Trick #2

Children sometimes have difficulty connecting how they felt to their behaviors. It is important to help the child do his own connecting and writing is a valuable tool. Writing takes place in the cortex of the brain and helps children develop stronger cause and effect thinking. So when something happens put your arm around your child and ask them to write the answers to 5 questions:

1. What happened?
2. What were you feeling?
3. How did you handle it?
4. How did it work out for you?
5. What could you have done differently? (I usually have them come up with 3 possible things they could have done)

Now sometimes you have to break up the questions to one at a time, particularly for younger children (age or emotional age) and don’t forget to give them a hug between each question. They need that assurance that they are loved and you are helping them.

Carol Melim, LCSW

Licensed Therapist, EMDR Certified
Lighthouse Psychiatry | Advanced TMS Therapy and Research
& Lighthouse TMS Centers
“a beacon for recovery and discovery”

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Treat #2

PUMPKIN TWISTS

Yield: 4 large twists
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

INGREDIENTS

• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons water
• 4 sheets puff pastry
• 1 cup canned plain pumpkin
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• coarse sugar, optional

GLAZE (optional):

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

INSTRUCTIONS

• Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, set aside.
• In a small bowl, whisk together egg and water, set aside.
• In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin, sugar and pumpkin pie spice.
• Divide pumpkin mixture evenly on each piece of puff pastry. Spread pumpkin into an even layer.
• Starting at one end, roll the pastry over the pumpkin mixture.
• Using a sharp knife, slice the center but leave 1 inch at the top of the pastry connected. Twist the two pieces together, making sure to keep the pumpkin filling sides facing up.
• Form the pastry into a circle by pulling the two ends together and pressing together. Place pastry on prepared baking sheet leaving room for spreading. Continue until all pieces of puff pastry have been completed.
• Brush the pastries lightly with the egg wash you made earlier (the egg and water). Sprinkle with coarse sugar.
• Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes.
• Optional: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk and vanilla extract. Drizzle on top of warm baked pumpkin twists and serve!

Trudy Maples

Owner of Inspiring Health and Wellness
(480) 239-0082
www.trudymaples.com