TV Inspired Ideas for Tween and Teen Parties

Today's tweenies and teens are a little harder to entertain these days. They do not get that impressed that easily and will turn up their noses that does not have a bit of pop-culture to it.

One format for a party that is quite easy to follow is the show Minute to Win It. This show consists of challenging games that you can create from every day household items that are in your pantry or garage. You can actually get over 100 games for free on the Minute to Win It website. You can print out the instructions for each challenge, give the kids the materials and then put them through playing the game just like they do on this popular show.

Yet another approach is to mimic the shows about cooking challenges that are on the air like Cupcake Wars, Chopped and Top Chef. This is complex to prepare becaue you need a lot of utensils and food on hand but the completion will be worth it. You consider the skill level suitable for the age of your guests and then try to create the appropriate food challenges.

For instance, when it comes to Cupcake Wars, you can have your kids compete for the best-decorated cupcake. All that takes is a table full of decorations and icing and sets of pre-made cupcakes. You can also do a similar party that has to do with decorating sundaes. All you need is whipped cream, nuts, cherries, bananas and the rest of the fixings. The best thing about these ideas for food challenges is that you do not have to turn on the stove; no child risks burning her!

With older children the oven or stove can come into play. A really great idea is to challenge kids to design the very best signature pizza pie. Simply lay out the ingredients and have the kids figure out the best flavor combinations.

You can also mimic a reality show like Survivor. You set up simple challenges and then have the kids divided into teams. You do not have to have them eat insects but you can have them eat a weirder food like an oyster. Other challenges could include jumping through hoops, breaking a piñata and agility course work.

Of course always mention that there is going to be a challenge and food on your party invitations. As a safety measure I also always ask if any child visiting is going to have issues with nut allergies, strawberry allergies or any other kind of allergy just to be on the safe side.

Parenting Tips
, , , , , , , , ,

Is Your Kid Getting Enough Calcium?

There is nothing more tragic then dealing with the lost teeth or bone problems that can develop as the result of a child not having enough calcium in his or her diet.

How much calcium your child should be getting depending upon her age. Children between the ages of 4 and 9 should receive at least 800 milligrams of calcium on a daily basis, while children between the ages of 10 and 19 should be getting at least 1300 milligrams of calcium every day.

One serving might look like:
• one eight-ounce glass of milk
• one 1 ½ ounce piece of cheese
• six ounces of yogurt

While dairy products tend to be the best source of calcium for young children, it is not always possible to offer these food items to your child. Children that are, allergic to cow's milk protein, or vegan, will need to find an alternative source of calcium. Some great foods high in calcium include:
• soy milk or rice milk
• leafy green vegetables (including collard greens, kale, and bok choy)
• broccoli
• salmon with bones
• tofu
• enriched fruit juices and cereals

Unfortunately, calcium isn't always absorbed that efficiently in your child's stomach. Vitamin D is essential for proper calcium absorption. 200 IUs of vitamin D everyday will help calcium to be absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, ensuring that your child gets the most out of his calcium intake.

Vitamin D is produced by the body when it is exposed to sunlight, particularly between the months of April and October. Encourage your child to be active outdoors during this time period. Large amounts of vitamin D can also be found in egg yolks and fish.

Does your kid ignore foods with calcium in them? Here are some suggestions for upping the calcium intake in every day foods.

• Try adding flavored syrup to a glass of milk. Chocolate, strawberry, and even banana syrup can make milk or yogurt more appealing. Look for syrups with little sugar and no additives.

• Sprinkle some cheese on top of vegetables, or add a light cheese sauce over vegetables!

• Make soups and warm cereals with milk instead of water. This is a great way to sneak some extra calcium into kid's diet.

• Add low-fat ice cream or yogurt to a variety of different fruits. This will not only increase your child's calcium intake, but it will also encourage him to develop his taste for healthy food items.

Part of the battle here is to keep your child entertained and also to make sure that he or she gets calcium served up in the tastiest ways you can dream up.

Parenting Tips
, , , , , ,