Healthy Kids and History

January 20, 2009...Historical day indeed! It's my birthday! As a gift, I get to spend it with my family because schools and businesses are closed today due to a Winter Storm! That's right! Central North Carolina is enjoying its first measureable snow fall in a few years and has been under a Wnter Storm Warning since 9:00 p.m. last night. So far, we have about 4 inches of the white, fluffy stuff. We're expecting another 2-4 inches of snow before the storm moves out later this afternoon. All the kids on the street have spent the past 2 hours sledding, building forts and snowmen and making snowballs and snow angels. What fun! Not only are they getting a significant amount of exercise, but they are also practicing cooperation, teamwork, conflict resolution and responsibility. All the laughing is releasing endorphins that support immune function, not to mention building friendships! Growing Healthy Kids, Sowing Healthy Habits...

This day also offers an opportunity to see history in the making as Barack Obama becomes the 44th President of the United States. What a wonderful Civics lesson for our children...and for us! Anytime there is a party change in the Office of the President, we experience lessons in change, tolerance and acceptance. This year's lessons are magnified by Barack Obama's African American heritage. Children are naturally accepting and tolerant of others's differences. They learn intolerance from those around them...from us. Growing Healthy Kids and Sowing Healthy Habits starts with us! Take time today to speak with your children about the significance of today's Inauguration...you may be surprised at the thoughts and opinions they hold and share. Remind them of the hope and growth that typically comes with change...if they don't remind you first.