Page 14 - Inspire Health July/August 2015
P. 14
mighty kids
VOLUNTEERING
WITH YOUR CHILDREN
THoEAf PSDPRuOEmCGImADTeErAYS Role modeling. We hear about it as parents
every day. We want our children to be kind
and care about the world around them.
There’s no better way to nurture this behavior
than to demonstrate it. Whether in a soup
kitchen or a children’s hospital, volunteer with
your kids and make a difference.
by Michele Robert Poche
S III''wddobufuli“dniIlgfddeIorshelpealasfd-isnemtcsyDtomrecoreirehamecinltdaefinintLrdgsootoparmaaonaiidnnsntdemsttoovrhheeeercfhaoiognnugnaseeienrc:tllaeitnsegsr...” classic musicals. Now I have two things I
chool is out. The daily grind of Create a family meal together. love to do that I can do with them.
homework and rigid routines Let them pick a theme (Tacos, Chinese, etc.)
can disappear for a while. and get in the kitchen.The memories made Hire an apprentice. Need to fix a
leaky faucet/paint the kitchen/wash the car?
We’ve all got a little extra time over preparation will outweigh the clean up. Involve your child. Chances are she can hold
a wrench/paint brush/hose just fine.Yes, it
with our kids. So how do we make the It might even become a weekly event! might take longer but, in the end, you’ve fixed
something AND taught her a new skill, since
most of it while also still taking care of Make time to chat before bed. she won’t be living with you forever. (sob)
our own responsibilities? Because every kid loves to delay bedtime Take walks. If your child resists, give
the outings a purpose.“We’re just walking
(and I’m even talking about my teenager), to the mailbox around the corner” or “I
want to swing by the neighbor’s to see her
Be realistic. If you work full-time taking a minute to visit with him in the new garden.”The conversation along the
way will be totally genuine and unscripted.
12 months of the year, planning a weekly darkened room often results in the most
Unplug. If it’s got a power cord, put
field trip is likely too ambitious.The No. 1 meaningful, candid conversation of the day. it away for a predetermined amount of
time while you do some other activity.
one rule of quality time with your kids is Show an interest in their And don’t break the rules.
knowing that it can happen anytime and interests. Just because you’re not a July is National Make a
Difference to a Child Month.
anywhere and needn’t cost a dime. sports fan doesn’t mean you can’t learn a Commit to do at least one special thing
with a child this month.Then support an
Read to them. It doesn’t matter if few players’ names. It’s amazing how much organization that serves children. And
spread the word with our nation’s policy
they’re 2 or 12, they’ll always enjoy it. My more my son talks to me now that he makers to build a better future!
kids and I read the entire first installment knows I’ll listen to basketball statistics.
of the “Hunger Games” trilogy aloud and Introduce them to yours. You
together. And they couldn’t wait to read never know what will resonate. My son
the next two independently. loves to cook. My daughter loves to watch
14 INSPIRE HEALTH July § August 2015
VOLUNTEERING
WITH YOUR CHILDREN
THoEAf PSDPRuOEmCGImADTeErAYS Role modeling. We hear about it as parents
every day. We want our children to be kind
and care about the world around them.
There’s no better way to nurture this behavior
than to demonstrate it. Whether in a soup
kitchen or a children’s hospital, volunteer with
your kids and make a difference.
by Michele Robert Poche
S III''wddobufuli“dniIlgfddeIorshelpealasfd-isnemtcsyDtomrecoreirehamecinltdaefinintLrdgsootoparmaaonaiidnnsntdemsttoovrhheeeercfhaoiognnugnaseeienrc:tllaeitnsegsr...” classic musicals. Now I have two things I
chool is out. The daily grind of Create a family meal together. love to do that I can do with them.
homework and rigid routines Let them pick a theme (Tacos, Chinese, etc.)
can disappear for a while. and get in the kitchen.The memories made Hire an apprentice. Need to fix a
leaky faucet/paint the kitchen/wash the car?
We’ve all got a little extra time over preparation will outweigh the clean up. Involve your child. Chances are she can hold
a wrench/paint brush/hose just fine.Yes, it
with our kids. So how do we make the It might even become a weekly event! might take longer but, in the end, you’ve fixed
something AND taught her a new skill, since
most of it while also still taking care of Make time to chat before bed. she won’t be living with you forever. (sob)
our own responsibilities? Because every kid loves to delay bedtime Take walks. If your child resists, give
the outings a purpose.“We’re just walking
(and I’m even talking about my teenager), to the mailbox around the corner” or “I
want to swing by the neighbor’s to see her
Be realistic. If you work full-time taking a minute to visit with him in the new garden.”The conversation along the
way will be totally genuine and unscripted.
12 months of the year, planning a weekly darkened room often results in the most
Unplug. If it’s got a power cord, put
field trip is likely too ambitious.The No. 1 meaningful, candid conversation of the day. it away for a predetermined amount of
time while you do some other activity.
one rule of quality time with your kids is Show an interest in their And don’t break the rules.
knowing that it can happen anytime and interests. Just because you’re not a July is National Make a
Difference to a Child Month.
anywhere and needn’t cost a dime. sports fan doesn’t mean you can’t learn a Commit to do at least one special thing
with a child this month.Then support an
Read to them. It doesn’t matter if few players’ names. It’s amazing how much organization that serves children. And
spread the word with our nation’s policy
they’re 2 or 12, they’ll always enjoy it. My more my son talks to me now that he makers to build a better future!
kids and I read the entire first installment knows I’ll listen to basketball statistics.
of the “Hunger Games” trilogy aloud and Introduce them to yours. You
together. And they couldn’t wait to read never know what will resonate. My son
the next two independently. loves to cook. My daughter loves to watch
14 INSPIRE HEALTH July § August 2015
