What we Feed Our Kids

As we go about our mornings packing our kids lunches I dare you to stop and think about what goes into the snacks that we give your children to eat. What you will find, is that almost all modern preserved or packaged snacks have one of the following ingredients; refined sugar, high fructose corn syrup or aspartame.

Let us look at a few facts about these three ingredients to help us determine our future choices on what we feed our kids.

Refined Sugar

Ingesting 100 grams of simple sugar lowers white blood cell activity for up to five hours. Lowered white blood cell activity means your immune system and its ability to fight infection, is impaired.

When sugar is constantly in the diet, the pancreas must constantly produce insulin. When sugar is continually overused, the pancreas eventually wears out and is no longer able to clear sugar from the blood, and diabetes is often the result.

High Fructose Corn Syrup

High fructose corn syrup is a liver toxin. It is metabolized in the body the same way alcohol is metabolized. Drinking a can of soda does the same thing to your liver that drinking a can of beer does.

When the fructose breaks down in your body, it causes fatty liver disease which raises your cholesterol, and it actually deactivates a substance in your body that prevents high blood pressurre.

Aspartame

Aspartame is made up of three chemicals: Aspartic acid, phenylalanine, and methanol. This toxic poison changes into formaldehyde in the body and has been linked to migraines, seizures, vision loss and symptoms relating to lupus, Parkinson's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis and other health destroying conditions.

HEALTHY ALTERNATIVES

Though your kids may crave the sweet stuff it is your job to provide them with the proper nutrition. The following are some healthy alternatives to the popular snacks.

Whole Fruits
Eating whole fruits does not cause the same problem as high fructose corn syrup and table sugar, because the fruits contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants which help metabolize the fructose. Try making fruit kebabs, frozen fruit bites or fruit smoothies.

Peanut Butter
Peanut butter contains fairly high quantities of dietary fiber, amounting to about 8%, which again helps in regulating both blood cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Be sure to seek out brands that do not contain trans fat, hydrogenated oils, or preservatives. Try combinations such as peanut butter and celery with a topping of raisins or peanut butter oatmeal bites.

Yogurt
Try feeding your kids, natural or fruit yogurt that does not contain refined sugar, high fructose corn syrup or aspartame. The lactobacillus in yoghurt feeds the intestines maximizing the nutrients your body can absorb, insures the digestive system stays healthy, and stabilizes the immune system. Try making yoghurt lollipops, yogurt and granola or yogurt and fruits.

Humus
Chickpeas (channa) is the main ingredient in humus dip. Chickpeas, like most beans, are an excellent source of fibre that digests slowly and keeps blood sugar levels from rising too rapidly. Chickpeas also contain molybdenum, a trace mineral that helps the body detoxify sulphites, as well as iron and manganese, which are essential for healthy blood and high energy. Try combining humus dips with raw vegetables such as carrots, celery or cucumber.

Parents please keep in mind that just because a product is marketed for a child does not mean that your children’s best interest is at heart. Most companies focus on profit, not on what’s healthy. Your focus is to pay attention to what we give our kids to eat and make a variety of healthy choices available to them.

Knowledge is power. Teach your kids about nutrition and the effects of bad health choices, this will help them to make better decisions when you’re not around.

This article was consolidated by the non profit organization KIND (Kids In Need of Direction) using collective articles on food and nutrition.

For more info on how you can improve the lives of children in Trinidad and Tobago call 626-KIND or 626-NEED or visit us at http://www.kindkids.net/.

Then and Now

As a friend and I reminisced about our school days and memories of the school yard encounters, we reflected about what we remembered as kids back then and how different we were to the kids we see today.

Back then a fight consisted of a few, mostly empty threats and maybe a punch or two, but you were definitely in a world of trouble if you ever got caught. Nowadays kids are fighting over turf and pulling out knives and often even stabbing each other. Back then you feared your parents and your teachers and you held your head down low when you were being scolded. Today kids look at you straight in the eye and talk back to you without shame.

With this in mind, let’s look at what else has changed.

Back then our worst TV show was “The A Team” and the rebellious attitude of Mr. T. Our worst music was telling you to “Put your hands in the air if you just don’t care” and even then, parent’s t banned you from the TV show or took away your cassette. Today music is telling you to rape and kill and shoot at will. TV shows for any age talk about sex and scandal and encourage you to rebel just to get a reality show.

Are these enormous changes in society related? Do parents have a right to be concerned? To answer these ask yourself another question... “How many of your brothers went out and got a Mr. T hair cut?”

Gabriel Tarde (1912) in his book Penal Philosophy, claims, “All the important acts of social life are carried out under the domination of examples.”

Is it not obvious then that kids learn by what they see as acceptable?

If we allow the video games that reward you points for beating a prostitute and being the best gangster in the city, then we communicate that these things are acceptable examples. By saying the things that you watch, play and listen to are acceptable we teach that it is ok to do them. Kids get this message loud and clear.

So parents, I ask you to start paying attention. Find out what your girls are talking about, Miley Cyrus or Gossip Girl? Are your boys talking about Myth Busters or Grand Theft Auto? Find out what’s cool or popular with their age group. Watch TV with them. Listen to their music. Investigate their culture.

Decide if the messages given through these things are teaching the morals and values that you believe in, and if they’re not, do something about it. If you don’t filter the negative influences they will be imbedded in the morals and values of your children and the future.

Children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see. ~Neil Postman, The Disappearance of Childhood (introduction), 1982

This blog is courtesy the non profit organization KIND (Kids In Need of Direction)
For more info on how you can help build a better future in Trinidad and Tobago call 626-KIND or 626-NEED or visit us at www.kindkids.net

Volunteering

Volunteering your time for others is an important part of what makes you a contributing member of society. The world is not a perfect place, and many people need help. Sometimes that person needing help may even be you.

There many organizations out there that do just that, “Help people”. But why do they do it? Looking into NGO’s and volunteerism you may find many reasons why people start these organizations or give of their time. Some reasons may vary but most of the time people feel the desire to give of themselves to help others.

If you are one of those people that feel that need, and are not sure how you can help here is a list of ways that you can help.

1) Collecting unused clothes and toys from people and bringing them to charitable organizations.
2) Spending one weekend a month visiting an old age home and reading or talking to the elderly.
3) Assisting with a charitable fundraising effort.
4) Starting big brother/sister groups at an orphanage in your area.
5) Collecting canned goods to donate to food drives for people in need.
6) Buying Christmas gifts for underprivileged children and dropping them off at the local church.
7) Offering to do deliveries for a charity.
8) Encouraging others to volunteer or financially support a charity.
9) Joining a non profit organization of your choice.
10) Asking a Charitable organization how you can help.

Becoming a volunteer not only benefits the ones you set out to help, but it helps you in many ways. The people you meet, the things that you learn, and the joy that you feel will amount to more that you can ever put a price tag on.

Think about which type of organization represents a cause that you believe in then go ahead and get involved. You will be pleasantly surprised at how easy it is for you to make a difference in someone else’s life.

Advising Adolescents

Adolescence is the stage between puberty and adulthood which can range from ages eleven, up till about seventeen. It is also one of the stages of child development that most parents struggle with.

Parenting is not an easy task and as the years go by it gets more complicated. All of a sudden you go from putting plasters on cuts to boyfriends and peer pressure. As parents new to the adolescent world, we struggle with how to approach teenage love, insecurities, bodily changes and helping children to figure it all out.

Here is a brief guide to help you survive your child’s adolescent years.

Rule #1: Ask as many questions as you possibly can, then ask some more!
Make sure that you know what’s going on in your child’s school, personal and possibly “love life”. Talk to teachers, relatives and your child to see how they are coping. It’s your job to be informed about the major issues in your child’s life and to be there to support them when necessary.

Rule #2: Create a trusting bond
Relax when talking to your child. Especially when concerning sensitive issues. Children need to know they can talk to you. Make occasional jokes and encourage them to share “stories”. Ask them questions about what they like and don’t like. It’s important to know what’s important to them and what they look for in friends and people they crush on. If you guide them through their development they will be more likely to hold high morals and standards.

Rule #3: Provide someone else they can trust.
Let’s face it no matter how great your relationship is with your child there are some things that they won’t talk to you about. You must ensure who they are talking to is someone who will give them the correct information. Make responsible mentors available to your child. Get involved in church groups and/or programs that will provide them with opportunities to talk with individuals they may better connect with on certain subjects. Ensure that you know who they are talking to and that the person will encourage your child to come to you in urgent or critical situations.

Rule #4: Encourage Building Self-esteem, Identity and Confidence
Building your child’s self esteem is important from the time they are born. People’s self identity is hugely influenced by their perception is of how others see them. As a parent, your job is to make sure that as many positive aspects of your child’s personality are highlighted. Encourage them to explore their talents, interests and creativity. A solid foundation of confidence and positive self identity will be key in your child’s decision making, especially when facing inevitable peer pressures.

Rule #5: Teach them about Sex and their Bodies
Ask questions to gauge what your child knows, or what they “think they know” about sex and their bodies. Talk to you kids calmly and openly giving them age appropriate information. When you believe they are mature enough, talk to them about the risks involved in having sex. Teach them to be aware of their bodies, their behaviour and how they dress. Let them know that these things all communicate specific messages about themselves. Enforce high morals and standards and the appropriate manner in which people should be treated. Also teach them about various types of abuse and how to recognize it.

Rule #6: Enforce Discipline
Despite all the love patience and understanding necessary as a parent we must not allow it to prevent adequate discipline. Reinforcing discipline is part and parcel of raising responsible children. Let your child know the boundaries and reinforce consequences for bad behaviour. Your budding teenager is very likely to rebel. Re-assess your previous disciplinary methods and seek support if uncertain. Above all never doubt your instinct. As a parent you will always pick up when something is just not right. Overall remember to be firm, consistent, calm and loving in whatever discipline methods you choose.

There are no set rules to raising children, there are only guidelines for healthy child development. Millions of influences surround your child. Make sure that your voice gets heard and that you and your child have developed a trustworthy and healthy relationship.

Kids In Need of Direction works hard to provide parenting workshops, counselling and other various forms of support for the underprivileged families of Trinidad and Tobago.

For more child development articles and information on how you can support KIND, please visit us at http://www.kindkids.net/ or call us at 626-KIND (5463) or 626-NEED (6333)

Universalist Concept of Legal rights and Ethics

This week we ask ourselves “What are human rights?”
Dictionaries define human rights as a Universalist concept of legal rights and ethics. Unfortunately most people are unaware of their human rights. Today I will give you some insight into these rights and show you how you can learn more information about the Human Rights that we are all entitled to.

On December 10th 1948 a group of nations known as the General Assembly of the United Nations decided upon what was to be the Universalist concept of legal rights and ethics. It was then published, and is now known as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Today states are obligated to respect, protect and follow the thirty Human Rights that are listed under the declaration

Below is a sample of five of the thirty listed;

• All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.
  
• Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.
  
• No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms.
  
• No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
  
• Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law.

According to Universal Declaration of Human Rights official website posted by the United Nations (www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/) “The General Assembly of the United Nations called upon all member countries to adopt the declaration and "to cause it to be disseminated, displayed, read and expounded principally in schools and other educational institutions, without distinction based on the political status of countries or territories.”

So get to know your Human Rights!

For a full listing of the thirty stated rights log on to Universal Declaration of Human Rights website; http://www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/ or check out the following website for more information:

Human Rights.com visual aid- http://www.humanrights.com/#/home

Human Rights Watch - http://www.hrw.org/

Help KIND fulfil the basic needs and rights of our underprivileged children in Trinidad & Tobago by Sponsoring a Child to Learn.

Contact us at 868-626-KIND (5463) OR 868-626–NEED (6333)
Or visit us at http://www.kindkids.net/ for more information

Sponsor A Child to Learn Today !

Youth Violence and the Kids In Need of Direction

As the murder toll climbs to 70 murders in 54 days of 2010, crime and violence continues to be a growing concern amongst the Citizens of Trinidad and Tobago. The newspapers alone, can tell you that people are being robbed, assaulted and murdered every day, sometimes for nothing more than a pair of shoes.

Taking a deeper look into the various aspects of these brutal crimes, we observe that the majority of these acts of violence are being performed by young adults between the ages of 15 to 27.

We have to ask ourselves, “Why has Trinidad and Tobago’s youth become so violent?”

There is no question in my mind why these children are becoming more violent and less concerned about consequences. The dysfunction is merely a symptom of the breaking down of family, community and moral standards. Children are responding by how they are socialized.

In today’s poverty stricken families, children are often left to fend for themselves without being provided with the primary needs for health development. Consistent parenting and guidance is necessary especially for children being raised in high risk environments.

Many parents are forced to go to work and leave children at home since they can’t afford the basic necessities to send them to school. Children left alone without supervision become idle and can become negatively influenced by things around them such as gangs.

Due to the common break down of social structure found in many deprived communities, these children also fall victim to various types of abuse. Child abuse is common in such circumstances and can derive from parents and/or family members who themselves abuse drugs, alcohol or other illicit substances or simply lack the education and/or emotional support needed to provide proper parenting.

How do we help these children?

Many parents and their children seek a different way of life but do not know where to start. Most of them have little or no education and some cannot read or write. They need guidance from the ground up, starting with obtaining a proper education as well as emotional and financial support.

Kids In Need of Direction (KIND) is a charitable organization that bases its foundation on providing these basic needs.Underprivileged children and their families are provided with the tools and guidance necessary for progress towards a better life.

For more information on how you can help contact us at 626-KIND (5463) or 626-NEED (6333) or visit our website http://www.kindkids.net/.

Tips for Encouraging Children to Read

Now that we are all aware of some of the many benefits of reading we post the question, “How do you get your child to enjoy reading?”

Parents who start early trying to get their kids to read have greater success of their children being inclined to reading. They are many things that you can do that will promote good reading habits. Here are a few suggestions;

Tips for Encouraging Children to Read Ages 1 - 9

1. Read to your children from the earliest stage possible. Start with books with lots of pictures and graduate to more developed reading. Choose interesting books that have your kids asking to read more
2. Make reading a daily or weekly family tradition, switch to reading “with” them as they learn their letters, guiding them along with positive reinforcement
3. Before exciting episodes in the story ask, “What do you think will happen?” “Where did the monster disappear to?” Children love guessing.
4. Encourage fun reading exercises such as games reading road signs and billboards.
5. Visit libraries. Let you kids choose their own books. Get them their own library card and take them to exchange the books they’ve read for new ones.
6. Set a good example. Read regularly in their presence, this shows them the importance of reading and that it is enjoyable.

Tips for Encouraging your Children to Read Ages 10 - Teenager

1. Give your child the responsibility of reading the grocery list and getting the items for the cart. This not only encourages reading but teaches responsibility.
2. Keep family book readings a tradition; give everyone a chance to read a chapter aloud.
3. Keep book discussions open and fun. If it feels like school, change the approach. Don’t force them if they would rather keep reading rather than discuss.
4. Ask them questions that will encourage them to think, for example “Is this character brave enough to fight?” Get the child to think about the character as described in book.
5. Try role playing with family members assigning every child a character to read. This will teach them about role playing help with visualization of characters.
6. Start a family news paper. Let everyone be involved in its production. You will build precious memories, help your children to develop their creativity, and the newspapers, will always bring tons of fun later, when your kids are grown.

We hope that these suggestions have been helpful in your quest for children who love to read. It’s tough for books and your own imagination to compete with surround sound movies, action packed video games and toys that can do just about anything.

Just keep in mind that you cannot force someone to love reading you can only plant the seed of habitual reading early and let it take its course.

The Importance of Reading

Despite the statistics, the reading literacy rates in Trinidad and Tobago are lower than expected. Today children don’t seem to have much zest or enthusiasm for reading, they are more inclined to TV shows, and action-packed video games.

Maybe tight schedules and busy lives don’t allow us the luxury of spare time needed to enjoy reading or our computerized and electronic world has taken away readings thunder.
The significance of this reading disinterest hit me this morning when I was discussing a school outing to the Logos Foating Library that the kids went on last semester.

Logos Hope, as you may know, is a floating book fair operated by the non-profit organization GBA Ships based in Mosbach, Germany. The ship have travelled all around the world to as many as 158 countries promoting world-wide education, cooperation, aid relief, social awareness and a personal relationship with God.

Amazed by the Logos, I was excitably discussing that I loved to read and how amazing this phenomenal floating library was with its range of affordable books. One of the children responded, “What is so exciting about reading?”
Floored, I thought to myself, “Wow this child does not see the importance and excitement of reading!”

However, I was not too surprised as most of the habits we have formed do not exactly encourage the reading bug to spread.

Here are just a few benefits of reading:

5 Benefits of Reading:
1. Reading is an active mental process: Reading makes you use your brain. In the process you use the grey cells of your brain to think and become smarter.
2. Reading improves your vocabulary: While reading books, especially challenging ones, you are exposed to many new words.
3. Improves concentration and focus: Reading requires you to focus for long periods. Since you must concentrate in order to read, with practise you will get better at concentration.
4. Builds self-esteem: The more you read, the more knowledgeable you become. With more knowledge comes more confidence. More confidence builds self-esteem.
5. Improves creativity: Reading about the diversity of life and exposing yourself to new ideas and information helps to develop the creative side of the brain as it introduces innovation into your thinking process.

These are just a few of the many benefits of regular reading.
Look out for upcoming blogs on reading and literacy and feel free to contact KIND at 626 –KIND(5463) for more information.