Get cooking.
Learning to prepare healthy meals is
a life skill. Plus when following recipes,
kids practice reading and math skills
like measurements and fractions. Local
grocery stores and culinary centers offer
kids’ cooking classes.
DIY: Include your kids in the pro-
cess of meal preparation. Even on busy
weeknights they can help make a salad
or set the table. Also, check out cook-
books geared for kids like Chop Chop:
The Kids Guide to Cooking, Better
Homes & Gardens New Junior Cook-
book and Wookie Cookies: A Star Wars
Cookbook.
Be of service.
“There are many volunteer opportu-
nities that students can pursue in the com-
munity where they can give of their time
and learn new skills,” says Cindy Neely,
a high school counselor coordinator.
Scouting, Boys & Girls Club, the
YMCA, and youth groups are examples
of service organizations that offer real-
life experiences outside of the class-
room, fostering confidence, leadership
and communication skills. Through en-
gagement in their communities, kids are
less likely to feel isolated. They gain a
greater appreciation and understanding
of the world around them.
DIY: Volunteer together at a local
shelter, help a neighbor with yard-work
or gather canned goods for a food pantry.
Seek balance.
While variety is the spice of life,
don’t overwhelm your kids with activities
which can cause stress and affect grades.
“It is all about identifying the deli-
cate balance that helps foster their de-
velopment of skills in activities that they
may be involved in for a lifetime,” John-
son says.
Freelance journalist, Christa Melnyk
Hines and her husband are the parents
of two active boys. Christa’s latest book
is “Happy, Healthy & Hyperconnected:
Raise a Thoughtful Communicator in a
Digital World.”
September 2019 WNY Family 17