Toddler Tantrums, Dreamy Rice Pudding, and a Cute Heart-Shaped Art Project

Tantrums are unfortunately a part of life for many parents with toddlers, so I thought I'd delve into the issue, hopefully helping any parents out there who have found themselves frustrated and/or wondering about them. First, here are a few facts about tantrums that are immediately helpful:

1. They usually start around age 2, and can continue until age 5.

2. They are a normal part of development.

3. Tantrums are caused by different things, so the first thing a parent should try to do is figure out what is causing them. (see the Kids Health article link for more info)

4. Most professionals agree that ignoring a child during a tantrum, rather than trying to talk to them (to calm or otherwise) is a good way to deal with the situation…as long as the child is not hurting him or herself, or anyone else.

There are quite a few articles about toddler tantrums out there, and a few different theories about how to deal with them, but I found the KidsHealth.org article to be extremely informative and well-written. Also, NPR recently did a news piece on understanding tantrums, which is worth checking out.

Recipe:

Rice Pudding

My husband doesn't cook very much, but he loves to make desserts and this one is his favorite. Soy milk is a great way to go if you want to do it up vegan. Another option if you want to get decadent and don't mind dairy: fold in some fresh whipped cream. It's delicious either way!

serves 3

Ingredients
2 1/2 cups milk of choice
1/3 cup uncooked short grain white rice
salt, if desired
1/8 cup brown sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 tsp. of cinnamon
1/3 cup raisins

1. In a medium-sized saucepan, bring the milk, rice and salt, if using, to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer until the rice is tender, about 20-25 minutes, making sure to stir frequently to prevent rice from sticking.

2. Add brown sugar and vanilla. Stir to blend. Remove from heat. Add raisins and cinnamon. Stir until blended. Let cool before serving.


Art Project:

Make a Heart Shaped Mobile

I found this cute art project at Cool Kids Craft Ideas. It's perfect for Valentine's Day or just to celebrate family love and friendly hearts.

What You Will Need:
Dinner Sized Paper Plate
Paint, Crayons or Markers
Red and Pink Card Stock or Construction Paper
Heart Stickers
String or Ribbon
Hot Glue Gun
Scissors
Hole Punch

1. Paint the paper plate pink on one side and let dry.  Then paint the other side red and let dry.

2. Now cut the plate along the edge and continue cutting into a spiral until you have reached the center of the plate.  Leave enough of the plate to punch a hole and hang the mobile.

3. Place several heart stickers on the spiraled plate.

4. Cut out several pink and red heart shapes with the card stock.  Hang the hearts from the mobile with ribbon.  Make the hearts hang at different lengths.


"Affection is responsible for nine-tenths of whatever solid and durable happiness there is in our lives." -C. S. Lewis