Welcome to the 2003 Toddler Topics, a learn-at-home newsletter series for parents of young children. Toddler Topics is created by Penn State Cooperative Extension Family Living Agents.

As a parent of a young child, you may often feel that time is moving slowly, and you may never again have a full night's sleep. Sooner than you think, you will be realizing how quickly these years really have flown by. Make this time count. You and your child will reap the rewards of your efforts.

Sincerely,

Lynn B. Clint
Extension Agent - Family and Consumer Sciences

For more information, contact us at:
Penn State Cooperative Extension in Erie County
850 East Gore Road, Erie, PA 16509-3798
Phone: (814) 825-0900; Fax: (814) 825-4783

SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE
Nancy B. Stevens, Montgomery County

Although it may feel like you are being selfish or irresponsible, taking time for yourself on a regular basis can make you a better parent, spouse, worker - and a happier person as well. When you take time to do something you like, brain chemicals such as serotonin and endorphins are released, triggering feelings of well-being. Increased demands on the job and at home have made managing work and family life increasingly difficult for all.

In her research on dual career couples, Dr. Denise Skinner, professor of Family Studies at the University of Wisconsin, found that there are distinct differences in how men and women use downtime. Men spend their downtime doing what they want and don't worry about it. Women typically use downtime to become more organized. According to Skinner, "Men possess more of a sense of entitlement when it comes to time for themselves whereas women tend to feel guilty if
they take a few hours off from their responsibilities."

How do we break bad habits and move towards a new freer lifestyle? The important thing is to keep working on simplifying your life and finding ways to keep it simple. Try simplifying your work and/or home life with these techniques:

• Set realistic goals; simplify your expectations.
  
  
• Mark one day off your calendar a month to "catch up."
  
  
• Give yourself permission to play; schedule "Joy Breaks" - fun in small doses. Get as good at planning fun as you are now at scheduling work.
  
  
• Blend rewarding work with time for personal refreshment.
  
  
• Schedule a breather. If you live by a calendar, schedule one hour a day to allow some breathing space.
  
  
• "Take five" for yourself. Five minutes away from your work area can have a dramatic effect on your productivity.
  
  

• Schedule time to work on specific projects. Give yourself time to work on these things by scheduling work time in your calendar.

• De-clutter. Divide your desk or room at home into sections. Pick one section and start de-cluttering. Try handling things only once. Use three boxes or bags, marking them: "Keep,"
  "Give Away" and "Toss."

• Delegate. Stop trying to do everything yourself. Let your spouse and children help with family responsibilities.

• Rid yourself of old commitments and goals. Stop to think about everything you're doing or working towards. Does it still fit your life today? If not, stop doing it or get rid of it as a goal.

• Take a "well" day. Enjoy doing what you enjoy the most. Take a one minute speed whine. Find a friend, set a timer and take turns whining about everything you can fit into one minute. If you whine fast enough, you'll end up laughing - the best stress-buster of all.

  For most of us, work is an inescapable reality - It is the way we obtain the physical necessities of life. However, everyone needs to renew, recharge and relax. You don't need to set aside hours to reap the benefits of simplifying - try building little blocks of fun into your day.

  Source: Ohio State University Cooperative Extension.
  

  
  

  "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans." John Lennon

   

  FITNESS AND YOUR CHILD
  Laurie Weinreb-Welch
  Clinton County

  Being physically fit is important for people of all ages. With the increasing popularity of computers, video games and television, today's kids are not getting enough exercise and are not physically fit. It is never too early to get your children interested and participating in physical activity. Parents and caregivers need to get off of the couch and teach our kids to exercise, and have fun doing it. By encouraging your child to exercise and play, you are helping them increase coordination and introducing them to the concept of "team."

  Toddlers use play to explore their surroundings and learn about the world around them. You probably won't get two to three year olds to play organized games such as baseball or soccer, but they thrive on unstructured play. Unstructured play can be activities such as running in the yard or park, swinging, climbing, playing in the sandbox or playing in a pool or lake. Make physical fitness a family affair and play games that entire family can participate in.

   

  ………….................................…………FAMILY FUN………................................………………

   

  Fun with Wood
  Mary Ann K. Oyler, Franklin County

  Let's Talk: The pleasure of working with wood can start early. Beginning with plastic tools helps children learn the names of common tools. With supervision, by the age of three or four, most children can learn how to use some basic hand tools.

  Hammer Away: What child doesn't love to pound? Have young children pound golf tees into solid hunks of packing Styrofoam. Cover the Styrofoam with burlap to contain any small pieces that may chip off.

  Sand Away: Cover a block of wood with sandpaper, and let young children enjoy their sense of touch by sanding pieces of scrap wood. Try this outside to avoid a mess.

  Johnny Works with One Hammer: Have fun singing this woodworking song with your child:

Johnny works with one hammer (pretend to hammer with one fist),
One hammer, one hammer,
Johnny works with one hammer,
Now he works with two (pretend to hammer with two fists).

Continue with . . .

Three hammers (use two fists, one foot)
Four hammers (use two fists, two feet)
Five hammers (use two fists, two feet, nod head)
Then he goes to sleep. (Close eyes, put head on folded hands.)

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TEMPERAMENT TRAITS . . . NOW WHAT?
(Third in a Six-Part Series)
Denise Continenza, Lehigh County

Does your child react strongly to situations? Do his emotions run either very hot or very cold? A child who exhibits strong reactions and responses would be described as having high intensity on the temperament rating scale for that trait. How do you manage a child who is guaranteed to blow when given a limit or who is likely to "fly off the handle" when someone makes him angry?

The big word for parents of emotionally strong children is "anticipate." If you know that your child has strong emotions, know that he will be very upset at not being able to play with the neighbors today. The second biggest word for parents is "plan." Adults almost have to rehearse what they will say before they approach the child. Using phrases like, "I know you are going to be upset," validates the child's feelings, making him feel that frustration and anger are OK. The gentle approach helps him to control his emotions. Sometimes it is necessary to set boundaries with intense children in regard to how they express their emotions. Children with intense emotions are often not able to see that other options exist for them. A parent might say, "You can't play with the neighbors today, but here are two other things you can pick from." This helps children to see that there is another way to do something.

It is especially important for adults who also have intense personalities to plan and practice their approaches to children. People with a high level of intensity are usually passionate about what they believe in. They tend to be sensitive and advocate for what they feel is right. Channeled appropriately, intensity is what leaders are made of!

GET MILK!
Denise A. Talko, MS, RD, Bucks County

Only 13% of boys and girls ages 12 to 19 are getting their recommended intake of calcium. Though the early teenage years may seem like a long time off, helping your children to make healthful food and beverage selections starts now. Offering other beverages such as juice, sodas or other sweetened drinks at meals, and your child may miss a good opportunity to drink milk. Milk is an excellent source of calcium and is easy to prepare. Just pour it out. Milk is now offered in a variety of flavors, sizes and containers.

This publication is available in alternative media on request.

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