DLS Helps to DIY

Parents, during the Month of Love, we often think of exchanging Valentines with our youngsters.  Although that is a fantastic way to express our love for our children, I was thinking perhaps we could put into practice the old adage that “Children spell love: T-I-M-E!”  You can create a delicious Fruit Pizza that is so easy children of any age can help!  And since February is also American Heart Month, we can be heart healthy by eating lots of fresh fruits together as a family.

The recipe is easy:

  • 1 Ready-made Graham Cracker pie crust
  • 1 Package (8 oz) Low-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1/3 Cup white sugar
  • ½ Teaspoon vanilla
  • Variety of fresh fruits of your choosing- such as strawberries, bananas, grapes, or blueberries, etc.

Step 1: Wash your hands making lots of bubbles with the children!

Step 2: Mix the cream cheese and sugar until smooth.  – The children can take turns mixing.

Step 3: Spread the cream cheese mixture into the pie pan. – The children can help spread it around.

Step 4: Cut the fruit into bite-sized bits.

Step 5: Add fresh fruit on top. – The children can decorate their pizza with the toppings they choose.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!  Refrigerate any leftovers (3-5 days).

While eating the fruit pizza as a family, you can take turns saying one thing you love about each other!  And Happy Valentine’s Day!

For more ideas on cooking with kids, visit:

https://food.unl.edu/recipes-cooking-kids

Nina Solomon

Development of Living Skills Instructor

Ohio State University, Extension, Butler County

DLS Helps to DIY

Parents, January is National Get Organized Month.  I know many of you groan when you read this because it is just one more thing to do.  But what if you found a way to motivate your children to throw something away?  One simple idea is to purge old toys, clothes or items after the holidays in order to reduce clutter.

Here are a few tips:

Step 1: Turn on some lively music that will get the children’s attention.  Dance, act silly and have fun!

Step 2: Grab a large garbage bag or several small ones for each person.

Step 3: Tell the children you are going on a scavenger hunt to find lost, broken, or old toys so their new toys can have room to play!

Step 4: Walk to every room in the house and each person puts at least 1 item in the bag.

Step 5: Recycle, donate, or throw the bag(s) away.

This can be an activity that you can repeat as often as you choose.  For example, it can be helpful monthly or before or after every birthday.  If your children enjoyed it, you can play scavenger hunt just for fun!

For more ideas on chores for kids visit https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/education/blog/chores-for-kids/

Nina Solomon

Development of Living Skills Instructor

Ohio State University, Extension, Butler County

 

Co-Parenting Tips for the Holidays

Co-Parenting during the holidays can be tough, especially with young children or if you are celebrating your first holiday season apart. Here are a few tips to keep things merry…
1. A little communication goes a long way. Choose a time and place to discuss the holiday schedule without interruptions.
2. Be respectful of your co-parent’s time with your child. When your child is visiting with your co-parent, have them ready and on time for pick up and drop off.
3. Enjoy the time you have with your child but prepare for the time when they will be visiting with their other parent. Make arrangements to be with family or friends, plan an outing, volunteer or just spend some time doing something you enjoy.
4. Remember this situation is new to your child too. Be a supportive listener and reassure them that they are loved all year round!

Live Healthy Live Well Facebook Page

Back to School!

 

It’s back to school time!  Please click here for a fact sheet with some tips on helping your child succeed in school this year.  There are suggestions on how you can stay in touch and be involved with what is going on in your child’s classroom and school.  There is also a recipe included for Pumpkin Pie in a Bag!