What’s Too Scary for My Kids?

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Frightening ... or fun?

Tip #1: Understand There’s No “Harmless” Horror – First, Dr. Basbas says, as a parent you need to be aware that there’s no such thing as “harmless” fright entertainment: “Horror, fright, scary movies – they all depend on igniting the ANS (autonomic nervous system) so that the child reacts with an automatic adrenaline surge. Unfortunately the horror industry banks on creating “adrenaline junkies” (children that love the high of the excited ANS). Allowing kids to think of the fright response as fun, without educating them as to its effects, and the inherent dangers, can leave them vulnerable to pursuing the adrenaline rush through whatever means they can find.”

Carrot Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Icing

Try this yummy dessert. INGREDIENTS: <ul> <li> 2 cups flour</li> <li>2 cups sugar</li> <li>2 teaspoons baking soda</li> <li>1 teaspoon salt</li> <li>1 teaspoon cinnamon</li> <li>1-1/2 cups canola oil</li> <li>4 medium eggs</li> <li>1 (4-ounce) jars pureed baby food carrots (Heinz or Gerber Stage 2</li> <li>1 cup chopped pecans</li> </ul> INGREDIENTS for Cream Cheese Icing: <ul> <li> 8 ounces cream cheese, softened</li> <li>1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine, softened</li> <li>1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract</li> <li>1 (16-ounce) package confectioners' sugar</li> <li>1 cup chopped pecans</li> </ul> Read next feature >