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Greetings, nolaParents!
This month we've got a great article from one of America's most influential sports performance managers and local fitness celebrity, Mackie Shilstone. We have the honor of announcing to the nolaParenting community the publication of his new book, Mackie Shilstone's Body Plan for Kids. Registered dietitian and eating disorder specialist, Corey Walsh, then gives us some insight into how we, as parents, can encourage a healthy body image in our kids.
Barbara LeBlanc, Director of The Parenting Center
at Children's Hospital and nolaParent Community Partner, gives us some
advice on how we can help our kids get through the inevitable
summertime boredom. And Rev. Dr. DeeDee Estes educates us on how our parenting styles affect our children's development and that there is an ART to loving them.
You don't want to miss our monthly review, Fit with Fin (Coach Dave). He's a local coach and P.E. teacher who has been motivating and inspiring kids for over 25 years.
Got Tips? Local mom by way of London and New York City, Mirella Reilly, will be a regular contributor to both The Parenting Picayune and nolaParent.com. She's going to report on all the city's hidden little treasures that make us as parents go "ah-ha!"
Congratulations to Chad Harris (yes, a guy), winner of the Question of the Month: What Does Mother's Day Mean to You?
nolaParents,
Ashley Bond and Witney Arch
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 FIGHTING BACK AGAINST CHILDHOOD OBESITY
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 By Mackie Shilstone
For the past thirty years - perhaps even longer - there has been an alarming trend occurring in this country. It is a trend toward childhood obesity that has reached what many experts in the field consider to be an epidemic.
There are many reasons for this epidemic, the most serious of which I discuss in my newly published book, Mackie Shilstone's Body Plan for Kids. The book is actually a guide for parents of young children, particularly in the 8-12 year old age bracket. I specifically target this age group because studies have shown it to be the ages during which a child's growth and development is at its most active. Continue reading... |
PRAISE FROM WITHIN
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 By Corey C. Walsh, RD, LDN
Real Life Nutritional Counseling
Despite it being a universal activity, both for necessity and pleasure, eating is a highly personal activity. Social and emotional connections with food, likes and dislikes, habits around food, and the way we eat shape our relationship with food throughout our lives.
Body image is similarly a unique and personal matter that starts developing at infancy. It is through the stages of development that our body image is shaped, ideally to that of a healthy, confident, self-assured adult. Continue reading...
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BOREDOM: There's nothing to do in this house!
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 By Barbara LeBlanc, LCSW, Director
The Parenting Center at Children's Hospital
School is almost out for the summer. Children (and parents) are ready for a change of pace and to enjoy some "down time." During school, a child's activities and friendships are very structured. The lack of structure during the summer months can leave kids feeling a little lost. While planning activities with lots of variety may seem appealing to parents, children actually benefit from a slower pace and the opportunity to learn how to entertain themselves. Children today seem to have fewer opportunities than those of any other generation for relaxation and to just do nothing. Continue reading... |
THERE IS AN ART TO LOVING OUR CHILDREN
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 By Rev. Dr. DeeDee Estes
St. Andrews Episcopal School
When I ask groups of parents what they think is most essential for a healthy, joyful family-life, "love" is the most common response. When I ask them what the indicators are that love is in the home, the answers are numerous and varied. While parents tend to agree about the importance of love, they disagree about the best way to show it and put it into action.
Some insist that the most important thing a parent can do is provide affection, nurture and warmth. Others are adamant that parents should treat their children with dignity and respect. Still others make the case that it is imperative for parents to expect and demand responsible behavior from children.
As it turns out, striking the right balance of all of these is essential and neglecting any one or more can have devastating implications for our children's health and well being. Continue reading... |
| REVIEW: Fit with Fin (Coach Dave) |
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 By Witney Arch
nolaParent.com
The sound of the whistle and the sight of the obstacle course immediately brought me back to the days of elementary school gym class. I heard squeals of laughter while the children raced around the playground. Who was guiding the children? Who was this fearless leader with the whistle around his neck? Continue reading...
Submit a Product: We are combing the city for the latest and greatest projects and services. Got one nolaParents would love or need to know about? We'd be happy to review it and report back to the nolaParent community. Email us at info@nolaParent.com (Subject line: Review). |
TIP OF THE MONTH: The Secret Swimming Pool
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 By Mirella Reilly
Most parents would agree, I think, that there's often only one way for everyone to keep their cool (literally and figuratively) during the summer in New Orleans - take to the water. So last summer, there I was pushing the stroller with these two little girls with faces as red as beetroots, moaning about the fact there are no public swimming pools; and I walked straight past one. Just before the zoo, there's this great pool, which costs next to nothing and is open everyday to everyone. The hours are 9:00-12:00pm and 1:00-3:45pm during the week and 9:00-2:00pm on Saturdays, and given how few people were there, it's clearly a well kept secret...until now. It's hard to share a little treasure you've found and want to keep for yourself, but mean spiritedness is easily overcome at the thought of meeting lots of new little friends. It doesn't mean we won't resort to dousing ourselves with the garden hose; and Dad will still have to huff and puff his way to blowing up our inflatable mini pool, but at least it's another great option when tempers and temperatures are on the rise!
Playdate anyone? Audubon Park Swimming Pool is located at 6500 Magazine Street. (504) 864-8139
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| FEATURED ACTIVITIES & EVENTS |
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| Adults
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QUESTION OF THE MONTH
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What does Mother's Day Mean to You?
This month's winner: Chad Harris
 Being a Father and son, Motherhood must be the greatest creation ever. I wish I could still spend the hours chatting with mine on the phone. I still talk with her but you will think I'm an alien. My mother was the single most important figure growing up. She taught me the value of hard work, the importance of follow through and with her death she taught me how important it is to live...it was the most valuable lesson I will ever learn. About Chad: He's just a regular guy trying to leave a legacy for his friends, coworkers and most of all, his boys Aiden (13) and Ashton (11). He and his wife, Beth, own The Garden Gate in Metairie. If you haven't experienced The Garden Gate, you must. It is a true reflection of their beauty as individuals, parents and contributing members to our community.
Next Month: What's the best parenting advice you've ever received? Submit your answers to info@nolaParent.com (Subject Line: Question of the Month). We will highlight some of our favorites in next month's issue of The Parenting Picayune and on nolaParent.com.
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nolaParent News: City Park Partners with nolaParent
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 nolaParent is proud to announce that City Park is our newest Community Partner. nolaParent will sponsor a series of children's activities at Storyland every Sunday from 1-4 in the month of June. | |
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Fighting Back Against Childhood Obesity
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By Mackie Shilstone
For the past thirty years - perhaps even longer - there has been an alarming trend occurring in this country. It is a trend toward childhood obesity that has reached what many experts in the field consider to be an epidemic.
There are many reasons for this epidemic, the most serious of which I discuss in my newly published book, Mackie Shilstone's Body Plan for Kids. The book is actually a guide for parents of young children, particularly in the 8-12 year old age bracket. I specifically target this age group because studies have shown it to be the ages during which a child's growth and development is at its most active.
As a professional in the field of performance enhancement and lifestyle management for the past thirty years, I am convinced that the road to good health is a lifelong journey that begins at a young age. Consequently, I have made it my personal crusade to address this rapidly growing problem of obesity at its roots; at the ages when the problems traditionally begin in both boys and girls. The problems that lead to childhood obesity are basically twofold:
- The lack of physical activity among large numbers of young people
- The widespread consumption of high calorie foods with limited nutritional value.
After working primarily with adults over the years and publishing five books aimed at the older age groups, I realized that not enough focus was being directed toward children and their physical well-being. The general consensus has been that kids are just naturally active, and since they're generally not susceptible to the more serious ailments that affect many older people there has been little need to focus on them.
However, studies show that obese or overweight kids are at risk for developing ailments such as:
- insulin resistance (type 2 diabetes;
- asthma;
- sleep apnea; and
- psychological issues associated with overweight status.
As I looked at the numbers and case studies, as well as what I was seeing around me in day-to-day life, I told myself, "This is unacceptable," and I set out to do something about it. When I conceived of the idea for my book, I envisioned it as a team effort. For assistance in writing the book I assembled a team of experts: a pediatrician, a licensed nutritionist, a psychiatrist, and other specialists. The result is a holistic approach to the problem of childhood obesity that addresses the key issues of proper exercise and nutrition.
My guiding motto throughout this process is that "You fix the apple by fixing the tree." My advice to parents regarding the health of their children is this: You must set the example you expect your kids to follow. If you expect your kids to maintain a healthy weight, you must do the same. If you expect your kids to exercise, you must exercise. If you expect your kids to eat healthy foods, you must eat healthy foods.
For more information about Mackie Shilstone's Body Plan for Kids and to purchase my new book visit my website, www.BodyPlanForKids.com.
About Mackie Shilstone
With a Master of Arts degree and Master of Business Administration, Mackie currently directs The Fitness Principle with Mackie Shilstone at
East Jefferson General Hospital. Additionally, Mackie is a Clinical
Instructor of Public Health and Preventative Medicine at Louisiana
State Health Sciences Center, Adjunct Instructor in the School of
Allied Health at Nicholls State University, Adjunct Professor at the A.
B. Freeman School of Business at Tulane University, special advisor to
the United States Olympic Committee on Sports Nutrition, and has served
on the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, State of
Louisiana.
Mackie's newest book, Mackie Shilstone's Body Plan for Kids,
is a comprehensive guide for parents to gain control of their child's
weight. It is the first book of its kind to offer specific strategies
for eating healthily, getting fit, and increasing self-esteem targeted
at eight- to twelve-year-olds.
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PRAISE FROM WITHIN |
By Corey C. Walsh, RD, LDN
Real Life Nutritional Counseling
Despite
it being a universal activity, both for necessity and pleasure, eating
is a highly personal activity. Social and emotional connections with
food, likes and dislikes, habits around food and the way we eat,
shape a relationship with food throughout our lives.
Body image
is similarly a unique and personal matter that starts developing from
infancy. It is through the stages of development that our body image is
shaped, ideally to that of a healthy, confident, self-assured adult.
Body
image (what we see on the outside) is a reflection of how we feel on
the inside. We know that children and adolescents want to feel a sense
of belonging among their peers. Anything that may set them apart
(height, weight, physical maturity, physical features) can contribute
to a negative body image. As parents, rather than bring attention to
these things that set the child apart, we must support our children
from the inside out.
Ways to foster a healthy body image:
- Celebrate strengths, skills and talents.
- Highlight your child's character, sense of humor, athletic skills, insights or charm.
- Openly discuss body image concerns, remembering that body shape changes with growth and development.
- Avoid discussing one's own body image concerns or complaints in front of kids (this may be the most crucial factor).
As parents and caregivers, we must model what we want for our children:
- Eat healthy foods.
- Model healthy exercise habit.
- Project a healthy body image.
This
last bullet is critical. Most of us struggle with our own body image
concerns. We must do our best not to project these body image issues
onto our children, such as putting a young child on a diet after years
of our own dieting struggles.
If we find that (we) or our
children need legitimate nutrition, weight, body image or emotional
support, it is best to seek a professional who specializes in the area
of eating disorders and body image issues. Following is a list of
resources in our community:
- Real Life Nutrition Counseling (504) 214-5003
- Catherine Varino, LCSW (504) 296-8644
- Jamie Cromer, LCSW (504) 866-8222
- Lise Diamond-Devine, PHD (504) 865-1172
- River Oaks Hospital Eating Disorder Program (504) 734-1740
Corey Walsh, R.D., L.D.N. is a New Orleans
area Registered Dietitian with over a decade of inpatient and outpatient
clinical experience. As the founder and current director of Real
Life Nutritional Counseling of New Orleans, she works with local, national
and international clients who present with a variety of problems and
diagnoses. She has devoted her career to
preventing and supporting individuals struggling with the uphill battle of eating disorder
recovery. Corey Walsh was recently featured in
Gambit Magazine's Best of New Orleans: Forty Under Forty.
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BOREDOM: There's nothing to do in this house!
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By Barbara LeBlanc, LCSW, Director
The Parenting Center at Children's Hospital
School is almost out for the summer and children (and parents) are ready to have a change of pace, and enjoy some "down time." During school, children's activities and friendships are very structured. The lack of structure during summer vacation can leave kids feeling a little lost. While planning activities with lots of variety may seem appealing to parents, children can benefit from a slower pace and the opportunity to learn how to entertain one's self. Children today seem to have fewer opportunities than those of any other generation for relaxation and to just do nothing.
Parents shouldn't rush in with solutions when children complain of boredom. Have respect for your child's struggles and give him the opportunity to find his own way. Most children engage in some of their most creative activities after complaining about boredom and in the process discover that the time spent without pressure of outside direction can be the most rewarding. When kids complain about boredom early in the summer, it may mean they need time to adjust to the lack of structure. Get a big calendar and block in all the scheduled activities, week by week. Things like camp, swimming lessons, baseball, and family vacations will take up a large part of the time. Look at what is left and then give your child a few choices. Would she like to sign up for the library reading program, a regular playdate, learn a new skill? Make a list together of activities for "down times" and post it for your child's reference. Sometimes, the best thing you can do for your child is nothing at all. Turn off the TV, computer, and electronic games; don't go anywhere; give him a chance to sit around and stare into space, count bugs, or just look at each other. Hang out and see what happens!
For more ideas on how to set the stage for summer fun, check out these websites:
Barbara LeBlanc, LCSW, is the Director, The Parenting Center at Children's Hospital. She is a licensed clinical social worker and has
formerly worked for the State of Louisiana in the foster care system
and as the director of social services at Children's Hospital. She
received her undergraduate degree in psychology and her master's degree
in social welfare from LSU. Barbara is the mother of three young adult
children: twin boys and a daughter. Barbara teaches classes for parents
of preschool and school-age children and coordinates Parenting Center
programs in the community.
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THERE IS AN ART TO LOVING OUR CHILDREN
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By Rev. Dr. DeeDee Estes
St. Andrews Episcopal School
When I ask groups of parents what they think is most essential for a healthy, joyful family-life, "love" is the most common response. When I ask what are the indications that love is in the home, the answers are numerous and varied. While parents tend to agree about the importance of love they disagree about the best way to show it and put it into action.
Some insist that the most important thing a parent can do is provide affection, nurture and warmth. Others are adamant that parents should treat their children with dignity and respect. Still others make the case that it is imperative for parents to expect and demand responsible behavior from children.
As it turns out, striking the right balance of all of these is essential and neglecting any one or more can have devastating implications for our children's health and wellbeing.
Dr. Ronald Pitzer, the Project Director of Positive Parenting at the University of Minnesota Extension Service, has summarized the work of Lawrence Steinberg and many other researchers. He suggests there are at least four distinct parenting styles. According to Pitzer:
PERMISSIVE PARENTS are affectionate, warm and responsive but do not teach their children self-regulation by providing rules and limits.
Result: Children raised by permissive parents tend not to be respectful or responsible, underachieve academically and have a lot of problem behavior.
DOMINATING PARENT discipline their children and are demanding but are not very nurturing or respective of them.
Result: Children raised by dominating parents tend to have low self-esteem, little confidence and a lot of anxiety and depression. They are not very socially competent*.
UNENGAGED PARENTS don't nurture, discipline or respect their children.
Result: Children raised by unengaged parents have low-self esteem, little confidence, a lot of anxiety and depression and little social competence. They are not respectful or responsible, have poor academic performance and show a lot of behavior problems.
POSITIVE PARENTS nurture, discipline and respect their children.
Result: The children of positive parents tend to do well overall. They have healthy self-esteem and confidence. They are respectful and responsible and perform well academically. These children are socially competent*, have little anxiety or depression and don't have much problem behavior.
*Social competent is defined by having empathy, emotional control, good communication and the ability to manage conflict.
There is an A.R.T. to loving our children. This acronym can remind us to carefully and intentionally provide our children with affection, respect and teaching so that they can thrive and flourish.
Affection - provide nurture, warmth, humor, playfulness and spontaneity and respond to children's needs with acceptance and support
Respect - acknowledge the dignity and worth of each family member, honor different opinions and recognize the rights of each person
Teaching - set and enforce clear, reasonable and developmentally appropriate rules, limits and expectations, transmit family values, promote moral behavior and cultivate compassion and service to others
The Rev. Dr. DeeDee Estes is an Episcopal priest and a licensed psychologist. She earned a Ph.D. in School Psychology with a specialization in social and clinical interventions with children and families. She is the chaplain at St. Andrew's Episcopal School and associate priest at St. Andrew's Church. DeeDee is a founding member of the National Effective Parenting Initiative and an international consultant and Regional Center Director for the Awareness Foundation. She is a member of Anti-Racism Committee for the Diocese of Louisiana and a member of the Lambeth House Board. DeeDee and her husband David have three children, ages 23, 21 and 17, and a one year old granddaughter.
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| Review: Fit with Fin (Coach Dave) |
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By Witney Arch, nolaParent
Dave Finigan, otherwise known as Coach Dave, has been teaching and coaching Itty Bitty Leagues in the New Orleans area for over 25 years. I met him at the St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church Nursery School picnic. Keflyn Fransen, the Director of the nursery school, opted not to have a bounce house at this year's picnic and instead hired Coach Dave to entertain the children. He was a huge hit! He had a way of making each child feel special and their laughter was such a sweet sound. I found myself wanting to participate in the parachute activity along with the dozens of smiling children.
"This man is born to do what he does. This is his calling," said Rosalind Ford, Director of Children's Daycare & Preschool in New Orleans. Coach Dave has been teaching P.E. at the preschool for over 15 years. Some of the activities he teaches are tumbling, soccer, tag football, stretching, basketball, and softball. "He has a great attitude, knows how to draw the kids in and treats them like little people. They all respect him," says Ford.
Mary Beth Poirrer, Director of Wee Friends Preschool in Metairie, said that the kids chant his name and can't wait for him to arrive each week. Poirrer was impressed by the P.E. activities that he tailors specifically for 3 to 4 year olds. When teaching the children basketball, he gave each child a ball and taught them how to dribble from a sitting position. As they gain more control over the ball, they stand up to dribble. "Every class with Coach Dave is a learning experience. He also teaches the kids their muscles. He has been with us for almost 20 years and the parents are always impressed by him," Poirrer stated.
Coach Dave has also been working with the home schooled children in the Greater New Orleans area for over 10 years. Donna Gremillion, head of C.H.E.F., the largest home school group in the city, said that his classes are the highlight of the week for the kids. "He always makes it fun and the kids love him," Gremillion said. Her 16 year old daughter, Lisa, had three words to describe Coach Dave. "I would say that he is friendly, positive and upbeat. My favorite memory of him is when he had a mini Olympics for us. Every kid got a medal."
Coach Dave seems to have an endless supply of energy and his positive attitude is contagious. The motto he lives by is, "There are two kinds of work a man can do...The kind he is good at and the kind he likes best. If the two are the same, he is truly blessed." Coach Dave has found his calling.
Coach Dave, owner of Fit With Finigan, has been coaching in the New Orleans area for over 25 years. If you are interested in signing up your little ones for sports, check out Coach Dave's Itty Bitty Leagues. They are geared for children 3-6 years old and focus on different sports throughout the year. Every child receives a trophy at the end of the season! You can also hire Coach Dave to entertain kids at birthday parties and other special events (ages 3 and up).
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