Parents Magazine (February 2020)

Nachos? Wings?




Potato Skins?





All of the above.






Reynolds Wrap , your GAME DAY M.V.P.
®

























































































Reynolds Consumer Products LLC.

“This is the good stuff” is a trademark of
Recipes at ReynoldsKitchens.com/GameDay
© 2020 Reynolds Consumer Products, LLC.

KIDSÑPets





I’M NO HERMIT!
I LOVE TO
SOCIALIZE .
Animal


House!



Olivia, 10, and
her hermit crab,
Pincher

photograph by
MEI TAO
































OLI V I A CH ATS
A BOUT HER
SHELLY FR IEND:

1
We don’t really know
how old he is.

2
He eats a lot of garbage.
Once I built him a
cardboard bridge for his
tank, and it disappeared
because he ate it! He
also eats his own poop.

3 WARDROBE STYLING BY SARAH CLARY FOR THE WALL GROUP. GROOMING BY SUMMER TRAN. PROP STYLING BY TRACY MORGAN.
He sheds his skin to grow
bigger and changes
his shell in super secret. CHILD WRANGLING BY MELANIE SAWYER. ON OLIVIA: JACKET, ROCKETS OF AWESOME. SHIRT, J.CREW.

4
I hear him dragging
things around the tank
at night when I’m
in bed. I turn on his little
light and watch him.

5
He doesn’t like
my younger brother.
He only likes me!





P A R E N T S 48 F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0

Vet recommended for © 2019 Mars or Affiliates. Treat shape is a trademark. US Patent No. 587,428
dental care that dogs love



T E N D T O MAKE PEACE WITH YOUR PHONE
Y O U R S E L F , B O D Y _ _ _ _ _LET GO OF MOM GUILT
A N D S O U L BE KINDER AS A COUPLE _ _ _ _ _



































































How Busy


Moms Get

Glowing


It’s not your
imagination—mom
life makes just
about everyone look
older (see sleep
deprivation, stress,
hormone changes).
But there are steps

you can take to
outsmart the aging
process. Here’s
how to protect and
nourish your skin.


by SHANNON M. BAUER
photograph by
THAYER ALLYSON GOWDY P A R E N T S 51 F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0

YOUÑBeauty







Your New Skin-Care Routine

If you snagged an appointment with a top dermatologist
and asked her what you should do to keep
your skin firm and bright, here’s exactly what she’d say.


A.M. P.M.


1 1
Splash some water on your face. Wash your face with a gentle
“You can skip cleanser since cleanser, like Garnier SkinActive
your skin didn’t accumulate dirt or Water Rose Micellar Cleaning Water
pollution while you slept,” says ($9; garnierusa.com), to remove
Shereene Idriss, M.D., a dermatologist makeup, dirt, excess oil, and
in New York City and a mom of two. pollution without stripping your skin
Then smooth on a serum with of essential moisture.
vitamin C, an ingredient that helps
neutralize free radicals, protecting 2
skin from adverse effects of UV light Apply a glycolic-acid serum one
and pollution (try OleHenriksen night, a retinol serum the next.
Truth Serum, $48; sephora.com). Alternating between them ensures
When left unchecked, these that you get the smoothing,
molecules can cause major damage firming, and brightening benefits of
to the skin that eventually shows both antiaging powerhouses
up as dark spots and fine lines, says without irritating your skin. Glycolic
Claire Chang, M.D., a dermatologist acid, found in L’Oréal Paris
in New York City. Revitalift Derm Intensives 10% Pure
Glycolic Acid Serum ($30;
2 drugstores), is an alpha hydroxy
Apply a moisturizer with an acid that breaks up the “glue”
SPF of 30 or above, like Neutrogena holding dead cells to the skin, says
Bright Boost Moisturizer With Dr. Chang, while retinol (try Olay
Sunscreen SPF 30 ($20; drugstores). Regenerist Retinol24 Night Serum,
“Wearing a daily sunscreen is $29; drugstores) revs cell turnover,
hands down the best way to prevent drawing healthy skin to the surface. If
wrinkles and uneven tone and you’re pregnant or breastfeeding,
texture,” says Deanne Robinson, M.D., or you want a natural alternative, swap
a dermatologist in Westport, your retinol for a bakuchiol serum,
Connecticut, and a mom of four. like Burt’s Bees Renewal Intensive
Firming Serum (not shown, $20;
drugstores). New research has found
that this plant extract affects
cells the same way retinol does.

3
Tap on eye cream. The skin around
your eyes is the first place
to show signs of aging, like fine lines.
And lack of sleep magnifies them,
says Dr. Robinson. Look for a formula
with hyaluronic acid to plump
skin and antioxidants to help prevent
crow’s-feet. Try Ghost Democracy
Boomerang Firming Eye Concentrate
($30; ghostdemocracy.com).

4
Moisturize. As wonderfully effective
Daily SPF as antiaging formulas are, they
can spur dryness, says Dr. Idriss. Milk
is an Makeup Vegan Milk Moisturizer
antiaging ($38; sephora.com) contains a blend
must-have. of four plant-based milks to
calm inflammation and hydrate skin.







P A R E N T S 52 F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0

1 3
ANTIAGING
TECH

Doctors have access
to more aggressive
and effective
skin treatments than
those we can get
our hands on at home.
Here are a few:

P E E L S A typical
at-home peel contains
less than 15 percent
of an alpha hydroxy acid.
Professional versions
can go up to 40 percent
(average price is $125).
Medium to deep peels
remove stubborn dark
spots and target wrinkles 2
better, says Dr. Idriss.

L A S E R S A N D
R A D I O F R E Q U E N CY
4
T R E AT M E N T S These
devices direct different
waves of light, heat, or
energy into the skin to When to Add a Treatment
cause controlled injuries, Your daily regimen goes a long way in preventing signs of aging.
which your cells respond
to by generating new But if you have a specific concern (age spots, wrinkles,
skin cells. “They are able a dull cast) that you want to target, there’s more you can do.
to fix things that topical
treatments can’t, such as
D E F I N E YO U R Spot Micro Tip Patch ($18 for (forehead, cheeks, chin, and
deep acne scars or a
FAC E S H A P E six patches; sephora.com) neck) a few nights per week
lot of sun damage,” says
Dr. Idriss. Two popular Sharp cheekbones and a taut to the spot you want to treat. before applying your serum.
options: an intense-pulse jawline can start to droop It contains a strong dose of
light treatment, which due to gravity and the naturally vitamin C, which helps break B R I N G O N T H E
targets skin tone and occurring loss of collagen up the excess pigment. Leave R A D I A N C E
texture (price starts at and elastin. Ingredients called the patch on overnight, then Sleep-deprived, dehydrated,
OPPOSITE, WOMAN: PAUL WESTLAKE/THE LICENSING PROJECT. ALL OTHERS: JEFFREY WESTBROOK.
$400) and a fractional peptides can help support remove it in the morning. stressed skin accumulates dull,
laser treatment like Fraxel your skin’s structure, says dead skin cells and doesn’t
Dual ($1,600), which treats Dr. Robinson. They are proteins P R E V E N T reflect light well, giving you
wrinkles, pigmentation, that trigger the creation of F I N E L I N E S that even-my-skin-looks-tired
and scars. collagen and make skin more Collagen-stimulating products situation. In addition to logging
resilient. (1) No7 Laboratories are the key to softening fine more uninterrupted hours
I N J E C TA B L E S
Neurotoxins such as Botox Firming Booster Serum lines, says Dr. Chang. You’re of rest (a mom can dream), use
and Jeuveau (price starts ($42; walgreens.com) contains already using glycolic acid and an exfoliant to slough off
at $270) temporarily peptides as well as hyaluronic retinol in your daily routine, cells, says Dr. Idriss. Once a
reduce muscle activity, acid and amino acids. Apply but you can also incorporate a week, after cleansing, apply
stopping you from it after you cleanse each night, tool. The (3) Stacked Skincare (4) NIA24 Resurfacing Crystals
deepening the lines from then layer your regular serum Microneedling Face Refining ($45; dermstore.com), which
facial expressions. and moisturizer on top. Tool 2.0 ($125 for the tool, combine a physical scrub with
Results last for a couple $50 for two replacement lactic and mandelic acids
of months. Filler L I G H T E N heads; stackedskincare.com) to brighten complexion. Then
injections (like Juvéderm DA R K S P O T S creates tiny injuries in the follow with your retinol serum
and Restylane, $600 per Hyperpigmentation can come skin, which trigger your skin and moisturizer.
syringe) smooth fine lines from acne scarring, melasma, cells to shift into repair
or replace volume loss by and sun exposure. And a new mode and increase collagen
plumping lips, undereye mom’s hormone fluctuations production. The rush of
hollows, or cheekbones, may make spots you already healthy tissue to the area EASY SKIN-CARE
SHOPPING!
and last for about a year. Scan this code with
have darker, says Dr. Robinson. minimizes fine lines and acne
your phone’s
After you’ve finished your p.m. scars. Roll the tool vertically, camera to visit our
skin-care routine, apply a diagonally, then horizontally Amazon shop
(no app needed).
(2) Dr. Jart+ Focuspot Dark over sections of your face

Ordinary tissues





can turn your nose red.






Try the soothing softness






of instead.


























































































A nose in need deserves indeed

YOUÑ Self-Care



BEAUTY
WHILE
MOMMING




Why Wellness


Rituals Matter


These days, taking care of my skin

and hair isn’t just a task on my
to-do list; it’s something I enjoy. Here’s

how I shifted my thinking—and
my mood—about beauty maintenance.

by KATE SANDOVAL BOX / photographs by JEFFREY WESTBROOK
“Mama time”
now, “me time”
later.
than a minute, leaves my complexion
thoroughly cleansed, and gives me a
true moment of rest.

TWO YEARS AGO, when I was caring An Epic Shower
for a toddler and a newborn, the notion On Sunday afternoons, while the kids
of prolonging my skin-care routine nap, I take the kind of shower I don’t
seemed absurd. My nightly goal was have to rush through because my
to wipe my face, brush my teeth, and children have flung open the bathroom
face-plant into my pillow as fast as door. I start with a scalp scrub like
possible. But now, with two preschoolers Nexxus Scalp Inergy Gentle Exfoliating
underfoot, I’ve changed my thinking: Scalp Scrub ($15; drugstores). I get so
An evening beauty routine means being much satisfaction out of massaging it
alone! I still haven’t managed to escape into my wet scalp to exfoliate the dead
to a yoga class or a movie, but I do have skin cells, and I swear it helps my hair
the means to zone out and de-stress in stay clean. After I rinse, I shampoo and
my bathroom. Caring for my skin then apply a deep conditioner, letting it
and hair is my reward for getting two A chic soak in while I try a body mask or scrub,
kids to sleep (although on especially washcloth or shave, or just sit on the shower floor.
difficult nights, I need ice cream too), gives
and because I schedule this self-care spa vibes. Face Roll and Chill
regularly, I never feel deprived of it. Give Does gliding a rose-quartz face roller
my top three rituals a try yourself. across my skin do much for it? Who
knows! But the cooling stone feels
Luxe Cleansing refreshing, the repetitive movement is
Dermatologists have successfully drilled calming, and, hypothetically, the soft
into me that it’s critical to remove pressure encourages circulation and
the grime, makeup, and pollution that lymphatic drainage, which depuffs and
pile on during the day, so I wash my gives skin a warm glow. Most nights
face every night no matter how tired I Cue the I nestle into a corner of the couch with
am. And I make the most of it! I work relaxation. my Jenny Patinkin Rose on Rose Face
a layer of buttery cleansing balm like Roller ($38; jennypatinkin.com) while
Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup-Melting streaming Workin’ Moms. It’s bliss,
Butter Cleanser ($34; sephora.com) with or without the cookies ’n’ cream.
TOP LEFT: KATHRYN PAGE. I soak a washcloth in warm water, Scan this code with your phone’s
into my skin, allowing it to melt. Then
GET TO KNOW OUR
squeeze it out, and place it on my face.
BEAUTY DIRECTOR!
I close my eyes and take a few deep
camera to see what’s
breaths before I gently wipe the balm
happening on Kate’s Instagram
page (no app needed).
off my skin. The process takes less


P A R E N T S 57 F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0

YOUÑHea lth

























THE STATS probably won’t
surprise you: Most millennial
moms spend up to three hours
a day on their phone. Yes,
that’s an awful lot. But we’re
all so, so busy, and our devices
help us manage our stress-
soaked lives. You can order
pad thai, schedule a spin
class, re-up on diapers, and
LOL with a friend—all from
the couch. “I’m reluctant to
issue a universal prescription
for how or how much you
should use your phone,”
says Dayna M. Kurtz, a
psychotherapist and author
of Mother Matters: A Holistic
Guide to Being a Happy,
Healthy Mom. “Instead, I
encourage moms to remember
that their phone can be
an invaluable resource if they
use it wisely.” The next time
some talking head laments
the damage that devices have
had on our generation,
consider this alternate spin.



THE BAD R AP:
Social media isolates and
depresses us—all
that fakery and FOMO!


THE GOOD NEWS:
Connection to others is
Feel Better essential for parents.
Instagram and Facebook keep
About Your Phone a wide swath of people,
even those who are far away,
Just for a minute, forget the gloom-and-doom updated about your child’s
headlines about screen addiction. progress. Whether you’re

If used mindfully, that device of yours can put a stumped about how to ditch
the pacifier or tackle your
world of benefits in the palm of your hand. BONNINSTUDIO/STOCKSY.
first-grader’s homework
by BETH JANES (Common Core!), your parent
message board can likely help.




P A R E N T S 58 F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0

Eighty percent of moms told THE BAD R AP:
the Pew Research Center that Phones kill intimacy.
they receive support online. You can’t nurture
The more honest and open Show Your Phone Who’s Boss a relationship via text.
that camaraderie, the better:
“It’s really validating to see THE GOOD NEWS:
that other moms struggle You can text strategically
DITCH THE DINGS
too,” says psychologist Sarah to stay connected
“I turned off push notifications so
Coyne, Ph.D., professor of with your partner.
I’m not constantly bombarded by things
family life at Brigham Young This is crucial in the heavy
I feel I need to respond to right away.
University. “What can be years of parenting. When you
Instead, I set aside a specific time to deal
truly upsetting are the ‘I’m feel like you haven’t seen your
with them all at once.”
perfect, we’ve got perfect spouse for a week outside
—Brandi Montague; Los Angeles, CA
kids, life is glorious’ types of of those exhausted half hours
posts.” So just unfollow or between your kid’s bedtime
block those accounts, since and your own (which you
ADD A WATCH
they’re not real anyway. spend wolfing down takeout
“I like the distance my smartwatch gives
while watching Stranger
me from my phone. I can quickly
THE BAD R AP: Things), a lively text convo
see alerts I need and ignore the others.”
Phones destroy your can keep you in sync. No one
—Rebecca Fitzmaurice; Evanston, IL
body by straining would recommend having
eyes, kinking necks, and serious heart-to-hearts with
numbing thumbs. NARRATE YOUR USAGE your thumbs, but texting
can be a means of flirting, of
“I’ll tell my son, ‘I’m going to check
THE GOOD NEWS: in with Auntie Kara since she’s reviving inside jokes. Just
If you’d like a digital having a tough week.’ That way he knows abide by the golden rules of
method of bettering your I’m connecting to a human, not the digital age: No scrolling
body, you’ll be a device. Sometimes I open my mouth to at the table, and keep your
delighted to learn that explain and realize it’s not a phones out of your bedroom.
there are hundreds to good reason. Then I put my phone away.”
choose from. THE BAD R AP:
—Lissa Hurchalla; Santa Monica, CA
Most of us have at least one Phones divert your
fitness or wellness app on attention from your child
our phone. You can learn to (you negligent monster!).
meditate (Stop, Breathe &
Think offers more than THE GOOD NEWS:
50 guided programs), track It’s smart to take a break
your cycle (Flo has thousands now and then.
of fans), or even watch your Sometimes your attention
water intake (WaterMinder needs to be elsewhere so you
has you covered). The don’t, well, lose your mind.
super-popular Sweat: Kayla A quick breather makes a big
Itsines Fitness app has difference, and research in
a postpregnancy program. the journal Child Development
Beyond diet and exercise, provides reassurance that
phones can make health care it won’t harm your bond
more convenient. Mobile with your child. Even a brief
apps like Doctor On Demand respite lets you come back
offer video visits with a fresher and more eager to
provider, saving you from crawl around playing “Let’s
schlepping to a clinic for, say, pretend we’re cats.” A phone
the pinkeye that’s infected all POWER IN YOUR POCKET allows that break to be mental,
HERO IMAGES/GETTY. meanwhile, makes it easy to camera to read a list of 11 unexpected traipsing off to another room,
of kindergarten. Talkspace,
not physical—you’re not
Scan this code with your phone’s
connect with licensed
leaving your child—but you’re
ways having kids can change how
you use your phone (no app needed).
still getting the replenishing,
therapists via text, voice, or
if brief, pause you need.
video messages.

YOUÑThe Heart of Parenting



































F A R E W E L L ,





MOM G UI L T








It’s a rare parent these days who isn’t
beating herself up over something: too much screen

time, too little face time, a frozen dinner,
a bottle of formula. But what would happen if we

just let the shame go? These four writers,
who did exactly that, will be happy to tell you.


illustrations by ANNE BENTLEY













Kittycat in a tutu. Across the table, my sentence or to hear one of hers for the
6-year-old son furrowed his brow and fourth or fifth or 20th time. I was
The Day I Stopped tried—too hard, I feared—to impress my just too busy watching my kids. And

Apologizing friend’s little girl. He shared his toys worrying. And apologizing.
by thrusting them an inch from her nose. By the end of dinner, my older son was
by REBECCA SWANSON
He scribbled math equations onto his in my lap, head burrowed into my
menu with a blue crayon, then shouted shoulder, overwhelmed by the volume of
the answers to his new pal a little—no, the crowded restaurant and the anxiety
I MET UP WITH an old friend in my a lot—too loudly. His complicated brain of making friends. I worried some more.
childhood town, many miles away from struggled to understand personal space. Why was this so hard for him? Despite,
the life I have now. The evening was one “Shhh. Inside voice,” I told him as or perhaps in spite of, the symptoms and
of apologies. I wiped smears of cheese off my phone diagnoses tossed around by doctors and
“Sorry. Excuse me,” I told her at dinner. with a crumpled napkin and handed it occupational therapists—sensory issues,
To the left, my toddler shrieked about back to my subdued toddler. seizures, tics, and motor delays as well
a clump of macaroni stuck to the phone “Sorry,” I said to my friend, again as giftedness—all I could do was worry.
screen, obscuring his view of Katerina and again, when I failed to finish a And apologize.




P A R E N T S 60 F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0



YOUÑThe Heart of Parenting






At the local park afterward, we “Would you stop apologizing?” she
watched my friend’s child swing across said. “Your boys are beautiful. Perfect.”
the monkey bars with the ease of a Of course they are.
circus performer. “How’s your family?” T H E M O S T How had I let this thought—the one that
I asked my friend, ready to focus on her. V A L U A B L E T H I N G I C A N plays over and over in my head at home
But I didn’t hear her answer. T E A C H M Y O L D E R when I look at my wonderful children
“Sorry,” I said again, as my son cried and think how lucky I am that they are
S O N — A N D H I S
out behind me. mine—escape me in that moment?
B R O T H E R — I S T H A T T H E R E
He had one hand on the first monkey My son has had plenty of differences
bar, both feet still planted safely on I S N O T H I N G from classmates—some emotional, some
the platform. His eyes were wide. His W R O N G W I T H H I M , A N D physical, some sensory. He is growing
hands shook. His legs quivered, and he E V E R Y T H I N G physically stronger and more confident
yelled, “Please, Mommy, help me!” every day, through occupational therapy
R I G H T W I T H H I M .
I wrapped my arms around him and and simply getting older. He has made
held him as he went from bar to bar, then wonderful friends. He is learning new
kissed him as he reached the end and emotional strategies for moving through
slid down my body to the ground. the world. At the same time, I have been
His eyes shone as he asked for help gauge the reactions of the other parents. learning that the most important job
on the next obstacle. In his mind, this And then my friend—my loving, patient, I have as a mother isn’t to apologize for
playground—like none that he’d ever understanding childhood friend of my children’s differences.
seen—was the greatest ninja-warrior 30 years—gathered up her daughter to I will always worry about their welfare,
course ever. One that he had to do from go home for bedtime and said something of course. We all do, as parents—and we
start to finish, now that he had seen his that nearly brought me to my knees. need to be our kids’ biggest advocates.
new friend zip through it with grace. But Sorry, I had told her, once again, as But the most valuable thing I can teach
he couldn’t do it alone. I helped him up, my son finally let go of his emotions, my older son—and his brother—is that
over, and through each obstacle. sobbing at the idea of leaving before he there is nothing wrong with him, and
He panicked when I suggested that it could complete the obstacle course for everything right with him.
might be easier to go in the opposite a second time, while my toddler stood, I can remind him of the book he made in
direction—which went against the concerned, by his brother’s side. kindergarten about the sun—drawn
vision of the course he had outlined in
his head. I tried to soothe him, but his
shoulders tensed and his face puckered.
A total meltdown was pending.
I imagined him through the eyes of my
friend, through the eyes of her daughter,
through the eyes of the other kids on the
playground, who were all climbing,
swinging, laughing, and playing together,
while my child stood in the middle of the
course, unaware of the fact that his loud
protests were causing other parents
to stare. Unaware that he was blocking
some kids or that others were simply
pushing past him. Unaware that his pants
were slipping down or that he was rubbing
at his nose, a nervous tic.
I bent down, pulled him into my arms,
inhaled his warm scent. “Why don’t you
tell me exactly how you need to do this,”
I whispered, “and we will do it together.”
We did it—but only after I apologized
to the next kid in line, who’d waited
for what seemed like hours for his turn.
Sorry. Sorry. Sorry. I threw all
my apologies out like candy to parade
watchers, so absorbed in worry for my son
that I didn’t listen for replies or watch to




P A R E N T S 62 F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0

in orange and yellow crayons—that the for her. I’d taken CPR, first aid, and have to grieve? I felt guilty about
other kids loved so much they argued breastfeeding classes. I’d bought my self-pity.
over who got to take it home. multiple brands of pacifiers. In her top Then one day, on a walk with a
I can remind him that his baby brother drawer, I had folded and refolded my neighbor, I finally voiced my frustration.
thinks the actual sun rises and sets on favorite onesie that said, “All of God’s “The dysplasia is not nothing,” I said. I
his big brother every day, such is the Grace in One Little Face.” pushed Grace in her stroller. She cooed
admiration from the toddler for his hero. “She has hip dysplasia,” a specialist happily in her harness and looked at me
I can remind him—as my own parents told us three weeks later, referring with eyes the color of the ocean.
did for me—that he thrills his mommy to the instability of Grace’s hip. It’s “Of course it’s not nothing,” my
and daddy constantly with his morsels of a condition that affects one in every neighbor said warmly. “And worse
wisdom, his sense of humor, and the way 20 babies. “She’ll need a harness.” things do happen to babies—”
he practices ninja-warrior obstacles in “A harness?” I cringed. My baby, who I took a deep breath, preparing for
the backyard with such determination. looked as fragile as an eggshell, would what she’d say next.
I know this, and I have tried to do this have to wear a chest strap with stirrups “But nothing worse has happened to
each and every day of his life. Until that that angled her legs out like a frog’s. your baby.”
fateful day in July when I failed my son Twenty-four hours a day. The doctor My eyes welled with tears. It was a big
on the playground far from home. Until deal—to me and all my loved ones. And it
my old friend set me straight—and I was Grace’s first big deal. It wasn’t
realized that my apologies were born of cancer or a terminal heart condition—I
my own insecurities, having once been could not imagine the pain those parents
a child with differences myself. felt—but it was also not nothing. It was,
I ’ D H A D N O S E N S E
“Thank you,” I told her, which couldn’t quite simply, my introduction to the
possibly convey the depth of my T H AT T H E H A R N E S S W A S unpredictability of parenthood, to all
appreciation. I waved as she and her A S C A P E G O AT the things I would not be able to control
daughter drove away. F O R M Y D I S A P P O I N T M E N T in Grace’s life.
I turned back to my boys. My older I’d had no sense that the harness was
A B O U T N O T H A V I N G
son was done with tears, the obstacle a scapegoat for my disappointment about
T H E “ P E R F E C T ”
course already forgotten. not having the “perfect” able-bodied,
“Mama, roll down the hill with us!” A B L E - B O D I E D , S Q U I S H Y squishy baby I’d dreamed of. I hadn’t yet
I opened my mouth to tell them we B A B Y I ’ D D R E A M E D O F. reconciled the contradiction of wishing
had to leave. The sun was dipping below away Grace’s condition while still
the horizon; it would be dark soon. wanting her exactly as she was.
But instead I kissed their flushed Slowly, I made the psychic shift from
checks and rolled down the hill, letting Grace is hip dysplasia to Grace has
my laughter tangle with their yells explained how it would prevent her hip hip dysplasia. I accepted the harness as
of joy, without a second thought about from dislocating while her socket fully a fact of our life that was helping her.
whether anyone else was watching. formed. Without it, she could walk with I put the “God’s Grace” onesie in the
a limp and have lifelong pain. But all attic and began to appreciate the
I heard was the word harness. other things I hadn’t anticipated about
“And no onesies underneath,” the Grace—from her coppery-colored
doctor said. As I watched Grace thrash eyelashes to her fingers that curled
How I Made Peace around in her new gear, I choked like cat paws.
back my urge to tell him to take off the She was in the harness for three
With My harness. I hated it. months. On the day her hips were deemed
Disappointment At home, I cried about all the tiny “normal,” I dressed her in a blue “Hip,

by EMILY BRADLEY outfits Grace would never wear. Every Hip, Hooray” onesie. I ran my hands
nursing position was awkward and over her bare legs. She squealed with
frustrating for me. the sense of freedom we both felt. I
“This is not a big deal,” people said. watched her kick her legs and marveled
“THERE’S A CLICK in her hip,” the “I know,” I’d respond. “We’re so lucky that she would not remember any of
pediatrician announced. I watched her that it can be fixed.” this. She didn’t even have her first tooth
pull my baby’s hips apart like the wings Most conversations minimized my yet. I was the one who had to absorb the
of a butterfly as she performed a Barlow experience of having to adjust to a emotional impact of this setback, as
maneuver—the routine newborn exam new, unexpected normal and gave I probably would countless times in the
done to check for hip abnormalities. me the bottled-up feeling that I was future. Motherhood, along with all of
Grace was 1 day old. She was my first being silenced. It was just a fixable its joys, would bring a continual cycle
child, and I had obsessively prepared click in Grace’s hip. What right did I of letting go.

YOUÑThe Heart of Parenting








There’s Never
Enough Time—and

That’s Okay
by RENÉE BACHER




RAISING THREE children under the
age of 5, I wished sometimes that each
of them were our only one.
When our eldest, Hannah, was an
infant, I carried her everywhere in a
sling. When she was a toddler, my
husband and I did handsprings over her
potty accomplishments. When she
was a preschooler, we gave every question
of hers a thoughtful response. There
was nothing more enjoyable than paying
attention to Hannah. Having more
children, it seemed, could only mean
more of a good thing.
Enter our second, Isaac. Hannah
had been so easy; subconsciously, I think
I assumed he’d be Hannah: The Sequel.
But our son had other plans. He arrived
with a penis, first of all—totally
different equipment—and while he
was sweet and snuggly, he had a lot of
ear infections, which meant he slept
little and cried quite a bit.
My main impediment to bonding with
Isaac, however, was that every time we
were on the verge of a blissful moment, he would no longer love interrupting “Oh no you did not,” she said, patting
a demanding little blond girl would Hannah and Isaac’s cherished hour her brother tenderly. Benny nuzzled
interrupt us for a snack, a story, or a of television by pressing the remote’s against her. Isaac patted him too. I felt
tantrum. What had happened to those on-off switch faster than you could like the Wicked Witch of the West.
daily naps our angel used to take? With drum your fingers. What had happened to me?
Isaac in the picture, suddenly Hannah With Hannah, I had often found her For years I felt guilty about not
was never tired. “terrible twos” behavior cute and being able to give our sons the same
Almost immediately, I felt that Isaac endearing. With Isaac, it was annoying, quality of attention we had given our
was getting the short end of the stick. but I figured that was because I was daughter. Sometimes I daydreamed
And I didn’t have much time to focus on pregnant and tired. With Benny, my about the kind of kids our boys might be
his accomplishments because another patience level hit rock bottom. if we’d spent as much time alone with
little person quickly entered our world. One day, while filling the tub with all each of them as we had with Hannah.
Benny was born when Isaac was the kids in the bathroom, I turned to Certainly, there would have been more
15 months old. Money was tight and I take off Isaac’s turtleneck. In that split interest in books and less whining,
knew this would be our last child, second, Benny jumped into the bath crying, pushing, and biting.
so I willed myself to slow down and water, fully clothed. And yet, despite the chaos and
savor his baby days. But savoring “Benjamin!” I shrieked, dropping aggression, our boys still seemed to be
was impossible with two pushy toddlers an expletive, yanking him out by the growing into smart, loving, generous,
constantly vying for my attention. arm, and drenching myself. funny people. Have you ever seen a
A confession I’m loath to admit: Benny burst into tears. 15-month-old lay his head down on his
1
Rather than relishing Benny’s “Nice, Mom. Scream at a 1-year-old,” 2 / 2-year-old brother’s chest so that
toddlerhood, I was so exhausted that I said 6-year-old Hannah. they could suck their thumbs together?
1
wished it away. Sometimes I counted “I didn’t scream,” I said, defensively. Have you ever seen a 2 / 2-year-old share
the days until his third birthday, when “I raised my voice.” a piece of his favorite apple pie, bite




P A R E N T S 64 F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0

for bite, with his brother, unprompted something could all incite his anger. As I
by adults? got older, I learned that I’d inherited his
As our kids got older, it became easier quick temper. I would bark at the barista
I F E LT T H E H A R D
for me to find opportunities to be alone if my drink order wasn’t quite right,
K N O T I N M Y S T O M A C H
with each of them, heading to the one mortifying time slamming my coffee
neighborhood coffee shop to have a down on the counter so hard in frustration B E G I N T O U N W I N D .
blueberry muffin and hot cocoa. that cold brew splashed on the floor. I T W A S N ’ T J U S T F R O M
Eventually, I realized that my longing And as my daughter became T H E T E N S I O N
for one-on-one time in their younger increasingly independent, with more
E A R L I E R T H A T D AY.
years was not so much about them but of her own ideas, I would feel anger
I T H I N K I T H A D B E E N
about me. It was I who had felt robbed surging inside me almost all the time.
of getting to know each of our baby Why couldn’t Lucy understand that F R O M T H E
boys as well as I had known our baby hurry meant go instead of look at the W H O L E P A S T Y E A R
girl. It was I who had to give up my ducks on our walk to school? Why did O F H O L D I N G B A C K M Y
preconceived notions of the ingredients I have to tell my toddler 20 times to
F R U S T R A T I O N .
that go into making a wonderful child. put on her shoes in the morning? I
Whatever attention the boys hadn’t started lashing out in Facebook threads,
gotten from their father or from me, it gossiping about acquaintances, and
turns out, they had gotten from each honking aggressively while driving.
other or from their sister. Of course, I’d snapped at Lucy before, unwind. It wasn’t just from the tension
They came out just fine. Better than but the milk episode was a full-on yell, earlier that day. I think it had been
fine, in fact. And finally, I know that edging beyond exasperated and toward from the whole past year of holding back
the life and the love we gave them was out of control. As soon as the word left my frustration. I’d always internalized
more than enough. my mouth, I paused, fear ricocheting anger as red—vibrant, scary, with enough
through my core. I didn’t remember the power to destroy. But Lucy didn’t see it
first time my father yelled at me, but that way. Maybe if I could reframe the
I knew that I must have felt the same way I saw anger, I could learn to handle
shock, betrayal, and sadness that were it before I exploded.
The Freak-Out That stamped on Lucy’s face. Today, six months after that outburst,
Made Me I sank to the ground and reached my Lucy lets me know when her feelings are
a Happier Mom arms out, feeling guilty while she edging into the pink zone. We talk about
nestled into my shoulder, wiggling her how frustration and anger are part of
by ANNA DAVIES
face against my neck so she could get as the normal range of emotions. I tell her
close as possible while she sobbed. Later when I’m annoyed over a work
that night, when we finally lay down in project or because the WiFi is down,
IT WAS AN HOUR past bedtime, and her bed, my hand over hers while I even if she’s not listening to me. Lucy
my 2-year-old daughter, Lucy, was still smelled the scent of her baby shampoo, understands that I can see her own
in the living room. I was staring down I thought back to my outburst. short fuse—the sigh, the lip curl, the
at least two hours of postbedtime work “You know how Mommy got mad flash of annoyance on her face when a
on my laptop, and I had just filled her earlier? I didn’t mean it. It’s just that block tower falls or she can’t pull her
glass when she insisted she wanted sometimes I feel like the anger is in my shirt on—but I also see the way that
“white” milk instead of chocolate. Then belly, and it’s like this red cloud, and she pauses, breathes, and lets herself
I saw the milk puddle into a big mess on it just gets bigger and bigger and it work out the situation.
the brand-new rug, the one I’d told explodes. And that’s what happened,” It took my glitter-loving toddler to
Lucy a million times not to walk on if I explained, my own voice catching in make me realize that it was never anger
she had a cup in her hand. the dark. “Do you ever feel like that?” that defined me; it was the fear of an
“Lucy!” My voice echoed sharply as I wondered out loud. explosion like my dad’s. By finally
I felt anger rising from my stomach. Her “Yes,” she answered. learning to talk about anger—using the
wide smile crumpled. “What color does yours feel like?” I words of a child—I am now able to deal
My father always had a temper, and ventured. with it. More important, I’m no longer
yelling was part of our landscape at “Pink!” she said triumphantly. And worried that Lucy has inherited a
home. He never physically hurt my then she launched into an animated short fuse. Not only am I confident
brothers or me, but his anger was like a conversation about how the mad feeling she’ll have the tools to handle outbursts
thunderstorm in the middle of a summer she saw in her mind was glittery, and whenever they arise, but I also know
day: intense, unexpected, and loud. how it looked like the pink on the wings she will be able to use her strong
Holding a fork the wrong way, talking of fairies. As she crafted a story, I felt emotions as an asset without losing
too quietly, or accidentally breaking the hard knot in my stomach begin to her cool (or her coffee).

YOUÑHappi ly Ever A fter














































































Think Before You Speak


Unconditional love doesn’t mean you get to say whatever you’re thinking.
Treat each other just as considerately as you would a friend.

by DAPHNE d e MARNEFFE, P h.D.





JOE, A MARRIED father of two, came often blurted out a snarky comment. “I standards for treating our partner with THIS PAGE: CAVAN IMAGES/GETTY. OPPOSITE, COUPLE: MONKEYBUSINESSIMAGES/GETTY.
to me for therapy because he was feeling know I shouldn’t take out my anxiety on care and respect, we end up sabotaging
stressed, and pressure at work was a Carole,” he said with some embarrassment, the very haven we crave.
big factor. He was the sole breadwinner “but home is where I feel I can finally It’s not easy to be on your best behavior
in his family and acknowledged that he let off a little steam.” after an exhausting day at work or at
tended to be irritable when he got home, Joe was facing a common emotional home with your kids, but it’s not okay to DE MARNEFFE: JENNIFER LEIGH SAUER.
even though he admired his wife Carole’s dilemma. When we’re at home, we all react harshly to the one you love. Here
warm and loving nature. When he saw want to relax, escape obligations from are things to keep in mind that will help
the messy kitchen or his son playing on the outside world, and be our less-than- you take the high road and strengthen
the iPad instead of doing his homework, he perfect self. Yet when we also relax our your relationship for years to come.




P A R E N T S 66 F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0

Remember the power that really stung. As we talked, she Being considerate to your partner
of politeness. realized she was feeling uninspired and almost always involves trying to
Tact and respectful communication a bit boring herself and even worried appreciate his or her perspective. Your
are a positive in every interaction. No he would lose interest in her. Think about husband may want to talk about the
matter whom you’re talking to—the what makes you impatient or insensitive kids, and you may be too exhausted.
clerk at the DMV, your mother-in-law, with your partner, and consider if it might You may want to vent about your
or your partner—people are always be something you secretly see in yourself. day, but he may be too distracted. You
more responsive when you treat them If so, be kinder to yourself and it’ll be easier may have tense disagreements about
with consideration. Think about how to be kind to your loved ones. money. Recognizing the validity of
natural it felt to be kind to your partner his point of view, even if you disagree,
when you first met. Have you slid Understanding is at the heart helps give you more patience. It
into bad habits without even noticing? of loving relationships. makes you less likely to say “Could
We can all hear the difference between I had a meeting with a couple in therapy you just stop talking?” and more
saying “Could you please finish the dishes?” during which the wife criticized her able to say “Could we talk about your
and “Couldn’t you at least do the husband for liking sushi. Because she day after I’ve had a moment to rest?”
dishes?” but we often give in to the impulse personally didn’t like sushi, she’d decided Through our sessions, Joe realized
to be agitated in the moment. Just as there was something “wrong” with that giving himself permission to blurt
skipping your workout one day makes anyone’s liking it. However, respecting out critical comments wasn’t making
it easier to give up on your exercise differences is essential in any healthy him feel any better. As he understood
plan, casual rude comments can become relationship. What feels important his own emotions, he was able to voice
“gateways” to larger ones. Treat respectful to you might not feel important to your them more sensitively to Carole. He
communication as a personal goal, and partner in the same way and vice versa, apologized for having been harsh, then
put in the effort to achieve it. and insisting on sameness is a surefire told her, “I end up getting tense if
road to snarkiness. things feel chaotic when I walk in the
Practice gratitude. door, even though I know you’re doing
Adding this ritual to your day is a hugely a ton to keep everything on track here.
valuable “reset” when you find yourself I’m really going to make an effort
reacting to your partner in a not-nice way: not to take my stress out on you. If you
Pause for a few moments in the car after could try to get the homework
you drop the kids off at school or after started or neaten the kitchen before
you’ve slammed the door on your way to I get home, that might help me feel
work and take five slow, calming breaths. calmer.” She heard where he was coming
Then reflect on five things you are truly from, and said, “I’ll make an effort to
grateful for in your life. Even if you have get the homework underway before
ongoing problems with your partner, you get home and tidy the kitchen
there are still things that you appreciate as much as I can. But I need you to try
(“She works hard to pay the bills”; “He’s to cut me some slack on the days
a good dad”). Saying unkind things can when it doesn’t work out that way.”
cause us to dwell on evidence that He agreed that this was more
justifies our negative behavior. Bringing than reasonable and thanked her.
your blessings to mind restores a sense One benefit of choosing your
of proportion. words thoughtfully is that it will help
you address any underlying problems
Be kind to yourself. more effectively. And when you focus
Sometimes the hardest thing of all is on kindness, your partner is likely
to give ourselves a break, and our short to do the same. You’ll end up being less
temper with loved ones flows from P A U S E F O R stressed overall and feel even more
our discontentment with ourselves. In A F E W M O M E N T S at ease at home.
psychology, it’s called projection. But E V E R Y D A Y T O
when you find yourself criticizing your
R E M I N D Y O U R S E L F
partner for the things you don’t like
O F W H A T
about yourself, it’s a lose-lose situation: Daphne de Marneffe,
You cause pain by being unpleasant, and YO U A P P R E C I AT E . Ph.D., is a psychologist
and the author of
you also avoid facing your own problems. Maternal Desire and The
Rough Patch: Marriage
Linda, a therapy client, informed me that and the Art of Living
Together. Visit her at
she’d told her husband he was “boring,” a daphnedemarneffe.com.
blanket comment about his character

© 2019 Tyson Foods, Inc.

E N J OY PET-PROOF YOUR HOME _ _ _ _ _
T H E J O U R N E Y MAGICAL FAMILY VACAYS
T O G E T H E R _ _ _ _ _SIMPLE CHICKEN DINNERS









My Yummy

Valentine


Your kids already
know you’re
head over heels
in love with

them. But these
treats—which
you can make
together—serve as
even more proof.

by STACIE BILLS
photographs by
JOHNNY MILLER
























FOOD STYLING BY CHRISTINE ALBANO FOR BRUMLCONLON. PROP STYLING BY HELEN CROWTHER.
















Kiss Me Cakes
For recipe, see
page 76.






How did we get
such perfect letters?
A pancake pen!
We like the one from Tovolo
($10; amazon.com).









P A R E N T S 69 F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0

LIFEÑVa lentine’s Day













Chocolate Turtles
Active Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Makes 12 candies
INGR EDIENTS
1/2 cup toasted pecans
1/2 cup salted, roasted
cashews
10 store-bought caramel
candies
1 cup semisweet
chocolate chips

M A K E IT
1. Line a baking sheet with
parchment paper. Combine
nuts in a bowl. Use a
tablespoon to scoop nuts
and place them in separate
small piles on the prepared
baking sheet.
2. Place caramels in a
microwave-safe bowl. If they
are very stiff, add 1 Tbs.
water. Microwave on high
for 20 seconds. Stir, then
microwave in 10-second
intervals until they’re melted.
Stir until smooth, then
spoon caramel on top of
nut clusters.

3. Put chocolate in another
microwave-safe bowl.
Microwave on half power
for 30 seconds. Stir, then
microwave in 10-second
intervals until melted. Spoon
chocolate onto the clusters.

4. Place baking sheet in the
freezer for 30 minutes or
until the chocolate hardens.
NUTRITION PER TURTLE CANDY
167 calories; 2g protein; 11g fat
(4g sat. fat); 17g carbs; 1g fiber;
12g sugar; 42mg calcium;
1mg iron; 58mg sodium







Replace the pecans
and cashews with pretzel
bites, pumpkin
seeds, or popcorn for
a nut-free treat.



















P A R E N T S 70 F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0



LIFEÑVa lentine’s Day



























































Airy melt-in-your-mouth
meringues are
the perfect medium
for a sweet message.
It doesn’t get
more Instagrammable
than this!




















Cloud Cookies Place egg whites and sugar 3. Transfer meringue
in a double boiler or a to a pastry bag fitted with
Active Time 30 minutes 2-qt. saucepan set over a 1/4-in. plain round tip.
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
a larger pot of simmering Pipe shapes or letters onto
Makes 30 cookies
water (upper pan should parchment paper.
INGR EDIENTS
not touch the water). Whisk
3 egg whites constantly until sugar 4. Bake for 45 minutes or
3/4 cup sugar dissolves and an instant- until cookies feel dry and
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract read thermometer registers firm. Let cool on baking
1/2 tsp. lemon zest 130°F, about 6 minutes. sheet for 5 minutes, then
carefully transfer cookies to
or 1/8 tsp. lemon extract
(optional) 2. Remove pan from heat; a rack to cool completely.
add vanilla and lemon zest,
M A K E IT if desired. With an electric NUTRITION PER COOKIE PLATE, GLEENA CERAMICS.
1. Preheat oven to 200°F. mixer on medium speed, 21 calories; 0 protein; 0 fat
(0 sat. fat); 5g carbs; 0 fiber;
Line a baking sheet with beat egg whites until stiff 5g sugar; 0 calcium; 0 iron;
parchment paper; set aside. peaks form, 12 minutes. 5mg sodium




P A R E N T S 72 F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0

© 2020 Reynolds Consumer Products, LLC. “This is the good stuff” is a trademark of Reynolds Consumer Products LLC.
PERFECT


FIT EVERY



TIME





®
Reynolds Kitchens Parchment
Paper makes it easy to fit any
size pan.




this is the good stuff

LIFEÑVa lentine’s Day







Stamped Cookies
Active Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Makes 48 cookies
INGR EDIENTS
13/4 cups flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
11/2 sticks unsalted butter,
room temperature
13/4 cups sugar, divided
1 large egg, room
temperature
3 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 cup sour cream
Red natural food coloring

M A K E IT
1. In a medium bowl, whisk
together flour, baking
powder, baking soda, and

salt; set aside.
Short on time?
Use store-bought
2. Place butter and 11/2 cups sugar cookies
sugar in a large bowl. With an
instead. Either way, be
electric mixer, beat until light sure to press down
and fluffy, 3 to 5 minutes. Add firmly to make a solid
egg, vanilla, and sour cream; impression.
mix until combined.

3. Slowly add dry ingredients
to wet; mix until well
incorporated, but be careful
not to overmix. Refrigerate
batter for 30 minutes.
4. Preheat oven to 350°F.
Line 2 baking sheets with
parchment paper. Remove
dough from refrigerator.
Put remaining 1/4 cup sugar in
a small bowl.

5. For each cookie, roll a
heaping teaspoonful of dough
in your hands to form a
ball, then roll in sugar. Place
on prepared cookie sheets;
flatten slightly with your palm.

6. Bake until golden brown
around edges, about
10 minutes. Remove from
oven; let cool on sheets for
2 to 3 minutes. Use a spatula
to transfer cookies to a
wire rack to cool completely.

7. Use a pastry brush to dab
red food coloring onto clean
rubber stamps normally used
for crafts (Alphabet Stamp
Set, $20; melissaanddoug
.com). Press sweet messages
onto cookies.
NUTRITION PER COOKIE
74 calories; 1g protein; 3g fat
(2g sat. fat); 11g carbs; 0 fiber;
7g sugar; 9mg calcium; 0 iron;
75mg sodium







P A R E N T S 74 F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0



LIFEÑVa lentine’s Day








Valentine’s Day calls for
a sweet breakfast ...  PARTNER
it’s basically a muffin, PLUS TIP:
after all.



Easy ways
to veggie-boost
breakfast:
Add pumpkin puree
to oatmeal or cooked
riced cauliflower
to scrambled eggs.
Brought to you by
Green Giant.





Kiss Me Cakes
(FROM PAGE 69)
Active Time 40 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Makes about 24 pancakes
INGR EDIENTS
1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup whole-wheat flour
2 Tbs. sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
11/2 cups buttermilk
1 egg
3 Tbs. vegetable oil
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Butter or vegetable oil,
for cooking

M A K E IT
1. Preheat oven to 200°F. In a
large bowl, whisk together flours,
sugar, baking powder, baking
soda, and salt.
2. In a small bowl, whisk the
buttermilk, egg, oil, and vanilla.
3. Add the buttermilk mixture to
the flour mixture. Stir just until
moistened. Transfer batter to a
Red-Velvet Mug and springy, not doughy. If pancake pen, if using.
M A K E IT
Muffins they aren’t done, microwave
1. In a small cup, combine milk in 15-second intervals up to 4. Slick a large pan or griddle set
Active Time 20 minutes
and white vinegar. 21/2 minutes total, checking after over medium heat with butter or
Total Time 20 minutes oil. If using a pen, “write” X and O
Makes 2 servings 2. In a small bowl, combine flour, each 15-second interval. Let shapes with the pen on the hot
INGR EDIENTS sugar, cocoa powder, baking cool for 3 minutes while you pan. Or make round pancakes.
make a heart stencil.
1/4 cup low-fat milk powder, and salt. Cook the pancakes for 3 minutes
1/2 tsp. white vinegar 3. In a separate small bowl, 5. To make the stencil: Cut a or until the edges are slightly
6 Tbs. flour combine vegetable oil, egg, circle of parchment paper that dry. Flip and cook on the other
1/4 cup sugar vanilla, and food coloring. Add will fit inside the rim of the side until lightly browned, 2 more
2 Tbs. unsweetened cocoa the milk mixture and the oil mugs and cover the surface of minutes. If pancakes are round,
powder mixture to the flour mixture. the muffins. Cut a heart out cut out letters with X- and
1/4 tsp. baking powder Stir until well combined. Divide of the center of the circle. Place O-shaped cookie cutters. Place
stencil on each muffin and shake
pancakes on a plate in the oven
Pinch of salt batter between 2 microwave- on confectioners’ sugar. while completing the batch.
3 Tbs. vegetable oil safe mugs; do not fill more
than halfway.
1 egg NUTRITION PER SERVING NUTRITION PER PANCAKE
435 calories; 8g protein; 24g fat 75 calories; 2g protein; 3g fat
1 tsp. vanilla extract 4. Microwave mugs individually (4g sat. fat); 49g carbs; 2g fiber; (1g sat. fat); 9g carbs; 1g fiber;
1/2 tsp. red natural food coloring on high for 11/2 minutes. When 28g sugar; 95mg calcium; 2mg 2g sugar; 48mg calcium; 1mg iron;
Confectioners’ sugar done, the muffins should be firm iron; 186mg sodium 130mg sodium



P A R E N T S 76 F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0



LIFEÑVa lentine’s Day









Love Letters
Active Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Makes 22 letters
INGR EDIENTS
1/4 cup Wilton Candy Melts

M A K E IT
1. Place Candy Melts in a
microwave-proof bowl.
Microwave on half power
for 30 seconds. Stir
thoroughly, and if the
candy isn’t melted,
Store these continue to microwave
fun treats at room in 10-second intervals.
temperature
for up to 2 days. Stir until smooth.
2. Use a spoon to dab
melted candy into
an alphabet candy mold.
Scrape a thin spatula
across the top of the mold
to remove excess candy.
Place in freezer for at
least 30 minutes. Pop
letters out and compose
your message.

NUTRITION PER LETTER
14 calories; 0 protein; 1g fat
(1g sat. fat); 2g carbs; 0 fiber;
2g sugar; 1mg calcium;
0 iron; 3mg sodium





























Make picture-perfect
letters with the
Cybrtrayd Alphabet
A to Z Chocolate
Candy Mold
($7; amazon.com).






















P A R E N T S 78 F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0

®
M&M’S NOW STUCK IN A CHOCOLATE BAR.

WHAT’S NOT TO LOVE?

























I can think of
a few things.






©


























©



































©2019 Mars or Affiliates

LIFEÑHome

New
Column!


SAVE MY SPACE
What Should I Hang Above My Sofa?



Design experts (who also happen to be moms and dads) share brilliant and

affordable ideas for making the most of an empty wall.

by KARA THOMPSON





THE MODERN THE SMALL-SPACE
COLLECTOR SAYS ... EXPERT SAYS ...






Put Baskets Show Off
on Display a Rug






“Achieve a California-cool “A vintage rug can add
vibe by hanging an array of unexpected texture to
baskets on your wall. a wall. To decide on a
They’re natural-looking, palette, look for a rug that
light, and available in a complements the colors
range of prices. Look for in your space. Bright hues
shallow, bowl-shaped and prints will give the
options with similar color room a focal point, while
schemes, like tan or beige, muted tones lend a sense
so you can focus on the of serenity. You could use
texture and design of a 4x6-foot rug, a runner,
the weave without having or two small rugs hanging
it feel too busy. You may vertically, side by side.
already own some baskets Once you’ve found your
to start with, but if not, favorite, mount a wooden
Dear Keaton and Etsy rug or quilt hanger from
have lots of choices. Odd The Citizenry or Etsy on the
numbers make a better wall before snapping the
composition, so start with rug into place. Hanging
five baskets that vary in a rug is a great way to
size. Hang them in a casual admire it without exposing
THE DO -IT-YOURSELFER SAYS ...
design with small nails or it to the unavoidable mess
screw-in hooks, and add to that comes with family life.
your collection over time.” When your kids are older,
—Rebecca Robertson, the grouping you visualize and you can use it on the floor.”
an interior designer in Create tape them to the wall. Keep in —Gunnar Larson, an interior
New York City mind that a small arrangement designer in New York City
a Themed will get swallowed up; try to fill
Gallery the available space. Next, browse
your local thrift stores or flea CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: GAP INTERIORS/DAN DUCHARS; ARMASTAS/GETTY; COURTESY OF DEAR KEATON.
markets for affordable art and
picture frames. Don’t worry about
“A grouping of framed artwork sticking to the same artist; the
that sticks to one motif can make theme will give you enough of a
a big impact. First, choose a cohesive look. Buy Command
theme, like floral prints or black- hooks to hang the lighter pieces
and-white portraits. Then of art and OOK-brand hooks and
measure the space you have to D rings for oversize ones.”
work with. To get the layout —Stacey-Ann Blake, a blogger
Raffia baskets, $22 to $54 each; Find similar vintage rugs at
dearkeaton.com right, cut out pieces of paper at DesignAddictMom.com, revivalrugs.com.
that mimic the size and shape of in Fayetteville, North Carolina


Have a home-décor, organizing, or cleaning question? Email us at [email protected].



P A R E N T S 80 F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0

™
®
Glad with Febreze traps, locks and neutralizes tough odors like no other.

LIFEÑ Cleaning









Protect your
upholstery.
You don’t need special pet
covers. To keep dirt, fur, and
odor off couches and
armchairs, tuck inexpensive
throw blankets over the
cushions. “Buy smooth,
tightly woven wool or cotton
blankets that you can wash.
Avoid dry-clean-only
versions or anything with
a loose-knit weave that
can get pulled by claws,”
says Erin Gates, an interior
designer and author of
Elements of Family Style.
When company comes over,
simply remove the blankets.
They’re also a great defense
against spills and sticky
toddler hands.



Brush up on
grooming.
Tend to your pet’s coat at
least once a week, says
Maranda Elswick, D.V.M.,
a veterinarian and founder
of TheMeowingVet.com.
Groom your pet outside or in
a contained space like a
mudroom or a bathroom
where you can quickly clean
up the fallen hair. To
remind yourself, hang the
brush where you can see it.
Dr. Elswick likes the
FURminator line of brushes
(furminator.com). “They
remove loose hair from the
top coat and the undercoat
too,” she explains, meaning
there will be fewer dog- and
cat-hair tumbleweeds rolling
around on your floors. Psst!

A Clean House—With Pets! Pet brushing is a great chore
to delegate to older kids.
Get a whiff of this: A few clever tactics and

some smart products can help your Contain the clawing.
Cats tend to scratch on
fur babies live alongside your human babies furniture if they’re bored or
without making a huge mess. if there’s nothing they’re DANIELLE HATCHER/OFFSET.
allowed to scratch. Take a
by CAYLIN HARRIS
two-pronged approach to
preventing damage: Place a




P A R E N T S 82 F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0

NEW !




INTRODUCING

HIGH PROTEIN DRY DOG FOOD

FROM THE BRAND YOU TRUST




30 g


OF PROTEIN MADE WITH ARTIFICIAL
PER CUP REAL LAMB FLAVORS








ALSO TRY OUR DELICIOUS WET RECIPES
WITH 40G OF PROTEIN PER CAN.























Purina trademarks are owned by SociŽtŽ des Produits NestlŽ S.A.

LIFEÑ Cleaning




IT’ S N OT J U S T
YO U : T H R E E O U T
O F F O U R P E T
“I'm worth the
OW N E R S H AV E TO
price of
C L E A N U P A F T E R
vacuuming.”
P E T S DA I LY.
—2018 Libman Pets &
Cleaning Survey

Rest easy.
If you let your pet sleep with you, your
bed will get dirty. However, if you can’t
resist, there are ways to keep your bed
cleaner. “Regular grooming and paw
wipe downs will help remove dirt and
germs,” says Dr. Elswick. She also
suggests that pets sleep on top of your
comforter, at the foot of the bed on their
own throw blanket, to add a layer of
dirt protection. Pets should also receive
consistent flea and tick treatments.



Arm your entryway.
Create a kit with all the essentials for
dog walks, including leashes, dog-cleanup
bags, outdoor toys, old towels (to wipe
rope or corrugated-cardboard scratch and laundered. Dog owners might try off dirt and water), and hypoallergenic
post, like the Vesper V-Box Small leather, says Gates, who notes that it baby wipes (for quick paw wiping),
Walnut cat tower ($100; petco.com) or doesn’t hold on to fur and is easy to wipe and stash it near the door in a small bin
the You & Me Couch Cardboard Cat down, but it can show claw marks. or basket. You’ll never be caught
Scratcher ($27; petco.com), in the room unprepared for a muddy pup again.
where they’re scratching to help channel Clear the air.
their energy elsewhere. Then spritz Think of an air purifier as a robot Protect your floors.
your upholstered furniture with Ceva housekeeper for your home. It pulls dust, If you have hardwood, cover it with area
Feliway Spray ($25; amazon.com), a pet dander, and germs from the air so they rugs. In a high-traffic spot, try a combo of
vet-recommended product that deters don’t settle on surfaces. Melissa Maker, an indoor/outdoor rug with a cushioned
scratching. Just be sure to test it on founder of Clean My Space, recommends rug pad underneath. Skip anything with
a small, unseen part of the upholstery choosing a unit with HEPA filtration a loose weave that you can pull apart
before using. and paying attention to the square with your fingers, as it’s an invitation for
footage the model is meant for. One unit clawing. If covering the floors is not
won’t be able to filter your whole an option, Dr. Elswick recommends
Keep nails in check.
This will cut down on all sorts of house! Try our budget pick, the Coway Dr. Buzby’s ToeGrips ($35; shop.toegrips
damage to your home, especially on AP-1512HH Mighty Air Purifier ($230; .com), little rubber grips that go over
hardwood floors. A nail trim every amazon.com), or for extra filtration, each of your dog’s toenails to keep your
week or two is recommended, but if the buzzworthy Molekule Air purifier pet from slipping and sliding.
your dog won’t let you touch his nails, ($799; molekule.com).
Scott Sheaffer, a dog-behavior specialist Make meals mess-free.
and founder of USA Dog Behavior LLC, Don’t keep your pet’s food out all the
suggests spending at least 20 to 30 time. Not only will this help your pet
minutes of your daily walk on pavement maintain a healthy weight, but it
to help wear them down. also minimizes messes. Clea Shearer
and Joanna Teplin, the professional
organizers behind The Home Edit, TOP: LYUBA BURAKOVA/STOCKSY. BOTTOM: COURTESY OF THE BRAND.
Shop smarter.
When purchasing furniture, look for recommend placing sturdy bowls on a
indoor/outdoor fabrics for upholstery. large, easy-to-wipe place mat, like the
“They come in great patterns and Hubulk Dog and Cat Food Feeding mats
solids and aren’t stiff the way they used ($11 to $17; amazon.com). The grip helps
to be,” says Gates. If you dislike these The Molekule’s keep the bowls steady, and if there are
special filter destroys
performance fabrics, opt for cotton or any spills, cleanup is easier. If your dog
bacteria and viruses.
denim slipcovers that can be removed eats too fast and regurgitates its food,




P A R E N T S 84 F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0

S U N B R E L L A ® F A B R I C S



Unconditional love requires





unconditional fabrics.
Sunbrella ® is a registered trademark of Glen Raven, Inc.


























































































sunbrella.com

LIFEÑ Cleaning






use a Non Tip Slow Feed Bowl ($15 to
$17; neaterpets.com), which has a YO U R FO O LPRO O F TO O L K IT
moat-like design to slow eating down. Inevitably, some messes will happen. Tidy them
up with five expert picks.
Simplify food storage.
Keeping dry food in its bag makes it
easier for sneaky pets to find a way in
and make a huge mess. “We use clear
Sucks up dirt and
acrylic containers with a seal to help
washes in
keep food fresh and visible,” says Shearer. just one step!
Try Progressive’s ProKeeper pet-food
container ($23; containerstore.com),






The Bissell CrossWave Pet Pro Clean My Space founder
Multi-Surface Wet Dry Vac vacuums Melissa Maker recommends creating
and washes simultaneously, and can a paste with powdered
be used on area rugs and hardwood OxiClean and a little bit of water,
floors. Designed for homes with pets, then working it into stubborn
it has a pet-hair strainer and a pet stains on clothes, towels, and
no-tangle brush roll. $319; bissell.com other machine-washable
items before laundering. $8 for 3 lbs.;
grocery stores nationwide




and for larger pets, opt for an oversize
lidded container like Iris Pet Food
Containers ($17 to $22; containerstore Lightweight and
.com). Cut the purchase info from the cord-free
for easy use
food bag and attach it to the bin in case
of a recall, and if one pet gets special
food, label the containers. If you have
leftover food in a can, pop a rubber lid
like the Harmony Pink and Navy Rubber
Biokleen Bac-Out Pet Stain and Odor
Can Lids ($5 for two; petco.com) on Remover uses an eco-friendly
the top before refrigerating to prevent enzyme- and plant-based formulation.
accidental spills. Spray it on hard-to-tackle items like Designer Erin Gates keeps the
carpets, upholstery, and mattresses. Dyson V8 Animal cordless vac around
$11.50; biokleenhome.com for small jobs. Stash it near the
Get gear organized.
entryway to pick up dirt after your pet
Keep all medications, nail clippers, comes in. $400; dyson.com
brushes, and grooming supplies handy
in a simple plastic tote with a handle,
like the Libman Deluxe Maid Caddy
($8; homedepot.com). You can take it
wherever you need it to be; just make
sure you store it out of reach of the kids.

Choose the right pet bed.
Keeping a pet bed nice might feel
like a losing battle, but certain models
make your job easier. PetFusion Parents’ pet-owning staffers SEE SOMETHING
YOU NEED?
Ultimate Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog swear by Zero Odor Pet. Scan this code with your
Not just a cover-up or a cleanser, phone’s camera to find these
Bed ($120 for large; petco.com) has a
it eliminates odor at the molecular pet-cleaning products
removable cover made from tear-resistant level, which also prevents pets in Parents’ Amazon shop ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF THE BRANDS.
fabric. The Dozer Pet Bed ($125 to $250; from going back to the same spot. (no app required).
dozerpets.com) uses activated carbon $16; zeroodor.com
to absorb and neutralize odor.




P A R E N T S 86 F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0

COMBINE












HOME & AUTO


















Feel good knowing you have the home and car insurance


policies you deserve. You could even get a Multi-Policy discount.




























































geico.com | 1-800-947-AUTO (2886) | Local Agent








Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states, in all GEICO companies, or in all situations. Boat and PWC coverages are underwritten by GEICO Marine Insurance Company. Motorcycle and ATV coverages are underwritten by GEICO Indemnity Company. Homeowners, renters and condo
coverages are written through non-affiliated insurance companies and are secured through the GEICO Insurance Agency. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. GEICO Gecko image © 1999-2019. © 2019 GEICO

LIFEÑFami ly Travel

T H E
C H I L D H O O D
B U C K E T L I ST
12 Trips to Take Before Part 1


Kindergarten


There will come a day, maybe earlier than you think, when mini

waterslides, character meetups, and toy cars will seem babyish to your kid.
Make memories at these vacation spots before they lose their spark.

by JEFF BOGLE





























































At The Amazing World
of Dr. Seuss Museum,
kids can arrange the
Cat’s tail, arms, and legs
in different poses.



The Amazing World of founder of FamilyRoadVentures.com.
Dr. Seuss Museum Little visitors can try out instruments for
Seuss Stories Springfield, Massachusetts Horton’s Who-Ville Band, dress like Yertle,
Come to Life In Theodor Geisel’s hometown, there’s a and invent zany words using a touch screen
Your family can visit wondrous attraction that will make your in the railroad cave they’ll remember from
the Cat, almost little ones feel as if they’re walking right into Green Eggs and Ham. “We made red bow
a Dr. Seuss book, starting with the squiggly ties in The Cat’s Corner!” says Brunson.
at the drop of a hat.
railing at the entrance. “Our kids loved End your visit at the bronze sculpture MEG BRUNSON.
playing in life-size representations from garden of Dr. Seuss characters—it’s a fab
their favorite stories,” says Meg Brunson, place to throw down a blanket for lunch.




P A R E N T S 88 F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0

TUNA WILD SALMON

WILD

LIFEÑFami ly Travel





Sesame Place

The Dr. Seuss Experience
Seattle, Boston, and Houston
This pop-up exhibit—with a
balloon maze and swings
surrounded by Lorax trees—will
tour cities this year after a stint
in Toronto. (See the schedule
at experienceseuss.com.) Kaley
Richarz, of Hamilton, Ontario,
said her 3-year-old talked
to the Cat in the Hat; it uses
AI technology to reply. “My son
asked him if he wanted tea,”
says Richarz. “He responded
that he loves tea and thanked
him for bringing it.” The fam
also listened for “Whos” in
Horton’s forest and sent fuzzy
balls through a vacuum tube.


Seuss Landing
Orlando
In this part of Universal’s Islands
of Adventure, kids can eat
green eggs and ham (if they’ll
eat them anywhere, it’s here)
and ride a carousel with 50 of
Dr. Seuss’s animals. “The best Play to Their Passions
photo op is in front of the three- Plan a trip that fuels their current obsession. Hurry;
story-tall hat at the Cat in the you never know when the phase will end.
Hat ride,” says Derek Burgan,
a writer for the theme-park site
TouringPlans.com.
Sesame Place families at the entrance to this Junior Driving School
Langhorne, Pennsylvania park 90 minutes from Dallas. at LEGOLAND
While most theme parks offer Copy what Kristal Holtzclaw Carlsbad, California, and
more to do as kids get older, Molina’s family did on a visit Winter Haven, Florida
this Muppet-friendly mecca with her kids, ages 3 and 4, Just for littles ages 3 to 5, these
near Philadelphia is tailor-made last July: Take a quick pic, then colorful cars look like they’re
for the toddler and preschool look for tracks. The park has made from a LEGO set. Your
crowd. There are nearly 20 rides five main sites, all in or near a child hops in solo (she’s got
your family can go on together, riverbed. “The kids found this!) and gleefully steers
including Flying Cookie Jars sauropod and theropod tracks around a track with pint-size
and, new this spring, Big Bird’s in an area called the Blue stop signs and fuel pumps.
Tour Bus. A Neighborhood Hole,” says Molina, who blogs Attendants break up traffic THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: 2019© SESAME PLACE; TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT; JEFF BOGLE. OPPOSITE: COURTESY OF THE LOCATIONS.
Street Party Parade, meet and at SimplyKristalClear.com. jams and give gentle coaching
greets with characters, and “One side has a sandy bottom on pressing the gas pedal.
live shows may excite kids even that the kids loved.” Before it’s all over, your
LUCK Y DUCKS!
more than rides. “Elmo the threenager earns a driver’s
The bronze statues
Musical—Live! is our family’s license to take home.
of Mrs. Mallard
fave,” says Lori Ciupinski. “My
and her eight babies 3-year-old wouldn’t sit still, Roaring Camp Railroad
from Make Way but then the show started, and Felton, California
for Ducklings charm it was like it cast a spell on Feed a kiddo’s insatiable train
kids at Boston’s her. She was glued to it.” West hunger and check a big item
Public Garden. Coasters, hang tight for the off your list with the railroad’s
second Sesame Place, opening
Walk around the park Redwood Forest Steam Train.
in San Diego next spring. This 75-minute ride goes
where the story
clickety-clack through redwood
is set, and take a
Dinosaur Valley State Park groves, pumping out steam
Swan Boat ride.
Glen Rose, Texas along the way. It stops at the
Two enormous dinosaur statues Whoa! Dinosaur summit of Bear Mountain so
Valley State Park has
that were exhibited at the 1964 real tracks. passengers can walk among
New York World’s Fair greet the towering conifers.




P A R E N T S 90 F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0

Resorts That Treat
Kids Like VIPs

W H AT ’ S T H E B E S T AG E Their red carpet awaits.

F O R A F I R S T D I S N E Y T R I P ?
They’ll never be too old for the
The Ritz-Carlton,
Land of Mickey. But it can be tricky to A story read by a
Amelia Island
find that sweet spot for their pirate—shiver me
Amelia Island, Florida timbers!
maiden voyage. We asked for opinions There were once real pirates
from Disney veterans: in the waters near this resort,
which makes it extra fun to
pretend they’re still around,
right? Book the Pirate Tuck-In
7 or 8 experience: A swashbuckler
“It’s a big investment: time, money, and (bearing milk and cookies) and
vacation days. So you want to make sure the kids a real macaw will read a story
are old enough to thoroughly enjoy—and and leave a keepsake treasure
remember—the experience but still young chest. During the day,
enough to revel in the magic.” the blue-and-gold macaw sits
ÑEileen Ogintz, founder of TakingTheKids.com poolside waiting to dish out
high fives and dazzle kids with
the 30 words it can speak. Tyler Place
Swanton, Vermont
Franklyn D. Resort & Spa Your children will live their
Runaway Bay, Jamaica best life at this idyllic lakefront
5 The greatest perk kids and resort. Here, “all-inclusive”
“We waited until parents get at this all-inclusive extends far beyond the burgers
our daughter is their own nanny, who hangs and fresh fruit on the table.
Hannah was 41/2 to with the little ones or the There are trampolines, an
take her on her whole fam (you decide) during inflatable water park on the lake,
first Disney trip, and 6 the day. “My toddler has lots beginner fishing lessons,
we probably of energy,” says Erin Benson, nature hikes, movie nights, and
should have given “They’ll meet who visited last fall. “Our nanny pajama parties, all with the
it another six the height had him constantly doing guidance of a counselor for
months. Older kids requirements something—swimming, arts every three to six kids. Best of
are better able to for most of and crafts, playing games all, each kiddo gets his own bike
communicate when on the beach. For the first time, or trike to use (plus a helmet!)
they’re getting tired, the rides and
hot, hungry, or have the I actually relaxed on vacation.” for your family’s entire stay.
frightened, making stamina for long
it easier to avoid park days.”
overdoing it. That How many times
makes the trip more ÑGabe Saglie, senior would your kid
editor at Travelzoo.com want to go down
fun for everyone.” and dad of three this slide at Franklyn
D. Resort & Spa?
ÑLen Testa, coauthor
of The Unofficial
Guide to Walt Disney
World 2020









35 months

“Kids are still free until their
third birthday.”
ÑJessica Hartshorn, entertainment editor, Parents

LIFEÑFood











Back-Pocket Chicken Dinners


When you need a guaranteed suppertime win,
look no further than one of these easy, family-friendly

recipes for America’s favorite protein.

by ERICA CLARK / photographs by JEN CAUSEY
Butter Chicken

Active Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Makes 4 servings
INGR EDIENTS
1 lb. skinless, boneless
chicken breasts, cut into
1-in. cubes
3/4 tsp. kosher salt, divided
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
1 Tbs. garam masala
1 tsp. turmeric
1 tsp. paprika
2 Tbs. canola oil
1 yellow onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 tsp. freshly grated ginger
1 15-oz. can crushed
tomatoes
1 cup frozen peas
1 5-oz. can evaporated milk
2 Tbs. unsalted butter
Chopped fresh cilantro, for
garnish (optional)
M A K E IT
1. Season the chicken cubes
with 1/2 tsp. salt and the
pepper. Combine the garam
masala, turmeric, and
paprika in a large bowl. Add
the chicken and toss to coat.

2. Heat the oil in a large skillet
over medium-high. Add the
onion and cook, stirring
occasionally, until it starts to
soften, about 3 minutes.
Add the garlic and ginger and
cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add
the spiced chicken and brown
on all sides, about 6 minutes.

3. Add the crushed tomatoes,
frozen peas, and remaining
1/4 tsp. salt, and bring to a
simmer. Use a wooden spoon
INTRO TO to scrape up the brown bits
INDIAN from the bottom of the pan. FOOD STYLING BY CHELSEA ZIMMER. PROP STYLING BY CHRISTINE KEELY.
This mild dish is Reduce heat to medium-low;
an excellent first cover and cook, 5 minutes.
South Asian
meal for skeptical 4. Stir in the evaporated milk.
eaters. Serve Remove from heat and stir in
with rice or the butter. Serve topped with
store-bought naan cilantro, if desired.
to catch every
drop of sauce. NUTRITION PER SERVING
425 calories; 30g protein;
25g fat (8g sat. fat); 22g carbs;
5g fiber; 10g sugar, 4mg iron;
170mg calcium; 783mg sodium

P A R E N T S 92 F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0



LIFEÑFood





Pickle-Marinated

Chicken Tenders
Active Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Makes 4 servings

INGR EDIENTS
1 lb. chicken tenders
1 cup pickle juice (from a
jar of dill pickles)
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
2 Tbs. honey
2 Tbs. mayonnaise
1/3 cup whole-wheat flour
1 egg, beaten
3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
3/4 cup French’s Fried Onions,
crushed
Cooking spray
M A K E IT
1. Arrange chicken in a
shallow bowl and cover with
the pickle juice. Refrigerate
at least 1 hour and up to
overnight.
2. To make the dipping sauce,
mix the mustard, honey, and
mayonnaise in a small bowl;
refrigerate.

3. Spread the flour in a
shallow bowl. Pour the egg
into a second shallow bowl.
Combine the panko and fried
onions in a third shallow bowl.
4. Preheat oven to 375°F.
Line a baking sheet with foil
and fit with a rack, then
coat the rack lightly with
cooking spray.
5. Working with 1 or 2 tenders
at a time, remove from the
marinade and transfer
directly to the flour, turning
to coat. Shake off excess
flour and transfer tenders to
the egg, again turning to
coat. Let excess egg drip off,
then transfer the tenders
to the breadcrumb mixture.
Turn to coat and gently press
the crumbs to help them
adhere. Arrange tenders on
the prepared rack. Repeat
with the remaining tenders.
6. Coat the tenders lightly
with cooking spray, then
transfer the chicken to
the oven and bake 15 to
18 minutes, or until cooked
through. Serve with NEXT-LEVEL
prepared dipping sauce. YUMMINESS
NUTRITION PER SERVING The only downside of
373 calories; 30g protein; these addictive
15g fat (4g sat. fat); 28g carbs; chicken strips is that your
1g fiber; 9g sugar, 1mg iron; kids may never
17mg calcium; 488mg sodium accept a frozen nugget
again.




P A R E N T S 94 F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0

Sesame-Garlic
Chicken Thighs

Active Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Makes 4 servings
INGR EDIENTS
2 Tbs. low-sodium soy sauce
2 garlic cloves, minced
A BEAUTIFUL 1 tsp. grated ginger
BIRD
11/2 Tbs. honey
For golden, delicious 1 Tbs. rice vinegar
chicken, make sure the 1 tsp. toasted sesame oil
skin is as dry as
possible before searing. 6 skin-on, bone-in chicken
Damp chicken thighs (about 21/2 lbs.)
skin will steam instead 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
of brown. 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
1 Tbs. canola oil
1 tsp. toasted sesame seeds
1 scallion, thinly sliced
M A K E IT
1. Preheat oven to 450°F.
In a medium bowl, whisk
together the soy sauce,
garlic, ginger, honey, rice
vinegar, and sesame oil.
2. Pat the chicken dry with
paper towels, then season
all over with salt and
pepper. Heat the oil in a
large, oven-safe skillet over
medium-high. Add the
chicken, skin side down, and
sear undisturbed, 3 minutes.
Cover the pan with a splatter
guard if you have one.

3. Continue to cook until some
of the fat has been released
and the skin is well browned,
about 8 minutes. Carefully
drain off the fat in the pan.
Flip the chicken pieces and
pour the prepared sauce
over the top.
4. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes,
or until the sauce has
thickened and the chicken
is cooked through (165°F).
5. Remove pan from the oven
and use tongs to turn the
chicken in the sauce to coat.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds
and scallion. Serve with
extra sauce from the pan
drizzled on top.
NUTRITION PER SERVING
424 calories; 36g protein;
27g fat (7g sat. fat); 8g carbs;
0 fiber; 7g sugar; 2mg iron;
24mg calcium; 617mg sodium

LIFEÑFood




















Apple Cider
Roast Chicken
Active Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
to 2 hours 15 minutes
Makes 6 servings
INGR EDIENTS
1 5-lb. whole chicken
1 tsp. kosher salt, divided
1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
1 lemon, quartered
10 sprigs fresh thyme, plus
more leaves for topping
1 lb. sweet potatoes, peeled
and quartered
2 apples, cored and
quartered
12 prunes
3 shallots, quartered
2 Tbs. olive oil
2 Tbs. unsalted butter,
broken into pieces
3/4 cup apple cider
M A K E IT
1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
Pat chicken dry with paper
towels, then season with
1/2 tsp. each salt and pepper.
Place the lemon quarters
and half the thyme sprigs in
the cavity of the chicken.
2. Combine the sweet
potatoes, apples, prunes,
shallots, and the remaining
sprigs of thyme in a 9x13-in.
roasting pan. Drizzle with
the olive oil and toss to coat.
Sprinkle with remaining
1/2 tsp. salt.

3. Set the chicken on top of
the sweet-potato mixture and
dot the bird with the butter.
Pour the apple cider into
the pan and transfer to the
oven. Bake until the chicken
is cooked through, about
1 1/2 hours (the temp in the
thigh should be 170°F).

4. Transfer chicken to a
cutting board and let rest for
ONE-PAN WINNER 10 minutes before carving.
Comfort food doesn’t get Serve with the sweet-potato
much easier than this mixture and a sprinkle of
sweet-and-savory supper. fresh thyme leaves. Pass
Roasting fruit with the roasting liquid, if desired.
bird makes the meal even
more kid-friendly. NUTRITION PER SERVING
507 calories; 38g protein; 23g
fat (6g sat. fat); 36g carbs;
5g fiber; 18g sugar, 3mg iron;
59mg calcium; 330mg sodium

P A R E N T S 96 F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0



LIFEÑFood














Cheesy Chicken
Stuffed Shells

Active Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Makes 8 servings
INGR EDIENTS
Kosher salt
32 jumbo pasta shells
(about 9 oz.)
2 cups shredded rotisserie
chicken
1 15-oz. container
part-skim ricotta cheese
1 10-oz. box frozen
chopped spinach,
thawed and squeezed
dry
1 Tbs. finely chopped
fresh basil leaves
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
1 24-oz. jar marinara sauce
4 oz. fresh mozzarella,
sliced
1/3 cup freshly grated
Parmesan, for topping

M A K E IT
1. Preheat oven to 375°F
and bring a large pot of
salted water to a boil.
Prepare shells according
to package directions
for al dente pasta; drain
and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine
the chicken, ricotta, spinach,
basil, eggs, and pepper.
3. Spread 1 cup of the
marinara sauce in the
bottom of a 9x13-in. baking
dish. Fill each shell with
1 Tbs. of the chicken-ricotta
filling and arrange in the
baking dish.
4. Spoon the remaining
marinara sauce over the
shells. Place mozzarella
slices over sauce, and
sprinkle the Parmesan
evenly over the top.
5. Loosely cover with
parchment paper and foil,
and bake until the cheese
is melted and starting to
bubble, about 35 minutes.
Uncover and bake until
lightly browned, about
10 minutes more.
MEAL PREP IT
You can assemble NUTRITION PER SERVING
and refrigerate this dish 400 calories; 29g protein;
up to 3 days in advance. 14g fat (6g sat. fat); 41g
Just add 20 minutes to the carbs; 4g fiber; 6g sugar,
initial baking time. 3mg iron; 350mg calcium;
753mg sodium

P A R E N T S 98 F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0