by Melissa Kay | Nov 15, 2019 | Blog, News |
Kids have been eating cereal for breakfast for what seems like forever. The simple meal makes mornings easy, with minimal prep work or clean up. Perfect for busy mornings when moms and dads don’t have much time. Kids love the crunch, and parents are pleased that they are getting something into their children’s bellies before school. While the basic bowl of cereal and milk is tasty, jazzing it up makes the standard stand out. These add-ons and switch-ups will create some excitement, and breakfast will become even better. Go Nuts! Spoon in mixed nuts and get great texture as well as some protein. If your child is nut-free, try seeds instead. Fun With Fruit Add some mixed berries, sliced banana, or even dried fruit to add freshness and flavor. Mix Up Your Milk Go for almond milk or soymilk instead of “regular” for a difference in taste. On special occasions, let the kids use strawberry or chocolate milk as a treat. Cereal Combos Who said you have to stick to just one cereal? Pour two or three kinds into one bowl for a “mash-up” the kids will crave. Go For Yogurt Instead of milk, mix dry cereal into yogurt. The creaminess is cool and curbs those morning hunger pangs. Sweeten The Deal Choose less-sugary cereals but still get that sweet tooth satisfied by drizzling some honey into the bowl. You don’t need much to make a difference. Any tips on turning a boring bowl of cereal into something special? Share your ideas in the comments section. For more information like this, please visit All My Children’s blogs. By: Melissa...
by Melissa Kay | Nov 8, 2019 | Blog, News |
Parents who have more than one child know that every moment isn’t bliss. Even those who have kids who are best friends see them bicker, bother one another, and sometimes something worse. It’s human nature for siblings to go at it. As KidsHealth explains, “Often, sibling rivalry starts even before the second child is born, and continues as the kids grow and compete for everything from toys to attention. As kids reach different stages of development, their evolving needs can significantly affect how they relate to one another.” Call it competition, or maybe just some level of “I can’t stand you!” As long as no one is getting hurt or humiliated, parents ought to let the kids sort things out on their own. They’ll need to learn how to get along with others, and starting at home with those closest to them is a great start. Deep down, there’s a deep connection and a pure love that siblings share. If rivalry rears its ugly head and they go at it from time to time, it’s a test of their bond, even when it’s temporarily broken. What To Do? Don’t fret or try to figure it out for them. Of course, they can’t get physical or emotionally tear each other apart, so if something severe is happening in the household, it’s your way or the highway, so to speak. As the parent, you lay down the law, no matter how much the kids are at each other’s throats. Otherwise, kids have their own way of navigating their way through the world, and sibling rivalry is a stage. Some siblings will...
by Melissa Kay | Nov 4, 2019 | Blog, News |
Kids love pancakes, plain and simple. With a pat of butter and drenched in maple syrup, this meal never fails to delight. Even frozen pancakes are pretty good, especially when they’re served on a school day. Sure beats out a boring bowl of oatmeal. If you want to whip up something fast for the kids before they head to school, pick pancakes. Use the pre-made frozen kind for convenience, and the meal is halfway made. With these extra touches and add-ons, the kids will be impressed with your culinary skills. You’ll just be happy they’ve got something warm in their bellies before school. Banana Walnut Pancakes Heat up the pancakes as directed and top with sliced bananas, chopped walnuts, a sprinkle of brown sugar, and a dash of cinnamon. Some pancake syrup for dipping adds another sweet touch. Simple and satisfying, this combo is a classic. Cherry Berry Pancakes After heating up the pancakes, top with sliced strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and a few maraschino cherries. You can also warm up some jam and pour over top. Sweet And Sour Pancakes Warm up the pancakes and top with a dollop of sour cream, then drizzle with honey. The flavors are fresh and fantastic together. If you don’t have sour cream on hand, Greek yogurt or even whipped cream cheese works well. Peanut Butter And Jelly Pancakes When the pancakes are ready, take two and spread some peanut butter and jelly on one of them. Top with the other pancake for a twist on the PB&J sandwich. The kids can even take it to go. What do you like to do...
by Melissa Kay | Nov 1, 2019 | Blog, News |
It’s just the start of the month, but November is always immediately associated with Thanksgiving. Once Halloween is over and done with, we’re on to the next big holiday. From the turkey to the apple pie, families love all the delicious food at the Thanksgiving feast. But there is more to the holiday than feeling satiated…or stuffed. It’s about giving thanks – to our loved ones, the things we have, our health, happiness, and life in general. These children’s books are perfect for this time of year. Their Thanksgiving themes are great teaching tools for young children learning more about the holiday. Plus, whenever there’s an opportunity to open a book and read with your child, take it! 10 Fat Turkeys by Tony Johnston 10 Fat Turkeys is a fun rhyming read with silly stories of turkeys and their many activities. It teaches kids to count backwards, another useful perk from this entertaining book filled with colorful and creative illustrations. The Thankful Book by Todd Parr Caring for others, respecting the world around us, and giving thanks to those who mean so much are all incorporated into The Thankful Book. This one’s a special read that gives children insight into the meaning of Thanksgiving and why they’re so special too. Happy Thanksgiving, Curious George by H.A. Rey Fans of the adorable monkey Curious George will be delighted to read this tabbed board book with their kids. Happy Thanksgiving, Curious George is a fun read as George adores all aspects of the holiday, from the parades to the plentiful food. Llama Llama Gives Thanks by Anna Dewdney The small size...
by Melissa Kay | Oct 17, 2019 | Blog, News |
As Halloween approaches, get into the spirit sooner by diving into a great book. Kids who are eager for the 31st to arrive can get a jumpstart on the holiday by flipping through the pages of a Halloween-themed book. From pumpkins to costumes to ghosts and goblins, these kid-friendly books will make the season a little bit spookier. Spooky Pookie by Sandra Boynton Pookie is an adorable pig who’s not quite sure what to dress up as for Halloween. With cute illustrations and lots of laughs, kids will read Spooky Pookie from cover to cover. Room On The Broom by Julia Donaldson A witch is flying through the sky with her kitty cat when her stuff blows away. Some friendly animals find her stuff and hope to take a broomstick ride as a reward. What happens next? Room On The Broom will keep kids on their toes. Peek-a-Boooo! by Sandra Magsamen Little ones who love to see and touch will enjoy the multi-sensory experience Peek-a-Boooo! has to offer. The pages have mirrors so kids can see themselves in various costumes, setting the tone for a terrific Halloween. Arthur’s Halloween: An Arthur Adventure by Marc Brown When Arthur and his sister are off trick-or-treating, she finds herself inside a spooky house. Arthur musters up the confidence to go in to get her out. Arthur’s Halloween: An Arthur Adventure is a suspenseful story, perfect for the spirit of the season. Have a Happy Halloween! Reading these books will make the festivities even more fun. Do your kids have Halloween-themed books they like to read? Share the titles in the comments. For...
by Melissa Kay | Oct 10, 2019 | Blog, News |
Some children are reluctant to speak up in class. Even if they understand the lessons and know the answers, participating makes them fearful. Be it because they’re shy or worried about what others might think, the idea of having all eyes on them is dreadful. Even when the other students do their share, kids who refrain from participating aren’t inspired enough by their peers to follow suit. There are teachers who require that every child chimes in, but some only select from the ones who raise their hands and actively contribute. The silent students are more like bystanders who do learn, but they’re not getting as much as they can out of each lesson. Parents can help their children feel more confident and comfortable by practicing at home. It may take some time getting used to, but before long, these kids will be a regular part of the classroom activities. Your encouragement will boost their self-esteem, and the stronger your child becomes, the more they’ll shine like the stellar student they know they are inside. Here are some ways you can help your child come out of their shell and stand out. Read books out loud together Practice spelling Introduce them to new people Join after-school clubs and teams Volunteer Call family friends and relatives Record family activities Put on puppet shows Do family singalongs Host a neighborhood potluck dinner or picnic Form a kids’ book club Enter a talent show While you’re out doing errands, suggest your child ask questions and make requests to store clerks and cashiers Simply do things that help get your child to step...
by Melissa Kay | Oct 5, 2019 | Blog, News |
We all obviously love our kids unconditionally. Saying the words straight to them rolls naturally off our tongues. We kiss and hug them, tuck them in at night, and provide a strong and soft shoulder to cry on. These demonstrations of love come second nature, and children find comfort in knowing we’re there for them through the good, bad, and in-between. Along with the usual displays of our adoration, there are the subtle ways we can confirm our everlasting love for our children. There is no need for grand gestures when the most genuine acts are so substantial. Kids don’t require a lot to know they are loved. Purity and simplicity can be just as moving as monumental moments. Here are some little ways to show you care. You’ll know you’ve made a difference when you see their eyes sparkle and smiles from ear to ear. Some Quick Thoughts Leave a sweet or silly note in their lunch box Share a secret you’ve never told a soul Steal a squeeze when they least expect it Cuddle up on the couch on a cold afternoon Make pancakes (at least once a week) instead of serving cold cereal Give them a small gift for no reason at all Compliment them on something they’ve been struggling with Remind them why they’re unique Give them five reasons why they are a good friend Sing along to their favorite song Do an impromptu dance party after supper Sneak into their room while they’re pretending to sleep and whisper something loving in their ear See, it’s the small things kids will remember when they look...
by Melissa Kay | Oct 1, 2019 | Blog, News |
October brings the fun of fall. There’s pumpkin picking, jumping into piles of leaves, pie making, and we’re back to a warmer wardrobe. Perhaps the thing kids look forward to the most is Halloween. As soon as we flip the calendar page to October, thoughts of trick-or-treating, costumes, parties, and decorations come to children’s minds. Of course, parents don’t condone gorging on sugary treats all the time, but on this one day of the year, most moms and dads loosen up and let the kids have at it. With so many mini chocolate bars and other crave-worthy confections, it’s too hard not to let the kids dig in. And plenty of parents rummage through their kids’ sacks seeking their favorite treats. Shhh…don’t tell the kids! Some Ideas… This year bring out the joy of Halloween by going all out. How about doing a collaborative costume theme for the entire family? You can decorate the inside and outside of the house to get that “haunted” spirit that makes Halloween stand out. It would be fun to throw a party and invite the kids from school to come by for games and snacks. Of course, trick-or-treating is a thrill as the kids go door-to-door and hope each house is well-stocked with candy to hand out. If your child’s school allows for dress-up, perhaps you can have two costumes this year – one for school and one for trick-or-treating. This would be exiting for the kids who aren’t sure which one to pick. Pack them a Halloween-themed lunch by using a pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter to turn their sandwich into a work of...
by Melissa Kay | Sep 27, 2019 | Blog, News |
My name is Miri Michel. I was born and raised in Israel and migrated to the states in my preteen years. I have been living in New York ever since. My better half is Michael and we are parents to 7 children. Yes, 7 crazy, amazing children. Raquel, Lia, Hillel, Harel, Ari, Adele, and Yosef. My children are my biggest teachers and simulators in this thing called life. I hold a dual degree in early childhood education and education with special needs. I have been in the educational field for over 15 years part of which I’ve worked as a SEIT and classroom teacher. I currently hold a position as a FCC educational coordinator at AMC. I’m excited to be working with AMC and looking forward to continued learning and growth in the field of...
by Melissa Kay | Sep 27, 2019 | Blog, News |
Hello, I am Lindsay Cieri. I’m a new member of the Educational Coordinator team at All My Children. Raised in Cleveland, Ohio, I have been living in NYC for the past nine years. I’m passionate about working with children and collaborating with teachers! I’ve received a dual Masters in Teaching from Fordham University in Early Childhood and Early Childhood Special Education (Birth-Grade 2). I was a lead teacher at two Special Education preschools in NYC and a lead literacy teacher for children seventeen months through eight years old at a literacy enrichment program. I am looking forward to working with the talented teachers and staff at All My...
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