About Your Grandkids

Smart Gift Buying for Your Grandchildren

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The Importance of Reading to Your Grandchildren

According to the U.S. Department of Education, reading to children is the most important thing Grandboomers can do to ensure their success in school. Here are some steps you can take to help them start to read:

Get Ready To Read

Point out printed words you see anyplace you go.
Bring along children's books and writing materials whenever you leave home.
Create quiet, special times and spaces for reading to grandchildren.
Show your grandchildren the importance of reading by reading books, newspapers, and magazines.
Turn off the TV and cuddle with your grandchild and a good book. This is one book Grandboomers strongly endorses.
Take your grandchild to the library to pick out favorite books.

Create Strong Readers

Take time to read every day.
With large-print books, point to the words as you read.
Read a favorite book over and over again.
Read books with rhyming words and lines that repeat.
Discuss new words.
Stop and ask about the pictures and what's happening in the story.
Read a variety of children's books, fairy tales, song books, poems, and non-fiction.

Grandboomers has emphasized the importance of reading in the past. These quick steps are a fast and easy way you can get started. Not only will you have the enjoyment of quality time with your grandchildren, but you will be providing them with a solid educational foundation that will impact their future mental growth.

Shopping for Toys for the Grandchildren

It’s that time of year when Grandboomers head out to the store to buy lots and lots of toys for their grandchildren. A lot has changed over the years. Toys are more complicated and sophisticated. While the toys of our day had their hazards, today, safety experts have made us more aware of potential problems with toys.

Because of the ongoing publicity, we should all be aware of dangers of certain toys imported from China. Retailers seem to be on top of the various problems, but it doesn’t hurt to double check before purchasing a toy.

Here are some tips, by age group, to help you when you shop.

Under Three Years Old

Children under three tend to put everything in their mouths. Avoid buying toys intended for older children which may have small parts that pose a choking danger.
Never let children of any age play with uninflated or broken balloons because of the choking danger.
Avoid marbles, balls and games with balls that have a diameter of 1.75 inches or less. These products also pose a choking hazard to young children.
Children at this age pull, prod and twist toys. Look for toys that are well-made with tightly secured eyes, noses and other parts.
Avoid toys that have sharp edges and points.

Ages Three to Five

Avoid toys that are constructed with thin, brittle plastic that might easily break into small pieces or leave jagged edges.
Look for household art materials, including crayons and paint sets, marked with the designation "ASTM D-4236." This means the product has been reviewed by a toxicologist and, if necessary, labeled with cautionary information.
Teach older children to keep their toys away from their younger brothers and sisters.

Ages Six to Twelve

For all children, adults should check toys periodically for breakage and potential hazards. Damaged or dangerous toys should be repaired or thrown away.
If buying a toy gun, be sure the barrel, or the entire gun, is brightly colored so that it's not mistaken for a real gun.

If you buy a bicycle for any age child, buy a helmet too, and make sure the child wears it.

Teach all children to put toys away when they're finished playing so they don't trip over them or fall on them.

Read the Label

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission requires toy manufacturers to meet stringent safety standards and to label certain toys that could be a hazard for younger children. Look for labels that give age recommendations and use that information as a guide. Labels on toys that state "not recommended for children under three...contains small parts," are labeled that way because they may pose a choking hazard to children under three. Toys should be developmentally appropriate to suit the skills, abilities and interests of the child.

Shopping for toys during the holidays can be exciting and fun, but it can also be frustrating. There can be thousands of toys to choose from in one store, and it's important to choose the right toy for the right age child. Toys that are meant for older children can be dangerous for younger children.

According to the US Government, which supplied information for the above list, last year, an estimated 140,700 children were treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms after toy-related incidents.

Grandboomers wishes all of our visitors a wonderful and loving holiday season with their grandchildren.

Have a Happy and Safe Halloween with Your Grandchildren, Part III

Halloween will take place during daylight savings time this year for the first time. Hopefully grandchildren and Grandboomers can make their rounds together. To help everyone concerned to be safe, here is the third of three articles are posting to help you have a happy and safe Halloween.

Let's have some fun. In our last series of Hallowen tips, we suggested that Grandboomers have their grandchildren wear face makup rather than a mask. Decorating your face with face paint or other makeup lets you see better than you can if you're wearing a mask. A mask can make it hard to see where you're going and watch out for cars. But make sure your painted-on designs don't cause problems of their own.

Most of the time face painting can be done without a problem, but not always. Here are some pointers from the Federal Government to help keep you grandchild to have fun that doesn't result in a rash, swollen eyelids, or other grief.

Follow all directions carefully.

Don't decorate your grandchild's face with things that aren't intended for your skin.

Like soap, some things are OK on their skin, but not in their eyes. Some face paint or other makeup may say on the label that it is not for use near the eyes. Believe this, even if the label has a picture of people wearing it near their eyes. Be careful to keep makeup from getting into their eyes. Even products intended for use near your eyes can sometimes irritate skin if you use too much.

If you're decorating their skin with something you've never used before, you might try a dab of it on one of their arms for a couple of days to check for an allergic reaction BEFORE you put it on their face. This is an especially smart thing to do if they tend to have allergies.

A big part of Halloween makeup is color. But this is a child's skin we're talking about. Think about what you're putting on it. You do not want to put the same coloring on their skin that a car company uses in its paint.

The law says that color additives have to be approved by FDA for use in cosmetics, including color additives in face paints and other cosmetics that may be used around Halloween time. It also includes theatrical makeup.

FDA has to decide how they may be used, based on safety information. A color that's OK on tough fingernails or hair may not be OK on skin. Colors that are OK for most of skin may not be OK near eyes.

Check the list of ingredients on the label. Look for the names of the colors. Then check the Summary of Color Additives on FDA's Web site. There's a section especially on colors for cosmetics. If there's a color in your makeup that isn't on this list, the company that made it is not obeying the law. Don't use it. Even if it's on the list, check to see if it has FDA's OK for use near the eyes. If it doesn't, keep it away from your eyes.

For That Ghoulish Glow, there are two kinds of "glow" effects you might get from Halloween-type makeup. There are fluorescent and luminescent colors. Here's the difference:

Fluorescent colors: These are the make-you-blink colors sometimes called "neon" or "day-glow." There are seven fluorescent colors approved for cosmetics, and like other colors, there are limits on how they may be used. None of them are allowed for use near the eyes. (Check the Summary of Color Additives again.) These are their names: D&C Orange No. 5, No. 10, and No. 11; and D&C Red No. 21, No. 22, No. 27 and No. 28.

Luminescent colors: These colors glow in the dark. In August 2000, FDA approved luminescent zinc sulfide for limited cosmetic use. It's the only luminescent color approved for cosmetic use, and it's not for every day and not for near your eyes. You can recognize it by its whitish-yellowish-greenish glow.

Don't let your grandchildren go to bed with your makeup on. Wearing it too long might irritate their skin, and bits of makeup can flake off or smear and get into their eyes, not to mention mess up their pillow and annoy your parents.

Take charge of removing the makup from your grandchild's face. How you take the stuff off is as important as how you put it on. Remove it the way the label says. If it says to remove it with cold cream, use cold cream. If it says to remove it with soap and water, use soap and water. If it says to remove it with eye makeup remover, use eye makeup remover. The same goes for removing glue, like the stuff that holds on fake beards.

And remember, your grandchild's the skin around your eyes is delicate. Remove makeup gently.

But Just in Case...

What if you followed all these steps and still had a bad reaction? In March 2005, some face paint products were recalled from the market because they caused redness of the skin, a skin rash, irritation, itching or minor swelling where the paints were applied. If your grandchild has a reaction that seems to be caused by face paints, call a doctor.

We hope these tips help you to have a wonderful Halloween with the little ones collecting plenty of booty. If you have any additional tips to add from your experiences, please send them along to letters@grandboomers.com.

Have a Happy and Safe Halloween with Your Grandchildren, Part II

Halloween will take place during daylight savings time this year for the first time. Hopefully grandchildren and Grandboomers can make their rounds together. To help everyone concerned to be safe, here is the second of three articles we are posting to help you have a happy and safe Halloween.

In days goneby, Halloween costumes were made by parents. Today, it's safer to purchase a costume. When purchasing a costume, masks, beards, and wigs, look for the label Flame Resistant. Although this label does not mean these items won't catch fire, it does indicate the items will resist burning and should extinguish quickly once removed from the ignition source. To minimize the risk of contact with candles or other sources of ignition, avoid costumes made with flimsy materials and outfits with big, baggy sleeves or billowing skirts.

Purchase or make costumes that are light and bright enough to be clearly visible to motorists. For greater visibility during dusk and darkness, decorate or trim costumes with reflective tape that will glow in the beam of a car's headlights. Bags or sacks should also be light colored or decorated with reflective tape. Reflective tape is usually available in hardware, bicycle, and sporting goods stores.

Costumes should be short enough to prevent children from tripping and falling. Children should wear well-fitting, sturdy shoes. Mother's high heels are not a good idea for safe walking. Hats and scarfs should be tied securely to prevent them from slipping over children's eyes.

Apply a natural mask of cosmetics rather than have a child wear a loose-fitting mask that might restrict breathing or obscure vision. If a mask is used, make sure that it fits securely and has eyeholes large enough to allow full vision. Swords, knives, and similar costume accessories should be of soft and flexible material.

Have a Happy and Safe Halloween with Your Grandchildren, Part I

Halloween will take place during daylight savings time this year for the first time. Hopefully, grandchildren and Grandboomers can make their rounds and collect their booty before it gets dark. Here is the first of three articles we are posting to help you have a happy and safe Halloween.

Some common sense safety rules:

Never let your grandchildren trick or treat alone. A Grandboomer, parent or trusted adult should be with them.
Get a street map of the area you plan to cover and plot a route. Walk it in advance to check on street lights and sidewalks.
Let family at home know what your route will be.
As you start out, remind the children to stay close to you...even holding your hand.
They should walk, not run, and always use sidewalks.
Emphasize that your grandchildren should never walk between parked cars, or across lawns and yards where ornaments, furniture, or clotheslines present dangers.
Cross streets only at crosswalks...try for ones that are well lit. You can scout these out on your pre-Halloween walk.
No matter how well lit the area is, carry a flashlight and provide each child with a flashlight.
Visit only homes with their lights on. No lights mean the people are not participating in Halloween.
Accept treats only at the doorway. Never let the children go inside a home or accept a treat from a stranger on the sidewalk.
Remind the children to say "Thank you" for the treats.
Stay away from lit jack-o-lanterns.

Once you return home, check the booty collected by the little ones. Put aside anything that looks suspicious, is old, or stale. Remember, the peanut butter cups go to the kids...you can buy your own.

Having said that, if your grandchild is allergic to any foodstuff that might be given out on Halloween, be sure none of those items make their way into their treat bag.

Our next series of tips will cover helping the children select costumes that are fun while protecting them from injury.

A few safety tips from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission can protect children who plan to go trick-or-treating this Halloween

Making Your Home Safe for Your Grandchildren

When it comes to home safety, a lot has changed since your children were toddlers...and a lot has remained the same. To help you brush up on home safety for the little ones, Grandboomers offers this list from the federal government. Most of the materials recommended here can be easily obtained at your local hardware shop and installation is usually accomplished with a screwdriver or hammer. In most cases, the protective items you need are available at nominal cost.

Use safety latches and locks for cabinets and drawers in kitchens, bathrooms and other areas so your grandchildren won't have access to liquids and objects that may be harmful to them.
Install safety gates. Tops of stairways are recommended, however, as an extra precaution, you might want to install a second gate at the bottom as well. Buy a brand that's easy for adults to open, but children cannot dislodge. New gates have small openings. A child may fit their head through the older style gates with large "V" or diamond openings.
Limit access to places such as swimming pools with door knob covers and door locks. Install door locks above the reach of young children.
Use anti-scald devices for faucets and shower heads and set your water heater temperature no higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit to help prevent burns from hot water.
Paper shredders. One of their selling points is that they start and stop automatically. While the slot might be too small for an adult's fingers, a small child may be able to activate the cutting blades. Also, with access to the machine, the child could snag a piece of clothing, potentially choking or otherwise harming the child. Not only should you keep the shredder out of reach from a child, but unplug it when they come to visit.
Use caution when discarding a refrigerator or freezer. In most communities, you must remove the door of a refrigerator before you can leave it out for pickup or drop it off at a recycling center. It's easy to remove the door, but to protect yourself from any potential shock, be sure you pull the plug before removing the door.
What steps do you take when storing a refrigerator? Don't just put it in the garage or basement. Here are ways to prevent a disaster. First, since you plan to use the unit again, leave all the shelves in place. This makes it more difficult to get inside. Then choose one of the following:
1) Remove the door.
2) Tape the door shut with filament, non-breakable tape.
3) Wrap a chain around the door and secure it with a padlock.
4) If you want to leave the door open, secure wooden or rubber bumpers where the door would close, making it impossible for the door to close securely. Use contact cement or a strong glue and locate the blocks out of the reach of children.
5) Remove the latch. This will prevent the door from closing and locking.
Be sure working smoke detectors are located on all levels of your home.
Use window guards and safety netting to prevent falls from windows, balconies, decks and landings. Check them frequently to make sure they are secure and properly maintained. Windows should open no more than four inches. Window screens are not effective in preventing children from falling out of windows.
Install corner and edge bumpers to blunt sharp edges.
Outlet covers and outlet plates installed throughout your home protect against shock and electrocution. Be sure plugs are large enough that children cannot remove them and choke on them.
A carbon monoxide (CO) detector outside bedrooms helps prevent CO poisoning. This is important for homes that use gas or oil head or have attached garages.
Cut window blind cords and use safety tassels to prevent children from strangling in blind cord loops.
Use door stops and door holders to help prevent injuries to fingers and hands.
Consider a cordless phone to make it easier to continuously watch young children.

letters@grandboomers.com

Is Your Grandchild Overweight?

According to a brochure published by the state of South Dakota, one of every five children is overweight and the number is growing. Seeing that statistic got Grandboomers to thinking. When we were kids, it's hard to believe the number would have been more than one in 20, 25 or even higher. We were always out playing and came home to good meals.

Overweight children are at a greater risk for diabetes, high blood pressure, gall bladder disease, heart disease, and other health problems, according to the South Dakota Department of Health. And, while these severe disorders may not show up for years, some, like diabetes, are already making inroads in youngsters.

From genetic factors to fast food, TV, computers, video games, working parents who don't pay proper attention to the eating habits of their children, lack of exercise; there's a lot of blame to go around. We at Grandboomers have also noticed that what we call "junk food" now comes in outrageously large sizes. High fat munchies come in the giant size at super markets, and step up to even larger sizes in the big-box family discount stores. And, have you noticed that there seems to be some kind of snack at the end of each aisle?

Not only are kids more sedentary, but they're being inundated with audio and visual commercials about these products. Here are some things Grandboomers and their children can do about this national problem. Not only will the children benefit, but Grandboomers and their children will get in shape as well.

The South Dakota Department of Health recommends:

Plan daily exercise for the family.
Family bike trips, active games, or weekend hikes make exercise fun. Kids need to see their parents leading an active life and enjoying it.
Provide ways for children to become physically active.
Have toys that provide active play, such as balls, bats and roller skates. If children do watch TV, have them move around during commercials to get their heart rate up.
Eat healthy.
Provide good meals and snacks and teach children about making healthy food choices on their own. Don’t restrict certain foods or kids will just want them more.
Change your behavior.
Parents (and grandparents) need to be a role model with their own diet and exercise.
Tackle TV.
Limit TV watching to one hour or less per day. Have children eat at the table. Eating while watching TV can become a habit.
Eat meals as a family as often as possible.
Try to make mealtimes pleasant by talking and sharing. If mealtimes are not pleasant, children may try to eat faster to leave the table as soon as possible. They may learn to eat when stressed.
Allow children to help in making meals and snacks.
Children will want to eat healthy foods or snacks if they help prepare them.

Developing Healthy Eating Behavior in Children

Child obesity is a major problem in the United States. Although grandparents are notorious for spoiling the grandchildren, there should be limits. With that in mind, Grandboomers is pleased to present this article by Robin F. Goodman, Ph.D., The article was written for www.aboutourkids.org, and is reprinted here with permission.

Estimates of the number of overweight children range from a low of 13% to a high of 25-30%. This means 6 million children could be at risk for current and future self-esteem and health problems. On the other side of the weight issue, an estimated 7 million girls and 1 million boys have an eating disorder. The age of onset of these potentially life threatening eating disorders is getting lower - with children as young as seven being diagnosed.

What causes eating problems?

Weight is determined by a variety of factors: genetics, environment, activity, and emotions. With respect to the psychology of eating problems, some of the same feelings can both lead to and result from unhealthy eating behaviors. For example, it is unclear if such feelings such as loneliness, sadness, anger, anxiety, lack of control, worthlessness, low self-esteem, disordered body image are the cause or the effect of eating problems.

What can parents do?

Know what's appropriate. Check with your child's doctor to understand how your child compares to established standards for height and weight. Also learn about proper nutrition and appropriate expectations for food intake. The risk of weight problems varies with the age and growth of the child. For example, only 20% of overweight 4 to 5-year-olds go on to be overweight adults (Begley, 2000). Therefore it may not be necessary to worry or institute big changes at a young age, but it would be useful to get a doctor's advice. Parents must also pay attention to the warning signs of both overweight/obesity and of eating disorders.
Help children develop individual controls and styles. Parents should pay attention to their children's cues when they indicate they have eaten enough or when they are still hungry - differentiating real cues from stalling or playing. Don't dwell on a picky eater. Food preference takes time to develop. Make an effort to include children in meal choice and preparation to encourage a child's exposure to variety.
Focus on the whole child. Avoid calling attention to a child's weight. Nagging is unsuccessful when you're trying to change behavior. To a child, pressure to lose weight can feel like crushing criticism and ultimately backfire. Children with some type of disordered eating can get caught in a vicious, unhealthy cycle. They can feel badly about their weight and thus develop a negative self-image and low self-esteem. They may try to control their world through food or turn to food out of anger or to find comfort. The inappropriate relationship with food can then lead to further feelings of guilt and upset. Praising and encouraging children in other areas will go farther with respect to improving their self-esteem.
Motivate at the child's level. It is difficult to motivate anyone, children especially, with the threat of long term health risks. Although obese children are at risk for illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease, the consequence is so far into the future they easily ignore and deny these risks. Better to focus on benefits based on feeling healthier, stronger, more active, and more social.
Apply nutrition decisions to the whole family. Good nutrition is good for everyone. Singling out the child with a weight problem can lead to his or her feeling ashamed and blamed. Help your children understand about good nutrition and good food choices - you want them to make the right decisions when they are eating outside the home too.
Avoid using food as a punishment or reward. It is unhealthy to use food as a battleground; it should never be used as either a punishment or reward. Resist the temptation to soothe or bribe with food or threaten to withhold certain favored foods.
Emphasize mealtime, not just the meal. Work towards having meals be a pleasant experience and make time for the family to eat together, even if it's only a few dinners a week. This may also mean sticking to no t.v. and no phone rules during meals, however brief that time may be.

Set appropriate limits.

Monitor your athletes. Exercise is a key component to any weight management program. But children involved in sports may need special attention in order to insure that they are getting enough of the right kind of nutrition and, in the case of eating disorders and that they are not using exercise inappropriately.
Be alert media consumers. While individuals may have a physiological predisposition to weight problems and eating disorders, there's no question that unrealistic media images, unrealistic athletic standards, peer competition, and parental preoccupation with their own outward appearance can all exacerbate the potential for problems. It's better to educate children about their changing bodies, to be mindful of wide fluctuations in a child's weight, discuss healthy physical images and unnatural ones, and stress inner qualities of beauty and skill.
Check your lifestyle. Get everyone in the family moving and avoid those grab and go meals. Not only are t.v. and computers passive activities, but a high percentage (over 50%) of the commercials aired during children's programs are food related. Limit t.v. and computer time, get exercise.
Be a role model. Children learn by experience - look at your own food habits and ideas about weight. Your own comments about appearance can have tremendous influence on what your children think is acceptable or desirable. The goal is to be at a healthy weight and have a positive self-image, based on more than a number on a scale.

Get Things Cooking with the Grandkids

Here's a great way to spend enjoyable and educational time with your grandchildren: prepare food together.

A first, important, step is to provide a secure place for the child to stand or sit that provides easy access to the preparation table. Let the children do as much as they can themselves. This will probably mean allowing lots of time to prepare something. This activity should have your undivided attention. Never leave small children alone, or be distracted in any way. Use only those utensils you are comfortable the child can work with safely.

Preparing and cooking food involves both social skills and physical skills. Children learn by touching, tasting, feeling, smelling, and listening. They love to help prepare food and cook because they can use all their senses. Children like to eat the foods they make. Plan ways the children in your care can help you, but be sure to consider the age of the child.

Cooking children is not something for the spur-of-the-moment, but rather requires some planning. Think ahead about the recipe. Start with something simple, such as a scrambled egg, or a dish that doesn't require cooking, like fruit salad. Early childhood centers that run cooking sessions with children regularly, often write out the recipes so that the children can follow the method without reading, pictures are used for each step.

Two-year-olds can enjoy activities such as:

scrubbing vegetables and fruits
wiping tables
dipping vegetables and fruits
tearing lettuce and salad greens
breaking bread for stuffing
snapping fresh beans

pouring liquids into a batter
mixing muffin batter
shaking a milk drink
spreading peanut butter on firm bread (This might be messy!)
kneading bread dough

rolling bananas in cereal for a snack
juicing oranges, lemons, and limes
mashing soft fruits and vegetables
measuring dry and liquid ingredients
grinding cooked meat for a meat spread
beating eggs with an eggbeater
grating cheese, carrots, etc.

Important Points to Remember

Good cooks of all ages always wash their hands and dry them thoroughly before any food preparation. Hand washing also needs to be repeated after visits to the toilet, licking fingers and nose blowing.
Tell children to wait until the dish is done before sampling it. This will help prevent illness.
Expect spills and messes.
Steps that involve heating, cutting or grating, should be carefully supervised.
Children have short attention spans. Give them quick, simple jobs, and give instructions one at a time.
Children get excited and forget. Repeat directions as often as needed.
Young cooks need constant supervision.
Give children jobs to help with cleanup.

RECIPES FOR HELPING HANDS

ONE-BOWL FRENCH BREAD

Children love to knead and shape dough. Allow plenty of time for the children to do as many tasks as possible.

3 to 3 1/2 cups unsifted flour
1 package dry yeast
4 teaspoons sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons soft margarine
1 1/2 cups very hot water (105-115 degrees F)

Combine 1 cup flour, sugar, salt, and undissolved dry yeast in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly. Add margarine. Add very hot water gradually to dry ingredients. Beat 2 minutes. Add 1 cup of flour or enough to make a thick batter. Beat 2 or 3 minutes. Stir in enough additional flour to make a soft dough. Cover bowl tightly with plastic wrap.

Let rise in a warm place for 45 to 60 minutes. Stir dough down and turn out onto heavily-floured surface. After washing children's hands, flour them and have them knead dough until it is smooth. Shape dough into one large oblong or let the children experiment with different shapes and sizes. Try pretzels, animals, letters, numbers, or holiday shapes.

Place on a greased baking sheet and let rise (40 to 50 minutes for a large loaf, less time for small shapes). Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (40 minutes for a large loaf, 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown for small shapes).

FUNNY, FRUITY PIZZAS

low-fat mozzarella cheese slices (1 slice per child)
English muffins, sliced in half (1 half per child)
fruit (an apple, banana, orange, or seedless grapes)

Have the children wash the fruit. Children can peel bananas and oranges or pluck grapes from their stems. An adult should cut the fruit into small pieces.

Split the English muffins. Give each child one half. Have the children place a slice of cheese on each muffin. Toast the English muffins until the cheese melts. Have each child top his or her muffin with fruit.

CANNED SPAGHETTI PIZZA

canned spaghetti
grated edam cheese
French bread stick cut into 6-inch lengths

Cut French bread pieces into halves lengthwise. Spread with canned spaghetti and grated edam cheese. Place on oven tray. Bake in moderate oven until top is crusty. Cool a little before eating.

HOME MADE BREAD

The bread needs to be started early in the day as time is needed for raising and proving the dough before cooking. This recipe makes a small amount of dough suitable for one or possibly two children to deal with.

1/4 cup water
1/2 tsp sugar
1 tsp yeast
1 cup flour
1/4 tsp salt

Measure out 1/2 cup of water. Make sure the water is lukewarm. The best test for this is to sprinkle a few drops on your inner wrist. It should feel neither too hot nor too cold (like a baby's bottle).

Stir in sugar and sprinkle the yeast on the top. Leave in a warm place until frothy (about 5 minutes). A good place is a sink full of warm water. Sift flour and salt into a bowl. Using your hands, stir in the yeast mixture. Mix until soft and firm. You may need to add extra water or extra flour. Turn onto a floured surface and knead for 10 minutes until soft and springy.

Leave to rise in a warm place until doubled in size or in a refrigerator overnight. (Cover with a damp tea towel if in the refrigerator.) Shape as desired. Leave to prove about 30 minutes. Preheat oven 200C and bake about 15 minutes until golden brown or hollow when tapped.

Reprinted with permission from the National Network for Child Care - NNCC. Van Horn, J. E. (Ed.) and L. Horning (Ed.) (1995). Cooking with children: kids in the kitchen. In Todd, C.M. (Ed.). *Family child care connections* 4(6). Urbana, IL: National Network for Child Care at the University of Illinois Cooperative Extension Service. Also, adapted from Feeding Preschoolers - Balancing nutritional and developmental needs, Sigman-Grant M, Nutrition Today July/August 1992.

Helping Your Grandchildren Understand Money Management

It's expensive being a kid today. Because of the trend toward pre-teen and teen entertainers, there's a lot of peer pressure on young children to look and dress "the role." Jeans or shorts and a tee shirt on a warm summer day, hardly. Now, it's a "what would the Olson twins wear today?" mentality.

Grandboomers who want their grandchildren to understand fiscal responsibility should look into KIDSCA$H™ (www.kidscashmanagement.com). It clearly and easily explains the concept of budgeting and saving to reach goals. Not to say that you or I shouldn't throw things out of balance now and then and spoil a grandchild with some extraordinary gift.

What we like about KIDSCA$H™ is that it's hands-on. KIDSCA$H™ was written by Maureen Dolan Rosen to help her own children understand the basics of money management. "Half of their allowance immediately goes into the bank," she says. "The other half they can spend on whatever they want."

The guide helps them see their banked money grow. And, they also see where the other half of their allowance goes. The concept of saving for a large expenditure is explained clearly. What Grandboomers likes best about the book is that it contains a year's worth of work sheets that children can fill out themselves to track their expenses. Most adults would find this useful.

Early education in finance will pay hefty dividends in the future. KIDSCA$H™ is a winning investment. For more information, click on the KIDSCA$H™ link on this page.

Teaching Your Grandchild to Read

Today's children live in a video world. Images dance on television, computer screens, hand-held games. The images are accompanied by audio. What's missing? The mental images they can create by reading. The knowledge they can gain by reading. The importance of understanding the written word and the impact it will have on their lives.

As a Grandboomer, you can make a significant contribution to your grandchild(ren)'s future by helping them learn to read. Sit with them. Read to them and help them gain an interest in books. Talk to them about what they like and get books on those topics. Be there to help them understand. Don't make it a lesson, make it an experience.

Libraries are doing their best to keep up with the needs of the day. But their direction seems to be gravitating toward electronic media and away from shelves of hardbacks. Lack of funds equates with a lack of new books covering modern topics. In California, for example, The web site www.wonderofreading.com reports the "average copyright date for a nonfiction public school library book in Southern California is 1982." And that "Some schools actually have books on their shelves that read: 'One day man will go to the moon.'"

The site also says that there's evidence that children who do not read by third grade often fail to catch up and are more likely to drop out of school, take drugs, or go to prison. Perhaps a bit extreme, but something to think about.

We mentioned this personal experience once before, but it bears repeating. One of our grandchildren visited us for a week at our summer cottage. We have no television or computer there. She was shocked. Instead, we have shelves of books for all age groups. Every night, we read together from books she chose. One afternoon, she asked if we could read something after lunch. And, at the end of the week, she proclaimed that she didn't miss the TV at all. We were happy to pack her favorite books for her to take home.

So, it comes back to you. Grandchildren love to do things with their Grandboomers. If that's reading a book, our guess is that they'll enjoy it. And, so will you.

When Grandboomers Visit the Grandchildren

It's the holiday season, and for Grandboomers who live a long distance from their grandchildren, this is one of the infrequent times when you get a chance to visit. It's a time for hugs and smiles, for measuring growth and catching up...for a first hand look at what the child's been doing. If your grandchild or children are under three, it may be more a time to admire your progeny and talk with the parents.

If your grandchildren are talking and in school, there are some other considerations. As much as you want to see them and have a lot of their undivided attention...don't expect it to happen. Chances are, they've got other plans. Certainly, they're happy to see you. After all, Grandboomers are those wonderful people who spoil them with all the things mom and dad ration out sparingly. And for that, you'll receive loving hugs and kisses. But, after a while, they'll want to play with their gifts or visit with their friends.

Don't be disappointed if, after an hour or two, the child announces they're going down the street to play. Or, they're out in the yard with a dozen other children. As much as they love you, there's an activities and interest gap as wide as Grand Canyon between them and you. Think back. Wasn't it the same when you were a kid? It doesn't matter that you're only there for a few days. Enjoy your time with them, but give them space.

Speaking of space, depending on the size of the home you're visiting, you may want to consider a reservation at a nearby hotel. That way, the normal daily routine of the home you're visiting will have minimal interruption. We visited our granddaughter a couple years ago and they insisted we stay at the house. It meant displacing our granddaughter to a sleeping bag. We were appreciative of their generosity, but it's been hotels for us ever since. Since this particular family lives in the northeast, our hotel meant a chance to have them visit us and go for a swim in the hotel pool. A benefit certainly not available at home.

Holiday greetings to all from Grandboomers.com. Enjoy your grandchildren to the fullest.

Helpful Advice For Protecting Your Grandchildren

Unfortunately, in today's society an article like this is important. Grandboomers has compiled some helpful information from a variety of sources on precautions you may want to pass along to the parents of your grandchildren, just in case the child is missing. Remember, the odds are strongly against you ever needing this information. We pass it along to you not to raise concern, but as part of our grandparenting advice.

The child should be taught his or her phone number and home address as soon as it can be committed to memory.
Keep and regularly update a complete written description of each child. Include date of birth, color of hair and eyes, height, weight, unique physical attributes, and any other significant identifiers (braces, pierced ears, eyeglasses).
Take color photographs of each child every six months. Photographs should be of high quality and in focus so the child is easily recognizable. Head and shoulder portraits from different angles, such as those taken by school photographers, are preferable.
Make sure the dentist updates the child's dental charts each time an examination or dental work is performed.
Know where the child's medical records are located. Medical records, particularly X-rays, can be invaluable in helping to identify a recovered child. It is important to have all permanent scars, birthmarks, blemishes and broken bones recorded.
To deter strangers from approaching your child, avoid placing the child's name on the outside of his or her clothes. Children are less apprehensive of someone who knows their name.
Arrange with your local police department to have your child fingerprinted. In order for fingerprints to be useful in identifying a person, they must be taken properly. Your police department has trained personnel to assist you. The police department will give you the fingerprint card and will NOT keep a record of the child's prints. We also understand that MetLife Auto & Home is making Free Fingerprinting and Identification Kits available on a national basis.
Take advantage of the advances in scientific research by including a few strands of the child's hair in your records. This will provide a DNA sample which can be matched if needed.

Spanking - Is It Time For a Revival?

Dr. Spock was wrong. Our generation was brought up with the understanding that spanking a child was sending the wrong message. It would create future monsters. They child needed to act out, to express itself...it was part of the learning process.

But upon reflection, it seems that we Grandboomers, who were spanked, didn't turn out all that bad. And, we learned decisively, that once spanked for doing something, WE DIDN'T DO IT AGAIN!

IN CANADA, THE LAW ALLOWS SPANKING
Not only parents, but teachers have the right to discipline children by spanking, according to Canadian law. However, a judge recently ruled that because of the age of the law, and the change of public attitudes, the ruling should be reviewed.
Section 43 of the Canadian Criminal Code makes the point crystal clear: "Every school teacher, parent or person standing in place of a parent is justified in using force by way of correction...if force does not exceed what is reasonable."
Reports did not say how long this edict has been on the books, but the Associated Press noted that it has come under fire recently from child advocacy groups, on the basis that it violates the constitutional rights of children.
Ontario Superior Court Judge David McCombs reviewed the situation and allowed the law to stand, but, stated the time may be ripe for a review.
However, a Canadian public opinion poll released in December, found Canadians remain opposed to making spanking a criminal offense.
Two sides are squaring off in the debate and accusations are starting to fly. Children's rights advocates claim the teachers, parents and others are hiding behind the law while administering beatings with belts, cords and other materials.
According to the Associated Press, Barbara Sargent, president of the Ontario Teachers Federation, defended the law as critical for teachers. "Section 43 enables teachers to maintain some kind of discipline and balance in the classroom," she said. "Teachers will be able to maintain discipline in a fair and judicial way.
On another front, the Canadian Foundation for Children, Youth and Law holds the law violates the Charter of Rights and Freedom by making children the only group of citizens that can be legally assaulted for reasons other than self defense or protecting others.
In rebuttal, Canada's attorney general, while recommending that other forms of discipline should be encouraged, said parents should be allowed to discipline children without facing criminal charges.

Dr. Spock, whose book reassured more parents that their children were not as ill as they thought, advocated that corporal punishment would traumatize a child and trigger more aggressive behavior. In the Sixties and Seventies, parents became more permissive. In one way, this was for the better. Children went from being seen and never heard to becoming an integral part of the family and the family's decision making process.

The thought of corporal punishment is also politically incorrect.

Today, politically incorrect or not, spanking is making a comeback. Parents are tired of near infants ruling the roost, throwing tantrums when they don't get their way. On some other web sites, like ivillage and Oxygen, chat room conversations are definitely pro-spankers. Two states, Oklahoma and Nevada passed laws in 1999 explicitly permitting parents to spank their children.

For the record, let us note that we define spanking as a few whacks to the buttocks, sufficiently hard to get the attention of the person to whom they are being administered, but not hard enough to injure the child. Also, in this category, but used less, would be a slap on the cheek of the face...a fast deterrent to a screaming child. Beating a child is wrong and can never be tolerated.

Some have defined this as tough love. Hardly. Tough love is sending your child to boot camp when nothing else works. Spanking is simply common sense. Like it or not, discipline is part of our everyday lives. We stop for red lights. We're quiet in a movie theater. We behave because we know it is wrong not to behave.

Is it possible the current wave of school shootings and teen violence are the result of a lack of discipline? If these children were never taught right from wrong, why should they feel it's wrong to murder someone they don't like?

Recently, a Harris poll returned an astounding 70% response from people who felt that children don't have as much discipline as they need. Parents that have returned to spanking say that the results are dramatic. Children spanked at four and five, seldom need spanking at seven and eight. They know better. They've tried everything else. Take away a favorite toy and the child just cries louder. And the worst ploy of all...the bribe...just confirms to the child that it is in control, not the adult, and that screaming and tantrums pay big time.

To this point, we've underscored the benefits of spanking. If there is going to be discipline when the child does something wrong, it must be modulated with equal helpings of praise and encouragement when the child is good. Just as children are quick to pick up the meaning of a spanking, are they to feel pride in your accolades when they do something well.

To spank or not to spank? That is the question. The American Academy of Pediatrics clearly says no. Parents, at wits end, are saying yes. Send us your thoughts on the matter to letters@grandboomers.com.

You may also read what other grandparents are saying in response to this article in the Grandboomers Mailbag.

Grandboomers had hoped to bring you a statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics regarding spanking, or as they say: corporal punishment. However, we have been notified by AAP that they do not allow their statements to be published on other web sites. For the AAP policy statement regarding effective child discipline, we suggest you visit their web site:

American Academy of Pediatrics

Let's Get a Pet

There aren't too many children who don't get excited at the thought of having a pet. Dogs, fish, cats, gerbils, birds...pet talk really opens a can of worms (no, we're not recommending worms as pets). Pets come in all shapes and sizes. There are significant choices to be made.

First, as a grandparent, you might think offering to buy a pet for your grandchild or children is a good idea. Let's remind you at the outset that any such decision must receive the OK and endorsement of the parents prior to any mention of a pet to the child(ren).

Presuming you have permission, the second major point is to let the child select the pet with some guidance from you. Pythons and three year olds are not a good idea. Before a pet is acquired, you need to go over responsibilities. Who feeds the pet and cleans up after it? If the child is small, feeding and care can be a combined parent-child chore, but the child should be involved.

Let's look at a few pets you might choose.

Birds

Taking the category as a general listing, the advantages are that birds are usually caged and you watch them from afar. Interaction is limited. Feeding is relatively easy. And, there's the weekly cage cleaning. A good way to give a small child the feeling of pet ownership.

Fish

Since we're talking pets for small children, we'll stay away from salt water fish and large aquariums. We're talking a small tank, some neons and a few other basic tropical fish. Did someone say goldfish? Again, a good way for a child to get a first look at being a pet owner.

Gerbils and Mice

These are raised to be pets and interest children because they are very active. They run through tunnels, run on the wheel long enough to generate power (it seems), and can actually snuggle with an owner. Kids love them. The down side is that they are messy and the cages need to be cleaned often. And then, there's the situation of who's who. Too often, two male gerbils become a male and a female and you end up with the never ending litter on your hands and no friends to give them to...not even the pet store.

Rabbits

Cute as a button, floppy ears and all. Rabbits are not for children under seven. First, they must be considered wild animals. Training rabbits can take a long time, and what they learn is minimal. They also tend to get onery at times and will take a nip out of the hand that feeds them. And, those teeth are like razor blades. Remember, rabbits are principally an outdoor pet that is caged on the back porch or in the yard. If you keep your rabbit outside, be sure to protect it from larger predators, like raccoons.

Snakes

I think you should be a teenager before you're allowed to own a snake. Snakes are simply to be observed, and most of the time, they slink out of view. Hey, mom and dad, remember that snakes only eat live food. Are you prepared to toss mice and other small critters into the cage. I confess, we once had a teenager with a boa constrictor in the house. It grew to some six feet in length, required a cage the size of a dime store display counter and ate rather large meals. Eventually teenager and snake moved to Arizona. We missed the teenager.

Cats and Dogs

The most common of childhood pets. If you decided to acquire one or the other, be certain to go along with what the child wants...with some supervision. Again, remember, that tame as these beasts appear to be, they are wild animals. These pets tolerate a lot. But, step on their tails, pull their ears, or kick them and they are likely to respond with a scratch or nip. And, it could go beyond that.

The child should be old enough to understand how a dog or cat should be treated. While the child wants to pick up the animal, it may be the last thing the pet wants. Dogs and cats curled up next to a small child make for a lot of joy. However, many pets seem to prefer the mature hand of a loving adult.

Before choosing a dog or cat, consider the idiosyncrasies of each. Cats like to be in charge, and appear aloof. A dog, while friendly, might frighten a small child because of its size or because it barks a lot or likes to jump up on people. Pick a pet that's right for your grandchild. Cardinal rule: puppies and kittens grow into adult dogs and cats. Know the size of the adult before you acquire the animal.

"Acquire"

Throughout this piece, I have used the word acquire where I could have easily written buy. There are a lot of animal shelters that would welcome your visit. Where they have wonderful pets and full pet histories. These pets are available because someone loved them enough to see that they had a chance for a new home when the original owners couldn't take care of them for some reason. Shelters will not, knowingly, give out a dog or cat with a bad disposition.

There are also animal rescue leagues. These are run by people interested in a certain breed of a cat or dog. If someone hears about a collie that may be put down, for example, they call the collie rescue league. That league will care for the animal until a new home is found. You, in turn, can obtain the dog for a small fee. Many of these animals are former show dogs and cats and, although still young, have finished their competitive lives and are no longer useful to breeders. While the breeders may love these animals, they must consider that they have many young animal mouths to feed.

Check the Internet and get a full background on the breed you're thinking about. Some of these sites even have forms you can fill out to see if the breed is right for you. Some cats and dogs prefer homes without children, etc. This way, before you commit to the animal, you'll have a good idea of how it will fit into your grandchild's household. You'll also get feeding tips and health information for your pet. While pets love it, human food many not be good for them. That's why the pet food industry thrives.

I cannot, in all honesty, recommend a pet store for cats or dogs. The horror stories of pet mills is too horrific to imagine. Buy from a reputable breeder or obtain your pet from a shelter or pound. I can recommend pet stores for fish, birds, and reptiles, etc.

Never obtain a pet because of whimsy. Chicks at Easter have been outlawed although you still see some occasionally. When the movie "101 Dalmatians" came out, children everywhere clamored for a Dalmatian without regard for the fact that they're high strung and pretty much difficult to get along with.

Sometimes, if you, as grandparent, have a pet, sharing that pet with the grandchild is sufficient.

If you are interested in acquiring a pet for your grandchild and have a question or need help in making your decision, feel free to email us at letters@grandboomers.com. We'll do the best we can to help you choose the pet that right for your family.

Grandma!! Grandma!! The dog bit me!!!

Quite often youngsters don't recognize the warning signs of a dog, cat or other animal that doesn't want to play anymore. And then, the animal discourages the youngster in the only way it really know how...it bites.

What do you do? First, you determine the extent of the wound. In most cases, bites are superficial...the animal wants peace, not piece. If the puncture is deep, it will require immediate attention. If it is a scratch, but is bleeding, cover the wound with a clean dressing and elevate the wound to stop bleeding. Once the bleeding stops, wash the wound with soap and apply a clean bandage.

Keep a close watch on the child and on the wound. If there are signs of infection like swelling or extended redness, get medical help. If you don't know the child's medical record, it would be wise to have a tetanus booster.

Now it's time to turn your attention to the animal. What is its history of vaccinations? If you don't know, the animal should be quarantined until it can be determined it is not rabid.

If the animal that bites a child is a wild animal, take the child for immediate emergency help no matter what the size of the bite.

Kids Need Praise

Recently we attended a Grandboomer birthday party. Among the 30 guests in the restaurant were three grandchildren 7-11. It was a situation ripe for any or all of them to get bored, tired, or simply surly. It never happened. Instead, they were three of the happiest faces at the party. Their parents receive accolade after accolade on the children's behavior. OK, so they're pretty good kids to begin with, but it was a nighttime event, past their bedtime. Heck, even I get surly then.

They had a good time because they were allowed to put party stickers on their faces, be in charge of picking out the songs on the jukebox (rented for the occasion with all 1960s-1980s songs), and eating as much as they wanted. IT WAS A PARTY!!!

The next morning, their parents were quick to praise their good behavior, and at brunch, as the birthday party continued, they received praise from their grandparents and others. Think back to when you were a kid. It was nice to hear praise, wasn't it?. Praise never goes out of style.

Is it OK to Feed a Baby "Family Food"?

If the Gerber baby food people advise against it, perhaps you'd better not do it. After all, with all their experience, they are baby food experts. Or so one would think. Recent television commercials for Gerber Graduates foods for older babies warn against feeding table foods to babies.

In the commercial, actress Jane Seymour says, "Don't let a milestone become a mistake by starting adult foods too early." Table foods, she hypothesizes, "may not provide all the nutrition they need."

The fact of the matter is, according to independent doctors and nutritionists, this theory is only brought forth by Gerber to keep you shopping for their products longer and longer. In an attempt to extend the use of bottled and prepared baby foods, companies like Gerber, Heinz (Toddler Cuisine) and Mead Johnson (EnfaGrow) are marketing prepared foods for children as old as four!

Sales of baby foods exceed $1 billion a year now. If births level off, the best way to increase sales is to increase the length of time prepared baby foods are used. Today, with many families having two working parents, this is easier to accomplish than you think.

Ironically, there is growing medical concern that rather than improve nutrition, baby foods may actually provide more calories than needed and lead toward child obesity. William C. Heird, a professor of pediatrics at the Baylor College of Medicines Children's Nutrition Research Center, holds this theory and endorses a diet of regular foods.

Because portions are predetermined, some parents may ignore a child's signals that they have had sufficient food and wish to stop eating, forcing the child to overeat in order to finish the "portion".

Baylor researcher Nancy Butte points out another aspect of the value of eating table food over prepared items. Family socialization and development are important. It is important for the child, as young as two, to feel that forward strides are being made because the child is consuming the same food as others at the table. While the baby food companies play on parental concerns that the child be fed correct and balanced meals, the facts, researchers say, are that youngsters will get everything they need from the variety of table foods available. Dairy, fruit, vegetables and, yes, even meet and eggs.

The child food preparers say their foods provide such nutrients as zinc to diets where adults are feeding children low-fat foods and less meat because that is the adult diet. They also say their prepared snacks are a wholesome alternative to fast food French fries. While these companies promote the need for their products, it should be noted that the parents of many healthy children have never fed their children commercial baby food products. Rather, they cook and puree fruits and vegetables at home.

Children will eat when they are hungry and resist when they are not. What they reject one day, they may eat with gusto the next. The easiest way to see if your child measures up to his/her peers is to do just that...measure the child against standard growth charts in a pediatrician's office.

One last point, if you decide to use jars of food, do not feed the child directly from the jar. Leftover food will be contaminated with bacteria from the baby's mouth. And, for those of you who prepare your own foods, avoid contamination by working on clean surfaces, with clean blenders and utensils. Raw poultry and meats is also to be avoided.

For this Grandboomer, the sooner the grandchildren get to enjoy Grandma's lasagna, the happier their lives will be.