Be Well Kids

Creating Creativity... Part 2

2012-01-04T17:59:00.000-08:00

In this clip from episode 8 of the CREATING COOPERATIVE KIDS TV SHOW, executive producer and host Bill Corbett interviews Mary-Anne DiBlasio and Croix Sather in an attempt to define what creativity is in our children and what parents can do to foster more of it.

Creating Creativity...

2012-01-04T17:54:00.000-08:00

In this clip from the CREATING COOPERATIVE KIDS TV show, host Bill Corbett answers a parent's question about how to help kids dream big. To help him answer the question, he interviews holistic health practitioner, Mary-Anne DiBlasio.

Teach your kids the true Reason for the Season!

2011-12-09T06:33:00.000-08:00

Jesus: Santa.
Santa: Yes?
Jesus: I'm sad.
Santa: Why are you sad? It's Christmas right? It's your birthday!
Jesus: Yeah. That's the point
Santa: Why?
Jesus: Because whenever its Christmas the kids only wait for you and not me! They only celebrate Christmas because of you! Why Santa, why not Jesus? -Dec. 25 is for Jesus not for Santa. Repost if You Believe in the True Reason for the Season!

Remember... it's not about "things" or "presents" or "bigger, better, more". Think of how much money you can save if we all celebrated a good old fashioned Christmas this year! Not to mention what else we can save! ;o)

Posted by: Mary-Anne DiBlasio
Western Mass Wellness Center

Make the Holidays Count!

2011-11-29T18:51:00.000-08:00

It is not quantity, it is quality!

Yeh, yeh, I can hear it now... all the kids... uh, yes, it IS quantity!

Let me explain: by quality, I mean listening. Simply paying attention to what your children are truly telling you they "want". This does not always equate to "things". It may be more time with you. More time spent with mom and dad, and I mean "quality time" not just a quick hug and kiss and off to work. We are always busy. We all wear many hats. I encourage you to carve out a little bit more time for your children this Holiday Season, and see their faces light up!

And... if it does equate to things, what are those things? Things "we" think they should have? or things "they" truly want. There are so many times that parents want to shape their child's wants and desires, now, don't get me wrong, some shaping is NECESSARY for proper growth, but... parents, choose your battles, and allow your children to freely express themselves (and yes, within reason) phew... but truly... allow your children to shed their own light... not yours.

Mary-Anne DiBlasio, Be Well Kids
Western Mass Wellness Center
WesternMassWellness.com

Holidays with your children

2011-11-20T19:31:00.000-08:00

A few things to think about:

1. How will you be spending this Holiday Season with your children?
2. What traditions are you teaching your children?
3. What will your children remember most about this upcoming Holiday Season?

You want to think long and hard on what you teach and show your children over the Holidays.

Spend quality time with family and friends. Show your children the important aspects of life. The importance of the Holiday Season. The love we should feel, not the greed. The happiness we should spread, not the competition. The feelings of joy, not sadness.

Stay tuned for great ideas you and your family will enjoy for years to come. Keep it simple. Keep it real.

By Mary-Anne DiBlasio
Western Mass Wellness Center

Cell Phone Radiation Affects Children More Than Adults

2011-10-18T16:50:00.000-07:00

I just read an article in The Behavioral Medicine Report, about a soon to be released report titled: “Exposure Limits: The underestimation of absorbed cell phone radiation, especially in children”. I wanted to share this with you due to the following statement in the article:

"The industry-designed process for evaluating microwave radiation from phones results in children absorbing twice the cellphone radiation to their heads, up to triple in their brain’s hippocampus and hypothalamus, greater absorption in their eyes, and as much as 10 times more in their bone marrow when compared to adults."

You can read the full article here Cellphones Exceed FCC Exposure Limits By As Much As Double For Children

Thanks to: Early Childhood Brain Insights
Information On The Importance Of Brain Development In The Early Years And How Easy It Is To Provide For Your Children & Cooperative Kids for sharing!

Posted by Mary-Anne DiBlasio
Western Mass Wellness Center

Movies and Fast Food: A Bad Deal for Kids

2011-07-05T16:06:00.000-07:00

In Sex and violence, Consumerism by Liz Perle, on 06.30.11

Nothing says "summer" like a good fast food tie-in. Among my favorites? The first Transformers movie, which was rated PG-13 but lent its brand to Happy Meal toys aimed at kids 4-9. Too bad the adult meal didn't come with a person to explain why the movie was a non-starter for kids that age.

Age-inappropriate targeting -- arguably begun in 1992 when McDonald's got scolded for pushing toys to kids for Batman Returns (rated PG-13 for violence) -- has become a time-honored practice. This summer, Burger King is promoting the PG-13 Transformers: Dark of the Moon by giving away Transformers toys with a BK Kids Meal. Subway is shilling Green Lantern.

Does this stuff work? Take one look at our country's childhood obesity numbers, and you'll be convinced.

According to a new policy statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics entitled "Children, Adolescents, Obesity and the Media," ads for junk food and fast food increase kids' desire for these foods. And what's a great way for your fast food message to reach kids? When it's wrapped up in an ad for the latest movie. [Read the AAP's Policy Statement.]

At Common Sense, we believe in age-appropriate entertainment. So why do these companies get away with marketing violent movies and fast food to little kids?

Read complete article HERE

As always... thanks for reading, and remember... keep your kids safe this summer!

Mary-Anne DiBlasio
Be Well Kids - Western Mass Wellness Center

Preventable...

2011-06-23T15:58:00.000-07:00

Shelby Lyn Allen, the 17-year-old girl found dead last month (2009)at an Old Alturas Road home, died of alcohol poisoning after several hours of heavy drinking, according to a Shasta County Coroner's Office report.

Allen's blood alcohol level was 0.33 percent, according to the report.

"This sad, preventable situation illustrates in the most painful way the need for alcohol poisoning education," Steve Allen, Shelby's father, said Tuesday.

Allen and his wife, Debbie, have launched an educational campaign so other children and their families need not suffer the tragedy that has struck them.

At 1 a.m. Dec. 20, Shelby Allen, a Foothill High School junior, went with a 16-year-old friend to the house between Redding and Bella Vista where they met a third friend, age 14, according to the coroner's report.

For the full report - please visit: HERE

Shared by Mary-Anne DiBlasio, Be Well Kids Program, Western Mass Wellness Center

Tips for a Healthy Media Diet

2011-03-28T15:47:00.000-07:00

The facts: Kids spend more than 7.5 hours a day with media, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation

43% of children under 2 years old watch TV every day, according to a 2007 study by the Kaiser Family Foundation

Kids 8 to 18 spend over an hour a day on the computer, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation

Kids who watch more TV than their peers during middle and high school years have less healthy diets five years later, according to a 2009 study by the University of Minnesota

Girls with a heavy sexual media diet engage in sexual activity younger than their peers, according to a 2007 poll by Harris Interactive

Children who watch between two and four hours of TV a day are two-and-a-half times more likely to have high blood pressure, according to a 2007 study by the American Journal of Preventive Medicine

Use media together and talk about what you see, hear, and read.

Whenever you can, watch, play, listen, and surf with your kids. Talk about the content. When you can’t be there, ask them about the media they’ve used. Help kids question and analyze media messages. Share your own values. Let them know how you feel about solving problems with violence, stereotyping people, selling products using sex or cartoon characters, or advertising to kids in schools or movie theaters. Help kids connect what they learn in the media to events and other activities in which they’re involved, like playing sports and creating art, in order to broaden their understanding of the world.

Be a role model.

When kids are around, set an example by using media the way you want them to use it. Don't bring cell phones and Blackberries to the dinner table, turn the TV off when it's not actively being watched. Use a VCR or TiVo to record shows that may be inappropriate for your kids to watch – even the news – and watch them at a later time when kids are not around.

Keep an eye on the clock.

Media is fun and our kids love it. But kids can have too much of a good thing. Keep an eye on how long kids spend online, in front of the TV, watching movies, playing video games. The secret to healthy media use is to establish time limits and stick to them -- before your kids turn on and tune in.

Thank you once again to Common Sense Media for all your great information. Please follow link to get even more great information on limiting your kids "media" usage.

Thank you for taking the time to be an "involved" parent.

Posted by
Mary-Anne DiBlasio
Parent Partner, Be Well Kids
@ Western Mass Wellness Center

What Is "Sexting?"

2011-02-17T15:29:00.000-08:00

Most teens today are comfortable with documenting their lives online. Posting photos, updating their status messages, sharing rapid-fire texts, and being a click away from friends are the new normal for teens. But this “always on” culture also creates an environment where teens can make impulsive decisions that can come back to haunt them. One example of this has been in the news a lot lately: sexting.

When people take and send sexually revealing picture of themselves or send sexually explicit messages via text message, it’s called “sexting.” While experts differ on statistics, a 2010 study conducted by Pew Internet & American Life Project confirms sexting is a teen reality that’s here to stay. Kids “sext” to show off, to entice someone, to show interest in someone, or to prove commitment.

Sending these pictures or messages is problematic enough, but the real challenge comes when this content is shared broadly. As far too many teens have found out, the recipient of these messages is in possession of a highly compromising image or message that can be easily posted on a social networking site or sent to others via email or text.

Read complete article here: Common Sense Media

Posted by Mary-Anne DiBlasio
Be Well Kids Program at Western Mass Wellness Center

Study: Kids' weight increases when mom works more

2011-02-07T18:42:00.000-08:00

(CNN) -- The length of a mother's employment is associated with an increase in her child's body mass index, according to a study in the journal Child Development.

It's not the first study to suggest that moms' working hours and kids' weight might be related, but it's likely to peeve some mothers.

"It's not causal, it's an association," said lead author Taryn Morrissey about the trends.

"Nobody found a single smoking gun as a cause of childhood obesity. We found quite a small, but (statistically) significant increase in the body mass index of children. This increase is associated with maternal employment."

Morrissey and her co-authors observed the increase in children's BMI -- which, at third grade, was approximately a 1-pound gain for every six months the child's mother worked. The weight gain was cumulative and the link became stronger as the children matured into fifth- and sixth-grade in the analysis of 900 children.

Read full article here:
http://www.cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/02/04/children.bmi.moms/index.html

Empower Your Children

2011-01-25T07:21:00.000-08:00

Author, Bill Corbett, great tips on WGGB, Channel 40 This Morning:

1. Allow child to talk more.
2. Help child feel powerful at home.
3. Set good relationship examples.
4. Limit entertainment electronics.
5. Create clear boundaries.
6. Set relationship rules.

Be sure to visit Bill's website for even more great information on how to raise... "cooperative kids".

Thank you.
Mary-Anne DiBlasio
Western Mass Wellness Center

Is It Really Smart to Give Kids Your Old Smartphone?

2011-01-20T16:43:00.000-08:00

By Caroline Knorr
January 20, 2011

Hand-Me-Down Tech May Give Kids More Than You Bargained For
How to Manage Your Device's Second Life

I'm the baby of my family, so I was the one who got the hand-me-downs. Nearly every winter coat and pair of snow boots passed from my brother to my sister to me. And while I can't say I loved a certain threadbare, brown corduroy jacket, it kept me warm, and it sure helped me understand the value of a dollar.

Today's kids still get secondhand stuff, but when it comes to high-tech devices, "previously owned" can be very advanced. Once kids get a taste of a maybe-not-the-latest-but-still-pretty-cool device, it's a quick jump to the stuff that younger ones may not be ready for, like social networking, massively multiplayer online games, video chatting, and location services. But that's hard to explain when they've just received the device that gives them entrée into that world -- from you.

I'm not pointing fingers, because we do it in our family, too.

My husband's old iPod Touch became my son's when hubby moved up to a smartphone with a built-in MP3 player. My son was 11 and just getting into the Beatles, and we were more than happy to foster his love of great music.

But it wasn't long before we realized that we hadn't even scratched the surface of what the Touch could do. Of course, my son was all too eager to maximize the device's capabilities by watching TV on it. Who knew?

Lots of families pass along their used devices to their kids. Sometimes it just makes sense, and in some cases, it's cost effective. But it's important to remember that these are very powerful devices that aren't necessarily designed with kids in mind.

Here are four lessons -- which I learned the hard way -- on how to smoothly transition your old device so you can focus on what's really important: playing with your new one!

Please read full article HERE

Common Sense Media is dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in a world of media and technology.

http://www.commonsensemedia.org/

Cooperative Kids

2011-01-10T06:46:00.000-08:00

Television Show Coming January 2011

Bill Corbett is taking his parent coaching, formerly known as THE GATHERING, to the cable airwaves beginning January 26, 2011. This new show will be taped before a live studio audience and run on select cable stations around the country. Parents and professionals from the Connecticut and Massachusetts area will have opportunities to be a part of this new program to have their questions answered on discipline and child behavior challenges. A limit of 15 seats will be available at each taping.

For more information, visit Cooperative Kids website or call 860-265-2272

Look for Parenting Workshops through the Be Well Kids Program being held at Western Mass Wellness Center, 1111 Elm Street, Suite 21, West Springfield, MA with host, Mary-Anne DiBlasio.

Where have all the manners gone?

2011-01-06T09:52:00.000-08:00

What happened to the days of "may I please be excused"? I want those days back!

The simpler times, the slower times. The times when family mattered and respect was shown for all...

Nowadays, no one has time for the "please's and thank you's" they are more into the "gimme's" :o( ahh what a sad time it is...

Parents don't even seem to have enough time to inSIST that their children have manners and subsequently... "do the right thing"! well... i have one thing to say to that... THEY NEED TO MAKE THE TIME!

A friend of mine posted a great article this AM on etiquette...

Etiquette is not only “please and thank you,” proper table manners, and good posture....far from it. We practice etiquette to live civilly among each other and grant people the respect that they deserve. Far too often in our well-meaning desire to teach our kids traditional manners, we neglect to impart upon them those social skills that elevate them to a more refined, sensitive, and compassionate level of being.

It is not sufficient to simply possess flawless, “by the book” manners, children must understand the impact that their behavior has on themselves and on others. It is not okay to enter adulthood deficient in those crucial skills that make us aware of the bearing that we have on the rest of society. By teaching children some common sense skills we can stave off self-centeredness, egocentricity and narcissism and encourage understanding and sensitivity towards others.

Here are some rules that everyone needs to live more productively and more efficiently.

One: Mind Your Own Business.
Two: Your emergency is not my priority.
Three: I quit!
Four: Confidence versus competence.

Read full article here: www.etiquettemoms.com

Manners matter. Plain and simple. Moms, Dads, when you are feeling that you have clearly had enough and you want to just cave into the "can I can I huh huh huh's" and ignore the simple rules of etiquette, know there are many other parents out there that are just as tired, just as frustrated, and if we ban together and commit to going that extra mile for our kids, we can truly make a difference in the lives of our children, hence, securing our own future...

Thanks for taking the time and know that we truly do secure our future... one child at a time!

Posted by:
Mary-Anne DiBlasio
Western Mass Wellness Center

New Years Resolutions

2011-01-03T11:20:00.000-08:00

Whew... the Holiday Season is behind us and we are all back to work and school. Well, the school day will end and Johnny will be running home to play with that new X-Box Santa brought him, or start texting feverishly on the new cell phone Gramma bought or maybe the new PSP Auntie just had to get!

Sound familiar? Well... a resolution you should have for the new year, and beyond, is to be sure to limit children's time with these electronic devices. Studies have shown that too much electronic play has negative results for children. The child suffers as well as the family.

It is a quick fix. It distracts, entertains, but when all is said and done, Johnny's grades are slipping, and socially, no one can understand why he truly is challenged in a group setting.

Well, the reasons, though obvious to some, are mostly missed by busy parents. Please see the article below from the CBS Interactive Business Network:

The effects of video games on children: what parents need to know.

If good 'ole St. Nick didn't bring any good 'ole fashioned board games, maybe you should solicit Cupid to bring a good educational game come February. There are some great games on the market that are fun to play for the whole family! Visit Mindware or Discovery Toys for options. One of my favorites? Bananagrams! What a fun game! It entertained my entire family for hours over the Holiday Vacation, even Gramma!

Posted by Mary-Anne DiBlasio
Founder, Be Well Kids
President, Western Mass Wellness Center
1111 Elm Street, Suite 21
West Springfield, MA 01089
(413) 73B-WELL

5 worst kids’ fast-food meals

2010-08-31T04:48:00.000-07:00

Now parents... The school year is about to begin, or may have already began for some of you; don't get caught up in the "I've got no time to make dinner" rut! If you set aside just a small amount of time each week to prepare ahead of time, the dinner time task will be much more simple. Not only will it be more simple, but it will be much more healthy!

Kids crave junk food without a doubt, and a lot of parents give in to fast food because of the sheer easiness of it. With that said, we all know that things that are easy aren't usually worth much! right? (except Staples, lol) So, if we take the time to make a grocery list, stick with it when we shop, and then spend even just 1/2 hour prepping for the dinners ahead, life will be so much more simple (and easy if you need to use that word).

When we agreed to be parents and bring life into this world, we make this silent pact with this small being to take care of them until they are ready to take care of themselves. With that said... one of the major elements of this pact is your child's nutrition. It is so very important to feed your children correctly, and get them used to nutritional options instead of fast empty ones.

Here is a great article from the Oralndo Sentinel's Health Blog "Vital Signs" that spells out some of these poor choices:

With school starting, parents are gearing up for rushed nights of homework and soccer practices and juggling dinner in between.

But beware of those fast-food dinners for kids, says the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. Most are “cholesterol bombs” that are dangerous to kids’ health, they say.

“We’re losing the war against childhood obesity, but fast-food chains are still making obscene profits by targeting children with high-fat meals,” says PCRM nutrition education director Susan Levin, a registered dietitian.

Below are the worst kids’ meals, according to PCRM.

1. McDonald’s Mighty Kids Meal: contains double cheeseburger, french fries and chocolate milk — which adds up to 840 calories, 37 grams of fat and more sodium than a child should eat in one day.

2. Wendy’s Kids’ Meal: contains one chicken sandwich, french fries and a chocolate Frosty — and 770 calories and 34 grams of fat.

3. KFC Kids’ Meal: contains popcorn chicken, potato wedges, string cheese and soda — and 800 calories and 1,800 milligrams of sodium.

4. A&W Kids’ Meal: contains cheeseburger, fries and a soda — and 700 calories and 9 grams of saturated fat.

5. Burger King’s BK Kids breakfast: contains a breakfast muffin sandwich meal — and 95 milligrams of cholesterol, plus more than the daily recommended limit on sodium about one-third of the daily recommended limit for sodium.

Article from Vital Signs - An Orlando Sentinel Blog:
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/health/2010/08/18/list-5-worst-kids-fast-food-meals/

Children’s health, Nutrition — posted by linda shrieves on August, 18 2010 11:24 AM

Re-posted and shared on Be Well Kids by Mary-Anne DiBlasio, Western Mass Wellness

Recipes Inspired by Great Literature

2010-08-03T13:03:00.000-07:00

Join "What's Cooking Kids" next week, August 9th-August 13th, for a new week of camp: "Recipes Inspired By Great Literature"

We will create delicious, fun recipes like:

Nishnobblers from "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory"
Muggle Coins from "Harry Potter"
Strawberry-Raspberry Napoleons from "Pinkalicious"

find out what "Boiled Slobbages" are from "James and the Giant Peach" and a tea party for "Alice in Wonderland" plus so much more...

5 recipes each class

Can't commit for an entire week, join us for a day or two. Cost is $50/day or $200/week with a 10% discount for siblings

For more information on our Summer Camp and other themes check out our website at www.whatscookingkids.com

posted by Mary-Anne DiBlasio, Western Mass Wellness, Be Well Kids

Kind Words...

2010-07-16T12:16:00.000-07:00

Hi Mary-Anne,

I wanted to tell you that after my son's appointment where we discussed his behavior and you spoke to one of his teachers, we have since switched schools. They follow a different curriculum at the new place and he is having wonderful success.

It took seeing you to tell me that he was normal but maybe not challenged in a way that brought out his best. I believe that alot of his behavioral issues were related to his chronic illness and he was labeled as a problem child.

His new preschool has much more space for them to explore and get rid of their energy. Our lives are much more relaxed and happy and I see a tremendous difference in his behavior. Your office is very comfortable and you were wonderful with young kids.

Thanks again.
A.M Germain, mother to 4 yr old

posted by Mary-Anne DiBlasio
Founder of Be Well Kids & Western Mass Wellness Center

Chance Meeting...

2010-07-05T11:57:00.001-07:00

I have had the pleasure of meeting and talking with Bill Corbett, author of the book “Love, Limits, & Lessons: A Parent’s Guide to Raising Cooperative Kids” and the founder and president of Cooperative Kids. It was truly a pleasure to discuss children and parenting with Bill, since our core values are identical. We found that both Cooperative Kids and Be Well Kids have very similar missions and visions and it will be very interesting to see how the two of us may be able to make a difference in children's lives... after all... these children are our future...

Here is a clip from one of Bill's latest published articles...

The Four Ways We Teach Our Children to Lie

A mom recently told me she had been using praise to motivate her three-year-old daughter to stay dry through the night. If the little girl awoke each morning with a dry diaper, her mom would praise her. One particular morning the child apparently took off her diaper and brought it to her mom to show the great results and receive her praise. But later that morning, mom found the REAL diaper that was worn that night–hidden in the child’s bedroom and wet!

Please visit Bill's blog to read more:

http://billcorbett.blogspot.com/

Posted by Mary-Anne DiBlasio,
Founder Be Well Kids & Western Mass Wellness

Suggest a strange pizza pie in July!

2010-06-28T19:04:00.000-07:00

KID STUFF NEWS!
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What's Happening!

MENU ITEM CONTEST Kid Stuff is working on a new menu, and we would like your help. Click here to enter your menu suggestion, even if it's a super strange pizza pie. If we select your item for our new menu, you will win a FREE FAMILY MEMBERSHIP.

ID YOUR CHILD FOR FREE July 10th is quickly approaching. Don't miss this opportunity to get peace of mind in knowing your child's identity is available during a crisis. Pre-register your child for this FREE program, available to the 1st 300 children. Click here to learn more about MyCHIP Program.

COOK & CONNECT Diabetes and the Sugar Blues. Free workshops (save $29.99) for Adults and Families designed to increase awareness of the importance of Self Care, Family Connection, and a Healthy Community. Click here to register today for 7/1 or 7/3.

SUMMER FUN PROGRAM Camp is in full swing and the kids are having a blast. There are still slots available throughout the summer. Click here for more information.

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Deals & Steals!

B1G1 CHILDRENS TEA "Just for Kids" Organic Cold Care Tea is made especially for your child. Children's bodies need special attention and care. Take advantage of this exclusive offer from Better Life Whole Foods located right next door to Kid Stuff.

SUMMER BIRTHDAY COUPON Receive 40 extra game tokens for free when you book your birthday by 8/31/10! Click here to learn more.

REDUCED SUMMER ADMISSION RATE We've lowered our prices for the summer to maintain family affordability and fun. Click here to learn more.

SUMMER FAMILY PASS 3 Month Family Membership, save $35! Learn more.

SAVINGS FOR SIBLINGS Save 25% on enrollment in Kid Stuff Summer Program. If you have more than one child in our program click here to find out how to save!

GROUP OUTINGS Admission for as low as $3.29 per child! Need to plan a group outing for your mom's club, daycare center or summer camp? Call 782-0057 for full details!

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Did you know...

OPEN ENROLLMENT FOR THE FALL Open Arms Child Care Center and Kid Stuff After School Program are now open for fall enrollment. Visit myopenarms.com for preschool enrollment and kidstuffcare/afterschoolprogram for school age children.

KID HEALTH TIPS Basic nutrients reduce asthma symptoms and strengthen lungs. read more..

For more information about these, or any of our other programs, you can always call Kid Stuff General Manager, Mike Mitchell at 413-782-0057x102 or email manager@kidstuffspringfield.com.

Posted by Mary-Anne DiBlasio, Be Well Kids, Western Mass Wellness Center

JOIN US FOR SUMMER FUN AT KID STUFF!

2010-06-15T18:06:00.000-07:00

WHAT'S HAPPENING!
NEW BIKE FOR GREAT ATTENDANCE M. Mitchell proudly presents a new bike...read more

SUMMER FUN PROGRAM Camp is starting soon, have you found something for your kids to do? Need 1 day or 40 days? We're here to help! Click here for more information.

IDENTIFY YOUR CHILD Be one of the first to preregister your child for this FREE program, July 10th at Kid Stuff. Click here to learn more about MyCHIP Program.

THE PLAY ROOM Come see our ever-changing Play Room for our little friends, we are always adding new equipment and exciting activities!

OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK Check out our extended Summer Hours starting June 21, we will be open 7 days a week, just click here.

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DEALS AND STEALS!

REDUCED SUMMER ADMISSION RATE We've lowered our prices for the summer to maintain family affordability and fun. New prices start June 17. Click here to learn more.

SUMMER FAMILY PASS 3 Month Family Membership, save $35! Learn more.

SAVE 25% ON OUR SUMMER FUN PROGRAM Have more than one child in our program, click here to find out how to save money!

DON'T FORGET THE SPRING COUPON Book your birthday at Kid Stuff and ask for your FREE one month family membership to Kid Stuff. Click here to learn more.

KID STUFF FUNDRAISING Here's a great way to make a lot of money, with a little amount of work, call 782-0057 today for more information!

GROUP OUTINGS Need to plan a group outing for your little league team, church group, mom's club, daycare center or summer camp? Let Kid Stuff do the work! For as low as $3.49 per child, you can come and play for hours! Call 782-0057 for full details!

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For more information about these, or any of our other programs, you can always call Kid Stuff General Manager, Mike Mitchell at 413-782-0057x102 or email manager@kidstuffspringfield.com.

New Bike - New Bike

www.kidstuffspringfield.com

Kid Stuff, Bicentennial Plaza, Springfield, MA 01118 • (413) 782-0057

Jump start into Spring!

2010-03-18T05:38:00.000-07:00

Spring is right around the corner, and Spring means so many things... My favorites are renewal and new growth; and not just of the earth, but of Mind Body as well as Spirit. A great way to jump start into Spring is showing the kids how great it is to "be green"

There is a program locally here in West Springfield that enables you to "garden" a piece of Mittineague Park. What better way to work with your children and show them what a little dirt can do? Whether you plant flowers or maybe even a blueberry bush, your children will be able to actually see... the fruits of their labor! So now we are talking good for the earth as well as for you and your child's mind body and spirit, not to mention, maybe someone elses...

The plots of land are 16' x 20' and are only $25 for WS residents and $30 for non residents. Registration begins April 20th and are available on a first come first serve basis. You can begin planting anytime after May 1st. Children don't get enough time outdoors anymore... Give them a reason to love going outside. Bring your bikes to the park, or maybe some tennis racquets. Tell them to put the remotes down and maybe limit their texting packages over the next few months so they are forced to do something else, like get some fresh air! Take a walk, fly a kite, have a barbeque. There are so many simple things you are able to do outside at the park with your children while giving back to Mother Earth.

Call the West Springfield Park & Rec Department (413-263-3284) to get details on purchasing your parcel today. Or visit the website here.

Ponder this:

2010-02-23T05:26:00.000-08:00

"It's no measure of good health to be well adjusted to a sick society."

Our kids all want to be "just like their friends" they want to fit in, they want to be accepted. The question is, however, what are they trying to fit in to? The society we have become is a very scary place. So, for our kids to "fit in" their principles get skewed. The very fabric of who we are as "good people" gets set aside, as we attempt to "fit in" to this society we now live in.

What is it, what is that one thing that it will take to make a change? To make a difference? How many school aged children have to commit suicide from being bullied? How many teen age pregnancies is actually too many? How many children have to be taken from their homes, and truly, is the State a better place for them? How many cutters do therapists have to see that would be considered "over the top". Is there a limit we set on "society" before enough of us take a stand? Can we take a stand? Would it make a difference?

Something to think about, isn't it? We want our kids to fit in, to be liked, but at what expense. Just what are we helping them to fit in to? Or, you can be one of the ones who care, and have rules yet have such friction at home since all you hear is "everyone else has one" or "everyone else gets to" or "everyone else does it".

I question folks that are doing "just fine"? Really? Does this work for you?

I talk to folks, both children as well as adults who actually have fear. Real life fear in their lives. Professionals can work with them as best they can, however, if the bigger picture doesn't change, their fear may never go away. Now that scares me.

I am saddened by the fact that there are not enough folks out there that come forward and actually want to make a difference. That actually want to stand out and be different. Folks that aren't afraid to "rock the boat". Where are you? Are you out there?

Would love to hear from you. Would love to hear anything that you have tried with your family to overcome some of the obstacles of raising children in today's society. Would love to hear how you maintain structure through the chaos. I am sure there are some folks that would love more ideas, since it seems as though the "good ideas" on raising kids today are few and far between...

Please, write in!

Got Game?

2010-02-16T09:16:00.000-08:00

The Checkered Game of Life ... later known simply as Life ... was introduced to American consumers by entrepreneur Milton Bradley in the winter of 1860. Different than earlier board games, Bradley’s game was about life as a quest for accomplishment, which resonated with the country at the time. A phenomenal 45,000 games were sold in the first year, and it continues to be a popular family game.

Aside from the “soft” benefits like spending time together as a family, traditional board games can teach young children such things as hand-eye coordination, visual perception, letter recognition, color recognition and number/shape recognition. Games can also teach children how to “play by the rules,” how to interact with others and ultimately, how to be a good sport.

For young adults, there are many games that are good for building critical thinking skills. For instance, checkers, chess and some card games require serious thought in order to excel. Computer games can be good for strategic thinking, as well. Here are four games you and your family might explore to build your financial skills and mental agility:

Life
The latest version of Life takes players through a thought-provoking simulation of a person’s life from high school through retirement, with jobs, marriage, kids and many other big life decisions to be made along the way.

Monopoly
The best-selling board game in the world, Monopoly helps young people learn the basics of economics. It provides the opportunity to learn fundamental money concepts and the rewards of wise spending decisions.

Careers
Introduced in 1955, the winner of this classic board game is the player who achieves their life goals the soonest. Before the game begins, each player determines whether they want to pursue fame, money, happiness or a combination of all three. Success in achieving their goal depends on the path they take through the game.

Payday
Want to teach kids to make their money last? Consider the game of Payday. Using a 31-day calendar for the board, players try to make their monthly pay check last. Just like the ‘real world’, players have the choice of investing, taking out loans or going for a long-shot gamble – none of which provide any guarantees for success.

In addition to games being played at home, some games can extend into the classroom to provide a valuable learning experience. The Yes, You Can curriculum includes the Whaddyaknow? game show. This team-based question and answer game introduces students to the basic financial concepts and terms necessary to establish a path to financial independence. Free copies of the game are available through the Educator tab.

Yes You Can is American Century Investments Website to help parents and educators help children for the future.

Posted by Mary-Anne DiBlasio
Western Mass Wellness / Be Well Kids
West Springfield, MA

Parenting 101

2010-01-29T05:17:00.000-08:00

Ok, where do I begin?

Can I start by saying that I feel parents have lost complete control of their children? Was anyone watching the weather last night? Looking at the news this morning when our meteorologists were letting us know that there is a wind chill bringing temps to well below ZERO??? Can I tell you that as I drop my four "bundled" children off to their appropriate schools in sub below temperatures I still see kids outside in barely a sweatshirt, never mind a hat or God forbid... gloves and a scarf!!!! OH NO! This is of course, why parents who actually want to do the right thing, have such a hard time. Their children are looking at all these other kids who have no rules.

I'll have to go back to my old adage... What happened to the Good Ole Days? When parents actually ran the home and when children listened and showed respect for their parents as well as any other authority figure. Where is society going when children are able to make the decisions in the home, not to mention some of the other little tid bits I hear... like students swearing at the teachers during class and deciding for themselves they would rather go to the office since this class is too boring for them? Where is it going? When will it stop? What is going to happen to our future if it doesn't??? My friends, that child would have been escorted right out of school if it were up to me, and I know... it isn't, however I do believe that if we had good old fashioned standards... LIKE WE USED TO, we'd ALL be better off!

We all should be concerned! Very concerned! This is our future people... WAKE UP! What is going to happen when little Johnny and Beth are the ones teaching in our schools? What about running all the businesses that are supposed to keep our economy going? Hmmm? What then? Are we just going to keep lowering the bar? Is that what we really want to do?

I can't imagine that we all want to see our future basically being flushed down the proverbial toilet, yet... What are we doing about it??

We need to take charge again folks!! We need to actually give a damn about our future, and we have to have the foresight to do something about it!

If you are a parent that feels you have absolutely lost control, and are ready to gain it back, give a call. (413-732-9355) or email kids@ bewellkids.org We will help you back on the right track. We need the wherewithal to take charge; it's never too late!

Securing our future... one child at a time!

Mary-Anne DiBlasio
Founder, Be Well Kids, Inc.
and this morning... a very disgruntled parent!

MAKING LIFE "EASY" FOR CHILDREN USUALLY MAKES LIFE "HARD" FOR THEM IN ADULTHOOD.

2010-01-19T05:04:00.000-08:00

Del Smith, the millionaire founder and chairman of Evergreen International Aviation, has often said, "Thank God I was born poor; I learned how to work." Like many others who made it to the top on their own, Smith believes that the greatest gift that can be given to a child is to teach him or her the value of work. It is a gift that can never be lost or stolen. It’s a natural desire of parents to give their children material things they didn’t have as children. Such generosity, however, often deprives children of the greatest gift you can give them: confidence in their ability to take care of themselves. When you make life "hard" for your children by requiring them to learn the value of work, they will have a far greater likelihood of success as adults.

- Napoleon Hill Foundation - Thought for the Day - January 19th, 2010 - naphill.org

Six Year Old in Hospital After Alleged Beating in Westfield

2009-12-13T12:27:00.000-08:00

By Justine Judge

Story Published: Dec 11, 2009 at 10:03 PM EST

Shocking news in the town of Westfield. A 6 year old boy is hospitalized after being found injured and unconscious at the Boys and Girls club

Almost 300 kids walk through the doors of the Westfield Boys and Girls club everyday. Most of them expecting to to have fun at the Club's after school programs.

That all changed around 5:00 Wednesday afternoon when a club member found a 6 year old boy lying on the locker room floor unconscious with signs of blunt force trauma to his head.

The 6 year old was rushed to Baystate Medical Center. where he is being hospitalized.

Boys and Girls Club Executive Director Bill Parks says, "Anything like this is a shock and it's something, you know, you don't ever want to have to deal with. But we are dealing with it right now and will hopefully have some answers as soon as possible."

Westfield police say they have been unable to question the 6 year old who is still recovering from his injuries. But - they say it's clear the boy was assaulted and believe a male teen member of the club is responsible and plan on questioning him
.
For now the teen in question will not be allowed back into the club.

Parent Kim Baber says, "When my kids went there they were always very concerned and if there was an issue they addressed it right away. So, I'm sure they had no idea what was going on and I'm sure it's a big surprise to them too."

But other parents we spoke with say they're not surprised and say often times the kids in the club are unsupervised and have free rein throughout the club. Club officials say that is not the case.

Parks says, "I would say that kids are supervised and programs are available to them and there are many choices for them to pick and choose from on a daily basis. And I would say no, they don't run wild."

Club officials went on to say that this is the first time this kind of violence has taken place at the Boys and Girls club.

Enrollment not high enough to open in West Springfield Schools.

2009-12-12T12:29:00.000-08:00

After extending the deadline of enrollment for an after school program option for West Springfield families, we unfortunately do not have enough full time slots filled in order to begin our January 2010 Session. It looks as though there are a lot of families that would be needing financial assistance in this immediate area, and in order to be able to apply for the grants needed to offer families financial assistance, we needed to be an existing program. Without enough enrollment, we were not that existing program. Additional options would have become available to us after actually opening the program.

Be Well Kids will remain a community partner of the West Springfield School Dept, in hopes of offering potential programs in the future. Keep posted to the site as always for information about children's health, wellness and wellbeing, as well as any future information regarding upcoming programs offered.

Be Well Kids will remain a division of Western Mass Wellness and will still be able to offer local school districts options for enriching programs offered either after school or as during school workshops.

Maintaining an Advisory Board that truly cares about the wellbeing of children, we will continue to see if there is anything we can offer that can be of assistance to the children of today, which will become our leaders of tomorrow...

Thank you for all your interest and support.

Be Well
Mary-Anne DiBlasio
President, Be Well Kids, Inc.

ENROLL NOW!

2009-10-29T13:01:00.001-07:00

Now is the time to enroll your child in the Be Well Kids After School Wellness Program slated to begin in January 2010. Currently there will be locations at Tatham and Fausey Elementary Schools, with enrolled Middle School children as well as Memorial and Mittineague children attending one of these locations. There will be a small fee associated with busing children from Memorial or Mittineague.

We do need to have enrollment locked in since we will need to finalize the number of qualified staff needed. So, if you are interested, we need to be sure we get your enrollment form no later than November 13th.

Please contact Be Well Kids at 413-732-9355 to enroll your child today. A $50 enrollment fee is due upon enrollment. $25 for administration costs and $25 to go towards your first week of the Program.

Checks can be mailed along with the below form to:

Be Well Kids, Inc.
P.O. Box 775
West Springfield, MA 01090

Child's Name:____________________________________________________

Age:__________ Telephone #: ________________________________

Parents Name:____________________________________________________

School Attending: __________________________________________

Email Address:__________________________________________________

Street Address___________________________________________________

Town_____________________________________________________

Enrollment fee is $75.00 per week and includes an after school snack and beverage. Hours of After School Program are 2:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Open enrollment is for grades 1st through 8th. Additional busing costs may apply for Memorial and Mittineague children.

'Dump the Junk' in Your Kids' Snacks

2009-10-20T14:05:00.000-07:00

It’s become a “weighty” issue. Every day seems to bring a scary new report about America’s kids getting fatter. One in five children under age five is now overweight — leading to higher rates of adult-onset diabetes and other serious health problems. And, given that a healthy body costs less to maintain than one that is unhealthy, it’s in you and your children’s best interest to adopt a healthy diet.

So what’s a parent to do? According to the American Dietetic Association, parents play a “primary role” in preventing obesity in their children. The association advises moms and dads to involve their kids in choosing and preparing food.

Some people think it costs more to eat healthy snacks and meals. Actually, junk food can be more costly because it’s heavily packaged and advertised. In Yes, You Can … Afford to Raise a Family, author Sam Goller offers a chapter on how to “Market-Proof Your Kids.” His tips include being a good role model, talking to your kids about advertising and turning off the television — avoiding all ads for salty snacks and sugar-coated cereals.

Here are some more ideas to help you and your kids move toward healthier eating:

* Call a family meeting and talk about the benefits of a good diet.
* Ask your kids to list healthy snacks. They might even have fun researching a good diet on the Internet and sharing their findings.

* Take your kids to the store and let them choose healthy snacks to keep on hand — fresh and frozen fruit, nuts, yogurt, celery and carrot sticks, cheese squares and peanut butter are often popular choices.

* Help your kids learn to prepare healthy snacks ahead of time so they can quickly “grab a bite.”

* Save soft drinks and fruit drinks for special occasions. Encourage drinking milk and water instead.

* Urge your kids to take up a new sport or exercise program. They’ll improve their health and burn calories while spending less time sitting in front of the television or computer.

* Keep track of savings after switching to healthier foods and plan a family activity with the extra money.

The key to success is giving kids the responsibility of making changes. This promotes their feeling of competence and pride — and makes it more likely that they will stick to the plan at snack time and at meals.

As your children grow, you’ll see many benefits of healthy eating. They’ll have good teeth and bone development plus more energy and stamina. And, you’ll be spending less on medical care and more towards reaching long-term financial goals.

Another excellent article by American Century Investments ®

Thank you.
Mary-Anne DiBlasio
Be Well Kids, Inc.

Everything Retro

2009-10-19T16:35:00.000-07:00

Everything seems to always come back "in". From the mustang styling to new (old) fads for clothing to even football uniforms...

I say... let's bring "love thy neighbor" back! or maybe good old fashion child rearing... where parents were in charge! Just like it used to be!!

Ahhhh... the good ole days...

Just think... no cell phones or texting, your child actually asks if it is ok to go next door and hang out with Bobby before dinner since his homework is finished. Those were the days right? Not worrying if Janey is pregnant,no. Just worrying whether or not she will be too nervous to kiss Jimmy for the first time at the prom!

That was the life, right? simple, slower than it is today... what seems to be the problem? Society, and what we are becoming, where we are going... Look around, it's not pretty... More responsibility at work for less pay. No employee/employer loyalty. (What's that?) My father worked at the same company for 43 years, that's right 43! started off at the very bottom and made his way all the way to the top. An honest living. Not who he knew, or who he - well... you get the picture. When I tell folks I was at a company for 17 years, at my age, they look at me as though I have three heads! Yikes! I loved that job!

The only way life can get more simple now a days is if we make it so... ourselves. Learn to slow down. Breathe. Deep. The only one that can do it for you, is you... I know it seems impossible. In this technologically savvy world we live... when a businessman could tell a fellow colleague, "I'll get back to you on that." and if it was by the end of the week, that was terrific. Now? If you do not return calls within 24 hours someone out there, without a shadow of a doubt will think you're dead. Trust me, it's happened to me! Sad... but none the less true...

Join the Retro Rage! why not?

Mary-Anne DiBlasio
Be Well Kids, Inc.

Making the Grade: Should it Pay?

2009-10-16T15:25:00.000-07:00

The question of paying children for earning good grades has raged for years. In homes across America parents are asking: “Should we pay our children for good grades?”

Paying for grades is probably not the best way to motivate children to do their best and nurture success. Rather, parents should inspire their children to take responsibility for their future. One way to do this is to teach children that earning good grades is their share in their own future, and not simply a way to earn money.

Parents must carefully weigh the consequences of paying their children money for doing what is expected at school. Earning good grades should be expected. Encouraging a child to be proud of their accomplishments doesn’t require a cash reward. Especially when a parent’s respect and love can have so much more value to the child.

Here are three questions for parents to consider as they wrestle with the question of paying for grades.

1. What message do you want to send to your children by rewarding them for doing well in school?
2. Do you want to show your children they must get good grades to earn money?
3. Do you want to teach your children they are responsible for their future, and in turn, responsible for earning good grades to help them secure that future?

If you decide to set up a payment system after answering those three questions, consider rewarding children with something other than money. Examples of other reward options include attending a sporting event or amusement park, going roller skating with a friend or staying up two hours past bedtime. These types of rewards offer an opportunity to nurture your child with a unique experience that will help them grow and become more caring and independent.

However, if you decide you still want to reward good grades with money, put several ground rules in place and then communicate them clearly to your children. For example, consider what grades will be paid for. Will you pay only for straight A’s or designate a price for each—A, B and so forth? If you have more than one child, will the same standards be honored for each child?

After the payment system is in place, discuss the following money values with your kids. Paying for grades offers an opportunity for children to learn responsible money habits at an early age.

* Saving – A portion of any earned money, including cash for good grades, should be saved. It can go into a child’s college savings fund or saved for a big purchase.

* Giving – Stress the importance of helping others. Set aside time to talk with your children about what causes mean the most to them. Then encourage them to set aside a percentage of their earnings for their favorite organization.

* Spending Wisely – It’s okay for your child to reward himself or herself with a special treat. Teach them how to be a smart consumer and get the most for their money. Helping your child determine their priorities is a valuable lesson that will serve them well throughout their lives.

“The main question parents must settle when deciding if they will pay for grades is what values do you want to instill in your children,” said Sam Goller, author of Yes, You Can… Afford to Raise a Family. “We encourage parents to teach their children that they are responsible for their own future. Earning good grades is one way children can maintain control of their lives and secure a solid future ahead.”

This article and many others can be viewed at http://yesyoucanonline.info/Earning/Earning-Articles/Making-the-Grade-Should-it-Pay

Yes You Can is a wonderful website for parents, teachers and children alike. It has wonderful ideas, and ways you can make sense of raising a family.

Thank you for reading.
Mary-Anne DiBlasio
Be Well Kids, Inc.

School Committee Meeting

2009-10-15T06:08:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, October 13th, School Committee voted Be Well Kids to occupy space at both Tatham and Fausey Elementary Schools in West Springfield.

SAVE THE DATE... WEST SIDE PARENT GROUP

2009-10-13T13:56:00.000-07:00

Dear Parents,

As we settle in to the new school year the West Side Parent Group will be holding its third annual meeting on Tuesday, October 27, 2009 at the Tatham Elementary School (61 Laurel St.) from 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm. The West Side Parent Group was formed to unify the voices of the parents in order to effectively improve the education and safety of our children.

We will be featuring guest speaker Chris Taggart from the Hampshire Educational Collaborative (HEC) to present a potential expansion of the federally funded program already in existence at the Coburn Elementary School. Dependent on the availability of 21st Century Community Learning Center Funds (21st CCLC), more 21st CCLC after school programs could be added at one or more of the following schools Memorial and Mitteneague Elementary Schools, as well as West Springfield Middle School. With that said, our second speaker is Mary-Anne DiBlasio founder of Be Well Kids, Inc. (BWK), who has received permission to hold afterschool programs at Tatham and Fausey Schools, since the federally funded program does not apply to these two schools due to academic and economic status.

The West Side Parent Group has also invited Peter Dufresne, Principal from the West Springfield High School, and Dr. Suzanne Marrotta, Superintendent of West Springfield schools to give an informational update of the proposed schools changes. There will be a short time available for parents to ask questions they may have.

To learn more about these topics please plan to attend the meeting on Tuesday, October 27, 2009.

The West Side Parent Group only has one meeting per year. Everything else we discuss is via the internet. Please contact us at wspg@ymail.com to provide your email address.

Sincerely,
The West Side Parent Group

Mary-Anne DiBlasio
Be Well Kids, Inc.

Enrollment to include Elementary School

2009-09-28T09:32:00.000-07:00

Be Well Kids, Inc. now excepting enrollment for Elementary School Aged Children!!

Be sure to register your child if you are interested. Be Well Kids is slated to open January 4th, 2010 BWK is located at 174 Brush Hill Ave. W.Spfld (at the LPVEC).

After School Program runs weekdays M-F 2:30–6:30 $75 includes healthy snack plus transportation.

All programs to be geared towards the “whole” child.

Please contact Mary-Anne DiBlasio at maryanne@bewellkids.org or call 413-73B-WELL (732-9355) to enroll your children and/or ask any questions.

Thank you very much and Be Well!

BWK Teen Talk Series #1

2009-09-17T05:37:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder of the first in our Series of Teen Talks! Tonight, Thursday at the LPVEC - Brush Hill Bistro 174 Brush Hill Ave, West Springfield, MA - 6:30-7:30 (drive right around back to the Bistro)

9/17 - "Raising your Young Teen – Weathering the Storm”

Adolescence is a volatile, complex yet exciting life phase for both the teen and the parents. The teen is undergoing profound physical and emotional changes, redefining roles and relationships, questioning family values. Parents must let go of a relationship based on years of active "pre-emptive" parenting to allow their teens to experiment and gradually learn self sufficiency. This "trial and error" period of Inconsistency, emotional stress and ambivalence prevail for both teens and parents. This discussion will explore strategies and approaches to help you and your family weather this stormy but rewarding period of growth and change.

Discussion leader: Jonathan Taylor, LICSW, is a clinical social worker with 30+ years experience working with teens and parents. He has an office at 1200 Converse St, Longmeadow, and also at the Family Care Counseling Center, 35 Post Office Park, Wilbraham, MA

Meet the faces behind Be Well Kids, Inc.

2009-09-01T08:52:00.000-07:00

09-09-09 will be the long awaited Open House for Be Well Kids, Inc. This will be the opportunity to meet the faces behind the scene. An opportunity to ask questions you may have as well as touch and feel the facility in which they will be located. Be Well Kids is happy to announce that they will be located at 174 Brush Hill – in the Lower Pioneer Valley Educational Collaborative (LPVEC) building. The LPVEC has warmly opened their doors to the BWK and both parties feel this will be mutually beneficial.

The LPVEC relocated to Brush Hill in 2005 and provides career and technical education programs, special education programs, supplemental services, and transportation. They have a state of the art facility and truly is a hidden gem within the community. LPVEC’s Executive Director Anne McKenzie states: “Offering BWK space within our building gives families the opportunity to see the educational programs and services we offer. “

The Open House will be held in the Brush Hill Bistro at LPVEC from 6:30-8:30 on Wednesday, Sept 9th. It will be a chance to see the facility, where the program will be run, and meet the people responsible for making this happen. Founder Mary-Anne DiBlasio states: “We are very excited to have the opportunity to be located in such a great building with so much to offer. We strongly feel that although the other potential locations seemed feasible at the time, now looking at the LPVEC, there truly were no options to be elsewhere. We are grateful that the LPVEC sees the benefit of having us as a tenant in their facility. We are ironing out all the details now to run a seamless program come January 2010.”

When asked about the fact that the children’s programs were unable to open in September as she had hoped, Ms. DiBlasio states: “The community wasn’t ready, and I do feel that timing is indeed everything. We were trying to push it to open too soon. The folks in the community need to know who we are and what we stand for; so we have formed the BWK Teen Talk Series. This will give the Board of Directors a chance to speak directly to the parents in their particular fields of expertise. The Board of Directors that is in place is quite impressive to say the least, and the Teen Talk Series will give them the platform to show what they’ve got and to show what expertise they will be offering the Center.

Their outline is as follows:

Jonathan Taylor - LICSW, Clinical Social Worker, Family Care Counseling Center, Wilbraham as well as offices in Longmeadow
~Raising your Young Teen – Weathering the Storm

Justin Dion – ESQ, Bankruptcy Attorney, Bacon & Wilson
~Teaching your Teen to budget – Money doesn’t grow on trees

Gabrielle Riola - Registered Dietician, Shriners Hospital
~Feeding your young Teen – Eating for maximum health

Monica Gagnon – RN, Clinical Liason, Weldon Rehab at Mercy Hospital
~Keeping your Teen active - Your Teen’s physical health

Elizabeth Shepardson - PhD, Child & Family Therapist, Private Practice
~When emotions run wild –Positive strategies that work

We will run the talks for 5 consecutive weeks after the Open House. Each talk will be two hours – with an hour presentation by the BOD member, followed by an hour of Q&A. The talks will be held in the Brush Hill Bistro and light refreshments will be served. Check the paper next week as well as the BWK website for the schedule of dates.

Dr. Joseph Foresi Jr, West Springfield School Committee Member and Educational Consultant had this to say about Be Well Kids, Inc. “It is visionary in scope providing a program of studies for all. It is well suited for students who are desirous of improving their academic, vocational and social skills in an after school setting as well as a summer program. I highly recommend this program {BWK} to parents who want to become inextricably involved in their children’s extracurricular activities.”

For more information about becoming a “Be Well Mentor” (or any further questions regarding the program) please contact Founder & Executive Director, Mary-Anne DiBlasio @ 413-73B-WELL (732-9355) or email kids@bewellkids.com or visit www.bewellkids.org and click on link
“Become a Be Well Mentor”.

Pet Parade for BWK

2009-08-27T20:06:00.000-07:00

Gi-Normous Pet Parade

Friday August 28th, 2009 at 7PM
Located at KID STUFF, 1504 Allen St (Bicentennial Plaza), Springfield, MA (413) 782-0057

Recommended Ages 3-18
Entry Fee $9.99
CASH Prizes Awarded
Pre-registration required
Proceeds to benefit Be Well Kids, W.Spfld, MA

Come join us for our 1st annual Gi-Normous Pet Parade. Parade is open to all children age 3-18. Cash prizes will be awarded at the close of the parade. Animals will be paraded by their owners around KID STUFF and Bicentennial Plaza for judging. Pets must be leashed or carried at all times. Please do not register pets that may bite or get upset being around other animals or people.

Laser Tag Tournament

2009-08-12T05:14:00.000-07:00

Join us together with KID STUFF to raise money for a great cause!!

WHEN: Friday August 21st, 2009 7PM
WHERE: KID STUFF, 1504 Allen St (Bicentennial Plaza), Springfield MA
PHONE: (413) 782-0057
Recommended Ages 7-18
Entry Fee $9.99
Pre-register to reserve spot (first come first served).
CASH Prizes awarded for best scores
Proceeds to be donated to Be Well Kids, West Springfield, MA

Call KID STUFF to register: KID STUFF WEBSITE

Kid Stuff Laser Tag Arena is a Nexus Generation product. Nexus Generation equipment represents the first generational leap forward in laser tag equipment since the late 90's. Being the world's best selling laser tag system, it features a durable, lightweight, and feature packed vest, as well as one of the most sophisticated yet easy to use phasors in the industry. Nexus Generation offers the safest product available with both operational and playability that go unmatched to competitors. WE LOOK FORWARD TO ENTERTAINING YOU!

Thought for the Day...

2009-06-24T05:24:00.000-07:00

On June 6th, the Napoleon Hill Foundation's Thought for the Day got me thinking... I'd like to share it with you...

THE PRIVILEGE OF BRINGING CHILDREN INTO THE WORLD CARRIES WITH IT THE RESPONSIBILITY OF TEACHING THEM THE FUNDAMENTALS OF SOUND CHARACTER.

One of life’s greatest joys is the sense of wonder that accompanies the arrival of a tiny new human being into the world. But that joy is accompanied by a tremendous responsibility that perfectly encapsulates the need for personal initiative. You can provide children with all the physical advantages of a good childhood, but unless you strive to set a good example for them to follow, you will know only dismay as they reach adulthood and blossom into purposeless drifters. Your personal initiative, whether or not you are raising a child, must always incorporate exemplary behavior. You cannot take ethical shortcuts, big or small, without other people observing them and assuming that this behavior is something you wouldn’t mind having turned back on yourself. Certainly you will make mistakes, but if you have always striven for the best course, others will remember it and treat you accordingly.

You can sign up for the "thought for the day' by following this link: http://www.naphill.org/

This all goes hand in hand in what Be Well Kids is trying to help with... Partnering with Parents to make the task of raising children easier...

Mary-Anne DiBlasio
Founder & Executive Director
Be Well Kids, Inc.
bewellkids.org
413-73B-WELL
413-732-9355

ABC 40 It Just Makes Sense...

2009-05-22T12:51:00.000-07:00

Open Enrollment for Be Well Kids

2009-05-15T15:42:00.001-07:00

Open enrollment has begun for Be Well Kids. There will be two dates:

Wednesday - May 20th - 6pm-8pm - Mittineague Elementary School
Wednesday - May 27th - 6pm-8pm - Mittineague Elementary School

There is a $50 fee. $25 of which is a non-refundable registration/ administration fee and $25 will be applied to your first week in the program and will guarantee your spot.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at 413-732-9355 or visit the website to get more information about the program.

Enrollment for this year will only be 72 students, so if you are indeed interested, please be sure to come to pre-register and secure your spot. It will be based on a first come first serve basis only.

We are looking forward to partnering with you!

Be Well
Mary-Anne DiBlasio
President & Executive Director
Be Well Kids, Inc.
West Springfield, MA 01089

ABC TV 40's "It Just Makes Sense" segment

2009-05-15T15:42:00.000-07:00

In the hopes of gaining corporate sponsorship, ABC TV 40's "It just makes Sense" segment gives Be Well Kids two thumbs up!!

See Video here...

Architect & Commercial Contractor Quotes Needed

2009-05-09T10:55:00.000-07:00

The Be Well Kids, Inc. board of directors is looking for a couple of more quotes for architectural drawings and construction on a remodel for a 7500 sq ft facility in W. Spfld. Most existing walls to be used. Bathrooms need to be added. Kitchen needs to be fit up. Three exterior doors to be added.

All quotes need to be submitted in writing no later than May 22nd.

If interested please contact Be Well Kids at 413-73B-WELL (732-9355) or email kids@bewellkids.org or respond to this post.

Mother of four pioneers new childcare program for tweens

2009-05-01T05:34:00.000-07:00

05/01/09 REMINDER PUBLICATIONS

By Katelyn Gendron
Reminder Assistant Editor

WEST SPRINGFIELD -- What can parents do with kids that are too old for traditional childcare but too young to be home alone after school?

Mary-Anne DiBlasio, a mother of four from West Springfield, believes she can give parents an answer when Be Well Kids Inc. (BWK) opens this fall.

DiBlasio, president of this pending non-profit told Reminder Publications her aim is to provide parents with another alternative to traditional afterschool programs, which focuses on overall wellness in hopes of increasing self-worth and graduation rates.

"There [is] a true need in West Springfield for afterschool care. There are some options, but not too many, and there are a lot of kids; existing programs fill up fast," she said.

"A lot of kids, especially today, hide behind either hand-held electronic devices or computers, texting, e-mailing or IMing," DiBlasio continued. "To take the human contact out of communicating is not good for kids ... Be Well Kids will have programs in place to assist in balancing a child's emotional, mental, physical, nutritional and financial selves."

She noted that the facility will be staffed with medical professionals such as a registered nurse, and certified dieticians, therapists and councilors.

Monica Gagnon, R.N., director of Physical Health for BWK, said too much emphasis is placed on nutrition and not enough on pairing healthy eating with daily physical activity.

She added that the staff will teach those attending BWK the importance of an active lifestyle in order to prevent life threatening illnesses such as heart disease or obesity.

"If [children are] not [learning these life skills] in their homes or at schools, then they need to get it in centers like this," Gagnon said.

She noted that physical activity at BWK will not be limited to sports.

Nicole Margiotta, assistant director of BWK, said those attending will have numerous options for their time spent at the facility, and will not be restricted to a schedule of mandated activities.

DiBlasio explained that BWK will eventually expand beyond middle school-aged kids and establish BWK Junior and BWK Senior.

BWK Junior will incorporate "the younger kids [nine and under] in a license program."

BWK Senior will be formed for those who "graduate" or age-out of the middle school-aged program to become Junior Counselors for incoming youth.

"One major focus we have is to nurture these kids while at the [BWK] center in hopes of raising our graduation rate, which at present is lower than [68 percent, according to the Massachusetts Department of Education] ... We hope to make a difference," DiBlasio said, "a considerable difference; a parent partner if you will, to help these kids be their best, whatever that best may be. We truly feel we will secure our future, one child at a time."

BWK will open its facility in West Springfield on Sept. 9.

For additional information about BWK, call 73B-WELL (732-9355), e-mail kids@bewellkids.org or visit www.bewellkids.org.

BWK in NoHo

2009-04-20T19:14:00.000-07:00

Be Well Kids will be at the following ArtisaN Productions Event:

BRING YOUR FAMILY OUT FOR A WONDERFUL DAY AND SUPPORT SEVERAL GREAT CAUSES!

The Northampton Fantastic Family Expo, Sponsored by Lake Compounce
Saturday & Sunday April 25-26, 2009 10 am - 5 pm
The Clarion Hotel & Conference Center, Northampton, MA (Right Off I-91 Exit 18)

Awesome Activities For Kids & Teens/ Fun Activities & Important Information For Parents

Performances by the Acting Lab Teen Ensemble, Karate For Kids, and other groups! Workshops on SAT's, College Admissions, and much more! Interactivities Like Kids Fun Soapmaking and Extreme Paintball and much much more!

KIDS UNDER 16 are FREE! EVERYBODY ELSE IS ONLY $5!

$1 FROM EACH TICKET WILL BENEFIT THE FOREST PARK ZOO!

If you have any questions regarding the Event, please contact Tom Locke from artisN productions LLC (413) 885.8782 (T) (413) 789.3505 (F) www.artisNproductions.com

WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

Mary-Anne DiBlasio
Be Well Kids, Inc.
413-73B-WELL

Intern/Assistant Position

2009-04-06T19:28:00.000-07:00

The Intern/Assistant position is no longer accepting resumes and is closed to any further applicants. The first round of interviewing is complete, and we have started the second round of interviewing and will be making a decision by the end of this month. HOWEVER: If you are still interested in working with Be Well Kids, there is still plenty of spaces available for the Be Well Mentor Program. This will give you an opportunity to get your foot in the door as newer paid positions become available.

Send resumes along if you feel this would interest you. It would be a small donation of time in a huge community project to make the difference in a whole lot of lives.

Thank you to everyone who applied. We had a great turn out, and we were thrilled at how many talented individuals are looking to be part of Be Well Kids!

Securing our future... one child at a time...

Be Well
Mary-Anne DiBlasio
Be Well Kids, Inc.
Western Mass Wellness, llc.

Be Well Kids, Inc.

2009-02-09T20:04:00.000-08:00

Securing our future, one child at a time.

Be Well Kids, Inc. is a wellness based after school program geared towards middle school aged children. Middle Schoolers are at that in-between stage of too old for the family day care provider yet too young to truly be left home unattended. Be Well Kids will be in place to pick up where parents need to leave off due to financial obligations within today's society. Today’s economy is tough. Parents need to work two jobs (two parents, one job each – one parent, two jobs) just to survive. Be Well Kids is not a replacement; mind you, but rather a “parent partner”. Let us partner with you.

BWK is that “safe place” parents are looking for that their kids can go to after school. BWK is that “cool place” kids are looking for that their parents don’t mind them going to “hang out”. With that said, BWK will be appealing to both parents and children alike. Safe, nurturing environment, giving them everything from a healthy snack after school, to help with their homework, to that interest in a hobby you never knew they had, yet always wanted for them.

Activities will vary greatly to appeal to all mindsets. Here are some proposed activities:

geocaching, yoga, snow shoeing, dance, music, hiking, jewelry making, model making, birding, cooking, meditation, aroma therapy, art, painting, sculpting, candle making, self-defense, sewing, gardening, going green, composting, wellness, just to name a few! And note… all suggestions welcome.

There will be an underlying tone of wellness to all activities. The Board of Directors that has been put in place was very specific. They all have very specific skills that we will utilize at the Center; from a Registered Children’s Dietician to a Doctor of Children and Family Psychology. There will also be very qualified and CORI’d staff as well as volunteers that will assist in improving your child’s development and academic performance far beyond the Center.

BWK will be a place that fosters your child’s thoughts and ideas. A place where they will feel safe to be themselves without the risk of ridicule. A Place to have a healthy snack, finish homework, connect with some friends or simply relax. BWK will encourage and mentor your child as a whole.

BWK has a proposed floor plan of the following: The Be Well Café (healthy snacks to cooking classes) The Synergy Lounge (quiet library atmosphere for homework to reading) The Tech Room (10 computers hooked on line for homework to research for our topic of the week) The Rec Room (every art or craft you can think of in one room for every school project ever assigned) Open Space (for yoga to self defense classes)

Let Be Well Kids Partner With You!
Securing our future, one child at a time.

Mary-Anne DiBlasio
Western Mass Wellness

How to Talk To Your Kids About The Economy

2009-01-27T09:40:00.000-08:00

"The sky is falling! The sky is falling!" More recently, it's the stock market that was falling. News reports can be especially scary to kids who witness adults on Wall Street and in Washington acting like "Chicken Little."

How should you talk to your kids about the struggling economy and its effect on your family's well-being? Young children especially will need reassurance that the family will be OK. If you haven't been holding regular family meetings, now is a good time to start. And if you're already holding meetings, consider kicking off the year with a special session to discuss ways that the economy could affect your family in 2009.

Ask your kids for ideas on how to better cope with the economic downturn:

Can We Reduce Our Overhead? For example, lowering the thermostat by only one degree can save 3% on your home heating bill.

Can We Delay Or Cut Back On Purchases? Are there any "wants" family members can put off buying, such as new clothes or music downloads?

Can We Bolster Our Income? Kids can help contribute by paying for their expenses, too, perhaps by babysitting or shoveling snow for neighbors.

Do We have Enough in Our Emergency Fund? Explain why having savings to cover at least six months of expenses is recommended to provide a safety net for your family.

This is also an opportune time to introduce your kids to the stock market, so they can observe its ups and downs and discover for themselves how much risk they are comfortable with taking. After researching a few companies and picking ones with a good track record, they can pretend to buy a few shares and follow their stock prices.

"Patience is key when investing," says Scott Obercrom, Director of Community Investments for American Century Investments. "If kids get off to an early start, it generally takes less money to reach their financial goals." Time is on their side.

Some experts and parents believe that living through a bad economy can actually help children grow up to be more self-reliant.

As James Stowers, founder of American Century Investments, has said, "Years ago, I asked myself ... who will take care of me financially? ... My parents? ... What about the government? After a great deal of soul searching, I determned that I was personally responsible for taking care of myself financially - no one else."

If tough economic times help teach your kids the importance of becoming financially independent, that will be a lesson well worth the price.

http://www.yesyoucanonline.info/

Good information for kids.
Plain and simple.
Be Well.
Mary-Anne DiBlasio
Be Well Kids

Kids and their electronics!

2009-01-20T18:40:00.000-08:00

Is it just me? Or are there any other folks out there that feel our growing ADD and ADHD diagnosis is a direct reflection of our current society and the fact that electronics are used as babysitters?

All these handheld electronic devices that kids have their noses buried in, well, how good can THAT be?? For when they decide to raise their head to get some possible needed sunlight (Don’t get me started on the whole vitamin D deficiency!!), there isn’t quite enough action going on. Now, mind you, on this 3x5 screen they have been watching for the last hour, there has been 92 missiles, 172 bombs going off, 54 hand held grenades being thrown, and 32 bad guys (and that is every 5 minutes!!) WHEW! If I’d look up after that, Mom, Dad or little brother hasn’t got a chance! I don’t care WHAT they were doing!

What happened to board games? How about puzzles? And WHY! Oh WHY? Does every middle-schooler I know have a cell phone??? Again, is it just me? Or is there really something wrong with this picture… I’ll tell ya what! The last time I checked, my 11 year old was NOT going anywhere where there wasn’t an adult, and the ADULT would have the ways and means to call me in case of emergency! NO?

Texting! I was on the road earlier this month, and this 4x4 was riding my poor little BeWell Vans bum(per) – during a major snow squall mind you! And as we approach the light, I look over to find this young whippersnapper no older than say 20 something - you guessed it - Texting away!! I look in my rearview mirror and reprimand my son as if HE is the one holding the darn phone! I take a deep breath and truly talk to my son on the dangers of today’s kids, or should i say… all of us! Just think of all those folks on that train!!

It is a sad day when a family cannot sit together, play a game or enjoy the outdoors… All these kids are going to shrivel up like mushrooms in the dark! Go outside! Breathe some fresh air!!

The television, DS’s, play stations, I don’t even know all the names of the latest and greatest - they are being used as babysitters. I realize that today’s parents are very busy, but there has to be a better way to teach these kids to entertain themselves…

I had a discussion with a pediatrician not too long ago and she stated the dangers of taking the “human” element out of discussions between kids! You wouldn’t say half the things you say “on-line” if that person was standing right in front of you! You are supposed to be shy! You are supposed to be too nervous to say certain things. Sitting behind a computer gives this false sense of security.

There was a fabulous article in the Healthcare News this past month that touched on this very subject… wonderful reading, you should check it out!

http://www.healthcarenews.com/article.asp?id=2014

Be Well Kids will address most of these issues with a healthy staff in place that will show loads of options that not only will help your kids to entertain themselves, find wholesome hobbies, but also enrich them as they grow into our adults of tomorrow!

Thank you and of course… Be Well

Mary-Anne DiBlasio
Be Well Kids

The Death of Common Sense

2009-01-09T06:41:00.000-08:00

This obituary apparently printed in the London Times........ or at least SOMEPLACE! and my question? why? WHY? am I just getting it now?? This is wonderfully put! Sad that it is true... but none the less, wonderfully put...

Of course, this is one of the major reasons Be Well Kids needed to be formed! Remember? it is all about keeping our kids focused and on the right path... what better way than with good 'ole Common Sense!

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as:

Knowing when to come in out of the rain, why the early bird gets the worm, life isn't always fair, and maybe it was my fault.

Common Sense lived by simple, sound, financial policies (don't spend more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in charge).

His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate, teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch, and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.

Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children.

Common Sense declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an Aspirin to a student, but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.

Common Sense lost the will to live, as some churches became businesses and criminals received better treatment than their victims. Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault.

Common Sense finally gave up the will to live after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.

Common Sense was preceded in death, by his parents, Truth and Trust, his wife, Discretion, his daughter, Responsibility, and his son, Reason. He is survived by his 4 stepbrothers: I Know My Rights, I Want It Now, Someone Else Is To Blame, and I'm A Victim.

Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone.

Pathetic, isn't it...

Thank you and of course... Be Well

Mary-Anne DiBlasio
Be Well Kids

Happy Holidays

2008-12-24T07:06:00.000-08:00

Look for some major changes to Be Well Kids in 2009!! Our hopes are to have the Center up and running by 09/09/09.

Thank you and of course... Be Well

Mary-Anne DiBlasio
Be Well Kids

The "Be Well Kids" Organization

2008-10-21T11:06:00.000-07:00

Hello and welcome to Be Well Kids. org

Is it that personally I am a mother of four? Is it that it is hard for me to see the children of today growing into the adults of our tomorrow? Is it that, first hand I see the effects "whatever" parents have on their children?

There is no single answer. This organization truly is a blend of "All of the Above"

I am a single mother of one, turned married mother of four and I made a promise to myself, my son, my husband and my three steps that I would make the best environment possible for them.

I want to create a safe place for kids from say 10-18 years of age that they can go to and relax. A place where they can explore. A place where it is ok to have a bed time, it is ok not to swear. It is ok to still hug and kiss your parents goodbye before school. Where they won't get made fun of if they are "too" smart. A place where there is no judgment.

I can't be the only mother out there that feels this way. Or father. I see the peer pressure that my kids are under, and although I cannot keep them in a bubble. I refuse to sit back, complain, and do nothing about it.

I am very "pro-active" when it comes to my kids. I talk very freely with them about any subject that may come up. I am strict and we have rules... oh do we have rules... lol ask any one of the parents I stand with at the bus stop. They tell me they are sending their kids to me for a week to straighten them up!

hmmmmm.....

So, how much exactly are you willing to pay for this service ;o)

I believe every child out there has the ability to be a great kid! It is all on how they are brought up and it is not about how much money you have or what neighborhood you are brought up in. Everyone has a chance. Everyone.

I feel there are two types of parents. Let's keep it simple. There is the "involved" parent and then there is the "whatever" parent. The involved parent is self explanatory and the whatever parent basically is one of three things... either they truly do not care and they just say whatever; or they want to be a friend not a parent and give in to everything so they just say whatever; or they try really hard to be focused and disciplined but after a very hard day at work and a child that is relentless in asking 17 different ways to do something and finally they give in to "whatever".

Sound familiar? Where do you fall? I am not entirely sure what BeWellKids.org will have to offer yet, but I do know this... if we do not keep our children of today focused and on the right path, there will be very sad tomorrows for all of us.

Help me keep the kids of today focused and on the right path.

Please feel free to comment.

Thanks, and of course... Be Well

Mary-Anne DiBlasio
Be Well Kids

BWK MISSION

2008-08-08T11:11:00.000-07:00

Be Well Kids, Inc., is committed to providing middle school aged children high quality after school educational and recreational programs, health and fitness resources, and time for positive socialization with peers, all in a safe and supportive environment. Our goal is to nurture important life skills children will need for future academic, occupational, and social success as well as healthy living habits. Our core mission is to be sure to foster a child’s body and mind wellness as a whole, now, so they can become healthier, happier, and more productive adults in the future.

Mary-Anne DiBlasio
Be Well Kids, Inc.
West Springfield, MA 01089

BWK VISION

2008-08-08T00:34:00.000-07:00

Be Well Kids, Inc. is a wellness based after school program geared towards middle school aged children. Middle Schoolers are at that in-between stage of too old for the family day care provider yet too young to truly be left home unattended. Be Well Kids will be in place to pick up where parents need to leave off due to financial obligations within today's society. Today’s economy is tough. Parents need to work two jobs (two parents, one job each – one parent, two jobs) just to survive. Be Well Kids is not a replacement; mind you, but rather a “parent partner”. Let us partner with you.

BWK is that “safe place” parents are looking for that their kids can go to after school. BWK is that “cool place” kids are looking for that their parents don’t mind them going to “hang out”. With that said, BWK will be appealing to both parents and children alike. Safe, nurturing environment, giving them everything from a healthy snack after school, to help with their homework, to that interest in a hobby you never knew they had, yet always wanted for them.

Activities will vary greatly to appeal to all mindsets. Here are some proposed activities:

geocaching, yoga, snow shoeing, dance, music, hiking, jewelry making, model making, birding, cooking, meditation, aroma therapy, art, painting, sculpting, candle making, self-defense, sewing, gardening, going green, composting, wellness, just to name a few! And note… all suggestions welcome.

There will be an underlying tone of wellness to all activities. The Board of Directors that has been put in place was very specific. They all have very specific skills that we will utilize at the Center; from a Registered Children’s Dietician to a Doctor of Children and Family Psychology. There will also be very qualified and CORI’d staff as well as volunteers that will assist in improving your child’s development and academic performance far beyond the Center.

BWK will be a place that fosters your child’s thoughts and ideas. A place where they will feel safe to be themselves without the risk of ridicule. A Place to have a healthy snack, finish homework, connect with some friends or simply relax. BWK will encourage and mentor your child as a whole.

BWK has a proposed floor plan of the following: The Be Well Café (healthy snacks to cooking classes) The Synergy Lounge (quiet library atmosphere for homework to reading) The Tech Room (10 computers hooked on line for homework to research for our topic of the week) The Rec Room (every art or craft you can think of in one room for every school project ever assigned) Open Space (for yoga to self defense classes).

Let Be Well Kids Partner With You!
Securing our future, one child at a time.

Mary-Anne DiBlasio
Be Well Kids, Inc.
West Springfield, MA 01089