Nutrition doesn't always refer to food...

I always find it a bit funny when people say they eat well and yet they don't sleep, never read a book and do nothing for their inner beauty. We as parents face this challenge daily because the reality is, with kids big or small..their needs usually come first. Although research has told us that an unfulfilled parent leads to an unfulfilled child, when a college entrance exam is knocking at the door, a preschool spot is open, an extra-ciricular sport is calling your child's name..those needs come first.

So...starting early is a great way to teach our kids about a healthy mind, body and spirit. Food does come into play..there is no doubt that what we put in our body is a direct reflection of how we feel, behave and show ourselves to others. We dedicate this issue to all of you that would like to give your kids that nutrition of the mind, keeping nutrition for the body and soul for yourself so that your spirit can be fulfilled and your parenting efforts enhanced!

-Jennifer

For the Mind...

Early Literacy: the Foundation for Learning and Life

By: Karen Verlardi
Primrose School at Palm Valley
kverlardi@primrosepalmvalley.com

Research has shown for decades that being read to and having interactive experiences with books are key predictors of a child's later school success. Many parents wonder at what point they should start reading with their children. Interestingly, a love of reading begins early on as infants or, some say, even before birth. When you begin to read books to your little ones, point to the pictures in the book and talk about them in an exaggerated fashion. What you say doesn't necessarily have to match the words in the book - you can personalize the story to make it even more engaging.

Making the time to read together is a must if you are on a mission to raise an active reader. Robert Needlman, M.D., author of Dr. Spock's Baby Basics and member of the Primrose Schools Education Advisory Board, suggests that one of the most important things about nurturing a reader is to read with a child from a very early age. "There's no prescription for this, the only prescription is to allow some time each day that you can sit down, connect with your child, and read together. The main thing is to allow it to occur in a way that's joyful, that conveys enjoyment to the child - from enjoyment the rest will follow."

Selecting the right books is a key factor in helping make the time you and your child spend reading a very special time. Books that really "work" have engaging, distinct illustrations and simple, rhythmic language. Children particularly enjoy books that are repetitive or ask them to participate and anticipate what comes next. Another important factor to remember when choosing books for your child is to select ones that you like yourself, because you'll probably read them in a more animated, connected manner. Children love to hear the same book read over and over again which is another good reason to make sure the books you choose are ones you won't easily get tired of. You will naturally foster an appreciation of literature when your child sees that you also take pleasure from a book.

Try these tips to help your family create a fun and engaging literacy-rich environment that will help build an early foundation for a successful reader:

• Surround children with age-appropriate books on a variety of subjects
• Read stories to children daily from infancy and encourage them to participate in the story
• Always keep favorite books in the car for "waiting" periods and long trips
• Ask your child's teacher for a list of books that relate to what is happening at school; buy or borrow these books from the library and read them together at home
• Older children, preschool and above, who have been read to will proudly "read" their favorite familiar books aloud. They will usually retell the story as they turn the pages and point to the illustrations. Sometimes children will make up entirely different stories to go with the pictures. This is a significant stage in literacy development because children are demonstrating that they know books are meant to communicate stories. They are "getting" it.

Children come into the world on a mission to learn how language works, and parents talk and sing with them to support their understanding and their ability to communicate. Reading books with them is another powerful language support tool that enables children to put together an idea of how stories and written language work. Cognitive development needs a surrounding supportive relationship to flourish, so go grab a book and begin reading to your child today!

The Body

Eat REAL food.
By Peter Egyed- CrossFit Fury

The option of what to have for dinner is truly endless. Eating is no longer for life sustenance but a leisure activity, and in doing so, has decreased our health and quality of life.

We must remember that we are fueling our bodies with every bite. Our abilities, energy levels and appearance is directly related to what we are consuming. If you have a really nice car, would you put any old liquid in the tank, or only the most premium gasoline? Why would you treat yourself or your family any differently, when we are stuck with our bodies for the rest of our lives?

Food, if we think back before the machines and factories, was grown and found in the wild. No part of foraging includes opening boxes or breaking seals. Food is fresh and eatable with little to no preparation. Food is not sealed in a bag, box, cup or bottle. Food has vitamins and minerals... naturally. Food doesn't need to be enriched, fortified or processed, it's already food!

With a more natural diet (one that has been with us for some time now) moods tend to be better, the individual is more active, and feels better. Again think about that car... If you wish to increase your fitness, health and quality of life, simply start by eating only fruits and vegetables, lean meats, nuts and seeds and little to no sugar. You will be laying the foundation for great success.

Today our youth have very little nutritional guidance and healthy doesn't always equal cool or important. We do have the ability to influence to some extent a few meals a day. Lets do what we can with our futures in mind. Food does take effort, but ultimately its like health insurance, for everyone.

Peter Egyed is owner of CrossFit Fury, Goodyear's premier strength and conditioning center. He works actively with the Goodyear Police Department developing safe and effective fitness programs and is committee member of Goodyear In ACTION, a local group devoted to promoting health and fitness in the West Valley. In July 2009 he placed 6th in the international CrossFit Games which is a series of unknown physical tests with the objective of finding the fittest person in the world.

The Soul

Our Mission

Whether you are a single mom, married mom, career mom or an at home mom- moms are the heart of their homes. At Mom's Daily Retreat (MDR) we believe that moms who take the time to care for themselves are providing themselves and their families with the greatest gift...a wonderful you!

Our mission is to provide you with an place to retreat to celebrate you while offering support and inspiration to become your best.

What We Do

Mom's Daily Retreat specializes in offering services and a community specific to the unique needs of moms, including:

Workshops that address relevant topics such as balancing the demands of life, understanding how our personality shapes the type of mothers we are and how to manage our careers given the constant tug of war between work and family.

e-Course- coming soon...we will be offering an e-Course on mothering authentically.

Side Lines contains information we hope you will enjoy exploring. Our favs highlights mom owned businesses that we endorse. Our Spotlight page is updated monthly to introduce you to a mom owned business and give you an opportunity to learn more about who they are and what they do. If you know an amazing mom that you would like to see in "the spotlight" please nominate her (or yourself!) ! Feel free to sign up for our newsletter, we promise not to fill your inbox and of course feel free to contact us, we love hearing from you! Please see us at www.momsdailyretreat.com