It is human nature to want to protect and nurture the children in our lives. From the moment we first see them there is a bond that cannot be broken. Even when we are on vacation and the kids are in good hands at home, we still worry.
Whether they are hurt, lonely, scared or hungry, our hearts will reach out to them. They depend on us. Even the “grumps” of the world will stop, smile and say hello to a child. It is almost magical.
It is our job as adults to teach them about safety and to never leave them unattended, as accidents can happen quickly. My house is no exception. In the last two weeks, several accidents have happened.
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My son’s kitten got run over, but is resting comfortably in the house. The lesson that Carter learned – never go near the car or truck when they are running unless Mommy and Daddy are with you.
“Why” he asked.
“Because it is hard to see small children when you are in the car, just as it was hard to see Arthur the Cat.”
The same kitten was mistaken for clothes in the dryer and was turned on tumble dry. A cat meowing in a turning dryer is a sound that I will not forget.
And while playing “ship” on the couch, Skyler was suddenly thrown overboard only to be saved by his big brother Carter. He suffered a small “goose egg” to the forehead. I was standing right there when it happened, but I was not fast enough to prevent the fall.
Consequently, I had a talk with the four-year-old driver of the ship, to avoid future passengers from going over the edge.
The point is, serious accidents happen in an instant. We must do what we can to prevent injury and stay safe. This is an appropriate topic since this April marks the 10th annual Stay Alert … Stay Safe month in Canada.
The SASS program is a registered Canadian charity that was started after the tragic abduction and murder of 11-year-old Alison Parrott. The program is endorsed by the Association of Chiefs of Police.
It enables us to focus on the issue of street proofing at a time of year when we look forward to longer days and increased outdoor activity.
To help promote this year’s theme “Spring Ahead to Safety,” we’d like to offer the following suggestions on how to raise awareness in your community:
- Contact local schools and community groups (e.g. Block Parents) to ensure they are aware of the Stay Alert … Stay Safe program.
- Approach your local mayor about officially proclaiming a day, a week or the month of April as Stay Alert … Stay Safe time.
- Create safety displays and exhibits in public places regarding street proofing.
- Encourage local schools or Brownie/Cub groups to come up with their own safety tips and mail in to SASS. But what can we do at home?
We are all aware that good safety habits should be practised all year, but after a long winter, it’s smart to reinforce safety rules and it is especially important to try and make street proofing an activity that the whole family can engage in.
One suggestion that SASS makes is to spend some time around the dinner table or perhaps a long car journey, playing the What If…? game.
Hypothetically speaking, paint for your children some potentially dangerous scenarios and ask them what they would do if, for example, someone grabbed them or if they got trapped in a car? Try to make this exercise fun by rewarding the child with the most street-smart answer.
The following are some basic tips for adults to discuss with their child. We suggest that you post them on the fridge or near the phone.
- Always avoid hanging around lonely parks, woods, parking lots or even schoolyards after dark.
- Always work out the best route to your activities and stick to it.
- Always go places with buddies when possible.
- Always say no if a grownup invites you alone into their home or car.
- Always listen to your radar. It’s that little voice inside that tells you when something doesn’t feel quite right.
Discuss and write down your house rules.
Stay Alert … Stay Safe is a national, nonprofit organization founded in 1987. The mandate is to provide education and awareness to children and their parents on the issue of street proofing. If your community or school does not have the SASS program, call 800-301-7277. For more tips on safety, bullying or babysitting write 2180 Yonge St., 7th floor, Toronto, Ont., M4P 2V8 or visit www.sass.ca.
Life strategies
Recently, while I was on vacation, I had a moment to pick up a new book by Phillip McGraw. Its title caught my eye, and I recommend this book to our readers if you are:
- Capable of accomplishing more in your life.
- Bored with your life or career.
- Searching for a passion, a goal or a plan.
- Frustrated by the way things presently are.
This book will help to give you some direction.
McGraw suggests living life by following 10 laws:
Life Law #1: You either get it or you don’t. Become one of those who gets it.
Life Law #2: You create your own experience. Acknowledge and accept accountability for your life.
Life Law #3: People do what works. Identify the payoffs that drive your behavior and that of others.
Life Law #4: You cannot change what you do not acknowledge. Get real with yourself about your life and everybody in it.
Life Law #5: Life rewards action. Make careful decisions and then pull the trigger.
Life Law #6: There is no reality; only perception. Identify the filters through which you view the world.
Life Law #7: Life is managed; it is not cured. Learn to take charge of your life.
Life Law #8: We teach people how to treat us. Own up to, rather than complain about, how people treat you.
Life Law #9: There is power in forgiveness. Open your eyes to what anger and resentment are doing to you.
Life Law #10: You have to name it before you can claim it. Get clear about what you want and take your turn.
Life Strategies: Doing What Works, Doing What Matters by Phil McGraw is available at libraries and local bookstores across the country. If you have the time, this is a great book.
Just like Kentucky Fried
In my last column, a reader request was put out for a Kentucky Fried Chicken recipe. Thank you to those who took the time to get their recipes to me in order to share with the other readers. I have had fun taste testing the various coating mixtures and have used my family to help decide the favorites.
KFC #1
This recipe was printed in the column a few years ago by Emmie Oddie. It takes more time than some of the other variations, but I thought the taste was worth the extra effort.
21Ú2 pounds broiler-fryer 1.25 kg
cut up or chicken pieces
3 cups ice water 750 mL
2 teaspoons salt 10 mL
1 tablespoon seasoned 15 mL
salt
2 envelopes instant chicken
bouillon (4 teaspoons)
2 teaspoons seasoned 10 mL
pepper
1Ú4 teaspoon curry powder 1 mL
1Ú2 cup flour 125 mL
1Ú2 cup fine dry bread 125 mL
crumbs
fat for frying
Soak chicken pieces in ice water and salt in the refrigerator for one to two hours. Whirl seasoned salt, instant chicken bouillon, seasoned pepper and curry powder in a blender to a fine powder. Blend with flour and crumbs in plastic bag. Shake wet chicken pieces a few at a time in flour mixture until thickly coated. Place floured pieces on a cake rack to dry for 20 minutes.
Heat cooking oil or fat in a deep fryer or large pan to 375 F (190 C). Fry chicken pieces, turning once or twice about 10 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Drain well on absorbent paper. Then place all pieces on a rack in an ovenware dish; cover with tight fitting lid or foil.
For crisper chicken, do not cover the baking dish. Bake in oven at 350 F (180 C) for 15 to 20 minutes or until chicken is fork tender.
KFC #2
This was a quicker more convenient choice, but not quite as similar to the original as #1.
2 1Ú2 pounds broiler 1.25 kg
fryer chicken cut up or
chicken pieces
Mix the following dry ingredients together in a bag:
3Ú4 cup flour 175 mL
1 tablespoon salt 15 mL
11Ú2 teaspoons paprika 7 mL
1 teaspoon poultry 5 mL
seasoning
Then beat together:
3Ú4 cup milk 175 mL
1 egg
Put enough oil in baking dish to prevent burning. Dip chicken in milk and egg mixture. Drain for two minutes. Then dip in flour mixture. Place in baking dish and cook uncovered until brown, then cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes at 350 F (180 C). Uncover for five minutes to crisp up the coating.
Chicken nuggets
This recipe was sent in by Wally Barnsley and was a hit with my children. They ask for them at each meal. Apparently, the nuggets are better than at the restaurants. Soon they will start growing feathers.
30 Dare Breton crackers, 30
rolled and crushed
2 pounds boneless 1kg
chicken cut into pieces
1Ú4 cup butter, melted 50 mL
1Ú2 cup flour 125 mL
Dip chicken pieces in butter, then crackers, and then flour. Place on ungreased cookie sheet and bake at 400 F (200 C) for 10-12 minutes. Serve with your favorite sauce.
