Nightmares are never pleasant for anyone, but they can be particularly difficult if your child is suffering from them. You may feel helpless and upset for your child. The truth is that there’s a great deal you can do to help them deal with any nightmares they might have. Here’s a logical sequence of events that can help them settle back down to sleep, and which should also prevent recurring nightmares and anxiety about sleep.
Dealing with a Nightmare
Go to your child’s room
Go there to comfort and reassure them.
DO NOT ask them to tell you about the dream
This will make them relive it, and might even lead to them having the same nightmares again.
DO NOT engage with the content of the dream
If they say they saw a big scary monster, don’t start looking for it in the closet or under the bed.
Be practical
How many of us remember what we have just dreamed of minutes before we wake up each day? Dwelling on a bad dream is difficult when we have other things to pay attention to. Make suggestions that will help your child get back to normal.
You might suggest:
Going to the bathroom
Washing their face
Planning breakfast when they get up in the morning
Reminding them of all the exciting things they will be doing the next day, and how much they will enjoy them once they have had a good night’s sleep
Settle them back down
Younger children might benefit from a special toy, blanket, or nightlight, as long as it does not shine in their faces and interfere with their sleep. Older children might like a fresh set of PJs or a quiet chat. Some parents teach their children relaxation, stress relief, and meditation exercises. These can be as simple as breathing meditation, with long, deep breaths, or as complex as a visualization, in which the child can go to a “happy place” in their mind whenever they feel stressed.
Distract them and tire them out
There are many ways to distract them and help them get back to sleep. Bedtime stories can always help. Choose an old favorite – nothing too exciting. Give them a magazine or photo album of happy images to go through. Some like to listen to music. Start with Brahms’ lullaby.
Dealing with Recurring Nightmares
If your child keeps getting nightmares, widen your attention to other important aspects of their life, such as:
What they are watching on TV
What they are reading
What games they are playing on the computer
What issues they are encountering at school, such as bullying or stress
What problem or conflicts there might be in your home
Then take steps to address the issue. For example, ban horror movies and books. Make sure they are playing games suited to their age level. Talk about important issues at the dinner table and during non-pressure moments. Discuss dreams, for example, and how nightmares can be unpleasant, but they are just products of the imagination – not a glimpse of the future or a sign something terrible might happen.
Here are the best waffle recipes that are easy to make when you’re stuck at home!
Do you LOVE waffles? I mean, is that even a question?! Waffles are such a classic delicious comfort food fitting for any meal or occasion.
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Why Make Waffles at Home?
For obvious reasons, maybe you can’t get to a restaurant. Many of us are unable to due to regulations and closures. But, besides THAT, homemade food is always better! When you opt to make your meals at home, you know the exact ingredients in your food.
Are Waffles Healthy?
Well, that depends, LOL. Most flour carb-based products are entirely healthy. However, with the right choices and food swaps, everything has potential. If you opt for a healthy flour base that doesn’t include white flour, cut the sugar down, and rid the butter, you can have healthy waffles. So, cook your waffles with the best ingredients you can afford, and you’ll have a healthier result.
How to Make Waffles Directions
Step 1
In a large bowl, mix your flour, salt, baking powder, and sugar. Then, set it aside. Preheat your waffle iron to the desired temperature.
Step 2
In another bowl, mix the eggs. Then, stir in the milk, butter, and vanilla. After, pour the milk mixture into the flour mixture and mix until blended.
Step 3
Pour the batter into the preheated waffle iron. Then, cook the waffles until golden and crisp. Serve immediately.
What If I Don’t Have Cooking Spray?
If you realize you don’t have cooking spray while cooking, you can use butter or oil for coating your waffle grill, pan, or mold. More potent flavored oils like olive oil, although healthier, will make the waffles taste slightly different! My favorite cooking spray is this one HERE but any will do.
Can I Make Waffles Without a Waffle Maker?
If you want to make waffles without a waffle maker, then you’ll want to buy a multi-functional appliance like this one HERE. You can make waffles, pancakes, paninis, and even burgers!
Now, you’ll either use this grill pan or a waffle mold like this one HERE. Although both methods will work, the best way to make waffles will always be in a waffle griddle iron.
Note: Waffles made with a grill pan or waffle mold may look a little bit like pancakes. But wait, they are still waffles!
The outside has a crispy exterior as a waffle would, and the inside is chewy, just like any other waffle made in a waffle iron.
Cooking Directions:
Preheat your grill pan to medium heat.
Lower the heat on the grill pan.
Step 1
In a large bowl, mix your flour, salt, baking powder, and sugar. Then, set it aside. Preheat your waffle iron to the desired temperature.
Step 2
In another bowl, mix the eggs. Then, stir in the milk, butter, and vanilla. After, pour the milk mixture into the flour mixture and mix until blended.
Step 3
Pour the batter into the preheated waffle iron. Then, cook the waffles until golden and crisp. Serve immediately.
Cook for 3-4 minutes until the waffles feel crispy.
Then, take a spatula or any tool you prefer and flip the waffles over.
Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.
Take out the waffles from the grill pan and place them on a wire rack and let cool.
Serve immediately.
Your waffles may end up looking wonky, but they’ll taste delicious.
How To Make Waffles Using A Silicone Waffle Mold
Whisk all the wet ingredients in a bowl until the mixture is smooth.
Now, whisk the dry ingredients into a separate bowl. Now, slowly mix the wet and dry ingredients, and keep whisking until the batter is super smooth and don’t see any lumps.
Bring out your waffle molds and place them on a baking sheet. Make sure the sheet fits in your oven. Fill the waffle molds with your batter and level it with a spoon. Remember don’t overfill the molds!
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Put the baking sheet alongside the filled waffle molds in the oven. Bake for approximately 9-10 minutes or until golden brown. Take out the sheet and waffle molds from the oven.
Turn the waffle molds over and make sure to use gloves as the silicone waffle molds get very hot.
Then, put the waffles and the baking sheet (without the waffle mold) back into the oven. Bake them for an extra for 3-5 minutes or until golden in color. Remove the waffles and set aside to cool.
Finally, serve with toppings such as berries, maple syrup, homemade jam, or whipped cream. Yummy!
Can I Use Homemade Pancake Batter?
Yes! If you need some homemade pancake recipes, I’ll share some below!
What to Serve with Waffles?
One of the reasons I love waffles is because they go with everything! You can easily add ingredients on top or the side. In my eyes, because waffles are so fluffy, versatile, and doughy, they go with everything. Besides breakfast, you could easily serve it up with your meat choice like the southerners do it. Or use it as a side, similar to how Indians use naan bread, or Americans use garlic bread/knots with pasta!
What Kind of Waffle Maker Do I Need?
This waffle maker HERE is great because it heats up fast, cooks fast and makes delicious fluffy waffles quick. It has nearly 4,000 five star reviews which is why I purchased it to begin with! LOL It’s lived up to the ratings for sure and its easy to clean. Win!
What Ingredients Are in Waffles?
Flour
Butter
Brown or white sugar
Yeast
Milk
Eggs
Vanilla
Dry Waffle Ingredients
Flour
Yeast
Sugar
Wet Waffle Ingredients
Eggs
Milk
Vanilla
Butter
How to Freeze Waffles: Freezer Friendly Waffles
While you’re cooking, go ahead and double or triple up the recipe so you can save and meal prep for later! You’ll save a ton of time and energy, and they’ll taste delicious. Allow them to cool to room temperature. Then, arrange them in a single-layer file on a baking sheet lined with parchment or wax paper. Then, put the baking sheet in the freezer and freeze until solid. Once they’re completely frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or freezer-safe container.
How to Make Waffles
Can I Make Waffles In The Oven?
Preheat the oven to 400F. Sift together flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Put aside. Then, mix eggs, sugar, and melted butter till light and fluffy. Add milk and vanilla and mix it for a further minute. Add the flour mixture and beat till it is mixed. Pour in the silicon mold and bake for 10-12 minutes till the sides start to brown. Finally, finish it off with your favorite toppings.
How to Reheat/ Preheat Waffles
Suppose you need to reheat waffles or even pancakes. Here’s how to do it. Take your waffles out of the freezer, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper in a 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until thoroughly heated. Remember to loosely cover waffles with foil so that they don’t dry out. You can also place the waffles in your toaster, just like store-bought waffles.
Quick and easy to make waffles free from eggs, dairy and wheat, but no one will know! They’re perfect for serving brunch or breakfast. Top with maple syrup and your favorite berries to take over the top.
