Mi Choza De Nipa

By Dr Bill Maier When it comes to organised sports for kids, there’s the good, the bad, and the downright ugly! Sports can be a great way for kids to keep fit and learn the importance of teamwork and competition. They can develop strength and coordination, and increase their level of self-esteem. Sports also give kids an opportunity to build friendships. And good coaches make great role models. The downside is some parents and coaches focus too much on winning, creating an air of tension and pressure. When kids lose, their self-image takes a beating. And unhealthy competition is a breeding ground for physical and emotional injuries. Team sports are great for kids, but they need to be kept in perspective. Let your children choose which activities they participate in, and get to know their coaches. Praise them when they do well, and praise them when they don’t! It’s only a game, and kids need to see it that way. From TODAY, Voices - Thursday, 23-April-2009

By Dr Bill Maier Here’s a mystery I’ve never understood – how can a preschooler survive an entire day on one graham cracker and half a banana? Obviously most preschoolers eat more than that but it doesn’t always feel like it. Some kids seem to turn their nose up at everything their parents put in front of them. So what can we do to see that they get the nutrients they need? Begin by making sure their portions are the right size. Pre-schoolers only need about a fourth of an adult’s diet, and parents often overfill their plates. Also, watch their intake of fluids. A lot of young kids will fill up on milk or juice, leaving little room for the foods they need. And make sure any between-meal snacks are healthy ones. Finally, don’t worry too much. Kids tend to eat more than we realise. They’ll hit a growth spurt before you know it and then just try to stop them from eating! From TODAY, Voices - Tuesday, 21-April-2009

Cute Kids!