Disney Pumpkin Ideas

Always do the same thing with our pumpkins...

Cut out the eyes & mouth, then insert the candle.... BORING!

Boring until I came across the Disney Pumpkin idea page :) CHECK THESE OUT!!!!


 

Love these so much! And there are so much more that you can find on the Disney Pumpkin Templates page.

Chicken, Red pepper & Almond Bake

A tasty one-pan roast chicken supper with lemon, cumin, paprika, coriander and other North African flavours. Easy & gorgeous!

Ingredients

• 500g boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 3 medium red onions, cut into thick wedges
• 500g small red potatoes, cut into thick slices
• 2 red peppers, deseeded and cut into thick slices
• 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
• 1 tsp each ground cumin, smoked paprika and fennel seeds, slightly crushed
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• zest and juice 1 lemon
• 50g whole blanched almonds, roughly chopped
• 170g tub 0% Greek yogurt, to serve
• small handful parsley or coriander, chopped, to serve

 

 

Method

1. Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Place the chicken, onions, potatoes and peppers in a large bowl and season. in another bowl, mix together the garlic, spices, oil, and lemon zest and juice. Pour this over everything and spread the mixture between 2 baking trays.
2. Roast for 40 mins, turning over after 20 mins, until the chicken is cooked through. Add the almonds for the final 8 mins of cooking. Serve in bowls with a big dollop of Greek yogurt and some chopped parsley or coriander.

Chocolate marble cake

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm YUM YUM YUM :)

Marble cake is a classic childhood cooking memory. Whether using lurid colours for a psychedelic finish, or just chocolate and vanilla, it's a teatime treat

 Ingredients

• 225g butter, softened
• 225g caster sugar
• 4 eggs
• 225g self-raising flour
• 3 tbsp milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder

Method

1. Heat oven to 180C/gas 160C/gas 4. Grease a 20cm cake tin and line the bottom with a circle of greaseproof paper. If you want to make life easy, simply put all the ingredients (except the cocoa powder) into a food processor and whizz for 1-2 mins until smooth. If you prefer to mix by hand, beat the butter and sugar together, then add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Fold through the flour, milk and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
2. Divide the mixture between 2 bowls. Stir the cocoa powder into the mixture in one of the bowls. Take 2 spoons and use them to dollop the chocolate and vanilla cake mixes into the tin alternately. When all the mixture has been used up (and if young kids are doing this, you’ll need to ensure the base of the tin is fairly evenly covered), tap the bottom on your work surface to ensure that there aren’t any air bubbles. Take a skewer and swirl it around the mixture in the tin a few times to create a marbled effect.
3. Bake the cake for 45-55 mins until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Turn out onto a cooling rack and leave to cool. Will keep for 3 days in an airtight container or freeze for up to 3 months.

Posh Fish & Chips

Everyone love Fish & Chips.... now try and make your own :) ENJOY

(Serves 4)
Ingredients:
4 sustainable firm white fish fillets or loins (cod or haddock)
50g plain flour seasoned
2 eggs beaten
60g breadcrumbs
50g Parmesan cheese grated (optional)
2-3 large sweet potatoes cut into wedges
2 tbs oilve oil
100g smoked pancetta
300g frozen peas defrosted
2-3 spring onions finely sliced
1tbs fresh mint chopped (or 1 tsp mint sauce)
Small squeeze lemon juice

For the tartare sauce:
4 tbsp mayonnaise
½ tsp Dijon mustard
3-4 cornichons, finely chopped
1 tbs flat leaf parsley, chopped
Small squeeze lemon juice
1 lemon, cut into wedges for serving



 
Method:
1. Dip the fish into the seasoned flour, then the beaten egg and finally the  breadcrumbs mixed with the grated parmesan.
2. Cook in a frying pan with a shallow layer of vegetable oil for around 6-7 minutes, turning until golden on both sides, drain onto some kitchen paper.
3. Cut the sweet potatoes into wedges then place into a bowl, drizzle with the oil, season with salt and pepper then toss around to make sure they  are well coated. Tip onto a baking tray then cook at 200c gas mark 6 for 30-40 minutes.
4. In a pan fry off the pancetta until crispy then add in the peas and heat  through before adding the mint, spring onions and lemon juice.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Mix all of the tartare sauce ingredients in a bowl and set aside.

Broccoli Floret Pasta

Ever find it hard to get your fussiest eaters to eat their greens?

Well I found this recepie that goes down a storm with the whole family...

Broccoli Floret Pasta






(Serves 4)

Ingredients:
1kg broccoli heads and leaves
2 tblsp olive oil
3 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced
2 small dried chillies, finely sliced
50g unsalted butter
150ml double cream
250g orecchiette
120g Parmesan, freshly grated
Salt and freshly ground pepper to season

Method:

1. Cut the broccoli into small pieces so that each has flower, stalk and leaf. Reserve a couple on the side.

2. Blanch the remaining briefly in boiling water.

3. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan and fry the garlic gently until light brown. Add the chillies and the butter and let it all cook for a couple of minutes.
4. Add the broccoli and the cream to the saucepan, bring to the boil and then simmer for about 5 minutes or until the broccoli is cooked.
5. Mash or pulse in an electric blender half of the broccoli sauce and then return to the pan with the other half of the sauce.

6. Cook the orecchiette in a generous amount of boiling salted water, then drain well and mix into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Before serving, sprinkle the grated Parmesan on top of the dish and finely grate the raw broccoli florets reserved earlier.


Top Tip: If your children are really fussy, just blend broccoli until it has completely blended in with your cream sauce and don't grate Broccoli on top of your finished meal

Moon Sand Recipe

We love ‘moon sand’ or ‘magic sand’ for sensory sand play. You can buy it from art and craft suppliers, but it is fairly expensive.

When we did a post on it a while ago, some kind people sent in the recipe so we could make it ourselves at a fraction of the cost.

Mix together:

4 cups sand

2 cups cornflour

1 cup of water.

We gave it a go and although different from the commercial sort …

it was still very successful.

The children had a lot of fun with it.

When it dried out in the sun a bit, it crumbled up beautifully and was easily restored with a bit more water added to it.

Halloween - A Row Of Ghosts

We have so much fun decorating for Halloween. We’re crafting and baking like crazy and I am amazed how many free crafts I can find out there to make. This one was the best because it was totally free. Yep, free!
We go through a ton of milk jugs but I sent out an email at work asking for some more. My co-workers probably think I’m a nut because I’m always asking for their “garbage.” But hey, one man’s garbage is another man’s treasure, right? (Or something like that.) This great idea came from Disney Family Fun Magazine. Have you heard of it? It’s awesome! I love it.
It was super easy. We cleaned out the milk jugs. You can use as many as you would like.
Use a permanent marker and draw a face on each one.  Can you guess which one my Son likes the most?
Then cut a piece out of the back of the jug so you can put lights in it. White lights would have probably looked better but we didn’t have any of the all white ones. So we used a string of multi-coloured Christmas lights. (I wanted this to be free so we used what we had.)

Put the lights in the back of the jugs and line them up. I used a piece of duct tape to tape the jugs together. Just in case the wind blew or something. I guess you could fill them with sand or something else to hold them down. Hopefully they won’t blow away ;-)

Is your Toddler multilingual?

Is your Toddler multilingual?

So this is a huge subject for our family as Dimitris our son is half Greek/half English. 

It is also a worry as I see him progressing well with so much, yet falling behind in his language skills ..... Or is he?
He seems to always want to communicate in English, maybe as he is with me so often.
He seems to understand Greek and he attends Greek nursery where I hope I will see him become more confident speaking Greek. 
Maybe he is just being stubborn! He knows that he gets a response everytime when he speaks English... so why speak Greek??? Right??

We have tried to many things, like tell our Greek family only to speak Greek to him... including my husband (but that never works!)
And for me never to speak Greek to him.... just because I am terrible! That would never help him.

So I found an article today from BBC News about a Toddler Brain that had been scanned showing how easy it is for a toddler to learn another language.

It is very interesting, especially if your child is living in a multilingual home

Have a read 
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-24446292 

Getting your toddler to listen

Toddlers are just like the rest of us — they don't always listen. In fact, at their age they need you to teach them how to pay attention. "But what often happens," says Roni Leiderman, associate dean of the Family Centre at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, "is that parents say something 10 times, then they start counting down to punishment. What this does is actually condition the child not to listen until the tenth time."

By not listening, your child is getting your attention (though constant nagging isn't the best form of it). But being a good listener helps your child learn more effectively, heed danger signals, get along better with you and her teachers and other adults she'll be expected to respect, and make better friends. There are many simple strategies that, when consistently followed, will teach toddlers the skills they need to become good listeners. And, as Leiderman points out, "It's never too early to begin teaching your child. A toddler may not listen as well as a 5-year-old, but she still has lots of these skills."

Get on her level.
As every parent realises sooner or later, bellowing from a great height (much less from the other room) rarely has the desired effect. Squat down or pick your child up, so you can look her in the eye and grab her attention. She'll listen much more closely if you sit down next to her at the breakfast table when reminding her to eat up her cornflakes, or perch on her bed at night when telling her you're about to turn out the light. Eye contact is critical and most effective when you're face-to-face with your child.

Be clear.
State your message clearly, simply, and authoritatively. Your child will zone out if you harp on a topic too long. It's hard to find the point of a wordy message such as "It's really cold outside, and you've been sick lately, so I want you to put on your sweater before we go to the store."
On the other hand, "It's time to get your sweater" is unmistakable. And don't phrase something as a question if your child doesn't actually have a choice. "It's time to climb into your car seat" has a lot more impact than "Come climb into your car seat, okay, honey?"
It's good to give toddlers choices, too. Just be sure you're okay with all the options you offer — and stick with only two. By allowing your toddler to make limited choices, he'll feel empowered (and you'll be satisfied with the result).

Follow through — quickly.
Make it clear that you mean what you say, and don't make threats — or promises — you won't keep. If you tell your 2-year-old, "You need to drink some milk at dinnertime," don't waffle five minutes later and let her have juice instead. If you warn her she'll have a time-out if she hits her brother, give her that time-out when the blow comes.
Make sure your spouse or partner shares your rules and respects them as well, so that neither of you undermines the other. And if there's a disagreement, talk it through with your partner so you're both clear about what needs to be said or done when the issue comes up again (as it surely will).

In addition, make your follow-through speedy. You would never expect to have to shout "Don't run across the street!" five times before your child heeded you.
It's also important for your child to know when something is especially dangerous and for you to demonstrate how to approach it safely. For example, when your child crosses the street, be sure to always hold his hand — that way he'll associate the danger of cars with being careful.
And don't fall into the trap of repeating less urgent instructions, such as "Set your cup on the table," over and over again before expecting your child to comply. Gently guide your child's hand to place the cup on the table so she knows exactly what you want her to do.

Reinforce your message.
It often helps to follow up your verbal statement with a number of other kinds of messages, especially if you are trying to pull your child away from an absorbing activity. Say "Time for bed!" and then give a visual cue (flicking the light switch on and off), a physical cue (laying a hand on her shoulder to gently pull her attention away from her doll and toward you), and a demonstration (steering her toward her bed, pulling down the covers, and patting the pillow).

Give warnings.
Give your child some advance notice before a big change will take place, especially if she's happily involved with toys or a friend. Before you're ready to leave the house, tell her, "We're going to leave in a few minutes. When I call you, it's time to come out of the sandbox and wash your hands."

Give realistic instructions — and make them fun.
"If you tell a 2-year-old to put his toys away, he looks around the room and says, 'Sheesh!'" says Leiderman. "Give him realistic tasks, like 'Let's put the yellow blocks away.' Then you can make it into play: 'Good, now let's put the blue blocks away.'"

Motivate.
Yelling orders may produce results (in some children), but no one will enjoy the process. Most children respond best when you treat them with confident good humour. For example, occasionally use a silly voice or a song to deliver your message. You might sing "Now it's time to brush your teeth" to the tune of "London Bridge," for example.
Stress the benefits of complying over mere dutifulness ("Brush your teeth and then you can pick out your favourite nightgown" instead of "You have to brush your teeth or you'll get cavities" or "Brush your teeth NOW!"). Praise her when she finishes brushing, with "Good listening!"

The good humour, affection, and trust you demonstrate to your child when speaking to her this way will make her want to listen to you, because she'll know that you love her and think she's special. This is an important aspect of even those strategies that require firmness.
Giving straightforward, authoritative instructions does not mean you have to be crabby — such messages are much more powerful when accompanied by a hug or a smile. Then your child learns that paying attention to you is worthwhile.

Model good behaviour.
Preschoolers will be better listeners if they see that you are a good listener, too. Make it a habit to listen to your child as respectfully as you would to any adult. Look at her when she talks to you, respond politely, and let her finish without interrupting whenever possible.
While it may seem like a tall order when you're cooking dinner and your toddler is being especially chatty, try not to walk away from her or turn your back on her while she's talking. As with so many other behaviours, the old saw "Do as I say, not as I do" has no value when teaching your children to listen.
Catch your child being good.
How often is communication to your child about what she's doing wrong? Would you want to listen to someone — a boss, say — who only gave you negative guidance? Your child is more likely to listen to you if you notice when she's behaving well and comment on it. "You put your dolls away the first time I asked. Good job!" or "You were very gentle with the puppy. I'm proud of you!" Make sure you give your toddler plenty of positive reinforcement and she'll be less likely to tune you out when you need to steer her back on course.

Resources:
http://www.babycenter.com
Numerous books provide sound advice in this area. Among the most popular are How to Talk So Kids Will Listen, and Listen So Kids Will Talk, by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish, Discipline Without Spanking or Shouting, by Jerry Wyckoff and Barbara Unell, and Raising Your Spirited Child, by Mary Sheedy Kurcinka.

Preschool Activities: How Much is Too Much?

Parents today are surrounded with a wide variety of options for preschool activities and classes. From sports teams to performing arts, you can find a class for almost any interest your preschooler may have. While many parents enrol their children in multiple activities, how much is too much enrichment for a preschooler? Is it possible to overdo it when it comes to giving your child an assortment of experiences at an early age?
While a taste of a few activities is great for allowing young children the opportunity to try some new things, it can be tempting for parents to want to try it all or to keep up with other parents and give their child every advantage. Unfortunately, activities and classes can become overwhelming and even stressful for young children if they are not used in moderation. Try a few of the tips below to help keep activities fun and exciting for your preschooler.

Save Time for Play

While it may seem important to have your child experience many different activities, there is plenty of research to support the importance of good old-fashioned play on children’s development. “Children develop physical, intellectual, creative, and social skills through play. They make plans, see them through, and share them with others as they create spaceships and shopping centres. They develop vocabulary and math skills when they set a table and pack for a safari. They take risks and build relationships when they invite others to share in the world they created,” says Kim Cernek, Author and Executive Director of Sky Blue Scholars Early Learning Community.

• Be sure there is time in most days for unstructured play. Children who are enrolled in too many activities and classes will not learn to play and be imaginative, but will instead learn to rely on others to entertain them.
• Simple toys found in most households are the perfect props for imaginative play (dolls, trains, blocks, play food and dishes). You do not need expensive educational toys or games. Children will learn through simple play with the toys and objects around them.
• Invite a friend over for a play date and both children will learn vocabulary and other skills from one another.

Investigate Interests

• Choose activities and classes based on your child’s interests rather than just signing her up for random classes or choosing based on your own interests.
• Drop in on community activities and events which might spark interest. Attending an art show might lead to signing up for an art class or a cheering on a friend at his soccer game could lead to a curiosity about sports. On the other hand, you may also find your child has no interest in participating in certain activities.
• If she asks about certain activities or hobbies, visit the library and ask the librarian for recommended reading on the topic. Be sure to pick out a few books from the children’s non-fiction section for photos and information about a wide variety of activities.

Set Limits

• Limit the number of activities you enrol your child in. Just one or two at a time is plenty to give your child a wide variety of experiences through the preschool years.
• Remember, your child has many years ahead of her and she doesn’t have to try everything now. There will be lots of time throughout your child’s school years to experience a wide variety of activities.
• Don’t be tempted to feel guilty if your child is not signed up for all the activities the other children in her  playgroup or neighbourhood are participating in. Children can be stressed by too much activity, and they need time to play and relax with family and friends, just as adults do.

While it may seem like enrolling your child in classes is the best way to teach her new skills, remember that you are her first and most important teacher. Enjoy a wide variety of activities with your little one and enrol her in a few classes if she shows an interest. However, remember that the memories you create while spending time together are more valuable than anything she can learn in a class.

Colour Cookies

Young kids love to bake. This activity lets them go frosting crazy, while experimenting with colours, and how they mix. Once the science experiment is done, it’s time for milk and cookies!

What You Need:

• Sugar cookies (either homemade or store bought)
• Food colouring
• White frosting
• 10 small plastic bowls
• Set of measuring spoons
• Larger spoon for mixing (like a tablespoon)

What You Do:

1. Explain to your child that there are three fantastic colour's, called the primary colour's, that can be mixed to create different colour's.
2. Together, put 3 tablespoons of frosting in 3 different bowls. Add food colouring to the frosting so that you have 1 bowl of each of the primary colours (red, yellow, and blue.)
3. Show your child how various colours can be made by mixing equal amounts of these primary colours, to make new colours. (For example, Red + Yellow = Orange; Red + Blue = Purple, Yellow + Blue= Green.)
4. Let your child explore. Have her scoop a tablespoon of 2 colours of her choosing into an empty bowl and mix them, to see what colour it makes. She can continue doing this with all of the other empty bowls. She can also experiment with creating different shades, depending on how much food colouring is added to the white frosting, and she can add white frosting to an already mixed bowl, to see how it adjusts the colour.

Once the novelty wears off, it’s time to decorate! Grab the plate of cookies and ask your child to do her magic, using whichever combination of colours she’d like. Pour two glasses of milk, and enjoy!

Truly Madly Baby & Truly Madly Kid

I have a 3 year old son, so I know what it's like to go shopping for gifts or essential items with a little one and that's why I have made it easier for you - shop direct with me without even leaving the house!


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Browse through our extensive range and do your shopping online, delivered directly to your door hassle free.

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Lucy x
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About Me

Lucy Wallace

thehelpfulmum@gmail.com

http://www.trulymadlybaby.co.uk/lucywallace

The Helpful Mum

Hi and welcome to my Blog for The Helpful Mum.


My name is Lucy, I have a 3 year old son called Dimitris, so I know what it's like to run around after a toddler trying to think of fun ideas to keep your little one busy, making a simple healthy meal, Making cakes for celebrations, Childhood illnesses,  going shopping for gifts or essential items with a little one and that's why I have made it easier for you to find out what you as a parent wants or interests you. I will often blog about things that catch my eye or I feel is important to share, but I also will be posting some fun stuff for you & your Children to enjoy.

I hope you enjoy my Blog!
Lucy x