​Social groups are everywhere in society. Social groups are two or more people that see and interact with each other regularly and share a sense of unity or common identity. We can be a part of many different social groups such as a sports team, church group, workplace, classroom and more! There are two different types of social groups, primary and secondary groups. No two groups are created equally. Each group has its own purpose, culture, norms, etc.
 
A Primary Group is a group that is extremely close-knit. These groups are usually smaller and much more intimate. These groups are usually very long lasting, and the members of the group share a strong personal identity with the group. Family members, and close friends usually make up primary groups. These are small groups and the relationships are close-knit and enduring. Primary is used with these groups because they are the primary form of relationships and socialization. We learn our values and norms from these relationships that stay with us for most, if not, all of our lives.
 
A Secondary Group is a group that can be small or large and are mostly impersonal and usually short term. These groups are typically found at work and school. An example of a secondary group is a team organized to run a fundraiser. Members of the team meet infrequently and for only a short period of time. Although team members may have some similar interests, the purpose of the group is about the task instead of the relationships. Sometimes, secondary groups become pretty informal, and the members get to know each other fairly well. Even so, their friendships exist in a limited context; they won't necessarily remain close beyond the fundraiser.
 
Both types of social groups are necessary to have in today’s society. For your children at daycare, they are beginning to form strong friendships with each other. These can be the foundation of primary groups they may share for years. Seeing each other each day, learning the same concepts, growing up at the same time, sharing similar experiences, etc. 

When adults think of exercising, they imagine working out at a gym, running on a treadmill, or lifting weights. However, for kids, exercise means playing and being physically active. Kids exercise when they have gym class at school, during recess, at dance class or soccer practice, while riding bikes, or when playing tag. I don’t think I have ever heard a 5 year old say, “Mom, I will be back in an hour, I’m heading to the gym to lift weights!”
Kids who exercise will have:

• Stronger muscles and bones
• Leaner bodies
• Less risk of becoming overweight
• Lower chance of getting Type 2 Diabetes
• Lower blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels
• Better sleep
• Better capability to handle emotional challenges
• A better outlook on life

Three elements of exercise are endurance, strength, and flexibility. Endurance develops when kids regularly get aerobic activity. During aerobic exercise, large muscles are moving, the heart beats faster, and a person breathes harder. Aerobic activity strengthens the heart and improves the body's ability to deliver oxygen to all its cells.
Aerobic exercise can be fun for both adults and kids. Aerobic activities include biking, baseball, soccer, skating, running, hiking, swimming, etc.
Improving strength doesn't have to mean lifting weights. Instead, kids can do push-ups, stomach crunches, pull-ups, and other exercises to help tone and strengthen muscles. They also improve their strength when they climb, do a handstand, or wrestle.
Stretching exercises help improve flexibility, allowing muscles and joints to bend and move easily through their full range of motion. Kids get chances every day to stretch when they reach for a toy, practice a split, or do a cartwheel.
The problem is kids being sedentary. Sitting around, watching TV, playing with an iPad, playing videogames, etc. They are not being active enough. Try some of these activities to help in the growth and development of your kids! 

​Well, we are into that 3-5-week period in Wisconsin where the warm weather finally comes out to greet us. Some may say that it gets so hot that when you go to buy vegetables, it is vegetable soup before you can even make it home. Everyone is always looking for ways to stay cool on a hot Summer’s day. As a parent, you are trying to find ways to keep your children cool! Here are 5 refreshing snacks that will surely peak your child’s interest:

1)Watermelon: Watermelons and Summer go hand in hand, don’t they? There’s just something so refreshing about biting into the juicy fruit on a hot day. It can be difficult to keep little people hydrated and cool when all they want to do is play in the sun. Watermelons make fantastic snacks for kids as they quickly replace lost water and electrolytes. It has an incredible 92% average water content! It’s also an excellent source of vitamin A, potassium and lycopene.

2)Homemade Fruit Popsicles: When you make popsicles, it is important to use the whole fruit, rather than just the juice, so kids get 100% of the nutrients in the fruit (juicing removes the fiber and some water-soluble vitamins). And if it gets kids eating fruit that they ordinarily wouldn’t touch, well that’s a massive bonus too.

3)Peanut Butter and Greek Yogurt Fruit Dip: This dip would go perfectly with your fruit kabobs, apples, or simply any other fresh fruit. Kids love to dip their food!. This is also very low hassle, and a quick snack for your children even if you are on the go in the Summer.

4)Veggies with Ranch Dip: Finding a “clean” Ranch at the grocery store can be tricky, but Bolthouse Farms makes one that is as healthy as they come. Fresh veggies including celery, carrots, broccoli, bell peppers, etc. are all very refreshing to have with everyone’s favorite dip. This is also an easy snack to prepare or bring with you traveling.

5)Greek Yogurt with (fresh or frozen) Berries: Plain Greek yogurt is used to avoid added sugar in. To sweeten, either add raw honey or a tiny bit of stevia to a handful frozen berries, and it’s a treat the kiddos won’t want to put down. Frozen berries are also usually less expensive than fresh ones and are great for smoothies too.
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Summer is a great time to enjoy some new snack options, especially when the fruit is in season here in Wisconsin! Enjoy it while it lasts, and embrace the warm weather, because we know all too well that the cold will be back before we know it!
 
Have a wonderful Summer!