University of Illinois Extension

Winter 2005

 

Family Activities

Make Time for Your Family

Well, 2005 has arrived and I look at my calendar and think where is there time for my family and friends? The holiday season went by in a rush and there was plenty of time for family and friends, but what happens now that we are in a new year. Finding time for family is always a difficult challenge in today’s busy world. Keeping families together and in touch is important yet sometimes difficult. I would like to suggest that each month you plan at least one special family night. The night doesn’t have to be anything fancy and it would be fun to take turns planning it. Planning doesn’t just have to come from the parents – let kids take a turn. Better yet, pair up an adult with a child and work together as a team. To help you get started, here are some ideas for family night from the Family Fun website.

  • Culture of the Month – Focus on the experience of celebrating another culture. Have your family choose the theme by family vote. Some ideas might include Latin Night, Soul Food Night, or Caribbean Night. Check out your local library for books, cookbooks and music on these cultures. The books may also provide ideas for crafts and decorations. This theme could be used for many months during the year. As you get more practiced at these nights, you might want to invite extended family or friends for this one.

  • After Dinner Family Workout – We all know that exercising is the key healthy lifestyle. Why not teach your children this early on? Get the whole family involved. A mini trampoline could provide lots of fun and can be used indoors. Swimming at your local YMCA or YWCA is always an adventure for kids. Taking a walk is great exercise and it’s also fun to see the neighborhood.

  • Winter Beach Party – Here in the Midwest, days and nights can be pretty cold. Why not plan your own beach getaway in the comfort of your home? Put on the swimsuits, turn the heat up, build a fire or turn on the fireplace, and go swimming in the bathtub. Be sure to pull out all of the beach toys. It may be fun to rent beach movies. You could even lay out a blanket for your very own picnic. Tropical music may add more fun!

Also, keep in mind that Family Night doesn’t have to cost a lot. Some months you can choose to stay in and other months you may choose to take a field trip. You may want to check out the Family Fun website for more ideas (www.familyfun.com). Whatever your plans for family night may be, the key is spending time together as a family. Those memories will be priceless for years to come.

Source: Family Fun
by: Deanna K. Roby, Unit Educator, 4-H Youth Development, Kane County

Kids Like to Cook

It is only natural for children to want to get involved with what their parents are doing. One chore that children see their parents involved with almost everyday is food preparation. Children who are comfortable in the kitchen, maybe more willing to pitch-in and help out with meal preparation when they are old enough to handle that responsibility. So, when a little voice asks "Can I help?" you may want to consider what your child can do to get involved.

Experience is the best way for any of us to learn. While this first-hand experience may result in some less-than-perfect food products, it can also result in a great deal of fun for the entire family. Even very young children can get involved in kneading dough, pouring milk and stirring batter.

Another consequence of involving children in food preparation is that things may take longer than if you were to take charge and do it yourself. Because of that, be sure to allow plenty of time if little hands are to be involved. Allow time for children to feel the texture of foods, like rice or flour. Children will also enjoy the experience of smelling spices and watching what happens when ingredients are mixed.

When choosing recipes for children pick recipes with only few ingredients and ones that they can touch and feel. One of those suggestions could be Magic Fruit Salad, this recipe is taken from the 4-H Camp Clover Materials and is not only fun to make but kids love how it tastes. Why not consider making this salad with your child?

Magic Fruit Salad (serves about 8)

  • 1 20-ounce can pineapple chunks in juice
  • ½ Pound Seedless grapes
  • 2 Bananas
  • 1 ¾ Cup Milk
  • 1 Small package (3 ½ ounces) instant lemon or vanilla pudding mix

What to do:

  1. Open the can of pineapple chunks.
  2. Use the sieve to drain the pineapple chunks. Put the chunks in the bowl. Save the juice to drink later.
  3. Remove grapes from stems. Rinse the grapes and pat them dry with a paper towel. Add the grapes to the bowl.
  4. Peel the bananas and cut them into bite-size pieces. Add the bananas to the bowl.
  5. Pour the milk over the fruit.
  6. While slowly stirring the fruit mixture, sprinkle in the pudding mix.
  7. Let the mixture stand for 5 minutes.
  8. Eat your magic fruit salad. This salad is best eaten as soon as it is ready. Refrigerate any leftovers.

By: Mary Ann Petersen, Unit Educator, 4-H Youth Development, Kendall County

Our Feathered Friends

Don’t forget to take care of our feathered friends – the birds --in the winter as well. In the 4-H Cloverbud Level I Manual in the Plants and Animals section, there is a lesson on “Our Feathered Friends” and contains activities on Pinecone Bird Feeders and “Feeding the Birds: They Like Peanut Butter Too!” Both are short activities that could easily be done as a family project. Contact your 4-H Cloverbud volunteer to get the directions.

Sheri Seibold, Extension Specialist – 4-H Youth Development; University of Illinois Extension – State 4-H Office

Healthy Snacks

Snacking has become a way of life for both adults and children. A recent study reported that over 95 percent of the women and children in this country have at least one snack each day.

Many common snack foods are high in fat, sugar and sodium. If these foods are used for snacks frequently, they can affect our health.

Snacks can be good for us if we make good choices. Children especially may benefit from healthy snacks. They often cannot eat enough at three meals a day to satisfy their hunger and provide all of the nutrients they need. Snacks can provide the additional foods they need.

Snack Tips

  • Plan snacks as a part of the day’s food plan.
  • When shopping, let children help pick out fruits, vegetables and cheeses; they will be more interested in eating them.
  • Set aside a “snack spot” in the refrigerator and cupboard; keep it stocked with nutritious ready-to-eat snacks.
  • Offer snacks at regular times, such as midmorning and mid-afternoon. Don’t let children nibble constantly during the day.
  • Avoid high sugar, fatty and salty snacks, such as candy and soda pop.
  • Snacks are a good way to introduce new foods. Include a game or activity to learn about the new food; let the child help fix it.
  • Never offer food as a reward for good behavior.

Simple Healthy Snack Ideas

  • Raw vegetables, such as celery, carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, green pepper, green beans, cucumbers, mushrooms or zucchini. May be served with a low-fat dip.
  • Fresh fruit in season, cut in slices or halves, such as apples, oranges, bananas, peaches, grapefruit, grapes, melons, pears, plums or strawberries.
  • Low-fat quick breads and muffins, like pumpkin, zucchini, banana or bran.
  • Non-sugared cereals, snack mixes made with popcorn and whole grain cereal.
  • Low-fat yogurt with fresh, frozen or canned fruit.
  • Shakes with low-fat milk or yogurt and fruit.
  • Unsweetened fruit juices.

By: Barbara Farner, Extension Educator-Nutrition and Wellness, Matteson Extension Center

 

 

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