Author: Terri Shearer Trenchard

Let’s Thank The Man Who Invented Smoothies

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“Mom?  Who invented smoothies?  I need to write the man a letter and thank him.” From all accounts I’ve seen, it was Steven Kuhnau who branded the “smoothie” — in the late 1960’s.  As a lactose intolerant teenager, Mr. “Smoothie King” Steven wanted something to enjoy that was similar to the milkshakes his peers loved. So, he created frozen blends of fresh fruit, ice and fruit juice.  Not only did they taste great, but those new concoctions helped him manage his allergies and regulate his blood sugar levels as well. Cool. Never underestimate the power of a smoothie.  Breakfast, lunch, snack, dessert.  Sneak in some veggies (kale goes entirely unnoticed), maybe a little protein powder . . . and . . . boom . . . you’ve got a balanced treat with lots of the food groups.  Check out some of these favorites. This stuff . . . nutrition . . . food . . . breakfast . . . snacks . . . It’s important.  So important, I included it (just a little “taste”) …

A Date With My Son

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1:1 time with each kid.  New Year’s resolution.  Somehow it happens more naturally with my daughter, 10.  We just find ourselves together.  My son and I used to find ourselves together.  Building Lego houses.  Making caterpillar homes.  Shooting hoops.  Now at 4 inches shorter than he, I’m barely lucky to block his shot, with no hope ever to scoot past him with a soccer or football.  My only hope is to win the tiebreaker in ping-pong. He’s 13, and 1:1 time is just different now. How about breakfast out?  A date with my son.  He just adores a good plate of Belgian waffles and bacon.  That’s it.  Our first official New Year’s Resolution Date. Uh-oh.  What do we talk about?  I mean, we spend time doing things together.  We’re together as a family.  But this new 1:1 time . . . with my teenage son . . . at breakfast . . . is a little new. With my quiet and independent guy (“thanks, Mom, but I’ve really got it all covered,”), most questions about …

Forced Family Fun Time, 2014

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So about 8% of people hold to their New Year’s resolutions.  Whether you do or don’t, it’s an enjoyable New Year’s ritual. * Call Grandma more. * Spend more one-on-one time with each kid. AND THE GRAND DADDY OF THE NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS, * Forced Family Fun Time.  Once a week. I loved and borrowed the concept of Forced Family Fun Time from an educator at one of my favorite organizations, Parent Education Program. I’ll be the first to say that when the kids were little, it was easy to have those family movie and game nights.  We all enthusiastically gathered for the G movie or a round of Catch Phrase.  Now, not so much.  With a 13-year old son and a 10-year old daughter, it takes forever to find an “enjoyable” and “appropriate” movie for all.  Battling with the sports schedules and the electronic devices cuts into the round-the-table game time.  It’s gotten harder.  But now, along with 2014, comes Forced Family Fun Time.  We call it FFFT. Here was our first try at …

The Attitude of Gratitude

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We’re beyond the official season of Thanks and into the season of giving.  How do we keep the Attitude of Gratitude alive? Do you know that being grateful actually increases one’s happiness? Where does gratitude come from?  I’ve been watching and listening over the years.  I share with you now my simple and easy list of reminders to keep the attitude of gratitude alive . . . in us, and hopefully our kids too. Count Your Blessings.  Big, small.  Each and every day.  Tell your kids to think about at least one thing for which they are thankful each day.  Jotting it down has even more profound effects.  This little exercise can actually re-wire our brains to be happier and ultimately more productive. Thank someone for something each day.  Model it.  Lead your kids.  Whether it’s thanking the clerk at the store, someone who holds the door for you, or writing a thank you note or message, thank someone each day for something.  The possibilities are endless in a day if you open up your …

Happy Thanksgiving Eve!

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Tomorrow, you’re probably planning to gather together with the people you love to celebrate Thanksgiving. If you’re like our family, you’ll have several generations gathered under one roof. And if you’re playing host, you’ll spend the day trying to make sure that everyone has a great time.  Here are 11 Awesome Family Activities for Thanksgiving Day to incorporate into your holiday plans.

Do Your Kids Drink Enough Water?

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As a young teen, I was greatly dehydrated and didn’t even know it.  Had a headache every day by 3:00. Every day.  Got worse as the day went on.  Had medical exams, even brain scans. Vitamin deficiency, they said. Looking back, those headaches came from a simple lack of fluid. I would rush out in the morning, and go most of the school day without drinking much. Sound familiar in your household? How much water and other hydrating liquids do your kids drink?  Probably not enough.  They fly out the door in the morning, may not have much time during the school day, and before we know it, the negative effects of dehydration can set in, be it headaches, lack of energy, body cramps.  Some schools, classrooms, and teachers have figured this out; and they encourage — even require — students to keep a water bottle close by.  It’s something worth a moment of consideration. Think about it.  And check this out:  http://www.examiner.com/article/the-importance-of-drinking-water-2 For other tips for your developing teens and pre-teens, check out my book. …