New York City Ballet soloist, Antonio Carmena, returns to Palos Verdes to teach at a local ballet summer intensive at Peninsula School of Performing Arts (PSPA) in Lunada Bay.

This two week  summer intensive for intermediate and advanced students has been coordinated with Dance Peninsula Ballet and boasts an impressive lineup of instructors.  In addition to Mr. Carmena, classes will also be taught by Dance Peninsula Ballet’s Artistic Director, Roberto Almaguer.  Mr. Almaguer is a former Ballet Nacional de Cuba principal dancer and a well know Master Ballet Instructor throughout the United States and Internationally.   Other ballet faculty will include Julia Ortega a former Ballet Nacional de Cuba principal dancer and a member of the faculty at the Trudl Zipper Dance Institute at The Colburn School,  Vera Ninkovic who completed her training at the Royal Ballet School in London and Marina Kalinina who attended the prestigious Bolshoi Ballet Academy and has performed as a soloist in over 60 countries with ballet and character dance companies including Moiseyev & Berioska.  Rounding out the dance experience will be the opportunity to take classes with Broadway dancer Michael Pereira.  This is truly a unique program for Palos Verdes and South Bay dancers and is conveniently located on the Peninsula.

Auditions will be held on June 2nd at 10:30am at 2325 Palos Verdes Drive West, Ste. 106, Palos Verdes Estates.

Program dates are June 18-29th and classes take place from 9:30am to 3:30pm.  For additional information go to www.pspadance.com or call (310) 375-1398.

Don’t underestimate the importance of good manners, even when you are with family members. Kids have a tendency to get lazy about good manners when they are with family. It’s important to teach your kids that just because we are with people that we are comfortable with, doesn’t mean we can forget how to behave. Kids love to impress relatives, so make the most of every family gathering with these simple tips for kids:

1. Let your kids know that relatives love being greeted, especially if they haven’t seen them in a while. It’s important to stop what they are doing and say hello to people.
2. When they are a guest, remind your kids to be flexible and patient with food. People don’t always eat at the same time as you do and feeding a large group of people can sometimes take extra time. If you think that they will be served later than usual, be prepared and bring a snack for your child to avoid any whining.
3. Put technology AWAY. If your child is sucked into their itouch or cell phone, they will miss out on all of the family fun.  Childhood memories are created with family members, not devices.
4. “I’m bored mom!” Sound familiar? Tell your child not to sit around and mope. Encourage them to grab a relative and strike up a conversation. Challenge your child to find out something they didn’t know about another family member and report back to you.
5. Take pictures- get your child a disposable camera or let them borrow yours.  Kids love to take pictures and this is a great way to keep them entertained. Plus, your child will be so excited when you share their photos the next week with the family.
6. Always have your child say goodbye and thank you to the host! This is great training for life.

The summer season is right around the corner, and for approximately 10 million children nationwide, this means one thing — it’s time to start gearing up for camp! There is a lot more to consider than just shorts and t-shirts when packing for camp. The American Camp Association® (ACA) provides the following tips to help families get ready for the perfect fun-filled camp experience.

• Pack Light— Remember your camper will be living out of a duffel bag, trunk, or suitcase for the duration. Packing light helps campers keep track of items and guarantees that they can handle their own luggage at camp.
  Check Camp Packing Lists — Individual camps should provide a recommended camp packing list, complete with any required equipment, preferred footwear, etc. Be sure to carefully review what is needed, paying special attention to those items that may not be permitted at camp.
• Label, Label, Label — Laundry pens, iron-on labels, and press and stick labels will distinguish your camper’s belongings from those of other cabin or tent mates. Most camps ask that you label each item, including clothing, personal items, and toiletries. Make sure that your child can identify the label used.
• Wear Those Shoes! — Make sure that your child’s clothing and footwear are comfortable and appropriate. Sending a camper in brand-new hiking boots can result in sore feet and time spent sitting out of exciting activities.
• Plan Together — Decisions about camp, like what to pack, should be made together. The more ownership your camper has in these decisions, the easier the adjustment and transition to camp will be.

Families should contact their camp director for specific questions and packing suggestions. For more information on preparing and packing for camp, families can also visit ACA’s family resource site at www.CampParents.org.

About ACA
 – The American Camp Association® (ACA) works to preserve, promote, and enhance the camp experience for children and adults. ACA-Accredited® camp programs ensure that children are provided with a diversity of educational and developmentally challenging learning opportunities. There are over 2,400 ACA-accredited camps that meet up to 300 health and safety standards. For more information, visit www.ACAcamps.org.

Congratulations to our 5 finalists in the 2012 Cutest Kid Cover Photo Contest!

Congratulations to our 5 finalists! We had so many adorable kids to narrow it down to 5 – it was so hard but we finally have it!

Voting opens on Sunday, May 20th, 2012 and is open til Saturday, June 2nd. The winner will be announced June 10th and will be the cover photo of our July/August issue.

To place your vote, send an email to photocontest@whatsupforkids.com.  In the subject line, put the number of the photo of the child.  Only one vote per email address.  Multiple votes from the same email address will disqualify all votes from that email address. Voting will close at 5pm PT on June 2nd.

Over the summer I gave you some tips on staying fit once you had gotten your great results.  We were constantly getting testimonials and feedback from the 6 Week Beach Body Program that I wanted to share some “tricks”  that I use to stay slim so all of you who have been dropping weight with us since the summer could keep on track easily!  Well now I have another tip.

Recently I have been reading “French Women Don’t Get Fat” by Mireille Guiliano. I have known about the book for years but have not gotten around to reading it until now.

It’s a very cute book-several times throughout it I thought “I must be French!”  And even though I don’t fully agree with everything she says, her overall points are great and are underutilized here in the US for sure.

One of the points she makes that I have been doing for years without identifying it as a strategic behavior for me is how to eat in line with the seasons but also the time of day. Since the winter brings us heartier vegetables like squash, potatoes and pumpkin, people often are concerned with winter weight gain.

With the likelihood that winter also brings less movement (unless you do winter sports or live in CAJ, it makes sense that we might have this concern.  How I have always balanced my daily intake of calories during the winter, and what Mirelle Guiliano is calling “very French”, is to make soups!

Yes, soup!

And homemade preferably, not out of a can.  During the winter, I love making my vegetable nut soup. Soups are hearty but also provided loads of vitamins and minerals from more vegetables than I would eat in one sitting every day.

Making a soup is a great way to get in those veggies you don’t eat often.  Having soup for dinner balances out the calories over the day and warms your insides as you wind down for the day.

In fact, she inspired me to make a chicken rice soup today!  I got to use the leftover parsley, onions, garlic, carrots and celery from my Thanksgiving preparations.  We had some chicken to use and I was getting bored with chicken dinners so I thought how perfect!  And the weather has been chilly lately so I needed some internal warmth for dinner.

So one of the secrets to staying slim is to incorporate soups regularly into your diet.  If you make them homemade, they most likely will be healthier and enjoyed more for the effort and care you put in.  Plus, making soup is fun!  It’s a one pot meal!

It must be Greek god and goddess time in sixth grade because our daughter struck up a conversation about Artemis this week.

“Who’s he?” I asked.

“DAD! Artemis is a GIRL!”

“Oh…I knew that.”

“She’s the goddess of the hunt. She set up Orion’s Belt.”

“What was the little trollop doing with a guy’s belt?”

“DAD! They were in love! What’s a trollop?”

“Never mind. Who else do you like.”

“Oh! I like Hermes!”

“She’s a little too excited about this one,” I thought. “She better not say, ‘because he’s got a great’… never mind”

“Why do you like Hermes?”

“Oh! Hermes was the god of thieves because he stole something from his brother when he was a kid. Then he became a messenger. That’s why he has wings on his hat and feet.

“Jeesh,” I thought. “If that were true when I was a kid, I’d be a 747!”

“So he started out as a juvenile delinquent and then grew up working for the post office?” I said. “Well at least she got her act together.”

She rolled her eyes, bestowed a final, “DAD!” on me and danced away as I chuckled.

When I get three animated “DADs!” I’m satisfied and call it quits. My work is done. See ya next week!

Bottom line: children involved in household chores learn to share responsibilities, work within a team and become accountable.  We taught our kids that we share everything in our home; “the fun…the love… and the DIRT!”   However, most kids think it’s just a ploy to get the work done!  Which is also true!  But…..until they become the parent…this is how it works.

Not only does assigning jobs (AKA chores) help to get the work done….it also helps adults learn the delegating process.  In the adult work/world, work is assigned with a job description, follow up and recognition upon completion…or consequences for incomplete or poor end result.  At home it frequently amounts to verbal commands shouted from frustration when things start to pile up……like clothes, toys, books, the dishes and more.   Unlike businesses, homes don’t have policies & procedures regarding kids and chores.

What worked well in our home was to first have a meeting of the adults in the home…EG: parents/partners/grandparents, etc. to set a plan for presenting this household procedure program to the kids and the steps following.   This step is crucial!  If the kids think one of you is not “into this chore thing”, they will find a way to side with the “weaker” adult.   Trust me.  They’re smart on these matters.

Once the adults are in agreement, a sit-down meeting takes place with the entire family.  A list of chores for each child & adult is prepared ahead of the meeting time.  Yes, adults have lists also and the kids see that as “fair” and cool!  Be sure to take into consideration that children of various ages and abilities will be assigned their appropriate chores.

A computer wise family member can create an individual Chore Chart template with graphics, their names, etc.  Making charts fun, can add variety to mundane assignments.  Using stickers, and colored marking pens to check off accomplishments add to the interest and involvement.   The creative child can also use a rubber stamp design or sticker to indicate completed work.  The younger set will look upon it as a game or a sign of getting “bigger.”

However, be prepared as most teen-agers will not think this is as much “fun” as their younger siblings.  You might allow them to choose from a list of chores.  Whenever the older kids complained about what was on their list, we (adults) offered them our list in trade. They always refused!

Rewards may come at the end of the week when work is successfully fulfilled or at the month’s end with a special or previously planned reward with the parents or as an individual reward or treat.

With chore charts there is the comfort of structure as the child is aware of his/her work ahead of time with no surprises to ruin playtime or a planned weekend outing. Setting criteria for chores to be completed by the end of the week will not only allow the weekend to be a time of family fun or home projects.   It also teaches children the value of meeting deadlines and commitments.

Children of similar age and abilities can switch their chore assignments (with parental consent) to add variety to their routines as well as developing new skills.  They will also learn that everyone gets a turn at every job so there is less sibling rivalry.  One child isn’t stuck with cleaning up after the animals all the time.

When rotating chores isn’t possible, you may offer to “help them” or trade a job with them for a period of time.

Having a chore chart also means there is no “forgetting” to do something.  Having the chores assigned to specific days of the week or hours of the day can also help.

For example:

1. BEFORE SCHOOL:
•  Feed the dog.
•  Make your bed.
2.  AFTER SCHOOL:
• Set the table for dinner.
• Take out the trash/recycling.
3. MONDAY-WEDNESDAY & FRIDAY:
•  Clean up after the dog.
•  Unload the dishwasher.
4. TUESDAY & THURSDAY:
•  Unload the dishwasher
•  Empty all the wastebaskets.

Families with kids of similar ages may have a special weekend chore solution. E.G.: On Friday evening, all chores for Saturday are written on pieces of paper and placed in a bowl.  Each family member picks one and has until a designated time on Saturday to complete it.  If he/she has plans for Saturday they may choose to do it on Friday evening if possible.  This offers variety, opportunity for strategy and planning on their part.  Teens will go for this one!

Many lessons can be learned from chores & charts…and the work gets done as well!

I had a question last night from a participant on the 6 Week Beach Body Program and she started out by saying, “can I ask a stupid question?”

I replied of course with “there are no stupid questions”

She asked “it’s been very hot here so when do I exercise and what do I do?”

She must have been reading my mind!  I was just about the finish this article and considered this exact topic!  I decided to combine it with my original idea for the focus of this quick tip guide because the answers for both questions go hand in hand with each other.

Last year I read a book called The Kaizen Way. As I was finishing the book , I kept making parallels to how I use this everyday with clients and how the book has given me some new questions to ask and things to suggest- I love it!  I love learning and sharing.  The best teachers are the best students first- in my opinion.

When you want to change a habit or add a new habit, we first have to deal with the resistance to change. Some of us actually love change but we are not the masses.  If you find yourself always putting off trying something new or wanting more out of your life than you currently have, I ask you to consider one of the actions I will describe below for only 60 seconds a day.

60 seconds a day?  Yes.

Psychology research suggests that people who use a journal to chart their emotions receive the same kind of psychological benefit as those who talk to a doctor.  The reason?  Writing in a journal is effective because it is a pretty big deal for most to decide that your emotional life is valuable enough to commit to a book that no one will ever see. Research suggests that clients are supposed to write in the journal for at least 15 minutes a day to receive it’s benefits but the Kaizen Way tested out 60 seconds a day for a month.   One minute after a few weeks became 2 and then 5. At the end of 2 months, the patients had cut down 30-50% of their sabotaging behaviors suggesting that 60 seconds a day was an effective way to start.

So what does this have to do with working out when it’s hot? (or cold- can be applied to any circumstance)

When heat, or any weather condition, is a viable excuse to do nothing, start with the 60 second Kaizen method.  Here is what I said.

1. Workout in the morning before it gets too hot.  If you are already in a routine, do it then or create a 1- 15 minute workout you can do.  I gave the option of an exercise called the Tap Back that I have posted on my You Tube Channel (http://www.youtube.com/jjflizanes)
2. Workout in the evening when it cools off- you don’t have to do a very intense workout- just spend 10-15 minutes with some floor resistance exercises or a brisk walk or stair climbing.
3. Lunch break- find an air conditioned room and do some of the same I have mentioned above. There are many 10-15 minutes routines you can make u p to target core, legs, upper body or to get your heart rate up.
4. Swimming
5. Ice Skating

Keeping SOMETHING going instead of giving up and getting off track will help you stay  consistent, feeling great about the results you will be getting from these activities and eager to do more when the weather cools off and you are able to schedule in a longer or more intense workout.

But also allow yourself time to rest and relax too! The summer is about playing and vacation so do not forget to feed your body and soul some vacation time. There are plenty of water/ ocean activities that are good for your body and will be a lot of fun too!

One of the many joys of parenthood is helping children navigate new waters. And, while often these situations are met with hesitation, slight anxiety — or in the case of some first-time campers, homesickness — it is these moments that develop the twenty-first century skills needed in adulthood. New situations, such as going away to camp, serve as teachers in life’s classroom — developing leadership, self-esteem, teamwork, independence, and problem-solving.

It’s important, even critical, for parents to help children overcome any feelings of hesitation in order to help them grow. Take camp, for example. From a child’s perspective, camp is fun, fun, fun! Parents know that camp provides immeasurable growth opportunities, and is a vital part of childhood. As the day approaches, even the most excited campers sometimes get nervous about being away from home. “Homesickness is completely normal,” said Michael Thompson, consultant, author, and psychologist in a recent PBS Parents article*. “If a child loves his or her parents and has a good home, why wouldn’t he or she feel some longing for mom, for dad, for the dog, or for home cooking?”

It is up to parents, then, to help ease the transition to camp, and help their children grow from the experience. The American Camp Association® (ACA) suggests the following advice to help alleviate anxiety and get a jump start on life’s lessons.

• Encourage independence throughout the year. Practice separations, such as sleepovers at a friend’s house, can simulate the camp environment.
• Involve children in the process of preparing for camp. The more they own the decision, the more comfortable they will feel being at camp.
• Make sure to understand the camp’s philosophy on how issues, such as homesickness, are addressed. Talk candidly with the camp director to understand his/her perspective on the adjustment to camp life.
• Discuss what to expect at camp before leaving for camp. Consider role-playing anticipated situations, such as using a flashlight to find the bathroom.
• Reach an agreement ahead of time on calling each other, but make sure to honor the camp’s policy on phone calls.
• Send a note or care package ahead of time to arrive the first day of camp. Acknowledge missing the child, in a positive way. For example, saying “I am going to miss you, but I know that you will have a good time at camp,” lets the camper know that families are thinking about them, but confident in their ability to adapt to camp.
• Pack a personal item or two from home, such as a stuffed animal.
• Avoid bribing behaviors. Families send the wrong message when they link a successful stay at camp to a material object. Families should focus on the real rewards — like new found confidence and independence.
• Don’t plan an exit strategy. If a “rescue call” comes from the child, offer calm reassurance and put the time frame into perspective.

While most incidents of homesickness pass quickly, parents know their child best. If parents have concerns (for example, the child is not eating or sleeping, or appears overly anxious), they should immediately talk to their camp director. Camp staff are trained to identify and ease homesickness, and are a valuable resource for parents as well as campers.

For more information on preparing your child for an independent, fun-filled summer, visit ACA’s family resource page at www.CampParents.org. Or, follow ACA on Facebook and Twitter for helpful hints and camp information.

About ACA
 – The American Camp Association® (ACA) works to preserve, promote, and enhance the camp experience for children and adults. ACA-Accredited® camp programs ensure that children are provided with a diversity of educational and developmentally challenging learning opportunities. There are over 2,400 ACA-accredited camps that meet up to 300 health and safety standards. For more information, visit www.ACAcamps.org.

On Monday morning I strolled into the kitchen, stopping to snatch a bottled water for my drive to work.

“Don’t you guys have school today?!” I asked our TV zombified kids. No answer. They were maintaining just enough human locomotion to scarf breakfast cereal. “HEY!” I snapped. “You’ve got school in five minutes! What’s with the pajamas?”

“Oh! It’s pajama day!” said my daughter.

“What the…? Are the teachers gonna wear pajamas too?” I wondered. This certainly didn’t seem like a good life preparation skill.

The next morning both kids were dressed like they’d picked their clothes from an abandoned “Cirqu du Soleil” costume pile. “It’s ‘crazy dress up day’ Dad.”

“Are you still having math class?”

“Yes…and tomorrow is beach day, the next day is twin day and Friday is, uhhhhmmmm…I don’t know what Friday is…oh yeah! It’s Jersey day!”

“You mean ‘New Jersey’ day?” That earned me a pre-teen young girl smirk and an eye roll. “NOT!” she replied.

At first I thought I should be upset by this nonsense, but I can’t complain about their grades. Their homework and tests also are pretty thorough. And since my son often cites articles from the U.S. penal code to ward off punishment, I guess they’re learning something. In my day we wore black shoes, grey slacks, a white shirt and a blue tie, which doubled as our punch ball outfit during recess. I guess you can say I was jealous.

Anyway, times certainly have changed. Oh, can’t wait for work tomorrow! It’s Victoria’s Secret Day!