For those lucky enough to be born in March, count yourself among a select group of creative dreamers who are empathetic and optimistic. According to studies (and a smidge of astrology, if you believe in that kind of thing), here are eight cool traits and factoids that make March birthdays special.

Looking for other months? Check out interesting facts about people born in April, people with February birthdays, and facts about people born in May.

You might end up with a night owl

According to this sleep study published by the National Library of Medicine, sleep habits are affected by when you’re born. The findings suggest that kids born in spring and summer tend to stay up later than those born during the winter months due to the increased photoperiod directly after birth, which leads to phase delay (your body telling you it’s nighttime and therefore bedtime) of the human circadian system.

March is a month of dreamers and heroes

Those born under the sign of Pisces are also charismatic, affectionate, and generous. If you’ve got a Pisces baby, support their boundless imagination with plenty of pretend play, creative outlets, and games. Because those born under this half of March’s zodiac sign are empathetic, they’ll go above and beyond for their loved ones. 

The birthstone for March represents youth, good health, and hope

The aquamarine gem is a luxurious blue, and while it isn’t considered a precious stone, is often associated with not only good health and hope but a feeling of calm, trust, and fearlessness. According to Truly Experiences, sailors used to carry aquamarine with them on sea voyages for protection, as the semi-precious gem was thought to be the treasure of the mermaids.

March babies have pretty good eyesight

While winter-born babies have the best vision overall, babies born in spring have been shown to have better eyesight than their summer friends, according to a study of 300,000 military applicants. A co-author of the study explains that babies born in the summer months have a 25% chance of becoming nearsighted. The reason? The study suggests that the cause might be long-term exposure to natural light in early life.

Solitude is a must for some of those with March birthdays

Pisces babies (Feb. 19-Mar. 20) love people, but they love solitude just as much. Known as super creative and imaginative, March babies enjoy getting lost in their thoughts and are content to spend time alone.

March babies are romantic and soulful

Guided more by intuition than by structure, those born under the sign of Pisces are ideal partners and friends. They tend to be compassionate and have an open heart that forgives and forgets easily. They can tap into the feelings of their loved ones and be empathetic, which is a plus in moments of conflict.

There are plenty of celebrities with March birthdays

Famous people like a little extra luck too! People born in March share their birthday month with lots of famous people, including Justin Bieber, Shaquille O’Neal, Chuck Norris, Queen Latifah, Reese Witherspoon, Bruce Willis, Elton John, Sarah Jessica Park, and more.

—with additional reporting by Karly Wood

 

Studies show that babies with October birthdays have strong minds and bodies

If your kiddo has an October birthday, they’re in great company. It should come as no surprise that people ranging from U.S. presidents to award-winning actors also have October birthdays because when it comes to sports and politics, health, and longevity, October babies seem to take first place no matter what they do. Wondering how you’ll celebrate your little pumpkin? Be inspired by 2023’s most popular birthday themes, party favors the kids will actually use, and unique birthday desserts you need to try.

October birthday
iStock

They’re Presidential

More U.S. Presidents are born in October than any other month of the year. Maybe someday your own POTUS will take their seat in the Oval Office like their fellow October babies Presidents Adams, Eisenhower, Carter, and Theodore Roosevelt.

They’re Award Winners

Politicians aren’t the only famous faces who are born in the season of pumpkin spice and everything nice. With several award-winning actors, like Matt Damon, Julia Roberts, Kate Winslet, and Julie Andrews born in October, you might want to start planning that acceptance speech for your young thespian now.

They Have Two Birthstones

The October birthstones are Opal, which is a whiteish stone that reflects rainbow colors, and Tourmaline, which is a deep pink stone. 

Related: People Born in August Are More Positive & Other Fun Facts

October birthday
Jessica To'oto'o via Unsplash

They’re Stronger 

Batter up! One study published in the International Journal of Sports Medicine found that babies born in October and November performed better than those born in other months on tests of strength, stamina, and cardiovascular fitness.

They Live the Longest

While October babies have the highest risk of disease among all birth months, they don’t let that stop them from living very long lives. According to a 2011 study of over 1,500 centenarians (or people who live to be 100), babies born between September and November live the longest.

iStock

They’re Taller

If their athletic ability leads to a basketball career, October babies are in luck. A study from Bristol University found that babies born in the autumn months, including October, were, on average, slightly taller than their peers.

People Born in October Are Either Libras or Scorpios

People whose birthdays fall between Oct. 1 - Oct. 22 fall under the sign of Libra, and those born Oct. 23-Oct. 31 fall under the sign of Scorpio. Libras are known for their obsession with balance and symmetry. They tend to thrive in creative roles since they are drawn to art and intellectualism and can thrive in almost any social situation. Scorpios tend to be incredibly intuitive. They hold their cards close to their chest, and when striving towards a goal, they're most likely three steps ahead of others. 

Related: 11 Intriguing Facts About Babies Born in July

October birthday
Jordan Rowland via Unsplash

They’re Less Allergic

A 2017 study from La Trobe University School of Psychology and Public Health in Melbourne found that babies who were in utero for an entire grass pollen season were at lower risk of developing allergies and allergic diseases, like asthma, later in life. In the United States, grass pollen season typically runs from May to August, which means October babies get a full season in the womb.

They’re Making History

October is a month of many history-making firsts. The tenth month of the year has seen the first sale of the Ford Model T, the swearing-in of the first African American Supreme Court Justice, the start of the space age with the launch of Sputnik, and of course, the birth of your future history-maker.

 

May’s birthstone is known as the “Jewel of Kings”

You know that April showers bring May flowers, but did you know that many people born in May consider themselves to be the happiest and healthiest people around?  Read on to find out why May-born babies are such a hearty lot. And if you’re expecting a May babe, check out this list of adorable names just for people born in May. 

1. People born in May consider themselves to be lucky.

According to a survey of nearly 30,000 participants, respondents were asked to rate how lucky they thought they were. The findings showed that people born in the summer are more likely to consider themselves lucky than those born in the winter. May-born respondents said they were the luckiest, while people born in November were the most pessimistic.

2. People born in May claim either the Taurus or Gemini zodiac sign.

If you have a birthday of April 20 – May 20, you were born under the sign of Taurus. If your May birthday is May 21 or after, you were born under the sign of Gemini.

3. May babies are driven to succeed.

Strong-willed and achievement-oriented people born in May under the sign of Taurus seem to possess an innate sixth sense that helps them navigate through life. Like their Taurus counterparts born in April, those born in May can be stubborn, but their critical, systematic ways of thinking help them get stuff done.

4. People born in May often have wanderlust.

Restless and curious, people born in May are always itching to explore the world. They often lead exhausting and busy lives that incorporate adventure and work, but they are the last to complain about their hectic lifestyles. For May-born people bitten by the travel bug, exploration isn’t simply a distraction, it’s a way of life.

5. People born in May are fun to be around. 

If you claim Gemini as your astrological sign, there’s a good chance you are chatty, enthusiastic, full of energy, and always looking to join the party. While this can be exhausting for some, everyone needs that go-go-go person in their lives.

6. May babies tend to be tinier than babies born in other months.

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, babies born in May tend to be shorter, lighter, and have smaller heads, which scientists think is related to the amount of vitamin D the mother gets while pregnant.

7. The birthstone for May represents royalty, eloquence, and foresight. 

May’s birthstone, the emerald, is known as the “Jewel of Kings.” Beloved by royal figures throughout history, the most famous might be Cleopatra, who was said to shower this precious gem on visiting dignitaries. It was thought to reveal the truth and was used to ward off spells. People also thought, if worn, it would increase riches and allow the wearer to predict the future.

8. They share their birth month with plenty of famous people born in May.

There are quite a few celebrities born in May, including Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Robert Downey Jr., Adele, Cate Blanchett, Stevie Wonder, Ian McKellen, and Octavia Spencer.

Related: This Is Why September Babies Are More Successful, According to Science

 

Almost ten years ago, my family made eating dinner together a priority. My life felt crazy busy at the time as I juggled work, two young children, school, and life. I remember wanting to feel less frazzled. I longed to be more grounded and connected with my family. About that time, I stumbled upon research that shared the benefits of eating together. Studies found that families that eat dinner together several times a week experience the following.

Benefits of Family Dinner

  • Better academic performance
  • Higher self-esteem
  • A greater sense of resilience
  • Lower risk of substance abuse
  • Lower risk of teen pregnancy
  • Lower risk of depression
  • Lower likelihood of developing eating disorders
  • Lower rates of obesity

So we started. Up until that point, our family dinners were fast and sporadic. The last thing my two toddlers wanted to do was sit down for dinner. But by ages 3 and 5, spending more time at the table was a possibility.

I heard about using “Rose, Bud, Thorn” as a way for families to connect and share. During dinner, everyone shared their “Rose” for the day or something that went well. Their “Bud,” or something they were excited about. And their “Thorn,” a difficult part of their day. My kids enjoyed these interactions, and it gave me a deeper peek into their world.

Soon, we added other topics. One night, I brought four small journals to dinner. With some eye rolls and resistance, we each wrote down something we were grateful for that day. My youngest daughter didn’t feel like writing, so she drew a picture instead.

These gratitude journals are still near our kitchen table today. We pull them out periodically and add to them. My kids love looking back at what they wrote years ago. Writing in these journals seems to shift our focus and remind us of the many good things in our life.

Looking back over the past decade, I see that dinnertime is one of our most meaningful family rituals. Time to stop whatever we are doing and sit down together. Time to listen and learn about each other. Time to connect.

I’ve found that the following ground rules help to set the tone for our dinners:

  • Make the dinner table a safe space. Practice respectful listening. Do not make fun of or embarrass anyone about what they share. (This rule has grown into a house rule too.)
  • Turn off and put away devices. Make the dinner table a no phone, tablet, or TV zone.
  • Make the conversations fun, especially as you get started. (Later, families may delve into more serious topics and discussions.)
  • Choosing not to respond is okay. Allow family members just to listen if they prefer not to share.
  • To start, introduce just one topic at each dinner. From there, decide what works best for your family.

Here are a few topics that my family discussed over the years. When my kids were younger, we prioritized fun and engaging topics.

Dinner Topics for Families with Young Children

  • Rose, Bud, Thorn (Best part of your day? Something you are excited about? Toughest part of your day?)
  • An act of kindness, big or small, you noticed or experienced today?
  • What are you most grateful for today?
  • What is something you are proud of?

Dinner Topics for Families with Tweens and Teens

  • What are you most excited about? What are you most nervous about?
  • Most interesting part of your day? Most awkward part of your day?
  • What inspires you?
  • What makes you feel loved? 
  • Which emotion is most difficult for you to express?

Over the years, I’ve shared many of my family’s dinner conversations. Here are a few of those posts:

Because of the pandemic and social distancing, my family is spending more time together these days. But our family dinners are still a priority. Over dinner, I’ve learned how difficult the pandemic has been for each of my family members. I’ve come to understand the impact it’s had on my kids’ social and emotional worlds. This knowledge has helped me better support the people I love the most during this stressful time. And helped me stay grounded too.

This post originally appeared on https://jessicaspeer.com/blog-jessica-speer/.

Jessica Speer is the author of BFF or NRF (Not Really Friends)? Girls Guide to Happy Friendships. Combining humor, the voices of kids, and research-based explanations, Jessica unpacks topics in ways that connect with tweens and teens. She’s the mother of two and has a Master’s Degree in Social Sciences.    

It’s safe to say that every child’s education has changed significantly over the last year. While for some kids school might mean in-person, for lots of kids across the US, your child is either remote learning full time or in a hybrid-model. Our editors live, work and mom across the country so we have a wide-range of experience, from preschool pods to high-school hybrids. Here are some of the tips that we swear will help keep your family on track.

This post is sponsored by Osmo, interactive technology that makes at-home learning fun and hands on.

Jesseca, New York Calendar Editor, Mom to a 7th Grader and soon-to-be baby girl

Schedules!!! My daughter is in 7th, but keeping her to a schedule was super important. It’s so easy to get distracted at home, even at her age. Also, dedicate a space just for school work if you can so when they sit in that chair or at that table they know it’s time for school.

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Jamie, Copywriter, Mom to a preschooler and two year old

Trying to keep a preschooler engaged in online learning is like waiting for a pig to fly: not going to happen. I nearly flew off the ground myself when we found a tool that he LOVES, combining learning and laughs—Osmo! This smart tool turns a tablet into an interactive learning game. The way that these lovable characters engage kids in games that sneak in smarts is unique in that it's one-on-one interactive. Osmo can "see" how he's doing with an activity and responds in real-time. This personal attention helps my kid focus, connect, learn and have a blast doing it. Math, spelling, reading, art, and even coding—these kits have it all covered, and they come in sets based on your kid's age, with options for ages 3-5 and ages 6-10. And now I can put my feet up for a sec and officially be "off-duty" as a teacher for a while. 

Learn more about how Osmo is transforming how kids learn!

Beth, San Diego Editor, Mom to a 4th and 8th grader

I try to schedule snack breaks/recess breaks/lunch around the same time they'll have them at school when it resumes. Also, dedicate a finite amount of time to each task to lessen burnout and frustration. If you're their first foray into "real" school, you want to make positive associations with the lessons, so if things aren't working, take a movement break.

My kids learn better when moving, so we'd walk the dog to learn multiplication tables (I'd quiz them while walking), or I'd have them bounce or kick a ball or dance around the room to learn facts. Sitting still can often be the enemy for kinetic learners. I know at school they may not have the liberty to move around, but may as well take advantage of it at home.

Don't ever underestimate reading aloud to them. I swear my kids are the people they are today because from a young age we read them all the classics aloud, including Charlotte's Web, The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, all Roald Dahl's books and more. I think reading is the single most important thing a family can do together when it comes to furthering their education.

And, for those with young kids, I read a good tip. Pack their lunches in whatever containers they'll use when school starts to make sure they can easily negotiate all the lids, snaps, etc. on their own and to see what they can eat in what amount of time (i.e. a 20 minute school lunch break when they eventually return to the classroom).

This post is sponsored by Osmo, interactive technology that makes at-home learning fun and hands on.

Shelley, Atlanta Editor and mom to a 6th, 4th and 1st grader and preschooler

Western Chief

Our schools shut down last spring and I had four kids (my Kindergartner at the time was in a dual language program) at home distance learning from March until May. We crank up again soon. Here are some things that helped me:

1. Tequila has fewer calories than wine.

2. Most of my frustration was in troubleshooting the different platforms. Try to give yourself some time before they get started each day to boot up the computer, pull up the agenda, print out the worksheets, and pull together any supplies you need. In those early elementary ages, lots of the activities are hands-on, so you'll save yourself some headache by getting ahead of the daily rush to find Elmer's.

3. Schedule breaks, and force them away from the computer. Our teachers gave us a LOT of optional activities for them to do on the computer, and my kindergartener loved some of them. During his breaks, he'd want to play them—which led to burnout by the end of the curriculum part of the day.

4. Make them run around outside for a bit between breakfast and when they sit down at the computer, if you can.

5. Incentive charts to get you through the week worked really well for me. I think it helped mine keep track of what day it was during the week, and I just customized it for whatever I needed from each kid (not getting on recreational screens until after "school" ends, chores are finished, and some form of outdoor exercise completed for the 11 year-old, etc.).

Andie, Spoke Contributor Network Editor, Mom to a 1st and 6th grader

Did you know prosecco is also significantly lower in calories than wine?

But in all seriousness, I found the below attention-span breakdown incredibly helpful to know which can help set my own expectations. And, if something is causing frustration, abandon ship and try again another time. Break whatever you’re doing down into smaller/more manageable bites or do your own version in some other way.

Childhood development experts generally say that a reasonable attention span to expect of a child is two to three minutes per year of their age. That's the period of time for which a typical child can maintain focus on a given task.

Average attention spans work out like this:

  • 2 years old: four to six minutes
  • 4 years old: eight to 12 minutes
  • 6 years old: 12 to 18 minutes
  • 8 years old: 16 to 24 minutes
  • 10 years old: 20 to 30 minutes
  • 12 years old: 24 to 36 minutes
  • 14 years old: 28 to 42 minutes
  • 16 years old: 32 to 48 minutes

Amber, Managing Editor, Mom to a 4th grader

The designated place to do the work is key. We didn't have that for H and it made things harder, so we're setting it up now and getting his "input" on his own desk. My idea is to make a long desk that another adult can sit at next to him (but that's a whole other project).

Also, a big white board or printout for your daily meetings helps. We never went to the stage of having actual printed calendars but every morning we check in and say "What meetings do you have?" And coordinate the times, make sure he’s set up with a book or whatever he's supposed to be doing at the same time as a meeting I need to focus on. I want the whiteboard to make it clear to everyone in the house the times I am NOT available as well.

Try not to feel guilty if you are getting stuff done and your kids are online more than usual. We were like a zero screen time during the week family before Covid. Ha! I laugh in the face of February 2020-Amber.

Another tip is not exactly school-related, but allow your kids a time to hangout online with some of the other kids and just chat/share. Some teachers facilitate this, but we just coordinated directly with a couple of the parents.(There may be restrictions on your school's accounts being able to do zooms or hangouts.) But you can even just use Facetime with another parent, and let your kids build, play, color, talk to another kid while they're doing it to help form bonds.  I'm usually in the room, but I try to give him some space to goof off with his friends. We also found we could use it as a motivator: if you want to do your google hangout with Oliver, by 2 p.m. on Friday you need to be done with xyz. So we scheduled those casual things for Fridays whenever possible.

This post is sponsored by Osmo, interactive technology that makes at-home learning fun and hands on.

Kate, Bay Area Editor and Content + Calendar Manager, Mom to 4th, 6th and 7th grader

My older two are pretty self-sufficient (YAY) but for my youngest (4th grade this year) we had to get everything all planned out on the weekend so he'd be in the right frame of mind when school started Monday morning. I had bins for each of his subjects (from the Dollar Store) and he would keep his book, workbook, homework and lesson plan for the week in there. This helped a lot so he wasn't scrambling to find assignments and getting stressed out. He'd just grab the bin for that subject and it was all there. It made him 90% self-sufficient by the end of the school year.

I also tried to be extra chill about it all because he puts a lot of pressure on himself already. So if there was an assignment that was causing a lot of stress for him, we'd just table it. If it meant that he was going to turn it in late, so be it. He'd work on these with his tutor or I'd let the teacher know that it was just too much and she was fine with that. For me, the mental stuff was more important than the actual classwork.

I'd get the kids learning to type sooner than later. I had them focus on this over the summer. This is the program we used.

I found that using a timer with my youngest was so helpful. He used a FitBit and was able to set the timer himself so that he could give himself a five minute break between assignments. He wasn't allowed to use screens during this time, had to be active or outside at least. It helped as a brain reset but was short enough so he didn't lose momentum.

It took a few weeks but we definitely got our flow going and now they aren't even worried about the online learning at all.

Allison, Seattle Editor, Mom to a two, nine and 12 year old.

One thing we're working on this year is figuring out "gym class" so the kids get exercise, have a chance to play and get to take a brain break too. With so many things being shut down, it's tough. But we're looking into horseback riding lessons and private swim lessons, maybe tennis or golf? Some of the lower risk activities where it's one-on-one with an instructor that's actually structured. My neighbor coaches Girls on the Run and he's planning on getting a program together for the kids we can all use. My kids need that time and I'm not good at making it happen, so I feel like I have to outsource it.

We're also trying to figure out how to supplement the arts at home (band, music, art they'd normally get at school) and really make it structured. My son plays saxophone and loves it. So looking for virtual lessons or a private instructor. Art kits are another hit with my kids.

Other than that, white boards are life.

 

Do you have other tips that worked for your family? Share this story on your social pages and add your two cents, and tag Red Tricycle. We can’t wait to see your ideas!

—Erin Lem, with invaluable advice from Jesseca Stenson, Beth Shea, Shelley Massey, Andie Huber, Amber Guetebier, Kate Loweth, Allison Sutcliffe and Jamie Aderski

 

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Does what you do in the early months affect all aspects of your pregnancy? A new study found that pregnant women who exercise more during the first trimester may have a lower risk of developing gestational diabetes. The analysis found that lower risk was associated with at least 38 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each day which is more than current recommendations of at least 30 minutes a day five days a week.

Pregnancy exercise

The new study was led by Samantha Ehrlich, an assistant professor in the Department of Public Health at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and adjunct investigator with the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research. 

Gestational diabetes refers to diabetes diagnosed for the first time during pregnancy. It can pose serious health problems including pregnancy and delivery complications as well as increased future risk for diabetes in both mother and child.

Ehrlich said, “We know that exercise is safe and beneficial for healthy pregnant women. These results show that exercise is helpful in avoiding gestational diabetes, though you might need to do a little bit more than currently recommended to enjoy that benefit.”

The observational study was based on women’s self-reported levels of exercise during their first trimester of pregnancy. It found that exercising at least 38 minutes per day lowered the risk of gestational diabetes by 2.1 cases per 100 women and the risk of abnormal blood sugar by 4.8 cases per 100 women.

“We know that six to 10 women per 100 get gestational diabetes,” Ehrlich said. “If being more active could reduce that by two women per 100, that’s a clear benefit.”

The study, published Dec. 21 in the journal Diabetes Care, analyzes data collected for the Pregnancy Environment and Lifestyle Study (PETALS), a longitudinal study that included a physical activity questionnaire from 2,246 pregnant members of Kaiser Permanente Northern California. The women in the study were racially and ethnically diverse and of a wide range of pre-pregnancy weight classifications.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: freestocks.org from Pexels

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Photo: Tinkergarten

As parents and caregivers, we’ve been on an emotional rollercoaster for months in the COVID-19 pandemic. So much is uncertain, kids can seem like they are regressing, and our one job—keeping them safe and happy—feels more challenging than ever.

One thing we’re hearing over and over is: We miss playing with our friends outside.

Opportunities to come together and play are so needed, and we can see it and feel it in our kids. Going outside—in a safe and thoughtful way—is the best way to make that happen, and public health experts agree.

Time spent outdoors offers mental and physical benefits, and Americans aren’t getting enough of it, these days especially. The NY Times recently cited concerns about “nature deficit disorder,” a fear many experts have for kids who’ve been cooped up since March. It’s a non-medical term for behavioral problems that may stem from too much time indoors—and not enough free play in nature. Add in our basic need to socialize, and getting together outdoors is a mental health combo we all need right now.

And though access to outdoor space varies from family to family, from private yards to patches of grass to city sidewalks and common courtyards, finding a way to get a dose of nature no matter where you live is game-changing for everyone. Here’s why outdoor play should be at the top of your to-do list. 

The outdoors are safer.

Experts say that when we’re together, it’s much safer to be outside than in. And with proper safety protocols, kids and families can and should enjoy lots and lots of nature time.

The NY Times cited a study from Japan of 100 cases, which found that coronavirus was 20 times more likely to transmit indoors than out, because of the dispersion of viral droplets. Breathing together in confined spaces carries tons of risk; outdoors that risk is much, much lower—and drops to negligible when you wear masks and maintain social distance.

For example, William Schaffner, medical director for the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, said in a recent interview that “the risk out of doors is lower than it is when we’re in enclosed spaces.” And Dr. Erin Bromage, a biology professor and immunology expert at UMass Dartmouth recently recommended families enjoy “any outdoor space with ample room for social distancing,” including parks, beaches, and trails. 

Julia L. Marcus, an epidemiologist and assistant professor at Harvard Medical School, recently shared similar thoughts with the New York Times: “I think going outside is important for health,” she said. “We know that being outdoors is a lower risk for coronavirus transmission than being indoors. On a sunny, beautiful weekend, I think going outside is indicated, but I also think there are things to do to reduce our risk.” 

The benefits outweigh the risks for kids.

“People are thinking about these non-quantified risks and benefits,” Dr. Amber Fyfe-Johnson, a pediatrician, epidemiologist and assistant professor at Washington State University, told Tinkergarten. “We want a number, but we don’t have it. The numbers do suggest that between-child transmission of COVID is very low—it’s still a risk—but people in the public health realm are saying it’s important to get kids outside.” 

With the right approach, we can manage the risk.

In another interview, Bromage stressed that “it’s the types of interactions” we have outside that matter. Common-sense guidelines apply: Keep 6 feet of distance if you can, wear masks (if you’re over 2) and don’t share food or utensils with people outside your immediate family. 

Dr. Sally Goza, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, has also encouraged parents to get kids together with friends outside and, to keep it safe, wear masks, keep distance and wash hands frequently.

How do we put these precautions in place?

One key is to avoid big crowds and do your best to maintain social distancing protocols, especially those that have been mandated where you live. To teach little kids social distancing, we can do things like help kids envision a 6-foot personal space bubble and remind children of the reason that we are keeping our distance: We want to keep ourselves and our friends safe. Older kids can get that message in even greater detail: Keeping a 6-foot bubble makes it much less likely for the virus to spread. 

Children are wired to physically connect, but with practice and time, their impulse control can catch up and they can learn to interact—and enjoy it—from a safe distance. So Tinkergarten is kicking off in-person classes where they’re allowed, based on established safety guidelines. We’ll partner with families to put protocols in place—like social distance (read here about how to teach kids to respect a personal space bubble, but doing so in fun, kid-friendly and supportive ways, like walking like a lobster when they need to make more room. and masks for everyone over age 2 as recommended by the CDC (read here for how kids can make friends with masks).

While the outdoors are safer in terms of lower potential for viral transmission, it’s important to acknowledge that we don’t all enjoy equal access. Historically, parks and green spaces haven’t been a place where people of all races have been made to feel at ease or even safe—and that history still negatively impacts how some people experience that natural world. There’s a lot we can all do to make the outdoors more accessible to everyone. Organizations like In SolidarityOutdoor Afro, Diversify the Outdoors and Soul Trak are working to right the imbalance.

Though COVID has made it all the more apparent, the outdoors offer an ideal environment for children to play and learn. With schools’ strategies shifting and parents trying to juggle working with childcare in quarantine, it’s a relief to know that when kids play outside, they’re naturally learning and developing important skills, from sensory engagement to empathy. And until classes open in your neighborhood, enjoy Camp Tinkergarten, 8 weeks of expert-designed activities that offer tons of ways to keep your kids outside—and playing—for long stretches of time.

This post originally appeared on Tinkergarten.

After 18 years as an educator, curriculum developer and school leader, Meghan has her dream gig—an entrepreneur/educator/mom who helps families everywhere, including hers, learn outside. Today, Meghan serves as co-founder and Chief Learning Officer of Tinkergarten, the national leader in outdoor play-based learning. 

With the everyday hustle and balancing act of managing work, kids’ school lunches, homework, chores, and meal planning, people tend to leave little time to really think about long-term health and wellness. Let’s face it—society is surrounded by cancer-causing pollutants that oftentimes feel like a losing battle, but it’s not.

The effects of how we feed our brains positive messaging is as equally important as what we put in, on and around our bodies for our own longevity and well-being. Nutrition is a lifest‌yle that directly impacts lifespan. The fact is that people do have control over the body’s ability to fight, neutralize and prevent disease, and it all starts with a change in the acidic foods consumed, maintaining high-alkalinity in meal-planning, and balancing overall pH in the system.

Natural Wellness Solutions

Dr. Ahmad Nooristani. a licensed medical doctor in the field of internal medicine with 15 years of experience in practicing medicine, has taken care of thousands of patients in both in inpatient (hospital setting) and in outpatient settings (clinics, private practice). He has always combined mainstream medicine with alternative medicine to create a well-balanced plan for his patients.

As a medical doctor, Dr. Nooristani’s focus an application of the tools provided throughout years of training and is fully geared toward using drugs. Also, the overall national response to medical issues tends to be more reactive, as opposed to being proactive. This led Dr. Nooristani to dive deeper into what else may affect human bodies, and the reason behind these unimaginable diseases, as well as what can be done to prevent these diseases from even occurring. This has evolved into Dr. Nooristani’s mission in uncovering a solution that combines medicine with diet, supplements and exercise that has resulted in surmounting success.

Nutritional Impact on Disease

Nutrition plays a vital role in overall well-being and can even be one of the causes of cancer. Proper diet not only has a preventive effect on cancer, but will also slow it down. Eating a wide variety of plant-based foods is a smart start. Fruits, vegetables and grains contain hundreds of health-promoting antioxidants and phytochemicals cannot be derived from a dietary supplement.

For optimal impact, Dr. Nooristani recommends dietary choices that offer the best protection if they are combined with the following:

* Regular exercise

* Maintaining a healthy weight

* Decreasing alcohol intake and remaining smoke-free

* Participating in recommended cancer screenings (i.e., mammogram, colonoscopy, pap smear, etc.)

Here are Dr. Nooristani’s top 10 cancer-fighting food recommendations to incorporate into family meals:

1. Dark Green Leafy Vegetables (the darker the better): Spinach, collard greens, romaine lettuce, and other dark green leafy vegetables are excellent sources of several cancer-fighting substances. Their capacity to have antioxidant properties make them a great choice to fight against cancer. Broccoli is at the top of the chart, followed by cabbage and kale.

2. Cranberries: With their deep red color, cranberries not only  boost the immune response, but also help cells detoxify harmful substances.

3. Carrots: Carrots contain several essential nutrients, including vitamin K, vitamin A and antioxidants that also support the immune system.

4. Garlic & Onion (the darker the better): Garlic, onions, scallions, chives, and leeks have tons of antioxidant value. Their cancer-fighting abilities, due to several sulfur-based compounds, also have a big impact in preventing gastrointestinal cancers.

5. Grapes (the darker the better): Grapes, especially red and purple, have been known to contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds.

6. Fatty Fish: Fish, to include salmon and mackerel, are rich in essential nutrients, such as vitamin B and Omega-3 fatty acids. They are preventative against colorectal cancer.

7. Walnuts: All nuts exhibit cancer-preventing properties, but scientists have studied walnuts more than other types of nuts. Walnuts play a role in preventing breast cancer.

8. Whole Grains: Many compounds in whole grains have health-promoting properties. They are especially important in decreasing the chance of getting colorectal cancer and breast cancer.

9. Winter Squash: Squash, butternut and pumpkin all have antioxidants as well as preventative benefits in decreasing the chance of getting cancer.

10. Green Tea: Green Tea contains antioxidants with anticancer properties. Drinking green tea regularly has been associated with lower risk for cancers of the bladder and gastrointestinal (digestive) tract.

For more information on Dr. Nooristani’s approach to maintaining the body’s optimal immune response and disease prevention visit balance7.com.

Photo: Balance7

Ruthi Davis is a the Founder of Ruth Davis Consulting LLC with over two decades of success in advertising/marketing, media/publicity, business development, client relations, and organizational optimization for a variety of clients. Ruthi is a proud mom and influencer in the parenting and family market as founder of the Superfly Supermom brand.

Photo: PetSmart

Billy didn’t choose to see, feel and process the world differently. He just does. But having his therapy dog with him helps him stay calm, learn to read and protects him from harm. He doesn’t know how that works (and neither do we), it just does.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects communication and behavior, and symptoms typically begin within the first two years of life. ASD manifests in children in many ways that set them apart. Avoidance of eye-contact, lack of attempts at social contact with other people, and abnormal responses to other people’s emotional displays are all hallmarks of the disorder. Since signs of ASD first appear in childhood, early intervention is one of the most successful ways to help kids learn the skills needed to integrate as much as possible in mainstream society.

While there is no cure for autism, there are treatments available to alleviate or control the symptoms. Primary therapies involve ways to identify, improve and reinforce positive social behaviors and reduce negative behaviors. Essentially, therapists help children learn what is intuitive for most of us by teaching specific social skills and the perspective of others. Some of the most promising of these treatments involve pets.

In a 2017 study by the Human-Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) and Green Chimneys examining the effectiveness of an animal-assisted social skills intervention for children with ASD, research found “the inclusion of dogs in social skills training was more effective than traditional programs.” In the presence of a furry companion, participants “exhibited a greater level of change in social skills, fewer restricted and repetitive behaviors and decreased feelings of isolation and depression.”

While the healing power of pets is evident to some of us, there is a growing body of scientific research reinforcing this belief. For example, recent research has shown that newborns who live with cats have a lower risk of childhood asthma, pneumonia and bronchiolitis, and research finds the interaction with pets can reduce anxiety, ease blood pressure and heart rate, and offset feelings of depression. In the case of ASD therapy, it isn’t fully clear why animals incorporated into therapy seems to be effective, but there are some theories.

One theory is since human faces are very expressive, kids with ASD become easily overwhelmed with all the cues. It’s like trying to learn a foreign language with someone who speaks really, really fast.  When you can’t keep up, it’s easy to get frustrated. Especially when that person can’t seem to understand why it’s taking you so long and expresses any kind of impatience. Animals’ faces are less expressive, and pets simply don’t get impatient, at least not with reading. My daughters Lily (age 8) and Ivy (age 6) report that our dog Lucy is always calm during reading, and Lucy does not correct pronunciation mistakes; a pet is a source of love without judgement, which may help build confidence and trust.

And lastly, it’s not just the child with ASD that benefits from having either service or therapy animals available. In a separate HABRI-funded study examining the effects of pet dogs on families with children with ASD, results showed improvement in family function and a reduction in parent-child dysfunctional interactions of families with a dog. Siblings, parents and caregivers all receive the unconditional love and acceptance of the animals, which lead to documented lower levels of stress and fewer family crises. The amazing and magical power of the human-animal bond helps not only those they directly touch, but all those around them as well.

Investing in the healing power of pets in local institutions means investing in the mental and emotional wellbeing of children experiencing ASD and their caregivers. Ask your child’s doctor or therapist how they can benefit from animal-assisted therapy.

 

Amanda Landis-Hanna
Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Dr. Amanda Landis-Hanna, DVM, has practiced small animal, exotic, shelter, and relief medicine. She was a VCA medical director for 7 years in California and Virginia, served as director of veterinary medicine for Voyce from 2013 to 2016, and is currently senior manager of veterinary outreach at PetSmart Charities.

I was never a fan of stories that started with, “When I was a kid…” but, here I am, starting my story with, “When I was a kid…”—because when I was a kid, things were different. Kids would play outside all day long. All the neighbors knew each other. Cars slowed down while children played kickball and rode their bikes in the street. I could safely walk to my friend’s house a few doors down and not return until dinner.

Now, I hardly ever see kids playing in the street. Cars often have no regard for children nor residential speed limits. It’s hard not to worry about your child if they don’t answer the phone. And that’s another thing! Kids as young as eight and nine years old have cell phones. I didn’t get my first phone until I was 13 and that followed my very first beeper. I’m not sure exactly what changed or when the shift in childhood happened, but I do know that the world is a different place now.

I have fond memories of my childhood. I remember my first big girl bike. It was purple, pink and white with a black seat and large black tires. My best friends name was Lauren and she lives about 10 houses down the block. I had to ride up one large hill and down the other side before arriving at her yellow ranch.

We used to swim in her pool, draw with sidewalk chalk, walk her adorable pit bull terrier, and eat apples with whipped cream and sugar. I would play at her house for hours and my mother never worried. I called her on Lauren’s house phone when I arrived and made sure I was home in time for dinner. I don’t remember a single time when Lauren and I watched television. We may have watched a movie or two during our sleepovers but our time was primarily consumed with using our imagination.

Fast forward to present day. My son lives on his XBox. He asked for a cell phone for Christmas and we compromised on an iPod. When we visit his best friends house one of their favorite things to do is sit in what’s called “the lion’s den” in his room and play games on their tablets. Sure, they talk to each other, comment on what they’re doing and swap tablets, but they’re not using their imaginations. They’re more engaged with the screen than with each other.

I’m sure I’m not the only one who attends these types of playdates. But my son’s lack of interest in participating in anything other than screen time isn’t only about lack of imagination, though that’s a big one! Lack of time outdoors can actually affect your child in more ways than one. Here are some unknown benefits of outside play for kids.

1. Improved Attention Span

If your child is anything like my son, his attention span is sometimes lacking. I’m lucky if he can follow me from the beginning of the conversation till the end without getting distracted. Did you know that time spent outdoors can actually help reduce the effects of ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)? Some parents reported that their children were more apt to investigate and exhibit curiosity about the world around them after spending time in the fresh air and sunshine.

2. Increased Vitamin D

Vitamin D is one of those important vitamins that most of us get from exposure to the sun. If kids are spending too much time indoors, they’re lacking in vitamin D exposure. But what kind of physical effects can this have on kids?

Vitamin D in children actually helps strengthen bones and prevent both heart disease and diabetes. The best way for your child’s skin to absorb vitamin D is through limited exposure to the sun without sunscreen. Yes, sunscreen is extremely important and necessary for protecting your child’s skin and should always be used. However, if you can expose your child to even a few minutes of sunlight without sunscreen, they will receive their daily dose of this beneficial nutrient.

There are also vitamin D supplements available. You can also encourage your child to eat more foods rich in vitamin D such as eggs, cheese, milk and some breakfast cereals.

3. Improved Eyesight

Who knew that time spent outdoors could actually help your child’s vision? A recent study showed that those children that spent more time playing outdoors were less likely to suffer from nearsightedness. Those suffering from this condition have a difficult time seeing far away but can see up close, without the need for glasses. This condition is sometimes linked to genetics, however, studies have shown that those children that spend approximately 14 hours per week outside are at lower risk of nearsightedness.

Another reason why outside time means improved vision is because it reduces a child’s screen time, which can negatively impact their eyesight over time. Eye strain is a common side effect of too much time spent staring at a computer screen, phone, tablet or television. Other effects include eye fatigue, blurred vision and dryness.

Get Outside!

The best way to get your children outdoors is to join them! Even if it means sitting on your front porch while they play in the yard, taking a walk, or tossing a ball around. Your engagement will encourage them to get involved.

Even a few minutes outside can help your child in so many ways. It’s also important to get outdoors even during the winter months. Playing in the snow, sleigh riding or building snowmen, even for a short period of time, provides your child with the same benefits as playing during the summer time.

So get creative and get outside!

Featured Photo Courtesy: StockSnap via Pixabay

I am a 32 year old mother of a son and wife to an officer. I am honest about both the love and struggle of parenting. I enjoy being active and writing is my passion, second only to my family.