February is Black History Month. It’s a chance to honor those that have inspired equality for all people. Celebrating Black History Month is a great way to introduce your children to inspirational figures. Learning about history can be an amazing thing for your family to share.
Dr. Carter G. Woodson started the movement to honor black history by founding Negro History Week, which was the second week of February, in 1926. February was chosen
because it honored the birth of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, two men who fought to free American slaves. In 1976 Black History Month was created. Before the 20th century blacks had been ignored in the history books, which is why this month became so important.
Your family can spend Black History Month reading children’s books about notable African Americans. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Barak Obama and Jackie Robinson are just a few. But there are plenty of other people to learn about, such as Garret Morgan, the inventor of the traffic light and gas mask. Dr. Mae Jemison is another inspirational figure to learn about, she was the first African American woman in space! There are so many amazing African American stories worth sharing with your family this month.
Many museums and parks are celebrating Black History Month. Take the opportunity to go on family trips to places that are honoring this month. It’s a great way to start a conversation with your kids about equality.
Looking for some new music to play in the car? Try great black musicians like Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington or some Motown. It’s music your kids can fall in love with and you can enjoy too!
Celebrating equality is something we should do year round and Black History Month is a great place to start!
Posted under Uncategorized by Ryann McCabe 04.02.2012
Do you prefer the sun shining to the snow falling? Maybe you’d rather be chasing your kids around in shorts and a t-shirt instead of a jacket and boots. Counting down the days till winter ends is no fun. Nobody likes the winter blues. But winter isn’t all dreary days and cold nights. As shocking as it may sound there are some great things about winter. So pull on your snow hat and bundle up the kids because winter can be just as fun as summer!
Fresh fallen snow. There is something so quiet and beautiful about a fresh snowfall. Winter is nature’s time to hibernate and the snow is like a blanket to cover it.
Comfort food. Winter is a time for thick soup, warm bread and hot coco. Even if you dislike winter it’s hard to hate the food. Everything is rich and delicious; don’t be afraid to indulge yourself!
Snuggling. Summer might be a time to play in the sun but being hot and sweaty doesn’t make cuddling fun. In the winter you can light a fire and gather your family around a good movie. It’s a chance to spend some quality time with your little ones.
The sun in the morning. Changing the clocks in winter means the sun greats you in the morning. It also means you gain an hour of sleep!
Holidays. Winter is all about spending time with family, especially around the holidays. Whether it’s Christmas, Hanukah, New Years Eve or Valentines Day there’s always a chance to celebrate with the ones you love.
Winter activities. If you’re an outdoorsy person winter doesn’t have to stop you from being outside. There is so much to do in the snow! Build snowmen, go sledding, and take the kids ice-skating. The fun doesn’t have to stop just because the cold has arrived!
Every season has things you love and hate about it. But you don’t have to dread winter when you think of the fun things it brings!
Posted under Fun and games by Ryann McCabe 31.01.2012
The Chinese New Year is the most important holiday in Chinese culture. This year it fell on January 23rd. The New Year is steeped in ancient history and tradition. According to Chinese time keeping the year 2012 is their 4,709th year! Each year corresponds to a different animal; it could be a rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, chicken, dog, or pig year. The year 2012 is a dragon year. China is expecting an influx of babies born this year as parents hope to have a kid during the lucky dragon year. So what if you’re planning on giving birth to a little dragon this year? Here are some things that could mean for you.
The dragon is considered the most fortunate of the 12 zodiac signs. The last time we celebrated a Year of the Dragon was in 2000. The dragon is a free spirit and doesn’t like to conform. Be prepared to raise an independent child! Dragons also like to go big. Everything they do is on a grand scale from ideas to gestures. But they aren’t trying to show-off, it’s just part of their personality. Dragons are considered successful because they aren’t afraid of a challenge and have a lot of confidence. Many Chinese parents hope to have a dragon baby so he or she will be successful later in life. Dragons are always willing to help others but have a hard time asking for help themselves. You might notice that as your dragon baby grows and explores. Dragons are also considered lucky. Imagine what your baby can accomplish with such ambitious traits!
You might not need to worry about your baby catching a cold from school because people born during the Year of the Dragon are supposed to have good health. But their ambitious natures can get the better of them and wear them out. At home your baby will be full of imagination and creativity. It sounds like there will never be a dull moment with a dragon baby! Does your baby not get along with someone at daycare? It could be because that baby was born during the Year of the Dog. Dragons and dogs don’t get along but your baby will make fast friends with those born during the Year of the Rat or Monkey.
Wishing you health and happiness as you raise your dragon baby!
Posted under Interesting Info by Ryann McCabe 26.01.2012
Cold and flu season is upon us. It feels like germs wait until the coldest part of the year to wreak havoc on our homes. And once one family member gets sick, everyone in the house catches it! How is a parent supposed to compete against microscopic germs? While we might not be able to fight them face to face, there are ways to reduce your contact to germs. Teaching healthy habits now will keep your kids flu free in the future.
Germs get into your system mostly through the nose, mouth and eyes. So if you touch a dirty doorknob and then rub your eyes you’ve just given germs an easy path into you. Obviously we can’t avoid every germ-covered surface but we can avoid touching our faces after. Remind your kids not to rub their eyes or put their fingers in their mouths if they haven’t washed their hands.
Be an over sanitizer. Carry wipes in your bag to use on things like shopping cart handles. Carry hand sanitizer to use after shaking hands or opening doorknobs. It only takes a few seconds to sanitize but it can make a difference. There are even alcohol free hand sanitizers out there so they won’t dry out your skin.
Cover that mouth! Teach your kids the importance of covering their mouth and nose when they cough or sneeze. Kids tend to use their hands for these purposes but instead encourage them to use their arm. Pack travel size tissues in their backpacks so they’re prepared at school
Soap is best. Constantly using antibacterial sanitizer can strip your skin of good bacteria. It’s great to use when on the go but when you can, use soap. Studies have shown that washing your hands twice in a row can even be more effective than using antibacterial products.
Don’t touch that knob! You might feel like you’re acting paranoid but opening public bathroom doors and faucets with a paper towel is just good germ prevention.
Taking a few minutes a day to protect yourself from germs can go a long way. Start making these steps part of your daily routine and you’ll protect you and your family from flu season.
Posted under Uncategorized by Ryann McCabe 24.01.2012
It’s late at night and it seems you’ve been up forever. Can you even remember the last time you had a full nights sleep? Welcome to new parenthood. Those sleepless nights are definitely not a myth. Though it might seem impossible, getting a good nights sleep is important for a parent. You’re more alert and can focus when you’re well rested. But obviously baby doesn’t know that! Otherwise he’d let you sleep. Try to use the advice of parents that have been there to help your baby fall asleep.
*Create a stress free sleep environment. It can seem impossible to this when you have so much going on but relaxing your baby before bedtime can help him stay asleep. An hour or so before his bedtime make it quiet time. You’ll find you appreciate a rest from the hustle and bustle too.
*Be flexible with the sleeping arrangement. Every baby is different, some prefer their own crib, and others want to sleep next to mommy and daddy. Experiment with where the baby sleeps to see where he’s happiest. It might not be what you expected but if it means a full nights sleep go with it!
*Nap with your baby. That’s right you take a nap too! All to often parents use baby’s naptime to “get stuff done.” But how much are you really going to get done in that short period of time? It’s worth it for you to take some down time as well. Pick a time during the day when you’re most tired and lay down with your baby. Stick to this schedule so he’s used to naptime. It might sound surprising but babies who nap are more likely to sleep through the night.
*Bath time before bedtime. A nice warm bath before bed soothes most people to sleep, even babies. Make it a ritual to give him a calm bath before bed and then snuggle him up in some comfy pajamas. It’ll help lull him to sleep.
*Daddy time. Did you know the vibrations from a man’s voice have a calming effect on a baby? Before bed place your baby’s head on daddy’s throat and have him rock baby to sleep. His soothing voice will aid you during bedtime and it’s a great chance to create a baby – daddy ritual!
*Check for GER. You know how painful heartburn can be. If you’ve run out of techniques and baby is still waking every night he might have gastroesophagael reflux. This is when stomach acids are regurgitated into the esophagus. If your baby is colicky it could be because he suffers from GER. Talk to your pediatrician about how to ease your baby to sleep.
It might seem like your nights with no sleep are endless but take comfort in the fact that they really won’t last forever. Before you know it your baby will be a teenager and you’ll never be able to get him up!
Posted under Uncategorized by Ryann McCabe 20.01.2012
“There’s nothing to do!” How many times have you heard these words from the mouths of your little ones and had to come up with activities for them? With snow day season upon us you might be hearing those words more than you’d like. But never fear! Despite what your kids might think, there are things to do during the snowy cold. And with a few good ideas you can even get them outside!
*Have a snowman building contest. Give your kids some old clothes and challenge them to see who can build and dress a snowman the fastest. It’s a fun way to switch up a classic snow day activity.
*Examine snowflakes. Take a piece of black felt and catch some snowflakes on it. Use a magnifying glass to examine the intricate beauty of each one. Your kids won’t believe that every snowflake is unique and so beautiful!
*Draw on the snow. Mix food coloring and water and put it in spray bottles or use a paintbrush to draw pictures on the snow in fun colors.
*Go for a hike. The snow leaves behind some great footprints in the woods. Go for a walk and see if you can spot any prints left behind by some fuzzy animals.
* Have a scavenger hunt…with ice cubes! Use food coloring and freeze some ice cubes then hide them in the snow and have your kids go for a hunt.
With these great ideas soon you’ll find your kids saying “There’s so much to do!”
Posted under Uncategorized by Ryann McCabe 18.01.2012
How many times have you found yourself wondering what to do with the kids on the weekend? At Funkoos we’ve found ourselves asking the same question and wanted to come up with a solution. So we created the Funkoos Activity Finder (http://www.funkoos.com/kids-activity-finder.html). It’s a place where parents can search for activities and events in their area. But it gets even better! The activity reviews are written by other parents so you know you’re getting a great opinion. We wanted to create a place where parents could connect and share their suggestions. But why should you add an activity? Because you can get a Funkoos Gift Card! For every activity you submit you earn points towards a Funkoos Gift Card. The more you submit the more you earn! It’s our goal to create a community that keeps on growing and sharing. So check out the Activity Finder and start earning your way to some great Funkoos clothes!
Posted under Uncategorized by Ryann McCabe 12.01.2012
A great resolution your family can make this year is eating healthier. A diet rich in good food gives you energy; make you feel better and keeps you strong. Introducing a variety of foods early will help your child develop into a conscious, good eater who makes healthy choices. Starting your family on the healthy food track is easy; all it takes is that first balanced plate!
Go organic. This is a great first step towards a change in diet. It’s good for you and the environment. Make shopping organic a family event by going to the local farmer’s market. You’ll not only be introducing your child to new food but also supporting your local businesses. Try to keep an open mind while shopping, if your child shows interest in a fruit or vegetable you’ve never had offer to buy one for them to try. Experimentation is key when switching to a healthy diet. Encourage your child’s inquisitive side whenever they want to try a new food.
A good rule of thumb when cooking a meal is that you want a variety of colors on your plate. Different (naturally) colored food offer different things. Think of all the colors you find in a basic salad alone! Another good tip is portioning food out. You want half your plate to be fruits or veggies. You also want the majority of your grains to be whole ones (such as whole-wheat flour and brown rice). The protein at your meal doesn’t have to be chicken. Beans, peas, eggs and nuts are also rich in protein. If the main part of your meal is beans you’ve covered both your protein and your vegetable in one dish!
As any parent knows kids usually don’t like change. The best way to make sure your healthy food resolution doesn’t fly out the door is to introduce food slowly. Don’t serve an entirely strange meal. Switch your sandwich bread from white to whole-wheat or your cheese to a fat free kind. Start serving 1% milk instead of richer kinds. Set an example by how you dish out your plate. Even if your kids are still insisting on the dreaded “all white diet” they’ll slowly learn by example. Don’t make healthy food a punishment and dessert a reward. It can be a difficult balancing act to get your child to change their diet but the rewards will last a lifetime.
How do you get your kids to eat healthy?
Posted under Organic Food by Ryann McCabe 10.01.2012
2011 has come to an end and 2012 is here. Here at Funkoos we’ve had a great year but we’re even more excited about what’s to come! We think raising kids in 2012 will be a blast and here are our top 5 reasons why:
1. Funkoos going global!
We’re traveling around the world spreading the word about going organic. We can’t wait for what’s in store in the year to come.
2. There’s a new heroine in town
Pixar, the creators of Toy Story and Finding Nemo, are coming out with a new movie called Brave. It features a curly haired young girl who proves that boys aren’t the only heros. We’re excited there’s a character our daughters can look up to.
3. The Olympics
This year London will be hosting the summer Olympics. England has been taking a green approach with buildings being energy efficient and construction processes focusing on a limited carbon footprint. Sounds awesome!
4. Leap for joy
This year will be a leap year! Hello February 29th!
5. Driving green
More and more car companies are offering hybrid cars and we’re excited for the developments to come.
What’re you excited about in 2012?
Posted under Uncategorized by Ryann McCabe 04.01.2012
We are super excited to extend the Funkoos family to Europe! In honor of this here are some fun facts from across the pond:
- In Sweden moms and dads can be absent from work until their baby is 18 months old. That’s some great maternity leave!
- The top baby names in France are Nathan and Emma. Do you know anyone with those names?
- Many Germans follow a holistic birth plan recommended by their doctors. They might have herbal teas and homeopathic medicine instead of medication.
- In Italy children in preschool wear an apron called a “grembiule” over their clothes. It’s supposed to keep their clothes clean but also makes wearing name brand clothes not a distraction.
- If you have a baby in Spain be prepared to throw a merienda. It’s a celebration held at the new mothers home where she has snacks and everyone ogles the baby. The men typically go out for a drink at the local bar.
- English folklore says pregnant women typically crave a snack of coal. Yuck!
- In Switzerland it’s considered bad luck to announce the name of your baby before it’s born.
So next time you’re in Austria remember this wise phrase: Kindermund tut Wahrheit kund. That means “children always speak the truth.” Europe is quite an interesting place! Do you know any interesting European facts???
Posted under Interesting Info by Ryann McCabe 28.12.2011
