Let's talk about - Speech Therapy...Next steps

Speech therapy. It is a hot topic among today's parents, with both schools and pediatricians highlighting the need for early intervention of anything that interferes with a child's ability to learn and communicate.

In our last post, we discussed how you might discover whether you should be concerned about your child's speaking ability, as well as some stories from local parents who have addressed those concerns. In this post, we take on the next steps...how to get a proper diagnosis and what speech therapy will look like.

Ashley Miller, an Edmond mom and nationally certified speech-language pathologist who works with children in our area, emphasized, "Early intervention is the absolute key!" She said if you have any concerns about how your child is functioning in four areas - articulation, expressive and/or receptive language, fluency, or voice (see previous post for descriptions) - there are free resources to address concerns.

"For children ages 0-3, SoonerStart evaluations are available free of charge through state and federal funding. SoonerStart evaluations include assessment across all areas of functioning. For children ages 3-21, your local school district is responsible for assisting families with concerns." Miller recommends that you contact your local school building or district’s ChildFind office to talk to someone about screenings and/or evaluations. She also says discussing these concerns with your pediatrician is important. She encouraged those looking for more information regarding typical development and identification of communication disorders to visit identifythesigns.org.

For Edmond mom Julie Butler, the process was pretty straightforward. "Our pediatrician recommended the place where we are. I called them and set up an evaluation. It lasted an hour and the therapist spoke with me afterwards about the findings and her recommendations." At that point, the Butlers and the therapist set goals that are reviewed every 6 months and adjusted accordingly.

For Jessica Toman, a mom of two young children who take speech therapy at Can Do Kids in Edmond, the process was a little more complicated. "For my daughter we learned that the school system would test her, but not until she was 3. Three was the magic age where we could get a hearing test at the doctor also." She mentioned that some libraries set up testing dates during the summer, but they were out of town at the time. Toman did have her daughter tested that fall at the 3-year mark, and the doctor referred them to Can Do Kids. "We have had a wonderful experience there...my daughter and son were given an hour-long test to determine their needs, and next a request was made to the insurance company to say speech would benefit my child." A plan was set up and Toman's daughter went a year for two weekly appointments, which has since dropped down to once a week.

For both mothers, speech therapy has been an interesting experience, one that has challenged their expectations of the process. According to Butler--

"Since my daughter's issues were not as much speech related as language related, I wasn't sure what good 'speech' would do her. But I have very been surprised at what they cover and work on. She is given gym time to help her socialization skills and they incorporate technology and play to help her achieve her set goals. The therapist always visits with me after a session to tell me what they worked on and how my daughter did. I ask questions on how we can work on things at home and tell her what issues we are seeing that we would like addressed."

Toman has also been pleasantly surprised. "I went to speech a couple years during grade school.  It was a little different than my experience. They [the kids] are younger and don’t just go over flash cards. They utilize a small gym, play games, use the iPad, and other activities to involve the kids in communication and pronunciation."

Stay tuned next week as we discuss speech therapy expectations and outcomes!

Fall into FUN - Getting happy/spooky at Storybook Forest

Well, the Olaf costume came just yesterday, and my two-year-old son is pretty pumped - to look at it. No worries, I'm sure he'll be ready for it's cuddly warmth when Storybook Forest opens on October 23.

Fingers crossed the weather will cooperate.

Anyway, my little guy is trying to figure out this Halloween thingy, so his older sister now has him doing the craziest thing. First he says "Happy" with a bright smile, followed by "Spooky" in an obligatory deep voice and complimented by wide eyes. (Update...we discovered they learned this from an episode of Team Umizoomi).

It's so very funny. And it reminds me of exactly what Storybook Forest feels like to me. First off, there's nothing like driving up to Lake Arcadia, parking, and breathing in the smell of campfire as people roast marshmallows and sit on hay bales. This is all before you get in line for the main event - the "forest." You enter under a sign that says, "Once Upon a Time," which sets you on a wooded path.

Lake Arcadia at dusk, right before heading into Storybook Forest!

Spooky!

Once on the path, you begin a journey through nursery rhymes and fairy tales. One of the first things you'll see is Rapunzel letting down her hair and throwing candy at you.

Happy!

Of course, as you wind through the fairy tales, your child receives more candy at each one. (BTW, don't forget your trick or treat buckets! I've learned my lesson the hard way, with coat pockets stuffed to the brim with melting chocolate!) You may find some of the setups a little disturbing, but nothing too scary for the kids - Snow White, the three little pigs, and Hansel and Gretel's witch, to name a few.

Spooky!

At the end of the trail, one finally arrives at the hayride (get there early, as the line gets long) and carnival type games that bring back those fall festivals my school used to have. Little prizes can be added to your child's candy stash, and your little one will go home with the scent of autumn in their spirit and their hair (I means, seriously, that campfire smell really sticks around!).

Happy!

So check it out, and if you haven't already, check out last week's post on the Parkhurst Pumpkin Patch. Because autumn comes 'round only once a year, and if you blink, you'll miss it.

Spooky!

It's time for a parent time out - Pamper youself (Go on, now. Just do it!)

I used to be pretty awesome at taking care of myself. My hair was cut on a regular basis, I shopped frequently to have the right "look," and when I needed a girls' night, I gosh darn put one of those things together.

You know the next line in my story: "And then I had kids..."

I will give you Oklahoma girls some credit. When I show up to  the elementary school, I very often appear as though I just stepped out of a wind tunnel and/or got dressed in the dark. On the other hand, perfectly coifed moms, headed to the office or not, surround me, and I shrink into my fluorescent tennis shoes and chant in my head, "Don't see me. Don't see me."

But my rushed mornings aside, I realize that, as a parent, many of us can get caught up in letting ourselves fade into the background. This doesn't just mean style alludes our neglected wardrobes, but also that our spirits and bodies get sacrificed on the alter of supreme parenthood. And it is so cool that we're so dedicated. Yes, patting myself on the back right now. But keeping with the theme for this month, I want to ask this: does neglecting yourself necessarily make you the best parent?

The verdict of the experts has been a resounding "no." In this blog series, we've already talked about relaxation and physical activity as items that are essential to a good parent's toolbox. But what about going that extra step? What about pampering yourself, just every so often? And if you did that, what would it look like?

Here are a few examples:

Hobbies: I enjoy running, and I'll admit it's easier to fit in than other hobbies. My other hobby is playing the piano, but it always seems to get pushed to the back of my schedule. Some of you may enjoy a round of golf, or maybe even joining a hobbyist group, like one that focuses on a craft. It's important for our children to see us making time to do things that relax us (beyond zoning out in front of the television). Why? Because monkey see, monkey do.

Personal time: One thing my husband and I enjoy is the quiet time we have between putting the kids down and going to bed ourselves. That time can be used for just about anything (I try to stay away from social media during that period, which can sometimes up my anxiety levels). Whether you like journaling, reading, or doing devotions, it's important to find a time of day that is uniquely yours. If you don't currently have that, see where it might naturally fit in your schedule.

Support: Whether it's a Bible study group or the aforementioned group of hobbyists, meeting with others outside your family to pursue similar interests can be refreshing. Whether this is a weekly meet up, or you simply put together a girls or boys' night out, socialization with other parents is its own form of pampering yourself.

Shopping: This is one you have to take in stride. Mismanaging money or overspending can certainly lead to more stress, so make sure you know your limit before you head out to shop. But treating yourself every once in a while to a new piece of clothing or long-awaited electronic device reminds you and your family that all that hard-earned money doesn't just go to those kiddos (and it's good for them to realize that too).

Lookin' and feelin' good: A day at the spa? A massage? Maybe it's not an every week type of thing, (or maybe not even every month), but every once is a while, it's good to have someone take care of you, even if that's just spending thirty minutes getting a haircut.

Because what it comes down to is this: taking care of yourself is not selfish. It shows your kids that you value yourself, and that gives them a model for valuing themselves. Obviously, we have to balance the behavior of taking care of ourselves with other behaviors that show we care about others, but neglecting yourself doesn't have to be the name of the parenting game.

Well, that wraps up our series on taking a "parent time out." Next month we head into local fall activities that will get you in the spirit of the autumn season. So stay tuned!

From the mouths of parents...party frustrations

Most of us have recently attended or thrown a party for a child under ten. And I'm certain most of us realize that kids in the first decade of life are not known for quiet conduct. And that's understandable. We get that. It's what makes a kid a kid.

But then, put a little cake, juice, and the promise of new toys in the mix, and kids can get downright rowdy. I have been assaulted with foam swords, socked in the head with a bean bag, and doused with fruit juice, all in the name of celebrating someone's birthday.

Yes, whether you're hosting or a guest, those birthday parties are often just something to survive.

Then again, there's no reason not to put the breaks on bad behavior or emphasize good party manners. And maybe, just maybe, your kids will learn how to have fun while keeping their head.

Good manners should start before you decorate. One of the rules I found from a great article on PBS Parents discusses showing good party behavior from the start, and this includes protecting other kids' feelings while handing out invitations. You don't have to invite everyone (you shouldn't, really, as an out-of-control party isn't fun for anyone), but don't hand out invitations at school. Also remind your child not to discuss the party there either. And if your child happens to dole out an impulse invitation, follow through. Promises made should be promises kept.

Don't let you kid be "that guy." Whether you are attending the party with your child or not, emphasizing good manners is imperative to helping your child stay on the "nice" list. Parents who answered my non-scientific survey about party manners responded that they were irritated by kids who tried to eat the cake early, open the birthday child's presents, or invade spaces that were not designated for the guests. Also, remember to RSVP and check with the party host before bringing a sibling, because these were other factors that greatly annoyed party givers. And finally, if it is the type of party where you drop your kid off, go inside to meet the parents and give them your cell phone number. This is not only polite, it is a safety measure as well.

Be a gracious host. I cannot tell you how many times I've been to a baby or bridal shower where the person opening the gift failed to comment on my card or gift, quickly moving through the gifts as if opening them were a race. After spending time (usually with two whiny preschoolers in tow) to pick out something special, I would be so grateful for a brief comment about whether the person liked (hopefully!) the gift or not. So, teach your children to be gracious. If they are too little to express gratitude, then it is up to you to do it for each gift opened. But a four or five-year-old, with a little on-the-spot prompting, should be able to do it, and older children can probably remember from instructions received from you before the party. Then again, maybe you will decide to skip gift opening all together. In this case, a personally written thank you note is especially important. A note should be sent regardless, but mentioning each particular gift is more critical if guests didn't get the opportunity to see your child appreciate their contribution. Overkill? Never. If God loves a cheerful giver, parents love a cheerful receiver!

All right, I've preached enough. Time to follow my own advice and whip those young ones into shape. Because, as I've mentioned already this month, manners are important--both in the moment and for the future success of your child!

From the mouths of parents...playdate peeves

This month I'm taking on the high interest/somewhat emotional topic of kids behaving badly at other people's homes. I surveyed over twenty parents concerning playdate, birthday party, and sleepover behavior and really wasn't all that surprised by what got tempers ticking!

Here's the list of the top four pet peeves at playdates...

1. Parents ignoring bad behavior. Hosting parents were frustrated not so much by the bad behavior itself (hey, every kid is going to have a nuclear meltdown at some point!) as much as they were irritated by a parent overlooking a child's bad behavior. And this goes for all ages of children. One mom said her pet peeve is when a mom "lets her child, who is younger than my child, just take a toy from mine because her child is younger, without correcting the child to share and ask for a turn." Moral of the story? It's never too early to teach proper behavior, or to call your child out if he or she isn't using good manners. 

2. Disrespecting property. Parents mentioned that disrespecting the host family's property (or even pets) was a big problem. One mom wrote on her survey, "My biggest pet peeve is having a child over that is a little more 'wild' than others, and the parent doesn't pay attention to what that child is doing or how that child is treating other children. Then I am stuck feeling like I have to watch the child the entire time instead of socializing with the other parents." And that's not fun for anyone.

3. Improper manners. Calling a mom only by her first name. Not asking permission to enter closed-off rooms. Forgetting to say "please" or "thank you." These were all things that did not impress parents. Simple manners make big impressions, so don't overlook teaching your children how to show the respect that other adults (and kids) deserve.

4. Neglecting to help pick up. "It's easy to let your kids play up until the last minute when you need to leave and there is no time for cleaning up, but people will be much more willing to host again if their house isn't in shambles when the party leaves!" one mom claimed. And she wasn't alone. Most parents agreed that guests who helped picked up would be more welcome to come over again.

So, in an effort to help you (and me) avoid becoming persona non grata at playdates, I located a very helpful article on Carolina Parent that dealt with common playdate behavior problems. The best part of the article is its list of books that can help prepare a child for a playdate, as well as their list of the top social skills for those ages 2 through 5. These include the following:

- Introductions
- Sharing
- Cleaning up
- Saying "Please" and "Thank you"

 I quickly drew a line from these social skills to the frustrations mentioned by the parents in my survey.The article also urged parents to help kids practice these manners at home. See more here.

At the end of the day, I think it's important to remember two things. First of all, manners are not only for the benefit of the person you visit, but manners are also something your child will need to lead a successful life. Second, our children's manners are an extension of our own consideration for other people, so if you don't care how your child treats other people or their property, it unfortunately shows the same carelessness in you.

And a little goes a long way. Parents mentioned time and again that it was just a single good behavior that shaped their impression of a child. Good manners leaves a good feeling, and that leads to a gathering where everyone wins!

Food allergies...what's ahead

Over the past few weeks, I've been sharing information from other Edmond parents about their experiences with handling their children's food allergies. What I heard time and again was that parents are doing the best they can, but all wish (and hope) the food allergy would go away for their children.

The parents didn't complain about extra work or inconveniences to them. No, none of them minded caring for a child with a food allergy and ensuring his or her safety. The frustration with food allergies comes from the stigma parents believe it creates for their child.

Because of this, several parents were looking toward strides made in food allergy research. Carly Harris, an Edmond mom with a young son suffering from milk, egg, and peanut allergies, hopes her son will outgrow his allergies (and there's hope that he might, at least for the milk and egg allergies). However, she also anticipates strides in food allergy research may lead to better treatment. "I have heard that there is a program offered by local allergy doctors where they can challenge the allergens and eventually make the children build up a tolerance to the foods," Harris says. "I am very hopeful to look into this."

And her hopes are not off base. Dr. Tim Trojan of the Oklahoma Institute of Allergy and Asthma says that treatment has become available (as well as more accepted) that exposes children to small amounts of the allergen, creating a tolerance to it over time. "This may be a treatment to pursue," says Dr. Trojan, "if the allergy is creating a very negative impact on a person's quality of life."

However, he warns, having an "EpiPen" (epinephrine) on hand is imperative, as those who have been exposed to any allergen are at greater risk for an allergic reaction (see symptoms here).

News about research on food allergy treatment can be found on the website for Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE). Currently, the only method known for preventing a reaction is avoiding the food to which the child is allergic. The organization's treatment page also lists medications used for treating reactions. The treatment Harris mentioned, immunotherapy (also known as "allergy shots"), is experimental at the moment, but it has been known to be effective. More information can be found on the website for the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. 

If you are ready to get more aggressive about tackling a food allergy, Dr. Trojan strongly suggests getting a recommendation for a board certified allergist from your child's pediatrician (you can also search for one here). A doctor who specializes in food allergies should be up to date on what treatments are available and also what is appropriate for your child.

Well, that's all for this week. Check back next week when we take a lighter approach to food allergies and post some links to recipes that tackle cooking with missing ingredients!

From the frontline...Edmond parents share their food allergy struggles

This month, I've taken on the subject of food allergies in kids. So far, we've covered how these allergies make themselves known and how you as a parent can go about getting a proper diagnosis for your child. It's a frustrating, emotional battle, as I discovered while interviewing several parents who face these allergies on a daily basis.
 
So, if you or someone you know is facing the challenge of their child's food allergy, here are some others on the front line, parents taking on this diagnosis one day at a time...
 
Discovery...

Edmond mom Linda Fry learned her daughter had a food allergy when her daughter was five years old. "She went outside to feed squirrels some walnuts, and when she came back in, her face and hands were swollen twice their normal size. Her eyes were almost swollen shut." A visit to the doctor confirmed a nut allergy.
 
Two other Edmond moms, Carly Harris and Rachel Ambruso, both discovered their sons' food allergies before the boys turned a year old. Both mothers had breastfed, and it was only at the introduction of outside food when the truth was discovered.
 
Harris' son, a twin, was nursed for six months. "Though I consumed dairy," Harris explained, "he never had a problem vomiting until we started trying to feed him things directly such as cheese and yogurt. I remember feeding him yogurt and his face got so red and swollen that his eyes were almost shut." Skin prick tests done by a doctor confirmed a dairy allergy, as well as allergies to peanuts and eggs.
 
Ambruso's experience was similar. After her eight-month-old son started losing weight on a diet of breast milk and baby food, the pediatrician suggested supplementing with formula. "We tried it that evening.  Having been exclusively breastfed, the bottle only touched his lips, and he refused to open his mouth for it.  At the same time, my husband gave him a bite of his peach yogurt.  Within a minute, his face started breaking out and just kept getting worse and worse." They had difficulty getting in to see an allergist due to their son's young age, but when he was finally seen at 13 months, the results of the skin test were extensive, with confirmation of allergies to milk, bananas, nuts, and eggs.
 
 
Managing the allergy...
 
All three parents named food avoidance as the number one strategy for avoiding allergic reactions and managing the food allergy(ies) successfully.

For Fry, the best course of action is being aware. "We’ve learned to avoid foods that we know cause allergic reactions. We’re very careful when trying new things and make sure the school knows about my daughter's allergies." She also mentioned that she checks at parties on food's ingredients.

Harris echoed this method. "To manage my son's food allergies, I have to modify foods. He will actually eat macaroni plain (without the cheese packet, milk, or butter). Several pizza places will make a cheese-less pizza. Often, we just avoid giving certain things to him and check ingredient labels."

Ambruso also uses food avoidance to manage her son's allergies, saying, "We have found all kinds of alternative foods that resemble 'the real thing.'  We started giving him Organic Soy to drink (once he stopped nursing), and we are now switching him to coconut milk." In addition, she reads the food label every time she purchases a product, because ingredients can change, and she keeps Benadryl and an epinephrine on hand for emergencies.

The impact of allergies...

All three moms said the worst part of their child having food allergies is being the odd-man out at so many events. As parents, they hate having their child left out or unable to enjoy family or cultural traditions. Also, a parent may have to take on the outcast role too. Sometimes, "There is the feeling that you are being picky or a nuisance," adds Harris.

Ambruso is worried about her son's change from a mother's day out program to regular school, where there will be less opportunity to help control what he's exposed to. She hopes her son will outgrow his allergies, and that hope has been strengthened by words from her doctor. "His allergist said there is an 80 percent chance he will outgrow the egg and dairy allergy by the age of 5." However, "The chances of outgrowing the peanut and tree nut allergies aren't nearly as high, and his allergist said he could possibly have them for life."

Harris also hopes her son will outgrow his allergies, but on the same note, she's excited about strides in food allergy research. "I have heard that there is a program offered by local allergy doctors where they can challenge the allergens and eventually make the children build up a tolerance to the foods. I am very hopeful to look into this."

Fry tries to stay positive as well, but in the short term, she knows the battle is up to them. "The best thing we can do is be knowledgeable about the allergies and take precautions."

Check back next week as we talk about those new strides in food allergies, and who you can speak with in Edmond about the latest treatments.

 
 

Send in the cavalry! Home organization professionals to the rescue...

The past few weeks, I've been dabbling in home organization. I have taken on this task for two reasons--in the interest of spring cleaning, of course, and also to pass along information that I think can help a home organization amateur (like myself) begin the complicated task of getting control of those closets and cabinets.


But a few weeks into this, and I'll admit I haven't made it too far. That's because life (work, kids, commitment, stuff) gets in the way.


And that's why I asked my team of Edmond home organization professionals why someone like me might finally take a plunge and bring in the big guns (i.e., hire a professional).


Here's what they had to say...


Amber Austin, of Dwelling Place Organizing said, "The most common thing I hear from clients about the benefit of working with a professional organizer is preventing panic halfway through the process. In many projects, there is a point where you drag everything out and 'it gets worse before it gets better.' Having an expert right there, helping you stay focused and moving toward your goals, can save you valuable time and money."

Becky Marple of Bee Neat Professional Organizing added this, "A professional organizer can be of great service to an individual who is dealing with a major life change such as a move, addition of a baby or elderly family member to the home, a death of a loved one, or a transition into an assisted living center. These can be extremely stressful and, often times, debilitating to an individual. Having a professional there to help encourage and guide the client is often just what a person needs."

In addition, Marple mentioned that working on your own makes it too easy to justify holding onto things, and working with a family member can still be too personal. Having an objective person there to help you can often result in the most successful outcome. 

Amy Bolder of Simplicity Professional Organizing agreed, adding, "A seasoned organizer is able to plan and deal with emotions and roadblocks that often arise when clients are faced with tough decisions that they might typically just ignore or give up on if an organizer was not present to walk them through it. Dealing with these emotions and decisions is often easier to do with a professional than with a friend, who might not be able to look past the stuff and why the person is stuck within it. "

Finally, Bolder gave this advice for hiring professional organizers...

• Talk to them and find out how long they have been working with clients.
• Ask what their specialty areas are (and what they do or don't do, such as doing only inside work, etc.).  
• Ask to see some photos of previous projects and always ask for references.  A previous client can shed light on the process and help an individual know if a particular organizer is right for them.  

Sounds like a plan. Now, I only have to decide whether I have the courage to let someone see what a mess I am.

We'll see.

Digging in...your "can do" plan for home organization this spring

Well, I knew I was in for some guilt when I started the topic of home organization this month. My closets? Ugh. My kitchen cabinets? Double ugh. The house in general? It looks nice if you don't open anything or look under tables and chairs.


But since I've been having to go on search-and-rescue expeditions lately--you know, for missing socks, toys, favorite teddy bears, favorite purses, kitchen spatulas, etc., etc.--I thought it might be time to find out what this "home organization" business is all about, and why I might be interested in getting down and dirty with a labeler, a container, and my closet.


Shiver.


Well, I had the pleasure of speaking with not one, but three local professionals to get an idea of how one might start a home organization project and why it might be worth it. So check it out. Here are several ways to self-start your inner organizer.


Pick a zone. "Feeling overwhelmed is the most common reason I hear from clients as to why they haven't started the task at hand,” said Amy Bolder, owner of Simplicity Professional Organizing. She said settling on a place to start is a great first step. But instead of breaking your home organization into a series of mini projects, a person should think about home organization as one project and plan simple steps to reach that end goal.

“See the zone as a big artist pallet and remember the picture is created one stroke at a time, color by color, until completion,” she told me.


Make a plan. Like any well thought out project, home organization should start with a well-ordered list. Here's a great one from Becky Marple, owner of Bee Neat Professional Organizing:

1. Write down everything you would like to tackle.

2. Decide on which project you will start on. (Similar to "Pick a zone" above.)

3. Schedule an appointment with yourself! (Put it in your calendar, arrange childcare, etc.)

4. Start early in the day, turn on your favorite music, and only--ONLY--concentrate on that one task for the day. Do not allow yourself to be pulled into another room!
Hmmm, good to know. That would save me from ending up in the kitchen when I'm supposed to be working on the closet, tackling the "Leaning Tower of Tupperware" for the fiftieth time...


Finally,


Choose wisely. Amber Austin of Dwelling Place Organizing recommends starting small and/or choosing a "difference maker." She says that a person should "choose an area to tackle that will get you off on the right foot and motivate you to keep going." She said it should be fairly small with defined boundaries, such as an entry closet, dresser, or even a neglected corner of the master bedroom. Or you can choose a "difference maker,"  which is the room in your house causing you the most stress.


Why go to the trouble of organizing? Well, at the end of the day, all three women asserted that we have more time to do the things we want to do when we don’t spend time hunting for things and buying things we already have. Being organized gives us more time for our relationships, more time to be healthy, and more time to be the type of parents we want to be.


Stay tuned next week for some quick tips on that kitchen and closet!

Home organization...make a fresh start this spring (cleaning)

My home is generally acceptable. It is not overly messy; it is not overly perfect (is there such a thing?). It is not particularly dirty, nor would I eat a meal off its floors.

I can find most of the things I need. Generally. I mean, it takes me a normal amount of time to dig through the clutter.

Okay, okay. So I could be a little more organized.

And it's this time of year, when I'm putting sweaters away (or, at least dreaming about it--what is with this winter?), that I think, "Gosh golly, I'd sure like to walk into my kitchen/closet/etc. and find exactly what I need." I'd like my Tupperware not to explode out of the cabinet when I open it, or not to find a shirt three years later tucked behind all those other shirts. I'd like to spend less time searching for my black pumps and looking through the pantry for the sugar.

That would be so, so great.

Well, here's the thing. Those things are completely possible...I just need a little "home organization" in my life.

In the spirit of spring cleaning (and the hope for warmer weather in which to accomplish it), I am going to ask some local professionals to help you and me answer our questions about getting started on home organization. I'm also hoping to dig up some simple tips to jumpstart the process and learn what kind of services can help us if we end up in a pile of mismatched socks and have to send out a SOS signal (as in, "save our sanity"). Three local businesses, including BeeNeat Professional Organizing, Dwelling Place Organizing, and Simplicity Professional Organizing, have agreed to weigh in.

Home organization and why it's important...on March 13, I will be doling out tips (via my professionals) on how to even contemplate the process of getting your house under organizational control and how it can help with stress and time management. Hopefully, just beginning the process will wet your appetite for more, which means, by summer, we will all have bins of clothes numbered and labeled by season. Right? Well, one can dream...

Quick tips...on March 20, I will give you a few quick and dirty tips for several problem areas in your home, including the kitchen, bathroom, and the closet. A little scary to think I might have to take on the five-year-old makeup in the back of the bathroom cabinet. Or the overfilled "party" cabinet in the kitchen. Or that pile of clothes that I've been trying to fit back into for the past three years. Sigh.

The benefit of professionals...and finally, on March 27, when you and I have both decided to throw in the towel (or the twenty that sit on the shelf of my linen closet), I will feature the many awesome ways that a professional home organizer can come in and take charge, giving you and your exhausted cabinets a much needed break.

So make sure to check in regularly. (You can also follow on facebook.) Because when the summer comes, I want to be ready to relax. You know, as much as us parents can!

Solving the energy crisis - Finding the right sport for your munchkin!

Have you ever witnessed a toddler trying to complete a forward somersault? Or a cartwheel? Have you ever watched a herd of little people chase a soccer ball, or seen a kid smack a plastic bat into a baseball tee?


Oh yeah, it's pretty funny.


These days we have the opportunity to see kids try their hands at sports earlier than ever, with many programs opening up to children as early as 18 months of age. For a parent who's still trying to get rid of bottles, pacifiers, and the high chair, the thought of starting a child in sports may be the last thing on your mind. However, with winter keeping those hyper kids cooped up, you may have also decided it's time for an energy outlet.


In the spirit of the Winter Olympics, and our society's crazy obsession with all things "athlete," I decided to lean on some local experts to discover which sports are suitable for the youngest of children, and why a parent might be persuaded to pay the cost of getting junior in a program that  just organizes activities a kid does already. What I found is that Edmond has a lot to offer on the small fry scale, and that parents who start their children early in sports have nothing to be ashamed of.


Gymnastics. If your looking for a strong foundation of flexibility, coordination, and strength, gymnastics is a great start. Enter Edmond's Oklahoma Gold Gymnastics, owned by Steve Hoehner. Their toddler gym looks so fun, I'd like to play in it. "We help kids learn the fundamentals without them knowing it," said Hoehner, who added that sports programs for kids 5 and under should focus on having fun while learning. He said he designed a curriculum at Oklahoma Gold for kids 18 months to 5 years of age that emphasizes developing motor skills while having a great time.


Ice Skating. Another sport that develops flexibility and coordination, as well as muscles that support bilateral motion, is ice skating (popular now for obvious reasons--you know, the Olympics and all!). Although kids generally start this a little later (ages 3 to 4), Jackie Brenner, Director of Figure Skating at Arctic Edge in Edmond, says that the earlier kids start, the more comfortable they are and the easier it is, as their center of gravity is lower. She also emphasized that programs for young ages should build foundations while a child is having fun (by the way, I heard that word--fun--a lot).


Soccer. Another sport that emphasizes early coordination is soccer. In addition, the sport also concentrates on learning teamwork, which helps with social skills, says Yolanda Thomas, Lil Kickers Program Director at SoccerCity, an indoor facility in northwest Oklahoma City. "We start children in the program as early as 18 months, and focus quite a bit on balance and coordination, all in a fun-filled environment." Thomas adds that in the parent-and-me classes (for children 18 months to 3 years), parents will not only expend energy (like their kiddos), but will also find that they get to enjoy playing with their children as well.


T-Ball/Basketball/Flag football. Finally, kids can benefit from sports such at T-ball from age 3, basketball from age 4, and flag football from age 5 at the Edmond's YMCA. These types of sports help children develop relationships with other kids as well as a healthy understanding of competition as they continue through the program. Again, it's all about letting kids have fun while they discover these sports, says Chris Berry, Associate Executive at the Edmond YMCA.


And of course, swimming. According to Infant Swimming Resource, the best way to keep children safe from drowning is training them to handle themselves in the water. Several facilities, including the YMCA and The Key Health Institute of Edmond, offer swimming lessons, and even if a child never continues with the sport, he or she will have a lifetime of confidence and safety with the knowledge of swimming. And it is an activity people can do their whole lives.


I'm sure there are more sports out there for little ones, but the programs I did find and the people I talked to who run them certainly convinced me that Edmond has plenty to offer in the way of positive early athletic programs. So don't be counting any gold medals or college scholarships yet, but do get those kiddies active.  Because that's a habit they can keep for a lifetime.

It's the Olympics! Cue the music...and remember your kid is just that--a kid!

The other day, I experienced my first round of silly parent competitiveness. My preschool daughter's gymnastics class was divided in half. Half went up; half went down. When my daughter didn't move up at first, that little voice inside me went, "Whaaaa?" But then my toddler son began attacking the soda machine, and I had to put my outrage aside while tiny hands were extracted from the dispenser.

And by the time I managed that, I remembered something.

That's right. My daughter is a little girl. Not Gabby Douglas. Not Shannon Miller. Just a little girl having so much fun, that no big bad mama in yoga pants needed to come ruin it.

This is an easy time to get caught up in the competitive nature of sports. Not only did we just have another Super Bowl (Hello? Broncos? Was anyone home? Where did my team go?), but the opening ceremonies, gold medals, and thrill of competition are right in our faces with the Winter Olympics. And it's awesome to cheer for the home team. It totally, totally is.

As long as we keep competition where it should be.

When it comes to our kids, healthy competition can be a good thing. But too much of a good thing is no longer a good thing, and when those kids are itty bitty, your best intentions can lead to frustration, inactivity, and just plain no fun. In light of that revelation, I decided to take on several topics for this month, ones that hit home with a former competitor like myself.

What are the best sports for little kids? I sought out several local experts in different sports disciplines for this one, and I'm just going to tell you that it doesn't take much beside a great attitude and an emphasis on learning while having FUN for your kid to get psyched about sports. Some sports are difficult to play at ages 3 and 4 (think football and volleyball), but others are just a step up from what kids love to do anyway (think gymnastics and soccer). See more on this topic February 13.

Pushing your kids--how much is too much? My attitude mentioned above was a surprise to me. I've always thought I'd be such a good parent when it came to my kids doing sports, simply because I used to skate competitively as well as coach, and I know how crazy parents can be. Little did I know how hard it is too tame that mama bear, and how deciding what's best for your kid and deciding what's best for her sports career are two vastly different things. See more on this February 20.

Preventing injury--how can you be an aware parent? Overuse can be the leading cause of injury in so many sports, simply because we live in a society where more seems to be better. Tuning this philosophy out isn't always easy, but it can be critical for the health and mental well-being of your child. So keeping your finger on your child's physical and mental health, especially when participating in sports, is not only helpful, but crucial to your role as a parent. More on this February 27.

So I hope you tune in this month, especially if you want to be the type of parent who helps your kid not only succeed in sports, but also enjoy them. Because at the end of the day, if your kids are headed for the big time, they ought to be able to do it with a smile on their faces.

This Christmas - Three favorite films with hidden messages

Yes, I'll admit it. I have a problem.
 
I am a Christmas movie-aholic.
 
Give me a little Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer or Frosty the Snowman, and you'll find me teary before you finish singing "So he waved goodbye, saying don't you cry, I'll be back again someday." Classic.
 
But I've got some new favorite Christmas fare, now that I'm a grownup and have learned that the holiday season should be dealt with a degree of humor, if you're going to deal with it at all. So thanks to the talents of Chevy Chase, Macaulay Culkin, and Peter Billingsley (better known as "Ralphie"), I follow up a round of Frosty with cheerful thoughts of 250 strands of lights.
 
If you don't know what the heck I'm talking about, then you need to get your TV watching on this Christmas. Because these three classic holiday movies not only will have you giggling to the tune of "Jingle Bells," but will also bring up some holiday matters of importance.
 
Home Alone - and the cold hard facts about home security. When the mice are away, the cats will play. Or something like that. Anyway, watch the first few minutes of this movie, and even the humor won't shake away those creepy vibes from the soon-to-be villains. The takeaway lesson from this gem is this: when you're leaving your home during the holidays, get serious about security (unless you really have enough toy cars, pointy ornaments, and a tarantula to effectively defend your home, like Kevin does).
 
And be smart! Lewis Long, Vice President of Marking Communications at ADT, says this: "Be careful about what you post on social media if you are travelling for the holidays.  Burglars can use posts on Twitter or Facebook to determine when you’ll be away."
 
A Christmas Story - and the hunt for the perfect toy. My husband had to coerce me into watching this movie all the way through, and even though I threated one episode of Downtown Abbey in return, I had to admit this movie has plenty to like. Also, it reminded me that finding the perfect toy for any kid is not only a challenge, but a task that might take a little outside-the-box thinking.
 
Kids change so fast. I mean, hey, they're kids. But according to Becky Scharf, Director of Stepping Stone Mother's Day Out and Edmond mom of four young children, you can succeed with a little effort. "When selecting a toy for a friend or family member, I try to pick something that is not going to add too much clutter or noise to their house! I also like to pick toys that they won't quickly outgrow and that can be used in different ways or foster imagination and grow with the child."
 
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation - and finally, what to do with the family member from well, you know... You can't pick your family. You get what you get. But that doesn't always mean you like them all that much. (BTW, I love all of mine...wink, wink.) However, the holidays are the time of year when we are often thrown together with the good, the bad, and sometimes the ugly. Maybe you don't have a cousin "Eddie"; then again, you just might. 
 
What to do with an especially difficult person, who may be staying with you for a few hours or even days? Jackie Shaw, a licensed therapist and Executive Director of Edmond Family Counseling, suggests the following: "Make sure you have realistic expectations and a support system for yourself, both inside and outside of YOU!  When the difficult relative lashes out at you, remember that it is not the you in the present he/she is talking to or about. If you can manage to not take the barrage personally, you rise above it and are immune."

 

Words that have me singing a little more fa-la-la-la-la for sure.

And check out next week's blog for more on holiday security:)

Giving Thanks Part II - Giving to yourself (and your community) by patronizing local business

I don't know if you've driven down Broadway lately, but there's something about living in a town with such a vibrant array of small businesses. Not many cities have a bustling "old town" charm anymore, and Edmond, with all its growth and amenities, offers up the new while still giving residents a taste of the old.

But did you know that where you spend your money has a direct impact on this town? Most cities, like Edmond, depend on sales tax dollars to provide many, if not most, of their services, including public safety (police and fire), business development, and parks and city-wide events, as well as other critical services.

Toni Weinmeister, Associate Director of the Edmond Economic Development Authority, says that shopping in Edmond is a direct act of giving back to your community, because your dollars help fund the city. Frequenting local "mom and pop" stores, as well as franchises located within Edmond, helps not only with funding, but also benefits the local residents who own these businesses. And even shopping online at a business with an Edmond store will result in sales tax dollars going to the city (sorry folks, that does not include Amazon). Places like Target, Walmart, and many others all qualify.

And speaking of "mom and pop" stores, don't be afraid to go and check some of the smaller ones out. Edmond has a wide variety, and while small businesses sometimes have a reputation for having higher prices, that simply is not always the case. For instance, a new local business, Tenz, sells women's clothing and accessories for ten dollars.

Lisa Wheeler, owner of Tenz, says that opening a small, local business can be challenging, especially when competing with national chains, but she loves the sense of community in a town like Edmond. "One of our goals is giving back to the community by offering affordable clothing."

And she's just one of many store owners or managers who love serving the Edmond community. Ben Hoza, a manager at The Meat House, says, "We love the Edmond community and supporting the many events that make this area wonderful." The business, which offers a variety of fresh food options as well as catering, celebrates it second anniversary this month.

So, when you're getting ready to spend those dollars this holiday season, pause for a moment to consider where you want your dollars to go. Because by giving a local business your business, you might just be able to say "Thanks" in the best possible way.

Giving Thanks Part I - This Thanksgiving, give thanks for more than a meal

Every year at my house, we have a huge debate over the Thanksgiving meal. I swear the argument has brought my entire extended family to the brink of violence. The debate is epic.

It comes down to this...mash potatoes: chunky or creamy?

But tater-disagreement aside, contemplating an afternoon of feasting with either my family or my husband's brings a pleasant taste to my mouth, and my only anxiety is over the extra calories that will jumpstart the Christmas eating season.

However, over the past year, I've spoken with many families about their traditions, and I grew very aware that some people do much more than inhale a turkey dinner on this day of gratitude expression. In fact, I was awed by the ways people chose to give back to their families and communities, and I figured I'd better pass some of these ideas along.

Give thanks for your blessings by helping others...

On Thanksgiving day, many of us can't even begin to conquer all the items that will grace our table. However, overabundance isn't the norm for every Oklahoman. Places like The City Rescue Mission serve meals to the homeless. Stacy Valentine, who supervises community relations at The City Rescue Mission,  says that people can help by adopting a table (decorating a table, bringing a dessert, and eating lunch with the clients) or contributing to their food resource center.

Give thanks for your country by adopting a soldier...

Several organizations offer opportunities for us to send a real thank you to our service men and women. Both Adopt A US Soldier and Letters to Soldiers allow you to express gratitude through letters and/or care packages, and the support never goes unappreciated. Wendy Lynch, Chief Liaison Officer for Adopt A US Soldier sums it up perfectly: "We need to let them know that we support them, that they are cared for, and not forgotten. This is a small thing to do for these brave men and women who are making some of the greatest sacrifices in life."

Give thanks for your health by exercising with friends and family...

One of the simplest ways to say "thank you" to a healthy body is to use it. Edmond and Oklahoma City both offer a way to celebrate healthy living on Thanksgiving, not to mention getting a jumpstart on those pesky pumpkin-pie calories. The Edmond Turkey Trot will take place in downtown Edmond (and will benefit Turning Point Ministries), and the Oklahoma City Turkey Trot at Lake Hefner (benefiting Eagle Ridge Institute). If an early morning race is out of reach for you and family members, take time to for a walk or jog, or even a flag football game that says, "Hey, I'm grateful for what I've got."

Give thank for your family by telling them...

And if you find yourself up to your elbows cooking sweet potato casserole and pecan pie, even a simple pack of note cards, with a message quickly scrawled to each guest, will help you and your family members remember that life is a gift, every day is a blessing, and each moment should give us a reason to say, "Thanks."