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Popcorn for Kids - Benefits and Recipes
As a child, you must have loved eating popcorn but now you must not like it the way you did earlier. But if you have kids, you can understand their love for popcorn. Whenever you take your kids for a movie, they must be asking for a large bucket of popcorn full of butter or cheese. Do they? Of course, it cannot be denied that popcorns taste delicious and kids love them but are popcorn healthy for children? Can you give it to them as a snack? If yes, then you must be looking for some unique popcorn recipes too. This article covers information about popcorn in detail.
Is Popcorn a Healthy Snack for Children
This is a question that all moms ask. No doubt, kids love eating popcorn and as parents, you find it hard to deny them of something they love. But, when it comes to their health and the choice of foods, you are bound to get apprehensive. But, don't you worry. Popcorn is not unhealthy. Plain, air-popped popcorn is a healthy snack for a child old enough to eat it.
When can Your Child Eat Popcorn
The right age for your child to begin eating popcorn is around 4 or 5 years of age.
Nutritional Value of Popcorn
The chart below lists the nutritional value in 36 grams (3 cups) of “Air-popped” Popcorn. (Energy = 139.3 calories)
Nutrition and Vitamins
Weight in grams
Fat (Total)
1.6gms
Saturated Fat
0.2gms
Carbohydrates
28gms
Net Carbs
22.8gms
Sugar
0.3gms
Fibre
5.2gms
Protein
4.7gms
Vitamin A
3.6 μg
Sodium
2.9mg
Potassium
118.4mg
Phosphorus
128.9mg
Folate
11.2 μg
Water
1.2gms
Source: https://www.fatsecret.com/calories-nutrition/usda/air-popped-popcorn?portionid=62046&portionamount=35.000
Health Benefits of Popcorn for Children
Who knew the little old popped up a bit of corn held so many nutritional benefits?
1. Digestion
Each individual popcorn kernel is a seed, composing of bran, endosperm and germ, similar to whole grains touted for their health benefits. They contain high amounts of fibre, that help is digestion.
2. Vitamins B
Loaded with vitamins B3 and B6, folate and pantothenic acid, popcorn helps in proper brain function and protects the body against infection.
3. Carbohydrates
Corn contains carbohydrates which are a good source of energy and help your kids get through the day without feeling lethargic.
4. Calcium
For those who are lactose intolerant, popcorn comes as a blessing. It contains calcium (2.5 mg per 36 grams) and helps in building strong bones and proper functioning of the heart and muscles.
5. Iron
Popcorn also contains iron. Iron is important for a growing child, as it is essential in the creation of new blood cells.
6. Minerals
Minerals are an important class of micro-nutrients like manganese, zinc and magnesium (nutrients needed in small amounts) which help in the proper functioning of the cells.
7. Guilt-Free Snacking
The high amount of dietary fibre in popcorn keeps one full. Hence, it prevents overeating and weight gain in young kids.
Risks of Giving Popcorn to Young Children
The risk in making popcorn for toddlers and babies is that they can end up choking them. Babies and toddlers don't have the ability to chew and grind food properly or to identify choking hazards while chewing.
Precautions to Take While Giving Popcorn to Kids
Here are some precautions to consider when giving popcorn to your child:
Teach your child to eat only the fluffy part of the popcorn and not ingest the hard part.
Do not allow your toddler to move about or run around while eating.
When heavily flavoured with butter, salt, and the like, the health benefits of plain air-popped popcorn are reduced.
You may want to get trained in CPR and the Heimlich manoeuvre. These techniques may come in handy at any point of time in your child’s life.
Safe Alternatives to Popcorn for a young Child
The best alternative would be puffed-corn snacks such as those found in the chips section. Avoid spicy corn puffs, especially for babies because they will not just be unpalatable, but children are prone to wipe their eyes and nose even as they eat, and they might put their finger in their eyes after eating spicy puff corn and it may hurt their eyes.
Easy and Tasty Popcorn Recipes for Children
Here are some kid-friendly popcorn recipes that can be tried at home.
1. Banana & Honey Popcorn
Who doesn't love a banana or honey? We all do and kids simply enjoy anything sweet! So, try this recipe of banana and honey flavoured popcorn for your kid.
What You Need
Ripe Bananas
Honey
Plain Popcorn
How To Prepare
Mash the bananas to form a pulp and transfer it to a bowl.
Add the popcorn on top and drip as much honey as you’d like over it.
Enjoy.
2. Popcorn Lemony
This recipe adds a tangy twist to popcorn and kids will love it.
What You Need
Plain popcorn
Unsalted butter (4 tbsp)
Salt (1/2 tsp)
Powdered sugar (1 and a half tsp)
Lemon zest (2 tsp)
Vanilla extract (1/2 tsp)
How to Prepare
Heat the butter slightly so that it melts.
Add the rest of the ingredients (not popcorn) to the melted butter and mix.
Coat the popcorn with the mixture prepared.
You can even add some poppy seeds to the mixture for a nutrition boost.
3. Cheesy and Spicy Popcorn
There’s nothing like some flavourful cheese and spices along with popcorn.
What You Need
Plain popcorn
Salt (1/2 tsp)
Grated cheese (1/2 cup)
Chilli powder (1/4 tsp) or pepper (1/2 tsp)
How to Prepare
Mix the finely grated cheese with chilli and salt.
Sprinkle it on the popcorn and mix.
Heat for about 10 secs in the microwave and it is ready.
4. Buttered Popcorn
Butter popcorn is extremely delicious and kids will love its taste.
What You Need
Plain popcorn
Unsalted butter (3tbsp)
Salt (1/2 tsp)
How to Prepare
Melt butter in a pan.
Heat the popcorn in a microwave, slightly (10 seconds should do).
Add the melted butter to the popcorn and mix well.
Sprinkle salt and serve.
5. Almond and Coconut Popcorn
Try this recipe of almond and coconut popcorn.
What You Need
Plain popcorn
Salt (1/2 tsp)
Few almonds (slivered)
Shredded coconut (3/4th cup)
White chocolate chips (1/2 cup)
How to Prepare
Saute coconut and almonds together in a non-stick pan.
Add salt to the sauteed coconut and almonds and mix them with white chocolate chip cookies.
Warm the popcorn slightly in the microwave and mix other ingredients to it.
There is no other snack like popcorn. Eating popcorn while watching your favourite TV show or movie gives you immense pleasure. So, don't wait, try these popcorn recipes for kids and let them enjoy.
Also Read: Healthy and Tasty Pizza Recipe for Kids Read more
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Rewards for Kids - Best Ways to Motivate Your Children
Many parents have been confused about whether we are adequately reprimanding our child when trying to teach them a valuable lesson. How much is too much, is always the question. Some parents are worried about their reproaching techniques, not being strong enough as well. But how many parents have wondered about the system of reward and recognition with the children? It is important to adequately reward your child for good behaviour or good work done. This naturally encourages them to be better. The child stays motivated and does better than before because of the good feeling that comes along with being rewarded. So, what are the best ways to reward a child? Read on and find out more.
Amazing Ideas to Reward Your Children
There are some fantastic reward ideas for kids that can help reinforce positive behaviour and practices. Take a look at some of them:
1. Affection and Genuine Appreciation of the Effort Made
The best reward for children’s good behaviour is your love and affection. Nothing drives home a point like genuine love. Give your child that extra cuddle or that kiss to reiterate that their behaviour was good. Use positive words to appreciate the effort they made to complete a task or show good behaviour.
2. Give Them Their Favourite Food
A happy kid is one that loves his food. Even if you have to indulge them with his favourite snack that is conventionally off limits, do it because your child will understand what a deep impression his good behaviour has had on you. Naturally, don’t make this the only kind of reward you are giving out, because you might just be encouraging unhealthy practices without meaning to.
3. Buy Them that Toy They Have Been Nagging About
Not every reward has to mean spending money, but occasionally, you can give your child the toy that they have been losing sleep over. Make the reward worth the task accomplished. A class topper, a medal won, or an exceptionally selfless act deserves a gift of value.
4. Do a Fun Outdoor Family Activity
Spend quality family time at a picnic spot or a nature trail. This is a reward that combines the goodness of family time with inculcating a love for nature and the environment. Your child will begin to have a healthy respect for the earth thanks to your reward system.
5. Allow Their Favourite Friend to Accompany Them To A Mall or Activity Centre
As a special treat, allow a sleepover with a good friend or take a group of your child’s friends out to a place of their choice. This could be one of the fun rewards for kids that your child looks forward to. If you decide on taking the children out, make sure that you choose the right place. Taking them to a mall and then refusing everything they want will not really count as much of a reward according to the child. Decide on something that you are well within your capability to handle alone.
6. Winner’s Pride Cards
Keep some pride cards handy. This reward works especially well when you have more than one offspring. Healthy competition amongst siblings for a pride card can be a win-win for everyone in the house. Make decorative and pictorial cards that have phrases like’ I cleaned my room today’, ‘I finished my vegetables’, or ‘I always follow the rules’. Children love bragging about how good they are at things. Appreciation in the form of a Pride card or a Brag card can boost their will to do more in future.
7. Kindness and Benevolence Rocks
Have a set of beautifully painted rocks, shells, or pebbles that become an entire collection when done. Hand one out for exceptionally good acts of charity or kindness displayed. You could pick your baby’s favourite TV show or cartoon characters and make a collection of ‘Peppa Rocks’, “Avengers’, ‘Paw Patrol’ etc. Make sure that your child understands that what they have done is outstanding and that the collectable rocks are very special because they cannot be bought, just like kindness and selflessness.
8. Ask Them to Choose What Chore They Want to Omit As a Reward
One of the best rewards for finishing up daily chores is to allow them to leave out one chore of their choosing for an evening, an entire day, or even a week, depending on what level of rewards they have earned. This will ensure that your child completes all chores on time, even in the future, because it is a motivational rewards for kids.
9. Gift Them Something Related to Their Favourite Activity
Every child has a favourite activity. This could be gardening, painting, paper crafts, or even games like football, soccer, or cricket. Gift them something important associated with said interest. It could be an autographed bat from their favourite player, or simply a new gardening tool. These types of rewards for children can encourage them to take more interest in their hobbies.
10. Build It Up with A Reward Chart
One of the most positive rewards for kids is a reward chart. Your child can visualise how well they have done, what activities or behaviour has earned them the rewards, and how they can earn more rewards. This helps them maintain good behaviour in the long run.
Remember that you know your child best. The ideas that you pick should suit your child’s personality, temperament, and preference. Have some rewards that are given only under truly rare circumstances so that your child doesn’t end up taking the reward system for granted. Help them earn their rewards so that both of you can enjoy the fruit of perseverance.
Also Read:
Effective Positive Discipline Techniques for Children
How to Foster Positive Thinking in Children
Positive Words of Encouragement for Kids Read more
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Sugar free Kaju katli
Unlike the traditional kaju katli, this no sugar version is just mildly sweet because of milk sugar- lactose. It is flavored with rose petals and rose water. Rose petals and rose water impart thats sweet fragrance to this kaju katli. All those who love to have sweets but feel guilty about it, do not feel guilty any more. This lower calorie kaju katli, will reduce your calorie load for sure. Diabetics can also take a piece or two of this and feel happy of not adding up to your glucose levels.
Though you may find this kaju katli darker than the original one, it still has a great cashew taste.
Serves
Preparation Time
Cooking Time
10 People
10 Minutes
10 Minutes
Ingredients
4/5 cups broken cashew nuts
3/4 cup milk powder
2 tbsp (tablespoons) rose water
1/4 cup full fat milk
1 tbsp or more dried rose petals
Method
Step 1
Powder the cashew nuts finely, but be careful, not to churn it into oily cashew butter.
Step 2
Add the milk powder, milk and a tbsp of rose water in a microwave safe glass bowl.
Step 3
Mix everything well till the milk powder dissolves and allows a sticky paste to be formed.
Step 4
Now microwave for one and half minutes, the paste will fluff up in the microwave.
Step 5
Take out and mix well again with a spoon. Repeat the procedure 3-4 times till the paste forms a ball.
Step 6
Add the rose petals in last, mix well and let it cool. It becomes very oily as the fats separate.
Step 7
Fold parchment paper like a book.
Step 8
Place the ball of cashew paste on one half of the parchment and cover with the other half.
Step 9
Roll out with the help of a rolling pin.
Step 10
Roll out the fudge to fill in the corners as well. The thickness should be the same all over.
Step 11
Lift the fudge along with the parchment paper casing.
Step 12
Place it on an appropriately sized tray and refrigerate till cold.
Step 13
Cut into squares or diamonds using a scale.
Step 14
Decorate in a plate and serve.
Nutritional Information
Calories
45
Sodium
1 mg
Total Fat
3 g
Potassium
0 mg
Saturated
1 g
Total Carbs
4 g
Polyunsaturated
1 g
Dietary Fiber
0 g
Monounsaturated
2 g
Sugars
3 g
Trans
0 g
Protein
1 g
Cholesterol
0 mg
Vitamin A
0%
Calcium
0%
Vitamin C
0%
Iron
3%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Read more
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Preparing Your Dog For Your Baby’s Arrival
Introducing dogs to a baby, or training dogs for a new baby in the house, can be a tricky thing. Dog owners who are expecting to become parents soon must also consider the life transition their dog will go through once a new baby becomes a member of the house. Preparing your dog for the baby’s arrival and introducing your baby to your dog should therefore be a well thought out and planned activity.
Dogs have always cherished the position of being a man’s best friend. While dog owners cherish the presence of their dog in every aspect of their life, the arrival of a new born baby becomes a tricky aspect to handle for both the dog and the owner. New parents become overly insecure about their baby and tend to forget or ignore the needs of their pet. As a result, the dog often feels rejected, confused and resentful towards the new baby.
Training Dogs For Baby's Arrival
Start preparing your dog for a change in feeding schedule as once your baby will arrive, you will not be able to adhere to proper meal timings for him. Train your dog to be flexible so that once your baby arrives, your dog doesn’t become fussy about his food.
Hire a dog walker or develop a walking schedule for your dog which would give you some breathing space once the baby arrives. You will be operating on very little sleep for quite some time after the baby is born. Your frustration should not be vented on your dog. So plan ahead and save yourself some trouble.
Start training your dog to anticipate new smells and sounds around the house. Introduce him to smells of baby lotion, nappies and formula as well as sounds of nursery rhymes. A baby’s arrival can be a confusing phase for your dog. Make the transition smoother for him by training him in advance.
Train your dog to become less vocal and more polite. A jumping dog when you have the baby in your arms can be annoying as well as dangerous. So train him now to remain on all fours. Also train him to bark less and be less vigilant. This will eventually help your create a more calm environment in the house which is suitable for your baby’s nap time.
Your dog will have to learn to be more obedient once your baby is around. So start conditioning him to respond to instructions like sit, stay, down and go away. This will save you a lot of time and energy and keep both your baby and your dog happy and safe.
Introducing Dogs To Baby
Once your baby has arrived, plan the first interaction between your dog and your baby very carefully.
Get a helper or your spouse to leash your dog when you bring your baby in his vicinity for the first time.
It is normal to be nervous about this event, but instead of showing your unease, motivate your dog in a calm voice and keep giving him treats when he first gets introduced to the baby. This will help him relate to the baby in a positive manner.
Don’t shout at your dog if he tries to show dangerous levels of excitement around the baby.
Let your dog practice some hand target before you let him sniff your baby for a short while.
Once the first introduction is over, distract your dog with a chew-toy or some treats and simply hang-out with him while you hold the baby calmly. This will help your dog understand the normalcy of the situation and accept the baby faster.
It may take some time for both you and your dog to adjust to this major family change. But if you make sure to shower some love on your dog every once in a while and keep things as normal as possible, your baby and your dog will soon learn to be the best of pals. Read more
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Ways to Handle and Deal with Children from Day 1
Hello and wishing all the parents a happy and a prosperous new year... Let this year be filled with joy, good health, peace and prosperity and also in the years to come...
How many of you agree that the children of today's generation can never resist the word "NO"? They are unable to accept failures/ rejection in life. We, as parents, have the basic duty to teach our children that ups and downs in life are very common. We must teach them the hard way from the beginning itself. I mean from the time they are brought into this world. When they ask us to get something expensive, we must tell them a "NO". They must know and understand the financial position of the family before even they ask. The point I am trying to emphasize here is that we must teach them to be patient for things to reach them.
Children these days are so sensitive that they commit suicide because of their inability to face rejection or failure in life. We must make it clear that they have no right to end their life and only God has the right to decide that. Especially teenagers and adolescents. Many times, parents in the name of pampering their children do not the use the word "NO" to them, which in turn affects the child's future to a great extent.
Pampering the child is not bad... But spoiling your child is very bad. Admitting your child in an international school isn't wrong; sending your children to tuition or learning centres isn't wrong as well. But before that, please discuss with them if they are interested to take up those classes. Many children are unable to express their disinterest towards taking up those classes and throw tantrums on the teachers in the tuition/learning centres. It is a reminder to the parents that we have no right in deciding their career. We shouldn't force our interests and desires on them. As parent,s we must spend quality time with our children by conversing with them and asking about their friends, and also their academic performance. Schools/ learning centres/tuition centres can only help the child learn the concept but we as parents should follow up and help the child at home in learning the concept again. Parents' involvement in the child's development plays a pivotal role. Especially working parents, must allot time for the children and know about how they are academically performing. Education is only a part of life. It's not life itself.
The child can get affected both emotionally and physically if parents do not spend quality time with them. That's when they get violent, depressed, and and they aren't able to perform well academically.
I am working as a teacher in a learning centre, it's basically an after-school learning program. I, with personal experience, feel there are parents who get admission for their children in reputed international schools just for social strata without knowing or understanding the child's interest and capability levels. There are children who take their own pace and methods to learn and understand concepts. That doesn't mean they are slow learners or they have a learning disability. Each child has their own style of learning and different capabilities and talents. We should understand and trust our children.
We should motivate and encourage our children and teach them to frame goals. Once they achieve a goal, to motivate them more, we should recognize and reward them. It can be materialistic or with good smooth and encouraging words or just fulfilling one of their wishes. Encouragement is very important. Last but not the least, please do not compare your child's academic performance with that of other children. Because that is as equal as to killing our own children. Thank you. Stay in touch with me for more articles.
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her. Read more
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 5 months
15 hours ago
Q. I got faint line all my pregnancy test and I missed my periods for 10 days but USG and TVs test confirm there is no pregnancy is there any chance that it is very early stage that's why it is not visible???? or TVs test is the last thing that can tell that really there is no pregnancy
Read moreRashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
15 hours ago
A. I think it would be advisable for you to get an ultrasound done with your doctor that’s going to give you a clarity because if there is a pregnancy it would be visible at least at least that sack is visible if it’s a regular pregnancy so it would be advisable to have a test with your doctor
Dr. Minal Acharya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
11 hours ago
Q. mere twins baby girl and boyhai one month 8 days old kya mai ghutti de sakte hun ya gripe water de sakte hun aur kab se start kar sakte hun
Dr. Minal Acharya
Nutritionist
11 hours ago
A. dear Mum, you should not give any sort of gripe water or ghutti to your baby. these are unhealthy and dangerous and can cause infection to your baby. so, these should be completely avoided.
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
11 hours ago
Q. I am currently 32 week pregnant.I recently had growth scan.mu baby is in cephalic presentation. Does this change as I approach my due date. Also my EDD is July 25 and EDC is July 2. what is my expected due date. Also what is EDC?
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
10 hours ago
A. edc is expected date of delivery only.
that is 40 weeks
You will get more information for your query with your family doctor. You may meet your dr in person for proper guidance .
It is important to remain in contact with your doctor.
Swati Kar Samanta has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 7 months
10 hours ago
Q. why I am getting dizziness in my pregnancy
I am going with 3rd month of my pregnancy it's a very strong dizziness I feel at times means every day .....no other symptoms of pregnancy .Please help with elaboration .All okay means isn't part of this journey.
Read moreSwati Kar Samanta
Mom of a 2 m old girl
28 mins ago
A. Do consult your doctor as soon as you can. It's important to find the real reason because without that, proper medication is not possible.
Dr Priyanka Kalra has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
10 hours ago
Q. I am currently 32 week pregnant and had growth scan recently.My baby is in cephalic presentation.does this change after 36 week or does this remain the same?
Dr Priyanka Kalra
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
3 hours ago
A. usually fixed. better to show to specialist always as they get the correct diagnosis. try to avoid self and extra medication that will only complicate this and create more damage to the child
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. it's my 5 month n I still didn't went for check up yet not even once is it okay if I go now or?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
1 hour ago
A. You should have started going from the very beginning itself once you get to know you’re pregnant but since you haven’t reached that now if you’re pregnancy has been healthy last five months please get it checked with your doctor also if you need to start with any supplements or diet the doctor would advise you after a ultrasound so please visit your gynaecologist
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