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Is Your Family Going Through Changes?

How to adapt to those family changes that could take place.

Nashville, Ark. – As I get ready to welcome my second grandchild, it makes me think of change. Having a new baby in the family is super exciting, it also indicates things will change. New routines and big sister will have to make some adjustments to having a sibling. Change happens. Sometimes, change happens faster than you think. It could be you are sending your last child off to Kindergarten or your first child off to college. It may be that one of your children is getting married and moving away to another town or state miles away, or you may be sending your first child off to college. It could be the loss of a family member or family separation. Whatever the change, you will have to adapt and sometimes that can be very difficult to do. Here are some tips to help you adapt to change.

  • Attitude. Look at change with an adventure attitude, rather than a victim attitude. People who adapt the victim role, loses energy, creativity, become negative and loses stamina all of which are needed in order to deal with change. People who look at change with the adventure attitude usually have high energy, excitement and an opportunity to learn or try something new.
  • Rituals and Routines. When your family is going through change, try to keep as much the same as possible. Rituals and routines give a sense of continuity and security no matter what changes we are going through.
  • Communication. The more you can keep the lines of communication open between family members the better it will be for those involved to adapt to the change.
  • Self Care. Taking care of yourself through eating right and exercise is always important, but more so during times of change. Remember, with big changes in your life, sometimes people have to let go of what they are familiar with and embrace the future. Sometimes this involves the grieving process. You may go through denial, anger, depression, maybe guilt, trying to bargain to prevent the change and finally acceptance. It is normal to go through this process, just remember the other tips mentioned. Pay attention to your physical health. Eating healthy and getting enough exercise will help you deal with stress and change.
  • Humor. Humor is always good, but more important when you are going through change. In fact, exposing yourself to laughter and humor causes some of the same chemical changes to take place in your body as does exercise. Keep in mind that laughter really does a body good.

            Remember, in order to change and accept it, you must keep a positive attitude, increase communication, maintain rituals, take care of yourself and maintain a sense of humor. If you have tried all these tips and find yourself still struggling, it may be time to seek professional help.

            For more information on family issues relating to stress management, contact the Howard County Cooperative Extension Service, which is a part of the University of Arkansas Research and Extension program. We have a couple of great booklets, “Managing Stress” and “Getting Your Heart Right” both which are free of charge.

            To contact the Howard County Cooperative Extension Service, visit our offices located on the second floor of the courthouse or call our office at 870-845-7517. You may also visit our website at www.uaex.edu/Howard.

Recipe of the Week

            As you enjoy lazy summer days, here is a great recipe for a quick breakfast. This recipe was shared by Anna Kate McKinnon, a member of the Howard County 4-H Teen Leader Club. This was a first-place winning recipe in the 4-H Breads Contest. Make memories with your children and involve them in the preparation of this recipe.

  • Muffin:
  1. 2 c. all-purpose flour
  2. 1 T. baking powder
  3. ½ tsp. salt
  4. 1/3 c. sugar
  5. ¼ c. butter, melted and cooled
  6. 1 egg
  7. 1 c. milk
  • Topping:
  1. 1 c. brown sugar (packed)
  2. 3 tsp. cinnamon
  3. 3 T. butter, melted
  • Icing:
  1. 1 c. powdered sugar
  2. 1 T. milk
  3. ½ tsp. vanilla

 

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  2. Grease or line muffin tin.
  3. Combine flour, baking powder, salt and sugar.
  4. In another bowl, combine butter, egg and milk.
  5. Pour into dry ingredients and mix until just combined. DO NOT overmix.
  6. Combine topping ingredients.
  7. Fold half of the topping mixture into muffin batter, gently. DO NOT over stir.
  8. Fill muffin tin with ¼ cup of batter in each opening.
  9. Top with remaining topping mixture.
  10. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until muffin springs back when lightly pressed.
  11. Remove from oven and cool.
  12. Transfer to wire rack.
  13. Mix together icing ingredients
  14. Drizzle over top of muffin.

       Makes 12 Muffins

           

By Jean Ince
County Extension Agent - Staff Chair
The Cooperative Extension Service
U of A System Division of Agriculture

Media Contact: Jean Ince
County Extension Agent - Staff Chair
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
421 N. Main St, Nashville AR 71852
(870) 845-7517
jince@uada.edu

 

The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate or need materials in another format, please contact your County Extension office (or other appropriate office) as soon as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay.

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs to all eligible persons without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

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