(Kiki's Corner by Kiki Angelos - Photo Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

If you read my article on the MOV Parent page about parents and children and to me family and children are so important, I will continue to write more for our little miracles we brought in this world.

Please speak kindly about your children when they can hear you. They like that and they also like when you put a sticky note in their mailbox. When they come from school, offer them a snack first and then ask them how was school today?

Plan a fun day even when school is in session to break the monotony. I know many times I overheard adults say to their kids or even to their friends what they learn from their parents and grandparents growing up. Up to this day they remember those kind words, and I’m sure some of the words weren’t as kind.

Here are a few important ones. Protect your family even if they are wrong, correct them later, but never embarrass them in front of others. Control your tongue when you are angry and also never say something when you’re upset and you know later on it will be too late and will scar your heart or someone else’s heart. Practice gratitude with your child and all the family, share love with others every day — kind words and hugs — and tell them you love them, And they will do that with their kids later on.

When you are in the kitchen cooking, have your child help you even if it takes longer and if they don’t do it right encourage them next time. It will taste better and remind them and tell them “practice makes perfect.”

Also tell them if sometimes you seem to be too strict it was only because they mean everything to you, you tried your best to protect them, they were never a burden, they are always the reason to be in this life and your love for them will never fade.

Kids can become strong at times but as parents we can respond calmly to them. Offer your love, no matter what, and tell them to calm down, “I’m here when you’re ready to talk and I’m listening and I will understand when you’re upset and we can take care of it. Let’s talk in a way we both feel good about. You’re safe to share your feelings with me, you know I love you and I will be next to you and protect you.”

Continue to say “My child, don’t forget being your parent is my greatest joy. You are loved no matter what and asking for help from mom and dad is a brave thing to do.

Don’t forget, even mistakes small or large help make us grow and your effort means everything to us.

I personally think calming your child is very important and be their friend so they can tell you if they have problems, tell them not to forget that you can’t please everyone and be true to yourself. Let go of what you can’t control, use time and every moment wisely. You will have challenges in your life and we need to face them with courage.

Unfortunately, life is not always fair. Things won’t go your way, but that’s part of growing up.

Every mistake we make teaches us something valuable, and shapes us who we become later on in life.

Last but not least, all the above is not only for children, but also for adults: Choose faith over fear, believe in yourself, be patient, be honest, forgive easily, think positively, keep an open mind, listen to understand those are some habits that we should practice from young age till we get real old.

Stay safe and warm this cold and snowy weekend .

Till next week.

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Creamy Pesto Shrimp Linguine

8 ounces linguine

1 pound uncooked, large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1/4 cup butter cubed

2 cups heavy whipping cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/3 cup prepared pesto

1/4 teaspoon pepper

Cook the linguine according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute shrimp in butter until it turns pink. Remove and set aside. Add cream to the pan, bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat, cook uncovered for 4 to 6 minutes or until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally. Stir in the cheese, pesto, pepper until smooth. Return shrimp to the pan, heat through. Drain linguine, serve with sauce.

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Baked Tilapia

3/4 cup soft breadcrumbs

1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon garlic salt

1 teaspoon dried oregano

4 tilapia fillets (5 oz. each)

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. In a shallow bowl combine breadcrumbs, cheese, garlic salt, and oregano. Coat fillets in crumb mixture. Place on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Bake 8 to 12 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

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Apricot Pork Medallions

1 pork tenderloin (1 lb., cut into eight slices)

1 tablespoon +1 teaspoon butter divided

1/2 cup apricot preserve

2 green onions, sliced

1 tablespoon cider vinegar

1/4 teaspoon ground mustard

Pound pork slices with a meat mallet to half-inch thickness. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Brown pork on each side, remove pork from pan reserving drippings. Add the preserves, green onions, vinegar, mustard, and remaining butter to pan, bring just to a boil. stirring to loosen browned bits from pan. Reduce heat, simmer covered 3 to 4 minutes to allow flavors to blend. Return the pork to pan, cook until pork is tender. Let stand five minutes before serving.