Month: June 2014

Erratic bedtimes linked to child behavioral problems

Children who go to to bed at irregular hours are more likely to have behavioral problems, according to a recent study. The research, which appeared in the U.S. journal Pediatrics, found that lifelong problems could result from erratic childhood bedtimes, but that the effects could be reversed with implementation of a schedule. “Not having fixed bedtimes, accompanied by a constant sense of flux, induces a state of body and mind akin to jet lag,” said Yvonne Kelly of the University College London. Inconsistent bedtimes can disrupt natural body rhythms and cause sleep deprivation, impairing brain development and the ability to regulate some behaviors, the research showed.

Got a budding scientist? Check-out these kid-friendly apps!

If you’d like your children to spend less time looking at their devices and more time observing the world around them, the answer may lie in those devices. An engaging science app may be just the guide they need to unlock their inner scientist. From astronomy to zoology, here are some of the best science apps for kids. Alchemy Genetics (Ages 9+; Android, Kindle; free – $0.99) This game introduces kids to genetics by putting them in the role of a mad scientist tasked with crossing different species of animals. Start with four creatures and work your way up to unlocking 450 different wacky types of creatures. The game includes links to Wikipedia entries on real world animals. Bobo Explores Light (Ages 8-12; iOS; free) Bobo is the children’s robot companion as they learn all...

Foodie Friday: Nanaimo Bars with chocolate, graham cracker and coconut layers

My bestestest childhood friend Stacey is flying to visit me from Canada. She will be here for Canada Day on July 1, which is our version of the Fourth of July and when Canadians celebrate the anniversary of Confederation–when Canada became a country separate from the British Empire. Our traditions are very similar: BBQs, outdoor fun and fireworks (but with a whole lot of maple leaves) so I asked Stacey what Canadian-inspired dishes she would like for our menu. She suggested one of Canada’s favorite confections, Nanaimo Bars, and I could not have been more thrilled. I grew up in Calgary and we spent many summer vacations on Vancouver Island visiting the beautiful city of Nanaimo, British Columbia, the home of Nanaimo Bars. And what’s not to love? Nanaimo Bars consist of a ...

Loving ways you can help kids overcome their fears

“Mommy!! Monsters are under my bed!!”  Our creative and knowledge hungry preschoolers are constantly exploring, being exposed to new things and developing new skills. All of these exciting and new things are wonderful for development and can encourage a very active imagination. However, these new things, ideas and images, combined with an active imagination can create fear and anxiety. Fears and anxiety in preschoolers are completely normal and can take anywhere from six- twelve months for them to be overcome. Typically, your child’s fear will fit into one of these three categories: 1)    Specific Things- spiders, the dark, monsters in the room, the neighbor’s dog etc. 2)    New Situations- new daycare, new people, new events etc.. 3)  &nb...

“Savvy” choice for 2014 Youth One Book, One Denver

Lafayette author Ingrid Law’s lively novel “Savvy,” named a Newbery Honor book in 2009, is the choice for the 2014 Youth One Book, One Denver, the citywide summer reading program for children between 9 and 13. Law said she hopes her book can help bring families together. “It’s just so exciting to get to share my book with summer readers who otherwise maybe wouldn’t read it, or any book,” she said. Young readers chose “Savvy” over two other Colorado finalists: “Alvin Ho: Allergic to Girls, School and Other Scary Things” by Lenore Look, and “The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle” by Avi. Children voted through after-school programs, public libraries and other venues. “Savvy,” about a girl’s effo...

Vela Adventures’ Fantastic Summer Day Camps…for Moms!

Confession: I was absolutely thrilled to send both my kids to overnight camp at YMCA of the Rockies’ Camp Chief Ouray this week…until I woke up in a funk the morning after dropping them off. While they were having the time of their lives, I literally stayed in my bathrobe all day and worked from my bed. My husband brought me breakfast, lunch and we ordered in for dinner. It’s gonna be ugly when they leave for college.  Fortunately, I had an outing scheduled the next day with Vela Adventures’ Camp Vela which catapulted me out of my gloom into a world of sunshine, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), lakeside yoga, gourmet food and new friendships! Why should children get to have all the fun? Last summer, Vela Adventures’ co-founder Heather Fleck registered ...

The Homesick Parent: Summer Camp and the Lonely Mom

Allow me to paint a picture of what my life is about to look like. I will be able to go to the pool and bring a random assortment of trashy magazines to read at my leisure.  No one will scream, “Mom!  He just hit me!” from somewhere in the house the moment I sit down to go to the bathroom.  I will be able to eat dinner at 8:00 PM if I want to and eat an Oreo on my couch without someone saying, “I thought you said not to do that.”

15 Ideas for Keeping the Learning Fun in the Summertime

Imagine your child’s teacher sitting you down during conferences and telling you that your kiddo is about to lose 2 months in his reading ability, and 2.6 months of math skills—as scheduled. That’d be a jagged little pill to swallow. Let me then, as your new BFF blogger break the news to you: The average kiddo who scampers off to summer break loses 2 months in reading ability and 2.6 months in math skills. Annually. It is scientifically known as Summer Brain Drain. Research shows it is rampant in our schools. It’s a plague

Deals: Free movie, restaurant opening, summer sale and more!

Perfect pitch On June 21, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema takes it outdoors with a screening of the classic 1993 family film, “The Sandlot.” Catch all the free fun in the lakeside field of Sloan’s Lake Park (17th & Utica.) Gates open at 4 p.m., with activities ramping up around 6 p.m. and the film starting at dusk. Fittingly, organizers will be serving up baseball games and pitching more family-friendly adventures tied to the film. In addition, some of Denver’s tastiest food trucks will be on site selling food and beer. Free parking is available in the garage located at Conejos & Stuart. drafthouse.com/denver/littleton. Photo provided by 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment Protein-packed This puts the “grand” in grand opening. The Protein Bar is opening ...

Summer Fun With Giant Bubble Recipe!

Bubbles and summer go hand in hand. On a warm summer evening, my daughters and I love to head outside for bubble play. Bubbles are good, clean fun but do you know the science behind the bubble? The lifespan of an average bubble is mere seconds, but there is a way to extend the life of a bubble. All you need is a few secret ingredients and you’re on your way to being a real bubbleologist. Super Bubble Recipe – 1 cup Distilled water – 2 tbsp Dawn® dish soap – 1 tbsp glycerin – Pair of cotton gloves – Bubble wand or pipette A little about the ingredients – Water is the single most important part of the bubble solution. Good quality water that does not contain high levels of iron or minerals is best. If you’re uncertain as to the quality of your tap wa...

Mom fashion: Did you say Birkenstocks are back?

Current trends in fashion are not necessarily something busy moms have a lot of time for, especially if the trend is geared to tiny teenagers who can spend their babysitting money on the newest window dressing at H&M.  Gauging fashion trends that are appropriate and attractive on real women with real responsibilities is a tougher job.  Lucky for you, I spend a little too much time shopping the internet (Pinterest), blogs (my own), runways, and fashionable friends to find for you the latest and greatest trends for Moms like you (and me!).  Today I give you the Birkenstock.  What you say?  How could the latest trend be those sandals I wore 15 years ago at summer camp?  These broad, flat sandals that have synonymous with the word ‘hippie’ for decades?  I...

Denver dads share advice and memories for Father’s Day

Father’s Day is Sunday and as plans take shape for barbecues, picnics and outings to commemorate the day, we asked a few Denver-area dads to share their thoughts and advice regarding fatherhood. They include the father of a 9-month-old boy, who reveals what surprised him most about becoming a father for the first time; a Denver Fire Department captain who recalls advice he gave his daughters when they were young, and a single dad who describes what he and his twin daughters do for fun. No need to panic “Try not to let those first few months be defined by the predictable stress of your new situation,” advises Andrew Hudson, 48, the founder of Andrew Hudson’s Jobs List, and father of Julia, 4, and Mateo, 2. He also is stepfather to wife Christine Marquez-Hudson’...