expert advice: from Bobbi DePorter, accelerated learning expert

Think your kids need help with their learning skills? Instead of getting frustrated with them, meet Bobbi DePorter. This teen and accelerated learning expert has changed the lives of over five million kids through her SuperCamp and Quantum Learning school programs. Here, she shares her insight with KidandCaboodle moms...

Kidandcaboodle: How did you get started on this career path? What first got you interested in helping students excel?

Bobbi dePorter: "Having the opportunity to study with Dr. Georgi Lozanov from Bulgaria in the late 70s was the learning point in my life. I applied his “accelerated learning” methods to my adult programs and saw a big difference in the students’ ability to learn. Then I saw a need to teach kids how to learn. The assumption is that they go to school and should know how to learn effectively. Yet we found most don’t know how. When we teach kids how to learn, most say: “Why didn’t anyone teach this to me before?” It makes a big difference for them."

K&C: Were you a good student? What challenges did you encounter in your own studies?

BDP: "I was a good student in most of my classes, and some I struggled with and didn’t know why. My Spanish class in particular was very difficult for me. I since learned that I’m highly visual and have very low auditory processing. If I had known that then, I could have used different strategies to learn a language."

K&C: Do you think there’s too much/too little emphasis placed on giving young kids an accelerated education these days? How is this impacting them and their role in society?

BDP: "There is a teaching methodology that is very effective called “accelerated learning” that is the basis for our Quantum Learning methods. It’s about engaging, joyful, meaningful learning that challenges students to do their best. I want to make sure we don’t confuse the term “accelerated.” I believe you’re asking about starting kids at a younger age, passing kids up to the next grade or more challenging classes? I believe that we need to be aware of each child’s abilities and learning styles and keep challenging them just beyond their abilities."

K&C: What are the biggest challenges in education facing teenagers today?

BDP: "Pressures to get top grades, be good at sports, have outside activities and be of service to get into good colleges. It is a lot of pressure and their schedules are packed. It’s at a time when kids are also discovering who they are and trying to fit in."

K&C: Can you briefly explain your 8 Keys of Excellence?

BDP: "The 8 Keys of Excellence are principles to live by. When integrated, the Keys create a positive core that guides our behavior. The Keys are: Integrity, Failure Leads to Success, Speak with Good Purpose, This is it!, Commitment, Ownership, Flexibility and Balance."

K&C: What do you hope teenagers get out of your program?

BDP: "From our SuperCamp, Quantum Learning for Students, and 8 Keys of Excellence programs, students learn effective learning skills such as reading, writing, thinking, speaking, memory and note-taking, and life skills that include good communication and relationship skills."

K&C: What can parents do to help their kids excel academically?

BDP: "Parents can work to have good communication with their child. We say Listen More, Talk Less. Be aware of their child’s personal learning style and have conversation around what works best for them. And create a good, inspiring and creative study area – a place where their child wants to study."

K&C: Can you share a personal success story with one of your students that stands out in your mind?

BDP: "I think of Sara who was already a good student. At SuperCamp she really discovered that she can make her dreams happen. It gave her the confidence to try out for things, to speak up and express herself. She became Miss Teen Georgia, got accepted to Georgetown U and got her dream job at Walt Disney World. She credits all this from the “shift” she discovered at SuperCamp to really believe in herself and be secure in who she is and what she has to offer.

Nick also comes to mind. In high school a counselor told his mother in front of him that he would never make it to college and that he should focus on a vocational track. He attended SuperCamp and applied the learning skills he learned to his schoolwork with good results that built his confidence back up. He recently graduated from a four-year university and is happily employed."

K&C: What are your goals for the future? What upcoming projects will you pursue?

BDP: "SuperCamp continues to grow with new US and international sites. There are now over 56,000 graduates. Our Quantum Learning school programs for administrators, teachers and students are also growing where we now have programs statewide in some states. Over 50,000 teachers have attended Quantum Learning trainings, impacting over five million students. We have recently formed the Excellence Effect movement to take the 8 Keys of Excellence character program to families and schools everywhere at no-charge, with a goal of reaching 50 million kids by 2015."

For more info, go to www.supercamp.com.

expert advice: recipe for a healthy birthday party, from registered dietitian Robyn Flipse

I am a mom of two (Harrison, age 4, and Ava, almost 3). We started a healthy eating plan this September and I am determined to stick with it. Every day we write down how many fruits, veggies, proteins, etc., they eat so we can see if we've had a healthy day. I am not neurotic about it but am just trying to get them thinking in a healthy way. And they are into it, so why not?

What throws us off is the birthday parties. Most moms say: "It's one day, big deal! Let them enjoy!" But sometimes, between the two kids, we go to three birthday parties each Sunday and they end up eating sweets and pizza all day long!!

So I wondered, "How can I make the birthday party experience more healthy without ruining all their fun?" I asked New Jersey-based registered dietitian Robyn Flipse for her advice. Here, she shares some excellent healthy eating tips...

"Birthday parties offer young children a chance to be the star in their own show and share a few fun-filled hours with playmates. I can't think of anything that they look forward to more! While the socialization is invaluable, the menu may not always be, so the real question is, which is more important?

My first suggestion is to look at all of the birthday parties and other special occasions your child may attend in the context of the entire year. If they average one or two a month, there is really nothing to worry about. Let them enjoy the foods and drinks being served and offer them their usual meals and snacks for the rest of the day. If your child receives more than one invitation in a single day, it is best to select just one party to attend rather than trying to go to them all, just as you would have to decide for yourself if you were invited to three events in one evening. And what toddler is going to have the stamina for three birthday parties in a single afternoon?

This leads to another important point: We need to teach our children about moderation in the same way we teach them good manners and their ABCs, by example and plenty of practice! I have always counseled the parents in my practice that taking all of the tempting choices off the table does not teach a child how to select a well balanced diet. So just as children must learn they cannot fill up on spaghetti and Italian bread and skip the salad and meatballs, they also need to learn they can have a sweet drink with their pizza then a fruit cup instead of cookies for a snack later that day. Parents provide the choice and guide the decision."

KidandCaboodle: What's the best way to survive a kid's bday party as far as eating healthy is concerned?

Robyn Flipse: "Don't think of it as a challenge to your child's nutritional survival, but rather, as a good time, just like when you go out for dinner and split a bottle of wine, order an expensive entree and indulge in a decadent dessert you don't normally have at home. There are 365 days in the year and three meals a day, so you have 1095 chances to feed your children what you want, the occasional party fare can't undermine that."

K&C: Should you eat a meal beforehand so it's easier to forego the pizza? Is there a healthier alternative to serve?

RF: "Feed your child the meals and snacks that he/she would normally eat before and after the party since the excitement of a party usually blocks their appetite, and much of that pizza and cupcake go uneaten. The party food should be at the discretion of the host and those attending should only make special requests or bring their own food if they have special dietary needs, such a gluten free."

K&C: Is there a healthy kind of cake to buy if you're the one giving the party? Is there an alternative to cake that you can bring for your kids to eat if you are a guest?

RF: "The cake and candles are a big part of the celebration and for most toddlers, the decorations on the cake are more important than how it tastes, so stick with the party theme when selecting the cake and make the servings small. Half the battle to achieving a healthy diet for your children is helping them choose the right portions to feel satisfied, not stuffed, after eating."

K&C: What's a healthy alternative to chips? Soda? Other junk food that might be served?

RF: "Stick with age-appropriate foods the children are familiar with and can be easily served and eaten unassisted, meaning without utensils. There are plenty of whole grain and lower fat and sodium chips on the market to choose from, in addition to pretzels and popcorn for munching, and endless beverage choices ranging from 100% fruit juices to lemonade and assorted fun-colored and flavored punches. Occasional sweets and treats are fine as long as parents are aware of how often they serve these items and ensure that the rest of their child's diet is balanced."

K&C: Do you have any suggestions about dealing with the goody bag? What can the host put in to make it healthy and what can parents do to keep their kids from getting sugared out?

RF: "Why not fill those goodie bags with dollar store trinkets like stickers, fun bands and washable tattoos? My sons loved those when they were little and they provided some entertainment for the rest of the day."

K&C: What about the candy-filled pinata? They have them at a lot of these parties and I insist that my kids collect as much as they can then we bring the candy home and they get to eat one at a time and they collect the others. They take pride in showing friends their collections. Any other ideas?

RF: "Your strategy is an excellent one! Let the children use their scavenger skills to gather the scattered candy then take it home to count it, group it, trade it and otherwise learn from the experience. Doling it out over time is another good lesson in moderation, just as is needed with their Halloween candy."

K&C: Any general healthy eating tips for kids?

RF: 1. First and foremost, allow your children to develop a positive feeling about eating and experiencing new foods by avoiding too many taboos and rules (unless for religious or health reasons). Research shows that children whose diets are the most restricted have the greatest food issues and eating disorders later in life.

2. Serve as an example of how to enjoy all foods in moderation so that nothing is viewed as more important than anything else, and therefore less likely to be coveted or abused when available. Imagine your child saying no thank you to the ice cream at a party because he knows he can have some later at home.

3. Include children in as much of the feeding process as possible, from planning meals to shopping for and preparing food to cleaning up. These are lifelong skill everyone needs to master.

4. Don't call any otherwise edible food or drink by scary and inappropriate names that can confuse your child, such as "junk food," "garbage," "crap" and "bad for you." The amounts and combinations we eat, or don't eat, are the problem, not the individual foods.

5. When planning your child's next birthday party, ask her what foods she would like to serve, you may be surprised by the answer!

For more info on Robyn Flipse and lots of healthy eating tips, go to www.RobynFlipse.com.

expert advice: from Dr. Elizabeth Lee, plastic surgeon

Whether you've had one, two, three kids--or more!--chances are your body looks and feels different than it did before you ever gave birth. And all the diet and exercise in the world (IF you could muster up the time and energy to do it!) doesn't always bring things back to normal. Luckily, there are cosmetic surgery procedures on the market for those of us who need some reshaping--like the Mommy Makeover (average cost: $12,390), a post-pregnancy procedure designed to counter sagging skin.

Hesitant about going under the knife? I know I am! Before you book your appointment, check out http://www.realself.com/was-it-worth-it, a community where members share their unbiased opinion and stories about cosmetic treatments and plastic surgery. Each person rates their treatment (worth it/not worth it) and offers his/her comments. The Mommy makeover shows a staggering Worth It Index of 95, post-pregnancy procedures to counter sagging skin.

Here, Dr. Elizabeth Lee, a Bay Area plastic surgeon and member of RealSelf’s doctor community, talks about her Mommy Makeover procedure. Are you willing to give it a try?

Kidandcaboodle: What is a mommy makeover?

Elizabeth Lee: "A mommy makeover generelly involves surgery to both the breasts and abdomen, the two areas most affected by pregnancy and nursing."

K&C: Why is it so appealing to moms?

EL: "Some of us stretch out and lose our shapes in such a way that we can never get back to a comfortable body contour with just diet and exercise."

K&C: What are the pros and cons of the procedure?

EL: "Breast surgery can restore breast shape and size. Tummy tuck can help tighten the "core" muscles that may become permanently separated during pregnancy. In addition to contouring the body, repairing these separated muscles may improve posture and core body strength. Taking out excess stretched skin on the lower abdomen makes women much more comfortable both physically and emotionally. Of course, surgery has risks and it is important to be healthy and to plan properly for your recovery."

K&C: How long do the results last?

EL: "Results are permanent, but the aging process goes on and gravity continues to work against us. Barring more pregnancies or large weight gain, breasts and tummy will never be as loose and droopy as they were before the mommy makeover."

K&C: How long is the recovery time? Do you have any advice on how to recover when you have a baby or other kids at home?

EL: "Recovery is a gradual process. The majority of swelling and tenderness resolves in the first two weeks. However, the healing process continues for up to a year. For six weeks after surgery you will be much more tired than usual and need more sleep. This fatigue usually improves by week seven. You will need full-time help with young children for two weeks after surgery. The best way to ensure an easy recovery is to plan for adequate help."

K&C: How can this procedure help a mom's self-esteem?

EL: "Becoming a parent changes a woman's life in many ways. Handling young children can be exhausting. Our relationships to our jobs, our spouses, our friends all change. Having a body that no longer resembles our internal image of ourselves can be uncomfortable. Healthy eating and exercise cannot tighten up what is stretched out and sagging. We feel more powerful and competent when our bodies are intact. A mommy makeover can help a woman feel whole again."

K&C: Is there a memorable patient's reaction or story about someone who underwent the procedure that you could share?

EL: "Most of my patients feel much better about themselves, exercise more comfortably and feel that they have more energy for their lives when they don't feel miserable every time they look in the mirror or have to get dressed."

Fashion's Night Out: First Dog Event

Fashion goes to the dogs. But it's a good thing! This year, Fashion's Night Out focuses on a huge number of amazing fashion events--including one for your favorite pooches! On Friday, September 10th from 7-10 PM, you can shop for the latest canine fashion, dog carriers, accessories and spa and grooming services at THE DOG STORE (170 East 61st Street, New York, NY 10065; 212-317-5982). Hosted by Edward Alava, it promises to be an amazing event. The best part: Proceeds will benefit Frankie’s Friends, an organization that provides money to New Yorkers who cannot afford medical care for their pets. Sponsored by NYC and The Hamptons Veterinarian Dr. Cindy Bressler, Isle of Capri Restaurant, FUR by J Mikel, Best Pet Rx, Canine Celebrations, and Throw Me a Bone NYC. For more info on Fashion's Night Out events, go to www.fashionsnightout.com.

happy new year: from Manischewitz

Dreading spending time in the kitchen preparing for Rosh Hashanah? Need a quick and easy last-minute recipe idea? Whether you're cooking for four or fourteen, Manischewitz comes to the rescue with some delectable dishes that will help you welcome in the new year.

We've all grown up on Manischewitz basics--matzah, chicken soup, even gefilte fish. Now there are ways to incorporate a little Manischewitz into all your meals. The company just launched some new staples that are sure to impress.

There's an all-natural Beef Broth (in a new 32-ounce reusable container--great for cooking for a crowd) that beefs up just about everything, a Vegetable Broth that adds flavor, a Chicken Broth (also in the reusable container) with no MSG and a revamped, ready-to-serve Chicken Soup with Matzah Balls that's all natural with no MSG and no trans-fat.

Will it replace Bubbe's version? That's up to you. But if she's not around to cook it, it's a great alternative.

Manischewitz also offers some delicious recipes to try. Check them out below, and see more at www.manischewitz.com. Have a happy new year!

GRILLED MAHI MAHI WITH VINEGAR SPIKED VEGETABLES

Cooking Time: 45 min

Ingredients

3/4 cup baby carrots

3/4 cup leeks, chopped (rinse well)

3/4 cup rutabaga, chopped

3/4 cup green bell pepper, sliced

28 oz (2 cans) Manischewitz® Vegetable Broth

1/2 teaspoon ginger, minced

1/2 teaspoon garlic, minced

1/4 cup rice wine vinegar

1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar

6 (6oz) Mahi Mahi filetsManischewitz®

Kosher salt, to taste

Cracked black pepper, to taste

6 onions

3 cups cooked rice

2 tablespoons parsley

Preparation:

1. Marinate vegetables in 2 oz vegetable broth, ginger, garlic, vinegar and sugar for 30 minutes.

2. Season Mahi Mahi with salt and pepper; grill on both sides until flaky.

3. For each onion, cut 1 inch slice off the top and a thin slice off the bottom so it will sit flat, discard the slices. Peel the onions and with a melon baller scoop out the inside of each onion, leaving the outer 2 layers. Char onion cups on grill and fill with cooked rice.

4. Heat remaining vegetable broth; add marinated vegetables and cook for 15 minutes or until vegetables are tender; add Mahi Mahi; garnish with parsley.

5. Serve with rice filled onion cups.

SWEET POTATO RAVIOLI WITH LIGHT CREAMY SAUCE

Cooking Time: 30 min

Ingredients

2 tablespoons Manischewitz® Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 spanish or white onion, diced
5 cooked sweet potatoes, skinned and mashed coarsely
1 teaspoon cumin
¼ teaspoon curry powder
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon fresh garlic, minced
Manischewitz Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
1 package of pre-made frozen ravioli rounds or wonton wrappers
Small cup of warm water
corn starch
2 tablespoons pareve margarine
2 tablespoons flour
1 cup Manischewitz® Beef Broth
1/3 cup non-dairy whipped topping
Pinch of kosher salt
Pinch of white pepper
2 tablespoons dry white wine (optional)
Fresh parsley for garnish To make ravioli:
In a large frying pan on a med-low heat, sauté the onions in olive oil until they turn translucent. Add the mashed sweet potatoes, cumin, curry, allspice, garlic, salt and pepper to the onions. Mix well and allow to sauté for an additional 3-5 minutes. Set aside potato mixture and let cool to room temperature.

Preparation: Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a small soup pot; add desired amount of salt. While you wait for the water to boil, sprinkle counter with a little corn starch and lay out the ravioli rounds. Gently dab the perimeter of the ravioli with some warm water (this acts like a glue) and drop a spoonful of the sweet potato mixture in the center of the dough. Fold closed and pinch the ends of the ravioli to secure. Drop ravioli into the boiling water and cook until they float to the top, about 4-5 minutes. Scoop out with slotted spoon and keep warm on a plate.

To make creamy sauce:
Melt margarine in a saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and stir until mixture is well blended. Gradually stir in beef broth and non-dairy whipped topping. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until sauce begins to boil and thickens. If using optional wine, add now. Simmer, stirring frequently, over very low heat for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

To Serve:
Drizzle creamy sauce over sweet potato ravioli and garnish with fresh parsley.

sweet deal: cupcakes help CancerCare for Kids

All kids love cupcakes (even big kids like us!) so you know you're putting a smile on someone's face when you pass them around. göt2b takes the cake when it comes to doing good by participating in Cupcakes for a Cause Week. From September 20 – 26, bakeries and grocery stores around the country will be selling specially-decorated cupcakes and donating a portion of the sales to CancerCare for Kids, a program that provides free support services to children affected by cancer and their families. Here's how göt2b is sweetening the deal: 1) For every free e-Cupcake sent, göt2b will donate $1.00 to the cause (up to $10,000) and 2) For every new “like” on got2b’s facebook page, got2b will donate $1 (up to $1000) Plus, if got2b reaches 10,000 “likes” by September 30, got2b will donate an additional $1000! While you’re treating friends to cupcakes and e-Cupcakes, göt2b will treat your tired, limp locks to an instant volume makeover with its collagen-infused fat-tastic collection. The line, which features got2b fat-tastic root-boosting spray, got2b fat-tastic thickening plumping mousse and got2b fat-tastic thickening non-aerosol hairspray gives women a delicious feast for fine hair for thicker, plumper locks that are big on style! Visit www.cupcakesforacause.org for all the details.

The Ultimate Lifestyle Diet: Yes you can!

We all know dieting is not a trend, it's a lifestyle. But, c'mon moms, how hard is it to practice? You've got kids who only want to eat pasta all day every day and long hours that lead to grabbing a bite while you can and snacking when you shouldn't. Thankfully, Bariatric surgeon and weight loss expert Dr. Carson Liu releases his Ultimate Lifestyle Diet.

“Obesity is much about behavior, not just eating the wrong foods,” says Dr. Liu. “Most people view diets as a temporary and time consuming activity.” Dr. Liu’s Ultimate Lifestyle Diet recommends 10 easy, guilt-free actions that will make a difference for a lifetime. Dr. Liu points out that the best diet technique is to make multiple simple changes in behavior that will help move a person towards a better and healthier life. Here, his secrets to your dieting success...

1. Don’t eat packaged food that has the word Fructose or a chemical with numbers in the ingredients (that means, bypass the snack aisle at the grocery store).

2. Don’t eat food that is delivered to your house or through your car window (no more Sunday night Chinese food!).

3. Before shopping for food, eat a meal. Never shop hungry. (Easier said than done!)

4. Switch out sodas for sparkling water, candy for carob chips and high calorie snacks for nuts and fruit. (Limited nut intake, that is...)

5. Cook your own meals and reduce the portion size of bread, rice, pasta and potatoes. (Size does matter!)

6. Eat from small plates. (Ditto!)

7. Eat slowly using a child’s size spoon, knife or fork. (My kids might fight me for it but okay...)

8. Wait 20 minutes before having a second helping. (Good one!)

9. Don’t eat while watching TV. (It doesn't matter that all the prime time series premiere in a couple of weeks...)

10. Turn off your computer and or TV for one hour per day and take a walk. (Exercise will do you good).

For more information, visit www.drcarsonliu.com.