Cora Carolina Blog

Do You Ever Feel Like Yelling?

2011-08-15T12:51:00.000-07:00

I have to say that I don't as much as my mom did. Maybe as generation go by, we'll work our way down to minimal yelling! I'm a minimal yeller. Meaning, I don't do it that often.

Yelling in a fit of rage is not good for anyone. Especially for a baby to hear! How do you, or I overcome the urge to yell?

Here are 10 tips that have helped with our family (not that we're perfect):

When you want your older kids to get something done, whisper. Whispering is sacred to kids, they love a secret, so they are more apt to do what you want them to do.
Play music when it's time to get household tasks accomplished. Kid's get really into listening to music. When it's playing, it lifts the spirit a little more. It makes the dreaded task much more fun. Try and see how much a kid can do before a song finishes up.
Set the timer. This works for kids older then age 5. They may not know how to tell time yet; they do know when something starts it has to finish. If you show them a timer, and explain how it works they will be more motivated to get the job done in a timely fashion.
Clean with your kids. Sometimes tasks are HUGE in a child's eyes. They need a little help.
Break up. Have one parent do one task, while the other does something else with the kids. Then you feel like you get something done.
Take a timeout yourself. Sometimes even parents need one!
Praise your kids for doing things right. Then they won't feed off of negative behavior.
I know some people are very anti counting, but if it works for you do it! We do.
Give one instruction at a time. My oldest really needs this break down! He is single task minded.
If you feel like yelling, you still can. It's not that you yell, it's that you are directing your anger out on your children. Have a yelling match just for fun. The kids will think this is fun. They won't think you are yelling at them. **Don't do this one around a baby. They won't enjoy it. Go outside and yell!

Too much yelling can be counter productive. Over yelling can be just as harmful as physical abuse. “Children can become immune to being yelled at and start to tune it out,” according to psychologist Myrna B. Shure, Ph.D., of Drexel University.

By Alissa
Alissa teaches at The Creative Center in Omaha Nebraska. It is an art college. She loves being a mom, decorating sugar cookies, discussing the topic of breastfeeding and blogging.

Entertain Your Baby with a Variety of Baby Games

2011-07-14T22:33:00.000-07:00

Our children and their education are a big priority for most caring parents. The days when a child had to wait to go to primary school without having anything to do have now long gone, thanks to the many baby games available. These games are meant to keep your baby busy and at the same time, educate the little one before he or she attends pre-school. There are a variety of games and activities for your baby such as arts and crafts, coordination and movement, outdoor activities, kitchen fun and educational toys that include listening, speaking, and connecting.

Babies, even little kids are mostly fascinated by toys, even if the toys or games are very straight forward and do not do a lot of things. However, most parents nowadays would prefer to do educational activities with their children such as arts and crafts activity that is called Floor Art. This activity suits any gender of babies and takes about 15 – 20 minutes to execute and here are the directions to the game. This arts and crafts activity will teach your toddler the common shapes such as triangle, circle, square etc.

You will need a large piece of paper that is taped to the floor, a box of crayons or felt pens and a masking tape. This type of activity provides your baby to experience a new dimension in scribbling by utilizing his or her whole body, unlike other arts and crafts which only use the arm, to shift the paper around. Once the paper is taped to the floor, begin drawing together by moving around as much as needed. For an extended version of this activity, you may cut several pieces of butcher paper into basic shapes like the triangle, circle, square, rectangle and more. Then, tape all the edges down with a masking tape and draw the shapes. You can plan this activity with your toddler on a sidewalk or driveway by substituting the crayons or felt pens with chalk.

Some other popular baby games that you can play with toddler is the body parts activity. This activity takes about 5 to 10 minutes to play. You will need nose tissues to play with your toddler. There are many body parts as well as news words to learn and this game allows your toddler to learn all the body parts such as eyes, nose, knees, legs and many more.

Simply call out the body parts and put the tissues on the spot of the body parts called out on your toddler. After you are done with your turn, let your toddler have his or her turn by calling out the body parts to you, and then check if you have put the tissue on the correct body parts. Play around by making a few obvious mistakes so that your toddler will know which body part is which. You can also use dolls or stuffed animals to identify the body parts together. Educational baby games are great and beneficial to both parents and child as these types of games are able to prepare your baby for pre-school or kindergarten.

Think Outside the Box!

2011-06-22T21:52:00.000-07:00

On super hot days and throughout the summer months, it’s important as parents to ensure children don’t get too much exposure to the sun’s harmful rays. On these hot days when the temperature rises, there are still a lot of ways to have fun indoors and beat the heat without camping out in front of the TV– It just takes a little planning and a lot of imagination! Here are some fun suggestions to get you started.

Build a Blanket Fort

Hand your kids some blankets, sheets, and close-pins and let their imaginations run wild! The best thing about a blanket fort is all the fun they will have inside of it. Reading a book, playing cards, or drawing pictures becomes so much more magical inside a blanket fort. Cardboard box forts are also a great activity that will keep kids entertained for hours! See the attached example on how to build your own!

Founded in 2009, Kid Ventures was the creation of Debbie & Darren Solomon. After spending over 15 years working with children and with two little ones of their own, this duo knew exactly what they wanted in a kids indoor play facility - a clean and safe environment, creative and innovative play structures and a place where parents could enjoy a bit of down time knowing their kids were having fun in a secure setting.

Fun Ideas for Family Night

2011-06-08T19:34:00.000-07:00

Keeping the family together and having fun can sometimes be an overwhelming task. Often time, life gets a little hectic and in the midst of all the craziness we forget to spend time with the people we love most. Running from one activity to the next can be easily have us feeling rundown and exhausted. It’s important to set aside time for the whole family to be together. A time where you can grow as a family, improve your relationships, and have some fun together.
By setting aside one night a week or even one night a month you can really solidify your family relationships. Even teenagers who usually want to be alone can learn to enjoy time with their family. Maybe you have a child who is behaving poorly. You can use a family night to express your love and better understand what you can do to work with that child better. So here are a few simple ideas that you can use to have some on your next family night:

Mini-Golf Anyone? Going to a mini-golf course is a great way for everyone to get out and have some fun together. Chances are you’re not raising a family of Phil Mickelson’s, so don’t worry if you take some terrible shots or lose a ball in the fountain; it’s about being able to laugh at yourself.
See a Sporting Game- While it may be a bit pricey to take the whole family to a playoff game. A regular season baseball game shouldn’t be too outrageous to handle. In fact a lot of baseball stadiums offer $1 seats. They may be far away, but the kids won’t care too much as the excitement of a major league game is felt throughout the entire stadium. Plus with all the money you save on tickets you can afford to get hot dogs and snacks for everyone.
Board Games and Dessert- No need to leave home for this one. Grab some of the classic board games and pull out the ice cream. Remember that you’re family and you all know each other. There’s no reason to get fancy or formal. Just have some fun playing board games and finish things off with a dessert that everyone will love.
Go for a Hike- Hit the trails for a little family adventure. You don’t have to do anything too technical but getting out and exploring things is a great way to mix it up. If hiking isn’t your thing you can build a fire outside and make some smore’s. The fire is a great way to talk and open up to each other.

As parents it’s normal to want to protect your children. Of course you can’t follow them every time they leave the house to stop them from drinking and driving or making other bad decisions. You can however, help them understand how much you care about them and help them see the importance of spending a little time together as a family. Ultimately no matter what your situation is, with a little planning and preparation you can make your next family night something that everyone can love.

Micah Castro is a freelance writer for JacksonWhite attorneys at law. JacksonWhite has experienced dui attorneys in Mesa AZ that can handle your case with precision and sensativity.

Pregnant? Tips for finding the perfect midwife

2011-06-02T17:23:00.000-07:00

Olivia blogs about fertility, pregnancy, and babies at Trying To Conceive. She chose midwifery care for her own two births

If you are expecting a baby and think midwifery care might be the best match for you, starting the search for the perfect midwife early on is a good idea. It is never too early to start looking for the right midwife for you, and some couples commence their search as soon as they start using an ovulation calendar!

Whether you are hoping to give birth with a midwife in a hospital, a birth center, or at home, there are many questions to consider before choosing your midwife or midwifery practice. Which questions will help you get as much information about your midwife and the care she provides as possible?

What are your credentials? Where did you train to be a midwife?

Not all midwives have the same training. In the US, there are essentially two kinds of midwives. A CNM, certified nurse midwife, has a nursing degree and went on to specialize in midwifery. Certified professional midwives (CPMs) often learned their trade as an apprentice. In the latter case, asking how long they have been practicing as well as how many births they attended will give you some insights.

Who will attend my birth? Do you have a back-up?

Some midwives, esspecially homebirth midwives, work independently. With this kind of midwife you can expect your midwife, perhaps with an assistant or apprentice, to attend your delivery. If you choose a larger midwifery practice, a birth center, or a hospital you are likely to receive prenatal care from rotating midwives, and your birth will be attended by the midwife on shift when you go into labor.

If you choose an indepdent midwife, ask who her back-up is if you go into labor when she is attending another birth. It might also be helpful to know how many clients she has taken on in the month you are due.

How many of your clients transfer to OB care, and for what reasons?

You might feel like you are putting the midwife you are interviewing on the spot with this question, but it gives you some very important information. For what reasons does your midwife normally transfer clients? Does she have a back-up obstetrician she works with?

What kind of prenatal care do you provide?

Some midwives are happy with providing minimal prenatal care, and are willing to follow their clients’ lead. Other require ultrasounds, and routine blood and urine tests. No matter what kind of prenatal care you personally feel comfortable with, finding a midwife who is close to you in her views will be invaluable. You also want to find out where prenatal appointments take place, and wherther your midwife is able to react in cases of emergency, like when you are experiencing unusual pregnancy signs, at any time during the day or night – and whether prenatal care is included in the overall fee, or charged separately.

Which birth complications do you most commonly see? How do you handle complications?

This question will give you great insights into your midwife’s experience and ability. It will also enable you to find out how she handles certain complications. Along with these questions, you can also ask about your midwife’s mortality rate.

How Too Much Time Indoors Can Affect Your Childs Development.

2011-05-26T14:32:00.000-07:00

It’s a well-known fact that today’s children are spending too much time inside, and not enough time making the most of the great outdoors and enjoying the fresh air.
It appears that there are three primary reasons behind this: modern technologies have led to an indoor environment that is rife with ‘entertainment’. Where in twenty or thirty years ago children had to put their minds to creating their own entertainment, homes are now filled to the rafters with ready-made sources. Additionally, parents are busier than ever and simply don’t have the time to head outdoors with their children or interact with them in ways that will benefit their health and development. Parents today also fear for their children’s safety. They worry they may get hit by a car or kidnapped by a stranger of rogue intentions. Due to these fears they are reluctant to let them leave the house without their supervision.
Yet are these small dangers worth the much higher risk that a childhood indoors may impact negatively on their health?
Our children of today are becoming ever more overweight and unfit. While many people like to blame this on the modern fast food culture, McDonalds and the like are far from the only scapegoat - the lack of physical activity most children undertake is equally, if not more-so a culprit.
Children who spend too much time indoors are also more prone to developing allergies and other infections, particularly if they are living in overly sanitised homes.
Activities outdoors additionally help children to develop confidence, creativity, independent thinking and resourcefulness. This is in opposition to children that spend their youth fixated on a television screen wherein none of these attributes will be formed or honed.
The best way to instil a love of the outdoors in children is for the parents to get outside with them. Even those who reside in climates that are less suited to an outdoor lifestyle can still embrace the world beyond the sofa if they utilise the right clothing and equipment. For instance, kids waterproof trousers and jackets can keep them warm, dry and comfortable whatever the weather. Ideally kids waterproof trousers and jackets should be worn in combination with a pair of wellington boots, and if the weather is particularly bad the outfit should be sealed together as securely as possible.
If suitable clothing is not worn, children may become unhappy - not a state of mind that is akin to transforming them into new fans of the outdoors.
If your child is really starting to show a love of exploring and playing in the open air you could take it to the next step and encourage them to get involved in some outdoor sports, or even water sports. Parents can invest in childrens wetsuits for a relatively small amount of money. The child is then able to participate easily in all manner of water sports from kayaking to scuba diving and even surfing.
There are a couple of precautions that should be taken by any parent choosing to venture outdoors with their children. Make sure the children know what they are to do should they become lost. A fantastic idea is to fit them with a wristband with your mobile number on it – however ensure to keep your mobile charged, or you’ll have to head home before you can do anything to locate the lost little ones. Alternatively, you could arrange a clear meeting spot (though this isn’t advisable if your children are very young). This entails locating a land mark that is visible from all locations and agreeing that all the family will head to that point should someone get lost.

This article was written by Amy Fowler on behalf of Little Terra. Amy writes on a variety of topics including how a childhood indoors can affect the development of a child.

Understanding ADHD: Truth & Myths

2011-05-19T20:20:00.000-07:00

ADHD is a term that’s thrown around so frequently these days, we all assume we know what it means. Used to apply to everyone from a kid who misbehaves in school to an adult who has trouble focusing on a single TV or computer screen at a time, ADHD is actually a clinical diagnosis. Learning more about what ADHD is – and isn’t – can help you determine if you or someone you love warrants further testing.

ADHD stands for “attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder.” In common parlance, it’s used interchangeably with ADD, which stands for “attention deficit disorder.” However, this term refers to cases where there’s attention deficit, but no hyperactivity involved.

From a layperson’s point of view, ADHD means the person – often a child -- has problems concentrating and paying attention.

Of course, that can be applied to pretty much any child over the course of a typical day. What sets people with ADHD apart is that the area of the brain responsible for clarity, mental focus and activity is actually wired differently. What that means is that even when you try to “settle down,” your mind just doesn’t want to comply. You can tell yourself to relax, focus, and pay attention, but you just can’t make your mind and body comply.

So from an outsider’s perspective, how do you tell if your child is just suffering from normal “wigglies,” or really has ADHD? Let’s take a look more closely.

There are three main components of ADHD: hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. Each has similar symptoms but they can be distinguished enough to determine if your child has one, two or all of the components.

Hyperactivity

Signs of hyperactivity include:

difficulty sitting still, frequent fidgeting and squirming uncontrollably

the inability to stay seated, even when they’re instructed to stay still

inappropriate behavior like climbing or playing at inappropriate times, or on inappropriate objects like chairs or desks

problems playing quietly when requested

incessant talking even when instructed to be quiet

Inattention

Signs of inattention include:

trouble staying on task for even short periods of time

lack of attention when you are speaking to them

issues with staying organized at school, work and home

forgetfulness regarding assignments, requests, chores, homework, etc.

easy distractability when performing a task

Impulsivity

Signs of impulsivity include:

difficulty waiting in line

blurting out of answers in class or in meetings even when not called on

constant interruption of conversations

Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition affecting as many as 10 percent of children in the United States. It is an often misunderstood disorder, with its associated “bad behavior” blamed on poor child-rearing, lack of discipline, or just plain orneriness. But ADHD is a clinical disorder – so what causes it?

ADHD affects the centers of the brain responsible for concentration and activity.

Different pathways in the brain are controlled by neurotransmitters, brain chemicals that attach to specific sites on brain nerve cells to bring about a response. For instance, dopamine is a neurotransmitter that attaches to sites in the brain that are responsible for attention. When enough dopamine attaches properly, then the brain can receive and react to instructions to pay attention to what is going on. In a child showing signs of ADHD, the levels of dopamine are lower, leading researchers to determine that low levels of certain neurotransmitters are present in children with ADHD.

A child without ADHD can be taught to sit still during test time or to play quietly, while a child with ADHD can hear the same instructions but be unable to comply. This apparent misbehavior is not a result of naughtiness. The child may want to sit quietly and may know he needs to do so, but simply cannot. As a result, the child feels frustrated, angry at himself, and shame and sadness, particularly if he’s scolded or punished for his behavior.

Now on to the question that most parents have: What causes ADHD to appear in some people but not others? Unfortunately, that’s a question researchers are still struggling to determine.

What researchers do know is that there is a marked difference between genders. Boys are more than twice as likely to become affected by ADHD as girls. And, of the 10 percent of children diagnosed with ADHD, about half of them will continue to show signs as adults.

Another factor researchers have discovered involves ADHD and twins. If one identical twin is diagnosed with the condition, there is almost 100 percent likelihood that the other identical twin will develop ADHD as well. For non-identical twins, the probability drops to one-third., still significantly higher than the 10 percent occurrence in the general population.

Scientists are researching many different avenues. For instance, is premature birth associated with higher occurrences of ADHD? If so, then the brain development in later stages of pregnancy might have some bearing on ADHD.

The fact that there is no definitive cause for ADHD can be frustrating to parents and children alike. Even so, there are treatments that are designed to improve the quality of life for those diagnosed with ADHD.

Like many other conditions, ADHD involves a variety of symptoms and attributes, making it impossible to diagnose with a simple blood test. Instead, diagnosis requires a group of trained professionals, a variety of criteria, and the observations of parents or other adults.

Before a child is diagnosed with ADHD, he or she will likely meet with more than one professional. There are psychologists, counselors, medical doctors and other specialists in behavioral disorders involved. The process can sometimes be a tough or extensive one, but have patience.

Since all children are known to act out, one challenge with ADHD children is knowing when they are being affected by their condition and when they are simply being an adolescent or a teenager with angst. Both parent and child will learn how to:

Set goals for home environment

Set specific rewards and also consequences for certain behaviors

Follow through with those rewards and consequences consistently

Counseling is always a help to families with children who have been diagnosed with ADHD. Behavior modification works best when a child is first diagnosed so that both parent and child learn from the beginning how to cope and live with ADHD.

Nutritionists and doctors have been exploring the relationship between food and ADHD. Before you adopt any of these dietary suggestions for yourself or your child, please check in with your medical professional.

Our understanding of how food affects every organ in our bodies has grown more sophisticated over the past decade. The affect of our diet on our brain is no exception.

Blood flows through each organ, tissue, bone and bodily organ. Since the brain is the center of the ADHD’s challenge, any nutrients that promote brain health are the ones that you want to get into your body. The brain is made up of nerve cells that pass electrical signals from one to the other, creating learning pathways. The cells are insulated by myelin sheath.

Here are some foods that can be included in the diet to help improve the health of the brain. Know this: There is no miracle cure for ADHD. Increasing proper nutrition not only helps the brain to function better but also the rest of the body. And, a healthy body is better equipped to deal with anything.

Fish

One of the main nutrients you can focus on is omega-3 fatty acids, and cold water fish like salmon, mackerel and sardines are filled with omega-3s. These acids have been shown to increase immunity, heart health, brain development and hormone balance in the body.

In the brain, omega-3 fatty acids help to nourish the myelin sheath. This can potentially help electrical impulses pass quicker from neuron to neuron. Other sources of these fatty acids include nuts, flaxseed oil, flax seeds and linseed oil.

Protein

Protein builds muscle tissue. Consuming protein with as little fat as possible is best. Try eating eggs, beans, meat and nuts.

Complex Carbohydrates

Simple carbs contain more sugar and can contain more fat. Eating too much fat can block the absorption of the good nutrients that the brain needs. Lower your fat content with complex carbohydrates: green leafy vegetables, whole grains and fruits like apples, pears and grapefruit.

Certain foods may make the condition worse for sufferers of ADHD. For instance the body of an ADHD child seems to lack the enzyme to properly break down the protein casein found in milk, which can cause gastrointestinal discomfort.

High fat and processed foods are not good for anyone, but as mentioned above, they can block important nutrients from being absorbed and used by the body. Limit or eliminate trans fats, saturated fat foods, processed sweets and fatty meats.

Diet is not the entire picture but it does help in many ways. If a child has been diagnosed with ADHD, choosing the proper foods is an important first step.

Due to popular media and lack of accurate information, misconceptions about ADHD are widespread. Misconceptions can bring about heartache and make it harder for the child to adjust to their condition. Here are some common myths and the truth behind them.

Myth #1 – ADHD is not real

ADHD is a condition that affects how the brain works, especially in the center that controls concentration, focus and activity. Scientists don’t know what causes ADHD, but they are gaining insights into how the brain works and conditions that can interfere with its proper functioning. But they do know that ADHD is a true disorder that begins in early childhood (ages 5-8) and can last into adulthood.

Myth #2 – ADHD gives kids unfair advantage in school

ADHD is a classified disability according to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Because the brain functions differently in individuals with ADHD, it is hard for them to concentrate, stay organized, comply with classroom rules and participate in group activities. Classroom modifications make it easier for the child to take advantage of the same opportunities that other kids have. Without such modifications, it is harder for children with ADHD to learn successfully in the school environment.

Myth #3 – ADHD is caused by bad parenting

ADHD begins in the brain. Parenting is not an exact science but it doesn’t lower the level of neurotransmitters in the brain. Your parenting skills will need to move up a notch when it comes to facing the challenges of ADHD, but you didn’t cause the condition to affect your child in the first place.

Myth #4 – ADHD medication is over-prescribed

In fact, medication might be under-prescribed. Medications are not cheap and some groups based on socio-economic status are underrepresented in the diagnostic statistics. For example, minority children are less likely to seek treatment options due to cost, language barriers, availability and lack of perceived need (stigma that may surround the condition).

Myth #5 – ADHD is a childhood condition

Many adults who have concentration issues and trouble holding down a job may be the outcome of a lack of diagnosis as a child. Children with severe ADHD symptoms will more than likely have to deal with the condition as an adult. Changes in their behavior and medication in childhood can translate into an easier transition into adulthood.

Myth #6 – ADHD children are disabled for life

A disability is a part of you, but not who you are totally. ADHD doesn’t define your future when you use all the resources at your disposal to fight back. Several famous people who were diagnosed with ADHD were able to make their “disability” work for them, including George Bernard Shaw, Benjamin Franklin, Mozart and Abraham Lincoln. But you don’t have to be famous to make a success of your life with ADHD.

It is true that ADHD is a challenging condition, but one that can be managed with empathy and hard work. And as researchers learn more and more about how the brain works, new treatments and options will emerge over time.

** Please note every effort has been made to include accurate information, but further research and the advice of a physician is highly recommended before starting any of the workout plans/stress management ideas listed in the articles

3 Sprouts Wall Organizers

2011-05-16T12:39:00.000-07:00

3 Sprouts Wall Organizers

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Does your child have a place for imaginative play?

2011-05-02T21:18:00.000-07:00

Imaginative play is an important part of childhood. Not only is it fun for children but it is also an essential part of learning and developing. Children learn about themselves, about their world, and lay the groundwork for their future through imaginative play. Yet too many children are not encouraged to use their imagination through play. There are three essential ways you can encourage imaginative play in your child -- by providing the place, the time, and the supplies.

Does your child have a place for imaginative play? Is there somewhere, even the corner of a room, where they can build a block city or shape play dough monsters? Can they assemble all their stuffed animals into a school or all their cars into a parade? While children should be encouraged to pick up after themselves sometimes it takes a while to build the city of their dreams and they want time to play with it again. Try to strike a balance between your need for order and their need for imaginative play. Give them a day or so to create a complex setting for their imaginative play before forcing them to put away their toys.

Does your child have the time for imaginative play? It is amazing how many young children have a very full schedule. While many of these activities are likely required, such as school or day care, and many are also desirable, such as sports or clubs, it is also important that children be given the opportunity for free, unstructured play that allows the opportunity for imaginative play. It is not desirable that every moment of every day be structured and planned. Children who are not given the opportunity to exercise their imagination run the risk of losing the ability to use it at all.

Does your child have the supplies for imaginative play? As we know from our own childhood that imaginative play does not require extensive and elaborate supplies, but children do need access to objects they can use. A complex wardrobe is not necessary but a few items can be helpful. A bath towel might be a king's robe or a super hero's cape or swaddling for a baby. A cardboard tube from wrapping paper might be a sword, the container for a secret map, or a spyglass. A cardboard box might be everything from a treasure chest to a race car. Provide a few basic supplies and try not to be too suggestive in their use. Children will do better if allowed to give their imagination free rein without your interference and control.

Imaginative play can be a wonderful opportunity for your child to not only enjoy their childhood but also to learn and grow as people by trying on different roles such as parents, cooks, police officers, and firefighters but also to experience safe adventures as pirates, explorers and paleontologists. Imaginative play should be encouraged in children by allowing them the place, the time, and the supplies for imaginative play.

By Deanna Mascle - Researcher, Teacher and Writer

Music and Children Development.

2011-04-20T19:32:00.000-07:00

Music Training Roadblocks: How to Jump-Start Your Child’s Development

By Kimberly Sena Moore, MM, MT-BC

There has been lots of buzz about music training and child development over the past several years. Researchers who specialize in “music neuroscience” are finding all sorts of positive benefits for children when they are musically trained.

For example, did you hear about the article published in Nature Reviews Neuroscience in 2010? Two researchers from Northwestern University, Kraus and Chandrasekaran, found that children who had music training showed cognitive improvements in several non-musical areas--speech, memory, language, attention, and vocal emotion.

There are other studies, too. In 2009, Hyde and others published a study in the Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences that explained how music training changed a child’s brain, enhancing motor and auditory processing areas. And in that same journal, again in 2009, Trainor, Shahin, and Roberts reported findings from their study that showed how music training improved executive functioning skills (e.g. planning, decision making, goal setting) in young children.

So music training is good for our children and their development. This is all well and good…but what about reality? In our super-busy, over-extended, over-booked lives, is it really possible to fit in one more thing?

Dr. Christine Carter, a fellow blogger for Psychology Today, wrote about her own experience introducing music into her children’s lives. She brought up some challenges I'm sure many parents face:

1. Little to no interest from her children.

2. Money for lessons and instruments.

3. Time issues.

These are valid concerns (that, incidentally apply not only to music training, but to any kind of activity a child is involved in--dance, soccer, swimming, theatre, etc.). So here are some ideas that I hope will address concerns you may have:

Little to No Interest

The most important step is to find the right teacher. I don't believe you should force your child to do anything they truly don't want to do. That said, finding a good music teacher can make all the difference in the world. For beginning students (no matter the instrument), you need to find a teacher who will make learning fun and enjoyable.

So where do you find these fabulous teachers? The easiest way is to ask for referrals. Talk to other parents and to school teachers (especially music teachers) to see who they'd recommend. Visit your local music store--many offer private lessons. Also, have a trial lesson with a new teacher--better yet with multiple new teachers!

I cannot stress enough the importance of that first teacher. You want to find someone who will excite that passion for learning in your son/daughter. You want to find the "right" fit.

Money

As a relatively new parent myself, I'm starting to find that you sometimes need to pick and choose what you spend your money on. When it comes to music training, money will be spent primarily on lessons and on instruments.

The good news about lessons is that most new students start at 30 minutes/week (Though Dr. Carter quoted Dr. Kraus as saying that 20 minutes of "music lessons" a day was necessary. Yet I've never known anyone to have daily "lessons"--daily practicing, yes, but weekly lessons are the norm. But I digress...). A 30-minute lesson can cost as little as $15, which may be work-able in many family budgets.

When it comes to instruments, you don't have to buy right away. Many music stores offer rental programs and possibly even discounts if you take music lessons with them. Also, if your child is looking at a school music program, the school may have an instrument for your child to "check out" for the year. Finally, there's always Ebay and Craigs List (the latter being how my husband and I found the beautiful 6-foot Yamaha grand that sits in our living room now).

So, with a little digging and a dash of creativity, you have options for providing lessons and instruments…without breaking the bank.

Time

They say to choose your time carefully--it's the only thing you'll never get back. And many families today are very, very busy.

Here’s a breakdown of your time commitment. Generally, a beginning student will be asked to practice 20-30 minutes a day. Intermediate students maybe 45-60 minutes a day and advanced students 1-3 hours a day (of course, by the time you get to be an advanced student, you've likely been bit with the music "bug" and love practicing that much!).

There will also be weekly lessons. They tend to start at 30-minutes a week, then get longer as your child improves and grows. The maximum lesson time, which starts around high school, is 60 minutes.

Finally, if your child belongs to a school ensemble (band, orchestra, or choir) there will be periodic concerts and, especially in high school, before- or after-school practicing. But the time commitment there varies incredibly from school to school and program to program.

The take-home lesson? There is a minimal time requirement for beginning students. And, as with any other activity, the time commitment will grow as your child improves in his/her skills.

I firmly believe--as a mother, musician, and therapist--that music training is one of the best things you can provide for your child. I hope these bits of information help ease the process and jump-start your child's musical training.

UPDATE: The research keeps pouring in! A study was published just days after this article was submitted that showed a correlation between music training and cognitive performance--even decades later! You can read more about it here.

About the Author

Kimberly Sena Moore is a board-certified music therapist, a mommy, and a soon-to-be-PhD candidate. She writes about music therapy and starting your own therapy practice through her blog Music Therapy Maven. Download her free Productivity Primer and learn 7 tips for getting more done in less time

Parenting Teenagers

2011-04-12T09:26:00.000-07:00

Some people, when in the position of parenting teenagers, feel that they hardly recognize their children anymore. Many will wonder what happened to that sweet little girl or boy. It is a fact of life that children grow up and the phase of that growth called the teens is not always an easy road. Use the following hints to make the transition a bit easier on you as a parent.

Disparaging your teenager is a bad idea and can make parenting a teenager much harder than it needs to be. This is different from saying that they should be granted

Although, if you are continually fault-finding or berating regarding their judgments or even errors, you'll just make it less likely for them to trust you. In several scenarios, the elements that parents nit-pick their teenagers about are of little importance, such as their fashion sense, the sort of music the listen to or the way they wear their hair. If it's a more serious matter, such as poor grades at school, you should raise the issue in a way that suggests you want to discuss it rationally rather than berate them. Being a parent to a teenager commands for you to express a certain degree of courtesy toward their selections in life.

You have to know them on a personal level. Since it's been a while since you were a teenager, and the world has changed quite a bit since then, you have to take the time to learn what they're up to. Friends, music and tv shows are among the things you'll need to know about your teen. It's not important to know every detail but it's important to be involved to make communication possible. Invade their world some to learn about them without interrogating them. Parenting the teenager can be made simpler if you are aware of their likes and dislikes.

Teens can strain a marriage especially when the parents disagree on best practices. Just as you work on your relationship with your teen you will need to work on your marriage too. Teenagers are sometimes super sensitive to their environment even if they seem disinterested. Usually when there is tension between parents there is emotional problems in the teen. When discussing parenting issues try to come to some sort of agreement with your spouse. It's important that you don't allow your teen to play your spouse and you against each other. If you need additional help with this, you should consider counseling. Parenting teenagers requires a strong family life.

You must use your best judgment in most cases when parenting a teenager because there simply is no magic formula for getting it right. These hints can be used as a guideline to make parenting a little easier to understand when it comes to teenagers.

Homeschooling - Teaching your children with freedom.

2011-04-06T16:43:00.000-07:00

Although every family is unique, certain homeschooling approaches have become popular in one form or another. When looking at the differences between homeschooling approaches, it is important to see what they have in common as well as their differences.

More and more parents are choosing to homeschool their kids. Some time ago homeschooling was though of as only for religious families. However that has changed, many different types of families are making that choice. In addition to more and more families choosing to homeschool their kids, there are also more and more curriculum options available. This increase is in part caused by the availability of the internet. Can you determine the best course of curriculum for your kids? Keep reading for some great ideas on curriculum options.

Before you buy anything, you need to know the federal regulations for K-12 education. While a lot of the regulations are left up to the states, there are some federal rules that you need to follow. Any curriculum that you choose needs to meet the current requirements and it is your responsibility to make sure it does. Your local board of education should be able to tell you the current regulations or you can also contact the Department of Education. Homeschool curriculums that are on the up and coming include Diane Lockman's Authentic Classical Trivium. Many who desire a christian based way to teach their children will like the curriculum in this option. The name insinuates it is a classical education archetype, this is indeed not the case. This education instead focuses on three pillars: thought, language and speech. Teaching your children with freedom to help your kids in these three areas will be the reason you'll like this one.

Occasionally, one of the optimal techniques for picking out your home schooling curriculum is to purchase a boxed set with various lesson plans. The boxed sets can allow you to form a structure for your day and your lesson plans. They usually come with books and other teaching materials all included in one package, which helps you save time when you need to figure out how to approach a certain unit or lesson plan. A good thing about the boxed set is that you don't have to put every item to use-you can pick and choose if you think your ideas are better. Additionally, you don't have to rely exclusively on the boxed set for your curriculum-you can decide on areas that you don't already have curriculum in place.

You may choose to homeschool your kids for any number of reasons. There could be concerns about your local public schools. You may not be able to afford the high tuition of the private schools in your area. Maybe you've read the studies saying that homeschooled kids perform better later in life. Whatever your reasons for keeping everyone at home, make sure you choose good homeschool curriculum packages and projects. It is very important to find the best curriculum for your child. You and your kids will be better off the more you can learn about the available homeschool curriculums.

Arts and Crafts for Children

2011-03-28T07:18:00.000-07:00

You Need More than Left Handed Scissors for Kids Craft Time

Practically all kids love doing crafts and making things - it's fun. Adults, often, love to do crafts as well, but sometimes it is hard for adults to just relax and enjoy craft time with their kids. Sometimes it can be a real production! But... we want to say that it really does not have to be such an ordeal. What follows are some proven crafting time tips and strategies to help you have the maximum amount of fun and minimize the heartaches.

Do all you can to take the best measures to prevent any damage where you'll be working. Put newspaper down on the table and on the floor under the table and the chairs. Just that one thing alone will help prevent disasters as well as making the clean-up process faster and easier. It also keeps things (like your daughter's left handed scissors) from going missing because they get put under something you won't lift up again for months. It will be a lot easier to keep track of where everything is and your kids will learn to be careful, as well. There are time savings involved, and that is what it's all about; a little here, and a little there.

Try to get ready before hand. Read through the instructions on each craft you want to do ahead of time. Some crafts are going to be harder for some kids. Left handed kids have a much more difficult time working on crafts that involve using scissors, they need special scissors designed to work with left handed people. If this tends to be a major matter of contention for your then you'll need to reconsider a project that uses no scissor work.

You let them choose the project now you have to guess what it is, never ask them what it is they will be hurt that you don't recognize it. They may say "look what i made!" You won't like the look on your childs face if you guess wrong. You don't want to call it the wrong thing.

Doing this can be disasterous when your child busts out in tears and says it's supposed to be grandpa! A better approach to finding out what your child has created is to have them tell you about it. The child will get to tell you an animated story and you'll avoid hurting their feelings this way. We know, maintaining happiness and peace can be challenging. You need to get everything straight and right, as best you can. The key to making craft time a happy time is to prepare for it. Do you have left-handed children, if so - be sure to get left-handed scissors. Have a place to work that is large enough. Anything extra such as supplies just in case. The most important thing is to always have a great time while crafting with your kids.

A Mother’s Search for Eco-Friendly Children’s Books

2011-02-23T19:25:00.000-08:00

Tiana Krahn started stocking her daughter’s first library when she was six months pregnant. She sought out books with healthy messages that were also produced in an environmentally friendly way. Being acquainted with the disturbing fact that the

U.S.

book industry emits over 12.4 million tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, and approximately 3 billion trees are cut down each year just to produce paper, She found it surprising so few Children’s books were eco-conscious.

Krahn decided to ‘be the change’. So was born Honeymoon Press, named after her daughter. Honeymoon Press uses 100% recycled post-consumer-waste paper, printed chlorine-free with vegetable-based inks and manufactured in North America. Krahn released her first book, LOVE in December 2009. LOVE describes the myriad of ways we experience love, shows how we are all interconnected, and celebrates the importance of having love in our lives. Her second book, PEACE was released at the same time. PEACE helps children explore the meaning of harmony for different kinds of people, teaching children how to say the word in multiple languages. Honeymoon Press is a children’s publisher dedicated to making ecologically sound choices
Both available at Cora Carolina

PlanToys – A Brand committed to minimizing their impact on nature.

2011-02-13T12:34:00.000-08:00

A company founded in 1981 as a pioneer in using replenishable rubber wood to make wooden toys.

Their toys enable children to play, learn and become closer to nature.

The company have set a high standard of ethics. It’s wonderful to find toys that are made with integrity.

Green - As a Green company, they strive to use environmentally safe, responsible and sustainable methods to produce their Green Toys
Safe - In addition to industry standards, PlanToys® follows their own stringent in-house safety standards to ensure a worry-free playtime for your children.
Smart - The educational merits of their toys are recognized by some of the most prestigious awards in the industry such as the Parents' Choice Award and the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Award.

Here at Cora Carolina, we now offer the PlanToys line. We love the simple beauty of these toys that inspire children's imagination as well as promoting their physical and intellectual development.

Have Fun!

For Valentine’s day Give your Heart.

2011-02-04T14:10:00.000-08:00

Valentine’s day is about showing love and caring not just for your loved ones but also the less fortunate.

With each purchase you make at Cora Carolina until February 14, 2011 we’ll donate 15% to Save a Child’s Heart.

Together we can save the world on heart at a time.

A happy childhood filled with joy is something everyone deserves. Support us in helping save a child’s heart and you’ll be helping to save a child’s life.

All children, regardless of race, religion, sex, color, or financial status receive the best possible care that modern medicine has to offer.

Save A Child's Heart (SACH) is one of the largest undertakings in the world providing urgently needed pediatric heart surgery and follow-up care for indigent children from developing countries. Based in Israel, our mission is to improve the quality of pediatric cardiac care for children from countries where the heart surgery they need is unobtainable.

"Every 29 hours our doctors save a child's life in our medical facilities in Israel or on medical missions in partner countries around the world." Thousands of children are alive today because of a small group of medical professionals who volunteer their time and expertise to perform life-saving cardiac surgery and train local medical personnel. More than 2000 children have already been saved directly by SACH personnel, while thousands more are receiving the life saving treatments they need from local personnel who were previously trained by SACH.

Cora Carolina is in no way affiliated with save a child’s heart, this is just a cause that we feel strongly about and chosen to monetarily support.

You've got to find what you love...

2011-01-15T14:56:00.000-08:00

I found this speech quite inspiring. It’s just a fantastic story.

This is the text of the Commencement address by Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple Computer and of Pixar Animation Studios, delivered on June 12, 2005.

I am honored to be with you today at your commencement from one of the finest universities in the world. I never graduated from college. Truth be told, this is the closest I've ever gotten to a college graduation. Today I want to tell you three stories from my life. That's it. No big deal. Just three stories.

The first story is about connecting the dots.

I dropped out of Reed College after the first 6 months, but then stayed around as a drop-in for another 18 months or so before I really quit. So why did I drop out?

It started before I was born. My biological mother was a young, unwed college graduate student, and she decided to put me up for adoption. She felt very strongly that I should be adopted by college graduates, so everything was all set for me to be adopted at birth by a lawyer and his wife. Except that when I popped out they decided at the last minute that they really wanted a girl. So my parents, who were on a waiting list, got a call in the middle of the night asking: "We have an unexpected baby boy; do you want him?" They said: "Of course." My biological mother later found out that my mother had never graduated from college and that my father had never graduated from high school. She refused to sign the final adoption papers. She only relented a few months later when my parents promised that I would someday go to college.

And 17 years later I did go to college. But I naively chose a college that was almost as expensive as Stanford, and all of my working-class parents' savings were being spent on my college tuition. After six months, I couldn't see the value in it. I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life and no idea how college was going to help me figure it out. And here I was spending all of the money my parents had saved their entire life. So I decided to drop out and trust that it would all work out OK. It was pretty scary at the time, but looking back it was one of the best decisions I ever made. The minute I dropped out I could stop taking the required classes that didn't interest me, and begin dropping in on the ones that looked interesting.

It wasn't all romantic. I didn't have a dorm room, so I slept on the floor in friends' rooms, I returned coke bottles for the 5¢ deposits to buy food with, and I would walk the 7 miles across town every Sunday night to get one good meal a week at the Hare Krishna temple. I loved it. And much of what I stumbled into by following my curiosity and intuition turned out to be priceless later on. Let me give you one example:

Reed College at that time offered perhaps the best calligraphy instruction in the country. Throughout the campus every poster, every label on every drawer, was beautifully hand calligraphed. Because I had dropped out and didn't have to take the normal classes, I decided to take a calligraphy class to learn how to do this. I learned about serif and san serif typefaces, about varying the amount of space between different letter combinations, about what makes great typography great. It was beautiful, historical, artistically subtle in a way that science can't capture, and I found it fascinating.

None of this had even a hope of any practical application in my life. But ten years later, when we were designing the first Macintosh computer, it all came back to me. And we designed it all into the Mac. It was the first computer with beautiful typography. If I had never dropped in on that single course in college, the Mac would have never had multiple typefaces or proportionally spaced fonts. And since Windows just copied the Mac, its likely that no personal computer would have them. If I had never dropped out, I would have never dropped in on this calligraphy class, and personal computers might not have the wonderful typography that they do. Of course it was impossible to connect the dots looking forward when I was in college. But it was very, very clear looking backwards ten years later.

Again, you can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something — your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life.

My second story is about love and loss.

I was lucky — I found what I loved to do early in life. Woz and I started Apple in my parents garage when I was 20. We worked hard, and in 10 years Apple had grown from just the two of us in a garage into a $2 billion company with over 4000 employees. We had just released our finest creation — the Macintosh — a year earlier, and I had just turned 30. And then I got fired. How can you get fired from a company you started? Well, as Apple grew we hired someone who I thought was very talented to run the company with me, and for the first year or so things went well. But then our visions of the future began to diverge and eventually we had a falling out. When we did, our Board of Directors sided with him. So at 30 I was out. And very publicly out. What had been the focus of my entire adult life was gone, and it was devastating.

I really didn't know what to do for a few months. I felt that I had let the previous generation of entrepreneurs down - that I had dropped the baton as it was being passed to me. I met with David Packard and Bob Noyce and tried to apologize for screwing up so badly. I was a very public failure, and I even thought about running away from the valley. But something slowly began to dawn on me — I still loved what I did. The turn of events at Apple had not changed that one bit. I had been rejected, but I was still in love. And so I decided to start over.

I didn't see it then, but it turned out that getting fired from Apple was the best thing that could have ever happened to me. The heaviness of being successful was replaced by the lightness of being a beginner again, less sure about everything. It freed me to enter one of the most creative periods of my life.

During the next five years, I started a company named NeXT, another company named Pixar, and fell in love with an amazing woman who would become my wife. Pixar went on to create the worlds first computer animated feature film, Toy Story, and is now the most successful animation studio in the world. In a remarkable turn of events, Apple bought NeXT, I returned to Apple, and the technology we developed at NeXT is at the heart of Apple's current renaissance. And Laurene and I have a wonderful family together.

I'm pretty sure none of this would have happened if I hadn't been fired from Apple. It was awful tasting medicine, but I guess the patient needed it. Sometimes life hits you in the head with a brick. Don't lose faith. I'm convinced that the only thing that kept me going was that I loved what I did. You've got to find what you love. And that is as true for your work as it is for your lovers. Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it. And, like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on. So keep looking until you find it. Don't settle.

My third story is about death.

When I was 17, I read a quote that went something like: "If you live each day as if it was your last, someday you'll most certainly be right." It made an impression on me, and since then, for the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: "If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?" And whenever the answer has been "No" for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something.

Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything — all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure - these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.

About a year ago I was diagnosed with cancer. I had a scan at 7:30 in the morning, and it clearly showed a tumor on my pancreas. I didn't even know what a pancreas was. The doctors told me this was almost certainly a type of cancer that is incurable, and that I should expect to live no longer than three to six months. My doctor advised me to go home and get my affairs in order, which is doctor's code for prepare to die. It means to try to tell your kids everything you thought you'd have the next 10 years to tell them in just a few months. It means to make sure everything is buttoned up so that it will be as easy as possible for your family. It means to say your goodbyes.

I lived with that diagnosis all day. Later that evening I had a biopsy, where they stuck an endoscope down my throat, through my stomach and into my intestines, put a needle into my pancreas and got a few cells from the tumor. I was sedated, but my wife, who was there, told me that when they viewed the cells under a microscope the doctors started crying because it turned out to be a very rare form of pancreatic cancer that is curable with surgery. I had the surgery and I'm fine now.

This was the closest I've been to facing death, and I hope its the closest I get for a few more decades. Having lived through it, I can now say this to you with a bit more certainty than when death was a useful but purely intellectual concept:

No one wants to die. Even people who want to go to heaven don't want to die to get there. And yet death is the destination we all share. No one has ever escaped it. And that is as it should be, because Death is very likely the single best invention of Life. It is Life's change agent. It clears out the old to make way for the new. Right now the new is you, but someday not too long from now, you will gradually become the old and be cleared away. Sorry to be so dramatic, but it is quite true.

Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.

When I was young, there was an amazing publication called The Whole Earth Catalog, which was one of the bibles of my generation. It was created by a fellow named Stewart Brand not far from here in Menlo Park, and he brought it to life with his poetic touch. This was in the late 1960's, before personal computers and desktop publishing, so it was all made with typewriters, scissors, and polaroid cameras. It was sort of like Google in paperback form, 35 years before Google came along: it was idealistic, and overflowing with neat tools and great notions.

Stewart and his team put out several issues of The Whole Earth Catalog, and then when it had run its course, they put out a final issue. It was the mid-1970s, and I was your age. On the back cover of their final issue was a photograph of an early morning country road, the kind you might find yourself hitchhiking on if you were so adventurous. Beneath it were the words: "Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish." It was their farewell message as they signed off. Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish. And I have always wished that for myself. And now, as you graduate to begin anew, I wish that for you.

Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish.

Thank you all very much.

it's time to bring art to life...

2011-01-11T12:13:00.000-08:00

Eco-Kids Eco Art Pads.

Eco-art pads are made from 100% post-consumer recycled materials and agricultural waste. This “treeless” paper is made from the discarded stalks of banana trees (or pinzotes), which would otherwise have gone to waste. CPSIA compliant.
50 sheets- chlorine free $12

Have a Cora Carolina Holiday...

2010-12-06T18:42:00.000-08:00

Get Gifted

Receive a free Envirosax reusable bag with a $150 purchase.

We will choose an envirosax bag randomly from our stock and sent together with the product that you bought from us

Should an order be cancelled, the customer must return this free gift along with the unit, or the value will be deducted from the refund.

Void where prohibited.

Gifts are not transferable and no cash alternative or gift substitution is available

and that the Sponsor reserves the right to substitute cash or a similar gift of equal or greater value should the gift be generally unavailable.

Participants may not request gift substitution

Offer subject to adjustment due to returns, cancellations and exchanges. Not valid on clearance merchandise or previous purchases

U.S. Residents only

Offer ends December 15, 2010

Art Supplies for the Cool Kids

2010-11-29T19:06:00.000-08:00

Our Art Section is looking pretty good these days! I had to highlight a few special favorites— Eco-Kids Eco-Dough Tube Regular, Eco-dough is a molding dough handmade with all natural ingredients including flour, salt, cream of tartar, organic rosemary oil, vitamin E oil, soybean oil, coconut oil, potassium sorbate, citric acid, natural and organic fruit, plant and vegetable extracts from beets, spinach, paprika, carrots, purple sweet potato, red cabbage, blueberries and tomatoes.Even the packaging tube is made from post consumer waste and the containers inside are made from cornstarch and 100% compostable.

Glob Natural Paint Colors, Botanically crafted colors made from fruits, vegetables, flowers and spices for use in crafts and DIY (do-it-yourself) projects.
Paints are water-based and pigments are biodegradable.
Check out more cool art supplies here!
Eco Dough tube $20. Glob Natural Paint $12

Giving Thanks

2010-11-09T12:12:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is a time for celebration and family gathering all over the country. Many people have different ways of celebrating the Thanksgiving holidays and there are many family tradition built around this family day.

In order to fully understand the Thanksgiving holiday, there has to be some understanding of what the significance of the day is and why we celebrate it. There are many teachings in school about Thanksgiving. In the United States Thanksgiving has a religious history as a day to take the time out to give thanks to God for all of the blessings the family has received. Today the Thanksgiving celebration is considered a secular one.

One of the biggest and most important traditions for Thanksgiving is the food. Thanksgiving dinner usually rotates between the homes of family members. The hosting family will usually do most of the cooking with the visiting family members bringing their signature dishes.

Some of the most common dishes to be served at a Thanksgiving dinner are turkey, ham, dressing, macaroni and cheese, sweet potatoes and cranberry sauce. These are just the staple dishes, there are many other dishes that are served and the dishes may vary between families. There are also usually many different desserts to choose from. Cooking of this big mean usually begins a couple of days before the event.

Another American Thanksgiving tradition is watching football after or even during the big meal. It is usually the men in the family will be in one part of the house watching the football games while the women talk and catch up in another part of the hosting home.

Thanksgiving is sometimes one of the only times during the year that the whole family will congregate together and so this tends to be a favorite holiday and truly worthy of a big celebration.

...on their way

2010-10-19T20:40:00.000-07:00

Cora Carolina joined Miss Massachusetts 2010 Loren Galler Rabinowitz to benefit the Children’s Miracle Network.

Children's Miracle Network is a nonprofit organization that raises money for more than 170 children's hospitals. Countless individuals, 90 organizations and 400 media partners unite with Children's Miracle Network hospitals to help sick and injured kids. Donations to Children's Miracle Network create miracles by funding medical care, research and education that saves and improves the lives of 17 million children each year.

Source: www.ChildrensMiracleNetwork.org.

Cora Carolina on Milking the issue

2010-10-19T05:49:00.000-07:00

We were very honored by having a post done on Cora Carolina on the wonderful blog Milking the issue– thank you so much for writing this Alissa! xo

Trick-or-Treat, pumpkin picking, hayrides, ghosts and goblins

2010-10-05T21:48:00.000-07:00

Halloween is a popular celebration around the world. On October 31st you can see young and old people alike dressed as their favorite characters and people. This is the one day that you can become just about anyone or anything that you want to be without being the subject of ridicule. Children associate Halloween with scary movies and tons of candy and a night of trick or treating.

Things have changed so much with the times now that many parents do not allow their children to go trick or treating. Many cities have also placed regulations on trick or treating activities. Some of those regulations include things such as not allowing trick or treating on a school night and asking willing candy givers to indicate they have candy by leaving their porch lights on.

Some parents have opted to have Halloween parties for their children as opposed to letting them go out for trick or treating. Other parents who like the idea do a more structured trick or treating at businesses and shopping malls. For the parents who let their children go to traditional trick or treating events, they need to make sure that they check the candies thoroughly before allowing the children to enjoy their treats.

The healthiness of the snacks is also a big concern for parents today. Pounds of candy are not the best thing for the kids. However there are healthy alternatives that are available.

If you plan on passing out treats this Halloween make sure that the goodies are prepackaged as most parents will throw out things that are not packaged from a store. Instead of the standard sugary treats consider healthier alternatives such as gummy fruit snacks, trail mix or dried fruits. When it comes to children, as long as it tastes good and it is sweet it will go over just fine. The parents will also appreciate your healthy choice in snacks.

The Halloween celebration does not have to become another casualty due to our changing times. Halloween is not just for the kids anymore either. There are safe and fun alternatives and solutions in order to have a worry free celebration for the night. There are usually plenty of local activities for the family to enjoy.

Did you know? One quarter of all the candy sold annually in the U.S. is purchased for Halloween.

Halloween Giveaway

2010-09-30T11:36:00.000-07:00

Today launches the 2010 Halloween Giveaway and one person will win a $100 Visa Gift Card.

To enter for a chance to win please leave a comment at the end of this blog post.

Separate comments for entries to be counted.

Mandatory entry:

1. Sign up for our newsletter/ Mailing List

2. Leave a message on our facebook wall telling your favorite Halloween tradition

3. “Like” Cora Carolina on facebook (if you haven't already)

4. Share this giveaway on your facebook page.

5. Tweet about this giveaway. Be sure to include @coracarolina and a link to this post.

6. Follow Cora Carolina on twitter

This Giveaway ends 12 pm EST on October 31, 2010. After the last day of the giveaway we will pick, at random.org, one winner out of all the comments. Winner has 48 hours to respond, before another winner will be chosen.

We do not share your email with anyone.

In order to be eligible to win you must follow all of the rules listed above. You must be over the age of 18 and live in the U.S.

Good Luck!

Music helps to stimulate the child's mind

2010-09-26T21:01:00.000-07:00

There have been many studies done regarding the importance of music in the development of children. Studies have proven that music does have a positive influence on children in different stages of development.

Parents are known to play classical music while the mother is still pregnant. It is a well known fact that children do react positively to music even while in the fetal stages. Classical music is soothing to the fetus, especially when it is very active and causing the mother discomfort.

Music also plays a part in early child development. Most mobiles and crib toys play some kind of music to soothe the child to sleep. Music also gets the baby's attention at play. Music helps to stimulate the child's mind and that is important at any stage of development. Many shows that are geared toward children incorporate some type of music into their programming.

Music is also a wonderful learning tool. There are songs that help children learn things on television programs as well as in the classroom. Most children learn their ABCs through song. There are many lessons that are incorporated through music.

Music also helps with hand eye coordination in children. The rhythmic clapping and keeping up with the music stimulates the brain. Studies also show that exposure to music helps with learning math later in the child's life.

Children who participate in music in school are also proven to be better students. Learning music takes a lot of counting and reading, both are classes that musicians in school are known to excel in. Children who take music classes or are a part of a band have to learn to read music and of course they have to keep time with the music. They also have to learn to work together with the band and have to play their parts effectively.

As a part of a band the children also learn that if they do not cover their parts then the piece is not complete. They must participate synonymously with each other in order for their recitals to be successful. They learn teamwork and responsibility all in one place.

Music is both educational and therapeutic. It can help soothe people and it is also associated with celebration of all kinds. It's a wonderful tool of education.

Structured or unstructured play time?

2010-09-19T14:25:00.000-07:00

There has been plenty of debate recently about structured versus unstructured play. For those that are not sure of the difference, structured play involved preplanned activities. Preplanned activities may include themed events and even board games where there are a set of rules that need to be followed. Unstructured play is basically free time for the children to so as they wish in their playtime.

Child development experts say that unstructured play is vital to the development of the child. Unstructured play allows children to learn to play together effectively. It allows them to learn teamwork and compromise. It also allows the child to explore lands of make believe and allows for their play to be imaginative and unbounded. This type of play also allows the child to learn problem solving skills as they will make forts, use everyday items around the house as props for their play and they will create characters and stories that they will play to.

Having a constant schedule to adhere to can be a good thing however, if there is absolutely no free time it does tend to become stressful. As grownups we often crave time where we have nothing to do except for relax, maybe watch some television or read; whatever it is that we enjoy doing. This is the very same concept for children. They need the time to daydream and image things that they want to do and make up their own games.

There are others that say that unstructured play leaves too much of an opportunity for a child to act inappropriately and get into trouble. They also say that there should be play dates set so that their children can be supervised at all times and that there also should be games and activities that are planned before the play date.

Advocates against unstructured play also believe that there is no room for idle time in a child's day. All time should be scheduled and that leaves no room for misbehaving.

Advocates for unstructured play feel that so much structure will backfire later on in the child's life and may lead to rebellion. Parents that plan every facet of a child's day tend to do so on into a child's later years. This constant planning will make the child feel as if they have no choice to do the things that they want to do and to participate in last minute activities with their friends.

Interview with Gareth Butcher of Natural Fashion

2010-09-10T10:17:00.000-07:00

CC: Could you please begin giving us a little background on
you and your company. What first got you interested in going green and work
with organics?

GB: The Natural Fashion Consortium was founded on April 4th, 2000
with the objective of strengthening the clothing and textile companies of
the city of Campina Grande, PB, Brazil, to confront the strong competition
in external markets. With this in mind, the members of the consortium
searched for a product that could serve as a competitive differential for
this group of 10 companies, namely, coloured cotton.
The consortium grew and it was necessary to create a production cooperative,
so that it was feasible for new partners to join and a growing number of
products could be sold. Initially formed by 10 clothing and fabric
companies, today the cooperative, known as CoopNatural, has 35 members - 25
of which are textile sector manufacturers. More specifically, they are
manufacturers of female, male and infant clothing; cuddly toys; decorations
and accessories.
Natural Fashion offers to the market the quality that comes from
artisan-produced products, which are ecologically and socially correct, and
yet still use the concepts of: family-based agriculture, cooperative labour,
mother's clubs and periphery neighbourhood associations from Campina Grande.
The collection that is developed from this naturally coloured and organic
cotton is like re-reading Northeastern Brazilian culture, but this time
being linked to the trends of international fashion.
For me personally, what attracted me to work for Natural Fashion was the
chance to work in an area in which I specialize in, namely foreign trade, at
the same time as being involved with an organization that truly has at its
core the desire to work in harmony with the environment and to improve the
socio-economic conditions of a relatively poor, large local community.

CC: Your company is very concerned about the widespread use of
chemicals within the textile industry and specially on cotton.
Please share with us some of the statistics you gathered.

GB: Some of the main reasons why Natural Fashion is involved in the
cultivation of organic cotton is:
- Because 25% of the worldwide consumption of agro-toxins takes place
on cotton plantations.
- Because in the Northeast of Brazil there are 2 million family-based
agricultural workers that could be absorbed by the production of organic
cotton.
- Because organic agriculture encompasses all environmental, social
and economic systems.
- Because the organic model is in agreement with the global principles
accepted in local geo-climatic and socio-economic contexts.

CC: Please tell us how do we know the strict organic requirements have been
met?

GB: By the fact that the cooperative's cotton is certified organic by
the IBD.

CC: What is the most hopeful sign you've see recently in the
green economy?

GB: The demand for organic cotton products remaining strong (due to
consumers' growing environmental awareness and commitment to the
environment) even during the recent and continuing, difficult economic
situation.

CC: What are the benefits of using organic cotton?

GB: Amongst others:
- It helps reduce the thousands of deaths that occur each year from
pesticide poisoning in developing countries, many of these from cotton
farming;
- Makes use of farming techniques elaborated to help sustain the land it
grows on, the people who grow and harvest it, and the planet in general;
- It helps protect the world's water tables from pollution by agro-toxins;
- In many cases it provides sustainable employment and income for small
family-based agricultural workers;
- The likelihood is lower that the user of the product made from organic
cotton will suffer from skin-based allergies.

CC: What advice would you give to green entrepreneurs just
starting out?

GB: Using the passion that they have for the green product that they are
interested in, they should first develop and apply market research to
identify potential target markets and their necessities in relation to the
product being considered. From that point, they should then identify
segments of the market that can be targeted profitably, and then tailor the
different aspects of the marketing mix for the product chosen to attend to
their needs. Really, like any entrepreneur starting out, the keys to begin
with are planning and research.

CC: Thank you. We really appreciate your contribution to our blog.

Advertising & Toy Popularity

2010-08-25T20:08:00.000-07:00

Watch any children’s TV program, and catch a few commercials in between, and you can predict what your kids, nieces, or nephews will be adding to their birthday or Christmas wish lists. Fads spread among children as fast as the common cold. Behind each craze, there is usually a carefully constructed marketing campaign, geared to grab the attention of anyone within range of a television, radio, or store display.
By its very nature, advertising aims to make a product or service as visible and memorable as possible, including children’s toys. American children are notorious for their regular television viewing, and companies seize on that opportunity to kick-start the latest toy trends. Promotions aren’t limited to just commercials, though; in addition to hearing a 30-second spot on how awesome a new dollhouse or action figure is, they may also see their favorite TV show character playing with it, and proclaiming how he or she can’t live without it.
It would be nice if children’s toys rose in popularity due to educational value or reduced environmental impact, but it is very rare that these types of worthwhile reasons factor into the skyrocketing demand for a certain toy. What matters to the vast majority of kids is who has what, and what they are being told is “cool”—and modern marketing strategists seize this as an opportunity to profit. Simply put, a toy becomes popular because kids are bombarded with it and told they need it.
If promotional messages focused more on educational, eco-friendly toys, children would begin to believe these are absolutely necessary. Kids are largely influenced by their surroundings: change the advertising, and they will follow.

When children pretend, they’re using their imaginations to move beyond the bounds of reality. A stick can be a magic wand. A sock can be a puppet. A small child can be a superhero. Fred Rogers

2010-08-16T20:34:00.000-07:00

My Tickles

2010-08-14T11:28:00.000-07:00

We love making friends in our neighborhood and collaborating together of course! This month we have partnered up with My Tickles. They have the cutest assortment!

Sophie Doll

2010-08-12T12:18:00.000-07:00

Get your daughter’s doll collection off to a delightful start with our cute and buoyant Sophie. Her matching butterfly barrette and Shirley Temple curls round out an altogether unforgettable ensemble. Commemorate a birthday or special occasion by presenting a cherished loved one with our Sophie doll.

The Importance of Play

2010-08-05T18:24:00.000-07:00

The best course of action to take sometimes isn't clear until you've listed and considered your alternatives. The following paragraphs should help clue you in to what the experts think is significant.
Truthfully, the only difference between you and Children experts is time. If you'll invest a little more time in reading, you'll be that much nearer to expert status when it comes to Children. Play is so important to optimal child development that it has been recognized by the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights as a right of every child. This birthright is challenged by forces including child labor and exploitation practices, war and neighborhood violence, and the limited resources available to children living in poverty. However, even those children who are fortunate enough to have abundant available resources and who live in relative peace may not be receiving the full beneﬁts of play. Many of these children are being raised in an increasingly hurried and pressured style that may limit the protective beneﬁts they would gain from child driven play. Because every child deserves the opportunity to develop to their unique potential, child advocates must consider all factors that interfere with optimal development and press for circumstances that allow each child to fully reap the advantages associated with play. Those forces that prevent children in poverty and the working class from beneﬁting fully from play deserve full attention. Play contributes to optimal child development for all children and that we must advocate for the changes speciﬁc to the need of each child’s social and environmental. Perhaps above all, play is a simple joy that is a cherished part of childhood. Those who only know one or two facts about Children can be confused by misleading information. The best way to help those who are misled is to gently correct them with the truths you're learning here.

Everything...

2010-08-03T20:35:00.000-07:00

What is organic farming

2010-08-02T18:20:00.000-07:00

Would you like to find out what those-in-the-know have to say about eco-friendly? The information in the article below comes straight from well-informed experts with special knowledge about eco-friendly.
It seems like new information is discovered about something every day. And the topic of eco-friendly is no exception. Keep reading to get more fresh news about eco-friendly.
Organic farming practices have been shown to produce considerable environmental benefits over non-organic farming.
In recent years there has been a dramatic decline in our farmland wildlife, from birds to wildflowers. Almost half of the 44 species of butterflies breeding in lowland grassland are in decline and the number of farmland birds has fallen by 30% since 1970. Wild flowers such as the cornflower that were once very common are now a rare sight. Organic farming practices are generally accepted as helping to increase biodiversity. In one study measuring levels of biodiversity on different farms, 18 of the best 20 farms were organic. Organic farms generally have a broader range of habitats and have been found to contain five times as many wild plants and 57 more plant species than non-organic farms.
Artificial chemicals and fertilizers are avoided on organic farms as their benefit is short lived. Instead, a sustainable system including the planting of crops such as clover is used to build a fertile soil. Along with active habitat management, this encourages micro-organisms and earthworms that keep the soil healthy.

Of course, it's impossible to put everything about eco-friendly into just one article. But you can't deny that you've just added to your understanding about eco-friendly, and that's time well spent.

Fair Trade Toys: Fun for Kids, Kind to the Environment

2010-07-26T12:08:00.000-07:00

Not all of the products we own are manufactured to the benefit of all parties. But with the aptly named “Fair Trade” items, production is engineered to ensure not only their durability and functionality, but also the equitable compensation and treatment of the people and materials used to create them. In addition to sparking fun and imagination, Fair Trade toys offer an array of socially responsible advantages:

Handmade in developing countries: India, Peru, Thailand, Sudan, and Haiti are just a few of the countries where Fair Trade toys are produced.

Beneficial to the creators: Crafters receive fair wages and benefits for their work; in turn, their families and communities benefit from the income.

Unique, high-quality designs: Since every toy is handmade and not rushed through a factory line, each is fashioned individually with painstaking attention to detail and the finest materials available.

Safe for children: Unlike the standard kids’ toys made in China, Fair Trade toys are made from entirely toxic-free plastics and paints.

Environmentally friendly: Made from natural, sustainable materials, Fair Trade toys are produced by eco-conscious companies that seek out the most efficient, low-impact processes.

Fair Trade toys are a win/win: kids get to enjoy imaginative play, while you are content in the knowledge that your purchase is contributing to a healthier planet and benefiting the people and communities producing them. And on top of all those advantages, each toy presents an opportunity to introduce your children to a new culture and a different part of the world.

Eco-friendly Toys: Good All Around

2010-07-13T12:09:00.000-07:00

From new cars to dishwashing detergent, virtually every purchase these days is centered around eco-friendliness—with some exceptions. Until just recently, there wasn’t much focus on environmental responsibility in the toy industry. Eco-friendly toys are finally beginning to grow in popularity and availability, although many consumers still aren’t aware of them.

As their name implies, eco-friendly toys are good for the earth. The meaning of this phrase can vary: the toys might be manufactured from recycled or renewable materials, colored with water-based paints, produced locally, or use minimal packaging. Regardless of the specifics, most eco-friendly toys eliminate the risk of toxins and paints that may harm children. Think about it: toys can go into a baby’s mouth, a toddler’s bed, or a kindergartner’s backpack—it stands to reason that extra precautions should be taken to ensure their safety.

Safe, earth-friendly toys also present an opportunity to teach children about the importance of the environment by involving them directly. When you give your child an eco-friendly toy, you can explain how the toy was made—with sustainable materials, using socially responsible processes, or according to Fair Trade policies—and why that matters. Kids who are raised to respect the earth from an early age will grow into adults who have a deep understanding of and appreciation for their natural surroundings.

As an environmentally conscious parent, eco-friendly toys provide you with a way to help the planet while easing your anxieties about your children’s well-being. You can rest assured that the toys your children are handling and exploring are completely safe Plus, you’ll be supporting organizations that care about the world as much as you do. Eco-friendly toys are an easy step towards a better, brighter future for your children and future generations.

2010-04-21T07:54:00.000-07:00

On April 22, fourty years ago, a new movement had emerged across the globe. With a pledge to try to improve the environment we live in, Earth Day has made an impact in countries all over the world making people not only aware but involved in working on keeping our environment safe and clean.
Though Earth Day should be everyday, April 22 has become a universal day in which we come together to make an effort to protect our environment. Across the world, there are events happening on this day, and you can inform yourself going on earthday.org of what you can do on your community to help spread awareness, and which small steps you can take to help the environment.
Simple changes like recycling cans and bottles on a daily basis can make a huge difference on the lives of future generations.