Parents’ rules good for teens
Recently my 13-year-old daughter came home with a drug safety book that was distributed to her class by the local RCMP detachment and the local health district. As I read through the section on “What parents can do” I was pleasantly surprised by this statement:
“A positive home environment, along with parents who handle drugs intelligently, and avoid the dangerous and illegal ones, probably has more to do with forging the right attitudes in their children toward tobacco, alcohol and other drugs – legal and illegal – than any other influencing factors. Except one.
Read Also
Agriculture needs to prepare for government spending cuts
As government makes necessary cuts to spending, what can be reduced or restructured in the budgets for agriculture?
“Studies indicate very clearly that drug use declines sharply among students whose parents discuss the hazards with them, and outline what disciplinary action will result if they violate parental rules.”
I found it refreshing to hear that the authority of parents can have a healthy positive effect on their children and that this authority is supported and encouraged. It seems too often I hear parents say that the kids are going to do it (drink or smoke) so how can they stop them. Here is the way – be a good example, communicate the hazards to your kids, set limits on what behavior is expected and consequences if the rules are violated. Those are parenting rules that have stood the test of time.
The disciplinary action does not mean a beating in the wood shed. More appropriate disciplinary measures may be the removal of privileges such as TV, allowance, nights out or vehicle use, or the expectation of certain physical labor jobs being completed. Parenting is the most important job and sometimes the most difficult. If you set rules and consequences, don’t make them idle threats. Be prepared to stand behind them. Do it for the good of your kids.
Keeping your kids safe
From 1982 to 1995, Health Canada reports that 10 children between the age of two and 10 died in Canada when their clothing or drawstrings got caught on playground equipment or fences. And five children between the age of four and 10 died when they became tangled in ropes or skipping ropes attached to playground equipment.
Help kids to play safe by:
- Zipping up jackets.
- Removing the drawstring from hoods, hats and jackets.
- Use neckwarmers instead of scarves.
- Ropes and skipping ropes should not be tied to swings and slides.
Playground fun should be closely supervised. Always check for broken or unsafe equipment. Children should be taught to play safely and use playground equipment appropriate to their physical development.
A taste of spring
With spring come the fresh shoots of asparagus. These recipes from More Heart Smart Cooking with Bonnie Stern caught my eye.
Roasted asparagus: Trim one pound (500 g) asparagus stalks. To trim the stalks remove an inch or two from the bottom. If the stalks are thick, peel an inch or two up from the bottom so the stems cook at the same rate as the tips. Thin asparagus is usually more delicate in taste and doesn’t need peeling.
Arrange the asparagus in a single layer on parchment paper or foil-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake in a preheated 425 F (220 C) oven for 15 minutes.
Drizzle with a little lemon juice before serving. Serve hot or at room temperature. Makes four to six servings.
Boiled asparagus: Trim as for the roasted asparagus. Place lying down in a skillet. To find out whether it is cooked, hold a spear upright. If it just begins to bend over, it is ready.
Asparagus with Thai sauce
Many people feel asparagus is so special they should serve it as a separate course. This recipe makes a great appetizer, or you can serve it as a side dish. You can also serve it cold as a salad – chill the asparagus under cold water after cooking and pat dry before combining with the sauce.
1 pound 500 g
asparagus (20-24 stalks)
1 tablespoon lime 15 mL
juice
1 tablespoon 15 mL
granulated sugar
1 tablespoon Thai 15 mL
fish sauce or soy sauce
1 tablespoon water 15 mL
1 tablespoon rice 15 mL
vinegar or cider vinegar
1 clove garlic, 1
minced
1Ú4 teaspoon hot 1 mL
chili paste or sweet and hot Thai chili sauce (found in Asian markets)
Cut and peel the stalks as in the roasted asparagus.
Bring large skillet of water to boil. Add asparagus and cook for three to four minutes, or until asparagus is bright green and stalks bend slightly when held up. Drain well and place on serving dish.
Whisk together lime juice, sugar, fish sauce, water, vinegar, garlic and chili paste. Drizzle over asparagus or use as dipping sauce.
Looking for rain material
Dear TEAM: Could you tell me where to get some tightly woven rubberized cloth used to make rain-resistant gear? It should also be good against wind and cold. – G.T., St. Paul, Alta.
Dear G.T.: There are a number of 100 percent nylon fabrics that are often used for splash pants and raincoats. They are sold under brand names such as Ripstop, Linebacker and Insulon. These products would keep out some moisture and wind but are not warm. They would have to be worn over warmer clothes in cold weather. There is another product called Gortex, used for downhill ski wear. It is designed to let moisture out from the body, but not let moisture in. I have referred your request to Veronica’s Sewing Supplies in Kindersley, Sask., as that store has access to over 100 suppliers and would be willing to order what you need.
