Silver and Gold Magazine Spring 2019 | Page 26

Guiding families to happier, healthier lifestyles: www.kidsnaturally.ca What to say instead of “stop crying” M any of us grew up with the old-fashioned mentality that “children are to be seen, not heard.” Times have changed, and over time we have recognized that children deserve the right to be heard, acknowledged, and supported. 1. Bend down to a child’s eye level, and have them look at you in the eyes. As parents, we deal with many feelings throughout a single day. One minute a child can be happy and lovable, and another minute they’ll be moody and crying. Not always easy to deal with, but so important to handle it with care and love, for the way a parent handles challenging times can be passed on through generations. 3. Acknowledge their feelings by saying things like, “I do hear you” “I am listening” and “I want to work this out with you”. Rather than saying “stop crying,” or “shh, everyone’s looking at you,” children need to feel their opinion is being heard, even when there is a disagreement. Here are some tips: 2. Take a few deep breaths, and caress the child before anything is said. They should never fear your hand. 4. Follow it by saying, “I want to hear what you’re saying in a calm way, and then I would like for you to hear what I am saying too.” 5. At this point, let your child explain their feelings, and listen attentively without interruptions. Then share your feelings in the same way. Let them eat (this healthy, 4-minute) lemon cake! L ooking for a cake-type dessert your whole family can actually eat, without the guilt? Something soooo good you could even have for BREAKFAST? How about it if you let the kids make it themselves... or make it for YOU! Try this lemon coconut mug cake! It’s sugar-free, gluten- free, Paleo, and full of good proteins! (note: it does contain almonds and coconut). • 2 Tbsp. almond flour • 2 Tbsp. coconut flour • 1/4 tsp. baking soda • 1 Tbsp. shredded unsweetened coconut • 1 tsp. lemon zest • 1-1/2 Tbsp. melted coconut oil • 1 tsp. honey • 1 egg • 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice • OPTIONAL: Top with coconut cream or maple syrup + fresh fruit! Mix all ingredients in a mug, stirring until well-combined. Microwave for 90 seconds or until top is firm to the touch. Remove from mug and devour! 26 26 Lots more online! www.silvergoldmagazine.ca silvergoldmagazine.ca RAISING KIDS NATURALLY! more health y kid-friendly recipes onlin e! Less electronics • more outdoors • quality time • healthy lifestyles!