Column: Apryl Gorton, Thrive Initiative

“Happy hour” is what many parents call the 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. fussy time that many babies experience.

In this column, I hope you will find just the right “appetizer” to settle both your nerves and babies sobs.

First, you might try placing baby on the floor near where you are preparing dinner. Give her a large oatmeal container that has been stuffed with cloth, soft toys, a wooden spoon and a plastic cup.  She will feel confident at being able to explore the container with you in sight.

Second, wear your baby. You heard right, babies calm down when you wear them next to your body in a sling or wrap. (I’m pretty sure that one of the great novels got written while a parent was wearing a child.)

Lastly, calm appropriate touch or baby massage works when nothing else seems to faze the predictably fussy child.

Before happy hour begins; put on rhythmic sounds or soothing soft music, rub baby lotion on your hands and massage baby’s hands, feet and back. You may save your sanity as well as your dinner.

 

A toddler’s special gift

Have you seen the birds and squirrels lining up for food? If you want to get in on the feeding frenzy, these bird feeding ideas from “Big Book of Fun” are just the ticket.

1. Cut an arch in the side of a clean plastic bleach bottle. Glue it securely onto an aluminum pie tin and let dry. Fill with seed and hang it up.

2.  Scoop out an orange or grapefruit and fill with seed.  Set in the nook of a tree.

3. Use a mesh produce bag to hold fruit or other treats for the birds and hang from a fence or tree branch.

Birds typically like seeds, suet (fat), raisins and crumbs.

 

Treats to make together

We all know how to roast marshmallows, but have you ever roasted corn over the fire? Roasting corn is fun, easy and delicious, but definitely an adult-supervised activity.

Wait until a wood fire has died down to embers or the charcoal in a grill has turned to glowing coals. Turn the corn’s husk back and strip off the silk. Then close the husk up and lay the corn on the embers. Roast for 15 to 20 minutes, carefully turning a few times. (Kids love to use the long tongs for this.) Strip off the husk and enjoy.

While you are at the fire, try popping some popcorn, too. Popcorn dates back to early Mexico, where it is thought that the ancient dwellers popped it on a stick over a fire, in pottery containers, or sometimes by placing it right on the hot coals of the fire.

And why not? Popcorn is a combination of protein, fat, carbohydrates, calcium, phosphorus, iron, B complex, vitamin E, riboflavin and thiamine. Go popcorn!

 

Apryl Gorton is the director of New Direction Tutoring and a volunteer with the Freeborn County Thrive Initiative. Visit the website at www.0to5infreeborn-county.org.