February, 2009
Teaching Kids Finances Through Play
Next time you’re playing with your kids, look for simple learning opportunities. Here are four fun ways to teach your kids about finances through play.
Tip #1
Create play money with your kids and play grocery store. Give them a budget and see who can buy the most with their money. This teaches them the value of a dollar.
Tip #2
Make a life map together. Have your children cut out pictures of things they see in their future. This might include college, buying a house or career goals. Talk about the money that it will take to accomplish these things.
Tip #3
Play needs, wants and wishes. Talk to your children about the differences in each of these categories. This helps provide a good foundation for spending decisions.
Blue Man Group – Making Waves
The Grand Rapids Children’s Museum has a brand new traveling exhibit that you won’t want to miss! Blue Man Group – Making Waves is a 1,500 square foot exhibit, designed to bring science, art and music into a fun experience for kids.
Participants see, feel, hear and create sound in the fun-filled signature Blue Man style. Using PVC piping kids learn about musical pitch, rhythm and melody. It’s a fun exhibit that both children and parents alike will love.
The exhibit is open now through May 31. Enterance to the exhibit is included with regular admission. Cost is $6.50 for children and adults. Admission is free for Grand Rapids Children Museum members and children under the age of two. For more information visit www.grcm.org.
How Do You Save?
Families across West Michigan are looking for ways to save money. From clipping coupons to cutting cable, we’re all doing what we can to stretch our dollars. I’d love to hear what your family is doing to save some cash! We have a special savings show coming up the first weekend in March and I’d love to share your ideas with our viewers! Simply click on the comment button below and tell us your best saving solution!
Free Community Wellness Classes
Priority Health wants to improve your health! Over the next two months they are free wellness classes to the community. All classes are held from 6-7pm at Priority Health, located at 3111 Leonard St. in Grand Rapids.
March 4 – Golf Fitness. Decrease injury risk and improve your game.
March 10 – Eating Well Made Simple. Choose appropriate portions and eat balanced meals.
March 24 – Core Stability. Use an exercise ball to build core strength training.
April 22 – Body Fat Testing. Find out how many pounds of your body are fat vs. lean tissue. Must call 616-464-8342 for appointment for body fat testing.
April 27 – Quick and Healthy Meals. Learn tips and techniques for making quick and healthy meals the whole family will love.
To register for a class call 1-888-389-6647 or visit www.priorityhealth.com.
‘Where You Live’ – February 21, 2009
This week on Where You Live, see how West Michigan is celebrating cultural diversity.
Cultural Exploration on a Budget
You don’t have to travel around the world to expose your children to the world around them. Here are five ways to to explore other cultures without breaking the bank.
Tip #1
Visit cultural festivals in your town. Most have free admission and it’s a great way to experience food, art and music from another culture.
Tip #2
Your local library can be a great resource. Check out books on other countries, listen to cultural music or research people of other cultures who have made a difference in our world.
Tip #3
Change things up at dinner and try some new dishes. Instead of your usual pizza or spaghetti, spice things up by trying tamales or falafles.
GRCC Diversity Events
The Bob and Aleicia Woodrick Diversity Learning Center at Grand Rapids Community College is offering a series of events and workshop that are open to the community.
2009 Diversity Lecture:
Shannon Brownlee, Author, Economist, Health Care Analyst
Wednesday, March 11 at 7pm
Fountain Street Church – Grand Rapids
Brownlee is an award winning author who has explored the positives and negatives of America’s health care system. As an economist her works on the financial state of the system earned her book Overtreated: Why Too Much Medicine is Making Us Sicker and Poorer a New York Times Best Seller title.
2009 Workshops & Events:
February 16-19 Black History Month Symposium
March 3 Annual Latino Youth Conference
March 9-12 International Women’s Day Celebration Art Exhibit
March 19-20 Institute on Healing Racism
March 31 11th Annual Salute To Women Recognition
April National Student Athlete Day Program
May 14-15 Institute on Healing Racism
For more information call (616) 234-3390 or visit www.grcc.edu.
“Where You Live” – February 14, 2009
Happy Valentine’s Day! Helping our kids develop heart healthy habits have benefits that will last a lifetime.
Kids Heart Health
One of the most important things we can do for our children is keep their hearts healthy! Here are some ways to help children develop healthy habits….
- Get the entire family involved with bike rides, swimming, walks or any other outdoor activity!
- Get your kids involved in school sports or other extra-curricular activities that encourage physical activity.
- Limit TV, computer and video game time. These can lead to dangerously sedentary lifestyles.
- Set specific goals and limits like at least one hour of exercise a day or only two desserts a week.
- Make your dinner family time, allow children to be involved with the cooking and planning.
- Look for heart healthier options when eating out. A lot of restaurants now offer heart healthy menus, such as Subway.
- Make a game out of reading food labels, you family will learn what is healthy for them and become more conscious of what is not.
Blogs
Maranda's Blog
Keep in step with Maranda as she explores issues affecting your family.
Maranda's Go-To Gal
Insights from the mom who helps Maranda get it all done.
Whitecaps Blog
Whitecaps mascot Crash takes you inside the ballpark.
Cruiser's Blog
Cruiser has the inside track for Craig's Cruisers.
Health & Wellness
Make health and wellness a priority.
Fifth Third River Bank Run
On pace with the Fifth Third River Bank Run.
Healthy Living
Simple solutions for healthy living.
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