LLD's Take on Role Models

As soon as you think about your lil’ one growing up, who can help but think about who is going to be their role model. Who is going to help them grow up to be the best that they can be! First and foremost of course the family! You know, moms, dads, brothers and sisters, cousins and grandparents. But of course there will be others! Today our President, Lindsay Bell, gave her take on the importance of role models to Mommybites, a go-to resource for parents.

If you didn’t know, Lindsay is the oldest of five girls! As you can imagine, there was always a lot going on and Lindsay easily assumed the role of big sister. She was always involved with what her sisters were doing whether it was planning a fun day of games, teaching them about something they should or shouldn’t do, or challenging them to be even better at school or in other areas. Lindsay was always there. Lindsay says as she looks back, she never realized how much she was in tune with what her sisters needed and what made them happy as both young little toddlers, or pre-teens when they were going through the same things she did at that age. LLD knows not all siblings are lucky enough to have a big sis like Lindsay, but in any case, a strong role model is so important!

And what better way to make sure you have a say in your lil’ ones role models than by choosing them yourself! Yes of course, we mean their sitters and nannys. Having a sitter or nanny that is sensitive to your child’s needs, can relate to them, and show them what goals and values are important in life is just so… well…important! To read more about Lindsay’s experience as a role model to her sisters as well as her list of the best qualities in a sitter or child care provider that make them great role models, click here.

LLD Weekend Pick-My Gym UWS!

Looking for just the right indoor gym for your children?

Here are 5 reasons to go with My Gym on the UWS!

The energetic group at My Gym!

1.       All of their teachers have “My Gym DNA” which is a unique blend of energy, love of children, creativity and physical fitness. 

2.       All programming is intention based. Children have fun while they gain strength, coordination, agility and flexibility while also developing social skills, confidence and self-esteem. 

3.       They do not make you sign up for an entire semester, but instead bill you on a recurring basis allowing you to join or leave at any time!

4.       They have a state of the art facility that changes every week so that no two classes are ever the same. 

5.       Class tuition entitles you to unlimited free plays. Offered once a day everyday Monday- Friday. Baby free play is available too! (Under 22 months offered on Friday)

And get this you can try a class for free!  Visit www.my-gym.com/nyc or email info@mygymnyc.com and they will set you up with your free trial! Just mention LLD!

If you sign up to be a My Gym member within 24 hours of your free trial class you will receive $50 off your onetime family membership fee.

Happy Weekend!

Bring Back Family Dinners!

By Allison Brooks

This is the 21st Century! Home of the overworked, underpaid, tired and in dire need of "me" time. Parents, children, husbands, wives and extended family are become isolated from each other, due to disparate schedules, after school activities, work and a myriad of other reasons. These days, people go to the nearest drive thru and eat on the run, order takeout and plop down on the counter, or use convenience and processed foods to prepare some semblance of a meal.

Family dynamics may have changed in the past 50 years, but the inherent desire to hold the family together still remains important. Circumstances might indicate that the concept of family is disintegrating and that may be the case for some people. The simple fact is that we are human and we need each other. A way that we can keep our family units strong and together is to sit together and to eat together. We need to nourish not only our bodies, but also our minds, spirits and souls.

Research has shown that families that make the time to have dinner together are happier, stronger and better prepared to negotiate life's difficulties. Eating together is a mutually beneficial experience for adults and children. Sitting and enjoying a meal together promotes open communication, better appetites and a more positive outlook on life. This is why many RD’s and nurses recommend a family meal at least once a day. Not only in the home but facilities like nursing homes and cancer facilities ask families to visit to have a meal together. Since the idea of a short life-expectancy can make one feel isolated, a family meal makes them feel closer and more at peace.

If you have not engaged in this practice, there is no better time than now. Getting everyone together to eat without distractions is going to take inner strength and resilience, but once you overcome the objections and excuses, your loved ones will start coming around. In fact, your family might even look forward to the family meal time.

There are both extrinsic and intrinsic benefits for eating together. Decide today that you will make the time and a lovingly prepared meal for your family. Everyone will thank you.

New Way to Bring Balance to Your Family

Della Clark, former Division I NCAA All-American, uses the power of sports to empower children and teach them lifelong values. 

I recently sat down with Della, who is also a certified Reiki Practitioner. Reiki is the Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that allows one to manifest a life of happiness, harmony and health. 

Her number one goal no matter who she works with is to help them create a life overflowing with happiness, health and harmony. The former All-American uses the power of sports and Reiki to empower children. Reiki is a simple, natural and safe method of healing that works with the body, emotions, mind and spirit. Through speaking with Della one can really see her passion for helping others and the positive effects Reiki has had on the families she has worked with.  Each family is creating a healthier, more organized and calm household for their children.

Through Della's many years in competitive sports she truly learned of the power athletics has to contribute to a well balanced life. "Participation in sports transcends cultures, background and situations to teach us healthy competition, equality and sportsmanship," said Della. 

Della helps families create opportunities to involve their children in sports and teach them lifelong lessons. 

For more info contact Della at del.clark864@gmail.com

Reliable Childcare Makes for a Well Balanced Family

Childcare is an investment. I realize that on every level and I’m not yet a mother.  It is timely. It is a financial commitment. Click here to read Denise Schipani’s post on Daily Worth, she spent over $80,000 on childcare while her children were growing up and she says it was worth every penny. Finally, it is an emotional commitment. But in the end, done right, it makes for a happier, healthier and better balanced family.

The trick is finding the best childcare that works for your family.  And how may one go around doing that? Click here for my tips, as featured on The Healthy Elements Blog, on finding reliable childcare for you!

-LB