The month of bombings - Paula Manoli-Gray

I don't know how it is for your particular areas, but it distresses me to say that that the annual tradition of setting things alight or being potentially maimed – otherwise known as The-Firecrackers-of-Easter – is in full swing in my area.

First of all, I want to know where these young children, who are left to run riot in the streets at all hours, have obtained these fireworks. Their parents must be aware of it as they are letting them off in their own neighbourhood, just doors away from their homes, in the parks. Unfortunately, the two parks are directly next-door and opposite to my home, so these menaces of society are right on MY doorstep letting off bangs and bombs. I do hear the parents shout at them to stop or come home, but it seems as though they are fully aware that their 6-11 year-olds have these fireworks in their possession, and are okay with it, as long as they are 'careful'.

The police force does indeed run an awareness campaign every year, and yet every year gangs of young children continue to have access to fireworks. The very least they are intimidating and noisy, in the worse case, children have lost eyes and fingers, and yet the 'tradition' continues unabated.

Alongside the fireworks is the foraging for bonfire fodder for the fire that burns an effigy of Judas during one the church services. Every year this too gets out of hand with the youth taking/stealing anything they can get their hands on to build their (illegal) bonfires, including items that are not suitable for burning or that can become toxic when burnt. Plastic chairs and toys, synthetic clothing, household rubbish… you name it, it goes on. I have seen groups literally take anything that is not nailed down, and one year, a group of youths was ransacking the salt lake path, pulling down the beautiful (and protected) trees willy-nilly.

As much as I love the run-up to Easter, I hate the month-long assault of firecrackers and pipe bombs, and the nightly bonfires which rage out of control - it terrifies me. On the night itself that marks Christ's resurrection, the island sounds like it is in the midst of full-scale war and the ear-splitting pipe bombs must terrify unsuspecting tourists. I wonder how many of them genuinely panic that the war of 1974 has been reignited? Of course, on that particular night, the fireworks and bombs are let off with the consent of the church… and how the heck are these children making their own pipe bombs, is that not terrifying in its own right?

I am all for traditions and appreciate that we have some unique ones, but let's be serious for a minute. If we are allowing children to purchase and let off fireworks in public without supervision, and if we are allowing children to ransack the streets to build big bonfires in the name of religion, then we are going seriously wrong somewhere. The youths participating are not devout Orthodox who are doing this to demonstrate their religion and their profound feelings on the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ, they are doing it because it is a dangerous, thrilling, rebellious, naughty kind of fun.

So, as I do every year, I will cover my ears and pray that no one loses a finger or an eye… for what else can I do?

First appeared in The Cyprus Weekly, 29/03/14

How to inspire your kid to do better at aschool

Make it fun for you!

The attitude any child has toward school comes from one of two places: personal experience or from the attitudes around them – the vibes, the attitudes they see others have toward school and learning. School may have rules – but learning can be fun. That attitude of “fun” comes from you the parent.

Incorporate learning with games. 

The school system understands this and programs are geared toward making learning fun for young kids in order to motivate learning and maintain interest. This should be the goal at home. The first experience with school should be fun, interesting, caring. This should also be considered when picking day care or pre-kindergarten schools.

Be involved not a dictator. 

While time is a commodity that many of us do not have and it is simply so easy just to say "I don't have time", we as parents need to spend time with our children. The times in mind are homework, study sessions and most importantly of all – to be present at school functions. Children feel much more motivated to learn if they know you care about what they are doing in school.

Mistakes are ok.

The one thing adults and children instinctively have in common is: the fear of failure. Children need to learn that making mistakes is ok, that you can learn from mistakes and that failure is nothing to worry about. Often times we as parent refuse to admit mistakes to our children – who know full well when we are wrong. Failure, mistakes are a part of the learning process and should be seen as a motivator, a challenge: you learn from your mistakes and you become better. In school the fear of making a mistake, can cause children to shy away from learning and school all together.

Children and technology

Media technology is here to stay and has become a permanent part of our lives. But there is great concern about how it may be affecting our children. I believe we can learn to embrace its advantages, reduce its adverse effects and raise children who can still relate heart to heart with people, appreciate and participate in the beauty and wonders of nature and grow up to be well rounded, healthy, caring and compassionate adults. The challenge for parents is to understand the benefits and pitfalls of children’s technology use and to help their children create balance in their lives.

Why should we be concerned?

The amount of time children spend using media technology, including computers, cell phones, video games and MP3 players among others, is setting off alarms. The fear is not only that this technology is replacing physical and imaginative play, but that it also may be diminishing development of social skills, heart connection and empathy for others.

Children and teens between ages eight and 18 spend an average of seven hours and 38 minutes daily playing video games, going online and watching TV, and most have no household rules governing how much time they’re allowed to spend doing these things, according to the 2010 study, “Generation M2: Media in the Lives of 8- to 18-Year-Olds,” conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation. Add to that the time spent eating, sleeping and attending school during the week, and little time is left for anything else such as playing outside or at the playground with other children, participating in athletics, socializing with friends and family or engaging in afterschool and weekend activities.

Studies over the past decade have concluded that a large number of adolescents and teens today are having difficulty identifying emotions in people, thus creating an inability to feel empathy toward others who may be feeling pain, sorrow, anger and other emotions. There is concern that excessive viewing of real or contrived violence online and/or playing video games that are violent or contain other age-inappropriate content could be numbing the sensitivities of young people, immunizing them from experiencing compassion and caring for others.

How to deal with an insecure child

Most children experience insecurity at some point or other, but a chronically insecure child is hard for parents to handle. You might feel guilty or sad that your child is suffering emotionally. Finding your child a therapist trained to deal with insecurity can really help, but there are things that you can do with your child to help stem insecure feelings and make her more comfortable.

Monitor Your Emotions
Many times, your actions and example rub off on your child, so if talking to strangers or going to the doctor makes you insecure, chances are your child will pick up on that and follow suit. Keep your own insecurity at bay when your child comes to you about a fight with a friend or a failing grade, suggests social worker Janet Lehman on the Empowering Parents website. Be available for your child, but make sure you keep your own feelings out of the equation so they don't influence how he reacts to a situation or person in his life.

Create Family Traditions
You probably can't banish insecurity from your child's life altogether, but knowing she can count on her family gives her a sense of security that can carry her through other situations she encounters. Family traditions are a valuable way to help children feel as though they belong and have a rightful place in the world, notes Glynnis Whitwer, author of "When Your Child is Hurting." Family game night, a trip to the pizza place after sports games or ice cream on report card day are all options. Everyday traditions such as naming one positive thing that happened or taking a walk after dinner are important too.

Active Listening
As a parent, it can be overwhelmingly difficult not to jump in and fix every problem your child is having. When it comes to insecurity, whether it stems from peers, performance in the classroom or making the basketball team, listening to your child talk about his feelings can help him cope. Lehman suggests asking your child what you can do to help. Listen carefully to what your child tells you without minimizing his feelings or trying to take over and solve the problem, she adds. Respond with empathy and understanding so your child knows you know what he's going through and are available when he needs you.

Italian Cooking Classes with Alberto

Easter Egg Hunt in the Maze

Time to be nice! - Paula Manoli-Gray

It's been quite a few years now that I have noticed that people in general are becoming more hostile and defensive, so I wonder if it's time to change the broken record of how we present ourselves to tourists and stop claiming that Cypriots are warm and welcoming and will all invite you into their homes for coffee!

I am guilty of it too. As a writer, I have penned many an advert, brochure or article regurgitating this character of open arms, and whilst this may still be the case in mountainous villages, in the towns that friendliness has long packed its bags.

This isn't a 'Cypriot thing' – I remember going back to England after a long absence, memories of the wonderful customer service in shops still in my mind, only to find a rude and unhelpful workforce in most places, with some of the youth speaking a version of the English language that I could barely decipher. I came back vowing never to compare British shop staff with Cypriot again as neither was better than the other! It seems this is a global pandemic of misery, dissatisfaction and negativity.

So, who or what do we blame for this inwardness? Is it the rise of social media that has made us forget how to interact with others with common courtesy, and made everyone so self-absorbed that we don't care, or are not interested if its not about us? Is it the belief that we can't be happy unless we accrue as much as we can, so if we have anything less we are left with a gaping hole of dissatisfaction that our lives are not fabulous enough? Or in the case of Cyprus, is it the 'golden era' that prevailed when Cypriots started having access to designer labels and trendy cafes, thus giving them the illusion of grandeur and a rise in snobby showiness (and we all know how that turned out…) Maybe it is the influx of different nationalities that have slowly diluted the traditions and the small 'we are a family' island feel we once had? One thing we can't blame it on is the global crisis because most people were miserable long before this all began.

Recently I went to deliver an envelope to a client.  Upon entering the building, the faulty door slipped out of my hand with a loud bang. I popped the envelope under the door and as I exited the building the same thing happened again. From a window above, an angry female venomously shouted in Greek 'Excuse me, do you want me to wrap the door up so you can take it with you?' I apologised and explained that the door was faulty and had slipped (a fact she knew), to which she replied sarcastically 'twice?' It was then I recognised her and called her name 'XX, is that you?' At that point her whole demeanour changed and she said 'Oh Paula, I didn't realise it was you, why didn't you knock on the door.' There was no apology, no acknowledgement of the disgusting way she spoke to me. Once she realised she knew me, she was no longer hostile, but why should she be hostile to anyone? Why is there such suspicion and contempt for everyone? What are we all so afraid of?

Yes, everyone is currently rallying round to help those in need and there is indeed a real sense of community and spirit as a result of the crisis, but can we all – wherever we live, whoever we are – please start being nice to one another again?

First appeared in The Cyprus Weekly 22/03/14

How to raise your child with love

1). Learn to listen to your children. Influencing their lives is one of the greatest things you can do. It is easy to tune out our children, and a missed opportunity for meaningful guidance. If you never listen to your children and spend all of your time barking orders at them, they won't feel respected or cared for.

2). Treat your child with respect. Don't ever forget that your child is a living, breathing human being who has needs and wants just like the rest of us. If your child is a picky eater, don't nag him constantly at the dinner table; if he's slow to potty train, don't embarrass him by talking about it in public; if you promised your child you'd take him to the movies if he was good, don't take back your promise because you're too tired.

3). Know that you can never love your child too much. It's a myth that loving your child "too much," praising your child "too much," or showering your child with "too much" affection can make your child spoiled rotten. Giving your child love, affection, and attention will positively encourage your child to develop as a human being. Giving your child toys instead of love, or not reprimanding your child for bad behavior is what will lead you to spoil your child.

4). Be involved in your child's daily life. It will take effort and strength to be there for your child every day, but if you want to encourage your child to develop his own interests and character, you have to create a strong support system for him. This doesn't mean you have to follow your child around every second of the day, but it does mean that you have to be there for all of the little moments, from his first soccer game to family time at the beach.

Kentish Strawberry Tart

Beautiful juicy red Strawberries are in abundance at the moment and are so delicious just served plain and simple but sometimes I love to use them to make refreshing, mouth-watering, luscious desserts and this particular one has been one of my favourites for years now, Kentish Strawberry Tart! Just so elegant, and ever so perfect for dinner parties, afternoon tea or picnics, I'm sure you will just love this!! Enjoy!!

For the pastry

115g Flour
55g ground almonds
115g butter, cut into small pieces
30g caster sugar
1 tsp almond essence
1 egg
For the filling
1 egg and 1 extra egg yolk
1 tsp vanilla essence
30g caster sugar
30g flour
300ml milk
3 tbls jam
10 sponge fingers
2 tbls Madeira
225g strawberries, sliced
300ml cream, whipped

To decorate

Strawberries, sliced or whole, I also like to use sliced blanched almonds or you could just sprinkle strawberries with icing sugar, it's up to you!

Method

To make the pastry sift the flour into a bowl, stir in the almonds, add the butter and rub in finely. Stir in the sugar, almond essence and egg and mix into a firm dough. Cover with cling-film and chill for about 30 minutes.

Knead the dough until smooth, Roll it out thinly and use to line a buttered tart dish. Chill again for 30 minutes.

In a preheated oven (200c) bake pastry case for about 15 minutes until the edges are lightly browned.

For the filling, in a bowl whisk together the egg, egg yolk, vanilla essence, sugar, and flour until well blended. Place the milk in a saucepan and bring to the boil. Whisking continuously, pour the milk over the egg mixture.

Return to the pan and continue whisking over a low heat until custard thickens. Allow to cool.

Spread pastry case with jam. Dip the sponge fingers into the Madeira, turning to coat well. Arrange them over the jam and cover with the strawberry slices.

Fold two thirds of the whipped cream into the custard and spread evenly over the strawberries.

Now cover the custard with the remaining cream, you can also use a piping bag and make a design of your choice. Now decorate with strawberries and if using, scatter almonds on top and sprinkle with some icing sugar.

Androulla xx

How to be a good mother

1). Be supportive, and never laugh at your kids hobbies, interests or friends.
So, your daughter doesn't want to study medicine and become a doctor? Don't get angry, this is your child's life and they can make some of their own decisions.

2). Be patient. 

Being a mother is a little challenging sometimes. But keep your cool and try to stay patient. Try this approach to other problems. Stay calm, explain the practical reasons not to do something, and then why YOU don't want them to do something.

3). Take an interest in your child's interests. 

If your son likes music buy him a guitar and watch him play. Ask questions, like what is your favorite type of music, what is your favorite song, etc. If your daughter is interested in fashion, take her out for a shopping spree. Ask her what her favorite thing about fashion is. Don't be afraid to ask just don't be pushy

4).Don't be tight about money. 

Okay, so blowing money day after day isn't the best thing to do, but don't automatically say no to everything your kid asks for. If you always say no and follow this with a lecture about saving money, you will be known as the "Tight Parent", the one who never buys anything. Buy something small every now and then.

Four Steps to Disciplining Your Kids

1. Commit Yourself.
It's crucial that your child knows that you're going to do what you say you will. If you explain what a punishment will be, and then don't act on it, you will have less credibility the next time. Make a commitment to your child's discipline, and be consistent in your behavior toward them.

2. Be Realistic in Your Expectations of Your Child.
Don't ask your child to do anything he/she cannot do. Make sure that what you are asking of your child is a behavior within his or her reach — if it's not, your child will get frustrated and be less likely to listen to you in the future.

3. Define Your Child's Currency.
Find out what your child values — it could be a toy, a particular activity, or even a privilege like getting to stay awake to a particular hour. Dr Phil explains: "If you control the currency, you control the behavior that currency depends on." Once you understand what your child values, you can withdraw positive things (taking away the toy) or introduce negative things (making them take a time-out) as a form of discipline.

4. Give Your Children Predictable Consequences.
It's important for your child to understand that the same result will come from the same behavior. Make your child feel like he/she has control over their life: If your child behaves in "Way A," they need to be sure that they will always get "Consequence B." If he/she can count on the rules staying the same, they're more likely to abide by them.

Children and self-confidence

Self-esteem fluctuates as kids grow. It's frequently changed and fine-tuned, because it is affected by a child's experiences and new perceptions. So it helps to be aware of the signs of both healthy and unhealthy self-esteem. Kids with low self-esteem may not want to try new things and may speak negatively about themselves: "I'm stupid," "I'll never learn how to do this," or "What's the point? Nobody cares about me anyway." They may exhibit a low tolerance for frustration, giving up easily or waiting for somebody else to take over. They tend to be overly critical of and easily disappointed in themselves. Kids with low self-esteem see temporary setbacks as permanent, intolerable conditions, and a sense of pessimism prevails. This can place kids at risk for stress and mental health problems, as well as real difficulties solving different kinds of problems and challenges they encounter.

Kids with healthy self-esteem tend to enjoy interacting with others. They're comfortable in social settings and enjoys group activities as well as independent pursuits. When challenges arise, they can work toward finding solutions and voice discontent without belittling themselves or others. For example, rather than saying, "I'm an idiot," a child with healthy self-esteem says, "I don't understand this." They know their strengths and weaknesses, and accept them. A sense of optimism prevails.Self-esteem fluctuates as kids grow. It's frequently changed and fine-tuned, because it is affected by a child's experiences and new perceptions. So it helps to be aware of the signs of both healthy and unhealthy self-esteem.

New: Baby Playgroup

The New Baby Playgroup welcomes mums and their babies under 1 year old or before walking. Moms can share ideas, experiences and advice with one another. This is a great way to get out of the house and create a social circle. Join for a unique and fun group experience that offers support and advice regarding the first months with your baby.
Group meets at Monday mornings 9.45 - 11.15 Costs: €6,00, including a Nespresso coffee or tea. For more information or to book your place, please call Tina at 24 822 441 or 99 30 46 60.

Theatre: Jack and the Beanstalk

Jack and the Beanstalk is a British fairy tale.  The earliest known appearance in print is Benjamin Tabart's moralized version of 1807 . 'Felix Summerly (Henry Role) popularized in the Home Treasury (1842) , and Joseph Jacobs rewrote it in English fairy tales (1890). Jacob's version is most commonly reprinted today and it is believed to be closer to the oral versions than Tabart's because it lacks the moralizing.

Plot: Jack , a young lad living with his widowed mother and a milk cow who their only source of income. When the cow stops giving milk , Jack's mother has him take her to market for sale. On the way he meets an old man who offers magic beans in exchange for the cow , and Jack makes the trade. When he arrives home without any money , his mother becomes furious throws the beans to the ground and sends Jack to bed without supper. A gigantic beanstalk grows overnight which Jack climbs to a land high in the sky. There he comes to a house (or, in some cases, a castle) that is the home of a giant.

Day: From Saturday , March 22 2014
        Until Sunday , March 23 2014
Time: Saturday at 3pm, and Sunday at 11am
Where: Larnaca Municipal Theatre
Phone: 24665795
Price: 8 euro
Contact phone: 70001910

Spirit of Easter Fair

Theatre: Do not shoot the tenor

In the work 'Do not shoot the tenor' an aristocrat wanting to raise on behalf of his daughter of the opera, , she wrote, seeking to recruit a tenor sending a telegram in an old friend who knows the tenor..But what if the telegraph is never reached its address what will ensue with the arrival of a young man who everyone thinks that this is the tenor; how far can a human vanity to appear superior to the other; All these will be answered at the end of the project .

Directed by: Chris Zenios
Sets / Costumes: Marisa Bargilly
Actors: Sofoclis Kaskaounias, Andreas Melekis, Andreas Kyriazis, Lucia Michael Mousouliotou, Phebos Georgiades, Joanna Polynices, Vasilis Paphitis, Ariana Ioannou
Day Premiere: Sunday , March 23, 2014
Regular Performances: Every Saturday and Sunday - 8.30pm to May 18 (Except Saturdays of Lazarus 12/4, the Saturday 19/4 and Holy Easter 20/4)
Time: 20.30
Where: Theattre Patticheion, Skala
Info/Reservations: 24652800 / 1-99490102

Lucky Fortune Cookies

Lucky golden fortune cookies are a pretty way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day! Fill them with rainbow candies and a custom message, and give them away as St. Patrick’s Day gifts!

Always for the children - Paula Manoli-Gray

Last weekend we celebrated my son's fifth birthday with a party at home. We hired a bouncy castle, laid on a buffet, party bags and lots of games with prizes. It was a wonderful day, but boy did it cost a lot! I would say it probably cost the same or more as having it at one of the play places that hold birthday parties. It seems that whichever way you choose to do, there is going to be a cost attached.

I will also be baptising my sister's new daughter in June, and although neither my sis nor I are extravagant - and she is incredibly creative and inventive - that event too will still cost a fair amount.

My point? Despite a recession, when it comes to our children, we still spend money (we often don't have) on them above anything else. Christenings and birthday parties are still big business in Cyprus, and if you want to book a play place for your do, then you have to get in quick, because the slots fill up fast.

It's always been this way. During war times when food was scarce, children would be given the meat and lion's share of the food, whilst the parents ate what was left.

When I was growing up, my parents never had any money, but my siblings and I never felt it because every Christmas and every birthday was special. We never went without the gifts or the big party and these events are some of my best childhood memories.

Years later, my mum told me that she would spend all year paying off our Christmas gifts, and whilst that saddened me, I can understand why she did it; because the look on a child's face when it lights up in delight is priceless and worth having to suffer financially for the foreseeable future (in my book). And these really are the memories that stay with you for life.

A friend who is especially struggling was faced with the option last summer to either pay her mortgage instalment or take her son on day trips throughout the school break. Her mum was nagging her to pay the mortgage and her reply was: "When (her son) is older, what will he remember about summer 2013? That we paid the mortgage or that he got to go out and have a wonderful time with his mum?" She is not an irresponsible parent, and is chipping away at her mortgage payments so she won't be homeless, but at that moment in time, she desperately wanted her son to have experiences and fun times that he would remember, rather than feel that mummy never took him anywhere because they had no money.

I know there are people out there reading this who are either at a breaking point themselves or know people who are, so this will sound ridiculous and frivolous when they can't even give their kids breakfast, but I am not talking about being reckless with money in that kind of situation. Thankfully, it is heartening to see that the community is rallying around families in real need, and that there is help out there for them.

At the end of the day, no matter what you do or don't have, you can always make your child feel special with free activities like playing in the park or at the beach, to baking them a basic cake on their birthday. Children don't know the value of things and they don't need showy or grand gestures, they simply need to feel loved and special… everyday.

 

Tide changing for pregnancy, birth and beyond - Paula Manoli-Gray

Home birth talk, information and pre/postnatal classes

Following the global trend for caesarean births and the alarmingly high percentage of them the island sees, the tide is starting to change, and attitudes towards pregnancy, giving birth and postnatal care are leaning more towards the natural, holistic and alternative.

In Larnaca, a number of individuals are now offering new options for post and prenatal wellbeing, with information and classes available in English. This includes antennal classes, baby massage, mother and child exercise classes and postnatal exercise.

In support of this changing attitude, the Larnaca Parent's Network (LPN) will be sponsoring a talk this week on natural births at home, hospital and clinics.

Taking place on Wednesday at the Little Gems Montessori premises, speaker Eline Pedersen and a panel of guests - who are advocates of natural birth - will share their knowledge and experience on the subject, with participation from the audience. Eline is a chiropractor and mother of two who had a natural birth at the hospital, and a self-assisted water birth at home.

Sharon Mckinely – founder of LPN – says: "We want to provide information and opinions about home birth, for parents who think that it might be the right choice for them, and so we are opening the floor for a dialogue between health care providers and parents."

The talk will take place from 8pm – 9.30pm and admission is free. You can state your interest in attending via the Facebook event page: Natural Births – Home Births in Cyprus.

Angela Ashby of Mama & Me has expanded to include antenatal and postnatal classes in English. Her classes guide through every step of pregnancy and cover the changing body and what to expect during pregnancy and birth (for both natural and caesarean births), exercise and wellbeing during and after pregnancy, infant care, breastfeeding and bonding, and first aid for infants. The new classes complement her existing Mama & Me classes whereby mothers exercise with their baby to help bonding whilst getting fit. As she says: 

"Pregnancy is an exciting time but it can also be nerve-wracking as the body and emotional wellbeing change. Through antennal classes, women can learn about these changes and how to manage their health and emotions. We also prepare for the birthing experience and equip women with the skills to handle labour or the recovery period after a c-section. The course also gives mums the skills to be confident and relaxed parents."

Classes can be taken one-to-one or in a group at St Raphael Private Hospital, Wow Action Park (Aradippou), and in Oroklini. You can find out more by contacting Angela on: 97610998 / angela.ashby.3557@facebook.com, or visiting her Facebook Page: Angela's Activities.

Tina Poetis of Poetis Physiotherapy Larnaca specialises in baby massage and parental skill classes, which can be taken when the infant is two months old to crawling age. The Baby Massage & Developmental Play Course runs for five weeks in small groups and demonstrates how massage can help the bonding process, as well as assisting in other developmental issues such as brain and motor development, and helping to ease digestive complaints, reduce crying and promote restful sleep. Tina says: "Massage makes the connection between your baby's emotional and physical health. Come and join a small, baby-led, relaxed class, meet other mums and have fun with your baby. You will learn a skill that you can use for life!"

For more details, contact Tina on: 24822441 or 99304660 / email tina@poetis-physiotherapy.com, or visit her Facebook page: Poetis Physiotherapy Larnaca.

 

Saint Patrick's day - 17/03/14

Saint Patrick's Day or the Feast of Saint Patrick  is a cultural and religious holiday celebrated annually on 17 March, the death date of the most commonly-recognized patron saint of Ireland, Saint Patrick (c. AD 385–461).

Saint Patrick's Day was made an official Christian feast day in the early seventeenth century and is observed by the Catholic Church, the Anglican Communion (especially the Church of Ireland), the Eastern Orthodox Church and Lutheran Church. The day commemorates Saint Patrick and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland as well as celebrates the heritage and culture of the Irish in general. Celebrations generally involve public parades and festivals, céilithe, and the wearing of green attire or shamrocks. Christians also attend church services, and the Lenten restrictions on eating and drinking alcohol are lifted for the day, which has encouraged and propagated the holiday's tradition of alcohol consumption.

Saint Patrick's Day is a public holiday in the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Newfoundland and Labrador and Montserrat. It is also widely celebrated by the Irish diaspora around the world; especially in Britain, Canada, the United States, Argentina, Australia and New Zealand. Patrick is said to have used the shamrock, a three-leaved plant, to explain the Holy Trinity to the pagan Irish. This story first appears in writing in 1726, though it may be older. In pagan Ireland, three was a significant number and the Irish had many triple deities.The triple spiral symbol appears at many ancient megalithic sites in Ireland.

The color green has been associated with Ireland since at least the 1640s, when the green harp flag was used by the Irish Catholic Confederation. Green ribbons and shamrocks have been worn on St Patrick's Day since at least the 1680s. Green was adopted as the colour of the Friendly Brothers of St Patrick, an Irish fraternity founded in about 1750.

DOGS 101

This organisation is trying to get people back to nature and believe dogs are the key to a true nature connection. This workshop - the first of a series - is free admission and will take place in English and Greek.

The effects of divorce on children

Many children whose parents divorce every year feel as if their worlds are falling apart. Divorcing parents are usually very concerned about the welfare of their children during this troublesome process.
Yet parents who split have reasons for hope. Researchers have found that only a relatively small percentage of children experience serious problems in the wake of divorce or, later, as adults.

Rapid Recovery
Divorce affects most children in the short run, but research suggests that kids recover rapidly after the initial blow. In a 2002 study psychologist E. Mavis Hetherington and her then graduate student Anne  found that many children experience short-term negative effects from divorce, especially anxiety, anger, shock and disbelief. These reactions typically diminish or disappear by the end of the second year. Only a minority of kids suffer longer.

Most children of divorce also do well in the longer term. In a quantitative review, sociologist Paul R. Amato, examined the possible effects on children several years after a divorce. The studies compared children of married parents with those who experienced divorce at different ages. The investigators followed these kids into later childhood, adolescence or the teenage years, assessing their academic achievement, emotional and behavior problems, delinquency, self-concept and social relationships. On average, the studies found only very small differences on all these measures between children of divorced parents and those from intact families, suggesting that the vast majority of children endure divorce well.

Researchers have consistently found that high levels of parental conflict during and after a divorce are associated with poorer adjustment in children. The effects of conflict before the separation, however, may be the reverse in some cases. In a 1985 study Hetherington and her associates reported that some children who are exposed to high levels of marital discord prior to divorce adjust better than children who experience low levels. Apparently when marital conflict is muted, children are often unprepared when told about the upcoming divorce. They are surprised, perhaps even terrified, by the news. In addition, children from high-discord families may experience the divorce as a welcome relief from their parents' fighting.

World Book Day

Books Books Books

http://www.worldbookday.com/

New: 3Dots Artlab

We are an alternative art lab situated in larnaca, from med high school going towards the tennis courts, 2nd turning to your right.... the little white house to your right!

The subjects we teach vary, we have painting for all ages (a variety of mediums), illustration (character design, story board making and book/comic making) craft lessons, and finally experimental arts which is a lesson using using colours, sounds, as well as visual imagery and body expression to create art!

Tel: 96 590 324
Email: 3dotsartlab@gmail.com


STARTING IN APRIL!

3DotsArt Lab are opening new classes  on Saturdays from 11:00-13:00 for all ages ...

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Oyster Mushrooms in Garlic Wine Sauce with Pasta

I do love mushrooms but at the moment I'm just loving these beautiful oyster mushrooms and on the look-out for recipes and this is one of the first ones I found and now is my favourite pasta dish, just so delicious, and so perfect with pasta coated with a buttery lemony wine sauce, a quick and easy dish, served with garlic bread, I'm sure will be on your favourite list too!! Enjoy!!

Ingredients

• 500g Oyster mushrooms, cut into bit-sized pieces
• 1 cup flour
• Garlic powder, salt &pepper
• ¼ cup Lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• Basil and Parsley, chopped
• A couple of cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup white wine
• Cooked pasta, I like to use Spaghettini

Method

1. Season the flour with garlic powder and salt & pepper,
2. Dredge the mushrooms in the flour.
3. Heat oil and butter in a non-stick pan. 
4. Fry the mushrooms until golden brown and set aside….you will be tempted at this stage to squeeze lemon juice on the mushrooms and munch a few….if you think you'll be tempted use ore mushrooms!!
5. Using the same pan, sauté the garlic in the olive oil and butter until softened.
6. Deglaze the pan by pouring in the wine. Simmer for 2-3 minutes or until alcohol has dissolved. Turn heat off.
7. Add lemon juice and mushrooms and mix.
8. Add pasta and sprinkle lemon zest and herbs.
9. Just delicious served with garlic bread.

Androulla 

xxx