Choosy Says ABC, 123, Protect Your Eyes from Harmful UV! 5 Tips for Keeping Eyes Safe and Encouraging Your Child to Wear Sunglasses

By: Christine Cox, The Choosy Mommy

As I look around the playground, 9 out of 10 moms are wearing sunglasses, protecting their own eyes from harmful UV rays. However, I start to question why my children are the only ones who are wearing their sunglasses while running around playing with the other kids. Protecting a child’s eyes should be just as important as putting on sunscreen before heading outside, eating wholesome meals and brushing your teeth twice a day. But why do parents avoid looking at the big picture of eye health? Just like learning the ABCs and 123s, Choosy says to protect your eyes from harmful UVs!

Whether you have a newborn baby or are 100 years old, protecting your eyesight should never get old. Finding the perfect pair of sunglasses should be just as important for children as it is for adults. Why? Because according to skincancer.org, children under age 10 are at a higher risk for skin and eye damage from UV rays. The skin on their eyelids and around their eyes is more delicate and vulnerable than adult skin. UV ray damage builds over time, so the sooner you start protecting your children's eyes from the sun, the lower their risk will be of ever developing future eye problems.

how do you find the best sunglasses for your little ones? Here are 5 helpful tips to keep eyes safe and to encourage your child to wear sunglasses:

1. Make sure you purchase sunglasses that are durable and protect against UV rays instead of just pretend plastic sunglasses. Look for sunglasses that are shatterproof and block 100% of the UV rays.
2. Let children choose their own pair. Choosy picked a purple pair and wears them constantly! There are sunglasses with super heroes, princesses, animals, prints and of course, come in multiple shapes, sizes and colors. 
3. The bigger, the better. Big sunglasses are stylish now for moms, and they are for children too. The more sunglass lens and frame there is, the more the skin is protected around the eyes. But make sure the sunglasses are comfortable and stay on your child’s face. There are super comfortable straps available to put on sunglasses to keep them from falling off little faces.
4. Wearing sunglasses is a learned “habit”. My 1 year old will put on and take off his sunglasses repeatedly, but I always make sure I offer them, tell him how cool he looks in them, and never force him to wear them. I did the same with my 3 year old and now she wears her sunglasses whenever we are outside without me even prompting her. Her “sunnies” are stylish, comfortable and fun to her, but to me they are protecting her sight for years to come. 
5. Sunglasses aren’t just for the summer time. Remember to protect you and your children’s eyes in the winter too as the reflections beating off of the snow can be even more harmful to eyes than when the sun reflects off of water. My 3 year old likes to wear big snow goggles in the winter time as they help keep her face 100% covered in the cold.

Do you wear sunglasses? If you have a child/children, do they? What are your tips on getting children to wear sunglasses?

About the Author: Christine Cox is the blog master for Choosy Kids. She has always had a passion for writing and is honored to contribute her work to this blog. Most of her writing inspiration comes from her daughter, Capri, who is fun-loving and full of energy, and son Cam, who is learning new things everyday. Click here to learn more about Christine.

This Summer, Be Choosy Outside!

By: Jennifer Ripepi, MD

Aaah! The fresh air of late spring after a rain is one of my favorite smells! The chance to be outside after the cold of winter is something I always look forward to when I'm huddling under a blanket. Since summer is almost officially here (June 20), I'd like you to think about the importance of outdoor play and being Choosy outside.

We have changed our patterns of living so much that instead of our kids having to be called in from outside, we have to force them to go outside. Not all children, but too many for this next generation's health, are staying inside and sedentary. Yep, back in the good old days (I AM over 50 so I can say that!), we did play outside from sun up to sun down. A ball and a friend were all we needed some days. During that time, we learned to test our physical skills and our imagination by coming up with fun things to do. We tried to improve our ability to perform whatever the neighborhood challenge was that week like hopscotch or jump rope or throwing a ball to hit a stationary bat.

Outdoor play strengthens our bodies and our minds but it is very important for our bones. Our human race has spent most of its existence and development outside. The sunlight is important for our bodies to produce Vitamin D which in turn helps to strengthen our bones as we work against gravity (like when we walk and run). Certainly we need to protect our skin with sunscreen to prevent damage but that does not mean to stay inside. Building our skeleton leads to better protection as we age. And if we do suffer a broken bone while being active, we tend to heal better if our bones were strong from the start.

Our brains need sunlight too. We are meant to be in the light (but don't forget about using sunglasses and hats for protection from UV rays). Our eyes have developed for daytime activity. Seeing in the dark is for other creatures. But a game of flashlight tag after dark or catching fireflies can help you to appreciate playing in the dark as well! And as the sun sinks our brain makes melatonin which helps us to sleep better and more soundly.

How about the freedom of space that being outside affords? It gives us all a chance to spread our arms (wings?) and move over the ground in a way we can't when we are indoors. That unrestricted movement, along with a chance to use our outside voices, is exhilarating. Physical activity causes our muscles to stretch, send signals to our brain to learn new movements, to release endorphins (the "feel good" brain chemicals) and just have fun! I love to take a walk at lunchtime and be able to hear the noise from an elementary school playground at recess. I know those children will be able to focus better during their afternoon classes because they had a chance to PLAY OUTSIDE.

How do you think that being outside helps you and the children in your life? Choosy loves the outdoors, too! In fact, take a look at this music video for Be Choosy Outside!

About the Author: I have been a pediatrician for over 25 years. My husband and I have been privileged to raise 4 bright and healthy children. I have tried to gather wisdom from the families I have been blessed to meet during my journey. I believe in practical and flexible parenting to help raise healthy adults. I love to garden, hike, travel and cook and I am looking forward to hearing from Choosy followers.

10 Indoor Activities to Cure Your Child’s Winter Time Blues

By: Molly Luke, Early Intervention Specialized Instruction Teacher, Montgomery County Intermediate Unit, Norristown, PA

Has the winter season started giving you the blues? I am such an outside person and enjoy getting dirty in the mud, hiking, kayaking or even just a space to have a catch and draw with some sidewalk chalk. With the warmer weather right around the corner, I feel like we only have a short time left indoors. However, the cold weather is still limiting the wiggle room for my two-year old and myself. How are we supposed to get the recommended 60 minutes of movement play each day inside? It is time to get creative to continue our happy healthy movement to keep those motor skills sharp in our “off-season”! Here are 10 activities to cure your child’s winter time blues. They can help keep the day exciting by using everyday items that exist somewhere on your shelves.

1. FORTS: Get those extra blankets and spare pillow out! Find a kid-friendly space (i.e. room between couches, bedrooms, empty hallway away from staircase, etc.) and start construction. Think about tunnels, twists and turns, and then even grab some “hiking” items (i.e. snacks, pillows, backpacks, flashlights) and possibly pretend to HIBERNATE within the fort. The options are endless!
2. DANCE PARTY: Ok…so admit it…what Choosy song is stuck in your head lately? Since February is American Heart Month, “My Heart Says Thanks” gets wrapped around my brain. Choose your families’ favorite Choosy Kids track and create a simple dance to go along with the lyrics. 
3. CAMP OUT: Why not end the night in your comfy family room with sleeping bags? Staying up a little late won’t hurt with the change of scenery. Play charades, board games or even make one healthy snack to share with company.
4. ICE SKATING: Yes, ice skating- inside! All you need is to wear some socks, and plop a plastic bag, paper plate or wax paper on your feet. Carpet works best, but wood flooring will work too…if you get really crafty, you could even put a little cleaner on old washcloths and skate and clean your wood floors at the same time- a win-win situation for all family! 
5. FASHION SHOW: What a perfect time to try on those upcoming seasonal clothes! Think of a scene, then as your children to find clothes in their closet that are most appropriate to wear in that situation. The wackier the better- great photo opportunity too!
6. BOWLING: Grab some empty bottles and use them for pins. A small pillow, piece of fruit or a crinkled piece of paper will work as your ball. 
7. COOK: Make cookies (sometimes snack), a smoothie (all the time snack!) or even home made play-dough; kids love to guess the cause and effect of kitchen science. What color will it turn? Will it be hard or soft when cooked? What happens if we add a little of ____? Pull up a step stool and have them turn into your mixer. This is also a great way to practice kitchen safety and talk about HOT versus COLD concepts.
8. OBSTACLE COURSE: This is best if you house has a natural circle path or a long hallway. Grab some pillows, painters’ tape (to tape from one side of a wall to another creating a web), chairs to hurdle, wash-cloths as hopping spots…and away you go! Race if you feel safe, or hold “trials” and have you little gymnast think of an addition or how to re-route the course for the next run. 
9. YOGA: You don’t have to be a yogi expert to practice balancing and breathing. Just a good book with character full of expressions and adventures! Read a page, and then have your children strike a pose on a characters feeling, setting or action. If you must resort to some screen time, check out COSMIC KIDS YOGA on YouTube! FREE yoga lessons!
10. SENSORY BIN: Grab a large pasta pot, fill up the bathtub or even a simple Tupperware bin and hide some easy clean up toys, puzzle pieces (and then complete the puzzle) or a surprise item in the bottom. Fill up your bin with snow, cooked pasta or water with dish soap bubbles and start exploring!  Pre-plan a table cloth around your floor space or easy clean-up counter. Add food coloring for more effect, and test your children on their sense of touch! Blind fold to have them predict their item first. 

Keeping activities new and exciting (even if you are just playing with boxes) will limit the boredom, tantrums and sluggish attitudes …and will ADD creativity, imagination and practice of lengthening play. Maybe even some of your new inventions will now become a part of your normal weekend routine. When children have that guided play, they then start applying their skills independently toward others. You are your children’s first and most important teacher- so let’s influence that fluid activity even when it’s tough to get outside!

About the Author: Hello! I have been teaching for about 10 years now, ages Pre-K through 8th grade…needless to say, I am a life-long learner and always looking for new thing to challenge my body and brain to do in a classroom! Outside of the classroom, family comes first! My husband Dan, baby Marshall and basset hound Penelope enjoy my naturally caffeinated personality on a regular basis. The whole family enjoys traveling, and I personally have a goal of visiting all 7 continents! 2 more to go! 

Summer Fun!

By: Molly Luke, Early Intervention Specialized Instruction Teacher, Montgomery County Intermediate Unit, Norristown, PA

I know teachers typically say that “summer is their favorite time of year”, but since I teach all year long- yes, this is still true! Summer is my favorite season to teach, because you can almost guarantee to get the kiddies outside moving and learning each and everyday…with sunblock and water of course! Below is a great infographic which includes ideas for summer fun that you as a teacher or parent could incorporate with your child during the season. 

Summer Fun

I hope these ideas start your motivation that summer is a GREAT time to keep your children actives. If you still need specific ideas, please feel free to “follow” me on Pinterest. I have folders labeled “Summer”, “Outside Play” and “Rainy Day Activities” that I’m sure could come in handy!

About the Author: Hello! I have been teaching for about 10 years now, ages Pre-K through 8th grade…needless to say, I am a life-long learner and always looking for new thing to challenge my body and brain to do in a classroom! Outside of the classroom, family comes first! My husband Dan, baby Marshall and basset hound Penelope enjoy my naturally caffeinated personality on a regular basis. The whole family enjoys traveling, and I personally have a goal of visiting all 7 continents! 2 more to go!