Back-to-School 2013 Issue of Green Child Magazine by Green Child Magazine

How to Raise a

Motivated Student Homeschool Is it for you?

Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in Session! All you need to send your child back in eco-style! Back-to-School 2013

35+Easy

Lunch Ideas! 1

Clear the table! Unzip the apple &

Prepare for a great family evening!

Appletters is the addictive game for early readers where players work together to build a “word worm”. But stay on your toes! If you forget the rules, you might get called a “Rotten Apple!” Make Appletters the core of your game night fun!

Try oth from er g th e a

es ! m nch

www.bananagrams.com

Contents 8 Eco Fab

School is back in session, and we’re sharing a few of our favorite supplies!

10 Routine Success Tips

Getting back in the school groove.

14 Enjoying the Last Days of Summer

10 tips to make the most of your family’s time before the schedules start.

16 How to Raise a Motivated Student Self-motivation and a love of learning leads to success in school and throughout life.

20 Creating a Cleaner Classroom

Your child’s school doesn’t have to use toxic products. Find out how to get safer cleaners in the classroom.

24 Healthy School Lunches

More than thirty-five easy ideas... and all the gear you need to pack them in!

36 Nutritional Nuggets

From healthy school morning breakfasts to limiting hidden sugars, Dr. Goldberg answers your nutrition questions.

38 Toxic Lunches?

The plastic toxins to avoid, and how to choose safer lunch containers.

42 College Bound

Check out some of our favorite finds for eco-conscious teens.

44 Homeschool. Is it right for you?

An in-depth look at the factors you should

Contents 44 Homeschool. Is it right for you?

An in-depth look at why families choose to homeschool, the questions parents have, and the variety of options available.

50 A Mom’s Journey to Kindergarten

Grab your tissues! This mom is sending her baby to school for the first time.

52 Back-to-School Fashions

Eco-friendly brands and more!

64 Environmental Issues

Find creative, age-appropriate ways to bring green causes into the classroom.

66 Feng Shui

First steps for your healthy, growing child.

70 Eco Heroes

On The Cover How to Raise a Motivated Student p16

35+ Easy Lunch Ideas p24 Homeschool : Is it for you? p44 School’s in Session! All you need to send your child back in ecostyle! pgs.8, 24, 42 & 52

Kids making a difference.

72 Natural Lice Prevention

A fun new recipe for Spring.

74 Look Listen Read

Our editors’ top picks in books, apps & more.

76 Guided Relaxation

“Ragdoll Relaxation”

79 Ask Green Grandma

Questions from our readers answered.

80 DIY Tutorial

Make your own story board!

How

Rais Motito vateeda Stude nt Hom e s c Is it fo h r you ool

82 Community Marketplace

A collection of artisan shops & resources for today’s green family.

84 Your Green Child

Scho

A peek into the lives of our readers.

All yo ol’s in Sessi u child need to on! se back in ec nd your o-sty le! Back -to-S choo l 2013

Cover Photography by 4

Moon Ko Photography

35 + Easy

Lunc

h Ide

as!

Publisher & Editor

Amity Hook-Sopko

Creative Director Amanda Hearn

Columnists

Mellisa Dormoy Louise Goldberg, RD, CSP, LD, CNSC Hana Haatainen Caye

Contributors

Ashely Allman Kelly Bartlett Sandy Kreps Lauren Taylor Laura Markham, Ph.D. Elise Jones

Media & Other Inquiries

Anne Michelsen Dana Govern Ann Bingley Gallops Risa Barash Tanyette Colon

media@greenchildmagazine.com

from our publisher & editor “Passion can overcome fear - the fear of losing, of failing, of being traditional.” ~ Seth Godin, Stop Stealing Dreams When our youngest son was three, he and his best buddy spent hours “reading” books about animals. Spiders, dinosaurs, birds, cheetahs… No matter if the actual words of the book were as boring as, “spiders have 8 legs and live under rocks,” they would imagine an elaborate, sound effect-filled, hunter-verses-prey scenario for each and every one of them. I’ll never forget their bright eyes, giggles, and the way they’d shout, “Oh no! Here comes TRex!” They were clearly unaware of anything happening around them besides the intense stories they were creating, It made me realize, that’s exactly what learning should be. That passion and curiosity is inside all of us, especially as kids. And it’s what great teachers can recognize and engage to make a lasting impact in the course of a child’s education. My mother worked in the public school system for 23 years and retired after six years as an elementary school principal. She’s seen firsthand the amazing things that can happen when a teacher has a passion for uncovering what motivates a child to learn. I’m willing to guess - that motivator is not a test where there’s only one right answer. Our children need an environment where curiosity is not just allowed; it’s encouraged. They need a safe place to learn from their mistakes. They need time to run and play outside, learn a musical instrument, or volunteer for a cause that matters to them. And the world just might be a better place if we learned a little something from them along the way.

Amity 7

EcoFab

This year, send your little ones back to school with great items inspired by Mother Nature. Here are just a few of our favorite finds.

Write Your Own Labels With these labels from Emily Press, your favorite student won’t have to worry about losing their favorite items to the lost and found pile. $9.99

Funley’s Super Crackers Our kids loved these “Cornbread” crackers, made with sweet potatoes. $3.60

Natural Beeswax Crayons This pack includes 24 awesomely ‘Bee’utiful crayons! $16.95

Shark Pencil Case

We are in love with this handmade pencil case from MinneBites! $44

Fast Track Backpack

Zoom zoom! Your little one will just adore this sweet backback from Dabbawalla! $40

|by Kelly Bartlett

Getting Back in the School Groove

Routine Success Tips

When it comes to daily habits like sleeping and eating, most parents have probably had some kind of routine in place since their children were infants. Kids thrive on routine because it gives them a sense of predictability in their lives. They have their needs met on a regular basis. They know what to expect each day. They are able to depend on the sense of security they feel in a familiar routine. As children grow, new activities pop up, new patterns emerge, and new habits form. When regular routines are in place, kids can handle these changes with less stress. Back-to-school is perhaps the biggest time of year for making adjustments to the familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s daily activities. Kids go from a relaxed (or nonexistent) summer schedule to suddenly being expected to get up, dressed and out the door fairly quickly each day. There are new stressors and new transitions with added interactions and after-school activities. With the start of a new school year comes early mornings, busy schedules, and often some frustration as

parents try to get everyone going in the right directions each day. To take the hassles out of morning, evening, and after-school transitions, here are some tips for developing routines that work for your family and create smoother days. â&#x20AC;˘ Work with your child. Ask her what are the most important things to get done. Talk together about what is working and what is not. Ask what the hardest parts of the morning are for her. What does she need the most help with? What can you expect her to accomplish on her own? How much time is helpful for her to get ready? When you include a child in the process of creating a routine, she is an active participant in it, rather then feeling like tasks are being imposed upon her. She has a sense of ownership in the process and is more likely to initiate the steps on her own. â&#x20AC;˘ Take time to ease in. Start practicing a week or two before school starts. This gives kids a gradual introduction to what the mornings 11

Getting Back in the School Groove will look like as the school year approaches. Start by just getting up at an earlier time each day. Then add in getting dressed before breakfast. Finally, include breakfast, and by the time school starts, kids will have a solid feel for how the mornings will go. • Post it. For everyday routines in which a lot of steps are involved, such as getting ready in the morning, after school responsibilities, or going to bed at night, it can be helpful to have a chart or a list. Having something tangible to post on the wall is a handy reminder of what needs to be done every day without a parent having to nag. Keep the chart simple—include the necessities without making the routine an overwhelming chore. Older children may do well with simply a written checklist on the back of their bedroom door or on the mirror in the bathroom. Young children do well with images or photos posted at their height so they can picture themselves completing each step of the routine. Having the routine posted is an easy reminder of what needs to happen. • Let the routine be the guide. Rather than direct kids through their tasks each day, refer to the chart or checklist to encourage kids to take initiative for their daily habits. Ask your child, “OK, you’ve brushed your teeth, what comes next in your routine?” Or, “What does the chart say you should be doing right now?” Not only is a parent able to avoid nagging, but the child is able to start thinking proactively. Encouraging kids to take charge of their own routines gives them a muchneeded sense of personal responsibility and self-sufficiency. They begin to take the lead in taking care of themselves.

• Make connection part of your routine. Instead of starting your day with a flurry of activity and a rush to get out the door, try starting it with a few minutes of one-on-one

time with your child. Often, this can make the difference between a morning of resistance and a morning of cooperation. Waking up just 10 minutes earlier to cuddle, talk, or read together in your child’s favorite chair starts the day from a place of attunement. You let your child know he is the most important thing in the world to you, and that in that moment, you don’t have anywhere else to be—not work, not school, just right there in the moment with him. He feels closely connected to you and is much more ready to face the day. • Celebrate successes. Acknowledge when kids complete tasks on their own and encourage them in sticking with their routines. “I sure appreciate you being able to take your own shower while I get breakfast ready.” Or, “You got yourself up today—yay!” Or, “I noticed you put your shoes on at the same time you got dressed. That helps so much!” Or, “This is the first time we haven’t had to rush through breakfast. It feels nice!” Remember that this routine is something she’s expected to do as a cooperative member of the family, and issuing rewards for completing her tasks will take away from her sense of pride and feelings of capability. Just continue to acknowledge her effort and appreciate her contributions in helping to get herself ready and out the door on time. With routines, children have an opportunity to learn to focus on the needs of the situation: doing what needs to be done because it needs to be done. This creates great feelings of capability, as well as eliminates opportunities for power struggles. Children feel competent and accomplished, and they learn they have a cooperative place in the family. When fall approaches and schedules get busy with school and new activities, work with your children to establish a comfortable routine that will help them succeed.

A reusable spouted pouch for healthy homemade snacks! •• Perfect for baby food, yogurt, applesauce, smoothies & anything else little hands can squish. •• Fill it from the bottom and squish it out the top. •• BPA-free pack, heavy duty zip-closure & choke-proof cap. •• Clear window on the back allows you to see the contents! •• Save money! Wash & reuse over and over again! •• Holds 1/2 cup & is perfect for freezer storage.

www.SquishySnakPak.com

10 Ways

to Make the Most of Summerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s End

|by Sandy Kreps 14

If the end-of-summer blues are setting in for your family, here are 10 ideas for family fun you can squeeze in before the kids head back to the classroom. 1. A/C Hunt. It’s hot. Find the air conditioning

– there’s lots of it in fun places. Hit the library for story time, and grab a stack of books and videos to check out while you’re there. Explore a museum you’ve never been to. Head to the theater, whether it’s for a movie or a summer play. Head to the nearest ice skating rink and get some cool ice time while it’s hot outside.

1. Explore a New Park. Pack up everyone

and head to a new park in a different part of town. Bring along a picnic lunch, a Frisbee or ball, and maybe even the dog. Spend the afternoon playing catch, reading books under a tree, exploring a new walking trail, or trying out some different playgrounds. Stop for ice cream or a snow cone on the way home.

1. Go Camping – at Home. Pitch a tent in the backyard and turn off the phone – backyard camping gives you that vacation feeling without actually having to travel. Grill up dinner and eat it on a blanket in front of your tent. Roast marshmallows over a fire pit (or on the stove in the kitchen), and tell ghost stories with that flashlight on your chin. Be grateful that you can go inside to use the bathroom whenever you need to.

1. Last-Minute Getaway. Take that weekend

getaway you never found time for. Choose a location nearby so you can drive, and look for end-of-summer discounts as everyone heads back to school. Play the license plate game, travel bingo or Slug Bug (Slug Smart Car?) on the way there.

1. Pool Time. Take a last trip to the pool – and

make sure the whole family comes (even Dad if he’s usually at work!) Make a day of it. Pack a cooler with water, fruit and treats so you don’t have to leave for snacks. Give those floaties one last workout before they’re stored for the winter. Don’t forget the sunscreen!

1. Farmer’s Market Feast. Farmer’s Markets

are still in full swing in most areas. Make the most of them before the yummy summer produce comes to an end. Take the whole family, and let everyone choose their favorite fruit or veggie. When you get home, use everyone’s choices to cook up a delicious end-ofsummer feast.

1. Movie Time! Hit the library, Netflix or

video rental and have a movie marathon at home. Pick a theme – road trip movies, Disney flicks, animated aliens – and create an easy dinner menu using your movie theme to give the foods fun names. Serve your themed dinner on a picnic blanket in front of the screen. Or stay traditional and serve up big bowls of popcorn. Turn off all the lights, and ask everyone to silence their cell phones before the movie begins!

1. BYOB (Bring Your Own Blanket). Take

advantage of the last summer concerts, music festivals and movies in the park opportunities. Grab a blanket or lawn chair and head to nearby parks to hear local bands strut their stuff, watch classic movies on a big (inflatable) screen, or experience a Shakespeare in the Park performance.

1. Buy Some Peanuts and Cracker Jacks.

Catch a baseball game before the season ends, whether you have a big league team nearby or some minor leaguers to root for. If they have them, get ice cream in those little baseball hat bowls.

1. Don’t Feed the Animals. Spend the day

at a local zoo or wild animal preserve learning about the animals. Take lots of photos of the kids with the animals. Then head home and ask your kids to draw pictures of what they saw. Combine the kids’ artwork with the photos you took, and make a zoo book for Grandma for Christmas. 15

|b y Dr. Laura Markham

author of Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids: How To Stop Yelling and Start Connecting

All parents want their kids to get good grades at school. But why does being a good student matter? Most important… quality of life. People who can do enough math to handle mortgages and taxes, who understand the financial and political forces that affect their personal lives, who know something about the natural and scientific worlds, who can use the human legacy of great art and literature to make sense of life -- research shows these people have richer, happier lives, make better decisions, and are more responsible citizens. In short, helping our kids develop their intellect to the best of their ability is certainly not everything, but it is undoubtedly a gift to our children.

But school success isn't possible without a love of learning. How can you encourage both? 1. Intellectual exploration begins with physical exploration. A baby who is told "No" as he explores his world learns not to question. A toddler who is constantly curtailed from climbing higher (rather than simply being 16

spotted for safety) won't become an explorer, either physically or mentally. The more you say "no" to a baby, the more her inner world will be filled with limitations, and the lower her IQ will be. (Think she needs to learn limits, develop inner controls? She does. Just as she needs to develop inner controls over her bladder. And on approximately the same timetable.)   2. Select age appropriate toys. Don't waste your money on educational toys. Most have been proven to be counter-productive. Think toys that can be used creatively in many ways, rather than preset games. The classics are still the best: Blocks, paints, clay, puppets, dolls, stuffed animals, and vehicles. Instead of structured play with specific characters or story lines, encourage free play, which exercises the mind and imagination, letting him lay down new neural pathways. (Studies show that kids who watch TV are more prone to adopt "scripts" of what they have seen, kids who don't engage in more flexible, creative play.)   3. Encourage experimentation. Children are natural scientists, and they learn by doing. They experiment just to see what happens. You know that the egg will break if you drop it on the floor, but what self-respecting toddler

doesn't want to try it for herself? Be patient. Tolerate a certain amount of mess. (And of course you'll also have to tolerate their efforts to help clean it up, which can make things worse but are an important beginning to competence and responsibility). 4. Emotional development and excitement about learning is more important than academics for young children. In the end, your child's ability to do well in school will depend less on when she memorizes her ABCs and more on emotional development, such as her ability to manage frustration in order to tackle new challenges. Your child's primary work in the toddler and preschool years is to develop a healthy emotional life and an excited curiosity about the world, not to learn to read. If she loves being read to by the time she begins first grade, she'll be a reader halfway through the year. 5. Don't test your youngster, and don't let Grandma do it. It doesn't matter if you're quizzing a toddler about what color the cars are, or a preschooler on what the stop sign says; if they don't know the answer they'll feel like they should. Quizzing tends to escalate through all the right answers (“Wow, he knows all the primary colors at the age of 18 months!”) until the child is stumped (“No, that’s TURQUOISE!”), and then even the smartest child will feel dumb. That self-doubt can last for the rest of his life, no matter how smart he is.

6. Inspire questions rather than overloading them with facts. It's true that every interaction with your child is a teachable moment, but think twice about what you're teaching. For instance, on a nature walk, marvel together at the mysteries of nature, but resist

the temptation to label every living thing and reduce your walk to a science lesson. Inspire wonder about the joy and beauty of nature; help them voice their own questions and theories. Notice the patterns of frost on the car, the changes in the moon, the way the hummingbird hovers. Facts are secondary at best; at worst they're a complete distraction from the magic of life. That magic is what will inspire her to want to learn more facts. 7. Once your child starts school, set up a place and time for her to do her homework, in the same room with you. If she develops the habit of working at a desk with all her books and supplies handy, she'll be much more focused. And this gives her a structure to master the developmental task of sitting herself down to tackle an unpleasant task. 8. Care about the details of his schoolwork. The single most important factor in school success (as long as your child has intelligence within the normal range and no learning disabilities) is whether there is a parent at home who is interested in the child's schoolwork. Someone who knows basically what is happening in all his subjects, and what he is working on, every night, for homework. Being interested in the report card isn't good enough -- kids need help to stay focused during the game itself, not punishment when they get the scorecard. 9. Help him manage his homework, don't do it for him. It's not true that you don't need to be involved in homework; you do. But the parent's job is to provide structure, not answers. You're not the teacher, so you aren't evaluating the work. But you are helping her to manage getting it done. Your goal is to help your child to internalize good study habits.

How should he go about learning spelling words? How should she write a rough draft and revise it? How does one manage a project that needs to be worked on over a period of time? In first grade your role might be to actually help him figure out the answers to his math problems, by fourth grade you may find that all you need to do is quiz him on his times tables before the test. The more interest you show, the better. But

don't get into power struggles, you won't win. Stay in touch with the teacher and let her be the heavy as necessary.

10. Make sure your child's peers value academics. By the time kids are in fourth grade, their attitudes toward schoolwork are influenced greatly by their peers. How much effort they put into schoolwork and how well they do in school will be very similar to their immediate peer group. If you want your child to do well academically, be sure he or she is in a peer situation with kids who value learning.

of you are encountering: "Do you think people look like their dogs? Do you think that dentists have to have a certain kind of personality to cope with people being afraid of dental work?" When your child asks you a question, counter with a question:

"Hmm...that's a great question. I don't really know what those little particles in that shaft of light are. Dust motes? Why can we only see them in the light, do you think? Are they all over the room but we can't see them?" When you hear an interesting news report, turn off the radio and talk with your child about it. At dinner, if it's a famous person's birthday, have a conversation about them. If you want some ideas on what to ask your child to get good discussions going, see 100 Questions to Ask Your Child to Start a Great Conversation.

11. Encourage reading. Reading to your child is the single most important thing you can do to raise her IQ. That means reading to her even once she can read to herself, because you'll be reading her more interesting stories than she can decipher. Read to your child until she makes you stop. (I read to my kids until they were teenagers, just as a way to connect and discuss certain books.)

13. Help your child learn how to look things up. It's more important for him to know how to find and evaluate answers than to know lots of facts. If you're teaching your child to look things up, the web is usually at hand more easily than the library, so it becomes important to give early lessons on web literacy. In addition to basic web safety, children need to know that some web sites are not reliable sources of facts, and how to evaluate a source.

12. Have great discussions at your house. Children develop curiosity about the world when they grow up with adults who are curious and interested in it. When you're with your child, ask questions about what the two

Dr. Laura Markham is the author of Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids: How To Stop Yelling and Start Connecting & founder of AhaParenting.com, the home of Aha! moments for parents of babies through teens. 19

Creating a

Cleaner Classroom |by Elise Jones

After a summer of outdoor fun and quality time spent in the fresh air, it’s time to send children back into the classroom. It is a known fact that indoor air quality suffers when classrooms are cleaned with traditional, chemicalladen, cleaning products. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), over 10% of our school populations may be exposed to polluted indoor air, chemical fumes, pesticides, molds and other toxins. So what’s a parent to do?

Here are some ideas of ways to get greener cleaners into your child’s school and classroom: • Run a green cleaner drive and/or collection. • Ask teachers if they can put natural or green cleaners on their supply list. • Contact PTA or your school’s Green Team to get the word out about toxic cleaners and better alternatives. No, Green Team in your child’s school? Create one! • Talk to your school’s custodial team about green cleaners and different viable solutions

for your school. This may take you supplying different green cleaners for them to test out.

Looking for some great suggestions for what to send into your child’s classroom? Janelle Sorensen, children’s environmental health advocate, suggests products from The Honest Company, Method, Seventh Generation, and, of course, baking soda, vinegar and water. There is very little water, vinegar and baking soda can’t do for cleaning up any mess! “For all of these things, I’d consult Green Seal which is a third-party organization that tests and certifies products,” says Sorensen. “It’s recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, so teachers can feel confident that not only are their product recommendations green and safe, they’re also approved for the unique needs of a school setting.” Also, it may be beneficial for you to provide a simple thing that can improve air quality in any classroom: plants! 21

Creating a Cleaner Classroom Here are five plants that are proven to improve indoor air quality: • • • • •

Purple Waffle Plant English Ivy Variegated Wax Plant Asparagus Fern Purple Heart Plant

It may be tough to get your school to use the greener, cleaning products. It’s not that the school’s employees want to create a toxic environment but they are typically overworked, underpaid and trying to do the best they can with the resources they are given. Addressing your concerns and providing solutions, without pointing fingers, is the best way to create a positive change. “Patience, persistence, and positivity are key,” says Sorensen.

Looking for inspiration? Here are some resources that can assist you in implementing change in your schools to make the learning environment cleaner and greener: • Creating Healthy Indoor Environments in Schools: http://www.epa.gov/iaq/schools/ • The Center for Green Schools: http://www.centerforgreenschools.org/ home.aspx • Quick & Easy Guide to Green Cleaning in Schools: http://www.greencleanschools.org/

Vaccinations: Know the risks and failures.

National Vaccine Information Center

NVIC.org

Your health. Your family. Your choice. NVICadvocacy.org 23

Pack It

1. Innobaby Keepin’ Fresh Double Insulated Stainless Drinking Cup & Bento 2. Skip Hop Lunch Box • HAPPYtot Vegetable Ravioli • Oranges, Grapes, Blueberries, Pomegranate • Milk

y h t l Hea

School Lunches and all the gear you need to pack them in!

ucts eat prod r g e h t Find age at : on this p

Pack It 26

• Cauliflower Rice (Sauté lightly in EVOO with Baby 1. Lifefactory Glass Water Bottle 2. Sanctus Mundo Stainless Steel Oval Portobellos, Garlic & Asparagus) • Mixed Greens with Feta, Avocado & Orange Slice Food Container (add your favorite dressing, or none at all!) 3. SnackTAXI Snack Bag • Strawberries

! y l d n e i r F y g r e l l A

Tip!

Help keep things Apple, Avocado & Pear slices from browning by letting them sit for a few minutes in a bowl of water with lemon juice before packing.

Pack It

1. Innobaby Packin’ SMART® Lock & Lock Stacking Bento 2. Allermates Snack Bag 3. Funkin Napkin • Cauliflower Florets • Orange Slices • Mixed Greens, Quinoa, Orange & Pomegranate • Lucy’s Gluten-Free Cinnamon Thins

1. Maxwell Designs Snack Bag 2. SIGG Cuipo Water Bottle 3. SIGG Aluminum Lunch Box • Veggie Wrap (Mixed Greens, Tomato, Chick Peas, Green Pepper & your favorite dressing) • Organic Blue Corn Chips • Green Pepper Rounds • LÄRABAR mini

Pack It

< Pack It

1. Stainless Steel SCOUT by Eco Vessel 2. Silicone Smashbox by Eco Vessel 3. Funkin Napkin 4. Squishy Snak Pak • Almond Butter (or alternative) & Jam • Apple Slices • Baby Carrots • Cucumber Sticks • Organic Soy Yogurt 29

Allergy Friendly

Pack It

1. ECOlunchbox 3-in-1 2. Funkin Napkin • Cucumber Sandwich (Udi’s Millet-Chia Bread, Cucumber, Greens & Hummus) • Pomegranate • Broccoli • Apple • SO Delicious Coconut Milk

Pack It

1. Planetbox Rover 2. SIGG Water Bottle 3. Smartkin Napkin

• Greek Yogurt with Granola Crumbles • Mixed Organic Berries • Kale Chips (Olive Oil drizzle, Salt & Bake @ 350 for 6-10 minutes!) • Celery, PB (or alternative) & Raisins • Green & Black’s Mint Dark Chocolate Square 31

Pack It 32

1. SoYoung Lunch Box (waterproof outer!) 2. 2 Red Hens Snack Pack 3. Wean Green Meal Cube & Wean Cube

• Banana • Greens, Mushrooms, Feta & Asparagus Spears • Organic Yogurt • DIY Trail Mix (Pretzels, Cranberries & Almonds)

Pack It

1. U Konserve (by Kids Konserve) Snack Bag 2. U Konserve Stainless Water Bottle 3. U Konserve Snack Container (part of a nesting trio!) • Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Mixed Greens on Organic Whole Grain Bread • Organic Cheese Stick • Banana Chips • Peach

Pack It

1. eco•ditty™ Lunch Ditty 2. eco•ditty™ Snack Bag

• Blue Diamond Artisan Nut Thins with Flax Seeds • Snapea Crisps by Harvest Snaps - Original Lightly Salted Crisps • Pear • Turkey Wrap (Mixed Greens, Feta, Tomato Slice & Cucumber Sticks)

! t s a e l t o n t u b Last

Pack It

Start your day right with a nutritious smoothie & a healthy snack to go! 1. Bumkins Snack Bag 2. Glass Dharma Straw • Breakfast Smoothy (Yogurt, Ice, Mixed Berries, Kale & Spinach) • Pear Slices

Nutritional Nuggets |by Louise Goldberg

I’m concerned about the amount of added sugar my kids are eating. Are the low- or reduced-sugar foods a good substitute? When a product claims the sugar content has been reduced, it means the manufacturer has cut the original sugar content by 25%. While it may sound like a better choice, it might mean the omitted sugar has actually been replaced with a non-nutritive sweetener, such as aspartame or sucralose. Always look beyond the front-of-the-package claims and head straight for the ingredient list to find out what’s really in your family’s food. Are there any dairy-free food sources of probiotics?

Dairy is a common and potent source of these healthy bacteria known as probiotics. However, for people who are lactose intolerant, allergic to cow’s milk proteins, or choose not to eat animal products, there are other options. Several fermented foods such as kimchi or tempeh naturally contain probiotics. You can also find the “good bugs” added to dairy-free products like Good Belly beverages and Attune Foods chocolate bars. There are some non-dairy powder supplements. Be sure to research and choose a trusted brand because these items are not regulated by the

FDA, and their potency can diminish with processing and time. My son never seems hungry early in the morning. He starts kindergarten this year, and I’m worried he won’t make it through until lunchtime. How can I get him to eat something before school? It can be a challenge transitioning young children to a more structured scheduled, especially when it comes to eating. If your son doesn’t wake with a big appetite, you need to make whatever he can eat really count. Items that are higher in protein and/or fiber will help keep him full until lunchtime. A couple of suggestions: • Scrambled egg wrapped in half a whole wheat tortilla • Oatmeal with dried fruit • Slice of Whole Grain Toast spread with Nut Butter or Sunflower Butter • Yogurt cup (dairy or non-dairy) mixed with fresh or dried fruit • Smoothie (made with any yogurt + spinach or other greens + frozen fruit + milk/ non-dairy milk to thin to desired consistency and honey or maple syrup if needed to sweeten)

Toxic Lunches?

How to Pack Healthy, Eco Friendly and Safe Meals for Your Children, Minus the Harmful Plastics |by Dana Govern

Children are more vulnerable than adults to the harmful effects any substance can have on them, especially when it comes to things they are eating and touching throughout the day. With school season beginning, parents should be aware that what makes a lunch healthy is more than just the food, but also the materials used to pack it, which can contain potentially harmful chemicals. One particular material of concern, and also one of the most common for packing lunches is plastic. Some major issues regarding plastics include: • “BPA” or Bisphenol-A (found in plastics with a #7 code) – This chemical, which mimics the hormone estrogen, can break down when heated and leach into food or drink, therefore entering the body. Known as an endocrine disrupting chemical, it has been linked to reproductive and developmental issues including diabetes, early onset of puberty, and susceptibility to breast and prostate cancer.

• Obesogens – This group includes chemicals like BPA and phthalates (used to harden plastics), among others, which are used in the production of plastic products. Obesogens have been linked to childhood obesity due to the effects they can have on the body, including an increase in fat cells, resistance to insulin in the liver, a decrease in the calories burned, and a decrease in lepton, which sends signals to the body that it’s full. • Effects on the Environment - Manufacturing plastic resin creates more toxic emissions than glass, and when it’s time to dispose of the material, it never completely disappears from the environment. Instead, plastic breaks down into small particles that can

• 39

Toxic Lunches? How to Pack Healthy Meals Minus the Harmful Plastics

foods that come in plastic disposable containers are not only bad for the Earth, but can also be bad for us. Think about pre-sliced, packaged lunch meat that is high in sodium, single- use and sugar filled yogurts, and even “meal in one” options like Lunchables. Though these may seem like quick fixes to packing lunches on a busy schedule, it only takes slightly more time to pack less artificial, nutritious selections.

easily be ingested by wildlife on land and in the ocean, contaminating the food chain. And even when plastic is recycled, which we wish was more often, unlike glass it cannot be converted into another similar object. Recycled plastic is down-cycled into other products such as doormats, textiles, plastic lumber, etc. but they all will still at some point end up in a landfill. With the negative information piling up about plastics, it seems plausible to seek alternatives. Stainless steel, bamboo and cotton often provide toxic free and eco friendly solutions to plastic. When packing your children’s lunches, there are storage containers, sandwich and snack holders, water bottles, utensils and napkins made with these chemical free, earth friendly options. Not only will these reusable materials last longer, saving you money in the long run, but they will also help put your mind at ease that your children are using items better for their health. It’s also important to recognize that these safer options for packing lunch may help contribute to better nutrition and healthier bodies, since 40

Packing healthier lunch options in safe materials doesn’t have to be difficult. Items such as reusable cotton sandwich & snack bags, glass or stainless steel food containers, glass or stainless steel water bottles, bamboo utensils and cotton napkins can all be tucked into a toxin free, reusable lunch container. By choosing non-toxic and safer options and trying to avoid plastics, you are also helping your children learn about what is good for their bodies and the Earth. In this way, they can help set a better example so other people can also take steps towards more positive change for themselves and the environment.

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HOMESCHOOL Is it right for your family? |by Anne Michelsen So, you’re facing The Decision

– whether (and how) to homeschool your kids. Join the club. My husband and I have revisited that question several times in the course of parenting our two children (now ages 14 and 18.) We have answered it in various ways over the years depending on circumstances. Sometimes it was an easy choice; sometimes not. Things didn’t always go as planned, but we did eventually settle on what worked for our family – until the next set of changing circumstances prompted us to make The Decision all over again.

By all means, listen with an open mind, especially to those people who know you and your children well and have your best interests at heart. Pay special attention when what they say elicits a strong reaction in you. They may be able to help you see past blind spots in your own perception. But, at the end of the day, no one else understands your family’s unique needs as well as you.

In the course of writing this article, I spoke with a number of parents who once faced the same decision as you. Some chose to homeschool, some not. All felt they made the right decision, at least for the moment. In a little while I’ll share some of their stories, along with a few tips to help make the choice of schooling options for your children a little easier.

Now that we’ve established YOU as the primary decision maker, let’s look a little closer at your vision for your children’s education.

But first, let’s take a look at who’s ultimately responsible for your decision.

Reasons to Homeschool

Take a look in the nearest mirror. That’s right – it’s YOU. Just because a person is your religious leader, 44

your mom, your school psychologist, or your best friend doesn’t mean their advice is right for you and your kids. This may seem obvious, but you might be surprised how many people feel it’s their duty to influence you in your decision. Even those who say they respect your choice will often subtly (or not so subtly) make their opinions known through a gesture or a frown.

• Parents consider homeschooling for many reasons, including: • Freedom to pursue alternative educational methods and experiences • Accommodation for special needs children

HOMESCHOOL Is it right for your family?

• Desire to educate according to the family’s faith • Safety and freedom from bullying; accommodation for special needs children • Flexibility of lifestyle • Opportunity to enjoy a close, natural bond with one’s children. Homeschooling can be a great option for any one of these reasons. But it’s not for everyone. If you’re on the fence about homeschooling, you probably have some profound concerns as well. First, look into your heart and ask yourself if you really want to homeschool, or if you just feel like it’s something you “should” do to be a good parent. Remember that old saying, “If mama (or papa)’s not happy, nobody’s happy.” If you feel in your gut that it’s just not for you, it’s probably better for your kids to attend school – even if it’s not ideal – than to grow up feeling your distress and resentment. But assuming you’re excited about the idea (even if it’s scary to you), let’s take a look at some common obstacles to homeschooling, along with some potential solutions to each.

5 Common Homeschooling Objections “I don’t feel qualified to teach my child.”

Feeling insecure about your ability to teach is a very common concern. It might help to realize that nearly every homeschooling parent has felt that way at one time or another. Yet, studies have shown that on average, homeschooled children outperform their public schooled peers on standardized tests in reading, language, math, science, and social studies – whether the parents were certified teachers or not.

Melissa, a Sunnyvale, CA mom who homeschools her two children, ages 11 and 7, offers some words of encouragement. “You started out your child's life by homeschooling them. You sat with them and read books, taught them to count and say their ABCs, encouraged them as they learned to crawl and walk. Now just keep moving forward with that.” Cathi, a mom of one from the San Jose, CA area, adds that you don’t have to teach in a vacuum: “The world is teeming with resources for teaching, everywhere one looks - whether at the library, the local museums and historical societies, or on the internet. There are many great people, books, films, places and things (as in museums) ready and waiting to help you teach your child.” There is no one best way to homeschool. Choose an option that appeals to you, and realize that you can always change course if needed. Keep an eye out for learning difficulties, though. If your child seems to be struggling unduly in one or more areas, it may not be a reflection of your teaching ability. You may need to recruit the assistance of a learning specialist. In this case, you’ll need to assess the best option in your area, be it learning effective techniques on your own, hiring a private consultant, or enlisting the help of your school district. “I’d love to homeschool my kids, but I need to work and don’t have time.” Homeschooling does take time. Most homeschooling families have at least one parent who stays home full time to school their children. But if homeschooling is very important to you, you may be able to – pardon the pun – work around the need to spend time earning a living.

Here are some ideas for doing so: • Hire a private tutor. Granted, this requires deep pockets. However, it is a viable option, and was the preferred method of schooling in days gone by.

• Run your own business. Yes, running a

business can take huge amounts of time in and of itself. However, it can also allow you the flexible hours you need. When your kids are younger, you might need to hire someone to help you juggle your priorities. As they grow older, you may actually find that involving them in the business becomes an important part of their education, as well as helping you make a living.

• Try online learning. Many states now of-

fer virtual school options. This hybrid system allows children to learn at home using a state-approved curriculum with certified teachers. “I feel like it’s a great education,” reports KC Jones, who enrolled her 13-yearold daughter in a virtual school to avoid the drama of middle school after a recent move to Florida. “The teachers are wonderful, and she’s getting immersed in useful technology. I thought I’d be able to help her more, but I ended up spending all my time looking for work. It wasn’t a problem, though. As long as you have a self-directed child, it works well,”

Be honest with yourself. Having a child at home requires time and energy, even if they’re selfdirected. You may be the only person your child interacts with for hours at a time, and you’ll need to schedule opportunities for your child to interact with other children. If you don’t think you are up to the task, there’s no shame in seeking other options. If your local

Vocabulary: Mind in the Making

Andrea, a mom of five in Champaign, IL, ad For children 21/2 to 6 years dresses this topic when she says, “Homeschooling definitely isn't for the faint of heart! Since Available now! my kids are home all the time, my home is Enjoyand a close with much messier noisierrelationship and I am accompaas just you build everytheir nied byyour all 5 ofchildren them (until recently) go. I get less time to myself. There areto setting them up where Ivocabulary, times I become stop and wonder if Ireaders can really for do this strong life. crazy thing I signed up for. But then I look at my children and see how happy they are. They To purchase have great relationships with each other. Our Call us or visit family is stronger for it. My children's interests http://ageofmontessori.org/ range widely, they are outgoing and friendly. royal-road-to-reading They love to try new things. I am grateful for these benefits to homeschooling and it makes the messy noisy house and lack of me-time all worth it.” If you’re not the organized type, you might want to consider unschooling [http://unschoolers.com/]. This educational philosophy eschews The any sort of organized learning in favor of giving to natural desire to learn. free range to the child’s While it is a radical idea,Disc it hasOne been a successful path for some families. [http://www.psyVocabulary: Mind in the Making chologytoday.com/blog/freedom-learn/201204/ meet-kate-fridkis-who-skipped-k-12-and-isDVD with 16 page Booklet neither-weird-nor] 96 Vocabulary Cards “I don’t have a supportive homeschooling community.” www.ageofmontessori.org 284-2160 www.ageofmontessori.org(406) (406) 284-2160

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HOMESCHOOL Is it right for your family?

school district doesn’t meet your standards, there may be a charter or private school in your area that does. Perhaps you can team up with a few other homeschooling parents to share the job. Or, ask yourself if you really need to work full time. Some families have found that by selling the extra car and budgeting wisely, they’re able to make it just fine on a reduced income. “I just don’t think I’m organized enough to homeschool.” Andrea, a mom of five in Champaign, IL, addresses this topic when she says, “Homeschooling definitely isn't for the faint of heart! Since my kids are home all the time, my home is much messier and noisier and I am accompanied by all 5 of them (until just recently) everywhere I go. I get less time to myself. There are times I stop and wonder if I can really do this crazy thing I signed up for. But then I look at my children and see how happy they are. They have great relationships with each other. Our family is stronger for it. My children's interests range widely, they are outgoing and friendly. They love to try new things. I am grateful for these benefits to homeschooling and it makes the messy noisy house and lack of me-time all worth it.” If you’re not the organized type, you might want to consider unschooling. This educational philosophy eschews any sort of organized learning in favor of giving free range to the child’s natural desire to learn. While it is a radical idea, it has been a successful path for some families. “I don’t have a supportive homeschooling community.” This may actually be the most difficult obstacle to overcome. Most homeschooling parents agree that it would be very hard to homeschool 48

without the friendships and mentoring of a local homeschool community. Most urban areas have vibrant homeschooling communities, but if you live in a small town or rural region you might be hard pressed to find the peer support you need. An even worse situation is to feel alienated by the homeschoolers in your area. Kathy, an African American mom living in Connecticut, shares her experience: “I was very concerned about the isolation my children would experience and the lack of discourse concerning diversity issues in the homeschool circle. Yes, it is expressed in the general sense. But, I did hear some homeschooling moms saying that they do not want to send their kids to school with "them." I realized that "them" were students of color, inner city kids and special education kids. I realized that I was part of "them" and would not fit into their circle. I ended up, with some hesitation, sending my kids to public schools.” In retrospect, Kathy feels that she made the right decision and is happy with her children’s education. But if you are determined to homeschool and don’t feel you have adequate local support, don’t despair. There are plenty of online support groups where you can find the mentoring you need. And with a little extra effort, you should be able to meet other likeminded families in your area through church or other social avenues. “I’m worried that my kids won’t be well socialized.” Don’t. All you have to do is visit a typical homeschool group to see that homeschooling, if anything, helps turn out well adjusted, well-socialized kids. But if you need proof, there’s plenty of scientific evidence to support the social aspects of homeschooling.

On the other hand, every family is unique, and there are cases when school might be a better option. My own son, who was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome at the age of 12, benefitted immensely from the social coaching he received at an alternative charter middle and high school we were fortunate enough to have in our district. We had previously tried homeschooling as well as several other school options and this school was clearly the best choice for him. Whatever you decide, keep in mind that your decision is never final.

“Do what works for your family. Try it out. If it doesn't work, you can always take another route,” advises Kathleen LeSage, a mom of two who homeschools in two states due to the demands of her business, New Life Hiking Spa. “Education is not one-size fits all! Don't be afraid of what people will think. Do what is best for your family and your children will thrive!”

You Can Always Change Your Mind

A Mom’s Journey

To Kindergarten |by Ashley Allman

Bittersweet. It’s a word that has become so overused – especially by parents – that it has in many ways lost its impact. I’m as guilty as anybody; but it is so much more convenient to respond with ‘bittersweet’ when people ask how I am feeling about sending my first child off to kindergarten, than it would be to answer more candidly by saying I’m scared out of my wits, heartbroken and celebratory all at the same time. Our first babies are so much to us. The first five years of my son’s life have been incredibly rewarding, challenging, and transformational for our entire family. I relish in being the center of my boy’s universe. And while I appreciate my time to myself, nothing gives me a fuller heart than his affectionate displays that remind me I am his number one. As kindergarten approaches ever too quickly, I’m realizing that the slow and heartrending process of letting go is about to begin. While I still have many more years ahead with my son in our home and under our direct care, at this stage of life, the start of elementary school feels as momentous as a high school graduation or eighteenth birthday. In a small but marked way, my baby is leaving me. This summer has been more significant than any other summer of the last five years. Of course there was the summer that my son was born, the summer he turned one year old and learned to walk, the summer he learned to ride a bike with-

out training wheels, and so on. But this summer marks the ending of a chapter and the beginning of a new one: my little boy’s crossing over from the world of home, to the world at large. I know he is ready. The subtle signs have been hard to ignore; play dates without me in attendance, his first sleepover, and time spent with slightly older neighborhood children. He is growing in all the right ways, and it is a joy to witness. Still I can’t help but feel that while he outgrows his size 4T pants and his preschool, part of him is outgrowing mommy too. Ultimately, I know this is part of the natural cycle of parenthood, and in time elementary school will feel familiar and comfortable to me as well as my son. Letting go is hard, but I’m trying to focus on maintaining a close bond between us. Now more than ever I realize how imperative it is that we stay attached and in touch with each other, so that his love for family and his inherent goodness will remain no matter what influences he encounters on his commencing journey. So I’ll keep telling everyone how bittersweet this all is, and I’ll have my camera and tissue at the ready on the first day of school. But if you’ve been through or are going through the same thing, you know that simply saying it is bittersweet to send your firstborn into the realm of teachers, schoolmates and recess for the first time, does an injustice to what’s really going on in a mother’s heart. 51

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Katie

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Charlie

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is looking stylish in Polarn O. Pyret. He loves his lunch box from Skip Hop, and is sure to stay hydrated in style with his LifeFactory water bottle!

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Bringing Environmental Issues

Into the Classroom

|by Tanyette Colon

Mothers United for Sustainable Technologies 64

“Children are born with a sense of wonder and an affinity for nature. Properly cultivated, these values can mature into ecological literacy, and eventually into sustainable patterns of living.” ~ Zenobia Balow

With innovation, education, cultivation and nurturing we can give our children an opportunity to learn how to become “out of the box” solution thinkers for tomorrow’s issues… and to become good stewards for the earth today. There are many ways communities, parents and schools can encourage upper elementary and middle school children to take an interest in the environment. Here are some ideas for getting them involved:

Class Debate – Divide the class into two

Documentary Viewing – Imagery is a

powerful learning tool. Film can give a much deeper perspective than a textbook or website, and older kids will enjoy the screen time. Special guests can be brought in for a lively post-viewing discussion with students.

Hands-on Renewable Energy Workshop –

Find a local expert who can show how solar, wind, and hydro power actually work. Let kids see the energy savings by comparing bills or statements before and after green energy options were installed. Even better, build a solar panel powered project at your school!

teams and assign a panel of judges. Choose an environmental topic (climate change, fracking, GMOs, etc). One team creates a discussion in favor, while the other team argues against the issue. The panel of judges reviews the cases from both sides and chooses a winner (or not). Encourage students to use their creativity and passion when developing their discussion points.

– Encourage students to choose a cause to support. Research, raise money, spread awareness for an endangered animal or local eco-cause. Execute the plan using social media, fundraising events and traditional grassroots efforts.

Video Project – Students or groups of students

Volunteer – Find a local farm and plan a day

create a 2-minute video on an environmental issue that would inspire and educate people who may not be aware of the issue. This project would help students both learn more deeply about the topic they select as well as learn to engage others.

Support A Cause

(or recurring day) for the kids to work. This is great hands-on experience that allows children to see where their food comes from. Or as a field trip, consider a farm-cation. Many farms rent cabins or cottages where students or families can stay and enjoy real farm life experiences and help with certain activities & chores. 65

First Steps:

Feng Shui For Your Healthy, Growing Child |by Ann Bingley Gallops Open Spaces Feng Shui

Start Here : The Bedroom Did you know that the ancient art of Feng

Shui (pronounced fung-schway) can give your child the joys of a happier and more fulfilled life?

The places you spend the most time have a profound effect on your life outlook. Giving your home good Feng Shui helps create a positive life trajectory with meaningful, purposeful adjustments to the space that lead to a nurturing sense of flow, comfort and ease. Ultimately, Feng Shui helps you more easily face life’s challenges and achieve your most cherished goals.

A child’s environment is no exception; in fact I would argue that Feng Shui is essential in childhood, because it can have such a positive effect on a child’s first steps to a happy and successful life path.

Because your child spends so much time in his or her bedroom, Feng Shui recommends making adjustments here first. Dedicating your child’s bedroom to quiet play, sleeping, and dreaming will help him develop and grow into his full potential. Here are my top Feng Shui tips for creating “positive Chi” in your child’s bedroom: • Correct bed placement. For the best

night’s sleep and sense of control, in Feng Shui the bed should be placed in the “Commanding Position.” This placement puts the sleeper in the greatest visual command of the room: diagonally across from and facing the doorway is best.

• Bed securely against a wall. For young

children especially, it is beneficial to have one side of the bed against a wall for a sense of security and protection. (This is not the case for older children and adults, who need ample space on both sides of the bed.)

• Calm paint colors. Soft blues and greens

encourage growth while creating a serene atmosphere. Keep the use of primary colors and aggressive patterns to a minimum in the bedroom.

• Family photos. Remind your child of the

love and support she has in her life with up-to-date family photos, reviewing them frequently to keep them as much in the present as possible.

• A good-sized mirror. For a child, a mir-

ror serves the purpose of creating good selfesteem. A generously sized mirror should reflect at least the upper half of her body in its wholeness: no cracked, fractured or antiqued glass that could create a less-thanpositive impression, please!

• Minimal electronics. The tech age has

made its way into every part of life and can be especially invasive in a child’s bedroom. The negative effects of overexposure to electronics range from anxiety and stress to illness and nerve damage. Protect your child by keeping bedroom electronics to a minimum. TV’s, computers and video games should be kept at least 36” away from your child’s head and feet as he sleeps, as these are the main channels through which energy enters our bodies.

Create A Chi-Filled Study Area

Just as she’ll sleep best in a room that’s dedicated to resting, a study space of her own with a good-sized desk, bookshelves, writing materials and so on will encourage her to focus on her schoolwork when it’s time. Other ways to bring good Feng Shui to the study area include 68

• Achievement certificates, best located on the back wall of the room where they can be easily seen and appreciated. • A bulletin board for posting recent artwork and other fun souvenirs of an active life. • A small mirror on the wall above the desk that reflects activity behind him. He’ll focus more on his work rather than wondering what’s happening behind his back! For best results, reduce stress and anxiety by placing your child’s study and active play areas away from the bedroom if at all possible. If his desk and study area must be located in his bedroom, use your best organizing skills to create a space that can be truly “shut down” at night when it’s time for rest.

Eliminate “Poison Arrows”

Last but not least, be aware of “poison arrows.” In Feng Shui poison arrows refer to sharp corners that point at your child from a near distance, creating a sense of pressure and stress. Poison arrows can interfere with everything from sleeping well to developing good study habits. For example, is there a nightstand near your daughter’s bed whose sharp corners point at her head as she sleeps? If so, either replace the nightstand with one with rounded edges, or cover the nightstand with a piece of cloth to blunt the effect of the arrows. As you can see, in Feng Shui every item and object in your child’s environment has a powerful effect. Taking the time now to create a supportive space makes it easier on everyone as your child embarks on her exciting life journey!

“An environment-based education movement--at all levels of education-will help students realize that school isn’t supposed to be a polite form of incarceration, but a portal to the wider world.” - Richard Louv

Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder

Eco Heroes

Kids Making a Difference |by Lauren Taylor

Even with demanding academic calendars and tight extracurricular schedules, an increasing number of kids and teens are finding a passion for environmentalism and landfill waste reduction efforts. An often overlooked and underappreciated group, kids are fast becoming ecochampions not only outside at the source, but in the classroom. Mathis LeBlanc and Trevor Bills are two such kids, utilizing their desires for a cleaner environment to help reduce needless waste, educate their peers, and raise money for their schools all at the same time. Twelve-year-old Mathis LeBlanc of Massena, New York started collecting for TerraCycle’s Drink Pouch Brigade in January, placing a container in his elementary school’s cafeteria where kids can drop off their empty Capri Sun pouches. To date, Mathis has helped collect more than 11,000 drink pouches that he can send to TerraCycle at no cost, generating “points” that he can use to raise money for charity or his elementary school. The young eco-champion’s dedication has not gone unnoticed. “Mathis took charge of the

whole thing, he got it up and going in a week. He was so motivated that it motivated me,” says Mathis’s teacher, Melissa Power. With help from his mom, teachers, and several school janitors, Mathis now helps collect snack bags and drink pouches not only at his school, but other surrounding schools as well. “Next year, I want to start at the junior high,” he says. Trevor Bills is another elementary school student showing an incredible passion for recycling and waste-reduction. The eleven-year-old from Minot, North Dakota says that seeing the TerraCycle logo on the back of a Capri Sun package is what piqued his interest. “I saw how you sign up for a Brigade, they pay for the shipping, and your school gets money for it. I thought there was nothing to lose,” says Trevor. Since last year, Trevor’s waste-collecting ambition has spread beyond his own classroom. “My class got involved, and about half way through the year a couple others did too.” Now, says Trevor, his entire school is involved, helping him collect and remove candy wrappers, dairy tubs, Solo cups and more material from the waste stream.

With the points and money raised for his efforts, Trevor started a recycling fund in school. “We donated the money to the PTA. We also use our points for TerraCycle products and donate them too. We had a contest and the winner got the products.” Mathis and Trevor both show what it means to be an eco-champion, even at their young age. By working to make their schools and local communities cleaner and greener, they are helping to not only educate their peers and raise money for their schools, but also to inspire other kids and teens like them who may not know where to start. Trevor shares important advice to others who want to help make a difference too: “I would say no matter what, believe in yourself.”

Natural

Lice Prevention |by Risa Barash

Co-Founder of Fairy Tales Hair Care 1. Talk to your children about not sharing their personal items. Younger children tend to be very willing to share things like hats, headbands, hair ties, head phones and helmets, which is a no-no when it comes to lice prevention. Lice do not fly, jump or hop; they crawl from one head to another. Therefore, kids should know to avoid direct head to head contact. 2. Perform weekly head checks on your children. In the event that your child does get lice, it is always best to catch it in the early stages. Lice like to nest in warm places, so be sure to check the hot spots, which are behind the ears, the back of the neck and the part lines. Doing a weekly head check will allow you to stop the problem before it progresses. 3. Use natural hair care products that repel lice. It has been clinically proven that natural herbs and oils, such as rosemary, citronella and tea tree work as a repellant against lice. Products, such as Fairy Tales Hair Care’s Rosemary Repel, safely protect your children’s hair, without the use of chemicals. They bring peace of mind to the entire family. These tips are the best ways to maintain a lice free household. With the right resources and information parents no longer need to panic once a “Lice in the Classroom” note is sent home from school. The Rosemary Repel products are available at Ulta stores, salons nationwide and on fairytaleshaircare.com. 73

Look Listen Read Label Lessons

by Andrea Donsky and Lisa Tsakos In her book with Lisa Tsakos, registered holistic nutritionist, Andrea Donsky, offers expert insight on making healthier lunch box choices this school year. In this practical guide to creating a chemical-free cupboard, they teach parents to be well-versed in toxic, chemical ingredients and which ones to beware of on food and product labels, including the Scary 7. Even better - each time the book is shared on social media, Naturally Savvy donates $1 to the Holistic Moms Network. FREE at Naturally Savvy

Learn with Homer by HomerLearning, Inc.

When asked for a recommendation on the best reading apps, we typically answer, “Mom and Dad.” But the brand new app, Learn with Homer, has earned an honorable mention in our book. The free version includes 18 Learn to Read lessons and 12 Discover the World lessons, as well as access to parenting tools to track your child’s progress and even hear his responses to post-story questions. You won’t find any ads on this app... not even on the free version. Ideal for children ages 3-6. FREE on iTunes Additional learning packs start at $1.99 74

Stop Stealing Dreams by Seth Godin

When access to information was limited, we needed to load students up with facts. Now, when we have no scarcity of facts or access to them, we need to load them up with understanding.” Seth Godin’s free manifesto about the future of American public schools asks all the right questions to get an empowered parent thinking about why assembly line mentality is still taught in our schools. Pure manifesto, Godin can surf a tangent, but this one’s worth your time. FREE at SethGodin.com

The Girl with a Brave Heart by Rita Jahanforuz

Growing up with a stepmother and stepsister treating her like a servant, you may think Shiraz’s story is another version of Cinderella. Think again... there’s no fairy tale prince coming to the rescue here! With the vivid Persian colors of Vali Mintzi’s illustrations, this fairy tale is as visually stunning as the depths of the inner beauty Shiraz learns she possesses. Enjoy a glimpse through Middle Eastern markets and a world of lessons... including one Shiraz learns, “When people are sad, they do not always know how to ask for what they need. $15 at Amazon 75

guided relaxation

“Ragdoll Relaxation”

with Mellisa Dormoy of Shambala Kids

Simply read the following relaxation script slowly and yourself to become, just because it feels so wonderful watch as your little ones just melt into bed or naptime. to relax our bodies. Close your eyes very gently and think about a rag doll you own or may have seen. Think about how loose and limp it is. Notice all its parts….. just hanging there, so relaxed. As you imagine it, you can notice how it just hangs down completely loose, limp and floppy. Imagine what your body would feel like if it did the same. I wonder what that would be like. Do you think you can try to get your body as comfortable as that loose and floppy ragdoll? Imagine doing just that. Allow your body to get as loose and limp as the rag doll. Feel your arms go completely limp now and now how your fingers relax too. Allow your whole face to relax… and now your neck. Feel your forehead relax next. Notice now how your eyelids relax completely as you continue to imagine that floppy stuffed toy. Now let your tummy relax. Breathe in deeply and slowly all the way down to your tummy and notice how it relaxes so easily. Notice how your legs become very relaxed now too. They feel completely loose and limp. Maybe they even feel a little like Jell-O – so wobbly. Even your feet now begin to feel loose and limp. All your toes decide it’s time that they too enjoy some much needed relaxation along with the bottoms of your feet who work hard each day to take you places. Feel how everything is just so loose, limp and floppy now… just like that halfstuffed ragdoll you imagined. Because you’ve allowed yourself to relax so well, I am sure that if I were to pick up your hand right now, your arm would probably just flop right back down beside you. I’m sure that’s how relaxed you’ve allowed 76

You know, relaxing our bodies gives them some much needed rest. When we relax our bodies, we can also allow our minds to relax as well. We can do this by simply allowing any thoughts to become like clouds… and slowly drift on by. It’s interesting to watch our thoughts as clouds drifting by like this in our minds. You might notice feeling very good. Notice how good it feels to relax and how peaceful it feels. Take in a nice deep breath and breathe in all the wonderful peacefulness around you. Imagine that the air is filled with little bubbles of peace. Breathe in all that peace and allow it to go everywhere in your body – head to toe. Doesn’t that feel good? Just notice how your body responds. Any time you feel stress or worry, or even when you just need to take a break, you can simply imagine breathing in peace and filling up your whole body with peace and relaxation. You’ll really feel that peace within you – within your mind and within your body. That’s how powerful our imagination is. When we imagine something like breathing in peace, we really start to feel more peaceful. So take in a deep breath now and fill yourself up with peace and happiness. Now slowly exhale but hold onto all that happiness and peace. You’ve done a fantastic job! I’m so proud of your use of your wonderful imagination and allowing yourself to relax so fully, just like that floppy ragdoll. When you’ve finished relaxing, you can simply open your eyes and give your body a good stretch. If you’re ready for bed then you can simply drift off to sleep knowing how much you are loved and how amazing you really are.

For more meditations and guided relaxation audios, visit Shambala Kids online.

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Ask Hana Haatainen Caye

LaTonya asks: My child’s teacher this year is known for her love of air fresheners. I’ve seen those plug-in types, as well as spray bottles I know to be toxic, in her classroom. Can you offer any suggestions for bringing up my concern for not only my daughter, but all the kids, yet still getting the school year off on the right foot? GG: This is a tough one, LaTonya, but I applaud you for your willingness to look for an amiable solution to a problem which plagues many parents as their kids head back to school. As hard as we try to protect our families from toxins at home, once they head off to school and work, it seems there is little we can do. My suggestion is that you arm yourself with solid information about the harmful effects of the air fresheners. Print out a couple of articles from reputable sources the teacher would respect, such as university studies, and mention the legal issues that can arise. According to Dr. Anne Steinemann, Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering, and Public Affairs, University of Washington, air fresheners can pose liability risks. For instance, the Americans with Disabilities Act protects people with chemical sensitivities because of the potentially disabling

health effects from air fresheners. Some people are unable to use facility restrooms due to the chemicals used to “freshen” the air. Commercial air fresheners can cause asthma attacks, seizures, and, in some cases, loss of consciousness. Dr. Steinemann states: “Pollutants emitted from air fresheners are linked with damage to the brain, lungs, heart, reproductive system, immune system, and with cancer. Everyone is vulnerable, especially children.” If you approach the issue with an “I’m on your side” attitude, the teacher just might be appreciative, rather than “put off ” by your request to eliminate the toxins from the classroom. If she continues to use the toxic air fresheners, the next step would be to contact the principal or school administrator and request a ban on air fresheners in all classrooms. You might want to do this anyway, as it would benefit everyone in the school. Finally, you can raise the issue at the next school board meeting. Gather some other greenminded parents to support you, put on your Erin Brockovich persona, and go for it! It is people like you who can change the world!

Hana Haatainen Caye, aka Green Grandma, www.greengrandma.org is a wife, mother and grandmother who shares her passion for common sense greener and healthier living. Based on the most popular feature of her blog, Hana wrote her first book, Vinegar Fridays.

DIY Tutorial

Back-to-School DIY Create Your Own Story Board

There are few things as amazing as the imagination of a child engulfed in a book. The words on a page can bring to life even the most wild stories and beings. Help encourage a love of reading by getting your child into the story with an easy to make story board!

Materials: • • • •

Printable Magnetic Sheet Reclaimed Photo Frame Scrap Sheet Metal (Alternatively, you could use an inexpensive baking sheet.)

io c c A y r o t S ! d r Boa

Instructions:

1. Choose your child’s favorite book (or books) and create a word document full of words that will help them build stories. Character names, items, places and a variety of commonly used words. (Check out this great list to get you started.) Be sure to leave space between your words (and use double spaced lines). You will need it in the next step! 2. Print your word document on a sheet of magnetic printer paper and cut out your words! 3. If you are using a reclaimed photo frame, carefully cut, or have cut, a piece of sheet metal to fit your frame. Take special care as the edges may be sharp. Adding a thin layer of tape to the edges can help. 4. If you’ve chosen to use a baking sheet, paint or decorate the edges with non-toxic decor and you’re all set! 5. Let your child’s imagination fly. This is a great activity to play with a friend or turn into a night of family fun! 80

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