Follow Your Child’s Daydreams

William Martin once wrote, “Do you have agendas for your children that are more important than the children themselves?” In today’s society it seems that the lives of children are far too occupied for them to pursue and develop a particular interest. The joyful and sometimes slow creative process is trampled by the perceived necessity to get things done as quickly as possible.

“Do they have time to daydream? From your children’s dreams will emerge the practices and activities that will make self-discipline as natural as breathing,” said Martin. We can often lose sight of this idea given the tough demands on our daily lives, but most parents would agree that this is exactly what they want for their children.

Actively listening to your children will provide you with the necessary clues to discover what truly motivates them. Awareness of these interests can help them engage intellectually and really focus their efforts. In time, creativity and self-discipline will indeed become as natural as breathing.

While there are those who like to think some people are born geniuses, the expert consensus is that genius takes time and opportunity to develop. As noted by neuropsychologist Rex Jung, exceptionally high-level achievement is a dynamic interplay between intelligence and creativity. Experts also agree that creativity is a significant component of genius. Intelligence, expertise, and creativity are the result of a parent listening to their children’s passions, not trying to dictate them.

Simple everyday activities like daydreaming and recess can have significant impact on this development, as children are given the opportunity to try different things, and make mistakes. As time passes, curiosity begins to transform into passions, and is thus transformed in creativity and genius. The simple act of listening to your child can be the difference between the ordinary and extraordinary.

from Kathleen Berry-Hebert http://ift.tt/1uw1zEF

It’s Flu Season: Get your Vitamin D!

During flu season, it’s vital for children to keep their vitamin D at optimum levels. The common flu in scientific terms is a deficiency of vitamin D. A sufficient amount of vitamin D produces enough antimicrobial peptides, which protect the body from the flu. Vitamin D deficiency has been increasing in the United States in the last two decades. Below are 10 of symptoms that one might endure when experiencing a vitamin D deficiency.

1) Muscle weakness – When someone is experiencing muscle weakness, they are most likely lacking in vitamin D. People who suffer from a deficiency in vitamin D are often having trouble with certain muscle functions.

2) Chronic pain – People experiencing chronic pain in their bones or muscles could have an issue with their vitamin D levels.  A study in Minneapolis took into account 150 patients with chronic pain. 93% of those patients had very low levels of vitamin D.

3) Constant fatigue – one of the main attributes of vitamin D is that it produces energy for the body. If someone is constantly tired, it’s best if they get their vitamin D levels checked.

4) Psoriasis – Vitamin D plays a major role in treating patients with psoriasis. Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder that could possibly be related to low vitamin D levels.

5) Depression – this psychological disorder might just be an issue with your diet and nutrition. Vitamin D is vital for producing serotonin in the brain.  Some people who suffer from depression might only suffer during the winter months. This is because a lack of sun is directly correlated with a lack of vitamin D.

6) Regular respiratory issues – if low levels of vitamin D coincide with the flu, then it only makes sense that people who have a consistent symptom of the flu (respiratory issues) might have low levels of vitamin D.

7) Sweaty head – A sweaty head is a symptom of rickets, which is the most dangerous and common form of vitamin D deficiency in kids.

8) Hypertension – A deficiency is vitamin D is a factor that might lead to hear failure. People who suffer from high blood pressure are often told to increase their dosage of vitamin D in the form of fermented cod liver oil.

9) Chronic Kidney Disease – Heart failure and disease is commonly linked to kidney disease. Seeing as hear failure is connected to low volumes of vitamin D, we can only conclude that there is also a connection to kidney diseases.

10)  Vitamin D is an important element in creating a stronger immune system. If someone is constantly sick, then they might be suffering from diminished Vitamin D levels.

from Kathleen Berry-Hebert http://ift.tt/1uN69zX