ARTICLE: Children and Nature

Modern life and especially modern cities have taken much of the wonders of nature away from us. When I was young I remember fireflies in my backyard in summer nights; now it´s almost impossible to find them in the city, and even out in the country they don´t seem to appear as often. This is just an example but the truth is our children are not in touch with nature at a time they should really be in. Our planet needs our help and although we are teaching them all about recycling and environmental awareness they should really know what they are protecting and the wonders that our Earth has. I believe it´s important that our children plant a tree, go on nature hikes and learn to respect all plants and animals. If we start this at home their interest in the world around them begins to grow and hopefully it will be easier for them to understand the real need for a change in how we take care of the environment. Some ideas to get you started: plant a tree in your backyard, take turns watering it and measure how much it grows each month; learn about a new animal every month, see which member of the family can find more information on it and if it´s endagered or threatened; go to a different habitat nearby, it can be a mountain, lake, river or beach, talk about how it´s different from where you live and what kind of different plants or animals live there.

DAILY RECIPE: Banana Shake!

1 cup milk

1 banana

1 tablespoon sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

Blend all ingredients and serve in tall glass with a straw. A great breakfast drink children will love!

TIP OF THE DAY

At breakfast, substitute a banana shake for your kids´chocolate milk. Extra nutrition and they´ll love the taste!

DAILY RECIPE: Tuna Stuffed Avocados

3 firm avocados

2 cans tuna

1/2 cup light mayo

diced cooked vegetables (carrot, zuchini, etc.)

salt and pepper

Mix tuna, mayo and vegetables. Season well. Slice avocados vertically into halves. Remove seed. Fill dent with tuna mixture. Serve chilled on a hot day.

TIP OF THE DAY

Tough to remove deodorant stains? Soak in white vinegar before throwing shirt into the washer. Works wonders!

ARTICLE - Growing Up - Making Decisions

As babies we make all decisions for our children. What to wear, where to go, who to play with. But as they grow older, we need to start letting them decide some things for themselves. This will serve as a lesson in important decision making later in life. How can we start? Toys. As older babies we can place several toys in front of them and let them decide what to play with and for how long before switching to the next toy. Clothes. Of course we won´t let them wear what they want to Sunday church if we don´t want to see a bathing suit, baseball cap and boot ensamble with a very startled preacher! But if we´re planning to spend the day at home we can start letting them pick out their outfit and gradually teach them what attire is proper for what. Don´t worry, it takes time, but as long as you´re not going to school, a birthday party or a visit with grandparents, why can´t they wear clothes that don´t match? Food. We can´t let them decide what to eat every day, and even when we do, this category can´t be all open or we would be serving pizza and ice-cream daily! But what about this? When going to the supermarket, would they prefer spinach or steamed carrots this week? Would they prefer apple or orange juice in their lunches? These may seem like little things but they really can make a difference in our children. First, they start making decisions and learning the consecuences of what they choose; but also, they are being heard and their opinions and choices are being considered by their family.

DAILY RECIPE: FishBalls

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 small onion (diced)

3 small fish filets (cooked)

2 garlic cloves (finely chopped)

2 potatoes (cooked and mashed)

2 eggs (beaten)

1 cup bread crumbs

salt and pepper

flour

vegetable oil

Heat olive oil, add onion and sauteé 3 minutes over low heat. Add fish and garlic, season and cook 4 minutes over medium heat. Add potatoes, mix well and cook 3 more minutes. Remove from heat and let cool. Make small balls and pass them through flour. Dip in beaten eggs and cover with bread crumbs. Cook in hot oil until golden. Serve with ketchup or tartar sauce.

TIP OF THE DAY

Make school lunches one night before and store in the fridge. It will relieve you of morning tension!

DAILY RECIPE: Spinach Chicken Pockets

3 pitas cut into 2 pockets each
1 bag frozen spinach
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
1 small can corn kernels
salt and pepper
1 tablespoon butter

Thaw spinach. Melt butter over low heat, add spinach and cook well. Season with salt and pepper. Add corn, chicken and heavy cream. Cook throughly and season again. Stuff each pita pocket and serve immediately.

TIP OF THE DAY

Have a craft day once a month. Save cans, boxes, lids and other gadgets from the kitchen. Prepare glue, markers, paper and string and host a craft day with your children. Let them create different animals, toys or musical instruments. Promote creativity, following instructions and teamwork.