Parent Magazine St. Johns December 2018 | Page 9

The best time to plan these kitchen sessions, she added, is after a good nap when your child is well rested. It’s also a wonderful distraction from the television and video games. Every now and then, veering off the healthy path and making a treat, like cookies, is OK too. After all, holidays and cookies do go hand-in-hand. “Teaching them how to make a recipe that’s been in the family for years is a great way to build tradition,” said Ervin. Healthy Holiday Trail Mix • 2 cups Cheerios™ (plain or multigrain), Rice/Wheat Chex™, or Kashi® GOLEAN cereal • ½ cup whole grain pretzel sticks or squares • ¼ cup raisins, dried blueberries or dried cranberries • ¼ cup sunflower or pumpkin seeds • ¼ cup almonds, cashews or walnuts Sprinkle in mini-M&Ms® or chocolate chips. Mix everything and portion into ½-cup servings.