Obama Mama: Talking To Kids About Politics

Politics have always been a hot topic, especially around election time and during Presidential Inauguration. But many parents don’t view politics as a topic they discuss with their children. Discussing politics with children, however, is important in teaching them how government affects the world and how their opinion counts . Easy ways to discuss politics with children and encourage interest are:

• Talk about the privilege of voting . Taking your kids to the voting booth shows them firsthand how the voting process works and shows them how their vote counts.

• Keep it simple. Because children process information in a different way, it is best to keep answers as concrete as possible.

• Keep it positive . Being positive and enthusiastic in the presidential campaign sets a precedent in what kind of voters your children will be in the future.

• Get historical . Children like to ask ‘why’ and political events can often be explained through old pictures… or even from a visit to the museum!

Hot Mom Trends for 2009: Get Your Greek On

The New Year is a time that brings a plethora of trend predictions, from the latest fitness craze to the new “it” article of clothing. But new moms and moms-to-be often find it difficult to adapt to the latest trends. Trends such as fluorescent green and 6” stilettos are both unflattering and impractical for moms but this year’s trend predictions give moms a sigh of relief:

• Greek-inspired dresses . A very pretty, flattering, and appropriate dress for new moms and moms-to-be that cover just enough and show just enough.

• Pants . Expectant moms can now wear their harem pants from the house to the store… and be fashionable about it! (Not quite sure how flattering these pants are for non-expectant moms)

• Value Home Cooking . An interest in locally grown organic foods and smarter spending habits will influence the way many of us enjoy our meals this coming year. Time to exchange recipes!

• Fun Workouts . While boot style-camp fitness programs made the list, new moms might find this too intense. Fun classes new moms can take are specialty classes like Zumba, Bollywood, Afro-Cuban, and ballroom dancing that increase cardio fitness.

• Au Naturel . Expectant moms finally have a moment to relax as this season the “natural” look is finally in… again. Good thing as natural is best for moms.

Active Kids, Active Minds: Exercise Boosts Kids' Grades

Parents often encourage their kids to simply study more to get better grades but recent studies show that a another way of achieving high marks in the classroom may be through exercise. Exercise not only improves growing bodies but improves growing brains as well; studies show fit students scored 30% higher on standardized tests than their non-fit counterparts.

Researchers speculate that exercise in children improves academics by burning off pent-up energy, calming kids and allowing them to focus; boosting self esteem; and increasing blood flow to the brain, helping with memory and concentration. Though exercise alone will not make kids smarter, it will put kids' brains in the optimal position to learn.

New Year, New Habits: Healthy Habits to Start Off the New Year

As we start the New Year off with a clean slate, why not lose the bad habits we’ve developed and adopt some better ones for a healthier new year? Healthy habits can affect our physical, mental, emotional and social well-being. Some great healthy habits for life include:

• Eating Breakfast. Research shows that breakfast eaters consume more vitamins and mineral, less fat and cholesterol during the day, are more able to control their weight, and have better concentration throughout the morning.

• Flossing Your Teeth. Not only can flossing your teeth lead to a cleaner, whiter smile but research suggests that this simple act may help protect your health as well. Flossing has shown to help prevent gingivitis, periodontal disease, and protect arteries.

• Taking Care of Your Skin. As the body’s largest organ, our skin protects us from outside bacteria and helps regulate body temperature. By eating a well balanced diet, moisturizing after bathing, and applying sunscreen daily, maintaining a proper regime can help our skin become healthier and younger looking.

• Get Enough ZZZ’s. Getting at least 7 hours of sleep per night is essential to good health. Studies show that chronic sleep deprivation may harm health by impairing memory and judgment (causing accidents on the road), increase blood pressure, and cause weight gain.

• Get Connected. From exchanging information, providing emotional support, to offering a sense of belonging, social connections are as important to good health as are exercise and diet. The benefit of good connections can reduce levels of stress by regulating insulin and maintaining a healthy immune system.

The Right Start: Tools to Help Keep Your New Year's Resolutions

It's that time of the year when we can reflect on the changes we've made and renew our commitments to ourselves. Popular New Year's Resolutions include spending more time with family and friends, getting fit, and improving our organizational skills. What should also be included on this list should be sticking to these resolutions. To help out, here are some helpful tools to keep your resolutions on track. Happy 2009!

• To help you reach your fitness goals, Traineo can give a boost of self confidence and motivation needed for those last few pounds.
  

• Look up and track calorie and fat intake on Daily Plate.
  

• If improving your finances is your goal, software such as Mint can easily be download onto you cellphone to help manage your money.

• Also available for your cellphone is a virtual to-do list. Remember The Milk makes managing your tasks effortless.

New Kids On The Block: Predictions for Top 2009 Baby Names

The results are in for the most popular baby names of 2008, but who wants to tag onto last year's trends? Here are a few unique suggestions if Emma, Sophia, Madison, Aiden, Jayden, or Ethan weren't on your list:

Girls

• Allegra
• Savannah
• Tatum
• Halcyon
• Poppy

Boys

• Rahm
• Zane
• Saul
• Jack
• River

Lighten Up Your Holiday: Healthy Holiday Recipes

The holidays are a time of good friends, family, and traditions. And many holiday traditions center around food. In an effort to keep the calories down and stay trim, here are a few healthy holiday recipes to make festive eating less of a challenge:

• Lightly drizzled chocolate-covered nuts. The health benefits of nuts and antioxidants in chocolate (if using dark chocolate) can make one forget they are eating a healthy snack.

• Grilled Peach Sundaes. A great way to sneak in your daily servings of fruit!

• Shredded Root Vegetable Pancakes. A nice alternative to potato pancakes and a good way to get your serving of veggies.

• Crunchy Pear and Celery Salad. High in calcium, low in calories and another way to get your serving of fruit.

• Mango Brûlée. Slices of mango broiled in the oven will look like an elegant dessert you spent all day in the kitchen whipping up.