March 2018 • FREE
Super Donation!
Family Respite Services receives $10,000 donation from the GoodLife Kids Foundation
March Break Day Camps See what events are being offered around Windsor-Essex County
INFORMING AND ENCOURAGING AREA PARENTS SINCE 1997
MARCH BREAK NATURE UNLEASHED! TH
TH
MARCH 13 -18 , OPEN 10AM-5PM EVERY DAY Be a part of an exciting new experience as an animal exhibition from Little Ray’s Nature Centre comes to town! Visit www.tecumsehmall.com/events for more information to come!
ADMISSION PRICING
SPECIAL NEEDS HOUR
• $14.50 unless you shared this event on Facebook, then $12.50 • $56 for a family of 4, $48 if you shared this event on Facebook • Each person after 4pm – $10 dollars • Kids 2 and under are free
SATURDAY, MARCH 17TH, FROM 9AM-10AM - Free for any families of children with special needs.
For more details and other events and promotions visit: TecumsehMall.com 2
March 2018 | Windsor Parent
Contents
On the Cover: From left, Chloe, Zach, and Nora Courtesy of Stephanie Prange Photography
in this issue 4. Deep Freeze Six ways to help you survive the winter blues.
6. Post-Holiday Debt Six ways to get you started on creating financial freedom. 8. March Break Day Camp Directory A guide to some of the events happening around Windsor-Essex. GENERAL MANAGER: Bob Thwaites ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: Shelley Oswald GRAPHIC DESIGN: Alice Chiu-Wong EDITOR: Bill England CONTRIBUTORS: Stephanie Renaud, Matt Weingarden, Windsor-Essex County Health Unit, Essex Region Conservation HOW TO REACH US: Windsor Parent Magazine, 1116 Lesperance Road, Tecumseh, ON N8N 1X2 ADMINISTRATION & GENERAL INQUIRIES: Mary McLeod, 519-735-2080 ext. 110 E-mail : mamcleod@postmedia.com ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: Shelley Oswald, 519-978-3062 Cell: 519-965-4551 E-mail: dwoswald@sympatico.ca
10. A Super Donation! Family Respite Services received $10,000 from GoodLife Kids Foundation.
We offer free skill development programs to core city community children and their families. We celebrate our diverse community and strengthen the family bond so our children live in a healthy community
Check out some of our free programs: Mom’s Time Out Drop In Centre Parenting Programs
School Readiness Have Fun Be Fit And so much more...
For more information call:
Ready-Set-Go! Main Office: 519-977-9407 Funded by Community Action Program for Children
facebook: “Ready Set Go” • Website: www.readsetgowindsor.ca • twitter: @we_are_rsetgo
13. Nutrition Month How you can help your kids discover the power of food. 14. Welcome to the ‘Teen Cave’ Creating a dedicated space for adolescents in your home.
Half-day or Full-day care for children 18 months - 5 years
519-966-5688 www.littlestarschildcare.ca Little Stars Child Care 3139 Dougall Ave., Windsor
Windsor Parent Magazine is published eight times a year by Windsor-Essex Community Publishing, a division of Postmedia Community Publishing Inc. Articles and advertisements in Windsor Parent Magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the magazine. We do not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. The acceptance of advertising does not constitute an endorsement of the products, services or information being advertised. We do not knowingly present any product which is fraudulent or misleading in nature. Windsor Parent can be found in locations around the city and county, like Ontario Early Years Centres, municipal community centres, public libraries and Parenting & Family Literacy Centres. Windsor Parent is also available inside select copies of the Windsor Star. We are where families are!
© 2018 Windsor-Essex Community Publishing Inc. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in any way without the written permission of the publisher.
Windsor Parent | March 2018
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Commentary
Rest assured, spring is on its way!
Six ways to I survive the deep freeze of 2018
By Stephanie Renaud B.A., B.Ed.
don’t know about you, but this winter has me all cooped up in my house for fear of frostbite on my face. Cabin fever looms, tempers fray, and we all long for spring to chase the frost away. You don’t have to go batty, there are ways to survive without declaring all out war on your family, and moving to Hawaii. 1. Solar Charge—When the sun does come out, bundle up and head outside for at least 15 minutes to absorb it’s precious rays. The sun encourages our bodies to produce vitamin D. When our bodies get enough vitamin D, we feel happier, more energetic, and we function more efficiently. If it’s too cold out, find a window and park yourself beside it for at least 15 minutes. It’s not the same as getting the rays directly, but it still helps. 2. Supplement your Solar Charge—When the sun has disappeared for days or weeks on end, and you aren’t even sure anymore what it looks like, add a vitamin D supplement to your morning routine. While not as effective as the real thing, a vitamin D supplement is a good stand in when the sun has taken a winter hike. 3. Get cozy with heated pockets—Head out to your local Costco, and purchase a box of these lovelies for when you have to head outside to keep your hands and feet toasty. Just peel open the foil package, shake ‘em up and slide them into your boots, your mitts or your coat pockets for hours of warmth.
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March 2018 | Windsor Parent
4. Hello Hot Water Bottles—Running the furnace can be killer on the budget, but sliding into a cold bed is no ones favourite nighttime routine. Go old fashioned and slide a hot water bottle between your sheets an hour or so before you go to bed, and it will be warm and toasty when you arrive, without turning up the thermostat. 5. Love Those Layers—From boots with boot socks on top of leggings that are hiding thermals, to sweaters, turtlenecks, scarves, tank tops and other layers, winter is the perfect time to get your layer game on. It saves money on heat, and this keeps pennies in your pocketbook. Toss on a hat, steep a tea, and get cozy. 6. Spice it Up!—Did you know that Cayenne pepper can help keep you warm? It is actually hot to the touch in powder form, and watch out with the real thing. You can burn yourself on the juice or the seeds. Sprinkle a small amount into your boots to help warm cold feet, or ingest by adding a sprinkle to your tea, coffee or raw juice. It’s great for your heath, and can help keep you warm. Winter in Canada can be long and we in our busy lives so often fail to heed the call to slow down, take rest and honour the season. We are not separate from nature in our ticky tacky boxes on the hillside. We are nature as much as the trees and the squirrels and the birds who seek their long winters nap every year. My wish for you is that you curl up with your kids, embrace blankets, fuzzy slippers and warm drinks, and savour the slow down of this season. It will soon pass and the rebirth of spring will be upon us. Slow down. Rest. Winter is here. Stephanie Renaud is a Windsor-based writer specializing in parenthood. For more information, please visit StephanieARenaud.wordpress.com and follow her on Instagram @Stephanie_Renaud
You Love Working With Children. We Would Love You to Work With Us. Join a Trusted Reputable Home Child Care Team with 30 Years of Experience.
Call us at Windsor/Essex County West 519-776-9797 Windsor/Essex County East 519-739-6159 or visit www.weewatch.com
Windsor Parent | March 2018
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Understanding colic and potential remedies Whether they’re first-time parents or veterans of the child-rearing game, parents of newborns may encounter many sleepless nights in the first few months of their children’s lives. Many babies are cranky from time to time, but those who seem to be especially cranky might be exhibiting symptoms of colic, a somewhat mysterious condition that children and parents alike would no doubt prefer to avoid.
WHAT IS COLIC? Babies who are well-fed and healthy but cry for more than three hours per day, more than three days per week and for more than three weeks are said to be dealing with colic. Colic can try parents’ patience, but it’s important for mothers and fathers to recognize that children do not enjoy colic any more than their parents do. It’s also important that parents recognize that colic is not a disease. According to the online parenting resource WhatToExpect.com, colic is a combination of behaviours that can last for hours at a time. Perhaps most frustrating for parents of colicky babies is that these behaviors can appear late at night and into the wee hours of the morning.
WHEN DOES COLIC TYPICALLY SURFACE? In babies that reach full-term, colic typically begins when the child reaches two weeks of age. What To Expect notes that most bouts of colic peak around six weeks of age before tapering off as children reach three months of age, though symptoms may taper off later in preterm babies.
MARCH BREAK AT
March 13-18, 2018 Visit the Chimczuk Museum this March Break and explore our new exhibits:
DIECAST FROM THE PAST:
CURSIVE WRITING:
A History of Autos
Reading and Writing the Old School Way
The museum will be offering lots of great self guided activities and a fun scavenger hunt for students. Visit museumwindsor.ca for more details.
WWW.MUSEUMWINDSOR.CA 401 RIVERSIDE DRIVE WEST | 519-253-1812
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March 2018 | Windsor Parent
WHAT CAUSES COLIC? Parents’ first instinct when babies begin to exhibit symptoms of colic might be to blame themselves. While the exact cause of colic is unknown, various theories suggest it’s not related to anything parents are doing. For example, one such theory links colic to infants’ overstimulated senses. Newborns are born with an ability to tune out surrounding sights and sounds, but that ability begins to wane as they reach one month of age. According to the online medical resource WebMD, this may produce an oversensitivity to light and noise, and suddenly overwhelmed babies may become cranky as a result. As babies age and adjust to their environments, this crankiness begins to subside. What To Expect cites immature digestive systems, acid reflux, food allergies and sensitivity, and exposure to tobacco as other potential contributors to colic.
HOW CAN PARENTS TREAT COLIC? Treating colic can be tricky and require some trial and error. Parents of newborns should speak with their babies’ pediatricians for advice on treating colic. Remaining calm when babies are colicky is no small task for many parents, but soothing infants can go a long way toward alleviating the stress they’re feeling when they’re exhibiting symptoms of colic. Parents who suspect overstimulation is the cause of their babies’ colic may benefit by paying close attention to how their babies react to various stimuli before limiting interaction with stimuli that seems to trigger crying spells. Creating a calm, peaceful environment also may help. And while parents understandably want to show off their newborns to friends and family, babies exhibiting symptoms of colic may benefit from fewer visitors until their symptoms have subsided. Parents can learn more about colic by visiting WhatToExpect.com
25 off
$
our Dynamic Diagnostic Assessment.
Tecumseh
519.739.2951 13300 Tecumseh Rd E
LaSalle
519.966.0682 5844 Malden Rd
Windsor Parent | March 2018
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Break
Day Camp Directory Cathy’s Dance Studio
March 12-16 March Break Clay Painting & Planting Workshop Includes one 4” clay pot + one plant (flowering or tropical) Cost is $9.99 + tax per person Visit Colasanti.com for more information.
Essex Region Conservation Authority Maple March Break for Families
March 12-16 Children will participate in all styles of dance and participate in a daily craft. Register by February 24 and get a FREE T-shirt. Full day: $190/wk and half day $120/wk (includes HST). Call 519-969-7956 (Windsor) or 519-969-7957 (LaSalle) or visit CathysDanceStudio.com for more information on times and locations.
March 13 and 16, 1:30 p.m. sharp Explore the John R. Park Homestead and discover the sweet process of pioneer maple making! Experience this springtime tradition hands-on. Enjoy a taste of pure maple sugar. Arrive early, dress warmly, wear boots. $6/adult, $4/child, $20 family Visit ERCA.org/maple, e-mail jrph@erca.org, or call 519-738-2029 for more information.
Chimczuk Museum
Fort Malden National Historic Site
March 12-16 Visit the Museum this March Break and explore our new exhibits. The Museum will be offering lots of great self guided activities and a fun scavenger hunt for students. 401 Riverside Dr. W. 519-253-1812 Visit MuseumWindsor.ca for more details.
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Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens
March 2018 | Windsor Parent
March 12-16 Recommended ages: 6-12 years old Cost: $24.50 per day Time: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit Facebook.com/FortMaldenNHS or ParksCanada.gc.ca/malden, or call 519-736-5416 to register.
Mad Science of Windsor & Cottam March 12-16 Program time is 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Drop off begins at 8 a.m. with later pick-up until 5 p.m. included. Mad Science camps offer a daily combination of in-class discovery and exploration, outdoor games and physical activities and hands-on applications of the scientific principles presented. Only $40 per day (five or more days for only $35 per day). Visit MadScienceOfWindsor.com for the schedule or call 519-839-6094 for more information.
Tecumseh Mall March Break Nature Unleashed! March 13-18 Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. Be part of an exciting new experience as an animal exhibition from Little Ray’s Nature Centre comes to town! Reptile exhibit/museum set up, including educational shows done daily within the space. Visit TecumsehMall.com/events for more information.
March Break & P.A. Day Camps in Windsor & Cottam!
• • • • • •
Reading Writing Math Robotics Coding Engineering
e to Bring Mad Scienc nt! k Eve your March Brea
Vollmer Complex March 12-16 Free Recreation Skates 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Free Recreation Swims 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Free Swims and Skates generously funded by Pathway to Potential (P2P). Pre-registration strongly recommended. Register by calling 519-969-7771 ext. 0 or at LaSalle.ca.
Windsor-Essex Therapeutic Riding Association Horse Camp Fun 2018 for children ages 5-7 and 8-14 years that love horses! Assisting children to ride and care for horses in a safe and fun environment. Themed Days. Integrated camps for kids of all abilities. Please call 519-726-7682 or visit WETRA.ca for more information.
Windsor Jewish Community Centre March 12-16 – Yomee March Break Camp 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Optional extended care 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.) Ages 4-13. All are welcome! Every camper receives a FREE camp T-shirt. Snacks are provided. Early bird discount until February 12. Please call 519-973-1772 or visit CampYomee.com for more information.
March Maple Events Maple Syrup Festival 0DNH PDSOH WDઊ\ LQ WKH VQRZ DQG VHH syrup being made the pioneer way. Pure maple products for sale.
Maple March Break Explore the John R. Park Homestead and discover the sweet process of pioneer maple making!
Sparking Imaginative Learning
2 NEW LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU 3194 Dougall Ave. Windsor 1614 Lesperance Rd. Tecumseh 519-944-8018
www.madscienceofwindsor.com
MAD SCIENCE OFFERS EXCITING: AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS • ASSEMBLIES • BIRTHDAY PARTIES • WORKSHOPS SPECIAL EVENTS • VACATION & SUMMER PROGRAMS • SCHOOLHOUSE CHESS
122 Fox Street, Cottam, ON
519-839-6094
VOLLMER COMPLEX
10TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION MONDAY, MARCH 12 - FRIDAY, MARCH 16 FREE RECREATION SKATES 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm FREE RECREATION SWIMS 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm FREE SWIMS AND SKATES GENEROUSLY FUNDED BY PATHWAY TO POTENTIAL (P2P)
Pre-registration strongly recommended. Register by calling 519-969-7771, ext. 0 or at www.lasalle.ca
Experience this springtime tradition handson. Enjoy a taste of pure maple sugar. Arrive early, dress warmly, wear boots.
Adult: $6 Child: $4 Family: $20
Sunday, March 4 11am - 4pm Wear boots!
www.erca.org/maple 519-738-2029 jrph@erca.org
Adult: $6 Child: $4 Family: $20
Tuesday, March 13 & Friday, March 16 1:30pm sharp
Be sure to keep up-to-date with what’s happening in LaSalle! Follow us! Like us! Visit us!
LaSalle Culture & Recreation Vollmer Complex 519-969-7771
www.lasalle.ca Windsor Parent | March 2018
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Family Respite Services executive director Cathy Shanahan is joined by young participants of the Super Saturdays Program, including Joshua (far right), at the Vollmer Complex in LaSalle to accept a $10,000 cheque from the GoodLife Kids Foundation, represented by, from left, Lucas Rebich, assistant manager at the Tecumseh Mall location; Dayle Parungao, assistant manager at the Manning Road location; and Rob Pelchat, personal training regional manager.
GoodLife Kids Foundation donates $10,000 to Super Saturdays program By Matt Weingarden A generous donation of $10,000 from the GoodLife Kids Foundation to Family Respite Services will help to further support its Super Saturdays Program. Grant funds are raised through Spin4Kids, a oneday national fitness fundraiser hosted annually by GoodLife Fitness clubs across Canada.
This support will ensure that children with disabilities can participate in sport and recreation activities with their peers through the Super Saturdays Program in partnership with the Town of LaSalle at the Vollmer Culture and Recreation Complex. This is the third year that GoodLife has been involved with the program. Joshua, a young boy with a disability, was on hand to help accept the cheque on behalf of Family Respite Services. He is able to register for the community Super Saturdays Program because of GoodLife Kids Foundation and everyone who participated in the Spin4Kids event.
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March 2018 | Windsor Parent
Joshua and his family rely on respite services so that his parents get a much needed short break while Joshua is able to learn new skills, engage in recreation activities and make friends. “The Spin4Kids event is an annual event held in clubs across the country to raise money for our GoodLife Kids Foundation,” said Dayle Parungao, assistant general manager of the Manning Road location in Tecumseh. “The funds are raised by participants collecting pledges and making personal donations.” According to Parungao, a very small percentage of Canadian children get the recommended amount of daily physical activity. Break down barriers and provide more opportunities The GoodLife Kids Foundation helps to break down barriers and provide more opportunities for kids to get active, which is why it is so important to continue to support and promote these types of initiatives. “We like to says that we make communities accessible to everyone and how important it is that we offer inclusive programs,” said Alexandria Fischer, community relations and recruitment coordinator with FRS. “We’re grateful for the partnership with GoodLife and the Town of LaSalle.”
Family Respite Services is a community organization working with 1,000 families caring for children/ youth (0-18 years of age) with developmental and/or physical disabilities and children/youth with mental health challenges. “If a family is in need of our services, they are encouraged to call us,” said Fischer. “We have family coordinators on staff that can help to develop a respite plan based on a family’s needs. Each plan is unique and individual for each family. We help to access different funding options as well.” To date, the GoodLife Kids Foundation has impacted nearly 250,000 children through physical activity and fitness programming through the GoodLife4Kids School Program and the GoodLife Kids Grant Program. “GoodLife’s vision is “to provide every Canadian the opportunity to live a fit and healthy good life.” In turn, the GoodLife Kids Foundation strives “to provide every Canadian kid the opportunity to live a fit and healthy good life.” “We raise money to support local, provincial and national programs that provide sustainable physical activity opportunities for children,” said Parungao. To reach Family Respite Services, please call 519-972-9688 or visit FamilyRespite.org To learn more about GoodLife Kids Foundation’s programs, please visit GoodLifeKids.com
Marsh Monitoring Program recruiting participants to help assess wetland health
MAD SCIENCE OFFERS EXCITING: AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS • ASSEMBLIES • BIRTHDAY PARTIES • WORKSHOPS SPECIAL EVENTS • VACATION & SUMMER PROGRAMS • PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS
122 Fox Street, Cottam, ON
The marshes of the Great Lakes play an important role in our lives. They filter sediments and toxins out of our water, moderate the impacts of drought and flood, and house and feed a myriad of wildlife species. The U.S. National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and Environment and Climate Change Canada have provided funding to increase wetland survey coverage in the Windsor-Essex area. To achieve this, the Marsh Monitoring Program (MMP) is offering an Orientation and Training Session through the City of Windsor and Essex Region Conservation on Thursday, March 8 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Ojibway Nature Centre, 5200 Matchette Rd. “We are looking for wetland enthusiasts willing to adopt a local marsh and spend about 10 hours per year as a volunteer surveyor of aquatic birds and amphibians,” said Jennifer Nantais, from the Ojibway Nature Centre. “The MMP offers everyone—from amateur naturalists to professional biologists —a unique and rewarding opportunity to help learn about and conserve Great Lakes amphibians and marsh birds, and their threatened habitats.” Come join us and learn about wetland conservation initiatives in your watershed and the Marsh Monitoring Program and Protocol. Those interested will also be able to see available routes and sign up for one.
8:30 p.m.
e Mad La Your location or in th
www.madscienceofwindsor.com
Orientation and training session on March 8 at Ojibway Nature Centre
7:00 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. 7:15 p.m to 8:30 p.m.
Make birthday memories that last a lifetimeLa!b!
ITINERARY Registration Presentation (Wetland Monitoring and Conservation, Introduction to MMP and Protocol with Discussion) MMP sign-up and route assignments
519-839-6094
Book Your Ad in our April/May issue of Windsor Parent Publication Date: March 27th, 2018 Ad Reservation Deadline: March 12th, 2018
Call
Shelley Oswald Office: 519-978-3062 Cell: 519-965-4551
Refreshments provided. Space is limited, so please register as soon as possible by visiting MarshMonitoringWorkshop.eventbrite.ca. Windsor Parent | March 2018
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Food & Nutrition
Healthy dinner in a flash Getting a healthy dinner on the table doesn’t have to be intimidating or time-consuming. Here, Tori Wesszer, registered dietitian and blogger at Fraiche Nutrition, shares one of her go-to meals that’s sure to become a weeknight favourite.
HONEY ORANGE GLAZED SALMON WITH ORANGE ALMOND COUSCOUS Serves: 4-6 Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 25-30 minutes Ingredients: 1 cup Florida Orange Juice 11/2 lb whole wild salmon fillet 2 tbsp honey 3 slices fresh ginger root 1 1/3 cup whole wheat couscous 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided 2 cups arugula 1/4 cup sliced green onions (2-3 onions) 1/2 cup toasted sliced almonds 2 cups water Salt and pepper Dressing Ingredients: 1/2 cup Florida Orange Juice 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 1 clove garlic, crushed 1 tbsp honey 1 tsp Dijon mustard 2 tsp red wine vinegar Salt and pepper to taste
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March 2018 | Windsor Parent
Directions: 1. Prepare salmon by removing skin and bones (if attached) and cutting into 4 to 6 fillets. Season with salt and pepper on both sides. 2. Whisk together all salad dressing ingredients in a medium bowl and set aside. 3. In medium saucepan, combine orange juice, honey and ginger root and bring to a simmer. Reduce by half, remove ginger, and set aside. 4. In another medium saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add couscous and 1 tbsp of olive oil, stir and remove from the heat. Let stand 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork and set aside to cool in a large bowl. 5. Once cooled, add arugula, green onion and almonds. Toss salad with dressing. 6. Coat large frying pan with 1 to 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium-high heat. Place salmon fillets in the pan. Cook until golden brown on one side, 3 to 4 minutes, then flip. Immediately add orange sauce to the pan. Spoon it over the fillets to make a glaze while cooking for an additional 3 to 4 minutes or until salmon is done. 7. Serve glazed salmon over couscous salad and enjoy. Meal prep hack: To save time, buy pre-washed greens and make salad dressing in bulk for the week. Find more recipes at FloridaCitrus.org
MARCH IS NUTRITION MONTH
Help your children discover the power of food Teaching them basic shopping and cooking skills can brighten their future
M
arch is Nutrition Month! To celebrate, dietitians across the country are helping Canadians to “Discover the Potential of Food”. Food has the power to keep us healthy, to bring people together, to share ideas, to discover new skills, and much more. Teaching children basic shopping and cooking skills can brighten their future, as it gives them the power to discover health through food. Unfortunately, many children are growing up not knowing basic food skills like shopping, cooking, or planning healthy and balanced meals.
REASONS TO GET YOUR KIDS COOKING Cooking is not only an important healthy living skill; it is also an educational and fun family activity! Children who help out in the kitchen tend to be less picky with food and eat more vegetables and fruit. As well, if you get kids cooking at a young age, they are more likely to continue doing it as they grow older. Here are other great reasons to get cooking: 1. Great way to share family traditions and recipes Keep your family and cultural traditions alive by sharing family recipes. 2.
Great way to discover and practice new skills Cooking ties in with what kids learn in school, including math, spelling, language, science, social studies, and health. Getting children to read recipes out loud, measure ingredients, discuss what makes a healthy meal or snack, or getting kids working together are all great ways to reinforce what they learn in school. 3.
Great way to bring the family together and spend quality time Cooking is an easy way to spend some extra time with your kids. It provides a perfect opportunity for kids to share about their day with parents.
AGE-FRIENDLY COOKING TASKS Here are some guidelines on what kids can do in the kitchen depending on their age: • 2-3 year olds: Wash vegetables and fruit, add items to dishes, or help find ingredients. • 3-4 year olds: Mash vegetables such as potatoes or carrots, or pour ingredients from a small container. TIPS FOR COOKING WITH YOUR KIDS 1. Pick a recipe together: Kids will be more involved if they feel like they are part of the plan from the beginning. Shop for groceries together too. 2. Think safety: Teach your kids the importance of being safe in the kitchen, especially around the stove, sharp knives, or any other kitchen hazard. 3. Keep it fun: Keep the kitchen a fun and inviting environment. Expect spills and messes, and remain calm about little accidents. 4. Be a role model: Kids tend to follow what they see grown-ups do. So be excited about trying new foods, chances are they will be too! 5. Don’t rush: Allow more time for cooking. Let kids take their time as they learn new skills.
• 4-6 year olds: Crack an egg, measure dry and liquid ingredients, or stir ingredients together. • 6-8 year olds: Follow simple steps for recipes, make a simple breakfast, or toss salad ingredients together. • 8-12 years olds: Make their own school lunch, use the stove with supervision, or use a knife with easy-to-cut foods. As kids get older and more comfortable in the kitchen, they can follow more complicated recipes and even be in charge of making one meal per week. For more information about Nutrition Month, please visit NutritionMonth2018.ca Source: Windsor-Essex County Health Unit
Windsor Parent | March 2018
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Tips for heart-healthy eating Some say the key to someone’s heart is through their stomach—but the link between eating and the heart goes beyond romantic attraction. As a registered dietitian at Loblaws, Karley Fallaise knows this first hand. Here is some of her top advice for achieving heart health: Whether you’re a seasoned vegan, exploring the lifestyle, or looking for options to serve those with food sensitivities, this great vegan recipe is super easy to make. “Dairy-free coconut milk kefir lends that slight tanginess to the batter you’d normally get from buttermilk, so you’d never know these moist muffins were vegan,” shares Tom Filippou, executive chef for President’s Choice Cooking School. “For the best texture, stir the batter just until the flour is no longer visible— overmixing crushes air bubbles, which results in dense muffins.”
VEGAN COCONUT KEFIR BANANA MUFFINS Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes Serves: 12 Ingredients: 2 cups (500 mL) all-purpose flour 1 cup (250 mL) granulated sugar 1 cup (250 mL) unsweetened shredded coconut 2 tsp (10 mL) baking soda 1 tsp (5 mL) baking powder 1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt 2 ripe bananas, mashed 1 1/2 cups (375 mL) PC dairy-free kefir probiotic fermented coconut milk 1/4 cup (50 mL) PC cold-pressed liquid coconut oil 1 tsp (5 mL) pure vanilla extract Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Mist 12-count muffin tin with cooking spray; set aside. 2. Whisk together flour, sugar, shredded coconut, baking soda, baking powder and salt in large bowl. Set aside. 3. Whisk together bananas, kefir, coconut oil and vanilla in separate large bowl. Add to flour mixture; stir just until no white streaks remain. 4. Divide among wells of prepared muffin tin. Bake until tops are golden and toothpick inserted in centres comes out clean; about 30 minutes. Let cool in muffin tin for 15 minutes. Chef’s tip: To freeze muffins, let them cool completely on a rack, then transfer to an airtight container or resealable freezer bag and freeze for up to one month. For extra protection against freezer burn, you can wrap the muffins individually in plastic wrap or foil before placing in the container or bag. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight or microwave straight from frozen until warmed through, about 20 to 30 seconds. Nutritional information per serving (1 muffin): Calories 212, fat 7 g (6 g of which is saturated), sodium 361 mg, carbohydrates 35 g, fibre 2 g, sugars 18 g, protein 2 g Source: NewsCanada.com
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March 2018 | Windsor Parent
Pack in the plants: Plants are a perfect source of protein for anyone at risk of cardiovascular disease. Chickpeas, nuts, tofu, tempeh and beans are just a few excellent substitutes for their higher-fat friends like beef, lamb, and pork chops. Not only are these a lean source of protein, but some are also loaded with fibre and heart healthy fats such as nuts and seeds. Focus on fibre: There are two types of fibre. Insoluble fibre helps with regularity and keeps our digestive system healthy. Soluble fibre lowers blood cholesterol levels and may help reduce the risk of heart disease. Some favourite sources of fibre include vegetables, fruits, lentils, beans and grains. According to Dietitians of Canada, there’s no upper limit for fibre so there’s no reason not to get plenty in your diet. Limit alcohol: Drinking alcohol in excess can raise fat (triglyceride) levels in the blood. It can also lead to high blood pressure and heart disease. Nobody is saying you need to be a teetotaler, but it’s important not to go overboard, especially if you’re at risk of heart disease. See Canada’s Low Risk Drinking Guidelines for more information. Scratch the salt: While our bodies need some sodium to function properly, it’s easy to get too much. Over-consumption may lead to high blood pressure or hypertension, which can increase your risk of developing heart disease, kidney disease and stroke as well. Registered dietitians are an excellent source of nutritional advice and can provide you with individual consultations specific to your risk factors and body type, including meal planning and assisted shopping services. Find one near you at BookADietitian.ca.
WELCOME TO THE ‘TEEN CAVE’
Creating an adolescent-friendly space at home can benefit families
Teenagers are busier than ever before. But even the busiest teens need places to unwind and relax with friends. Many parents aspire to create that type of environment in their homes but don’t know where to begin. Having teens close by and interacting with them on a regular basis can benefit families. Data from the National Center for Education Statistics notes that parental involvement correlates to higher grade point averages. Research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says certain parenting styles, including those that set rules and monitor teens in supportive ways, develop kids who are more likely to wear seat belts while driving, while such support also lowers crash risk.
Involved parents also may reduce the chances of teen drug use and promiscuous behaviour. Parents who want to keep teens nearby can create hangout spaces at home that make it easy for teens to feel comfortable with their friends. These “teen caves” can be private but permit supervision when necessary. With a few modifications, it’s possible to transform a room in a home into a teen-friendly hangout space.
• Have a snack station. Some teenagers always seem to be hungry, and hanging out with friends while enjoying food is a popular pastime. When renovating a room into a teen cave, find a way to make food a focus. Install a mini-refrigerator and non-alcoholic bar where kids can serve snacks to friends. Think about a space you would like as an adult and modify it to be more accommodating to teenagers.
• Talk to your children. Involve teens in the process of renovating a home to create a spot in which they would like to congregate. Talk about elements they would like to see in the space, whether it be a particular design style, technology or activity.
• Make a private outdoor spot. Teen spaces do not need to be restricted to the indoors. Design advice site Houzz says an outdoor escape zone that includes comfortable seating in a private area—particularly a spot that can also be enjoyed into the evening—will be a coveted spot.
• Establish a shared budget. Paint can transform just about any room in a single afternoon. If the room being renovated is the teen’s own bedroom, allow him or her to choose the colour palette and other accents. Even if it isn’t to your taste, he/she will be proud of the results and may want to share it with friends.
• Invest in “indestructible” materials. Teenagers are bound to make messes, and having other people over means contending with a certain measure of damage. Design the space with indoor-outdoor carpeting, water-resistant fabrics, distressed wood, and other durable materials.
• Add more seating. Having friends over means having enough seating to handle a small crowd. Beanbags, cushioned benches, a daybed, modular seating, and more can ensure everyone has a place to sit.
Adolescents are always looking for spaces to gather without overbearing adult interference. Parents can create such spaces for their children in their own homes. Windsor Parent | March 2018
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March 2018 | Windsor Parent