Sick of your kids saying…“School is so boring! I learned nothin’ today!”?? Have you been trying to figure out ways to get more information out of them but haven't yet been successful?? Here are ways to get the conversation rolling... 

1. Tell me one good thing that happened today.

2. What did you do during your “free time/recess?”

3. Did you have any specials (art, music, gym) or an assembly today? If so, tell me about it.

4. What topics of interest did you learn about today?

5. Tell me something/someone that made you laugh today.

6. Who did you sit next to at lunch?

7. What was the hardest thing you had to do today?

8. Do you have any questions that you need to ask your teachers?

9. What book did you read in class today?

10. What are you looking forward to doing at school tomorrow?

These questions are sure to help you get more info out of your kids about their school day! Get your kids talking…make that dreaded “nothin’” an answer of the past!  

There’s no manual for parenting, but there is something better – The Successful Child’s Whine and Wine Party! Our gatherings are where parents, relatives and friends can connect with our certified experts on topics related to child behavior, learning, social skills and more. Based on the groups needs, each party is a custom-tailored experience.
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Presentations are interactive and entertaining. Experts come to the host’s location of choice and present valuable and actionable information in a fun and personal way, while the guests Whine and Wine the night away.  Guests leave with new knowledge and parenting tools, plus it’s a perfect excuse to have a fun night out with friends!

​Popular Topics of Interest: 
Positive Discipline
Building a Healthy Self-Esteem
Screen Time: Dos and Don'ts for Children 
Raising Children Successfully in the 21st Century
Navigating Peer Pressure

It is no secret that election years, especially this year, lead to a multitude of new advertisements and slogans that are impossible to avoid. However, while these advertisements typically target adults, they are becoming more and more visible to kids. As we all know, kids act as sponges, soaking up and all they hear and repeating most of it while often they do not understand the meaning.

Several years ago in Wisconsin, there was an epidemic of small children running around and repeating “You’re damn right” as this is a phrase made “popular” in the state, by Congress woman Tammy Baldwin. It has the public divided. While it’s important for children to learn about elections, should they be allowed to see the advertisements? If not, how do you avoid it? When they pick up a “bad political habit” (such as phrases that include less then desirable language), how do you explain why it is ok to say on TV but bad to say in day-to-day life?

We want to know. What do you think? Where do your politics lay on how to handle politics in your home?

With summer in full effect, many parents have the daily battle of sunscreen with their kids. Most parents are not strangers to the fact that for whatever reason kids detest the protective lotion and lathering your child up can create havoc! Here are 5 strategies to try and avoid those sunscreen battles.

1. Don’t Wait!  Make sure to lather your kids up at home before you get to the beach or pool.   Not only is it ideal to have the sunscreen on 30 minutes prior to exposure, but your child is less likely to be distracted by the waves or pool toys. This results in more cooperation too!  For little kids, make use of the car seat! Apply lotion once they are strapped in where they can’t run or wiggle away.

2.  Put sunscreen on before putting bathing suits on.  Wet suits can sag and you want to avoid your child burning along their suit line which can be painful and dangerous. If you put sunscreen on before your kids are dressed, you can be sure to get every inch of their skin. Allow kids to help put on sunscreen before getting dressed. Make it a game and tell them to “cover your whole body”.

3.  Make use of snack time.  Every time the kids’ head back for a drink or food have the sunscreen ready.  It is recommended you reapply every 30 minutes and there is nothing wrong with enticing them with a treat to get them back over to your chair (for good snack ideas, check out our article “Healthy Snacks on the Go”).

4. Use glitter!  There are sunscreens that have glitter! This can really get kids excited to put it on….who doesn’t like to shimmer in the sun?!  Check out glitter nation for all natural ingredient sparkle screen.

5.  Let your child get in on the action.  Children like to feel they have some control in things and we all know when it comes to sunscreen they don’t; however, it is a MUST do…no “if, ands, or buts” about it.  Make them feel a sense of control by allowing them to do your sunscreen. You may be in charge of theirs, but they are more likely to accept that if they are in charge of yours.  Let them lather you in sunscreen and then you can always go over any missed spots once they hit the water!

Try these tips and turn that sunscreen battle into a bit of summer fun!

Valentine’s Day has a reputation for flowers, chocolates and lots of hugs and kisses; however, this Valentine’s Day make it about a lot more than that. Take the opportunity to show your kids meaningful and simple ways to show love as a family. Create a special day even without all that sugary chocolate and candy!
 
Cook together.  We love this idea for any day, but it can be especially fun on Valentine’s Day.  Families are very busy today. This means “family meals” often consist of take out or eating at different times. We don’t blame you; it’s impossible to keep everyone eating together every day.  However, on Valentine’s Day make it a point to eat together as a family. You would be surprised that just one meal together will impact your kids and can increase the love in your house.  (Bonus: make heart shaped foods: pizzas or use a cookie cutter to cut sandwiches, omelets, etc).
 
Make “I love you because...” Books.  Use construction paper, markers, crayons, stickers, whatever you have around the house, to create your book. Have each person make at least one page for each person in the family.  Smaller kids can draw a picture of why they love someone instead of writing; older kids can get creative and do both.  At the end of day, share the books with each other. Let everyone take a turn reading his or her books. It would be impossible not to “feel the love”!
 
Have a family game night.  This one sounds like a no brainer, however, in today’s households everyone is busy and most often with any free minutes we veg out on the couch and/or grab our devices (kids included).  Try and make the effort to take the night to turn all screens off and engage in a game that will make everyone laugh, encourage interaction, create an opportunity for endless discussions and offer an opportunity to teach good sportsmanship.
 
Set up a scavenger hunt.  This year Valentine’s Day is on a weekend, so wake up early and hide little notes all over the house. Watch your little kids run around on the hunt.  Make the “prize” at the end a simple card telling them how much you love them or a coupon for a special treat (trip to the ice cream store, voucher to snuggle and watch a movie, a “chore free” day, etc.).
 
Make it a “date night”.  Couples always take time to set up date nights, but this Valentine’s let your kids know how much you love them by making it a “family date night” and/or one-on-one date night.  Mark it on the calendar, set a time, dress up and take your child out somewhere special. Let them order whatever they want…make sure to toast to your family and the love that you all share!
 
Try any or all of these ideas! Remember Valentine’s Day may be a “Hallmark Holiday” but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a great way to sneak some extra love from your little ones! Happy Valentine's Day!

​With Thanksgiving literally around the corner, times are exciting but can be a bit overwhelming.  There’s so much to do and so little time! Plus...you have the kids to deal with, right?  Well, no need to be overwhelmed anymore! Here are 5 areas that kids can help you with on Thanksgiving Day, rather then hold you up. You will feel productive and have the opportunity to sneak in quality time with the little ones you are so thankful for!
 
1. Planning:

• Picking the menu: Let kids help pick the dishes you will serve. Give them extra Thanksgiving love for choices including fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Make ingredient lists together: help children realize what goes into their favorite recipes.
• Shopping: Schedule your trips and check off items on your list as you put them in the cart.

 
2. Dinner Preparation:

• Help in the kitchen: Allow kids to wash, mash, scoop, measure, roll, and older kids can slice, the ingredients.  When kids feel that they were a part of the process, they will take more pride in the meal and have a better appreciation for the food on the table. They might also have an increased interest in trying a new dish or a taking second helping of the veggies they prepared.
• Set the table: Let kids set the table, count the silverware and the plates and make sure that each place settings is complete.
• *Bonus treat: Create a seating chart. Allow kids to take control of where the guests will sit. Encourage them to mix up the guests, with the older guests next to younger guests and friends next to family.

 
3. Decorating:

• Centerpieces: Allow kids to get creative. Place a bunch of decorations on the table and let the kids arrange them.  They will feel proud and guests will appreciate their unique creations.
• Design place mats: Allow kids to make a special place mat for each setting. Doesn’t need to be fancy, construction paper works just fine.
• Make napkin rings: Use strips of construction paper, have kids decorate with stickers, crayons, markers, glitter or whatever else you have laying around, tape the strip together in the shape of a “ring” and place napkin through it.
• Create Seating Cards: Use little hand turkeys as seating cards placed on each guest’s plate.

 
4. Hosting:

• Greeting: Allow kids to open the door, greet guests and take coats.  This promotes socialization and gives all houseguests huge smiles from the very moment they walk in the door.
• Inviting to the meal: Have children announce when the meal is ready and guide guests to the table.

 
5. Clean Up:

• Clear plates and dishes: Have kids carry into the kitchen. Remind them that the faster the dishes are cleared, the faster dessert comes out.
• Create an assembly line:  This helps the job get done quicker, and makes clean up a lesson on teamwork and cooperation.

 
These simple tips will take some of the stress out of the festivities and make your little one feel important! After all, kids helping on Thanksgiving Day is just one of the many things to give thanks for!
 
Happy Thanksgiving!

While children look forward to trick or treating on Halloween all year, parents often worry. Here are some tips to ensure that everyone has a safe and fun Halloween.

1. A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children trick or treating around the neighborhood on Halloween.

2. If your child is old enough to go trick or treating on their own, outline an agreed upon route and have them check-in via cell phone or be at central location where you will be waiting for them.

3. Remind your child to stay in a group.

4. Make sure that they are aware of the time and synchronize clocks so that you can agree on a time for them to return home or meet up with you.

5. Wear reflective stickers/tape/strips and/or attach flashlight or light up keychain to costume.

6. Be sure that your child is aware of allergies and what they should and should not take while out trick or treating. Look for teal pumpkins which indicate homes are giving away "non-food treats".

7. Only go to homes with a porch light on. Never enter a home or car for a treat.

8. Don't eat any unwrapped/open candy that they receive from trick or treating.

Everyone have a fun and safe Halloween!

“Gluten Free” has become a household term and with good reason. Studies have shown that more kids are diagnosed with Celiac and Gluten Sensitivities each year, requiring a Gluten Free lifestyle. With Halloween coming up soon and everyone shopping for foods are Gluten Free, we were interested in doing a little research to find out exactly what a Gluten Free Diet really looks like, who could benefit from making the change and what, if any, are the cons/negatives. We thoroughly researched to address our questions/concerns and the following are the results from what we found.
 
What is Gluten?
Gluten is a protein found in grains of wheat, barley, rye and some oats.  It can be found in food we’d expect like pizza, pasta, bread, and breakfast cereals, but might also pop up in unexpected foods, including soy sauce and cooking spray. 
 
What are the symptoms and how do I know if my child is suffering from Celiac or Gluten Sensitivity?
Some of the symptoms of Celiac and Gluten Sensitivities include weight loss, gas/bloating, diarrhea, constipation, delayed growth, irritability, behavioral changes, low bone density, vomiting and dental enamel defects.  If you think that your child might be suffering from Celiac Disease, speak with your pediatrician about your concern and ask for a blood test. Unfortunately, there is no way to test for Gluten sensitivity, since it will not show up in a test, but it is still important to discuss your concerns with your child’s pediatrician for more information.
 
Does a Gluten Free diet help children with ADHD or Autism?
While it might help some kids, at this time it is unclear if a Gluten Free diet benefits all children with ADHD or Autism. Studies have revealed a relationship between a gluten free diet with lowered distractibility and impulsive behaviors in children diagnosed with ADHD. There has also been a decrease in symptoms, such as tantrums, poor eye contact, and impaired speech, noted in children diagnosed with Autism. However, it should be noted that these are correlations and still need more research for definitive conclusions.
 
What are the benefits or what can you expect to gain from a Gluten Free lifestyle? 
Starchy foods are high in empty calories and can cause sugar/carbohydrate spikes and crashes. By eliminating these foods, many people report that they feel:

• An increase in sustainable energy
• Reduced inflammation
• Less problematic behavior (such as tantruming in children)
• Better sleep patterns in children
• Easier and more regular digestion (in children and adults)

 
What are the cons/negatives or potential risks of a Gluten Free diet/lifestyle, if you are not diagnosed with Celiac?
It used to be that eliminating gluten naturally meant a diet more rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins; however, this is not necessarily the case anymore.  Due to the increasing awareness and diagnoses of Celiac, major food companies are mass producing many Gluten Free foods, making “Gluten Free” and “Non Processed foods” no longer synonymous.  As a result:

• Gluten Free foods may lead to inadequate amounts of vitamins, especially B-vitamins, Niacin, Folic Acid, Iron, Zinc, and Fiber
• Gluten Free products are often genetically altered which may include more sodium, sugar and fats to compensate for taste. This could actually lead to weight gain and other health risks.
• Gluten Free diets often lead to a higher exposure of inorganic arsenic, a carcinogen that has rice-based ingredients.

 
The bottom line is that everyone must make a decision based on what is best for your child and your family AND be aware that no two children are exactly alike.  There is no question that diet can drastically affect kids overall mood, demeanor, concentration level and health.  We recommend consulting your child’s pediatrician before making any dietary alterations.  However, if you do adopt a Gluten Free lifestyle in your home, based on our research we suggest reading labels carefully, making fruit, vegetables, lean protein and dairy the bulk of your child’s diet and eating grain based foods that are naturally Gluten Free such as rice, quinoa, millet, corn, buckwheat and amaranth.
 
Follow these guidelines and discuss any concerns with your pediatrician to ensure that you have a healthy, happy and nutritious little one! However, for those days, like Halloween, when you can’t control everything your child is eating, here are some Gluten Free Halloween candy treats to help keep you on the Gluten Free diet track.

• All M&M’s excluding Krispies and pretzel
• Big Hunk
• Dove Chocolate bars
• Hershey bars (plain)
• Kisses
• Life savers
• Mars bars
• Milky way
• Rolo Caramels
• Skittles
• Snickers
• Starbursts
• Three Musketeers
• Tootsie Rolls
• Mike and Ike, Hot Tamales and Zours

*Note: those diagnosed with Celiac should never consume gluten in any amount since that is the only way to regulate the disorder.