Lunch Ideas from One of Our Facebook Moms

One of Dayton Children's patient’s mom, Kristi Enz, recently posted pictures and ideas to make healthy lunches for her kids on her facebook page. I saw how much feedback she got and thought, “What a great idea for Dayton Children’s blog!” So, with Kristi’s permission, I have included some great ideas on healthy lunches to make your kids. Kristi even admits that it’s hard to get her kids to eat lots of fruits and vegetables, but she found some fun ideas to try.

From Kristi:

I decided to pack Zach and Taylor’s lunches because it saves money, it produces less waste, it's healthier and fun for me. It only takes 10-12 minutes to make two lunches every day. I want my kids lunches to be visually appealing and contain a fruit, veggie, protein and carb. We also use BPA free, stainless steel reusable containers to drink out of.

Idea #1

Cantaloupe, maple leaf cookie (you can find these at Trader Joes), peanut butter and strawberry preserves dino sandwich on whole wheat and fish crackers

Idea #2

Half banana and a Clementine orange, Baby Bel cheese round, peanut butter and strawberry preserves dino sandwich on whole wheat and a homemade brownie bite (made with applesauce instead of oil)

Idea #3

Halved cantaloupe and grapes, homemade brownie bite (made with applesauce instead of oil), peanut butter and jelly star sandwich on whole wheat, hardboiled egg and a cheese kabob

Idea #4

Cheese and cucumber rolled in turkey, Clementine orange and some blueberries, and two homemade brownie bites (made with applesauce instead of oil)

Idea #5

Carrots with a small container of ranch dressing, halved grapes, peanut butter and jelly pinwheels on whole wheat (use a rolling pin to flatten the bread, roll and cut), multi-grain crackers with laughing cow cheese spread and some cat cookies (can get these at Trader Joes)

Zach's green and blue lunch box is called a Laptop Lunch Box. You can find them at local stores. More information here: http://www.laptoplunches.com/. View more ideas on Kristi's blog at http://lunchboxmama.blogspot.com/.

Guest post by Kristi Enz,Troy

Dayton Children's 2010-2011 Kohl's a Minute for Kids Campaign Launches!

Each year, Kohl’s Department Stores raises money for children’s initiatives nationwide through its Kohl’s Cares® cause merchandise program. This year Kohl’s will be donating $141, 351 to Dayton Children’s. Dayton Children’s will be using this funding for our Kohl’s a Minute for Kids campaign. This year’s campaign will focus on the importance of healthy lifestyles for children and families.

The experts at Dayton Children’s will be sharing actionable tricks and tips for parents through a radio campaign and other print items to address childhood obesity and many of the challenges that go along with the disease. Since 1999, Kohl’s has donated more than $1,165,087 to Dayton Children’s through Kohl’s Cares®.

We are very grateful to Kohl’s Department Stores and the outreach work we are able to do because of their generosity!

For more information about the Kohl's a Minute for Kids campaign visit our website.

Beating the Bully

Bullying can happen for a number of reasons; however research indicates that weight is more important than gender, race, and socioeconomic status in predicting who will be the target of bullying among third to sixth graders. In addition, obese preteens are more likely to be bullied than their normal weight peers.
“If your child confides in you that he or she is being bullied, take the problem seriously,” says Greg Ramey, PhD, pediatric psychologist at Dayton Children’s.

“Bullying shouldn’t be dismissed as the teasing we all experience throughout our lives. Half of our kids are victims of bullying, which can involve physical threats or verbal intimidation either in person or over the Internet.”

Children shouldn’t have to suffer with hurtful name calling, threats, rumors, and intimidation. Work with your child to develop positive strategies to deal with a bully.

“It’s hard for children to talk about this problem, so compliment your child for bringing this to your attention,” says Dr. Ramey, “Listen to your child and ask them to explain their feelings. Let them know that you understand their feelings and that it’s OK for them to feed ad or worried.”

Then, help your child figure out what may work in their situation, such as ignoring the bully, staying with group of friends, or avoiding situations where bullying typically occurs.

For more tips about bullying from Dr. Ramey visit our website.