As it should be, most of what is written in the newsletter is about children.  This month I wanted to share something that a very wise and compassionate teacher shared with me that applies more to the grownups who take care of the children here and at home. In the bestselling book The Four Agreements, don Miguel Ruiz speaks about four principles that I find refreshing. They are not so much about self- help as they are about good common sense and how to be a truly genuine person.  Chances are you'll be able to apply these principles in your own life or share them with others, creating a more positive environment for children and adults.  

The Four Agreements are:  

1. Be Impeccable with your Word: Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the Word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your Word in the direction of truth and love.

2. Don't Take Anything Personally
Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering.

3. Don't Make Assumptions
Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.

4. Always Do Your Best
Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse, and regret.

Children are quite impressionable and as their role models, we have a responsibility to help them be the best that they can be, by always doing our best.  By showing children, rather than telling them, we can help them grow into responsible, caring individuals who will make a difference in the world as they get older.

Warmly,

Mary Beth

At 12:00 PM everyday an odd silence falls through the classrooms at UCDC.  It is lunch time, one of the most anticipated parts of the school day. In the infant classrooms, the babies are working hard to use their small fingers to pick up their food, in the toddler classroom the children discuss the reasons or options for wearing a bib, and in preschool the children are working with the teachers to prepare the food and carry it to the table.  But what is it that makes meal times so successful at UCDC? Perhaps it is the predictability of the lunch time routine, carefully executed by the classroom teachers? Or the engaging and interesting conversations that occur as the children and the classroom teachers sit down together to enjoy the meal?  Or finally could it be the nutritious and delicious meals that are offered to the children?  It is our thought at UCDC, that all of these components make lunch time a popular part of the school day.  As a result, the children are being exposed to healthy foods and positive eating behaviors that will hopefully promote a lifetime of wellness.

In the spring of 2011, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Health and Human Services released new information and technological applications to promote healthy eating habits of children and adults in the United States. Despite a  variety of healthy eating promotions and efforts marketed to children and families, a 2011 sample of 5-17 year olds showed that at least 60% of overweight children had a least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease (letsmove.org, 2011).  In addition to cardiovascular disease, children who are overweight or obese are at risk for the following health problems; heart disease, type 2 diabetes, asthma, sleep apnea, and social discrimination. In an effort to educate parents and caregivers regarding the importance of healthful eating, the USDA and the Department of Health and Human Services created www.myplate.gov .  This website and template has replaced the somewhat confusing Food Pyramid; however, to date the website still promotes and offers the food pyramid as another method of education for nutritional tracking www.mypyramidtracker.gov.  MyPlate is a colorful and interactive approach that allows individuals to meal plan using a template to visualize just how a healthy plate would look and then can be recreated in your home. Once you visit the site, you will not be overwhelmed by the changes, because USDA and the department of Health and Human Services still strongly focus on food groups and the existing Dietary Guidelines for 2010 (http://www.cnpp.usda.gov/dietaryguidelines.htm).  To build a healthy plate for yourself and your child, MyPlate suggests making half of your plate fruit and vegetables, switch to skim or 1% milk, make half of your grains whole grains, and vary your protein choices. In addition, the website allows you to identify your personal daily calorie limit and check posted calorie amounts. It also provides parents and caregivers with current research regarding nutrition and healthy development of children.

Balanced and healthy eating is only half of the answer in creating or supporting a healthy lifestyle.  In conjunction with www.myplate.gov  families should visit www.letsmove.gov, a health initiative of First Lady, Michelle Obama.  This website hosts great information regarding healthy behaviors for children and families with a focus on physical activity. After you surf the website and collect great recipes, fun activities, and information from blogs around the country, click on the take action tab, http://www.letsmove.gov/action .  This tab provides parents, caregivers, children, chefs, community, and the medical community with the information and motivation they need to promote physical activity in their communities.

The first step for Let's Move for Families is for the families to evaluate their snacking behavior and provides tips for healthier munching habits. The second step encourages families to use a downloadable document to record their physical activity as a family http://www.letsmove.gov/make-physical-activity-part-your-familys-routine.  The third step has a focus on healthy meal planning as a family and for the family. The website offers a great grocery list that you are able to download and print to help organize shopping trips. Step four places an emphasis on monitoring and reducing screen time for all family members and a log for recording screen time can be found here.  And finally step number five offers parents and caregivers information regarding nutrition in schools. This step provides parents with the knowledge of current health promotions and practices for their child's school compared to other schools.

Please remember that all of these potential changes in lifestyle and wellness do not need to take place all in one day. Should your family choose to implement any of the changes provided by the website, begin by setting small goals for the family in order to ensure success and avoid frustration.  Be sure to try to include all family members in a discussion regarding modifying or changing the health habits of the family. And don't forget to have fun and enjoy learning together as a family as you get healthy together.

We are so excited to welcome Chris to our full time staff! As a substitute teacher, Chris built a reputation for being extremely caring and hardworking. She was an absolute joy to have in the classroom. She can now be found teaching in Toddler 2 as their full time Assistant Teacher.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in the "country" in Mars, Pennsylvania.

How long have you worked at UCDC?

I have been working at UCDC for one year this past July.

What was your funniest UCDC moment?

It's not a funny moment, but I always laugh when I work with Karol from Infant 3. She has a great sense of humor!

What is your hobby/special interest?

I enjoy scrapbooking and landscaping.

What is one thing people may not know about you?

I have 6 sisters and 6 brothers!

What is your favorite lunch at UCDC?

Pizza!

What do you do for fun?

I hang out with my 3 kids. We enjoy game night, movie night, and going out to dinner.

If you could have one wish, what would it be?

For everyone in the world to be good and honest.

Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?

I see myself having fun with grandchildren.

What is the best part about working at UCDC?

The co-workers, students and parents are some of the nicest people I have ever met.