Grand Magazine - July/August 2008 - (Page 43)

And It GRoWS lIKe A Weed…. Used for centuries in India, Europe and the Middle East, mint is nature’s most powerful cooling agent. It aids digestion, relieves nasal congestion, calms nerves, freshens breath and has powerful antifungal and antibacterial properties. Menthol—a natural anesthetic found in peppermint—used externally, soothes muscle pain. Washing with natural peppermint soaps and shampoos or rubbing a drop of mint oil over your temples or back of your head will help keep you cool and relaxed. —Holistic Moms Network (www.holisticmoms.org) • read or look at books • snuggle • play dolls • write a letter • listen to a story tape We can teach them how to unwind: Why our grandchildren need their beauty sleep as much as we do During vacations and weekend sleepovers, it’s easy to bend the rules about when grandchildren should hit the sheets—it may seem special to kids to be allowed to stay up late—or maybe it’s easier than dealing with potential protests that they aren’t tired. But then what? Sleep deprivation Our early-to-rise darlings may look like raccoons with dark circles under their eyes, and they’ll likely be short-tempered and grumpy; older kids may wile away the day, sleeping until noon—a day of activity down the tubes. Sleep deprivation can also cause general fatigue, mood changes, and behavioral problems such as aggression, which can interfere with concentration and undermine learning. Whether our grandchildren feel tired or not, they require adequate sleep to restore and replenish the needs of their growing, developing bodies. Turn off the television, cell phones, computer, Game Boys, etc., at least an hour before bedtime Read a bedtime story; even when they are able to read to themselves, many still loved to be read to. Use cuddle time to share happy family stories. Encourage time for reflection; we can help younger grandchildren think of things that were good about the day; older children can write in a journal or consider what in the day made them feel grateful. (When we share the value of gratitude, we are teaching them how to focus on what is positive and giving them the perspective that even difficult days hold gifts of abundance and moments of beauty.) We can help the night seem friendly when things go bump in the dark: • Plug in safe, low-wattage lamps and nightlights • Decorate our grandchildren’s room with glow-in-the-dark stars • Welcome their “comfort” toys and blankets • Play soft music, a noise diffuser (such as ocean sounds or rain) or play low-key audio story tapes • Sing them to sleep HoW mucH Sleep do tHey need? 3-6 years old: 10-12 hours per day 7-12 years old: 10-11 hours per day 12-18 years old: 8-9 hours per day. www. webmd.com/parenting/ guide/how-much-sleepdo-children-need Here we are at tHe starting line, armed with knowledge and motivated by unconditional love. We know what we need to do. We may feel overwhelmed, but we should remember that every journey can be broken into segments of tiny baby steps. No matter how small the first step or change, the important thing is that we must begin. As we practice healthier choices, our positive habits will be examples for our grandchildren, gently guiding them onto a path of healthy, balanced daily living. G For resources go to page 72. JULY AUGUST 2008 GRAND 43 http://www.holisticmoms.org http://www.webmd.com/parenting/guide/how-much-sleep-do-children-need http://www.webmd.com/parenting/guide/how-much-sleep-do-children-need

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Grand Magazine - July/August 2008

Grand Magazine - July/August 2008 Contents Grand View: Love Is All That's Left Isn't It Grand?: Reassessing the Postponed Life Grand Central Just So We Know: One Mixed-Up Lemon Long-Distance Love: Cuttings Ask Grand: Stuck on Stuff Grand Gestures: "Thanks for the Ugly Gift" Tips on Teens: All That Doesn't Meet the Eye Live Long and Propser On the Cover: Peter Yarrow Presents of Mine Thicker Than Water? Reunions: White Water, White Knuckles The Grand Gourmet So We Are Not Alone Looking Grand: Suit-Able Grandbloggers: Why Watch TV When We Can Talk? Grand Bazaar Resources Grand Finale: What Boat

Grand Magazine - July/August 2008

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