MATTERS OF THE HEART
SLOW COOKER SHREDDED BEEF LETTUCE CUPS
When Grown- Up Problems Weigh on Young Shoulders
I ngredients
Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
• 1 boneless beef chuck roast (about 2 lbs) • 3 medium carrots, peeled, chopped • 2 medium sweet red peppers, chopped • 1 medium onion, chopped • 1 8-oz can unsweetened crushed pineapple, undrained
• 1/2 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce • 2 tbsp packed brown sugar
• 2 tbsp white vinegar • 1 garlic clove, minced • 1/2 tsp pepper • 3 tbsp cornstarch • 3 tbsp water • 24 lettuce leaves for serving
One of the cruelest things we can do to a child is ignore what they feel. Divorce, custody battles, and other types of family conflict can weigh heavily on young people, sometimes putting the kids right in the middle of it. They hear it and feel it, and too often, they are left to carry the weight of grown-up problems without the tools to understand or express what’s going on inside. Emotional intelligence is essential not just for us adults but also for children. It’s truly about showing up, being honest, and teaching them what it looks like to feel something deeply and still move through it with strength and compassion. Many situations we see here at The Manely Firm deeply impact the children involved. It could be their parents separating or a grandparent who has been their caregiver suddenly being yanked away. As you nurture their emotional intelligence during this time, you can model it for them by getting in touch with your feelings. Parents make mistakes, too, so apologize to them when it happens and explain how you could have done things better. Just like you can offer your child a chance for a do-over, you can ask for one. Show them what that looks like. Tell them the truth in an age-appropriate way. But what do you say to them if their other parent isn’t modeling good emotional intelligence when you are prioritizing it? If your ex is trying to use your children, manipulate them, or tell them things that are untrue about you, ask them how it makes them feel when mommy or daddy says that to them. Help them identify those feelings, like sadness or anger; you can share that it makes you sad, too. You can guide them to understand that it is okay to be upset about it, and the more they can tune in to their feelings, the better they can get through family conflicts. A robust emotional vocabulary allows your children to manage difficult transitions more smoothly. Remember, every time you can help your child name an emotion, it’s a tool they can use for life. Even in the hardest moments, that kind of support plants a seed of resilience.
D irections 1. In a 4- or 5-quart slow cooker, combine roast, carrots, peppers, and onion. 2. In a small bowl, stir together the next 6 ingredients; pour over roast. 3. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours. Remove roast, let cool slightly, then shred. 4. Skim fat from cooking juices, then transfer juices and vegetables to a small saucepan; bring to a boil over high heat. 5. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and water, stir mixture into juices, and cook 3–4 minutes until sauce is thickened. 6. Return beef, sauce, and vegetables to slow cooker; cook for 10–15 minutes. 7. Serve beef in lettuce leaves.
“A mother is the truest friend we have.” –W ashington I rving
–Shelia Manely
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