Mom{e}Matters

Holiday Tip: Don’t eat the cookie dough… even if it’s vegan.

Turns out raw eggs aren’t the only cause for concern in raw cookie dough. When the FDA was investigating an E. coli outbreak in 2009, the researchers found that the eggs weren’t bad — the flour was. It was the only raw ingredient in the ready-to-bake cookie dough that had not been pasteurized.

So, as hard as it is, refrain from “sampling” the batter as you’re baking up cookies with your children. I always have this problem, as Pooh would say, “The cookie sheet and I are sharing.” Sigh.

But even more important, make sure your little ones don’t sneak a taste because it’s the young, old and those with serious health issues that are most likely to get the sickest.

There’s always cookie dough ice cream, right? And in this case, it is the healthiest option. Enjoy! 

Christmas Gift Idea for Preschoolers

Remember that Lite Brite you had as a child? Well, they’re back and maybe not better than ever, but still a great educational gift for your little one. How so? Well, let’s see:

• Fine Motor Skills: Pushing those little pegs into the board can be tough for little hands, but in a good way. Focusing on the pincher grip, this toy strengthens your preschooler’s small muscles needed for writing, grasping small objects and fastening clothing.
• Letter Recognition: Lite Brites also help your child with the alphabet; particularly capital letters. It’s important for the child to know various letters as the letters correspond to the colored pegs. Putting the pegs in the wrong order will immediately show the child that a mistake has been made in the pattern and to try again.
• Creativity: Without using the predesigned templates, your preschooler will delight in making his/her own unique picture. 
• Shapes: Again, without using the templates, you can show your child how to make geometric shapes.

The possibilities are endless. I’m glad my son’s preschool teachers suggested this gift to us. They also suggested going to the library and exploring space/planet books, as children this age are really interested in the solar system and stars. 

What will you get your preschooler for Christmas? Any other great gift ideas?