We are starting the second month of 2024, and many of us are assessing our New Year’s resolutions. How are yours going? I will say I am making progress, but definitely not at perfection.
Two of my resolutions are to read more and to exercise more consistently. I started working with a registered dietician in September and developed some healthy nutrition habits. I feel really good. However, I need to strengthen my exercise habits. So when my RD recommended the book Atomic Habits, reading and helping form an exercise routine seemed like a win/win. I thought if I could read the book on the treadmill, that would be multi-tasking at its best. Alas, that lasted only a few days. I finally realized that I am too social to work out alone. So, I have ditched solo fitness and joined some classes. Now I look forward to it and am having a lot of fun!
Experts will tell you that when forming new habits, it is essential to evaluate and, if necessary, change your environment. That’s especially true when forming healthy food habits. When we aren’t prepared, and hunger sets in, grabbing whatever may be lingering in our pantry is easy, especially with “kid food” hanging around. How do we work around that? In this month’s feature Turn Your Junk Food Junkies into Healthy Eating Kids – 8 Tips Every Mom Should Know, Kara Ferraro addresses that very question. With this solution, everybody wins!
This month, we also focus on our annual “Childcare/Preschool” issue. Each February, we gather information to help you in the decision-making process of choosing the right childcare/preschool for your family. Whether you are a new mom getting ready to go back to work or just deciding it is time for your child to experience a preschool setting, you will find some great points to consider in What To Look For When You’re Looking For A Daycare by Tanni Haas, Ph.D.
Once you have finished reading the feature and have your checklist ready, you will want to flip over to the Childcare Directory. Here, you will find an extensive list of daycare centers, preschools, and mother’s morning out programs in the area. Do your research on the ones you are interested in, make a visit (or several), and ask questions. While you are visiting centers, make sure you listen to your gut, too. Just because a specific preschool/daycare is a good fit for your best friend does not necessarily mean it is the perfect fit for you. Every family has different needs and personalities, so make sure you find childcare that is an excellent fit for yours.
Keeping with the theme of change and transitions, it won’t be long until we transition from winter’s cooler temps to the warmer days of spring. With this welcome change also comes our March SUMMER CAMP issue! So, if your business, organization, or school plans to host a summer camp this year, please let us know by February 9. The March issue will be full of fantastic camp opportunities, and you want to ensure yours is included!
In the meantime, remember to check out the Family Calendar, where you will find plenty of fun family activities and Mardi Gras happenings to keep the good times rolling all month long!
Author: Lynn Knighton
Lynn has called the Mobile Bay area home since 2006 with her husband Brad and their 3 daughters. Following the sale of her Abrakadoodle franchise, Lynn still wanted to serve families and help them thrive. Becoming the Publisher of Mobile Bay Parents was the perfect opportunity. Now she invests into family's lives each month by providing the with the area's #1 go-to resource for moms and dads.
