The Fun of Parenting Being a mom or dad comes with a load of responsibility, but it doesn’t have to be serious all the time.  In fact, having fun is essential!  So, don’t be shy – be silly!  Roll around on the floor together, dress up and create an imaginary world, or go outside and play in the snow.  Revive that little kid spirit that’s buried deep down inside and you’ll show your kids that adults know how to have fun too! Nourished Kids   Active Kids   Happy Kids   Homemade Pizza INGREDIENTS: 2 1/2 to 3 cups all-purpose flour, divided   (try substituting half whole wheat flour) 1 pkg. (1/4 oz) or 2 1/4 tsp fast rising dry yeast 1/2 tsp salt 1 cup very warm water (125-130 degrees F) 2 tbsp vegetable oil 1 tbsp cornmeal Sprinkle of garlic powder Pizza sauce 1 cup shredded cheese Favourite pizza toppings DIRECTIONS:

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1. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups flour, dry yeast and salt. Mix water and oil together; add to flour mixture. Stir until ingredients are blended. Add small amounts of additional flour until dough forms a rough ball and pulls away from sides of bowl.

2.  Knead in bowl or on clean, lightly floured surface until dough is smooth, about 4 to 6 minutes. Divide into four even pieces, shape into smooth balls.

3.  Place bowl over dough balls and allow to rest 10 minutes.

4.  Prepare your family's favourite toppings. Don't forget the fruit and veggies!

5.  Lightly oil cookie sheets. Sprinkle with cornmeal. Pat dough balls into flat round crusts on cookie sheets so they are not touching. Pinch to form an edge.

6.  Use a fork to prick the crust surface every few inches. Sprinkle with garlic powder.

7.  Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over each crust, top with each person's favourite toppings and ¼ cup shredded cheese.

8.  Bake at 400 degrees F for 20 to 25 minutes or until crust is golden brown.

Enjoy with a nice side salad and a tall glass of milk.

Recipe adapted from homebaking.org

NOURISHED KIDS!

• Have fun with food! Let your kids get creative on make-your-own pizza, taco or fajita night.  They may have ingredient ideas that you haven't even thought of.  They can help chop stuff up and put it all together.    
  
  
• Have dinner in reverse.  Start with dessert, then the main course and finish up with soup or salad.  Make it even more fun and have everyone use funny utensils or eat with their hands.  
  
  
• Combine fun family time with a tasty meal.  After being outside sledding, skating or building snowmen, warm up with hearty chili, homemade banana bread and old-fashioned cocoa.
  
  Helpful Links: 
• Check out the fun meal and snack ideas from Kidnetic.com's Recipe Roundup.
• Go to Zisboombah's Pick Chow website for fun and interactive tools to teach kids how to build a healthy plate. 
• Visit Healthy Recipes for Life for more family-friendly meal ideas.

ACTIVE KIDS!

• Step up the silly factor. Have a dance party, dress up in crazy costumes and do some outrageous moves. On your family walk, march or tell jokes and sing silly songs as you go.

• Be each other’s cheerleaders!  Celebrate everyone’s achievements, big or small. Make up a family cheer and perform it whenever someone gives it their all (including mom and dad).   

• Be newbies together. Learn a new activity as a family. Yoga, dance or martial arts are great examples. Reverse roles and let the kids be the instructor!

  Helpful Links: 

• Check out these local events for children and families:
  - Get out of the cold and play with your children in a safe and warm place. Learn new games and skills that you can use with your children to keep them active. Join us Wednesday evenings from 6:30-7:30 pm at Our Lady of Charity School starting January 18 - February 8, 2012.  Call Stasia at 625-5979 for details.
  - Visit the Canada Games Complex January 3-9 for TWOONIE WEEK.  January 27 is a twoonie day! Call 684-3311 for details. 
  - Check out the Boys and Girls Club for special activities happening on PA days and for after-school programs, such as Stix and Stonez for Grade 3-8 students every Tuesday from 4:00-5:30 pm. It's an outdoor club where kids explore the beauty and fun of our area and discover why Mother Nature is amazing!
  - Terrace Bay Public Library Family Storytime Drop-in starting Wednesday, January 11 at 6:30.  Everyone welcome.  No charge.
  - Discover Thunder Bay's newest outdoor skating rink at Prince Arthur's Landing.  It's open every day from noon to 9 pm.

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HAPPY KIDS!

• Live in the moment!  Try not to be in a big rush to see what tomorrow will bring for your children.  Catch yourself from wishing time away and focus your attention on what’s happening right now.   
  
  
• Let go and laugh!  Try tongue twisters, tickles or a game of tag to bring on the giggles. Laughter is contagious and brings people closer together.  There’s no better medicine than a good belly laugh shared with people you love.
  
  
• Be a kid again!  Abandon the to-do lists running through your mind and let yourself be carefree and curious.  Play with toys, use your imagination and be amused by the simple things in life.
  
  Helpful links:
• Get helpful ideas on rainy (and snowy) day fun KidsHealth.org.

For more great tips and links visit:

• The Busy Parents Guide to Healthy, Happy Kids 
• Previous E-Bulletins

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