COOKING AT HOME...AND SOME NEW ART ACTIVITIES ON LINE

Most of us are at home with our families.  Meals become an important part of the day; an opportunity to be together and nourish our bodies and our minds.

Children of all ages usually love to participate in the preparation of the food and even the youngest can help.  In our Montessori classrooms lessons on peeling and chopping carrots and apples, peeling oranges, slicing hard boiled eggs and even baking are part of every day. 

When given the title of "sous chef" helping takes on a different feeling.  A stool for the younger child to reach the counter, or a low table if available is a great idea.  Wearing an apron (or a dish towel around the waist adds importance to the activity.  Don't be afraid to show your child how to use kitchen tools safely.  At school we use a round tipped, serrated knife with a wooden handle and a sturdy cutting board. 

If you wish, excellent child size tools and aprons are available at
www.forsmallhands.com

So what to prepare?  A few beginning places to look:

https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/packages/recipes-for-kids/cooking-with-kids/recipes-kids-can-make

https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/easy-recipes-for-kids-to-make-by-themselves/

https://cooking.nytimes.com/68861692-nyt-cooking/930565-51-recipes-to-cook-with-your-kids

Or just make your child's own favorites:  mac and cheese, tacos, kebabs, a fruit salad and of course, always, cookies.

The important thing is to have fun, relax, laugh and of course, everyone helps to clean up.  Believe it or not, most children will enjoy that if it is a shared activity.

Happy Cooking!!!!

And here is a new link from our amazing Museum of Fine Arts Houston. 
https://www.mfah.org/blogs/inside-mfah/family-friendly-art-activities-at-home
These are great ideas for all ages (including the adults in the family).

Stay well! 

Nurturing Our Mental Health and Stress

This was shared with me by my daughter, Avia Benzion.  She is a therapist specializing in stress and trauma.

This is a helpful video on how to nurture our mental health during the pandemic from trauma research author Bessel van der Kolk, MD.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ny1hBwulGcA&feature=emb_share&fbclid=IwAR2PPJX83Er8vndfVnP7OOdMfTlybwbrsUmEv5X00j9h693rYo_LHIgvlhY

There is additional helpful information on Dr Kolk's website (the link is at the start of the video).

Additionally it is very helpful to get out into nature safely.
The short video above was taken at Mercer Arboretum, an uncrowded, beautiful and free spot to visit safely.  I walk there early in the mornings (around 9 a.m.) and there have been very few people.  Those who are have been courteous and will avoid walking anywhere close to others.  The west side has paved trails, deer, rabbits, birds and squirrels.  The east side has beautiful planted areas, a view of Cypress Creek, and an interesting children's area.  At this time the playground, benches and tables are all off limits for safety and the park is closed on the weekends and open Monday through Friday.  You can read more about Mercer at:  https://www.hcp4.net/parks/mercer/

If you can't get out, try this virtual link to the Dallas Arboretum which also has links to STEM activities for children.  https://www.dallasarboretum.org/visitor-information/virtual-visit/

Do you do Yoga, Tai Chi, like to sing, play an instrument, cook, play board games or garden?  Involve your children and have some relaxed, fun time together.  We will all get through this, closer and better for the challenges.

Stay safe and well!