The research studied the habits of children both during and after school, revealing kids are indulging in processed, carbohydrate rich foods after school such as biscuits, cereal bars and confectionery to which 60 % is sugars, 30% is fat.

Such highly processed foods are also digested rapidly, leaving kids vulnerable to energy fluctuations and overeating.

Essential Baby (www.essentialbaby.com.au) interviewed Specialist Obesity Dietitian from The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Susie Burrell and she had some great advice.

“Consumption of such highly processed, non-nutritious foods means that children are missing out on key nutrients, are unlikely to be kept full and more likely to overeat during the after school period and then eat poorly at dinner time,” said Ms Burrell.

“While it is normal for growing children to be hungry after school, it is important for parents to remember that after school snacks for children need to contain some positive nutritional properties such as protein, low GI, wholegrain carbohydrates and calcium.”

The Children’s Hospital at Westmead has put together a fact sheet with some healthy Snack Ideas for parents… http://www.chw.edu.au/parents/factsheets/fosnackj.htm

What’s on the menu at your house after school?

This study only looked at 18-24 year-old parents but with sites such as Essential Baby, Kidspot & Parenting Australia many parents no matter their generation don’t need to travel far from the couch for quality advice from experts and support from other parents.

What I did find surprising from the study was that three quarters of parents believed there was not enough support for young parents.  With the world of knowledge and like-minded parents at their fingertips my questions is what type of support are they missing? Maybe that’s where community groups should step up to plate?

If you have a parenting concern or question, who do you turn to first?

Full Article: http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/generation-y-parents-heading-online-for-help/story-e6frf7jo-1225843481898

 It’s hard to remember not checking Springfree™ Trampoline’s Facebook page before opening my inbox, or seeing if there are any tweets to follow up. Not to mention both Erin and I thinking about every event, saying, item or product in terms of “wow, that would make a great blog”.

As marketers, most of us are still trying to work out how to develop a successful online presence, and before we even got our head around that, it’s become important to engage. My boss appreciates Social Media, but admits he’s an old dog “You do that Facebook thing, it’s great, but I just don’t get it”.

We’re loving Facebook and Twitter especially, and are big fans of www.essentialbaby.com.au and www.trendwatching.com

What really makes interesting interaction for all our parents out there? We’d love to know your favourite sites and why you love ‘em.

Is it having a good conversation? Good stories? Or meeting like minded people and getting advice?