October 13, 2014

A parent's ultimate goal is to raise a capable, energy filled and happy child into a responsible, honorable and successful (depends on your goal) young adult. Historically in the 60's and 70's, parents mostly just let their children play while focusing on one instrument and random recreational sports or clubs. They were not pushy. There was ample time for family, friends and achievement. This attitude was based primarily on the economic times where middle class jobs were achievable without major educational investments. 

Fast forward to today's reality of the over scheduled parent and child. The knowledge that a higher education and hard work are very necessary for economic advancement in America has borne this change. We all want our little joy maker to experience more and more things in order to be "well rounded " and "ready" to advance in society. They bang the piano on Monday, flip in gymnastics on Tuesday and Thursday and attend religious education on Wednesday nights. Saturday is the all day gymnastics event. Thank God for Sunday. Oh wait! Joy maker's little brother, whirling dervish, has two soccer games on Sunday. You return home Sunday night, sunburnt, exhausted and knowing that tomorrow is Monday. 

What have we done? Is it really helping to make the whirling dervish the next Pele? Is joy maker the next mozart? What about the homework? Yes, they have to do this as well.

We know that organized sports and the arts provide a child with frustration tolerance skills development. Random and differing events may hit upon a passion that the child will carry with him forever and could be a career choice. There are many positives to the activities that are undertaken. Yet, what are the downsides to the volume?

STRESS for all. Exhausted parents now see that joy maker is developing anxiety and feels exhausted. She quits gymnastics and says no to everything. Everyone feels lost. Whirling dervish is struggling in school. Homework is hard to complete and he feels overwhelmed. Dinners are an afterthought and fast food is the norm. Two legs of the health stool are compromised, nutrition and spirit/mind. This is a recipe for disaster.

Check in with how you, the parent, feel about the schedule. Check in with your child and see how they feel. 

There are some children who absolutely want to devote themselves to one thing. This is appropriate if they still have time to be kids. Kids should only have one parent installed demanding activity at a time. This is defined as an event (piano, language education, arts) that we need them to do in order to be cultured. This does not include school work which is mandatory for all to succeed.

A better rule of thumb is a day free per day scheduled. This is regardless of whether it is parent or child inspired. Plan family meals on the free days. Plan game time or reading time as a family. Be present moment with them as they are only 4-12 years old once and only once. You do not get a do over. 

Based on this belief, I find that when I go to my kids events, I choose to watch the games and meets. At practices, I run or read to make the time productive. This allows me to be with them after practice in a present way. It also helps me to stay balanced. Our family has events on three days during the week. Weekend events are intermittent. We are able to have home cooked family meals at least 4 days a week. (thanks to my wife) I find this to be imperative and such a joy to connect. 

Case in point regarding being present: Saturday was my call day. I had duties for 24 hours to cover the hospital. I did not want to miss my son's soccer game. I asked one of my partners to cover me for the 3 hours so I could be there for my family. He graciously agreed and I enjoyed the moment. The remainder of the day is free for the kids to be kids. 

We are all acutely aware of our children and our goals for them. Temper your authoritative plans and look to a 1:1 ratio of schedule to play time. Kids really need to be kids. They will learn and succeed best when they are: (in no apparent order) 

1) Nourished with whole, natural and real food

2) Allowed to sleep adequate amounts nightly

3) Encouraged and allowed to run and play until tired

4) Loved unconditionally

5) Taught that they are in control of THEIR destiny and mistakes are ok while desire and effort rule the day

6) Encouraged to find THEIR passion and seize the day for it

7) Allowed to succeed and fail as the events of the day dictate

8) Believed in 

9) Unfettered by chemicals (affect neurologic function)

10) Hydrated with water

For the parents: You do not need to give up your life for your children! If you follow the 1:1 ratio, you should be able to find balance for yourself. Free time should exist for all. Balance is always the key to happiness and longevity of spirit. 

Trying to practice what I preach!

Detoxification Broths from the Institute for Functional Medicine. 

The benefits of bone broths are well known for their immune stimulating effects to their liver cleansing properties and much more. I highly encourage you to make and store bone broths to give to your children with illness or for immune enhancement. 

It is best that all ingredients be organic when possible

ALKALINE BROTH

2 quarts filtered water                                                      

Pinch of sage

3 stalks celery or bok choy                                    

3 carrots

1 large onion                                                                        

1 small beet, peeled

2 cloves garlic, minced                                                      

6 small/medium potatoes, unpeeled

1 cup fresh spinach leaves                                 

� cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

Wash all vegetables. Do not peel if organic (except beets). Coarsely chop all the vegetables. Cover with water in a non-aluminum pot; add sage.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat and allow to simmer, covered, until broth has a rich flavor, about 20 minutes . Strain and drink hot or cold. *For a heartier broth, remove � veggies, blend in blender or food processor, and return to soup.

BIELER BROTH (may restore alkaline reserves and improve liver function)

Celery, cut into chunks                                                                                          Green Beans

Zucchini and yellow squash, cut into chunks                                    

Spinach

1 generous handful parsley                                                                        

1 small handful of cilantro

Wash veggies. Combine equal amounts of the above vegetables and steam in a steamer basket. Make sure the water is below the level of the vegetables. Steam for a few minutes, until vegetables are cooked but still slightly crunchy. Combine vegetables, water, and herbs in a blender and puree until smooth to the consistency of pea soup (you may add more water or broth for a thinner consistency, if desired).

2 cups finely shredded cabbage                                                      

2 cups boiling water

� cup chopped onion                                                                        

2 Tbsp olive oil

2 tsp caraway seed                                                                        

1 tsp honey, if desired

3 Tbsp lemon juice                                                                        

Salt and pepper to taste

1 pound cooked small beets, peeled, chopped (save the cooking water)                  

1 quart                  chicken or vegetable stock (wheat-free)

Cook the cabbage for ten minutes in boiling, salted water. Cook the onion in the oil for a few minutes, without browning. Drain the beets, saving the cooking liquid, and finely chop. Add the chicken or vegetable stock to the onions. Upon boiling, add the cabbage and its cooking liquid back in. Add the beets, one cup of beet cooking liquid, caraway seeds, honey, and salt and pepper. Simmer for ten minutes, skimming carefully. Remove the soup from the heat. Add lemon juice and heat just to the boiling point. Serve with dill weed garnish. Eat soup hot or cold.

VEGGIE BROTH

2 quarts filtered water                                                                        

2 cups spinach       

2 cups broccoli                                                                                               

3 cups celery stalks                                        

1 zucchini                                                                                              

2 cups red-skinned potato peels

Chop up all the veggies. Place in a pot with the water, bring to a boil, cover and simmer for 20-30 minutes.

Strain the liquid and drink the broth. You can drink this anytime during your cleanse.

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Copyright � 2010-2014 Christopher J. Magryta, MD. Readers, please note: The information provided in this newsletter is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for advice and treatment provided by your physician or other healthcare professional and is not to be used to diagnose or treat a health issue.