MEandMine Incorporation - MEandMine Blog 2020-09-21T12:19:32-07:00 MEandMine Incorporation 2020-09-21T12:19:32-07:00 2020-09-21T15:55:32-07:00 Expert Tips: Promoting Healthy Habits During Distance Learning Diana Phuong

Expert Tips: Promoting Healthy Habits During Distance Learning

A health tip from Dr. Lee:

During COVID-19, many children are participating in distance learning. As a result, some surveys have shown at least a 50% increase in screen time. While this may be alarming, children are not only using screens for entertainment and academic learning but also to exercise, learn hobbies, and, most importantly, connect with family and friends. Stretching our bodies improves our posture, relieves stress, and recharges us for the rest of the day. 


Physical exercise is something slightly different, and the American Academy of Pediatrics does have a recommendation of 60 minutes of vigorous exercise at least 3 times a week to get the heart pumping and the blood flowing!

Here is Birdy Energy doing some vigorous exercise

Click to Download these Printables
]]> 2020-07-29T10:50:00-07:00 2020-07-29T10:50:20-07:00 Expert Tips on Healthy Habits for School Reopening Diana Phuong

 We all want what’s best for our students. Recently, school districts have considered many perspectives as they voted on whether to reopen schools as normal this Fall. Parents and students are feeling a variety of emotions - relief, elation, anxiety - about schools reopening.

On July 17, Governor Newson announced his plans for school re-opening, stating that “health data will determine when a school can be physically open – and when it must close – but learning should never stop.” 

So, there is quite a lot of ambiguity to navigate. We asked a power duo, veteran educator and school administrator, Steven Rummell, and pediatrician, Dr. Tim Lee, for their expert tips on what parents can do to help adjust to this “new normal.”

 Q: What can parents do to help alleviate the anxiety about returning to school?

Discuss the positives of returning to school – the opportunity to see friends and classmates, having fun, and learning from each other. Good communication and understanding of the school district’s plans for a return to school are critical. 

  • Talk to your children and listen to their concerns
  • Monitor your children’s behaviors for sudden changes in irritability, eating, sleep, and other health cycles
  • Proactively communicate with your children’s teachers, especially when they are beginning a new school year with a new teacher remotely (i.e., having never met them in person can inhibit the formation of personal connection with a key adult in their lives)
  • Emphasize healthy habits to protect everyone from this virus 
  • Keep routines, especially outside of school hours, to ensure that even if the school model changes multiple times (e.g., from in-person to hybrid to full remote learning), children will continue to have predictability at home

 Q: What can we practice at home to enforce safe, healthy habits?


If schools return to in-person classes find out what health practices and protocols are in place at school. Discuss and observe the following behaviors with your children as a way to fight germs and prevent illness. You are important role models for your children and can model: 
  • Proper handwashing
  • Avoid touching your faces
  • Avoid sharing food or drink
  • Maintain social distance 
  • Wear masks
  • Make it fun and engage with your children when promoting these important safety habits (for example, a contest to see who makes the most bubbles on their hands)!  

 Q: If schools remain in physical distance learning environments, what can parents do to create a conducive learning environment at home?



Whatever the home environment, children need a quiet place to work: 

  • Have a designated space for learning and have your children use it consistently
  • Set up parental controls on devices to ensure that your children are only using the internet for designated learning activities during school hours 
  • Also, if multiple children are learning from home, establish agreed-upon routines to share space during the day
  • Available supplies for your children, good lighting, and proper seating 

 Q: How much time do you suggest children stay on technology for virtual learning experiences?

The amount of time spent on technology for virtual learning will vary based on your children's grade level and the school’s academic program. The most important thing is that online time is used purposefully and this should be communicated by the children’s teachers. 


Although there isn’t a standard, the least amount of screen time for distance learning is best.  Nonetheless, with the quarantine, many families are using screens to relax and engage with their friends and families.  Most pediatricians recommend no more than 2 hours of screen time for entertainment (for example, video games, YouTube) per day.


Lastly, with the rise of screen time for many of us, it is important that parents and children take frequent breaks to recharge, connect as a family, and also be physically active.

 Q: How do you suggest a parent support their child adapting to this new learning method?



It is a reality that screen time for adults and children alike has increased during these challenging times.

Depending on the model the school is using, the age of your children, and the virtual learning tools available, the best way to manage this is by:

  • Communicating with each other on an ongoing basis about how they are feeling and what is making them feel that way
  • Build into the day physical movement and extension activities, like music and art, that the schools may not have available. Engage your children in learning away from the screen such as talking about flowers on hikes, making bubbles in the kitchen, or reading a book together


]]> 2020-07-24T10:20:00-07:00 2020-07-24T10:20:22-07:00 5 Ways to Boost Self-Esteem In Your Child Diana Phuong

5 Ways to Boost Self-Esteem

Take a moment and ask your kid to describe him or herself in three sentences. Now, ask yourself the same question. Chances are you and your kid use very different ways to portray what kind of person you are! Psychologists call this description self-concept, a list of words about the roles, attributes, values, and attitudes that defines who we are. Based on that, when your child feels good about his or her self-concept, psychologists would say that your child has high self-esteem. That said, psychologists noticed that at about 5 -7 years old, children’s self-esteem might temporarily drop when they enter school because they start to compare themselves to other kids.

We asked the MEandMine emotion team, a team of experts made up of scholars, psychologists, and educators to offer five tips on how parents can help kids aged 5-7, boost their self-esteem during the transitions. 

Pro Tip #1: Build on your child's strengths and be specific with your praise. Instead of saying “Good job!’ try saying, “Maria, you are very responsible. You came into the room, unpacked, and started your work immediately.” This highlights a child’s innate passion, joy, and curiosity. Children’s past successes and positive experiences bring about more confidence.

Pro Tip #2: Be supportive and loving but also firm and consistent when setting boundaries and expectations. Parent's stable and warm presence communicates to the kids that no matter what happens, you are there for them. Consistent boundaries also help to guide children during uncertain times, such as transitions. Consistency further provides children with a sense of stability. 

 Pro Tip #3: Identify the complexity of emotions your child might be feeling. This list may include guilt, embarrassment, pride, and envy. Give kids more words to use besides “happy,” “mad,” or “sad” to describe their emotions to help them and others better understand what they are feeling and how to support them. Help your kids figure out the incidence that makes them feel that way, and discuss how to deal with the emotions properly.

 Pro Tip #4: Use role-play to go through situations when those emotions come up for your kiddo. Talk about how to do it differently if that situation were to arise again. This helps them feel prepared to handle situations effectively and resolve conflicts. 

 Pro Tip # 5: Create an environment at school and at home where learning from failure is normal. Use mistakes as a teaching opportunity to learn from them and improve. They will face new challenges because of new routines and experiences. A growth mindset is essential in building resilience and reducing frustration tolerance. 


Parents, you may rush to forge a super positive self-concept and high self-esteem. You may want to be the superhero and never see your child feel down. However, research has shown that sheltering a student far away from all negative experiences and criticism may not work. Rather, learning from all experiences, good or bad, provides the best environment to build a positive self-concept and self-esteem.  

The process of building a strong and positive self-concept and self-esteem is like hurdling: The more obstacles the child successfully jumps over, the more positive self-concept and self-esteem the child develops. What parents are suggested to do is accompany the child during the entire journey, encourage them to learn from past successes and failures and move on, and celebrate the achievements even tiny ones. Next time, see how your child changes the way he or she describes him or herself. You may be surprised! 

    ]]> 2020-07-06T23:45:00-07:00 2020-07-24T10:11:52-07:00 Healthy Habits + Activities Summer Bucket List Diana Phuong
    Write a letter to yourself. When you’re done, seal it in an envelope and write “to _____(your name)____, open on January 1st, 2022” Then place the letter somewhere safe. Don’t open it until January 1st, 2022!
    Find some paint around the house and a piece of construction paper. Then use your fingers and hands to paint. If you can’t find paper, try painting on rocks!
    Grab your favorite board game or card game and sit down with your family to have a family game night.
    Find a jar around your house or even a box. Then grab numerous pieces of paper. Each day, write down at least one thing you are thankful for and place it into the box/jar. 
    Find a couple of blankets, pillows, and chairs. Then lay a blanket on the chairs and one on the floor. Place the pillows inside to make it the cozies blanket fort. Grab some snacks, maybe even some games and toys and play!
    Grab your family and put on your favorite movie! 
    Gather some of your favorite fruits and blend a healthy fruit smoothie. Cut up the fruits, and don't forget to add your choice of liquid (milk, water, coconut water, etc.) Then blend all your ingredients. 
    Gather some of your favorite fruits and blend together a healthy fruit smoothie. Cut up the fruits and don't forget to add your choice of liquid (milk, water, coconut water, etc.) Then blend together all your ingredients. 
    Grab a few sheets of paper and begin writing your own story! Don't forget to draw and add some color! 
    Take a piece of paper and fold it into a paper boat! Get creative here and see how many different methods you can fold a paper boat. Then, test it out on the water! Challenge: See how many marbles you can place into the boat before it sinks! Can you get at least 5? 
    Gather an 8-ounce bottle of Elmer's white glue, 1 1/2 - 2 tablespoons of contact saline solution, and a tablespoon of baking soda. Mix the ingredients together, use more saline solution if the slime is too sticky. 
    Try using some healthier ingredients to make your cookies. For example, switch out your butter for a banana instead!
    For the entire day, do random acts of kindness for the people around you! Make sure to pay attention to how they react and how it makes you feel! 
    Try becoming Mom and Dad's little chef for the night! 
    Plant some seeds or flowers in your backyard. Don't forget to water it every single day!
    Challenge: Can you guess how many days it will take for the flower to bloom?
    Grab some closed toes shoes and try climbing up a tree! When you're done, don't forget to ask your parents to take a photo! 
    Go outside around sunset time to catch the sunset! Watch the beautiful skies turn from sky blue to a pinkish color. 
    Take a fresh breath of air and go outside for a walk! Challenge: Can you spot a butterfly?
    Find your favorite book or any book that you have been wanting to read and start reading!
    Challenge: Can you finish the book in a day?
    Pack up some of your favorite food and snacks and bring a blanket. Go outside to the grass and have a picnic!
    Take a bike ride around your neighborhood! Don’t forget to wear a helmet and be safe!
    Grab your siblings or family members to go outside and play your favorite sport! 
    Try a day without using electronics! Instead of using a phone or watching television, trade it in for a book or a board game! 
    Find a puzzle around your house and try finishing it! If you don't have a puzzle, make your own! 
    Try finishing a MEandMine Word Search
    Challenge: Can you find all the words within the word search within 5 minutes? 
    Print out your very own MEandMine Mad Libs
    Find 5 straws, a long string, some tape, and paper. Start by drawing and adding some color to your kite. Then cut it out into a diamond shape and tape straws to the back of the kite for support. Lastly, connect the string to the kite.
    Grab a deck of cards and play a round of cards with your family. You can try out a round of Go Fish to start with! 
    Find a deck of cards and try building a pyramid. 
    Grab a piece of paper and try folding it into an airplane. When you're done, try flying it!
    Challenge: Can you make it fly for 5 seconds?
    Gather some of your favorite pizza toppings, try your best to find ingredients that match all the colors in the rainbow. 
    Try out some basic yoga poses! You can start off with the downward dog!
    Challenge: Try at least 10 different yoga poses! 
    Find numerous glass cups and fill them each up with different amounts of water. Then take a spoon and gently hit each glass from the side, allowing you to make a different sound. 
    Take a jar and fill it mostly with vegetable oil. Then add some water into the jar. Add some drops of food coloring into the jar and then add an Alka-Selzer Tablet. Make sure you break up the Alka-Selzer Tablet into little pieces. 
    Take an egg and place it in a cup filled with vinegar. Let the egg soak in vinegar for 48 hours. After that, rinse the egg with water, and now you got yourself a rubber egg! 
    Try making your favorite lunch!
    Challenge: Are you able to make it without any help?
    Draw and color a rocket and cut it out. Then find two draws, one big one, and one small one, and take the bigger straw onto the back of the rocket cut out. Then place the smaller straw inside the bigger straw, and blow hard to make the rocket fly!
    Grab some uncooked pasta and try building a tower. Use marshmallows to help connect each pasta strand.
    Try out the two-ingredient moon sand. Find some baby oil and flour. In a plastic container, mix up 1/4 cup of baby oil with 2 cups of flour. 
    Make your playdough! Gather 2 cups of flour, 2/4 cups of salt, 4 teaspoons cream of tartar, 2 cups of lukewarm water, and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Combine the flour, salt, and cream of tartar in a bowl. Then add water and oil. If you want some color, feel free to add some food coloring. Heat this mixture over medium heat and continue to stir the mixture until the dough begins to take on a ball form. Then remove it from heat and let it cool. 
    Try making your popsicles. Gather 1 lb of strawberries and 2 cups of vanilla-flavored Greek yogurt. Mash the strawberries with a fork until the strawberries are left with no large chunks. Then add yogurt and mix! Lastly, freeze it in the freezer and then enjoy it.  
    Grab a frisbee and go outside to play!
    Be adventurous and try something new! 
    With your family, go outside at night and look at the stars! Try counting all the stars you can see!
    Sit outside and take a fresh breath of air. Close your eyes for a few minutes and clear your thoughts by focusing on your breathing. 
    For the rest of the summer, take a photo of yourself every day, doing your favorite activities. 
    Grab some cloth and ask your parents to help you make your own mask. 
    Take a piece of paper and try drawing a portrait of your family. 
    Find some small balloons and fill it up with water. Grab your family and have a water balloon fight! 
    Get a light and try using your hands to make shadow animals. If you can't, then draw and cut your figure out and use it as your shadow puppet. 
    ]]> 2020-06-24T20:36:00-07:00 2020-07-24T10:14:26-07:00 Supporting Positive Self-Esteem during Transition to Grade School- A Q&A with Expert Diana Phuong Supporting Positive Self-Esteem during Transition to Grade School- A Q&A with Expert


    We had the privilege of sitting down with Dr. Peggy Chang, a licensed psychologist, to get the inside scoop. 

     Q: Why do some kids become more anxious, short-tempered, and begin to make statements relating to school avoidance when they first entered grade school?


    A: Around age 5, children start to look at themselves in a different way. Their emotions become more complex and can better pick up what’s happening in their surroundings. 

    • This experience is in fact quite normal, and there are many things parents can do to support their child at this development stage and further foster the growth of their positive self-concept and self-esteem. 

     Q: What are some factors that may impact my child’s self-esteem?


    A: This is the age range when social comparison becomes evident, kids will notice that some of their peers may have better possessions, are more skilled in an area, or are more preferred by other students or teachers.

      When they feel like they don’t measure up, it can lead to them feeling like they are less than and thus experience lower self-esteem.

     Q: How do these factors differ depending on gender?


    A: Girls are known to value relationships more and thus having more friends is likely to lead to higher self-esteem. Whereas boys value more on physical attributes and are more likely to have higher self-esteem when they perceive their greater strength and skills. 

     Q: What can parents do to support children’s positive development of self-esteem?


     A: Here are some tips:

    1. Praise effort: 

    • Focus on the child’s effort when giving praise. For instance, tell children, “I can see you’ve been practicing hard in perfecting your dribbling!”, and avoid praises that focus on fixed, innate quality, such as “you are very talented!”.

    2. Normalize mistakes: 

    • Mistakes are bound to happen. Normalization of mistakes teaches children not to be fearful of them. Mistakes should also be used as teaching opportunities to help children learn and improve for the future.

    3. Growth mindset:  

    • Encouragement of a growth mindset is essential in building resilience and reducing frustration tolerance. When children approach tasks with a growth mindset, they are more likely to persevere, develop grit, and finally accomplish tasks. This in turn helps them feel more confident in their ability.

    4. Build on a child's strengths:  

    • Highlight children’s past successes and positive experiences is another great way to help them internalize their confidence.

       Q: Is it normal for kids to struggle to make friends when they first enter school? 


      A: Yes, it is completely normal! While entering a new environment, it's common for many to face difficulties while making friends. As a parent, it may be extremely worrisome to see your child struggle socially at first. However, just know that it is a difficulty that they can work to overcome. 

      Here are some tips you can use to help them build better social skills:

      1. Model positive social interactions/behaviors 

      • Kids tend to learn by observing their parents as well as those around them. Thus your interactions with people, whether big or small, serve as learning opportunities for them. 
        • What would this look like?
          • Treat others with good manners and respect 
          • Demonstrate appropriate emotion regulation (it’s okay to let your kids know that you too experience anger, sadness, and most importantly, how you manage them!).
          • This also leads to how to positively resolve conflicts and advocate for self when one runs into social difficulties. Conflicts will almost always occur when children interact with peers. It is important that children learn ways to problem solve, and stand up for self when situations call for it.
          • Show care and empathy when interacting with others. This teaches children to be kind and it instills the essential skills of perspective-taking.

      2. Practice role-playing at home

      • Through role-playing, the child can practice how to interact with others, which allows them to feel more confident in their skills. With this boost in confidence, it helps kids to step out of their comfort zone and initiate interactions with others. 
      • For peer relations, some keys to success are reciprocity and mindful perspective-taking skills. Parents can help by modeling pro-social skills and help children develop greater empathy." The consistent practice and live modeling are some great ways to build the foundation for future social competence.
      ]]> 2020-05-04T16:47:00-07:00 2020-05-07T13:12:19-07:00 Ask an Expert About Healthy Eating - Dr. Tim Lee, M.D. Diana Phuong  

      Raising kids who eat a variety of healthy foods can be a challenge in our hectic lives. We asked Dr. Tim Lee, M.D., about building healthy eating habits. Here are some of his simple tips to develop healthy eating habits for kids of all ages:


      •  Eating together as a family on a daily basis is essential and provides a chance for parents to introduce their children to new foods and to be role models for healthy eating.


      •  Allow your children some control of what they will eat and won’t.  Meals should be pleasant and enjoyable and parents should avoid forcing food on their children. Also, teaching our children to pay attention to their bodies is important to avoid overeating.  


      • Involving your kids in meal planning and cooking is a great way for them to learn about nutrition and get excited about meals. Select age-appropriate tasks so kids can play a part in the kitchen. At the end of the meal, don’t forget to praise the little chef! 
        ]]> 2020-05-04T16:47:00-07:00 2020-05-07T10:58:41-07:00 MEandMine Mother's Day Activity - Mama's Little Chef Diana Phuong


         What is the best gift a mom can get for Mother’s Day?

         It is knowing that her little ones are safe, well-fed, and having fun. A great way to keep the kids entertained, creative, and eating nutritiously is transforming them into Mama’s Little Chef. Let’s make Mother’s Day memorable for the whole family. 


        DIY Rainbow Brunch  

        Make a Mother’s Day Brunch using a colorful rainbow of ingredients! Check out the Quick Recipe for Rainbow Skewers. 





        Use the Rainbow Guide to find creative ingredients that match the colors of a rainbow. Take that extra step of spelling out MOM with your Rainbow Skewers.

        Can’t go shopping? 
        Cut out the printed ingredients and create your healthy rainbow plate for mommy!



        DIY Fruity Flower Bouquet 

        Printable Color-and-Cut Fruit Flower Bouquet



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