Reading is Fun!

Alex has always been a reluctant reader. He loved being read to, but did not like reading independently. I found the key! He just needed a little motivation. I developed reading logs where he gets a sticker for every half an hour that he reads on his own. (Who knew that stickers were so powerful?) He also gets a small treat, e.g. an icecream cone, whenever he completes 3 hours of reading. When he completes an entire reading log, 15 hours, he gets a big treat, e.g. Mom and Dad take him bowling. I am amazed at how well this is working.


Alex has read 5 books in the last 2 weeks:

Ralph S. Mouse by Beverly Cleary

The Indian in the Cupboard by Lynne Reid Banks

How to Eat Fried Worms by Thomas Rockwell

The View From the Cherry Tree by Willo Davis Roberts

Mr. Popper's Penguins by Richard Atwater

Good job, Alex!

Congratulations!

Tifffany had her first professional dance exam today and she passed with flying colors! We are all very proud of her. Congratulations, Tiffany!

Swimming

Alex has started swimming twice a week. He really like its. His coach seems very nice. Plus, this is a good opportunity for him to socialize more.

Husky

Alex went to visit the pediatrician and was informed that he is "sobrepeso", overweight. In fact, according to the pediatrician's chart Alex is almost 18 pounds overweight. I knew that he was a little husky, but I didn't think that he was obese. He is also under pressure to lose weight, 10 lbs, so that he can play football with his age group. He is 5' and weighs 110 lbs making his BMI, body mass index, 21.5 which is within the healthy category. If he were to lose 18 pounds, his BMI would fall into the underweight category. If he were to lose 10 pounds, his BMI would still be in the healthy category. I guess that overweight is in the eyes of the beholder. Nevertheless, we have decided to increase his activity level and cut out junk food. Such choices never hurt anyone.