Editor's Note
Cooking as a new passion
By Jillian Melnyk, Editor
Recently I've been spending a lot of time in my kitchen. I made a New Year's resolution to cook at least one good meal a week using all fresh ingredients. It's now more than two months in and I'm still going strong. I've attempted all sorts of foods that have run the gamut from amazing to so-so. For example, I've become a real soup and stew expert, while my pizza could use a little practice.
It was with food in mind that I selected two of the articles for this month's issue. Cooking can be a great family activity and it provides a wonderful opportunity for a unique learning experience, as even the smallest child can help out in the kitchen. Not only will it make your dinner preparation much more fun to have your little ones by your side, but it's great for them, too. This month, we feature an article by frequent GVP contributor Jessica Fisher, who offers some great recipes for a fantastic St. Patrick's Day feast. (I can't wait to try out her stew in my slow cooker this month!) Our "Baby & Tot" department also provides tips on how you can turn cooking into a learning experience for even your youngest children. I find March a great time to cook because we are past the over-stimulation/over-eating/over-cooking of the holidays, but the weather is still cold enough that we want to snuggle up inside and enjoy indoor activities.
Though with that said, I do urge you to take some time this month to get outdoors! According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, children today spend only 4-7 minutes outside each day on average, while engaged with electronic media an astounding 7 hours and 38 minutes a day on average. Yikes! When I read these numbers, I was shocked. My favorite part of being a kid was running around outside, swinging on the playground, scampering through the grass during the summer, and building snow forts in the winter. I know it's still cold outside (and like me, you probably have an aversion to temperatures below 30, which makes you prone to hibernating inside during the winter), but a little fresh air is good every now and then. In our "Family Time" department, local pediatrician, Dr. Mark Cohen, has provided some tips for how to dress for winter activities.
I know it's hard to think about summer when the ground is still frozen and caked with ice and snow, but the spring months will fly by quick and before you know it, your kids will be on summer break. We've provided a host of great articles to help you plan for summer camps and activities, and this month also features our Annual Summer Camp & Activity Guide. If you're thinking about summer camp, I urge you to come out to see us at our 16th Annual Summer Camp & Activity Fair at Eastview Mall on March 14th. You'll have the opportunity to meet great camp personnel, ask questions, and help your kids plan for the perfect summer.
Stay warm, spring is coming! I promise!
Jillian
This column appeared originally in the March 2010 issue of Genesee Valley Parent Magazine.