Kid Friendly Meal Using Pumpkin 3-Ways

by on October 12, 2011
in food and nutrition · 19 Comments

The following is by contributor Christen Babb.

 

Pumpkins inspire me. They are truly one of nature’s blank canvasses.

Pumpkins are best known for their ability to be carved into a myriad of artistic masterpieces, decorating the doorsteps of homes across America. However, this ever-versatile gourd can also play the starring role in both savory and sweet foods – from soups and raviolis to pies and even ice-cream!

Since I grew up not celebrating Halloween, I tend to associate pumpkins with the latter: food.  Not only are they extremely versatile in recipes, their nutritional value is often underestimated. Known as a “superfood“, pumpkins pack a punch of  B-vitamins alongside their  mellow,  inviting,  and quintessentially American  flavor.

Using pumpkin as my inspiration , I’m bringing you a nutritious and delicious pumpkin-packed meal:  Healthy Chicken Bites (with Pumpkin!) + Cheesy Pumpkin Polenta Fries + Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars

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From Farm to Table: A Summertime Fieldtrip (Plus a Recipe for Georgia Peach Sorbet)

by on July 20, 2011
in food and nutrition · 17 Comments

The following was written by contributor Christen Babb of NurtureBaby and originally appeared on Simple Kids in June of 2011.

It’s official:  Summer is finally upon us! Just as those long, lazy, sun-drenched days bring out the best in many of us, Summertime also gleans some of natures’ most delectable delights. Nothing says Summer like a generous sliver of ice-cold watermelon,  a peach so luscious its juices run down your chin, or a heaping handful of plump, juicy blueberries.

These delicious provisions, and many others currently in season, can be enjoyed beyond the typical grocery store experience.  In fact, Summer lends the perfect time to take your kids on a field trip to a local farm.

I happen to live in Georgia, world renowned for its exquisite peaches. However, each region specializes in a particular variety of fruits and vegetables. A great resource to find farms in your area is Pick Your Own.org. You can search local farms for a particular fruits and vegetables, or even specify locations exercising strict organic farming. Even those living smack-dab-in-the-middle-of-suburbia will find farms no more than a day trip away.

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Work and Home: A Balancing Act for Parents Today

by on April 13, 2011
in parenting · 18 Comments

The following post is by contributor Christen Babb of Nurture Baby.

For many parents today, financial pressures continue to mount while the economy continues its  lethargic recovery.  Whether you’ve gone back to work full or part-time, away or at home, a paradigm change is created.

We’re challenged to balance our families’ changing  schedules and demanding jobs while maintaining our sanity.  Most of us already know the importance of staying organized, getting help from people you trust,  and learning when  to “unplug.”

But what other practical measures can we implement to relax and enjoy our families while at home?

This is current  struggle of mine, as I have gone back to work full time and with two young children at home.  In fact, it seems ironic that I speak from any position of authority, while frantically schlepping a breast-pump on a cross-country business trip and struggling to schedule meetings around  doctor’s  appointments, ballet classes, and preschool functions.

However, I do hope to leave you with some practical coping techniques to help create rhythm in your busy work-life schedule. I also hope to hear from you and encourage you to leave your thoughts in the comments.

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Teaching Little Ones How to Handle Money

by on January 26, 2011
in character · 18 Comments

The following post is by contributor Christen Babb of Nurture Baby.

As the years change, so do our goals. In 2011, with the economy still on its way up, a common new year’s resolution is to budget better and spend wisely. We work hard to pinch every penny, but it’s just as important to impart our knowledge and experience (the good and the bad) onto the next generation.

As Dave Ramsey, a well known financial personality says, “Parents are not just responsible for providing food, clothing, and shelter for their kids. They are also responsible for teaching their kids about life—and life includes handling money.” If we don’t teach our children how to properly handle money, someone else – or some other crafty ad campaign – will.

A common way to to teach little ones the value of a dollar is to create a reward system based on a set of simple, kid-friendly responsibilities.

When to Start?

I believe it’s important for kids to start doing simple household chores before they receive a  reward – perhaps as early as 3 or 4 years old.  Tasks such as sorting and putting away silverware, feeding the pets, “folding”  the towels (don’t aim for perfection!) are fun, age-appropriate jobs for eager little helpers. It sets the tone that some jobs are not paid – they are simply responsibilities for being a part of the family. Kids who help around the home gain self-respect and take pride in a job well done. They learn early on that other rewards, such as allowance, are secondary benefits.

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Thanks for Giving: Teacher Thank You’s

by on November 22, 2010
in crafts, holidays & celebrations · 12 Comments

The following post was written by contributor Christen Babb of Nurture Baby.

Thanksgiving is hands down my favorite holiday. Yes, there’s the planning, the grocery shopping, and many hours in front of the stove, but I consider this holiday to be the calm before the storm, the last chance to breathe before the busy holiday season. It’s a time to celebrate our faith, family, and friends and meditate over the many rich blessings we have in our lives.

My goal is to teach my children to savor Thanksgiving for Thanksgiving’s sake. Too often, we become bogged down with never ending  holiday to-do’s, shopping lists, and parties galore. We forget to say “thanks” in the midst of our abundant blessings.

Teacher Thank You’s

In an effort to teach my daughter to count those blessings, I let her choose a couple people she wanted to pay special thanks to. This year, she picked her two preschool teachers. We decided to make simple, homemade “Thanks for Giving” bags to let them know we love and appreciate them.

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