sprinkles magazine april/may issue

™

April 2015 + May 2015Contents

EDITOR’S PICKS P.20

Jacob Hopkins Interview p.32

THE IMPORTANCE OF NAPS p.12

Minh Bui

H� to Ch�se and use

Suns�een p.16

Anne SwedenNikki Ramirez

GRAPHIC DESIGN

SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR

Letter from the Publisher

Follow us:

You can't do anything to make your body develop faster. Of course, you should eat a nutritious diet, exercise, and get enough sleep. But special diets, dietary supplements, or creams won't do anything to make normal puberty happen quicker.

When Will I St�t Devel�ing?

The earliest physical change of puberty for girls is usually breast development, which most often begins around 10 or 11 years. But it's perfectly normal for breast development to start anytime between the ages of 7 and 13. A girl's first menstrual period usually occurs about 2 to 2½ years after breast development begins.

Boys begin their development on average around age 10 or 11, but it's also normal to begin anytime between the ages of 9 and 15. Girls and guys who start developing earlier or later than these ranges can still be normal, but they should be checked by their doctor just to be sure.

For both boys and girls, it usually takes several years after the first changes of puberty begin before they're all complete — and there's a lot of variation from person to person. So, two normally developing guys or girls who are the same age can appear quite different from each other. One can look older and more physically mature than the other. But the one who started later will catch up in time.

If you're a girl who's 13 or older or a boy who's 15 or older and you haven't shown any signs of puberty (or if you're younger but are still worried), talk with your doctor.

Diff�ent V�iati�s of N�mal

Can I Do Anything to Speed Up Devel�ment?

Lots of girls and guys worry about when their bodies will develop. Guys wonder when their voices will get deeper, when they'll need to shave, or when their penises will grow. Girls want to know when their breasts will develop or when they'll get their first period. If a friend or a younger brother or sister develops first, they may worry that there's somethingwrong with them.

The fact is that physical development starts at different times and progresses at different rates in different people. So, the beginning of the development that comes with puberty varies from person to person — and that's completely normal.

The one thing I'm most excited about these next few months, is going outside and enjoying the spring time watching everything bloom again and the grass getting greener. I'm also excited about Easter and Mother's Day and enjoying some amazing time with family and friends!

In this issue you will find delicious ideas for hosting a beautiful Easter brunch and fabulous gift finds to give mom this Mother's Day.

This year we will be celebrating our "Five Year Anniversary" all year long bringing you amazing interviews, stories and editorials. In this issue we had the honor of interviewing, actor and the voice of The Amazing World of Gumball, Jacob Hopkins!

Don't forget to write to us and give us your feedback and tell us what topics you would like to read about or send us any ideas you may have for a future issue of Sprinkles Magazine.

You may write to us at [email protected].

WWW.KIDSHEALTH.ORG

The Importance of NapsNap. It's a small word, but for most parents a hugely important one.

Why? Sleep is a major requirement for good health, and for young kids to get enough of it, some daytime sleep is usually needed. Crucial physical and mental development occurs in early childhood, and naps provide much-needed downtime for growth and rejuvenation.

Naps also help keep kids from becoming overtired, which not only takes a toll on their moods but may also make it harder for them to fall asleep at night. And naptime gives parents a brief oasis during theday and time to tackle household chores or just unwind.

Sleep Needs by AgeThere's no one-size-fits-all answer regarding how much daytime sleep kids need. It all depends on the age, the child, and the sleep total during a 24-hour period. For example, one toddler may sleep 13 hours at night with only some daytime catnapping, while another gets 9 hours at night but takes a solid 2-hour nap each afternoon. Though sleep needs are highly individual,

these age-by-age guidelines give an idea of average daily sleep requirements:

12 www.SprinklesMagazine.com April 2015 + May 2015

Birth to 6 months: Infants require about 16 to 20 total hours of sleep per day. Younger infants tend to sleep on and off around the clock, waking every 2 or 3 hours to eat. As they approach 4 months of age, sleep rhythms become more established. Most babies sleep 10 to 12 hours at night, usually with an interruption for feeding, and average 3 to 5 hours of sleep during the day (usually grouped into two or three naps).6 to 12 months: Babies this age usually sleep about 11 hours at night, plus two daytime naps totaling 3 to 4 hours. At this age, most infants do not need to wake at night to feed, but may begin to experience separation anxiety, which can contribute to sleep disturbances.Toddlers (1 to 3 years): Toddlers generally require 10 to 13 hours of sleep, including anafternoon nap of 1 to 3 hours. Young toddlers might still be taking two naps, but naps should not occur too close to bedtime, as they may make it harder for toddlers to fall asleep at night.Preschoolers (3 to 5 years): Preschoolers average about 10 to 12 hours at night, plus an afternoon nap. Most give up this nap by 5 years of age.School-age (5 to 12 years): School-age kids need about 10 to 12 hours at night. Some 5-year-olds might still need a nap, and if a regular nap isn't possible, they might need an earlier bedtime.

Signs of Insufficient SleepMost parents underestimate the amount of sleep kids need, so be sure to watch your child's behavior for signs of sleep deprivation, which can range from the

obvious — like fatigue — to more subtle problems with behavior and schoolwork.

•Does my child act sleepy during the day?•Does my child get cranky and irritable in the late afternoon?•Is it a battle to get my child out of bed in the morning?•Is my child inattentive, impatient, hyperactive, or aggressive?•Does my child have trouble focusing on schoolwork and other tasks?

Ask yourself:

If you answered yes to any of these questions, consider adjusting your child's sleep or nap schedule. It may take several weeks to find a routine that works. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about your child's sleep.

Naptime Routines and Other ConcernsThe key to good napping can be as simple as setting up a good nap routine early on and sticking to it. With infants, watch for cues like fussing and rubbing eyes, then put your baby to bed while sleepy but not yet asleep. This teaches kids how to fall asleep themselves — a skill that only becomes more important as they get older. Soft music, dim lights, or a quiet story or rhyme at bedtime can help ease the transition to sleep and become a source of comfort for your child.

For toddlers and preschoolers, sticking to a naptime schedule can be more challenging. Though many do still love their nap, others don't want to miss out on a minute of the action and will fight sleep even as their eyes are closing. In this case, don't let naptime become a battle — you can't force your child to sleep, but you can insist on some quiet time. Let your child read books or play quietly in his or her room. Parents are often surprised by how quickly quiet time can lead to sleep time — but even if it doesn't, at least your child is getting some much-needed rest. If your child has given up daytime naps, consider adjusting to an earlier bedtime.

Many parents worry that naptime will interfere with kids' bedtime (and if a child takes a late-afternoon nap, this could be the case). But before you end naps entirely in an effort to wear out your child by bedtime, consider this: Well-rested kids are quicker to settle down at night than overtired ones. Overtired kids are often "wired" and restless, unable to self-soothe at bedtime, and more likely to wake through the night.

If you feel your child's late naptime is the cause of bedtime problems, try making the nap a little bit earlier, which may mean waking your child a little earlier in the morning so the nap can begin sooner.

You might also try waking your child from a nap earlier than usual so he or she has a longer active period before bedtime. In other words, try to make some adjustments before abandoning the nap — both you and your child will feel much better if there is one!

April 2015 + May 2015 www.SprinklesMagazine.com 13www.kidshealth.org

AND USE SUNSCREENHOW TO CHOOSE

With all the sunscreens available these days (organic or mineral? water-resistant or sweat-resistant? lotion or spray?), choosing the right one for your kids can be tricky. But what matters most when picking a sunscreen is how well it protects skin from UV rays.

How to ChooseLook for SPF (sun protection factor) numbers on the labels of sunscreens. Select an SPF of 30 or higher to prevent sunburn and tanning, both of which are signs of skin damage. Choose a sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays (usually labeled as a "broad-spectrum" sunscreen).Sunscreen sprays are convenient but should be used with caution. For starters, sprays are easy to breathe in, which can irritate the lungs. Some sprays

•Don't use sunscreens with PABA, which can cause skin allergies.•For sensitive skin, look for products with the active ingredient titanium dioxide.•If your teen or preteen wants to use a self- tanner sunscreen, be sure to get one that also has UV protection (many offer little or none).

Other things to consider:

younger than 6 months should be kept out of the sun. When going outside, dress your baby in lightweight clothes that cover arms and legs — and don't forget a hat. If you can't avoid the sun, you can use a small amount of sunscreen on your baby's exposed skin, like the hands and face.

Babies


also are flammable, so you need to avoid sparks or flames when applying them and wearing them. And, sprays make it hard to tell if you have applied enough sunscreen, which increases the risk of sunburn.

For sunscreen to do its job,

it must be used CORRECTLY.

HOW TO USEBE SURE TO:•Apply sunscreen whenever your kids will be in the sun. For best results, apply sunscreen about 15 to 30 minutes before kids go outside.

Every child needs sun protection. The American Academy

of Dermatology (AAD) recommends

that all kids — regardless of

their skin tone — wear sunscreen

with an SPF of 30 or higher. Although

dark skin has more protective melanin

and tans more easily than it burns,

tanning is a sign of sun damage.

Dark-skinned kids also can get

painful sunburns.

And remember to be a good role

model. Consistently wearing sunscreen

with SPF 30 or greater and limiting your sun exposure

will reduce your risk of skin

damage and teach your kids good

sun sense.

www.kidshealth.org

•Don't forget about ears, hands, feet, shoulders, and behind the neck. Lift up bathing suit straps and apply sunscreen underneath them (in case the straps shift as a child moves). Protect lips with an SPF 30 lip balm.

•Apply sunscreen generously — dermatologists recommend using 1 ounce (enough to fill a shot glass) to cover the exposed areas of the body.

•Reapply sunscreen often, about every 2 hours. Reapply after a child has been sweating or swimming.

•Apply a water-resistant sunscreen if kids will be around water or swimming. Water reflects and intensifies the sun's rays, so kids need protection that lasts. Water-resistant sunscreens may last up to 80 minutes in the water, and some are also sweat-resistant. But regardless of the water-resistant label, be sure to reapply sunscreen when kids come out of the water.

•Don't worry about making a bottle of sunscreen last. Stock up, and throw out any sunscreen that is past its expiration date or that you have had for 3 years or longer.

April 2015 + May 2015 www.SprinklesMagazine.com 17

From left to right: Emily (daughter), Nancy (sister), Laura Marie (owner and artist), and Anna Marie (daughter.

BellivitaArtist and Founder, Moms and Celebrities Too!

brings Laura Marie to expecting

“Women of BelliVita.”

A blown-glass or hand-painted porcelain bowl in the shape of your pregnant belly is a gift you can purchase for yourself during your pregnancy or give to a friend as a baby shower gift which she will love and treasure. Crafted in your choice of color, style and size, the BelliVita Pregnancy Belly Bowl can be displayed as a centerpiece, hung on the wall, displayed on any table or just used as a décor piece around your nursery.

The founder, Laura Marie, has a deep passion for art and she loves working with expecting moms in creating a custom memorable sculpture of their belly.

The BelliVita Studio is located in West Seattle. Laura Marie will travel anywhere to cast a belly upon request. If you would like to receive a casting kit, Laura Marie will send you a casting kit with instructions to perform the casting process at home and easy-to-follow instructions. When you're done with your belly casting, just simply mail it to Laura Marie and she will be in touch with you in order to communicate your color preference and style and create your masterpiece!

Caption: Laura Marie, owner of BelliVita with Daniel Baldwin

Caption: Neal McDonough and his entire family gets in on the bellybowl action at the Golden Globes

Caption: Jason Ritter (son of the late John Ritter) with one of BelliVita's blown glass bellybowls

If you're an expecting mom, a BelliVita Belly

Bowl is a keepsake that you will want

to own!

For more information on BelliVita and founder, Laura Marie, you can visit www.bellivita.com.

Artist and Founder Laura Marie with actress, Jennifer Blanc-Biehn

JACOB HOPKINSINTERVIEW


Jacob Hopkins, voice actor for The Amazing World of “Gumball”an animated cartoon series , tells us all about his role as the voice behind Gumball, how he was discovered and much more! by Maybi Perez Iglesias

JACOB HOPKINSINTERVIEW


Jacob Hopkins, voice actor for The Amazing World of “Gumball”an animated cartoon series , tells us all about his role as the voice behind Gumball, how he was discovered and much more! by Maybi Perez Iglesias

SM:How were you discovered to become the voice for Gumball?I had always wanted to do voice-overs for a really long time. I thought it would be really awesome to be in a cartoon. I was looking for voice acting agencies and my manager found one. So we went in and we talked to the agent and it was funny because my first voice over audition was Gumball! I was like, oh wow, “I love this show!” and the rest is history!

SM:How do you balance school with acting and voice recording and everything you have to do to prep?First, I’m not saying it is stressful, but it does get really busy. I get the dates for when I’m going to record, Gumball or film on camera, such as The Goldbergs. and I work around filming and schooling.

SM:When does the recording take place, during the day time, night time, weekends?Usually on Wednesdays between 8:00 a.m to 10:00 am.

SM:You’ve been in The Goldberg, you’ve been in True Blood, which do you prefer? Do you prefer the cameras or voice recording?That’s a tough one, I have been asked this question a lot. I really like voice acting, I just can’t decide. Voice acting is fun, you can go in the booth and I have a really fun time. Acting is really fun as well because not only your voice is on TV but your face is. It is also really fun meeting new people and not just being in a recording booth. But I say I really like both of them.

SM:Being a teenager, how do you make time to enjoy just being a kid?Well, I have a lot of hobbies. I love to draw animated Japanese cartoons. I’m a drummer. I love to go in the garage and kick back and play video games. I love to play sports outside with my brother. My brother plays the guitar and sometimes we like to jam on the drums and guitar. I’m also a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, it’s a really fun sport.

SM:What do you see yourself doing in the near future, are there any projects at hand? If there are any projects I would love to be in, it would be me playing a voice in an animated film, I would really want to do that. Also, I would like to be in an adventure movie, kind of like Indiana Jones or the Avengers or something like that. I think that would be really cool.

SM:What message would you like to send to kids your age?I would like to tell kids my age to never give up on your dreams and keep moving forward towards your goals. I really wanted to do voice-overs and I didn’t give up and look where I am now. I just want to tell everyone out there to never give up and don’t let anyone put you down.

SM:You are a voice actor in The Amazing World of Gumball….how much practice does it take to make this happen?Well when I first got the job, I had to practice making my voice high pitched. I went on and on to become faster and clearer because Gumball is a pretty fast talker. As episodes went on, I became familiar with how to do the voice and now I’m really great at it. I practiced with a measuring cup. What I did was crumble up a sticky note, wrapped around a rubber band and I would start talking into it. As I went on my, my jaw would get tired, but that’s supposed to happen to strengthen your voice. That’s how I used to practice, now I don’t really have to practice because I’ve gotten way better at it!

April 2015 + May 2015 www.SprinklesMagazine.com 33

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How to Keep Homeschooling Simple

Families choose to home school for many reasons, but what's common to most is dealing with these two challenges: distractions and lack of motivation.

Written by: Anne Sweden

H� do y� keep a child motivated when his pes e not present and it's just y� standing � his sh�ld

all day?

H� do y� teach effectively when the ph�e is

ringing, diaps need changing and the Fed Ex man

is knocking at y�r d�r?

Here's how to get more done amid distractions:

• Be creative with your time. It helps to have set school hours each day, but you might have a child who can knock out a subject or two before breakfast (when th ings are quiet). Older children can also do reading lessons at night when babies and younger children are in bed and it's more peaceful.

• Carve out a quiet space for easily-distracted children. My oldest daughter cannot work well when distracted. When things get noisy, she picks up her books, goes in her room and shuts the door, and that works great. • Buy ready-made lesson plans (as part of a pre-packaged curriculum) or make your own using a software program (I love Homeschool Tracker) that you only need to set up once at the beginning of the year. This saves you the hassle of hand-writing your lesson plans every week. I tried this in the beginning, but couldn't stay on top of it with all the other duties and distractions in my life.

Offer alternatives to written work. If you have a doctor's appointment, do your history lesson orally in the car. While you're making lunch, recite the times tables with your children. Let them watch a couple of You Tube science videos and put aside their books for a day or two.

Here's how to keep everyone motivated:

• Think beyond books, pens and paper. A lot of children get tired of doing work on paper every day and get in a rut. Keep things interesting by letting them use marker boards or chalk boards. Offer free learning games at online educational sites. For fun, allow them to write with colored ink instead of black or blue all the time. Instead of you asking questions at the end of a lesson, ask your child to explain the lesson back to you in his or her own words. Children love playing teacher!• Combine grades when you have children close in age. My two oldest are only one year apart so they do h istory, science, spel l ing and handwriting together. Not only does it save me time (and money on books), but it gives them someone to compete against, and to compare work with.• Enlist help outside of yourself. Completing schoolwork every day “just for Mom” or “just for Dad” can get monotonous. Have your children read to their grandparents. Ask a friend to drill them in math. Get a group of their friends together and do a spelling bee. A sense of community will motivate and inspire.• Set concrete goals for your students. Write these on the fridge or put them on the calendar. Promise a treat when something is accomplished. Give them something to look forward to.

Homeschooling has its challenges, just like any other method of learning. But if you'll stay motivated and learn to work with the inevitable distractions of family life, it will be very rewarding!BIO: Anne Sweden is a mother of seven who is currently homeschooling the four oldest. She is the creator of the family-oriented Zephyr Hill Blog and enjoys cooking, hobby farming and cloth diaper advocacy.

sprinkles magazine april/may issue

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