Foust Law January 2019

JANUARY 2019 THE

COMMUNITY CONSCIENCE

Raising kids can be a challenging endeavor. When Heather and I were married in 2013, Heather agreed to take on not only a husband but also two boys: Andrew, 12, and Chandler, 11. The boys are now 17 and 18 years old and face growing up in a world very different than the one Heather and I knew when we were teenagers. We are far from perfect parents, but we do our best. Our newsletter chronicles some of our successes and some of our less than stellar moments. We hope you can learn from some of our failures and find some entertainment in the moments we share. HELPING YOUR TEENS SET GOALS

Shawn Achor is one of the world’s leading authorities on the connection between happiness and success. Shawn Achor is a Harvard-trained researcher who authored “The Happiness Advantage” and the New York Times bestseller “Before Happiness. I have read both of these books and found two very important takeaways: The first is that, to be successful, one must be happy first; the second is that happiness is the joy we feel when we move toward our potential. Before reading these two books, I had always put the cart before the horse and believed if I could just be successful, I could realize my happiness. I also thought that happiness was something that always felt good. I had confused happiness with pleasure. While pleasure is short-lived, happiness is a constantly evolving and lifelong endeavor. My wife, Heather, may be the most goal- oriented and disciplined person I have ever known. I have watched her set physical fitness goals and attack them one week at a time, one day at a time, and one

repetition at a time. Ironically, I find that Heather is happiest not at the conclusion of her goal but in the process of getting to her goal. As Shawn Achor explains, and Heather exemplifies, “Joy is something you can experience even when life is not pleasurable.” It is this ability to live in the moment, that has made Heather such a fantastic example for our kids. The best advice I can give to parents about establishing a healthy perspective in your kids comes not from my experience but from Sean Covey’s book, “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens.”. I bought this book for Andrew and Chandler when they were 13 and 14 and, to my amazement, they didn’t just read the book, they devoured it. We had very good discussions about the topics Covey raises in his book. I am convinced that kids crave the type of structure Covey sets out in this book. I highly recommend you pick up a copy for your teenager.

If you have read Covey’s “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People,” the teen version will sound familiar. Covey outlines the following habits of highly effective teens:

1. Be proactive. 2. Begin with the end in mind. 3. Put first things first. 4. Think win-win. 5. Seek first to understand, then to be understood. 6. Synergize. 7. Sharpen the saw.

Although your teen needs your help setting goals and establishing a direction, it is critical that a teen understand these are his or her goals, not yours. I am guilty of imposing what I want instead of allowing my teenager to discover what they want. Sometimes letting go can be the hardest part of this process.

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GET YOUR KIDS TO EAT HEALTHIER THAN EVER Do your kids get enough nutrients in their diet? If they’re like most kids, the answer is probably no. You want your children to eat more vegetables and less processed junk, but they certainly don’t make it easy. Even getting the average kid to chow down on a serving of broccoli can be a huge chore. as spaghetti. Zucchini noodles — or “zoodles”— are

delicious in marinara sauce and decadent in Alfredo.

In fact, food manufacturers have built an entire industry that takes advantage of our kids’ penchant for sugary cereal and fast food. However, a diet of highly processed foods can lead to a host of problems. Not only do these poor dietary habits carry over into adulthood, but a poor diet can hinder brain development and may even cause behavioral issues. A study in the American Journal of Public Health found links between poor diet and the development of depression in kids and teens. But how can you encourage your kids to eat healthier? Often, it comes down to presentation. A mound of plain old veggies is not appetizing — not to a 10-year-old and not to a 40-year-old.

If push comes to shove, you can easily hide vegetables in foods your children already know and love. Did you know you can make brownies

with avocado and black beans? Slipping in a few healthier ingredients here and there can deliver those nutrients in a pinch, especially during a chaotic school week. But, if you’re hoping to foster long-lasting healthy habits, the best thing you can do is offer your child a choice. Say something like “You can have the cauliflower, or you can have the broccoli. It’s up to you!” Let your child have that control. Psychologists and social scientists, including the famed Dr. Maria Montessori, argue that when kids feel in charge of a decision, they are more likely to embrace one of the options — even if it’s a vegetable. Ultimately, as a parent, you are in charge of your child’s diet. Help them explore new foods and foster a positive culinary environment. Your kids will develop a taste for healthy eating in no time!

Instead of presenting vegetables as a boring side dish, think of them as an ingredient.

Take lasagna, for instance. This tasty, familiar dish is easy to modify. Instead of using lasagna noodles, use zucchini. Simply slice the zucchini into thin, noodle-like strips, then layer them as you would typical noodles. The same can be done with other pasta dishes, such

SGT. FIELDY COMES HOME Reuniting Brothers in Arms

There are around 2,500 military working dogs currently in service, and their efforts help save the lives of countless soldiers and civilians every day. One of these brave military dogs is Sgt. Fieldy, an 11-year-old black lab who was trained to locate the No. 1 threat in Afghanistan: IEDs. Sgt. Fieldy was deployed to Afghanistan with his handler, Cpl. Nicolas Caceres, in 2011. Early in their deployment, their vehicle struck a pressure plate while they were on patrol. Fieldy and Caceres were all right, but one of the other Marines in their company was badly injured in the explosion. The injured Marine could not be evacuated by helicopter until the landing zone was secured. Fieldy found another IED in the area and alerted Caceres. The bomb was quickly disarmed, and the injured soldier was taken to safety. This wasn’t the only IED Fieldy found. His sharp nose and dedication helped save thousands of lives. After his deployment, Caceres returned home, but Sgt. Fieldy served several more tours without him. While

Fieldy continued to protect soldiers and civilians by tracking down IEDs, Caceres worked tirelessly to make sure he could bring Fieldy home when his service was over. Military working dogs can be adopted by former handlers, law enforcement, or qualified civilians when they retire. After three years apart and a total of four tours served, Sgt. Fieldy was reunited with Caceres. In 2016, Fieldy received the K9 Medal of Courage Award, and in 2018, he won the American Humane Hero Dog Award for his service. “These dogs are out there with us,”said Caceres when he and Fieldy accepted the Hero Dog Award.“The dangers we face, they face them too. They deserve to be recognized. We ask so much of them, and all they want is to get petted or play with a toy. They’re amazing animals, and Fieldy is just an amazing dog. I can’t begin to express the gratitude I have for him.” If you are interested in supporting our nation’s working dogs or would like to adopt a retired working dog yourself, you can learn more at Missionk9rescue.org.

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3 Wives’ Tales Proven True Mom Really Does Know Best

“Make a face like that, and it’ll stay that way forever.”You may have heard something like this from Mom’s book of wisdom. Maybe you never disputed the idea that mother knows best. But as you grew up, it slowly became clear that hair doesn’t grow back faster and thicker if you shave it, cracking your knuckles doesn’t cause arthritis, and gum doesn’t stay in your stomach for months after you swallow it. After a whirlwind of wives’ tales over the years, many common claims have been put under scrutiny. Wives tales have been known as pseudoscience and blind intuition, but

the likelihood of getting a cold, so if you feel a tickle in your throat, try a clove before you open the medicine cabinet.

HEARTBURN MEANS A HAIRY BABY

It’s hard to list wives’ tales without bringing up one about pregnancy. Many are solely based on intuition, but a few that sound odd have proven to be true. In 2007, a study done by Johns Hopkins attempted to debunk the myth that heartburn during pregnancy would mean a hairy baby at birth. Instead of proving it wrong, they found that 82 percent of women with severe heartburn during pregnancy gave birth to hairy babies. Turns out the hormones that cause heartburn in pregnant women also affect fetal hair growth.

even as many were disproved, some surprisingly proved to hold weight. Here are three wives’ tales that have proven to be true.

GARLIC CURES COLDS

JOINT PAIN PREDICTS THE WEATHER

For decades, moms have professed the healing properties of garlic, suggesting it can cure colds and help the body fight sickness. It turns out they were absolutely right. Garlic has antiviral properties that strengthen the immune system and nutrients that help combat

Did you ever look at your mom with skepticism when she would predict rain because her knees hurt? If so, you might owe your mom an apology,

illnesses. The effects of garlic can actually be more effective than over-the-counter flu medications. Some studies show that regular consumption of raw garlic lessens

because there is a scientific connection. The drop in barometric pressure that’s common during storm weather causes pain in arthritic joints.

Take a Break!

CITRUS AND AVOCADO SALAD INGREDIENTS

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1 blood, cara cara, or navel orange, sliced 1/8-inch thick and deseeded 1 Meyer or regular lemon, sliced 1/8-inch-thick and deseeded

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1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced

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2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

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1 bunch arugula

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1/2 cup freshmint leaves

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1 avocado, cut into wedges

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4 tablespoons olive oil, divided

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Salt and pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat oven to 425 F. 2. In a rimmed baking sheet, toss citrus slices with 1 tablespoon oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast citrus until lightly charred and caramelized, about 10–15 minutes. Let cool. 3. Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, combine onion and lemon juice. Season with salt and let sit for 5 minutes. 4. Add citrus, arugula, and mint to onion mixture. Drizzle with remaining oil, season with salt and pepper to taste, and toss thoroughly. 5. Add avocado, combing very gently to not crush avocado.

SOLUTION ON PAGE 4

Inspired by Bon Appétit

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Social media has been making the world smaller than ever. The distance among cross- country relatives and friends shrinks with each post or Skype call. And instant updates from loved ones are particularly valuable during the holidays. That Christmas morning video call means Grandma and Grandpa get to see their grandkids in their new holiday outfits, but so can online predators. According to digital and safety experts, half of the photos filtered onto the darknet are stolen from parents’ social media accounts. If these predators are privy to your photos, they’re also able to snag your location and other sensitive information, putting you and your children at physical risk as well. On a less disturbing note, social media content is permanent. Even after you delete a post or a photo, it leaves a digital footprint that could follow your child throughout their education and could even affect job interviews or future relationships. It’s still INSIDE THIS ISSUE Helping Your Teens Set Goals PAGE 1 Trick Your Kids Into Healthy Eating PAGE2 What Happens to Military Service Dogs? PAGE 2 3 Wives’ Tales That Are True PAGE 3 Take a Break PAGE 3 Citrus and Avocado Salad PAGE 3 Staying Safe on Social Media PAGE 4 SOCIALLY SECURE SOLUTION

Social Media Reminders for Parents

possible for you to foster a sense of privacy in the digital age, but it’s important to respect what your child deems private information. After all, it’s their future. Consider these rules before you share. 1. Ask your child’s permission. If they can speak, then they can speak for themselves. Children love to see photos of themselves, but they may also be aware of what they are and aren’t comfortable with, even at a young age.

these settings airtight will protect your children and their reputations.

Consider some of these safe alternatives to regular public posting:

1. Tinybeans.com is a secure photo- sharing website for parents of babies and young children. The digital photo album app allows you to share photos with only the people you choose. 2. Create a separate, secure group on Facebook. Family, friends, or coworkers in closed groups can still fawn over their little ones in a personal, safe setting. Despite the dangers your digital life can elicit, you don’t have to avoid the digital world completely. Social media is still a great tool for families to stay connected, as long as you take precautions. Go ahead and brag about your kids online — just be safe and considerate of your child’s wishes.

2. Limit the nudity. Everyone loves a

beach day, but think twice before posting swimsuit or skinny-dipping pictures. Opt to post safer photos, like the family posing prior to fun in the sun.

3. Check your settings. Your privacy

settings may be exposing your family to more people than you know, and if you feel the need to share every minute of your child’s day online, making

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