Hold onto the summer with a great fruit crisp recipe!

Posted on August 3, 2010 by viviankirkfield

Every blog and tweet I read seems to talk about the end of summer and the start of school. However, right now the harvest season is just getting underway. How about a GREAT recipe for COLORFUL SUMMER FRUIT CRISP…delicious, and so easy to prepare that it appears in my new book, SHOW ME HOW! BUILD YOUR CHILD’S SELF-ESTEEM THROUGH READING, CRAFTING AND COOKING! Preschoolers love to help in the kitchen…the competence and confidence it builds contribute to a positive self-image for them.

COLORFUL SUMMER FRUIT CRISP

You will need: 5 cups mixed summer fruit, washed and then sliced if necessary (peaches, plums, apricots, strawberries, blueberries,etc.); 1/4 cup white sugar (you can substitute honey or agave), 1/4 cup orange juice, 1 tsp lemon juice, 3 Tb flour, 1/4 cup flour, 2 cups rolled oats, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 cup margarine (you can use one of the more healthy non-GMO spreads), a greased 9×13 inch pan, and 2 large bowls.

In a large bowl, gently toss fruit with white sugar, orange juice and lemon juice.
Sprinkle with 3 Tb flour, toss gently again and spread in the greased pan.
In another bowl, mix oats, brown sugar, cinnamon and the remaining flour. Then add margarine and mix till crumbly.
Sprinkle crumbly mixture over fruit in pan.
Bake 20-25 minutes at 375 degrees until fruit is tender and topping is golden brown.
Serve warm or at room temperature.
Serves 12.
TIP: You can use your imagination when assembling the fruits…how many different colors will there be in this delicious and healthful dessert?

The summer may be winding down…but make the most of the healthful fruits and vegetables that are part of the season. Check out your local farmer’s markets…a great family outing!

Why are parents anxious about sending their children to school?

Posted on August 1, 2010 by viviankirkfield

For the past couple of days, I’ve been sharing my thoughts about the 1st day of school and how to help your child with any fears or anxieties he may have.

But, what about your fears and anxieties? Many of you have concerns about your child attending school and the concerns can mushroom as your child gets older. That’s probably why many parents are turning to homeschooling in recent years. According to an article in USA Today (1/2009) based on a government survey, homeschooling increased 74% from 1999 to 2007.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2009-01-04-homeschooling_N.htm

So, what are some of the top fears and concerns you may have about sending your child off to her first day of school?

Your child may be bullied or hurt by other children.
Your child may be made fun of because of his name, appearance, or style of speech or clothing.
The teacher may not be structured enough or may be too structured or may not understand your child or may not be attentive enough to your child.
There may be unsafe conditions at the school.
Your child may be in an accident traveling to or from school whether he walks, takes the bus or is driven by you or another adult.
Your child may hear things or be taught things that are not acceptable in your home.
Your child may be afraid or too shy to speak up for herself (to ask to use the bathroom or if she needs something).
Your child may not “fit” in.
Your child may reveal a family secret or personal information.
You may miss your child.

The key word in each concern is MAY….we are worrying about possibilities, not actualities. Tomorrow I plan to blog about some steps you can take (other than keeping your child at home) that address many of these concerns and may alleviate some of your anxieties.

Also, I’m sure there are other concerns that I haven’t mentioned. Why not post a comment and share yours?

Are YOU anxious about your child’s 1st day of school?

Posted on July 31, 2010 by viviankirkfield

Yesterday, I blogged about the fears and anxieties young children have about starting school and how you can help your child approach the first day of school with eager anticipation.

How about YOU? What feelings do you have about your child starting school? Happiness? Sadness? Fear? Relief? Anxiety? Or a combination of all of those.

In SHOW ME HOW! BUILD YOUR CHILD’S SELF-ESTEEM THROUGH READING, CRAFTING AND COOKING, I point out that we help build our children’s self-esteem when we acknowledge and accept their feelings, both positive and negative. This principle holds true for you as well. It will help to acknowledge and accept the way you feel about this new stage in your child’s life. Once you do that, you can think about why you feel the way you do and work towards resolving any negative emotions you have.

What are the top 10 fears parents have about sending their children off to school? I’ll post a list tomorrow.