Make SMART Goals in the New Year

 

It is the time of year everyone has the let's start it over, change our ways, start or lose a habit, etc. The list goes on and on! But, did you know that small changes make the biggest and most lasting differences in our lives. This New Year strive to make a very small change each month. Making a big change in the New Year usually doesn't last you through Valentine's Day!

Instead of going for that lofty goal of “Lose 20 pounds,” instead break that goal down into small achievable goals that you can hit throughout the year.

In the case of weight loss maybe that means going for a walk on your lunch break a few times a week and cooking a healthy meal at home you can eat rather than the fast-food dinner you typically pick up.

 

The idea here isn’t to not make that weight loss goal, it’s to instead break it down into smaller parts that you can easily track and accomplish and frame it as achievements rather than changes to your lifestyle.

Here are some safety tips and tricks to making your outdoor winter play habit.

Ensure children are dressed properly. Children will need proper clothes for playing in colder temperatures. For example, children may need hats, scarves, mittens, rubber boots, winter coats, snow pants, etc.

Use safe equipment. Some play equipment may be unsafe for the children in the winter months. Extra clothing may make them hazardous or difficult to play on.

Additionally, the equipment may be covered with snow or ice. Therefore, plan activities that allow safe play, such as running in open spaces, obstacle courses, throwing balls, etc.  

Always move. In cold temperatures, both you and the children should constantly move and avoid standing still. Standing still in cold temperatures can lead to frostbite and hypothermia.

School Districts and Day Care Centers have policies for temperatures for outdoor play. Be sure to always send a warm coat, gloves and hat with your child so they can play outside comfortably if the sun comes out on those chilly winter days!!

Once a child starts Daycare parents begin a series of partnerships which will continue over the next 18-19 years! 

 

Being involved as a parent and working effectively with teachers increases your child’s success academically, emotionally and socially. 

 

Here are some tips to address concerns with teachers. Unless it is an urgent safety issue, it is OK not to react immediately and take some time to collect your thoughts.

 

Before the meeting:

 

During the conversation:

 

Plan a follow up meeting within a week to review the situation.

 

Source: NAEYC

Asian Beef and Noodles

1 ¼ pounds ground beef

2 pkgs. (3 oz) oriental-flavored Ramen noodles, broken up

2 cups frozen vegetable mixture (broccoli, carrots, red pepper, water chestnuts)

¼ teaspoon ground ginger

2 tablespoons thinly sliced green onion

 

Brown ground beef 8-10 minutes or until no longer pink. Remove beef with slotted spoon; season with one seasoning packet from noodles. Pour off drippings.

 

Place noodles in skillet. Add vegetable mixture, 2 cups water, ginger and remaining seasoning packet; bring to a boil. 

 

Reduce heat; cover and simmer 3 minutes or until noodles are tender, stirring occasionally. Return beef to skillet; heat through. Stir in green onion.

433 calories, 19g fat, 95mg cholesterol, 267mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate, 4.1g fiber, 34g protein

Contact the Extension Office at 273-7683 or [email protected]

 

Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local Governments cooperating. Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, national origin, disability or status as a veteran, and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.