch5:00 pm – 9:00 pm(925) 778-8650
Hostingan event?
Send allsubmissions to:
KIDS’ TICKETS - $10Limit four (4) kidsʼ tickets for every one (1) adult ticket purchased. Excludes VIP,
Front Row and Circus CelebritySM seats. No double discounts. Additional fees may apply.
SEPT. 1-5Thu. SEPT. 1 7:30 PM Fri. Sat. Sun. Mon.
OPENING NIGHT TICKETS $15!*
SEPT. 2
7:30 PM
SEPT. 311:00 AM 3:00 PM 7:00 PM
SEPT. 4
1:00 PM 5:00 PM
SEPT. 511:30 AM
*Excludes VIP, Front Row and Circus Celebrity seats. No double discounts. Additional fees may apply.
SEPT. 8-11Thu. SEPT. 8 7:30 PM Fri. Sat. Sun.
OPENING NIGHT TICKETS $15!*
SEPT. 9
7:30 PM
SEPT. 1011:00 AM 3:00 PM 7:00 PM
SEPT. 11
1:00 PM5:00 PM
*Excludes VIP, Front Row and Circus Celebrity seats. No double discounts. Additional fees may apply.
Buy tickets at Ringling.com, Retail Locations,Arena Box Offices or call 1-800-745-3000
Regular Ticket Prices: $15 • $25 • $40 VIP • $65 Front Row • $100 Circus CelebrityAdditional fees may apply.
Come 90 minutes before show time to see our Asian elephants at the Animal Open HouseSM. And, meet the stars an hour before the show at the
All Access Pre-show – FREE to all ticket holders!
18 ACTIVE KIDS activekidsdirectory.com July 2011 ACTIVE KIDS 19
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by Dr. Ozzie Jafarnia, DDS
The first tooth eruption can be a very exciting thing for parents. Not only does this mean there will be solid foods in your future, but also that those little teeth will need care and protection sooner than later! It is recom-mended that a child see a dentist for the first checkup within six months of the first tooth eruption, or by their first birthday at 12 months. While you can very well seek out a general dentist who is comfortable treating children, pediatric dentists have an additional two to three years of training, caring for young patients from infancy through adolescence.
Pediatricians provide a child friendly staff, in an environment that puts kidsat ease. Even though a baby may not have more than a few teeth by age one, this appointment is an important opportunity to establish a “dental home” where parents can receive proper guidance through the coming years, diet and oral hygiene advice, and a comfortable place to turn in the event of a dental emergency. Such visits can help early detection of potential teeth or gum problems, and will also allow kids to get accustomed to dentist visits so theyʼll look forward to future appointments.
CheckupThe First
Dr. Ozzie Jafarnia, DDSBoard Certified Specialist in Pediatric Dentistry
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A Unique and Custom keepsake of yourChildʼs Hand and Footprint Impression
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Music and movement classes for babies, toddlers, and
preschoolers and the grownups who love them.
Wee Care Centerat Resurrection Ministries
More than just a preschool, we offer a positiveeducational experience for children & their families
• Infant, toddler, preschool & pre-K programs• Before & after school program & transportation• Daily academics & hands on exploration• Daily Bible lessons• Large outdoor playground & inside gymnasium
(925) 634-5180 • 1275 Fairview Avenue, Brentwood
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CELEBRATING 50 YEARS!
Private Lessons, Year-Round
(925) 283-2100Convenient Lafayette location
(Just off Mt. Diablo Blvd.)
ShermanSWIM SCHOOL
Swimming: Infants-AdultsDiving: Beginning-AdvancedParties that make a splash!
www.ShermanSwim.com
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September 2011 ACTIVE KIDS 21 20 ACTIVE KIDS activekidsdirectory.com
August 2011 ACTIVE KIDS 23 22 ACTIVE KIDS activekidsdirectory.com
Kids Meal Deals!
*Special offers may expire or change at restaurant discretion. Call to confirm current specials.
Brentwood:Orale Orale Mexican Restaurant:5601 Lone Tree Way - (925) 240 -1963Mondays & Tuesdays - Half off kidʼsmeal with adult meal purchase.
Oodles of Noodles:6670 Lone Tree Way - (925) 418 - 4970Tuesdays, after 5 PM - free kid's bowl with purchaseof regular bowl.
Concord:Johnny Rockets: 301 Sunvalley Mall - (925) 798 - 8335Wednesday & Thursday 5-9PM. One free kids meal with the purchase of any adult entree & drink.
Danville:Maria Maria: 710 Camino Ramon Rd. - (925) 820 -2366Tuesday nights, 4pm-closing, $1 tacos
The Prickly Pear Cantina: 3421 Blackhawk Plaza Cir. (925) 984 -2363Happy Hour from 3 -6, and 9-closing. Thurs: Tamales $2, Tues: Tacos $2, Everyday Quesadillas $1.
Pleasant Hill:Denny's: 612 Contra Costa Blvd. - (925) 687- 8276Tuesday and Saturday from 4pm -10pm: Kids eat free with each adult meal purchase.
Pasta Pamodoro: 45 Crescent Dr. #C - (925) 363 -9641Every Tuesday kids eat free.
Carrowʼs: 624 Contra Costa Blvd. - (925) 689- 5757Kids eat free Wed. and Thurs. after 4pm. For kids 10 and under one free meal with the purchase of an adult entree.
Smokin Okie's BBQ Joint: 1941 Oak Park Blvd.(925) 942 - 0149, Every Wednesday kids eat free with each adult meal purchase.
San Ramon:Chevy's: 18080 San Ramon Valley Blvd.(925) 327-1910. Tuesday kids eat freewith adult meal purchase.
Izzyʼs Steak House and Chops:200 Montgomery St. - (925) 830 -8620Sunday and Monday nights kids eat free.
Walnut Creek:Black Bear Diner: 700 Bancroft Rd. - (925) 941- 0000Teddy Bear Tuesdays: Free meal if child brings a teddy bear.
Marieʼs Calendar: 1101 S. California Blvd. - (925) 943 - 7100Every Tuesday and Saturday: Kids eat free with adult meal purchase.
Contra Costa County
Dublin:IHOP: 6379 Dublin Blvd. - (925) 828 -7934Tuesday and Thursday after 4pm kids eat free with each adult meal purchase.
Carrowʼs: 7505 Dublin Blvd. - (925) 828 -9725Everyday kids 10 & under eat free after 4pm with each adult entrée.
Armadillo Willy's Barbecue: 4480 Tassajara Rd.(925) 833 - 0400. Every Sunday kidsʼ meals are half off.
Livermore:Round Table Pizza: 4098 East Ave. - (925) 443 -2700Every Tuesday kids eat free. Ages 3 and under.
Cattlemanʼs Restaurant: 2882 Kitty Hawk Rd.(925) 447-1224. Every Thursday 5pm - closing.Kids eat free with each adult meal purchase.
Pleasanton:Sweet Tomatoes: 4501 Hopyard Rd., Ste 1(925) 463 -9285. Everyday ʻKids Bundleʼ(meal with drink) Ages 3 -5 $2.99. 2 and under eat free.
Alberto's Cantina: 435 Main St. - (925) 462 -2316Monday and Tuesday kids eat free, Ages 12 and under.
Fontina: 349 Main St Ste. 150 - (925) 462 -9299Monday and Tuesday kids eat free.
Alameda County
Antioch:Schooner's Grille & Brewery:4250 Lone Tree Way - (925) 776 -1800Wednesdays - One free kids meal with eachadult meal purchase.
ParentMarketplace
Dynamic programs for children!Ages 10 months to 9 years.
1557 Palos Verdes Mall, Suite BWalnut Creek, CA 94598
(925)933-1001•www.abcfunwc.com
•Exercise!•Wonders!•Music!•Manners & Etiquette!
ABC Fun 10%
siblingdiscount
Jeanna SadorraBoutique
Handmade Gi�sfor Moms-to-be!
Perfect Shower Gift!Cakes, bouquets, wreaths,
corsages and more!925.264.9474
jeannasadorra.com
Place yourad here!
Starting as lowas $75.
Email [email protected] call (925) 789-0709
Christian PreschoolCelebration
NOW ENROLLING!
624 Anderson Ave,Brentwood
(925) 240- KIDS
Lic# 073402126an ACSI Accredited School
Congratulations to the winners
of our Mommy Makeover Giveaway!After narrowing it down to the top five finalists, Jamie and Elizabeth tookthe contest by storm after recruiting friends and family to cast their vote.
We know moms need a break, and for that reason we created the ultimatepamper package for our lucky moms. Spa package, hair color, cut,
and blowout, gym and yoga memberships, jewelry package, and eventheir own photo shoot! Check out their before and afters! Congrats girls.
Mu Salon 2005 Crow Canyon Place, Suite 164
San Ramon, CA 94583(925) 867-1500
www.musalon.com
20% off haircut& color/highlight
services for first clients!
BEFORE
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Look!
Elizabeth of Brentwood
$200 special for Brazilian Blowoutsduring September and October.
BEFORE
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Look!Blowout Bar Salon
2152 Second StreetLivermore, CA 94550
(925) 243-1111
50% off yourfirst visit at:
Thank you to our sponsors:
'After' Photos by Kelly Gao • www.simplyinspiredphotography.net
Jamie of San Ramon
Building Stronger Families® mu salon www.SimplyInspiredPhotography.net
And, get Extensions or Keratin Smoothing treatment atreduced member pricing when you mention Active Kids!
www.stelladot.com/nicky
September 2011 ACTIVE KIDS 27 26 ACTIVE KIDS activekidsdirectory.com
• We offer exciting hands - on science camps for your pre - K & elementary kids at local recreation centers
• Register through your Parks & Recreation Department
www.madscience.org/mtdiablo(925) 687-1900
• Summer Camps• Birthday Parties• Walk-In Play• Kidz Nights Out• School Programs• Field Trips
(925) 684- 40823150 Balfour Rd., Brentwood
www.bricks4kidz.com
$20 off a BIRTHDAY PARTY(expires 9/30/11)
LEGO® is a Trademark of the LEGO® Companywhich is not affiliated with Bricks4Kidz™
www.firefly-night.com925-288-9046
Available for Author Nights/Fundraisers for Public & Private Schools/Non-Profits
Available on Amazon, BN.com,Kindle and Smashwords
Thirteen 5 STAR Reviewson Amazon.com !!
A children's book by local authorand teacher, Evanne Jordan.
by Bruce M. Gach, MD
Choking, strangulation, and suffocation come in at number one for the leading cause of an unintentional death for children under the age of one. For children between one and nine years, these deadly causes rank number four.
When your infant becomes mobile, anything and everything goes in their mouth. After hitting around 9 months, babies will pick up pieces of food inadvertently dropped on the floor, or small toy pieces lingering on the ground. As their age progresses, small toy pieces are joined by coins, nuts and hard candies; foods are the most common reason for choking. As you introduce your child to solid food, the process has to be learned. This requires teeth for grinding and coordination of many mouth muscles, a skill that takes time to develop. Remember, babies are born with a sucking instinct so nursing or bottle feeding is natural for them. They may attempt to ʻsuckʼ solid foods back and this is where the choking can occur.
Most foods that can be given in pieces, even small pieces, can “go down the wrong way” and cause a choking related problem. What are these foods? First, there is the notorious hot dog; either biting off a small piece, or fed in small pieces directly, it is rarely chewed. Hot dog pieces usually act as a plug in the airway, so make sure to monitor little ones when eating them. Cookies, toast and biscuits crumble when eaten and cause problems. Many choking reports noted in Emergency Room visits include popcorn, carrots, grapes and apple slices, especially with the peel remaining.
To prevent choking or strangulation, monitor your infants and toddlers when eating at all times. Make sure food is fed in small pieces and are properly chewed. Donʼt put too much food in the mouth. Watch what your child picks up off the floor and keep all areas clean and free of small, mouth friendly objects. Be alert, be aware and take an infant CPR course. It might mean the difference between life and death.
Bruce Gach, M.D. is the managing partner of Livermore-Pleasanton-San Ramon Pediat-rics Group. He is a Board Certified practicing pediatrician with over 30 years of
experience caring for children. He has served on numerous committees dealing with child health and development. www.livermorepleasantonpeds.com
& PrecautionsChoking Causes
By Gabriel Welcher & Jean Mirando,Parent Project Facilitators
John Muir Health Behavioral Health Center
Todayʼs busy families often rely on modern conveniences such as cell phones, texting, Internet, and other new technology to keep in touch throughout the day. With children and teens increasingly using
online sites and mobile phones for education and entertainment, how do you keep your kids safe in cyberspace? Now is a perfect time to review some tips and discuss cyber and cell safety as a family.
According to a study by the Kaiser Family Foundation, young people spend just under 6 ½ hours a day “media multi-tasking.” Thatʼs about 44 ½ hours a week, more time than they spend in school. As of 2009, there were 13 social networking sites and 4.2 million pornographic web sites online, and more added every day. Yet, 71% of parents report that they stop monitoring childrenʼs Internet use after age 14.
Help your children and teens be respectful and responsible online citizens. Discuss appropriate language, downloads, viewing, and interac-tions. Remind them that nothing said, shared, or viewed online is private. Friends should be treated online in the same way theyʼre treated in person. Show kids the privacy settings on their favorite sites and help them think about which to use.
Help kids think critically about what they find online. Young people need to know not everything they see is true. Discuss what sites and searches are appropriate and allowed. Consider installing a filter or blocking program to restrict access to inappropriate sites and images. An Internet filter is a software or hardware product that prevents kids (or anyone) from seeing inappropriate Web content. It works by using keywords, and filters sites defined by those words.
Talk to your children and teens about safety when using cell phones and other portable devices, particularly when listening to music with earphones. Earphones should NEVER be used while riding a bicycle or walking near
The best app for Internet& Cell Phone Safety– Communication!
Gabriel Welcher and Jean Mirando are Parent Project Facilitators at John Muir Health Behavioral Health Center, which provides a full range of inpatient and outpatient
psychiatric services for patients of all ages. For more information, call 925-674-4100.A new series of parenting classes begins October 11 (Brentwood) and October 12 (Walnut Creek). To learn more about these classes and events at John Muir Health,
call 925-941-7900 or go online at www.johnmuirhealth.com.
a road. They can block the sound of cars and other vehicles, putting children in harmʼs way. When in public places, itʼs best to use just one earphone, or none at all, to maintain awareness.
Consider adopting a “no cell zone” – a place where all family phones are deposited and turned off during family time, whether dinner, discussions, homework, or sleeping time. Be sure you follow the rules and turn your iPhone or Blackberry off also! Family rules must apply to all. Keep childrenʼs Internet access, TV, and video games in a busy part of your home, rather than in their rooms. This allows you to more closely monitor what theyʼre doing, and also helps keep family time at a premium. Most cable and satellite TV providers offer you the ability to restrict access to inappropriate shows. Use it!
Many schools report an increase in cheating via use of phones in class. Find out your schoolʼs rules about cell phone use and make sure your children and teens understand them. Online cheating is still cheating. Remember that your childʼs “smartphone” or 3G phone or iPod Touch offers unlimited Internet access. Some mobile carriers are beginning to offer filtering for the content available on their services, but they have no control over whatʼs on the Web. Parents of younger kids might want to consider turning off Web access and turning on filtering if theyʼre concerned about access to adult content.
Finally, check in with your children and teens often. Periodically ask your kids to show you what theyʼve found that they like. Showing that youʼre interested in the good stuff theyʼve been finding may mean theyʼre more comfortable coming to you if something on a site bothers them. Make sure kids know to check in if they see something thatʼs hateful, pornographic, or violent, or if someone is using the Internet or cell phone to harass or bully them or another person.
Most of all, remember that communication is key. Talk to your children frequently about their online and mobile activities. Be a good role model with your own media usage. The Internet, and the many devices and apps we use to access it, have opened doors to information, social activities, and interaction never before imagined. Help your children and teens navigate the Web in a safe and respectful manner through ongoing communication and discussion.
by Christine Carter, Ph.D.
Get Out into NatureWhen we are sick, a view of nature can help us heal faster. When we are distracted, a view of nature can help us regain our focus. And when we are stressed, images of a natural land-
scape can slow our heart rates, relax our muscles, and help us feel calm again. Get outside today—or even just look out the window—to feel happier.
Imagine Your “Best Possible Self”Practice thinking optimistically about the future by taking some time to write down your hopes and dreams for the next five or ten years. Where will you be living? What friends and family will be in your life? What type of work do you imagine doing? How would you like to be spending your time? Check out Sonja Lyubomirskyʼs book, “The How of Happiness,” for more about this exercise.
Find InspirationElevation, awe, and inspiration are some of my favorite positive emotions. Music, nature, and friends can truly elevate your current being and wellness. What is your go-to source of inspiration? Today, read your favorite poem, have lunch with a friend whose compassion for others will elevate you, or find a beautiful vista that will make your heart swell in awe.
Play with FriendsPlaydates are not just for kids! When Iʼm feeling down and looking for a happiness pick-me-up, this is my go-to feel-better solution (maybe because my friends make me laugh). Although I seek my friends out when I need to talk about a problem Iʼm having, sometimes we need to turn away from our difficulties for a little while and just play. In this case, seek out friends not to tell them all the reasons why youʼve been feeling badly, but rather to have some fun. The idea is to goof around a little.
HAPPY TIPSHAPPY
FAMILYfor a
Christine Carter, Ph.D., is a sociologist and happiness expert at UC Berkeley'sGreater Good Science Center best known for her science-based parenting advice.She is the author of Raising Happiness: 10 Simple Steps for More Joyful Kids and Happier Parents and she teaches an online parenting class for a global audience.
You can learn more about her by going to www.raisinghappiness.com.
Give Out Big HugsDacher Keltnerʼs studies show that touch is the primary language of compassion, love, and gratitude—all positive emotions. Read all about the ways hugs make us feel better in Keltnerʼs terrific book, “Born to Be Good.” Hug your kids, friends, and family members to spread the happiness along.
Get Enough SleepSleep is one of the most important happiness habit habits we know of. Lack of sleep, of course, affects our functioning and our moods in a multitude of ways. Sleep deprivation can make us depressed, reactive, and inattentive. It can also impair our memory and learning, slow reaction times, and curb creative thinking. If you arenʼt regularly getting enough sleep, get eight or more hours of shut-eye tonight! Make your room really dark, turn off the phones, and hit the hay earlier than you usually do.
August 2011 ACTIVE KIDS 33 32 ACTIVE KIDS activekidsdirectory.com
Engaging curriculum usesmusic, art & games
Experienced, dynamic teachersAges toddlers to teens
Small class sizes
Spanish Immersion Classes & Camps
Join us forstorytelling,music, art,games andTONS of fun– in español!
www.vivaelespanol.org • 925-962-9177Alameda • Lafayette • Pleasanton • San Francisco
Mention ACTIVE KIDS and receive a FREE First time trial class!
• SAFE KIDS Anti Abduction Program• Traditional Martial Arts• Sport Martial Arts• Fitness Training• Classes for Children, Teens & Adults
915-A Main St., Pleasanton • (925) 768-3555 • www.estellermma.com • facebook@estellermartialarts/safekids
Esteller Martial ArtsEsteller Martial Arts
20% OFFfor 3 months
by Lillian Lee
Lillian Lee is the local franchise owner for Baby Boot Camp, serving familiesin Alamo, Danville, Dublin, Pleasanton and San Ramon, certified personal trainer
and group fitness instructor. Contact [email protected] call (925) 353-6193 for more info, or visit www.babybootcamp.com.
New Parents Donʼt Exercise? We beg to differ! In a recent New York Times article, “New Parents Donʼt Exercise,” Lisa Belkin explains parentsʼ lack of exercise after giving birth - during the beginning confinement stages, relying on others to do simple tasks,
and well, lack of showers and overall maintenance. The University of Minnesota researchers concluded that “bringing baby home wrecks havoc with parentsʼ nutrition and exercise routine.” Specifically, it states that not only do “new parents move less, but they eat more” as well. This has been the topic of conversation amongst my group of Baby Boot Camp moms as of late. As mothers, we know that caring for a newborn can take its toll both mentally and physically, but the majority of us do have the desire to claim that pre-pregnancy body back! Going to the gym may not be ideal; shoot, it may be damn near impossible in the early stages of motherhood, but there are definitely alternative ways new moms can get their exercise in and get back in shape.
A little creativity will yield long term health and wellness benefits.Why not turn ordinary household chores into workout exercises? The next time you are wiping crumbs off the floor, do some squats; washing the dishes, do calf raises; vacuuming, and do some lunges. Short spurts of exercise can be just as effective as one, long thirty minute session.
Taking the baby out for a walk in the stroller is wonderful but why not integrate your baby into your workout? Stroller based fitness classes are designed perfectly to help new moms get fit. Classes combine cardio and strength training while bringing the baby along and sometimes even using the baby as resistance! What a great way to spend time and bond with your child! The best of both worlds!
Wake up before the rest of the family, even if itʼs once or twice a week, and take some much needed time to re-energize. While baby does tummy time on an activity mat, you can do chest presses, lunges, and sit ups. Or even better, try using the baby as resistance while you exercise; he will absolutely love it!
New parentsdon't exercise ?
August 2011 ACTIVE KIDS 35 34 ACTIVE KIDS activekidsdirectory.com P r e s c h o o l S E l e m e n t a r y S M i d d l e S c h o o l
Preschool State License Number: 073402482. Preschool enrollment at new campus subject to obtaining state license.
Learn more, visit www.StratfordSchools.com
Join us for a tour and learn more about our curriculum and how we nurture
the inquisitive and creative nature of children in a positive learning environment.
Danville Sycamore Valley 2615 Camino Tassajara Road
Next to East Bay Fellowship Church (925) 648-0500
Danville Blackhawk 3201 Camino Tassajara Road
(925) 648-4900
Infinite Poßßibilitieß . . .Join us for a campus tour
and discover why!
New Full Day Preschool,
Pre-K, Extended Care
& Jr. K Programs!
S Nurturing, Safe EnvironmentS Engaging Preschool, Pre-Kindergarten & Jr. Kindergarten CurriculumS Featuring Music, Art, Science & SpanishS Enriching Social Development
Accrediting Commissionfor
Schools
WES
TE
RN ASSOCIATION OF
SC
HO
OLS AND COLLEGE
S
S T h e B e s t P r e p a r a t i o n f o r a L i f e t i m e o f L e a r n i n g S
NewP®eßchool
We're air conditioned!
Art In Motion Dance & Performing Arts ProgramDance, Pilates& Theater Arts
No registration fee for the first20 students (Save $25!!!)
FREE TRIAL CLASS! 6270 Houston Place, Dublin • (925) 208-1834
www.artinmotiondance.net
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September 2011 ACTIVE KIDS 37 36 ACTIVE KIDS activekidsdirectory.com
park guidepark guideAlamoLivorna Park Livorna Rd at Miranda Ave.Great sand area but no shade
BrentwoodBlue Goose Park1765 Adams LaneBathrooms, picnic area, little shade
Brentwood FamilyAquatic Complex195 Griffth LaneWater slides and wading pool, little shade
DanvilleHap Magee Ranch Park1025 La Gonda WayLots of shade and dog friendly
Oak Hill Park3005 Stone Valley Rd.Great for toddlers and duck feedingin the pond but no shade
DublinEmerald Glen ParkTassajara Rd.Features a sand area, jungle gym,and a large open grass area
LafayetteLafayette Reservoir3849 Mount Diablo Blvd.Rolling grass hills, lots of shade,and lake area.
LivermoreLester J. Knott Park655 N. Mines Rd.Large grass area and great for toddlers
Pleasant HillPleasant Hill Park147 Gregory Ln.Open grass area, paved path for scooters or skating, and toddler area
PleasantonMuirwood Community Park4701 Muirwood Dr.Lots of shade and great for toddlersand picnics
Val Vista Community Park6701 Payne Dr.Great for big kids, rock climbing,and water play, but no shade
San RamonBoon Acres9716 Davona Dr.Great for picnics, lots of shade,and dog friendly
Central Park12501 Alcosta Blvd.Large open grass area and water play
Monarch Park8502 N Monarch Rd, San RamonToddler swings, no sand, and no shade
Walnut CreekCivic Park1301 Civic Dr.Great for toddlers and rock climbing
Heather Farm Park 301 N San Carlos Dr.Large open area, small climbing walland swimming pool close by
by Elizabeth Schroeder
Phew, wasnʼt summer great? – sleeping in, playing until dusk, swimming in the backyard, going to bed late. But now, all of a sudden, summer is over. In the blink of an eye a new school year is under way and reality hits a little too
quickly and abruptly (even with a helmet!). That means it is time to get back-to-school and into daily routines- early, hectic mornings become the norm, the kitchen table transforms into the new desk area, and keeping all the kidsʼ extracurricular activities in order seems like an impossible task.
With proper preparation, getting back into the swing of a daily school routine doesnʼt have to be one big nightmare. Skip early morning arguments, irritation, and dawdling with these tips to help your family get back into the groove of school. Before you know it, school wonʼt seem so bad and your activity-filled days will fly by like clockwork. Okay, okay, maybe not, but itʼs okay to dream a little.
1.Take Time to Transition - Up to two weeks before school starts, begin to enforce an earlier bedtime. Reinforce this new curfew with earlier wake up times as well. Mom and Dad: this might be more of a transition for you! Make sure to get yourself ready before you wake up the kids. Seeing Mom and Dad ready for the day teaches your kids the importance of preparation and presentation.
2.The Night Before - Establish a nightly routine before bed. Allow your child 30 minutes to get cleaned up and ready, set out clothes for the next day, gather up any straggling homework papers and school supplies, and organize backpacks for school. As they prepare, Mom and Dad can make lunches for the next day. This will drastically cut down on hectic, last-minute prep time in the morning, and your child will be less likely to use the “My dog ate it” excuse during the school year.
RejuvenatingBack-to-School
Routines
3. Lists, lists, lists! - Like the list we take to the grocery store, comprise a list of each childrenʼs back-to-school necessities such as uniforms, a backpack, pencils, pens, and paper, binders, notebooks, and a lunch box. Stay organized by asking your son to cross each item off his personalized list as he drops items in the cart. Invest in your own day planner, accordion file, and notebook paper to stay up-to-date with schedules, important school dates, parent-teacher conferences, dentist and doctor appointments, and store coupons.
4. Speak Positively - Positive reinforcement is key to establishing daily routines that stick. Take time to greet your daughter each morning with a big “Good Morning!” smile and kiss. If necessary, remind her of the obvious (lunch, shoes and socks, and brushed teeth) in an upbeat way.
5.Whiteboard Station - Designate a small wall in a high traffic areaof the house. Mount a whiteboard or tape up a big calendar where each childʼs activities and pick-up times are easy to read and color coated. Teach your kids to get into the habit of checking the board each morning before they run out the door to start their day.
6. Stock the Pantry - Keep the pantry and fridge stocked with healthy snacks your kids can grab to refuel on the go. Yogurts, apple and veggie slices, cheese sticks, 100% fruit and veggie juice boxes keep for a long time in the fridge. 100 calorie popcorn bags, pre-bagged dry, healthy cereals, and dried fruit and nut packs are all great in-between meals found in the pantry.
7. Meal Makeovers - After the kids are dropped off at school, take time to plan tonightʼs dinner. Transfer frozen meat to the fridge to thaw. Set aside veggie and whole grain ingredients you will need to make a quick, easy meal the whole family can enjoy together. Planning ahead will not only limit fast-food consumption, it will also help your children to foster healthy eating and conversation habits. Make time to sit as a family for dinner and your kids will love sharing the activities of their day with you.
8. Homework Hour - Designate one to two hours of quiet time right after dinner for the kids to finish up their homework in a studious environ-ment. Sit with them to monitor productivity and answer any questions they might have.
by Kim Rice
Around age five or six, our children begin spending most of their time at school. From snack time to lunch, to candy breaks and after school snack-shacks, itʼs apparent the majority of calories consumed happen on school grounds. This illustrates how
important it is we pay attention to what our children eat on campus. Jamie Oliver reports on his Web site (www.jamiesfoodrevolution.com) that our kids are growing up “overweight and malnourished from a diet of processed foods.” Nine million children in this country are overweight, which has more than tripled since 1980. Mehmet Oz of New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University, reports that thirty to forty percent of children born in the year 2000 will develop diabetes. Research also indicates that 40% of cancer cases can be linked to diet. Itʼs been predicted by many sources that todayʼs generation of children will be the first to have a shorter live span than their parents. Itʼs time for change! Fortunately, there are many groups that have begun to pave the way for improving the school food environment. Taking advantage of these resources is “key” in beginning the process within your school system. Several of the organizations recommend the following steps:
1) Become familiar with your childʼs potential food sources at school. Eat lunch at your childʼs school or volunteer in the lunch room. Learn what they are eating and how itʼs sourced and prepared. This includes doing an inventory of vending machines for both food/snacks and beverages. If your school is still offering soda in vending machines, at the minimum, advocate replace-ment of the soda with bottled water and 100% juice offerings.
2) Get to know your schoolʼs “food/nutrition staff” – As Jamie Oliver puts it, “love your lunch ladies.” Introduce yourself and let them know how much you appreciate the role they play in your childʼs development. Share your vision with them. Children who are well fed and healthy show higher academic achievement than those who donʼt eat healthy. Building allies within the school system is important. The more support you have for the changes you want to implement, the easier it will go. Other important contacts are the School Nurse, the Principal, the Food Service Director, other parents and teachers, especially the Physical Education (PE) teachers.
What is YourChild Eatingat School?
Steps to improve the quality of foodin your public school system.
Kim Rice is a Wellness Coach, gfcfcoaching.com, and mother of three children in Pleasanton writing about topics such as autism, depression, and diet and life
transformation. She earned her BA degree in Journalism from the University of Detroit and has over 20 years of corporate writing experience.
3) Learn about your schoolʼs food service program – Understand how your schoolʼs service program functions. Who orders food and from where? What are the existing contracts and when do they expire? Is the ordering done from the school itself or on a district level?
4) Create a Wellness Team – pull together a team of advocates to help you accomplish your goals. You should include the president of the PTA, the Food Service Director, the principal, school nurse and as many parents with the same vision and goals as you can gather together. Getting involved in the PTA is a great way to go about this as well involvement in any local mother or parent clubs. Growing Great (www.growinggreat.org) is a California organization that trains teachers and parents to advocate and educate within their own district for healthy eating at school. They offer an online training program that will teach you “talking points” and offers presentations and other materials to use along your journey. Their curriculum currently meets California state standards. These resources below offer great information and detailed plans on how to take action within your school system and also have many useful links to more information. Jamie Oliverʼs site features a “School Cafeteria Audit” you can use while investigating your schoolʼs lunch room.
www.jamiesfoodrevolution.com www.healthyschoolscampaign.org www.moms-inc.com
Other great resources:Lunch Lessons, Changing the Way We Feed Our Children by Ann Cooper and Lisa M. Holmes; Web site: www.chefann.comwww.chezpanissefoundation.org Offers publications that document 12 years of operating the Edible Schoolyard and three years of school lunch reform in Berkeley, California. www.FarmtoSchool.orgwww.school-lunch.org This Web site has a very informative slideshow presentation with case study examples.www.foodfairyprogram.com This Web site features a really fun presentation on teaching children how to make healthy eating choices using the “Red Light, Yellow Light, and Green Light” food theory.
September 2011 ACTIVE KIDS 43 42 ACTIVE KIDS activekidsdirectory.com
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by Dr. Beth, Americaʼs Teenologist
My son has always been a happy,outgoing child. Now @13 he is recently
pulling back, listless, wants to dosomething and at the last minute backs out? What might be going on with him?
Should I do something? I know it can be so scary for parents during
this time. This is a common time for boys to withdraw from the family and want to spend more time alone processing feelings, thoughts, life. Where girls tend to emote more at this stage, most boys tend to shut down, preferring video games or music (with headphones) to family activities. Your best bet is togive him space and let him figure things out. You might try engaging him in conversation when youʼre giving him a ride somewhere, over a family dinner when everybodyʼs talking, or nighttime check in ritual but donʼt be surprised if he doesnʼt open up often. Stay available and open, and keep letting him know you love him and you are there to talk when he is ready – even if heʼs unresponsive – and, over time, heʼll gradually reconnect.
How can you be a good parent and be firm? Being firm is being a good parent – firmness, with fairness, is a required parental skill. So Iʼm guessing that what youʼre actually asking is how you can be firm and still be popular with your children. The answer is that you canʼt always be liked. To keep your teen safe, you must set appropriate boundaries, and teens are not always going to like them – bumping up against parental limits can be frustrating, and you will bear the brunt of that frustration. But those storms pass – and the child denied the right to stay out late tonight may be thinking about a hundred other things by tomorrow morning. In the long run, kids who experience parental boundaries, and are allowed to test them appropriately, are happier with themselves and with you. So while you may be less liked tonight, youʼll be far more popular over the next 20 years, maybe even by tomorrow night.
Dr. Beth Halbert, America's "Teenologist", is a licensed psychologist and family therapist with more than 20 years of experience working with teens and their parents.
For more information visit, www.drbeth.com. Sign up for her workshop,ʻDealing with Defianceʼ for only $20 (reg. $149).Register at drbeth.com/dealingwithdefiance.htm.
The Teenagerin Us All
CBH Studio - For a unique take on backpacks, buy CBH studio for a hip approach to fun animal graphics. Choose from a variety of 3D designs with a carry handle thatʼs handy for preschool cubbies. Or, for a more traditional approach to organization, check out super hero animal prints and matching accessory cases. Each backpack is hand crafted and made in America. Need more incentive? For a limited time spend $50 and get free shipping.
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Products we Love!
Who says the start of a new school year has to be dull and boring? Reverse your kidʼs back- to -school blues by surprising
them with a new, practical, and personalized backpack. From 3-D designs to embroidered name-tags, there are stylized backpacks that are perfect for any small student- preschoolers, elementary learners, and beyond! Say goodbye to bulky, monotone eyesores
and hello to this yearʼs top backpack picks.
Stephen Joseph - These quilted backpacks are made with 100% cotton on vibrant, colorful fabrics. From space ships to trains and cupcakes (Oh my!), there is a whimsical theme for every young scholar. Fully lined and machine washable, these backpacks are kid tested and approved. Complete with a handy magnetic strap closure, these convenient bags are also perfect for monogramming.
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Backpacks!!
Blabla Kids - Opt for a one-of-a-kind knit backpack for your little Einstein. Hand crafted by Peruvian artisans, these backpacks are made with 100% cotton and natural fibers grown in Peru. Take a quick glance at these backpacks, and they look like your childʼs favorite stuffed animal. Canvas backpacks with magnetic button closures offer a soft, contemporary approach to childhood fun and creativity. Your kid will be sure to love their Blabla pack the whole school year.
www.blablakids.com
MaxPax™ - The perfect combination between fun and function, these backpacks pack a punch of punk to any back to school wardrobe. Your kids will love the funky spikes and eye-catching colors and you will love the durability and functionality of the backpack. No matter what grade your child is entering in to, there is a backpack for them. The half pack and nibbler are perfect for kids just starting out their scholastic adventures, and the mighty bite is a “punky” alternative to a boring brown paper
bag for lunches. www.madpax.com
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Childcare & Preschools
College Nannies & Tutors. . . . .9Little People Child Care . . . . . . .9Nanny Connection . . . . . . . . . . . .9Wee Care Center. . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Childrenʼs Sport Activities
Crosley Jui Jitsu. . . . . . . . . . . . . .11Sherman Swim School . . . . . . .21Esteller Martial Arts . . . . . . . . .32Rockinʼ Jump . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34Art In Motion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34UFC Gym. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Educational Resources
CelebrationChristian Preschool. . . . . . . . . .23ABC Fun. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23Firefly Night. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27Mad Science Camp. . . . . . . . . .27Bricks for Kidz. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27Viva el Español. . . . . . . . . . . . . .32Stratford Schools . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Healthcare
Shelby Smith, DDS . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Bloomingcamp Optometrist. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11Danville Pediatric Dentistry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18NutriYumies. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . .19Valley Care. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Just for Mom
Club Sport. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21Jeannaʼs Boutique. . . . . . . . . . . 22Hayjac Design. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35UFC Gym. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Keepsakes
Childrenʼs Paw Prints. . . . . . . . 20
Kidsʼ Furniture & Play
Backyard Factory. . . . . . . . . . . .12Kids & Teens World. . . . . . . . . . 42
Music Classes
Music Together. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Parent Resources
Always the BestCarpet Cleaning. . . . . . . . . . . . 20Darci Gutierrez Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21Century Landscape & Gardening. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36Dawn King BookkeepingServices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Party Places & Spaces
Disney Art on Main St.. . . . . .32
Pet Resources
Dogtopia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34Antioch Vet Hospital. . . . . . . . 36
Special Events& Day Trips
Ringling Bros. Circus. . . . . . . .17Sienna Ranch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27Joanʼs Farm& Pumpkin Patch. . . . . . . . . . . 42
Toy Stores
Lakeshore Learning Materials. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 2
Fifty years ago, Valley Memorial Hospital in Livermore opened with 46 beds and 23 physicians. Today, with ValleyCare Medical Center in Pleasanton and Valley
Memorial Center in Livermore, we have 242 beds, a medical staff of over 400 and serve over 200,000 people each year.
Throughout our history, patient centered care has been the hallmark of ValleyCare. One which we have earned by the fine reputation of our staff for clinical excellence and a caring spirit. We are proud of the fact that our physicians, nurses and staff have earned an outstanding reputation for their caring ways.
Over the years, ValleyCare has kept pace with the growth of the Tri Valley. We’re constantly bringing new and better technology to ensure that our residents have the best care modern medicine can provide. And, we have not forgotten the hospital’s long-time commitment to be here for our community and our reputation for compassionate care.
We’re YOUR health care system. And we’re working diligently to keep that privilege.
i n t h e t R i V a l l e Y
Fifty YearsC e l e b R a t i n g
www.valleycare.com