Don’t Apologize for Having the Spirited Child

BY GENEVIEVE CONDON

If you go out to the store, you’ve probably encountered the child that doesn’t want to hold their parents’ hand. The one trying so hard to break free so they can wave at everyone that comes by and so they can walk up and down the aisles, exerting their independence.

If you go to the pool, you’ve probably seen the child who refuses help swimming, eagerly making their way to the edge and jumping right in, fearless. And at the restaurant, the kid who doesn’t want help cutting their food, but struggles through each cut as the meat slides all around their plate. But they don’t care. They smile proudly as they take that bite that took them ten minutes to cut.

We get frustrated. Wanting to hurry through the store and not say “Hi” to everyone we see. To cut their food so we can eat and get out of the restaurant before all the kids have had enough and start making a scene. But we don’t see the bigger picture. The importance in letting them do these things that drive us crazy. what they want, and so badly want to do it, no matter how young they are or what obstacles are in their way.

I know raising these children can make us nervous; I have one. A strong-willed little boy who tests the boundaries, his own strength (and gravity) every single day. There are days, as I tuck him in at night, I wonder how we survived and how that bruise on his knee got there. Then he gives me a sweet smile and grabs my neck for a hug and his spirit—it’s there. The roughness, the strength and independence, but his sweetness and kindness, too. And I think about the times I apologize for something he did. Or say he has a lot of energy, in a nervous way, apologizing for his free spirit and energetic nature.

We often make excuses and give disclosures about who our kids are. Listing all their challenges for fear of being judged. Or them being judged.

It can be so easy to want to apologize for having the spirited child. The one who voices their disappointment a little too loudly or runs full speed ahead at the playground, eager and excited. But that child, their voice will take them far in life, their strength and endurance make them never want to give up. Foster those traits that so often get tagged as “bad”! Teach them kindness and respect, that using their voice is okay, being adventurous is okay. Having a little bit of extra energy is okay. Teach them to mold those traits into something positive.

• To run real fast and win a race!

• To debate with facts and logic. (Future lawyer?)

• To never give up. Even cutting their own food. This perseverance will get them far in life.

We need to normalize, not apologize, for our children being who they are. Let them navigate life and their own personalities without judgment, but with love and guidance from people who support them and who they are, not trying to mold them into someone that society wants them to be. So, I will no longer be apologizing for having a spirited child. I will help him navigate who he is and embrace it and teach him to not let anyone change him, because he is perfect the way he is.

Fall in Love with the Flavors of Fall BY SUSAN B. B. SCHABACKER

As the air grows chillier and colorful leaves of autumn fall, we celebrate the autumnal season with our fav fall flavors. Fall in love with fall. Whether it’s fragranced candles, baked goods, something sippable or sweet, we savor flavors of fall using all our senses.

The following delish gourmet fall flavors are dessert-like and can be enjoyed in teas and coffees: chai, pumpkin spice, apple cider, maple, caramel, ginger, pecan, hazelnut, amaretto/almond, cinnamon, and orange spice. Some seasonal sippables to keep you warm and cozy include chai tea, apple cider, hazelnut coffee, almond/amaretto latte, caramel ginger hot chocolate, orange spice tea, and apple cinnamon tea.

You can find whole spices, spices in powdered form or liquid flavor extracts, and even in concentrated syrups. Thankfully, these desserts can be guilt-free. What’s so delicious can also be nutritious when you are using the organic and natural ingredients in these recipes.

CHAI SPICE BAKED APPLE

INGREDIENTS: 4 whole Apples (cored) or apple slices (peeled or unpeeled) ½ cup golden or black Raisins ½ cup Dates (chopped) ½ cup Pecans and/or Walnuts ½ cup Granola ½ cup chai Black Tea ½ teaspoon Ginger Root (grated or ground) ¼ ground Cloves ½ teaspoon ground Cardamom ½ cup Maple Syrup, Honey, or Brown Sugar 3 to 4 Tablespoons Coconut Oil or Butter Pinch of Sea Salt or Himalayan Pink Salt Scoops of old-fashioned vanilla Ice Cream (for serving)

INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. 2. Line baking dish with aluminum foil (optional) or grease the pan with coconut oil.

3. Add cored apples or slices and sprinkle with raisins, nuts, and dates. 4. In a separate bowl, blend together spices (add more, or less according to taste) and salt. 5. Mix chai tea with maple syrup/honey and add the spices. 6. Pour blended liquid mixture over top and move into oven. 7. Bake for about 30-35 minutes until pokable with a fork, but not overly brown and mushy.

NOTE: There are no strict measurements here—experiment to taste.

CHAI PUMPKIN ORANGE SPICE NO-BAKE CHEESECAKE

(Vegan and Gluten-Free) CRUST

INGREDIENTS: 1 cup Dates (pitted and roughly chopped) 1½ cup raw Walnuts/Pecans/Almonds 2-3 teaspoons Orange Zest 2 teaspoons Maple Syrup/Honey (optional for extra sweetness) 1½ Tablespoons Coconut Oil (melted) Pinch of Himalayan Pink or Sea Salt

FILLING INGREDIENTS: ½ cup Coconut Milk (full fat) ½ cup pure Maple Syrup 1/3 cup plus 1 Tablespoon organic

Pumpkin Puree ¼ cup Coconut Oil (melted) 3 Tablespoons fresh Lemon Juice 1½ teaspoon pumpkin Spice

Powder/Extract 1½ teaspoon Orange Zest ½ teaspoon each ground Cinnamon,

Cardamom, Cloves, Nutmeg, and Turmeric Small pinch each of Himalayan Pink or Sea

Salt and ground Black Pepper 2-3 teaspoons fav Liquor (e.g., Bourbon, amaretto, rum, or Kahlua for dirty chai)

INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Line a large pan with parchment paper spread with coconut oil to eliminate sticking. 2. Add dates into food processor until finely ground and combine remaining ingredients in large mixing bowl. Blend well and gauge consistency. If too dry, add more melted coconut oil.

3. Gently press crust mixture down into pan to form bottom layer (use a spatula, cake cutter, or blunt side of wide knife to help mash the crust). Make the layer of crust as even as possible. 4. Place pan in freezer and work on preparing the filling. Soak nuts in water and drain excess liquid, add to blender and other filling ingredients. Puree until smooth (around 2-3 minutes). 5. Remove pan with crust from freezer and pour in filling. Spread batter evenly, using spatula, and tap pan to release any air bubbles. 6. Place cheesecake in freezer until firm (about 4-6 hours, depending on size of dish). 7. Top with ground chai spices, grated orange zest, and drizzle with chocolate/ caramel sauce (optional). 8. Before serving, let thaw at room temperature about 20-30 minutes.

Recipe adapted from: sweetsimplevegan.com/2018/11/no-bakepumpkin-chai-cheesecake/

Each season is special, and though it’s getting colder outside, it’s also time to get cozier! Whether you’re on the go with a pumpkin spice latte in hand or baking something scrumptious in the kitchen at home, fall in love with all the flavors of fall.

Amending Soil with Fertilizers

BY LISA S.T. DOSS

The soil’s structure is vital to building a healthy garden. Each plant needs a nutrient-enriched environment comprised of vitamins and minerals. As leaves cover the surface, they offer a natural layer, boosting the level of nutrients. Compostable items such as coffee grounds, eggshells, banana peels, shredded newspaper and organic mulch are equally beneficial additions. Nevertheless, as the roots push through the organic matter, they absorb only 14 elements within their ecosystem. Sometimes it’s not enough. Too often the soil lacks a nutrient, and we must add one of the big three—nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, to help plants reach their full potential.

The Big Three

Most fertilizer bags have a number on them separated by dashes; 4-6-3. Understanding what each number represents and its value to the plant’s growth will help you in the future.

1. Nitrogen, N: As the most critical nutrient and first in the sequence, it represents the total percentage of the element in the mixture. It is a protein, ensuring plants develop vigorous, leafy growth. But adding too much nitrogen causes flowering and fruit-bearing plants to emphasize green development and not produce blossoms or fruit.

2. Phosphorus, P: The middle number emphasizes the energy needed for strong root development and blooms. A shortage of the mineral produces weak roots and flowers.

3. Potassium, K: The third number depicts potential overall growth. It regulates root and top growth while balancing overall health. Potassium impacts cold and drought tolerance, disease, and pest resistance.

From succulents to vegetables, roses to rhododendrons, every type of plant has a formula that supplements its needs. Flowering bulbs, for instance, depend on phosphorus for healthy roots; therefore, expect to find the center number higher, such as 6-12-0. Also keep in mind that all-purpose plant foods, such as 10-10-10, may be well-suited for a select group, namely flowers, vegetables, and herbs. Read the packaging to ensure the correct percentage suits your intended plant, shrub, or tree’s needs, as well as the amount of that element it contains.

Secondary Nutrients

at the tip? Well, those were two signs the plant suffered from a calcium deficiency. The solution is to add water-soluble calcium, such as calcium nitrate. Epsom salt, while valuable for young seedlings, contains magnesium sulfate, not calcium, and will create more rot or stress in the plant.

• Magnesium is a secondary nutrient, which helps plants absorb nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur. Additionally, it encourages seed germination rates!

• Sulfur, too, helps plants absorb calcium, magnesium, and potassium. As more farmers have recognized sulfur deficiencies in their fields, such as stunted growth, spots, or pale leaves, it’s now been recognized as the fourth macronutrient.

With the depletion of essential minerals and vitamins within the soil, the need for supplemental fertilizers becomes valuable.

Blood Meal and Bone Meal

Organic slow-release fertilizers, such as blood and bone meal, can offer a natural balance providing nutrients and proteins to your garden.

• As a byproduct from slaughterhouses, blood meal is essentially dried animal blood that contains high nitrogen levels. Added to gardens, it encourages lush green foliage, balances pH levels while helping to promote blossoms and fruit. The smell of the blood meal also deters deer, moles, and squirrels. Consider adding blood meal to your vegetable plants like asparagus, broccoli, cucumbers, eggplants, melons, pumpkins, squash, and tomatoes.

• Bone meal contains high phosphorus and calcium levels from finely ground bones of pigs, poultry, and fish. The micronutrients magnesium, zinc, and iron help to promote root development, bolster plant growth, and prevent disease. The additive is ideal for flowering plants, bulbs, and rose bushes.

Be aware that both soil amendments come in powder and granular formulas and can burn your plants if overused.

By understanding the basics behind fertilizer labels, you can choose the right products to help each seed or plant reach its full potential.

iHeart

Images from September 13th KMO at SALEM SWIM & GYM

Child Safety Series

Avoiding Halloween Hazards

BY TARYN JEREZ

Each month this series will provide important facts and tips surrounding child safety in an effort to support parents and caregivers as they navigate risks and attempt to create the safest environment possible for the children in their lives..

Halloween comes with magic and excitement for children, but unfortunately it can also come with many safety and health hazards. When parents think ahead and create a plan to avoid negative encounters and know what to do to prepare for the safest holiday for their families, everyone can have a good time!

Creating a Safe & Healthy Halloween

TRAFFIC SAFETY

One of the largest safety concerns on October 31st comes from Trick-orTreating, although it’s not from candy concerns, but traffic incidents. Creating a plan to follow pedestrian traffic laws is extremely important on Halloween, especially in the evening. Remind friends and family to use a sidewalk whenever possible and always to walk along the street facing traffic. Avoid crossing the street where there isn’t a stop sign or crosswalk and try to complete one side of the road before heading to the other side. Not all neighborhoods are used to Trick-or-Treaters or paying close attention to pedestrians, so consider adding an additional safety step by placing reflective tape on the back of your child’s costume, or surprising the kids with glow necklaces or bracelets to help them appear more visible to drivers.

COSTUME SAFETY

Another important safety checkpoint for your children should be checking that their costume choices are free of hazards. The first thing to check here is the fit of the costume to ensure nothing is too long, which might cause tripping or falling accidents; that there are no potential choking hazards for younger kids present; and masks are not blocking airways or impairing vision, which can also lead to accidents. Before bedtime, be sure to completely clean off any costume make-up, glitters, hairsprays or other body adornments that could cause skin irritations or rashes in children, if worn for extended periods of time. Also, make sure any products you choose are labeled non-toxic, if being placed directly on your child’s skin.

CORONAVIRUS SAFETY

Remember that there is still a global pandemic going on and unfortunately, kids are not immune to COVID-19. Whether you choose to celebrate the holiday with a close circle of loved ones or attend large public functions, be sure to keep hand washing and social distancing a priority whenever possible. Have open communication with the people you plan to share your Halloween with by asking if anyone is sick or symptomatic to please hold off this holiday in joining the fun, in respect for everyone’s safety.

Setting Expectations on Halloween

OLDER CHILDREN

One of the best ways to ensure everyone’s safety is to make sure everyone is on the same page when it comes to what to expect. If you have older children who will be celebrating with friends or trick-or-treating without a parent, consider setting a curfew and making sure at least one or two of them have cell phones to contact you in the event you need to get in touch. Discussing ahead of time where they will be and for which time frame is important, as well, in case of an emergency. As much as your children may feel independent and want to tell you that they “know the drill,” safety precautions can always bear repeating, so remind them about waiting to eat treats from strangers until they get home and never to go into someone’s house that they don’t know.

YOUNGER CHILDREN important in order to avoid any misunderstandings and possible safety issues. Depending on the age of your child, let them know what the plan is and who is involved. For instance, “We are going to Grandma’s neighborhood to trick-or-treat with your cousins, so remember we’ll be staying close to Mommy and Aunt Jessica tonight. We’re going to go back to Grandma’s house to sort through candy, so you can have a few pieces before bedtime.” Be specific about some of the plan to help them hear it from the get-go and hopefully let a few parts of it sink in! Remind them about walking slowly, how to cross the street safely and when to wait to indulge in treats if they need checking!

PARENTS

Kids aren’t the only ones needing expectations and a plan for the Halloween festivities! Make sure all grown- ups involved in the celebration understand which kids will be with whom and for how long. Perhaps some of the adults present will have different roles, such as candy inspecting and being aware of any food allergies of the children, while others may be the official trunk-or-treat car hoppers, walking along with each child that evening, reminding everyone to put their electronic devices down and keep an eye on Trick-orTreaters, especially when crossing the street or going to neighbors’ houses you don’t actually know.

Helpful Resources to Learn More

The CDC Website & Halloween Guide - www.cdc.gov

{ONLINE EDITION HYPERLINK: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/ 2019-ncov/downloads/daily-lifecoping/Trick-or-treating.pdf}

Safe Kids Worldwide - www.safekids. org/tip/halloween-safety-tips

{ONLINE EDITION HYPERLINK: https://www.safekids.org/tip/ halloween-safety-tips}