The World Health Organization [WHO] recently released new guidelines on screen limits and sedentary behaviors for children under the age of five. “For the greatest health benefits, infants, and young children, should meet all the recommendations for physical activity, sedentary [behavior] and sleep in a 24-hour period,” the guide explains. “Replacing restrained or sedentary screen time with more moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity, while preserving sufficient sleep, can provide additional health benefits.” Research continues to show that physical activity improves fitness and motor and cognitive development.
WHO additionally warns that children under age five should not be restrained for over an hour, which includes strollers, high chairs, and baby-wearing devices. When sitting still, reading and story-telling is recommended over screen time.
Tips for decreasing screen time:
Set a timer on electronic devices so kids know when screen time is up.
Engage in physical activity as a family: go to the park, take a walk through the neighborhood, visit an indoor water park, hike through the Toledo Metroparks.
Keep devices out of reach and eyesight.
Add pass codes so kids must clear usage with an adult.
Set examples: Read a book, work on a hobby, color with kids or exercise.
Try to find meaningful and educational cartoons or shows.
Becoming a parent requires monumental decisions. After the metamorphic choice to have a child, a cascade of additional questions follow: how will you become a parent? What will you name your bundle of joy? What stroller, carseat, crib, pack and play (and a million other things) should you buy?
The next life-changing determination, will both parents return to work? If so, what childcare option will you access? Or will one parent stay home? Will one parent work part-time or from home in order to juggle work plus child-rearing?
It’s no surprise that many young couples are opting out of becoming parents. Having a child transforms your entire life. As Jay Weik of Toledo Mindfulness Institute says, “When you’re single, you are the sole artist of your life; you hold the paintbrush. When you meet someone to invite into your life, you willingly share the paintbrush, allowing that person to add his/her own strokes. When you have a baby, that baby pukes all over your canvas!” he finishes, laughing.
These three local mamas discuss their decisions about work and child-rearing. Each one has found a situation that works best for them and their families.
Rebecca Shope: full-time working mama
The Shope family juggles it all
Rebecca Shope, partner at Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP, with an undergraduate degree from Heidelberg University and a law degree from The University of Toledo College of Law, specializes in employment, litigation and family law and is mother to Liam (9) and Eva (4).
Rebecca tracks her professional trajectory, reminiscing, “I started at Shumaker in 2008 at a time when I didn’t have children…I had my eldest, Liam, in August of 2010. I am fortunate to work for a company that valued family and allowed me flexibility as I was returning from maternity leave. The fact that my law firm was so understanding made the transition much easier.”
“It’s extremely important for companies to understand the struggles that both women and men face when attempting to balance family and work,” Rebecca continues. “Smart companies, like Shumaker, will understand that part of retaining good employees is helping them through this transition period. I believe this is why we are seeing more and more companies implement policies on paid parental leave and flex time.”
Rebecca explains that working full-time with a flexible company is the ideal situation for her and her family: “I am able to maintain an identity that is separate…from my title of mother. When I’m at home, I’m able to set work aside–for the most part–and cherish the time I have with my children.”
Yet Rebecca struggled with her choice to return to work, measuring herself against her “amazing stay-at-home mom friends.” She confesses, “The hardest part was overcoming the initial guilt. I knew that I needed to be in the workforce to feel personally fulfilled, but I found myself constantly comparing myself to other moms.”
“But why was I allowing my perception of how others might feel about me in the workforce to define me as a parent?” continues Rebecca. “Interestingly enough, I learned my perception was significantly flawed; I found that all mothers share common feelings of guilt, insecurity, and daily chaos at some point in their motherhood journey. The best thing we can all do is to surround ourselves with fantastic spouses and supportive mothers and stop the self-criticism.”
Sara Wegryn: Juggling work with caregiving
Wegryn family enjoys a much-needed vacation
Sara Wegryn, licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC) and mother to Lyla (6) and Kaydence (4), is expecting her third baby girl this fall and juggles various schedules to spend as much time with her kiddos as possible. She explains, “I’ve done the full-time work and mom gig, plus teaching dance, when Lyla was a baby and it was insane. I never got to see her. I feel like now I have a decent balance of work and play…I’m pretty happy.”
Sara works two full days a week as a counselor at NW Ohio Psychological Services, during which her youngest attends daycare, and the other three days of the week, her 4-year-old is with her the entire day. Sara also works two nights a week, meeting with clients after work hours, and she teaches tap, jazz, and pre-primary ballet one night a week and on the weekend. Her husband works full-time with a rotating shift — which makes life even more interesting. “The things we do for our kiddos!” she laughs.
But Sara says it’s all worth it to be able to be home and spend as much time with her little ones as possible, to do activities like ballet in the middle of the day so their “evenings aren’t jam-packed with sporting events.” She adds, laughing, “Plus, during the days I’m home with Kaydence (4), I can be in my PJs until we have something scheduled!”
The nights Sara works are difficult as she only sees her first grader, Lyla, for a couple hours, and her daughter still struggles with her mom leaving. Sara confides, “The back and forth is a killer,” she adds, “but it’s better than not seeing her at all!”
Mara Luna: Full-time caregiver to four children
Delos Reyes family celebrating together at church
Mara Luna Delos Reyes, is a full-time caregiver to her four children — Lorenzo (9), Diego (7), Estella (5) and Eva (3) — and has an undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and a graduate degree from Kent State University. She opted to stay home with her children because she grew up in a household where both parents worked full-time, and she wanted something different for her family. Mara clarifies, “My parents could rarely–if ever–attend daytime events at my school, volunteer in my class, or chaperone my field trips. The time I spent with my parents was limited.”
“As a full-time caregiver, I help my kids get ready for school, pack their lunches, pick them up from school, and take them to activities,” Mara says. “Our schedule is crazy most days, but I value the time we spend together. I coach my son’s first grade soccer team, I volunteer as a Cub Scout Leader, and I take my girls to ballet and music classes. I like getting to know my kids as individuals and getting to know their friends, teachers, coaches, and teams.”
Mara adds that after her first baby, Lorenzo, was born, she knew that, with her husband starting a medical residency, they would potentially need to move. As well, “financially, it didn’t make sense to continue working, spending time away from my baby, and using most of my paycheck for childcare.”
Reflecting on her chaotic days with four children, Mara says, “Some days are crazier than others. It’s often difficult for me to keep up with home responsibilities — like cooking, cleaning, laundry — [and] my house is never clean!”
“Some days I feel like a single parent,” continues Mara. “Other days I feel like I have it all together and I can even go out with my ‘mom friends.’ Then one child has a tantrum, two children won’t stop bothering each other, another child tells me just before going to bed that he has an assignment he forgot and it’s due tomorrow, and then I get a text from my husband that he’ll be home late and it’s too late to get a babysitter.”
Mara sums up parenting with a truth that all parents can agree on: “Parenting is HARD WORK! No matter who is doing it, and no matter how you do it.”
Q: I have kids and worry about how to prepare them for the work world. How do you suggest parents talk to children about careers, education and goal-setting?
A: I suggest to parents that they have lots of conversations about the difference between social myths and workplace reality. I am doing this with my own kids.
Teach your kids critical thinking. If you can think critically, you are not influenced by the expectations or beliefs of others but think for yourself. Even as an adult, being able to identify what benefits us rather than being swayed by how we look or what others do is powerful.
Good examples are advertising that tells us we must have the next fancy gadget to be happy, or peers that tell us we must spend a lot of money on a wedding, or the idea that at age 18 we must move out and go far away to be educated.
I have a 5-year-old and twin 7-year-olds and we recently did what I call a lifestyle audit. We sat down at the computer and went through a list of what they would need and want when they live on their own. We looked up places to live, priced out cable, cars and groceries. We also talked about banking and credit. We realized even a simple life would cost about $50,000 for each kid.
I gave one of my twin boys a “loan of $10” and told him he had to pay it back with interest. I told him I’d expect him to pay back $2 a month until it was paid. He did the math and said, “No fair I have to give you $20!” I said, “Yup, welcome to banking!” He got mad!
After all this discussion, the kids looked at me and said, “So every year I live at home after high school, I save a lot of money and can save and buy a car with cash.” I was pleased they were starting to think.
As parents we are the most important teachers for our children. We can help them think realistically about the business world. Teaching them interpersonal skills, financial skills, delayed gratification and how to question what people tell them is important. We can show them how to figure out where they want to end up and what they need to do to arrive at that goal.
Even young children can think about what problem they want to solve (jobs), can question what they are told and can learn a work ethic.
If we watch our children’s interests, we can explore careers that use their natural talents. We can teach by example with work we do and decisions we make. We can encourage questioning whether a four-year college out of state makes sense or whether a running start program in high school and a local college would be wiser financially.
You can guarantee the work world will not become less complex by the time our children are adults. But you can guarantee that the habits and skills you give them now will be their best workplace skills to thrive as adults.
Many childhood milestones revolve around teeth. A child’s first lost tooth is a momentous occasion and often involves his/her first visit from the tooth fairy. Then there’s the highly-anticipated visit to the dentist, which can be stressful for some kids. Those bright lights, unfamiliar people and strange sensations can even make adults feel anxious! These books can help to prepare children for that visit to the dentist, helping to normalize the dentist’s office and the routine of teeth cleaning.
Arthur’s Loose Tooth
by Lillian Hoban
In this classic easy reader, Arthur is teasing his sister for being scared of the dark, but the reader soon realizes that Arthur is actually afraid of something, too: pulling his loose tooth. With some encouragement from his sister, Arthur is able to face his fears.
The Tooth Book
by Dr. Seuss
This silly book is full of bright colors and wacky characters. Which animals have teeth? How many teeth do different animals have? How do I take care of my teeth? This book answers all kinds of questions your child might have about their pearly whites in a playful manner typical of Dr. Suess.
Daniel Goes to the Dentist
A new generation of children love Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, inspired by the classic series Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood!
Daniel Tiger is a little nervous about visiting the dentist. Mom Tiger explains that when you do something new, like going to the dentist, you should talk about what’s going to happen. During his checkup, as Daniel gets his teeth brushed, checked, and polished, the dentist explains what she’s doing each step of the way so Daniel feels more comfortable. This sweet storybook is perfect for little ones who need some reassurance as they take their seat in the dentist’s chair!
BOOK EVENT
Northwest Ohio Teen Book Fest
Sat., May 2, 2020
Hosted by Toledo Public Schools
Bowsher High School, 2200 Arlington Ave, Toledo
The Northwest Teen Book Festival is the brainchild of Denise Phillips in conjunction with Tracey Roseman of Mom’s Mobile Mission and Chelsea Bobulski, local young adult author. For more information or to volunteer or donate, visit nwoteenbookfest.com.
School is where children learn, make their first friends and begin to address who they are as individuals in this big, complicated world.
Some of Toledo’s leaders in education weigh in with their educational philosophies and what may make their school the best fit for your child(ren).
Lynn Casto
Head of School
Maumee Valley Country Day School 1715 S Reynolds Road, Toledo 419-381-1313 x117 | mvcds.org
Maumee Valley Country Day School’s vision—a personal, experiential, and global education—guides each student along their educational journey of exploration and discovery. Head of School Lynn Casto attributes, “The student-centered focus,
innovative academic programs, extensive educational opportunities and a diverse community of learners,” as the foundation of a Maumee Valley education. “MVCDS is a place where each child can dream, explore, and cultivate their passions and strengths. Learning at Maumee Valley expands beyond classroom walls, into our surrounding community, (even reaching) other countries.”
MVCDS’s mission is to enable students to become enlightened, compassionate and contributing citizens of our global community while preparing graduates for their best opportunities in higher education. With a 75-acre, sprawling campus, students in preschool through 12th grade learn by doing, both on and off the campus grounds. MVCDS offers a safe and inclusive environment where a diverse student body finds the freedom to express their opinions, make their own decisions and explore their interests. Students learn through real-world experiences utilizing experimentation, exploration and world travel.
Jenn Schoepf
Head of School
West Side Montessori 7115 W Bancroft, Toledo 419-866-1931 | montessoritoledo.org
West Side Montessori’s philosophy of experiential learning at all ages (13 months through 8th grade) inspires children to discover their potential and produces confident communicators, compassionate leaders, and independent, self-motivated learners who make decisions with integrity. The Montessori classroom is a highly organized learning environment that gives children countless opportunities to move, make choices, and take charge of their own learning. The enriched curriculum includes French and Spanish introduced at age 3, leading to a world language immersion program in the upper grades.
Jenn Schoepf, the new head of school who has been with WSM for 25 years, explains that she “collaborates and coordinates with all the members of the West Side Community to foster an environment where students and staff can reach their full potential.” She adds, “Children learn best when they are engaged in hands-on, real-world learning experiences. They learn by doing.” West Side Montessori is a family-oriented educational community engaging and inspiring children to discover their potential within an environment promoting mutual respect, social responsibility, natural curiosity and a love of learning.
Sarah Hawley, School Director of iLead Schools, explains her simple and powerful educational philosophy: “The purpose of education is to develop skills that will make the world a better place for everyone.” Hawley helps facilitate that goal by maintaining a “positive school culture and climate where our facilitators can best be supported in developing learners into independent, creative thinkers.”
Hawley continues, “Learners at iLEAD have the benefit of being immersed in hands-on, real-world activities. Starting in kindergarten, learners access the curriculum through project-based programs aligned to state standards to develop their interpersonal skills and to support their love of learning through investigation and collaborating with their peers.” She concludes, “When learners leave iLEAD, they discover they have stronger problem-solving skills than their peers. They also leave with a voice to advocate for themselves and others and the confidence to take risks that will help them grow.”
Gabriel Jakubisin
Principal and Educational Leader
St. Joan of Arc School 5856 Heatherdowns Blvd., Toledo, OH 419-866-6181 | joanofarc.org/school
St. Joan of Arc (SJA), combines a Catholic education with a conventional school curriculum, “which makes our school unique,” explains Gabriel Jakubisin, Principal and educational leader of St. Joan of Arc School. Jakubisin explains that SJA offers “smaller class sizes, accelerated learning opportunities and Spanish, starting in younger grades. We strive for excellence in our threefold aim… to form saints, servants, and scholars. Goodness, service and perseverance in learning are developed in all of our students. That’s the SJA difference.”
Jakubisin continues, “Learning brings about the flourishing of the human person. As we learn more about the world, the people around us, and how to communicate with each other, we move toward becoming our better selves. A holistic and well-rounded education brings out the best in each of us.” SJA teachers are passionate, dedicated, loving, knowledgeable and creative, which explains why so many SJA students return to visit with their teachers. One graduate recalls, “My time at SJA really prepared me for my high school experience… The teachers at SJA work with you on a personal level and want you to succeed.”
Mrs. Erin Schreiner has been the principal of Horizon Science Academy Springfield (HSAS) for the past five years. “At HSAS,” she explains, “we foster an environment of inquiry and a love of learning, so students are prepared to thrive in STEM-focused high school, college, and the world.”
Much of HSAS’s success, according to Mrs. Schreiner, “can be attributed to their high-quality teaching staff, who,` in addition to preparing students to tackle any academic challenge, have strived to create a positive school culture.” The team at Horizon Springfield was awarded the “Bronze” distinction from the Ohio PBIS Network and the Ohio Department of Education for their work in providing staff, students, and families with systems and frameworks that reinforce positive behaviors and educational outcomes.
Erica Sleek, owner of private, charter school Sleek Academy and in charge of daily operations for the K-12 STEAM school, explains that her educational philosophy means that “Students should learn by working with their hands and minds! When a student can teach what they have learned to someone else, we as teachers are doing it the right way!” Sleek describes her teachers as “amazing, creative, supportive, outside-of-the-box thinkers,” which allows students in grades K-12 the ability to learn together in the same classrooms, following a project-based/problem-based learning style with an emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics (STEAM). A bonus of attending Sleek Academy is that there is “no teaching to the test,” and Sleek explains that the school’s mission is to offer a more diverse, project-based learning environment for students to enhance their individuality and exploration and to promote community involvement.
Children’s Discovery Center was founded on a mission to cultivate and nurture young minds through the unique Reggio Emilia educational philosophy. This inquiry-based approach invites children to explore concepts by investigating, creating and collaboratively solving problems as a group. The Directors of Children’s Discovery Center— Lisa, Angel, Mikkel, Allison, Lindsey and Natalie— view children as “competent, capable and amazing” and they “seek to nurture their interests by creating developmentally appropriate learning centers that focus on each child’s interests while incorporating S.T.E.A.M..”
The directors describe their teachers as “passionate, loving, creative, and professionally trained,” which allows Children’s Discovery Center, a premier early care and education provider, to “inspire children within an innovative environment while supporting Christian values.” Besides utilizing the Reggio Emilia approach to early education and incorporating STEAM, Children’s Discovery Center also has a personal chef that provides nutritionally balanced meals!
The smiles and laughter of children bring joy to the world. These dentists and orthodontists committed their lives to making children’s smiles shine as brightly as possible. Learn the common misconceptions when it comes to baby teeth, the advice each dentist and orthodontist has for parents, and why these doctors chose their specific specialty.
Providing children with positive experiences early on helps them to develop a good relationship with dental health. I didn’t start out as a pediatric dentist; however, I found the most joy in the days when my schedule had children primarily, so I went back to school so I could learn how to best care for them. Kids feel so much pride and accomplishment when they complete a dental visit with flying colors and facilitating that is such a rewarding feeling.
What is different about a pediatric dentist?
A pediatric dentist has a minimum of two additional years of specialized training where we learn to treat the unique needs of your growing child. We love hanging out with kids all day (and their parents, too) as a focus of our practice.
What sets your practice apart from others in town?
Toledo is a great town with many highly qualified providers to treat your child. My practice is small, which allows us to get to know our families well, and they get to know us. Patients can expect to see the same smiling faces at each visit, which can help them feel comfortable in the dental environment.
What is one thing you want parents to know about their child’s oral health?
Coming to see the dentist early and often is important, but what has the most value in terms of maintaining overall dental health is what you do at home, on your own time, in between your dental visits. Make healthy food choices and make good oral hygiene a family priority.
I wanted a career in sports. I was tempted to become a professional tennis player, but my dad’s passion for dentistry was contagious. I saw how his patients were considered friends. I heard over and over again from patients (inside and outside the office) about the quality of his work, and I wanted to be a part of it.
What sets your practice apart?
Our purpose is Changing Lives a Smile at a Time. We set ourselves apart from the rest by providing The Best Dental
Experience. We live our values of Always Better, Serve All and G.E.T. (Gratitude, Encouragement, Thankfulness).
What is one thing you want parents to know about their child’s oral health?
The initial should be scheduled as soon as the first tooth pops through. Ask for a copy of our Look & Learn, Infant Oral Care Visit Brochure, for more information.
What made you decide to become a pediatric dentist?
I’ve always enjoyed being around children and their energy. I chose pediatric dentistry because I wanted a career where I could combine both art and science with being an educator. I get to have fun and be silly while establishing wonderful relationships with families and advocating for their child’s oral health.
What is different about a pediatric dentist?
Pediatric dentists have an additional 2-3 years of pediatric-specific training after dental school to learn about growth and development. We treat children of all ages, from their first tooth to their high school graduation. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends establishing a dental home by your child’s first birthday.
What sets your practice apart?
It is our goal to make each visit an enjoyable one for our patients and their families. We understand that every child is unique and strive to give each of our patients the best personalized dental experience possible.
What is one thing you wish parents knew about their child’s oral health?
Prevention is key. Establishing good habits early sets the foundation for a lifelong healthy smile. That includes good brushing and flossing techniques as well as a healthy, low sugar diet. It is important to minimize snacking between meals and encourage your child to drink more water.
I enjoyed visiting my pediatric dentist as a child— my mom worked there— and I appreciated the kindness and patience that my pediatric dentists exhibited. I decided I wanted to be a pediatric dentist at a young age because teeth are cool and kids are fun!
What is a pediatric dentist?
As the “pediatricians of teeth,” pediatric dentists are specialized in the oral care of children as they transition from infants to adults.
What sets your practice apart from others in town?
We have an amazing, highly-skilled Pediatric Dental Team that loves to work with young people and those with special health care needs to create a healthy mouth and healthy person.
What is one thing you want parents to know about their child’s oral health?
It is important to establish a “dental home” at a young age so that you can earn the child’s trust. It is also a great opportunity to discuss dietary choices as they relate to your child’s teeth and to go over home care routines to prevent decay.
Dr. Jennifer Ludwig
Orthodontist
HLS Orthodontics
Sylvania: 6407 Monroe St., 419-882-1017.
Lambertville: 7928 Secor Rd., 734-854-6221.
Maumee: 4359 Keystone Dr., Suite 200. 419-887-1247. perfectbraces.com
Why did you choose to become an orthodontist?
My orthodontist seemed to really enjoy what he did, and I remember how improving my smile improved my self-esteem. I wanted to have a career I was passionate about and could positively impact the community.
What is different about an orthodontist (versus a dentist)?
An orthodontist is a dentist that chose to attend a 2-3 year residency to receive additional training specific to orthodontics. Once the training is completed, we are eligible to sit for our specialty board exam and become a certified orthodontist. I treat all ages, with the most common age being 12.
Describe your practice in one sentence?
Treat all our patients as if they were family.
What is one thing you want parents to know about their child’s oral health?
Investing now can save time and money in the dental chair decades from now.
Arthur’s Loose Tooth
The Tooth Book
Daniel Goes to the Dentist
