ML Interest Tag: muscle

Letting Go of Emotional Baggage to Become a Better Parent

By Dr. Bradley Nelson

Photo: Unsplash, @gcalebjones

Have you ever thought about mistakes your parents made when raising you and swore that you would not repeat them? Many parents do, and yet they find themselves reacting the same ways their parents did when family challenges arise.

The reasons for this may go beyond habits we pick up from the way our parents raised us. Most of us carry emotional baggage—what I call “trapped emotions”—from difficult or traumatic circumstances we have faced in our lives.

Everyone experiences strong, negative emotions from time to time. Sometimes, for reasons that we do not fully understand, emotions do not process completely. So instead of moving beyond an angry moment, or a temporary bout with grief or depression, this negative emotional energy can remain within the body, potentially causing significant physical and emotional stress and coloring our interactions with others.

Fortunately, it is possible to identify and release trapped emotions using The Emotion Code, a system we developed for this purpose. To do this, we ask a person a series of questions in conjunction with a simple form of muscle testing that allows us to get answers from the subconscious. This process allows us to:

  • Determine if an emotion was inherited or is a result of a person’s life experiences.
  • Discover the origin of an emotion, whether from a mother, father, grandparent, or even earlier generations.
  • Permanently release emotional baggage, wherever it came from, for improved wellness and relationships.

The Emotion Code allows us to determine more information about a trapped emotion, including when it occurred, what it was about, and if it was absorbed from someone else.

Because we are connected with each other, we are also vulnerable to the emotional energy of each other. This is particularly true in close family relationships. We can take on other people’s feelings sometimes, and that energy can become trapped in our bodies and end up affecting us.

A mother can be feeling bitterness, and her child might pick up some of that energy, or a friend might be going through a difficult episode, and you may absorb some of their emotional energy.

Trapped emotions can be created by circumstances that are quickly forgotten. Say, for example, that one day everything just seemed to go wrong. We can become pretty upset at times when things aren’t going our way. The intense emotions we may be feeling on an occasion like this may leave us with a trapped emotion or two. But a year later, you may be hard pressed to remember this event, particularly if you chose not to dwell on the bad experience.

If a number of years have gone by, the trapped emotion will still be there, but consciously recalling the event may now be very difficult if not impossible.

Whether you actually remember what occurred and what created your trapped emotion is not critical to the releasing of the emotional energy.

One of the most beautiful aspects of this process is that trapped emotions, once released, are gone forever. In the decades that I have been teaching the Emotion Code, I have never seen a single trapped emotion return after being released.

On the other hand, it is possible for people to have more than one occurrence of a particular trapped emotion. Therefore, you might release many trapped emotions of anger, but each emotion will be a separate and distinct energy, trapped during different emotional events in the past. It’s also possible to trap several distinctly different emotions during the same stressful event.

If you or a loved one are struggling with a specific problem, it’s important to determine if trapped emotions may be playing an unseen role. Discovering and releasing trapped emotions can make you a better parent. You can also use these techniques to help your children get rid of their own emotional baggage.

When trapped emotions are identified and released, people often experience a profound improvement in their lives and relationships, as they are able to finally be free from the burdens of the past.

 

 

Dr. Bradley Nelson
Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Veteran holistic physician and author of The Emotion Code, Dr. Bradley Nelson is an expert in the emerging fields of Bioenergetic Medicine and Energy Psychology. He has certified thousands of practitioners worldwide in helping people overcome unresolved anger, depression, anxiety, loneliness and other negative emotions and the physical symptoms associated them.

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Why You NEED to Build a Treehouse This Summer

By Heather Dalton

We had the plans, the materials, the tools, and the will, but could we do it?

In the summer of 2016, we embarked on an adventure of building a treehouse with no working knowledge of construction. We have never built anything more than a sandwich in our lives. But, because our son Jack spent a lot of time engrossed in stories with treehouses in them, such as Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey and The Magic Treehouse series by Mary Pope Osborn, we decided to give him this unique, meaningful gift.

We gained a lot more than a treehouse that summer though. Here are the lessons we learned, and the reasons you too should go on this journey with your own family.

Learning

What better way to work learning into a child’s summer? There was no summer slide for Jack that year, as he learned so much from this hands-on family project. Jack used a triangle to measure and cut, he sawed, hammered, and screwed. He learned how to read and follow directions. Plan, measure, cut, fasten, repeat. What a neat thing for a kid getting ready to head into first grade.

As an educator, one of my goals is to help Jack become a lifelong learner. I truly believe that as long as you continue to learn and grow as a person you will find fulfillment in life. Projects like this can help build life-long learners.

Building Connections

Throughout the building process, we got to know our neighbors as they cheered us on in the summer heat. They gave us tips and shared in the joy of our imperfect treehouse that we were making for our little boy. “We love watching it come along,” they would say, as they saw us spending countless hours in our backyard creating something special for our child. Together we smiled at the wonderful use of summertime as a family.

The extra words of encouragement were always helpful, as were the extra muscle from the multiple family members who contributed to the building process. When it was time to secure the roof, we knew we needed an extra hand. My nephew came over, arms and body hanging out the treehouse window to help make sure my husband Tim had it steadied while he fastened the roof. I was especially grateful this task did not fall on me, and that the roof did not fall on anyone else. Whenever we had people over to help, we would turn it into a whole day’s activity. Lunch, drinks, snacks, playground visits, or game time. The connections to the community were a nice side-effect of our project.

Problem Solving

Each step along the way, we realized we needed tools that we did not have. Due to trying to keep this project on a budget, we either compromised with tweaking the use of our current tools, or we borrowed from others. Tim’s brother, who is a mechanic and all-around handyman, has a collection of tools at his disposal. Thankfully, the tools often came with his help, and at times, the help of his children.

Watching the kids work together on measuring, painting and using power tools was incredible. At times the adults would sit back and let the kids make the decisions and mistakes. Throughout the process of building the walls, they had trouble with window placement. This allowed them to put their communication and problem-solving skills to work.

The Value of Hard Work

Jack was not going to get off easy during this project. He was six. There were days he did NOT want to be a part of it, but he would. Why? Not because we forced him to, but because he knew in order for him to reach his personal goal of having a treehouse, he had to put in the work. And, he did. I’m proud of this kid for pushing himself in ways his little fifty-pound body never had before. I know when I was six, I definitely was NOT working that hard. Shoot, most days I still don’t!

Making Mistakes

The treehouse came out awesome, but not perfect. The door kind of shuts and the windows semi-fit the walls. But the most obvious misstep turned out to be an actual misstep. Tim worked on constructing the ladder without plans and it came out brilliantly. Except for the top step. It sticks out at a weird angle and needs to be pointed out to all new-comers so they pay attention going up and down.

We are all afraid of making mistakes. For some people, the fear of making a mistake can hold them back from starting something. Luckily, building a treehouse taught Jack many things, but mostly the fact that it is okay, and natural, to make mistakes. We made numerous errors along the way and it’s not perfect, but who or what is?

Fun, Fun, Fun

The most important thing for any summer activity is that you have fun. Though we worked hard and hit multiple roadblocks along the way, building the treehouse was enjoyable for all of us. Most days we worked in frequent breaks that led to dance parties or outdoor games. Maybe we could have finished the treehouse in two months if we hadn’t done these things, but we didn’t care, it was FUN.

Commitment

Oftentimes we start projects with our kids that tend to fizzle out. Over that summer our friends and family watched and laughed with us as we fumbled through the different stages of building. Upon the completion of our treehouse, on a sunny day in September, we had a “Treewarming Party” and invited neighbors, coworkers, friends, and family to come to celebrate our accomplishments. Jack’s seventy-five-year-old great grandmother even took the hike up the ladder into the treehouse. The joy and excitement were palpable as we celebrated our commitment to completing Jack’s treehouse.

The Power and Knowledge of Creating Something Yourself

We built a treehouse. Jack was six and helped to construct all the parts of a house. Learning you can do whatever you set your mind to is a priceless thing for a child.

It may have cost us $600 for the materials and way more hours that I can add up, but teaching your kid they are capable is a powerful thing.

 

This post originally appeared on The Travel Nurse Family.

Heather has a Master's Degree in Education and a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. with over 15 years of experience as a tutor for children from Pre-k through college. She is currently homeschooling her son as they travel the country with her husband, a Travel Nurse.

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I’m Not Sorry for Scaring You with My Parenting Style

By Krissy Dieruf

Photo: Photo by Bambi Corro on Unsplash

Have you ever felt the need to apologize for your kids’ behavior to other parents, friends, or family members? Have you ever worried about something your child does, not because you actually thought they shouldn’t be doing it, but because of what other parents might think? I feel your pain.

I have definitely apologized for my children many times. My beautiful, creative, ambitious children who are finding their way in this world and are sometimes getting it wrong (or rather paving a whole new path, in the dirt, in their underwear, on a rainy day when all the other kids are sitting inside dry and clothed.) I feel like I should be sorry, like it’s not okay to let them be themselves, wild and free and exploring life to its fullest extent with safe and secure boundaries fully in place. But I’m not actually sorry, because I think it’s great. I want my kids to know what the rain feels like on their skin, or how the mud squishes between their toes. So, I let my kids do a few things that seem to frighten other parents. I’m not being negligent, I promise! If you see my kids doing any of these, just consider it a very deliberate observance of natural exploration!

1. Wear Shorts in the Winter: My son decided at the beginning of the 3rd grade that he would not be wearing pants for the whole year. At first, I thought, living in the icy tundra known as Minnesota, he would get cold and forget he ever said such nonsense. But he didn’t, and rarely could I go somewhere without someone commenting on my kid’s choice of apparel. “He really does wear shorts huh?!” parents would say, having heard such crazy talk but not believing it. Others would comment, trying to hide the judgment but failing miserably. “Why does he always wear shorts?” other kids would ask me, possibly confused as to why my son seemed to get special treatment in a world where all other children in the colder regions of the country are required to wear pants between the months of November and April. “Because he wants to,” I replied. I mean, what the heck is going to happen people? If his legs are really that cold, he will learn to put his pants back on.

2. Go Barefoot: The first thing my kids do when they get to a park is kick off their shoes. Not my kid who wears shorts, of course, he always has the proper socks and tennis shoes on. But my other two refuse to keep socks or shoes on their little piggy’s and run around like Mowgli from The Jungle Book all day long, barely batting an eye at the inevitable stick pokes and toe stubs. Well-meaning parents and grandparents of other children have let me know that the rocks are hot, they saw glass on the ground, and that my child lost a shoe over there under the swing. Thanks for watching out peeps, I appreciate it. But really, we are totally good with bare feet. In fact, it is actually good for kids and adults to go barefoot outside. It enhances proprioceptive and vestibular development, builds muscle strength in the feet and legs, actually making us less prone to injury. And getting scrapes and stubs are part of life. Learning to deal with minor pains only creates confidence and strength for other areas of life.

3. Climb Poles and Trees: My daughter loves to climb the street sign on our corner. She worked for an hour one day by herself to get to the top. The smile of pride on her face was bigger than I have ever seen. Now, I will admit it is a bit odd to turn the corner and see a 7-year-old up on top of a street sign, but I would argue it shouldn’t be. If I could pull my own body up with my bare arms I would do it too! She fell, a lot. She scraped up her hands and had blisters on her palms. She jumped from the top and landed hard on the ground. And she looked like you would expect someone looks when they make it to the top of Mount Everest—half in disbelief of their own ability, half-awed and inspired with the amazing view from the top, and wholly content in knowing they did this hard thing all on their own. Totally worth the risks.

4. Wear Clothes to Bed: We have a little different bedtime routine at our house. I found myself becoming incredibly frustrated with our morning schedule trying to force large sleepy children into new clean outfits when they were warm and snug in their pajamas. Even if we picked clothes out the night before it was a time suck. So, after my kids take a shower at bedtime, they put on clean clothes for the next day. In the morning they can sleep in or just relax, and we have extra time to talk about what awesome kids they are instead of me harassing them to put on a shirt! Sure, they might look a little wrinkled but it keeps everyone in our house sane, so I call it a win!

5. Talk About Sex: My son is the type of kid who has to know things. After we had our third child, he thought a lot about babies and how the heck they come to be. With the help of a children’s body book I tried to share the most information possible without spilling on the actual deed, fearsome he would not only be scarred for life but also that he would go to school and tell other kids all the juicy details resulting in mothers calling me in fury forcing me to hide my face in shame until my son turned eighteen. “Something has to be missing!” he said. So, I spilled it all. “OH!” he said like a light bulb went off in his brain. He smiled, relieved to finally have the missing piece of the puzzle. I felt pretty good too, having had a healthy appropriate talk with my son. Until of course his face changed from glad to grossed out. “Did dad do that to you!?” he questioned me with disgust. We can only prepare ourselves so much for the truth I guess! But it has opened the door to more healthy, honest conversations and my kid feels safe asking me the questions I’d rather they not learn the answers to on the bus.
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All in all, if you see me at the park this winter and my kids are barefoot in shorts and have already shed their coats, just smile and wave and know that I do actually own these items and have them fully available at any time should my children decide they are cold or their feet hurt. Life lessons are more impactful when they are learned on one’s own. If you still want your kids to wear shoes, totally cool. But if you feel like I do, like you should be sorry for so many things, but you really aren’t because your kids are safe and happy and testing their own personal limits and strengths in creative and exploratory ways, then ignore the judgments and let kids be kids. Your kids are awesome, and so are you!

Krissy Dieruf is a licensed marriage and family therapist. She lives in Minnesota with her husband and three children, loves to sing and dance around the house and has a soft spot for rebels and crazy hair. 

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Pee When You Sneeze? There’s a Fix for That

By Rachel Gelman

Photo: Pexels

In case you didn’t know, having a baby is a big deal. Shocking, I know. Pregnancy and childbirth are game-changers and impact a mother emotionally, psychologically and of course physically.

One part of the body that is often affected yet overlooked? The pelvic floor. This is a muscular bowl inside the pelvis that supports the pelvic organs. Like a mom, it has many jobs: As one of the main core muscles of the body, they provide stability, helps start and stop the flow of urine and feces, and play a role in sexual function. And let’s not forget: These muscles also help push a baby out during a vaginal delivery.

Unfortunately, these muscles can be easily injured during childbirth. They can be stretched, cut, or torn. Even if a person has their baby via c-section these muscles just helped support a baby for about 40 weeks. Think of how tired you get after rocking your baby for an hour; these muscles were doing that non-stop! As a result, these muscles can become dysfunctional, just like any other muscle of the body. Pelvic floor dysfunction can lead to a variety of symptoms such as urinary incontinence, back pain, or pain while having sex.

Therefore, it is important to have these muscles in good shape. Keeping these muscles healthy prior to pregnancy can improve their function and help with recovery following delivery. Most people assume that means strengthening. Gotta get these muscles a gym membership and mini barbells, right? Not exactly.

While strengthening can be what is needed, sometimes these muscles are actually in a guarded or tightened position and need to learn to relax. Sometimes the muscles need to learn to have better overall coordination which can help during delivery. Or maybe the muscles are strong but need to improve their endurance. In general, the pelvic floor muscles need to have a good range of motion, coordination, and strength to do their job well.

Every person, and pelvic floor is different. Therefore, it is important to consult a pelvic floor specialist to determine what an appropriate treatment plan would be for you. In many countries, pelvic floor physical therapy is automatically provided postpartum. A pelvic floor PT can address any pelvic floor dysfunction pre- or post-partum and of course help with the recovery process after delivery.

Motherhood can be challenging and it can be difficult to make time for yourself, but in my opinion, getting your pelvic floor working well should be a part of the mom routine.

Rachel Gelman, PT, DPT is a clinician, writer and educator specializing in pelvic floor dysfunction. She teaches the pelvic health curriculum in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Samuel Merritt University and is an expert for INTIMINA, which aims to help improve all aspects of a woman’s intimate health.

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What Happened to My Heart After I Had a Second Baby

By Celeste Yvonne

I remember the fear that consumed me when I was pregnant with my second child. A relatively new mom to a toddler not yet two years old, I was just getting my groove in this motherhood journey.

I had read a lot of the books. I was starting to find a schedule that was manageable. My little boy was starting to really blossom: walking, first words, a growing personality… these were the days I’d been dreaming of for so long.

And amongst all these factors was an all-encompassing love that filled my whole heart. I never knew such love until I became a mama to this little miracle.

So where, exactly, would I make space in my heart for another living breathing human to enter? Because I believed with every cell in me that my heart was full. No vacancy. Not even a broom closet of space for another person.

Not to mention my brain, which was also at max capacity. It took me almost two years to read this little boy’s facial expressions, the color and texture of his poop, his different cries and now his gurgling jabber. I knew how long naps would last, how much food to make and how much soothing to calm a meltdown. I had it down to a science. How on earth could I keep these plates spinning when another child entered the picture. It all seemed so apocalyptic.

You would not believe what happened when my second child, another darling boy, entered my world. Beyond my greatest fears, my heart did not explode. Aside from my certainty the world would end, my love for my first child did not get moved, erased or compressed.

My heart simply grew.

It was the most natural adjustment in the world. One minute my heart was one size, the next minute—its size had doubled. All my worries were for nothing. My body, my heart and my love knew exactly how and when to shift and expand.

The parenting journey is an exciting, momentous, overwhelming time for first time mothers. And the heart is our strongest muscle for good reason… It will double in size with the birth of a sibling.

If only the brain would do the same. But I can assure you that you do learn to keep the plates spinning. You do learn to incorporate new facial expressions, new schedules, new bedtime routines. It’s a much slower process, guaranteed and a few plates will break in the adjustment. But while our heart is a mom’s strongest muscle, our brain is slightly slower to acclimate.

I’m pretty sure that’s where the expression “mom brain” was derived from. And it’s all par for the course on this motherhood journey.

Hi! I’m Celeste. I consider myself a relatively new mom with two boys ages 4 and 2. Other titles I go by include: wife, marketing guru, avid reader (self-help books are my favorite), writer, travel/adventure seeker and fitness nut.

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Visiting Wacky & Wild Venice Beach with Kids

by Jenifer Scott

Venice Beach may not have a reputation for being exceptionally family-friendly, but if you’re up for an adventure, it actually packs quite the playful punch and is one of the best beaches in Los Angeles. From out-of-the-box street performers to skateparks set against a backdrop of the shimmering Pacific Ocean, Venice Beach has more than enough eccentric entertainment to make for a fun outing with your bohemian babes. Keep reading for a list of our favorite things to do in Venice with kids in tow!

Photo: Tomas Del Coro via Flickr

Ocean Front Walk: The Venice boardwalk is truly a circus for the senses and what kid doesn’t love a circus? You and your tiny tourists-for-a-day will have more than enough visual (and fair warning: nasal) stimulation simply strolling past the one and a half miles of shops selling anything from sunglasses to life-sized Transformers.

There is more eclectic flair packed into a one and a half mile stretch of sidewalk than anywhere else around! If you’re looking for polished and pretty, you might want to hit up the Third Street Promenade in neighboring Santa Monica but if everyone wants to shake up the norm a bit (and have a blast doing so), then Ocean Front Walk does this in spades. And the best part? It’s free to see!

Good to Know: Street parking can get tricky around these parts but there are plenty of paid lots in the area for your parking pleasure. There are city parking lots right on the sand at the end of Venice Blvd. and along Pacific Ave. or private lots near Winward Ave, Venice Blvd. and Rose Ave. City parking lots range from $4-$15 depending on the day of the week and/or time of year. Private lots are a little pricier and can run around $25 for the day. As most prefer beach parking, those spots will fill up early, especially on weekends, so plan accordingly. On weekends, swing by the Westminster Elementary School lot (enter on Main St.) as they sometimes offer additional parking for only $5! 

Hours: 8 a.m.-7 p.m.

Insider Tip: To really get the full experience of Venice, start at the end of Washington Blvd. near the Venice Fishing Pier (technically Marina del Rey) and walk north along the Venice Beach boardwalk. There is an expansive city parking lot right on the sand that rarely fills up (as well as a couple of coffee shops here to keep you caffeinated for your trek into Venice)!

Online: venicebeach.com

Photo: Herbert E. via Yelp

What to See:

Muscle Beach: The site of the original Gold’s Gym, this outdoor exercise space is sure to pump everyone up in the family. There are usually at least one or two bodybuilders lifting weights on-site while bystanders gawk and marvel at their superhuman strength.

Insider Tip: The indoor gym is still frequented by Arnold Schwarzenegger and, if you are lucky, you might catch him entering or leaving on a Sat. morning!

Hours: Mon.- Fri., 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sat.-Sun. noon -4 p.m.

1800 Ocean Front Walk
Venice
Online: musclebeach.com

Photo: Marc Cooper via Flickr

Street Performers: The Venice boardwalk is probably most famous for its vast array of performers. This is not a fancy stage show by any means. The sometimes hundreds of folks dotting the sidewalks are working hard to get your tips. From walking on broken shards of glass and break dancers to unicyclists wearing sequined shorts playing guitar, there is truly a wide variety of spectacle (and talent for that matter). It’s truly a down and dirty circus that is a sure bet to entertain all ages!

Good to Know: Entertainers are sprinkled throughout the boardwalk with a heavier concentration of the beachside entertainment at Winward Ave. Expect to see more performers on the weekends.

Photo: Sharat Ganapati via Flickr

Venice Skatepark: Undoubtedly one of the best stops on the boardwalk, the Venice Skate Park draws people of every age and skill level. Your small shredders will wish they had their own boards on hand as they take in the talented tricks set against an ocean backdrop. There is always a crowd cheering on the skaters (sometimes the pros even show up here to break out some moves) which makes for a fun sense of community that energizes everyone around! 

Hours: Daily; Dawn until dusk

800 Ocean Front Walk
Venice
Online: veniceskatepark.com

Photo: John M. via Yelp

Venice Canals: Viva L’Italia! After enjoying the bohemian buzz of the boardwalk, take your brood inland a couple of blocks to soak up a slice of Italy (without boarding a plane). Nestled in an upscale residential area of Venice Beach, these charming canals are a small part of what used to make up most of the surrounding area. The gondoliers may not be there anymore but (lucky for us!) some of the canals survived and now it’s a perfect place to take your tadpoles for a stroll. Picturesque arched bridges connect the canals in a maze-like layout while ducks float serenely along the paths making this Venice hotspot truly fun for the entire family!

Carroll Ct. and Eastern Canal Ct.
Venice

Photo: Hege M. via Yelp

Venice Beach Bike Path: If you want to zoom your way down the boardwalk and still take in some pretty great people watching, take your bikes to the boardwalk and ride along the bike path. If your little ones’ legs are up for the challenge, take it all the way into Santa Monica. Or if you’ve got tiny tykes in tow, stop along Ocean Front Walk to check out some shops or sidewalk performers.

Good to Know: The bike path can get pretty crowded on weekends (and super sandy) so take your adventures there during the week for a more serene experience.

Need to rent bikes? We recommend Ride! Venice which can run you anywhere from $5 per hour for kid options or $7-$12 per hour for adult bikes. This place has everything on wheels from strollers and baby trailers to tandem and mountain bikes. Rent by the hour or pay a day rate (more cost effective if you plan on enjoying the bike for longer than a few hours).

1915 Ocean Front Walk
Venice Beach
Online: southerncaliforniabeaches.org/venicebeach_bikepath

Photo: Paolo Gamba via Flickr

The Beach: Perhaps the biggest draw of all for your baby sharks is the actual beach at Venice Beach. Three miles of sand manicured daily is a huge draw for anyone whether you’re a local or a tourist. With Los Angeles Lifeguard headquarters stationed here on this beach, parents can rest assured their minnows are being well watched. Parents will love the views while kids will love meeting tons of other kids playing in the sand. Win/win!

Good to Know: There are some great public parking lots right around here that tend to fill up quickly on weekends so best to arrive as early as possible.

South City Parking Lot (near Venice Canals, Venice Recreation and Parks/Muscle Beach Gym/Skate Park/courts)
2100 Ocean Front Walk
Venice

North City Parking Lot:
300 Ocean Front Walk
Venice

Washington Blvd. Lot (Near Venice Pier and Washington Square)
3100 Washington Blvd.
Venice

Beach Hours: 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.

End of Winward Ave.
Venice
Online: www.venicebeach.com

Photo: Humphry Slocombe via Instagram

Sweet Treats

Humphry Slocombe: Pop into this store that is celebrating its 10th Birthday on Dec. 28th where their Venice outpost will be offering free scoops all day (donations will be accepted and given to Homeboy Industries—an organization that provides free services and job training to formerly gang-involved and previously incarcerated men and women.

Good to Know: As part of their month-long celebration, they are bringing back fan-favorites like Government Cheez-It and Jesus Juice.

Hours: Noon-12 p.m.

1653B Abbot Kinney Blvd.
Venice
Online: humphryslocombe.com

It Sugar: As the name not-so-subtly implies, this super colorful store is chock full of all kinds of candy, including the nostalgic and hard to find variety. The selection here is pretty amazing and you can find confectionary delights that you won’t be able to find many other places. But wait, there’s more! Along with sugar, kids will also go nutty for the toys, plush items, and other funky gadgets that this place has to offer.

Good to Know: There are also mature trinkets and merchandise scattered throughout the store that’s tailored specifically to adult shoppers but unless you have an older child, the younger set will be too distracted by the rest to notice.

Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m; Fri.-Sat. 10:30 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun. 10:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
2017 Ocean Front Walk
Venice Beach
Online: itsugar.com

photo: Burro Kids via Yelp

SHOPPING

Abbot Kinney Blvd.: After a long day at the beach, head over to trendy Abbot Kinney Blvd. to feed your hungry hippos at one of the many restaurants, cafes and food trucks dotting the street. Known as the hipster capital of Venice, this popular thoroughfare also boasts funky shops, eclectic salons and street art you won’t see anywhere else in the world. If a restaurant meal isn’t in the cards, grab a cup of coffee, get the kids a donut, sit back and take in the laid-back Venice vibe.

Online: abbotkinneyblvd.com

To see what Red Tricycle Editors are up to this month, follow us on Instagram!

—Jenifer Scott

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How Much Exercise Should Your Kids Get? Doctors Offer New Guidelines

by Shahrzad Warkentin

From sitting in a classroom all day to screen time after school, chances are most kids might not be spending as much time moving as they should. So how much exercise should kids get? Here’s what experts have to say about new guidelines.

According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, newly updated guidelines from the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition recommend kids six years old and up need at least one hour of exercise per day. Meanwhile, kids ages three to five should have at least three hours of exercise daily.

Photo: joshdick75 via Pixabay

The new guidelines cover people of all ages—including pregnant women—but kids have their own section with specific recommendations. The report states that kids and adolescents aged six through 17 years should do “60 minutes or more of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily.” Exercise for kids in this age range can improve cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness, cardiometabolic health and cognition, as well as reduce the risk of depression.

For kids three years and up, in addition to these same benefits, getting enough daily exercise can also improve bone health and maintain healthy weight. “Children younger than 6 years undergo periods of rapid growth and development. Physical activity can enhance growth and development and teach important movement skills,” the report notes.

While a set standard for physical activity hasn’t been determined for kids ages three to five, the guidelines suggest that kids at this age should be physically active throughout the day to enhance growth and development. Parents should encourage kids to be active through play. The guidelines say “a reasonable target may be three hours per day of activity of all intensities: light, moderate or vigorous.”

For kids six to 17, the guidelines break down the types of physical activities that they should engage in during their daily 60 minutes of exercise:

  • Aerobic: Most of the 60 minutes or more per day should be either moderate- or vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity and should include vigorous-intensity physical activity on at least three days a week.
  • Muscle-strengthening: As part of their 60 minutes or more of daily physical activity, children and adolescents should include muscle-strengthening physical activity on at least three days a week.
  • Bone-strengthening: As part of their 60 minutes or more of daily physical activity, children and adolescents should include bone-strengthening physical activity on at least three days a week.

The guidelines state that establishing routine exercise early on not only helps kids develop life-long healthy habits, but it can lower the likelihood that kids will develop risk factors that lead to certain chronic illness and diseases as adults.

Bottom line? Get your kids movin’ and groovin’!

—Shahrzad Warkentin

 

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New Exercise Guidelines for Pregnant Women You’ll Want to Pay Attention To

by Shahrzad Warkentin

When it comes to ensuring you get enough exercise, common sense can tell you that you that the more you move, the better off you’ll be. However, when it comes to pregnancy, it can sometimes be confusing to know what is safe and what isn’t. Luckily, these new exercise guidelines for pregnant women offers some easy-to-follow advice.

The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition published in the Journal of the American Medical Association provides recommendations for Americans of all ages and health stages on the amount and type of exercise they should be doing daily to to stay healthy and minimize the risk of obesity.

Photo: StockSnap via Pixabay

According to the updated guidelines, non-pregnant adults should do “at least 150 minutes to 300 minutes a week of moderate-intensity, or 75 minutes to 150 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity, or an equivalent combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity aerobic activity. They should also do muscle-strengthening activities on 2 or more days a week.”

For pregnant and postpartum women, the recommendation is to do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week. The guidelines define aerobic activity as an endurance or cardio activity, “examples include brisk walking, running, or bicycling.” If possible, the activity should be spread throughout the week.

According to the guidelines, women who were “habitually engaged in vigorous-intensity aerobic activity or who were physically active before pregnancy” can continue this same activities during pregnancy. Regardless of your level of activity and fitness, the guidelines state that you should consult with your doctor throughout your pregnancy to determine if any adjustments to physical activity need to be made.

Photo: Vitor Pinto via Unsplash

For pregnant women regular aerobic exercise can reduce the risk of excessive weight gain, gestational diabetes and postpartum depression. Some studies also suggest that physical activity can reduce the risk of pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, reduce the length of labor and postpartum recovery, and reduce the risk of having a cesarean delivery.

Overall, the important takeaway is that any exercise is better than none. The report emphasizes that moving more and sitting less can benefit everyone. Obviously, if you’re pregnant, check with your healthcare provider to find out how much exercise is best for you.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

 

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Should Grandparents Babysit the Kids? Here’s What You Should Consider First

by Shahrzad Warkentin

Finding someone you trust to babysit your kids that doesn’t charge an arm and a leg can be hard. For many families, that’s where grandparents come in. They can seem like the perfect, no-hassle sitters, but in some cases they might not be. Do you let the grandparents babysit you kids? If so, you might want to consider these factors first.

When family lives close by it can seem like a no-brainer to look to grandparents when you need someone to watch the kids. Americans are waiting longer to have kids—which means grandparents are older as well. With one in 10 adults age 65 or older diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia, chances are greater that older grandparents will be facing age-related changes that might impair their ability to look after young kids.

“Once grandparents get to age 70 or older, we start to see more of an effect on health when they’re participating in daily activities with grandchildren,” Dr. Laurence Solberg, chief of the division of geriatric medicine at the University of Florida College of Medicine, told U.S. News and World Report. Factors like poor vision, slow reaction time, muscle weakness and even medications that cause drowsiness could affect a grandparents ability to care for kids, Solberg explained.

Age-related issues aren’t always obvious and sometimes older adults don’t realize their own symptoms and limitations. There are certain signs you can watch out for says Solberg, that can help you determine if you should reconsider using grandparents as babysitters. These include cognitive decline, muscle weakness, chronic disease, trouble driving and mood changes.

Of course not all older adults face the same age-related issues and many are in excellent health. It’s just important to consider all the factors when you enlist your parents to babysit on date night, the same way you would with any babysitter.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: Pexels

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The New Book LA Babies All Need

by Jennifer O'Brien

We’ve found the perfect gift for LA littles just in time for the hectic holiday season. Los Angeles 1 to 10, by Silverlake mom Sara Beth Greene, debuted this November and is one the most adorable board books we’ve seen in quite some time. It introduces numbers and counting to kiddos using pleasing rhymes and iconic imagery of our beloved City of Angels.

photo: Sara Beth Greene

Filled with a lifelong passion for writing, Los Angeles 1 to 10 author, Sara Beth Greene, never attempted it professionally until now. While her family was temporarily living in Toronto, Canada after the birth of her daughter, friends gifted Greene with cute Canadian themed baby books. Excited to buy similar LA versions when her family returned to their hometown of Los Angeles, she surprisingly found very few children’s books that felt like anything more than auto-generated tourist guides.

photo: Sara Beth Greene

Hollywood Walk of Fame, Venice Muscle Beach, yada, yada, yada—all the things tourists do, not the people who actually live here. She quickly realized nothing captured the true charm and diversity of LA and decided to create something herself.

photo: Sara Beth Greene

Los Angeles 1 to 10 is geared towards newborns through age 5 and uses whimsical rhymes and cheery bright colors to celebrate the city’s immense diversity from the hills of Griffith Park and music of Mariachi Plaza to Watts Towers and the warm ocean breezes of the Pacific Ocean.  It’s perfect as your baby’s first introduction to our vast and varied city, becomes a wonderful bring-along as they get ready for first outings and later is an easy to follow learn to read book that echoes the signs they see on your weekend adventures.

photo: Sara Beth Greene

When she’s not busy penning her first children’s book or tending to her regular career of producing music videos, commercials and films, Greene loves spending time exploring LaLa Land with her 2-year-old daughter, Cleo. As for her own LA faves, Greene says, “We love to have picnics and fly kites in the Silverlake Meadow. The Enchanted Railroad at Descanso Gardens is always a big hit. I can’t get over how cute that little train is! Also LACMA is always excellent since there is so much space to run around. Cleo loves Chris Burden’s ‘Metropolis.’ I love James Turrell. Everyone wins!”

For a list of LA retailers currently carrying Los Angeles 1 to 10 or to purchase a copy online, simply check out the book’s website. As for future kids’ books, Greene currently has two more in the works: one about Los Angeles opposites and a counting book about Portland, Oregon. We can’t wait!

Los Angles 1 to 10 by Sara Beth Greene
Online: losangeles1to10.com

If you’re looking for LA themed books for bigger kids, we’ve got a list of our favorites here.

What other LA themed kids’ books would you like to see in the future? Give us a shout in the comments below!

–Jennifer O’Brien

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