Why do kids lose interest in creative endeavors? The same reason that we all do – we get into a rut! We start doing the same thing the same way over and over again because it is just easier – and then it becomes boring, so we lose interest!

How can parents and teachers encourage creativity? Ask questions. Ask: How could you do that differently? What if you could only use three colors? What if you had to use five colors? What other way could you say that? Is there another word you could use instead of that one? How many things can you think of that start with the letter “S”? Can you think of more? How about animals? How about food? Pick another category. How could you say that with pictures instead of words? How could you say that in sign language?

Children need to be challenged and stimulated. Always ask for MORE! They are limited only by our expectations of them.

There are all kinds of sugar, and it is important to differentiate between the varieties. Sucrose is white sugar, the kind we normally think of as “sugar.” Some people are sucrose intolerant, and can get sick from eating too much of it. Symptoms are headache, followed by stomach ache and often nausea.

As far as making kids “hyper” – studies have found that there is no direct link to sugar. However, some kids are more sensitive to sugar than others – and under closer scrutiny, parents may find that it is actually the additives in the candy, or perhaps the corn syrup, or even the caffeine that is found in chocolate, that is the real problem.

Many people are lactose intolerant. Lactose is the sugar found in milk. Often people who are lactose intolerant don’t even know that they are, but find that they get cramps and diarrhea after they have some dairy products, usually ice cream, which is the worst culprit. Some people think they have IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) but if they cut out dairy they would find that it is actually lactose intolerance.

“When You Grow Up”

I feel strongly that we are drawn to certain interests, that we have our own particular dreams, for a very important reason. They lead us to our “dharma” – our purpose in life. When we find that, no matter what it is, we are happy and successful.

Like most kids, what I wanted to be when I grew up changed many times. And interestingly enough, all of those dreams made up who I am and what I do today. I used to watch American Bandstand when I was little, and I told everyone that I was going to be on that show. My parents thought that was cute.

For a while there I wanted to be a doctor – that is, until I had to dissect a frog in 9th grade! But that experience showed me that I had a strong desire to help people. I also wanted to be a lawyer for some time, until I found out how much school was involved. But I learned that I was interested in fairness, and in seeing all sides of an issue.

When I was taking piano lessons, I wanted to be a famous pianist. It didn’t take me long to figure out that I didn’t have the commitment that it took for that. But I did learn that I liked to be in the spotlight, and that I had a strong love of music. In the 8th grade, I wrote songs for our school play, and was convinced that I had a future as a songwriter and actress. I wrote for the school paper and planned to be a reporter. All of this led me to UCLA, to be near the entertainment industry.

While in college, I danced on American Bandstand. I worked at the school radio station, and my first “real” job was at ABC Entertainment. I was a Page, and got to hang out on the sets of all their big TV shows.

Later, I started a production company, and I wrote songs and produced music videos that aired on Nickelodeon and Discovery Kids. When my son was diagnosed with AD/HD, I became his advocate, and in the process helped other parents in similar situations. Now I’m an author and freelance television correspondent. I feel like all my dreams have played a part in this current incarnation!

My older son wants to be a screenwriter. The odds against selling and then actually getting a screenplay produced are astronomical! Do I discourage him? No way! I say, “Go for it!” His dreams will shift and change and adapt as he grows. And whatever he finally ends up doing, he’ll be able to use the skills he develops while pursuing his interests.

I want my sons to be happy – not just when they reach their dreams, but all along the way. I encourage them to follow their dreams and desires, whether it’s to play for the NBA, star on Broadway, fly into space, or become the President of the United States. As they learn and grow they’ll discover that these “jobs” are really archetypes that represent an aspect of their personality – they’ll understand themselves better and be able develop into the person they really want to be, and find a career in which they will excel.

The school lunch program is fabulous - it makes the school year so much easier for parents.  Now that summer's coming up, kids will be going off to camp, and we'll have to think about packing lunches.  How to make environmentally friendly, "zero-trash" lunches?  Here are some tips!

Good news! Food manufacturers have started making it easier on busy moms by coming out with pre-packaged lunches and snacks! But here’s the bad news: we can’t buy them! Why? Schools today have become more environmentally concerned and are establishing “zero trash” policies. This means that in order to reduce the waste that the school generates everyday during lunchtime, parents cannot send anything to school that will have to be thrown away.

Bummer. So now we have to clear out our cabinets of all that pre-packaged stuff we felt so lucky to find, dump it into some old Tupperware container that we can’t find the lid to, and throw out the garbage at home instead of at school. What a hassle.

But it doesn’t have to be that way! Zero-trash lunches are here to stay. Schools say that the policy is not an option, but a requirement. So, if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em!

Zero-trash lunches actually have a lot of benefits for all of us...if we can just get into a new routine. Here are some simple, painless and even fun ways that we can do just that!

1. DON’T buy pre-packaged foods. Yes, they are convenient, but, they are also
contributing to the land-fill problem and they are much more expensive!
DO buy large sizes of foods and portion out servings in small plastic containers.
Keep large sizes fresh with “chip clips,” twisties, etc.

2. DON’T get stuck with messy lunch boxes and bags from spilled food!
DO make sure all lids are on tight so things don’t spill.

3. DON’T use paper napkins or towels.
DO include a cloth napkin in the lunch bag.

4. DON’T send your good flatware to school.
DO use and re-use plastic utensils.

5. DON’T use paper bags.
DO choose from one of the many environmentally friendly boxes or bags in the stores today.

6. DON’T let your kids bring home garbage that belongs at school!
DO make sure that your kids understand it is okay to throw away chicken bones and apple cores (explain “biodegradable”)!

7. DON’T be losing your lids!
DO wash out containers and refill and pack what you can for the next day.
Keep a separate drawer or cupboard space for the containers so you can
find them easily. Keep lids on empty containers.

-To make sure that a relationship gets off to a great start, be yourself, be genuine, be honest. Too often in our efforts to make a good impression, we exaggerate or try to be more of who we think this person wants us to be, or the kind of person who we think this person would like. This just puts stress on ourselves trying to keep up appearances, and the relationship will go nowhere because it’s too much work. Instead, relax! Don’t think about where the relationship is headed, just enjoy this one conversation that you’re having. Things will naturally go from there.

-To make sure your remodeling project gets off to a great start, have a plan, with room for flexibility. Have realistic expectations, and keep these in mind when things go awry. Know that so much is out of your control, and know that it will all eventually be done. Just take one day at a time… and breathe!

-To make sure you get off to a great start keeping a new budget, write everything down! Keep a pencil and notepad in your car, another in your purse, another at your desk. You need to know where your money is going. It might be just a drive-through soda, or a tip for the parking attendant, but write it down! Those are the things that throw us off course and off budget!

-To make sure you get off to a great start on a new diet, clean out the cupboards! Don’t have any foods around that you will be tempted to binge on. Make it easier on yourself by having healthy foods handy, and serve yourself on your smaller-sized plates.

When we feel dissatisfied, we often, out of habit and otherwise, look to food to “fill us up.” Food is familiar, comfortable. But, the effects on our psyche are only temporary. And often, the long-term effects on our bodies are pretty miserable.

Instead of reaching for those empty calories – try engaging your senses to connect with the fulfillment that is already within. Here are some examples:

TASTE- to fend off the need for “sweet” try one little lifesaver candy. Try brushing your teeth – nothing tastes good after minty-fresh mouthwash!
SMELL – go for aromatherapy. Will a whiff of a donut do you just as good? Call it a “virtual” donut, close your eyes and pretend you’ve already eaten it. Or go the other route and try a very non-food smell, like roses or sandalwood to get your mind off of the edibles.
TOUCH – play with some play-dough at your desk. Get tactile. Stroke your cat, finger-paint. Hug someone! Get “in touch” with your FEELINGS!
SOUND- let the music move you! Crank up the tunes and dance around the kitchen. Lose yourself to the rhythm, spin around and get silly. Sit by a fountain and listen to the water.
SIGHT- take a walk in a lovely garden. Visit a museum, or visit a virtual museum online! Look out the window and reconnect with nature for a little bit. Feed the birds.

1. Empathize. Remember when you were a kid. The first day of school means a new classroom, new teacher, new classmates. A new grade in school means a new curriculum, new expectations. Children worry if they will like the teacher, if the teacher will like them, if they can handle the work load. Understand your child’s concerns and reassure him that other kids feel that way, too.

2. Ask questions. Sometimes whatever your child is worried about is simple to solve. But you’ll never know unless you get him to talk about it with you. Maybe he feels he’ll be made fun of because he has shoes with velcro instead of laces. Let your child know that you want him to feel comfortable at school and you’ll help in any way you can.

3. Do a trial run. Sometimes anxiety comes from fear of the unknown. Especially if your child is starting at a new school, he worries if he will find the classroom, the bathroom, etc. A few days before school starts, drive to the school and find the spot where you will drop him off and pick him up. Walk the campus and find the classrooms, the bathroom, give him some time to play on the grounds and get the feel of things.

4. Talk to the teacher. If your child is still nervous, call or e-mail the teacher ahead of time and let her know. The teacher can be aware of the situation and make a special effort to alleviate those fears.

5. Spend time with other kids from the same class. Kids can often help each other much more so than we can as adults. When your child sees a familiar face in the classroom he’ll feel much more comfortable.

6. Make the first day a fun day! Keep it low-stress. Get the backpacks pre-packed, make a special breakfast, keep the mood light and cheery. When they get home from school, have a little family party to celebrate.