Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/429668
Forever First | Winter 2014 • To find a doctor, call 1.877.250.DOCS. Forever First | Winter 2014 • To find a doctor, call 1.877.250.DOCS. "Live your life." Don't let social media replace experiences with family, friends, and the real world around your children. Open them up to family adventures they can't experience in 2-D, such as a nature hike, a museum visit, or simply walking the dog in a different park. "Consider it public." Anything shared online could be available for all to see. Classmates, coaches, and even potential employers may stumble across your children's messages or posts. Be sure to stress that whatever they post, it should be something they feel comfortable having anyone see. "Don't multitask." For people of any age, but especially teens, texting and driving is always dangerous, and in many areas of our state, against the law. Also, warn your children against carrying on multiple text conversations at once to avoid sending unintended messages and potentially hurting feelings. "Stay away from strangers." Sit with your children and discuss the importance of never answering emails, Facebook messages, or texts that come from someone they don't know. These messengers are probably trying to sell something or take advantage of your children in other ways. Break a sweat. Regular exercise doesn't mean hitting the gym for hours at a time every day. Start by setting aside 30 minutes a day a couple of days each week to be active together. Go for walks after dinner, throw the baseball, or put on some music and dance around the living room. Tech Etiquette for Tweens and Teens With the gift of gadgets come responsibilities and best practices to ensure dignity, privacy, and safety stay intact. If your child or teenager receives a new laptop, smartphone, or tablet as a present, talk with him or her about proper use, particularly what to say online, whom to trust, and when to unplug. Be sure to share these important tips before letting your child wander into cyberspace. Restorative Resolutions The family has unwrapped the presents, wrapped up the parties, and eaten enough turkey for the next 12 months. Now it's time to regroup and resolve. Making New Year's resolutions as a family is an effective way to establish healthy habits for mind, body, and soul. Try these tips for a happy New Year beyond January 1. Make family dinners a priority. This is a great time to catch up on the day's events and bond. Research has found that kids who regularly eat meals with their families are at a lower risk for depression, obesity, and substance abuse. They may also have stronger vocabularies than kids who spend every meal in front of the television. Unplug. Make a group pledge to put down all electronic devices when you're spending time with one another. It's important to be focused and engaged in family time. Scan this QR code to learn more about healthy habits for technology use. 9