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Finding the Magic Sleep Window

5/31/2019

 
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If you’re having a hard time figuring out the optimal times that your baby should be going down for sleep you are not alone!  As pediatric sleep specialists, we often see parents struggling to find their baby’s natural sleep window.  
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Place your baby down to sleep when they are tired, but not yet overtired, a.k.a. the magic sleep window.   It should be simple, right?  We know it’s not always as easy as it sounds!  Below are some helpful hints at making this task easier!  

We recommend using wakeful periods based on your baby’s age as a guide for determining when your little one needs sleep.  Wakeful periods refer to the average amount of time your child can stay awake before becoming overtired.  Knowing those average times will make your lives much easier! A baby whose awake time is limited to an age appropriate length will be able to settle and drift off to sleep more easily, and will stay asleep longer, than a baby who has been awake and stimulated for too long a time.  

Typically, a newborn can only comfortably stay awake for 45 minutes to 1 hour before needing her next nap.  As a baby gets older that wakeful period will slowly stretch and by 4 months most children will be able to happily keep their eyes open for up to 1.5-2 hours.  By 6 months, usually 2-2.5 hours can be comfortably tolerated, and a slightly older baby may be able to stay awake and happy for up to 3-4 hours.
   
It is equally important to learn your little ones’ tired cues, which can include yawning, looking less alert, pulling his ears and rubbing his eyes. Watch your baby carefully and if you notice any tired cues (even prior to the end of their optimal wake window), begin a brief soothing routine and place him down for sleep.  The opposite is also true.  If the optimal awake time has passed, but you haven’t yet noticed any tired signs, you should still begin your soothing routine and place your baby down for sleep.  Some little ones are very good at hiding tired signals so be mindful of your baby’s wake time and put him down even if he seems ready to party!

Why is it so important to identify this magic window of time?  If your baby has been awake for too long he will become overtired, which means his brain has signaled for the release of cortisol, a.k.a the wakeful hormone.  An overtired baby will either be fussy and irritable, or will appear wide-awake and wired.  Either way, placing your baby down for sleep once they have already reached an overtired state will result in difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep.  If you are able to identify your baby’s correct sleep window (by using the clock and sleepy cues as a guide) he will settle more easily and sleep more soundly.  The result: a happier, well-rested baby and family.

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Lauren Lappen is a Certified Sleep Consultant and co-founder of Wee Sleep Solutions.  As a mom of daughter Ellie and twins Rebecca and Kira, Lauren recognized the importance of self-care and sought to instill healthy sleep habits in her children so that she could ensure her own rest and be at her best as a parent, wife and friend.   
 
Lauren studied under Deborah Pedrick, a pioneer in the field and founder of the Family Sleep Institute (FSI) and International Association of Child Sleep Consultants. She is thrilled to be able to educate families on the importance of sleep and to empower parents with the knowledge and ability to teach their kids to love sleep as much as her girls do!

By Joanna Winograd and Lauren Lappen; Co-Founders of Wee Sleep Solutions

June Events 2019 for Families in Westchester

5/30/2019

 
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The sun is out and there is so much to do! Summer brings so many events to Westchester County families. Everything from food truck festivals to carnivals, Juneteenth celebrations, parades and more. Here's our list of event highlights for June 2019.

As always, please check before heading to an event as sometimes things change, like weather. For a full, up to date listing of upcoming events visit our Community Calendar.

Happy Summer!

Fairs, Carnivals, Parades & Festivals

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  • ​Immaculate Conception School Spring Carnival- May 30th-June 2nd
  • ​​Strawberry Festival- June 1
  • Asian-American Heritage Festival- June 1
  • ​32nd Annual Tarrytown Street Fair- June 2
  • Westchester Pride- June 2
  • Albanian Heritage Festival- June 2
  • Portuguese Heritage Festival- June 2
  • The 2019 Wine & Food Festival- June 4-9
    • ​Taste & Style at Savor Westchester- June 5
    • Jr. Chef Experience- June  
  • ​45th Fol-De-Rol Carnival- June 6-9
  • Festa Italiana 2019- June 7-9
  • Prophet Elias Church Greek Festival- June 7-9
  • Juneteenth Parade & Festival Yonkers- June 7-9
  • Stormville Airport Food Truck and Craft Beer Festival- June 8
  • Juneteenth Parade and Festival White Plains- June 8
  • Circus Fun Day at White Plains Plaza- June 11
  • Yonkers Ukrainian Heritage Festival- June 14-16
  • Clearwater Festival- June 15-16​
  • Rye Food Truck Festival- June 22
  • African-American Heritage Festival- June 23
  • Yorktown Heights Fireman's Carnival and Parade- June 26-30
  • SUNSET MARKET - FAMILY FUN & FOOD FESTIVAL + OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHT!- June 27
  • Annual Village of Mamaroneck Fireman's Carnival & Parade- June 28-July 6

Art, Performances & Music

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  • Theater O presents “A Wrinkle in Time”- May 30-June 1
  • ​Riverarts 2019 Music Tour- June 1
  • ​​Craft Market Walk : Art. Food. Drink. Music. You.- June 1
  • Peter and the Starcatcher at the Play Group Theatre- June 2-16
  • Crate & Kids Event- June 7
  • Family Fiesta with Flor- June 8
  • The Music of Grateful Dead for Kids Father's Day Celebration- June 15
  • Father's Day Gift Project by Dogwood Design Studio- June 15​
  • American Roots Music Festival- June 22
  • Ballet des Ameriques Performs at Emelin Theater- June 23
  • Zebini Family Circus- June 24-25​

Active, Outdoors & Seasonal

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  • Bicycle Sundays- June 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30
  • White Plains Farmers Market - Wednesdays & Saturdays​
  • Family Gardening Days at Ridge Hill- June 2
  • Sunset Yoga in the Parks- June 19
  • Westchester County Pools and Beaches Open Full-Time- June 23

Inspirational & Causes

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  • ​Vote Like a Girl- June 1
  • Mini Movers and Shakers to Showcase their Inspirational Business Ideas in Westchester- June 1
  • Autism Speaks Walk- June 2
  • Free Spirit Holistic Expo- June 2
  • WOMEN TOGETHER featuring Gabby Bernstein with Wendy Palmer, Kate Johnson and Antoinette Klatzky- June 15

Memorial Day Weekend in Westchester 2019

5/23/2019

 
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It's finally here! The unofficial kickoff of summer 2019. Here are a few ideas for this weekend.
  1. Check out a local Memorial Day Parade and honor those citizens who’ve served the United States in times of war.
  2. Enjoy the great outdoors at one of our local parks or nearby outdoor spot. Must Read: 15 Fun Spring Activities and Ideas From Moms in Westchester.
  3. Get some sun and sand at the beach or pool. After all Westchester County Beaches Open May 25! Must read: Summer Bucket List Ideas for Families.
  4. Find out why Universoul Circus is the #BestCircusEver in Mount Vernon all weekend long.
  5. Head to Playland and enjoy a day of rides. On Sunday Veterans ride free!
  6. Get artsy at the Tie Dye Activity at Larchmont Farmers Market on Saturday, May 25.
  7. Go Beachcombing at the Riverwalk Center and find shells, sea glass, feathers are more on Sunday, May 26.
  8. Check out the South Salem Memorial Day Fair & Races on Monday, May 27.
  9. Hello sailors! Head to NYC for the Fleet Week festivities happening all weekend!

For more ideas visit our calendar page.

Happy summer!!!
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2019 Sunset Yoga in the Parks Series Starts Today

5/22/2019

 
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​Hooray, the beautiful weather has arrived and what better way to enjoy it than outdoor yoga!

The Westchester Parks Foundation (WPF) and Tovami Yoga kick off the 2019 Sunset Yoga in the Parks series on Wednesday, May 22 at 5:45 p.m. at the Kensico Dam. The FREE classes are open to any level of flexibility and take place throughout the summer at Kensico Dam and Playland Park. Be sure to register in advance and bring your own mat or towel. 

The series will take place on the following dates and locations:

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​Kensico Dam:
  • Wednesday May 22nd 5:45pm-7pm
  • Wednesday June 19th 5:45pm-7pm
  • Saturday Sept 14th 4:00pm-5:15pm
Playland Beach:
  • Wednesday July 17th 6:45-8pm
  • Wednesday August 14th 6:45-8pm
*rain dates will be the following week same time same day
 
For more information visit: https://www.thewpf.org/event/sunset-yoga-park-series-kensico-dam-plaza/
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Sunset Yoga in the Park is hosted by the WPF, Tovami Yoga, and Westchester County Parks, and sponsored by NewYork-Presbyterian Hudson Valley and Lawrence Hospitals.
 


Summer Bucket List Ideas for Families In Westchester County

5/22/2019

 
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Day Trip ideas are exactly what you need in your life! While you can just set up in your local playground, not all parks offer a spray park to cool off in or a beach available to swim in on those hot summer days. There are definitely parks that have special perks that can make day trips with kids a lot more fun, attainable and of course affordable. We are gearing up for continuous hot days so make sure you and your children enjoy every second of the sun with these awesome Day Trip Ideas in and around Westchester County!
Westchester Parks Pass
All Westchester County pools (except Playland) require a Westchester County Park Pass or photo ID and proof of residence. There are a variety of different park pass types available so select the one that is right for you. Here are a few worth highlighting.

The Westchester County Park Pass is $90 and is good for 3 years. With the adult pass, you’re allowed to bring four adult guests and up to five children ages 17 and younger. A pass entitles the holder entry to all county-owned pools and beaches and facilities, as well as discounted admission to all pools, beaches and parking. It also allows access to the boat launch at Glen Island Park in New Rochelle and the six all-weather tennis courts at Tibbetts Brook Park in Yonkers. It is available to residents 12 years of age and older.
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A Family Park Pass is also available for a fee of $180 and two adults and any children ages 12 to 17 living in the household to get their own individual park passes for one fee.

Park Pass holders may also purchase a money-saving Season Swim Pass, which allows residents to pay one price to swim as often as they like all summer long. The pass also includes parking fees. It may be used at Glen Island Beach in New Rochelle, Saxon Woods Pool in White Plains, Sprain Ridge and Tibbetts Book Pools in Yonkers, and Willson’s Woods Pool in Mount Vernon. The pass is not accepted at Playland or Croton Point Parks. It can be purchased at all five locations. Destinations that require a Westchester County Park Pass are marked with an asterisk *.

A Park Pass or proof of county residency with a valid New York State driver's license is required at all pools except Playland and at Croton Point Beach. 
Pool and Beach Fees
Entrance fees for county pools and beaches can be accessed here. 

Splash Pad Parks

* Sprain Ridge Pool-- this pool will reopen on Friday, June 28, 2019, read the announcement here
Following a major renovation, the county's Sprain Ridge Pool reopened in July 2017. The pool has an aquatic spray playground for children and a rebuilt child-friendly pool. The bathhouse, food concession area, restrooms, showers, and locker room have all been updated.
Address: 149 Jackson Ave, Hastings-On-Hudson, NY 10706
Fee: County Park Pass holders $6, Children (under 5 free) $4
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*Willson’s Waves Park (Westchester Mom recommended)
Willson’s Waves Pool is a secret thrill in the heart of Lower Westchester, residing in Mount Vernon. Keep in mind that this park requires a County Park Pass for entry. Showing off waves, water slides, a spray park, a splash pad and plenty of opportunities to have fun and get wet. This park can be a parents dream come true to assist with those hyper toddlers or just to get these kids away from the screens for an afternoon of excitement!
Address: East Lincoln Avenue, Mount Vernon, NY 10550
Fee: County Park Pass holders $8, Children (under 5 free) $5
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*Tibbetts Brook Park (Westchester Mom recommended)
The main pool is a lazy river with a current that families love to relax in on a warm day. Keep in mind that this park requires a County Park Pass for entry. There is a spray playground for people of all ages and sports for some pool time fun. Although fun for everyone, Tibbetts does not have a pool like some of the many other parks on this list, but is a big area. As shared on the Westchester Moms Facebook group “Tibbetts may get crowded usually more on the weekends”.
Address: 355 Midland Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10704
Fee: County Park Pass holders $8, Children (under 5 free) $5
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Pierson Park (Westchester Mom recommended)
Pierson Park is a beautiful site along the Hudson River in direct view of the Tappan Zee Bridge. As shared on Westchester Moms Facebook Group, this park is free entry and free parking. Having those awesome features can cause this beautiful not so hidden park to become very crowded on beautiful days. The park includes a splash pad and playground.
Address: 238 West Main Street, Tarrytown, New York 10591
Fee: No parking charge, no entry fee
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Harbor Island Park (Westchester Mom recommended)
Harbor Island is the Largest Village Park in Mamaroneck, which has playground equipment that can keep your child busy for days! In addition to having a great spray park, Harbor Island is also home to a beach. Harbor Island can become very crowded because they do host a summer day camp; so make sure to keep that in mind when planning your day!
Address: Mamaroneck Ave Mamaroneck, NY 10543
Fee: $10 per car lot entry, Adults- $7, Children 2 and up- $4, Children under 2- free
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Louis Engel Waterfront Park (Westchester Mom recommended)
As shared on the Westchester Moms Facebook page, this park like others can get very crowded on beautiful days. The trail and the exploration that can be done while visiting is well worth it though as this park sits nestled on the Hudson River in ear shot distance of the Metro North; this being one of the many reasons to be my daughter’s favorite park. Next to the spray park there is a great playground including giant train structures and slides. Although not large, this park is worth the visit for the scenery alone!
Address: Westerly Rd, Ossining, NY 10562
Fee: No parking charge, no entry fee
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Swimming Pools

Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park
This beautiful scenic park in the heart of the Taconic Region is a stunning site. The park boasts an enormous sized pool that can hold more then 3,000 swimmers at one time being twice the size of an Olympic sized pool. Along with the pool there is a Lake for fishing and boating, a track, basketball courts, picnic areas and pavilions, a wonderful renovated playground with climbing structures, swings and so much more! Be sure to head to FDR early to avoid the later day crowds and get a full day trip out of this destination.
Address: 2957 Crompond Road Yorktown Heights, NY 10598
Fee: $10 per car entry, swimming $3 for all ages
*Saxon Woods Park (Westchester Mom recommended)
Saxon Woods contains a golf course as well as a miniature golf course, the county’s largest swimming pool, a children’s aquatic playground and picnic areas for lunch after some overdue swimming. Keep in mind that this park requires a County Park Pass for entry. Saxon Woods is also the site of the county’s only playground that is accessible to the disabled. A little note from Westchester Moms: Saxon is most often less crowded then Tibbetts Brook Park and can be easier to manage little ones. Saxon has a kiddie area and a huge sand box with tables and a great playground near by to satisfy all the needs of your family. Throughout the summer many camps frequent Saxon Woods over the other area parks, so make sure to be mindful when planning day trips!
Address: 1800 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains, NY 10605
Fee: County Park Pass holders $6, Children (under 5 free) $4
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Also be sure to check with your town as many towns have their own pool!

Beaches

Canopus Lake (Personal Recommendation)
If you are looking to have a family day in the “country” then Canopus Lake is the right spot for you! After parking, you walk towards the beach and will pass large bathrooms on your left and on the right you will find a small store with picnic tables. Along with swimming Canopus Lake offers visitors fishing and row bats available for rent. With beautiful scenery among the mountains Canopus Lake is a wonderful day trip with my daughters favorite part being the outdoor showers to clean her feet before the car ride home.
Address: 1498 Route 301 Carmel, NY 10512
Fee: $8 per car
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Playland Pool and Beach
The only of its kind on this list, Rye Playland has an expansive beach as well as a swimming pool and not to mention a whole amusement park! Although pricey, for a day trip this can be great fun for young ones who wouldn’t even cost any money for entry. The views are amazing and there is a lot to do in the area. My family and I went to the beach last year and in my opinion it was just as good as any “big” beach I have ever been to, there were a perfect amount of people, swimming, walking, building sandcastles and just soaking up the summer sun. It is definitely a must do once in Westchester County but don’t take my word, go check it out! If you are looking for a break from the heat you can also check out the Westchester Children’s Museum right at the beach on the boardwalk (parking is the same for Playland).
Address: 1 Playland Parkway Rye, NY 10580
Parking Fee: $10 weekends/ weekdays, $15 holidays
Pool Fee: Adult $6, children 5yr-11yr $4, Under 5 free
Beach Fee: Adult $4, children 5yr-11yr $3, Under 5 free
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Croton Point Beach (Personal Recommendation)
Camping, playgrounds and a swim in the Hudson? These are all available at Croton Point Beach. Be sure to check it out this Summer! Sadie and I have already started our frequent visits to this scenic park with two awesome jungle gyms and paths to walk for miles. The beach is quaint and it is definitely best to get there early and make sure you get a good spot. While there you can watch the boats come in and out, watch and listen to the trains and just absorb some of Mother Nature’s true beauty in Westchester County.
Address: 1A Croton Point Ave., Croton-On-Hudson, NY 10520
Parking Fee: $5 with Park Pass, $10 without Park Pass; daily beginning May 25 - Labor Day; weekends only in May and September until Sunday, Sept. 29.
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Glen Island Beach (Westchester Mom recommended)
Open to Westchester residents only.

Looking for a beautiful sight? Glen Island offers a boat launch, pathways, and picnic tables both open and for reservation as well as swimming in designated areas. Glen Island is the 2nd most widely used park in the County Parks of Westchester system. Glen Island has several play areas as shared on Westchester Moms. Make sure to check it out!
Address: 1 Pelham Road, New Rochelle, NY 10801
Fee: Westchester Residents Only Adults $4, Children (under 5 free) $3
Parking: $4 with Park Pass, $10 without Park Pass -- weekends only in May and September until Sunday, Sept. 29. Daily 5/25 through Labor Day.
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Just Outside Westchester County

Lake Welch (Westchester Mom recommended)
Inside the beautiful Harriman State Park, this wonderful Lake is a delight, which includes grills, picnic areas, fishing, hiking and a beach to swim. Lake Welch is a must see being a man-made lake with a half mile long sandy beach amongst the mountains. The calm water is great for young children.
Address: 800 Kanawaukee Road Stony Point, NY 10980
Fee: $10 per car
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Bear Mountain State Park (Westchester Mom recommended)
Bear Mountain State Park has amenities that can last for hours from swimming, nature walks, boating, museums, picnics, and playgrounds to so much more! The swimming pool is nestled in the trees next to the zoo that features animals to keep families busy. Don't miss the carousel. Be sure to check out Bear Mountain State Park at least once this summer!
Address: 3006 Seven Lakes Parkway Bear Mountain, NY 10911
Fee: $10 per car, Pool Admission $2 per person
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Rockland Lake State Park
Rockland State Park is home to a more than 20,000 square foot swimming pool with diving boards and of course a kiddie pool. The park has picnic tables, grills, boat launch, hiking trails with breathtaking views of the Hudson Valley and a paved trail for those kids that need to do it all in one day!
Address: 299 Rockland Lake Rd. Valley Cottage, NY 10989
Fee: $8 per car, Pool Admission $3 per person.
 
Compo Beach
Compo Beach has a boardwalk, playground, bathroom facilities, lockers and a beautiful large beach. The beach is open year round however, a daily fee is charged to park from May 1 through Sept. 30. from 4am-10pm.
Address: 60 Compo Beach Road, Westport CT   
Fee: Valid CT Parks and Recreation vehicle parking emblem or pay daily fee, $40 weekdays, and $65 on weekends and holidays. Only 100 passes are given per day.

Sherwood Island State Park
Connecticut's first state park is still one of its finest. Have a leisurely lunch in the shade of the picnic grove, swim in Long Island sound, or view marsh life from the observation platform at Sherwood Island. Beware this beach is really rocky so bring water shoes.
Address: Sherwood Island Connector, Westport, CT 06880
Fee: Weekends/Holidays $22, Weekdays $15
 
Greenwich Point- Tod’s Point (Westchester Mom recommended)
Greenwich Point is a beach nearby in the beautiful Greenwich, Connecticut. Greenwich Point is open daily from 6:00 am until sunset. Activities include jogging, walking, cycling, nature study, boating, fishing, sailboarding, sun bathing, swimming, and picnicking. At various locations throughout the park one can find benches to just relax and hang out!
Address: 6 Tods Driftway Greenwich, CT 06870
Single Entry Pass: Single Entry Park (Beach) Passes are required for entry into Town of Greenwich parks and beaches from May 1 through October 31. Resident seasonal Park (Beach) Passes are required for entry into Town of Greenwich parks, beaches, and the pool at Byram Park.  Single Entry Park (Beach) Passes can be obtained per the details below and are not available for purchase on weekends or holidays.
  • Online - for those who verified their Greenwich residency for the year
  • In person – only at the locations and hours of operation listed below:
    • Eastern Greenwich Civic Center- May 1 - October 31 Monday - Friday-9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
    • Bendheim Western Greenwich Civic Center- May 1 - September 15 Monday - Friday-9 a.m.- 6 p.m.

Written by Jenna Korn. Jenna holds a Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education in Birth through 2nd Grade. She currently works as an Education Coordinator and Teacher in a private preschool in Bronxville. Jenna enjoys bringing local families together and loves exploring everything Westchester with her 2-year-old daughter. Jenna is so excited to write for Westchester NY Moms!

Photography by Dylan K.

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Wondering When To Start College Planning?

5/20/2019

 
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On the road to college, parents and students have much to consider. One question I’m asked quite often is, “When should I start college planning?” The answer: Identify what matters most in terms of the healthy development of your child, and balance that against what college admission officers will utilize when deciding on who to admit.  

At the core of this answer is course selection. Which classes and how rigorous these classes are determines quite a bit later on, ranging from identifying appropriate college majors, college application competitiveness, and readiness for standardized tests. For example, did you know that math taught in 7th grade is on the SAT and ACT? And the various tracks students are on often trace back to 6th or 7th grade? Knowing and being mindful of this early matters. However, that does not mean active college planning (creating a portfolio, visiting colleges, and applying) begins that early. To the contrary, 11th grade is the active year of college planning and visiting colleges. So, while not called college planning, which decisions are the most important affecting course selection? 

As parents, helping students understand choices like selecting next year’s classes (as many of you are doing now!), but also in being truly honest with how they spend their time is critical. We all have to work hard to be disciplined, focused, and to prioritize what truly matters. With students, growing up in a world replete with digital distractions, tasks often take longer. The entire duration of homework, as a block of time, probably takes longer than it otherwise should. Why does this matter? If we can take a more structured and honest accounting of how students spend time, they can often accomplish more work more efficiently, and at a higher degree of difficulty, with fewer distractions. When students I meet share what distracts them, whether it is the vortex of YouTube-recommended videos or the endless saga of Fortnite, activities that lack “stopping cues” are the most detrimental to their overall wellbeing. Therefore, they must be taught how to create their own cues. 

If you’re a parent of students in grades 6-10, start with the core of your focus being on study skills. Students juggle so many tasks and expectations, such as school assignments, activities, friends, family, chores, etc. Whether they are getting high grades in the most challenging classes or are getting B’s, C’s, D’s, or lower, all students have the capacity to pivot. That is, to stop and turn in a new direction for the better. Below is a checklist students can use to see if they need to make some changes to their study habits and even sleep schedule. 
  • Does the student start their homework within 1 hour from when they get home from school/sports? 
  • Do they have a plan for the order of homework subjects or checking their online school portal for new assignments? 
  • When writing a paper, do they start the outline 5 days out if possible, giving time to write a first draft, revise, and have time to make improvements each day? 
  • When studying for tests, does the student start studying three days in advance based on an outline prepared previously, or know the right ways to use the study app Quizlet to simulate their testing environment? 
  • Are they able to accomplish all of their homework by 10pm at the latest and get 8 hours of sleep? 
  • If not currently doing a sport, did they get any outside exercise today, even as simple as going for a walk? 
  • Do they have trouble sleeping due to school-related stress? 

Not every student will always achieve all of the items on the checklist, but they are a useful reminder of how parents and students can reimagine what it takes to be a successful student. And no single factor is the magic solution that will solve all problems. Rather, the combination of small improvements, made at a comfortable pace, will help students step forward toward becoming a successful student. In doing so, you and your child are addressing the core of who they are as a student and establishing a foundation upon which any later college or life plans are built. 


Written by F. Tony Di Giacomo, adapted from his blog on RiverJournal.com.
Dr. Di Giacomo is a lifelong educator and founder of 
Novella Prep, an education company providing study skills and college planning to help families and students improve academic outcomes and support college planning for students in grades 6-12. He has 20 years of experience working in admissions, development, teaching, and research at various universities. Prior to launching Novella Prep, Tony worked at the College Board, where he led and managed research on the SAT, PSAT, AP, and other programs. You can reach him at tony@novellaprep.com, watch helpful Youtube videos with tips and strategies, follow on Facebook and Instagram.
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Why Are Allergies On The Rise?

5/13/2019

 
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​Almost everyone has a family member, friend, or coworker whose allergies have kicked in. Some say they never had allergies before or can‘t recall the last time it affected them. Nowadays, it seems rather common than previous years, which has everyone asking “why allergies are on the rise?”
 
The symptoms aren’t simple sneezes and runny noses anymore. Today’s allergies come with rashes, hives, cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, swollen tongue and throat, tight chest, and passing out. If today’s allergy sufferers don’t have an EpiPen or can’t call an ambulance, serious complications could result.
 
Science and the medical industry are finding new reasons every day why allergies are rising. The fact is that allergies have become more common since the mid-20th century. Preservatives, pre-packaged foods, climate changes, massive storms, and just about everything synthetic have combined to change the atmosphere in which we live.
 
Changing Lifestyles
Before city and suburban living became the norm, people lived on farms and in the country. From childhood, they breathed nature in all her facets. The immune system recognized potential allergens and would defend against them. Playing outside in early childhood refined the immune system.
 
With the increase in technology, people turned in their relationship with the outside for what one would a homebody lifestyle. They sat in front of TVs, played video games, texted, and talked on Skype. Central air conditioners replaced fresh air, and well water morphed into city water. Though these are changes that were imminent, they affect all of us.
 
Climatic Changes
Whether you call it a hole in the ozone, global warming, or other climatic word or phrase, the air surrounding us has changed and not for the better. In the last 10 to 15 years, the instances of asthma, allergies, and other lung conditions have skyrocketed.
 
The major climatic change that causes the trouble is massive storms. Storms are all about changes in temperature. These are triggers for air pollution, pollen, mold spores, and poison ivy.
 
Massive storms pass, leaving behind bacteria, viruses, mold, and other contaminants that set off asthma and allergy attacks. These are the basis of other illnesses, but asthma and allergy sufferers get hit the worst.
 
Stress
To understand how stress triggers allergic reactions, it would be a good idea to understand how the immune system works. First, pollen or other foreign particulate enters the body. The immune system thinks it’s an intruder because it came from outside. The immune system produces histamine, a substance forcing the body to expel the particulate through runny nose mucus, runny eye water, sneezes, and coughs. Now the immune system knows what the particulate is, how to expel it, and prepares for the next intrusion.
 
Stress is a little different. The particulates are there, but the stress hormones increase the allergic reaction. The “fight or flight” hormones kick in, which makes allergic symptoms worse. This might be why so many allergy medications, both chemical and natural, make you drowsy. If you’re sleepy, then stress hasn‘t taken a huge toll on you… yet.
 
Synthetics
If you take a can of something out of a six-pack ring, eat from a plastic or foam plate or cup, feed the baby from a bottle, carry home plastic grocery bags, or buy takeout in some kind of container, then you are using synthetics. If you wear it, chances are good the fabric is synthetic. Most fabrics made are from petroleum products. When they touch the skin, contact dermatitis is the result. When consumed from products made from petroleum products such as food containers, then allergies result. The only difference is one allergic reaction is inside, and one is outside. Asthma, allergic reactions and other lung conditions result from inhaling such synthetics for a long period.
 
Food Additives
Your red Jello, Vitamin D-fortified cereal and milk, and your vanilla flavored Coke are all about food additives. According to the FDA, additives can be natural or synthetic, and they classify both the natural and synthetic as “Generally Recognized As Safe”, or GRAS.
 
However, some additives cause allergic reactions. Some are preservatives that keep the product fresh or prolong shelf life. Others enhance colors, flavors, or fight botulism.
 
Common additives include Monosodium glutamate or MSG, sulfites which prevent foods from turning colors upon contact with air, sugar substitutes like aspartame, nitrates, and paraben among others.
 
While allergic reactions to food additives typically last only one day, allergic reactions are rare. This being the case, no recorded symptoms exist, so doctors treat the symptoms instead of the cause.
 
Prepackaged Foods
Today’s manufacturers produce varied foods for different brands. You could get a package of pre-made mashed potatoes you can just heat in a microwave. However, its preparation is a mystery to you. The manufacturers could have made the product in the same machine that a peanut product found itself an hour before, all unbeknownst to the consumer. Those allergic to nuts would get sick.
 
While there are sanitary procedures to which every food producer must adhere by law, trace amounts of allergens still get into prepackaged foods. By law, producers must label their prepackaged foods with a list of allergens it contains.
 
Precautionary allergen labeling or PAL has become prevalent worldwide. In fact, the National Institutes of Health tells of an American study in which contamination was worse in labels stating “prepared in shared facilities” to those stating “may contain.”
 
Add to this the fact that the law doesn’t require food manufacturers to list trace amounts of an ingredient. Those trace amounts could be allergens to someone sensitive to the ingredient.
 
Stay Informed With a Specialist
Dr. Kathryn Edwards is an allergist in Princeton and Robbinsville, NJ at the offices of the plastic surgeon Daniel G. Becker. Dr. Edwards’ star has blazed from her undergraduate time at the University of Delaware to the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences to a pediatric residency at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Dr. Edwards also trained at the prestigious National Institutes of Health.
 
Dr. Edwards’ 16 years in the Army involved treating her patients in Iraq as an allergist and immunologist. She treated seasonal and environmental allergies, asthma, food allergies, and skin conditions.
 
Her educational accomplishments include acceptance into the competitive fellowship program in Allergy and Immunology at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, training at and being assistant chief at the National Institutes of Health, and being chief of allergy/immunology her last three years in the Army. Learn more about Dr. Edwards at the Becker ENT site.


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