FOODIE FRIDAYS: The Positive Influence of Food Network on My Kids

Xander and his food masterpieces.

With two 'sensational' kids in our house with high tactile issues, eating and mealtime has always been a challenge. And when you throw a sensitive olfactory (smell) system and a high gag reflex in the mix, well, let's just say there's frustration for all parties involved.

I took the lead from our brilliant OTs by finding fun, interactive games we could do that not only engages their senses but also sparks questions and discussion about food, cooking and eating. One way that has been successful with Xander as been with our homemade scented playdough and The Food Network.

Crazy as it sounds, my kids would much rather tune into the cooking shows than almost anything else on t.v. Hey, that's just fine with me! One of Xander's favorites is Iron Chef America. I don't have to tell you how many Chef-offs we've had in our house. LOL!

The picture above shows Xander with one of his Iron Chef Morimoto inspired creations. (Don't ask me what they are. Xander likes to make up the names of his dishes. I have honestly forgotten. I'll have to ask him and edit that in. LOL!) But how wonderful is it that it inspires him to do this? I think this is amazing! And, like with Jaimie and her admiration for Chef Jamie Oliver, it has inspired Xander to at least try foods. At this point, that's all I'm asking for. We are so much further than we were a few months ago.

So, there you go. Want a new way to connect kids with food, cooking and ingredients? Tune into a fun, entertaining cooking show and open the discussion.

Parent's Eyes: Caregivers? Watch Out For A Subtle Form Of Bullying

When we think of bullying, what immediately comes to mind is the one kid being singled out. He's picked on, made fun of, beaten up and the target for rumors and other terrible acts of violence. We also know that there are various categories of bullying (eg: cyber, physical, emotional, etc.). But did you know that a child could be the target of a form of bullying where she's actually being fought over rather than beaten up? And what's worse?

My Jordy would tell you that it's worse being fought over.

Jordy has always been a child that other kids flock to. And she has always reached out to other children who need help, comfort or just a little understanding. I've thought of it as one of her gifts. Perhaps it's because she empathizes so much having siblings with high needs but it's a beautiful thing. Unfortunately, her kindness can backfire when the other kids don't know when the line is drawn. And Jordy isn't always brave enough to draw that line, resulting in her being bullied into friendships or other kids fighting over her one-on-one friendship.

FOODIE FRIDAYS: Planting An Avocado Tree (an experiment)

I am SO excited! Only a few more weeks and I can start planting my seeds inside! Yeah, okay. I realize it will still be a bit early but nothing brightens me up than getting my garden started. Really, all I do right now is plan out what I'm going to plant and where to put it. I mean, we have our staples like tomatoes, sunflowers and pumpkins but I like switching other stuff around. And the other night, Jordy gave me a fun idea for an experiment!

I was making some guacomole for our Mexican night. Jordy came into the kitchen while I was cutting open an avocado. She's wonderfully curious about all things food, ingredient and cooking so she asked me questions about avocados. I showed her how to cut them open to get the fruit inside and she squealed at the seed.

"Holy moly, Mama! That is the biggest seed I've ever seen? What happens when you plant the seed?"

I really had no idea except that avocados come from trees, which I told her. Then she asked, "Can we plant it and see what happens?"

Well, you guys know me with plants and seeds. I love to try new things! So, I 'Googled' how to plant an avocado seed and we set it all up. Really, you could just plant the seed in a pot or something but I found a fun way to teach curious kiddos about how plants grow. And it's so easy!