Spring 2020: Green Child Magazine

Spring 2020

ECO F R I E N D LY EASTER BASKETS Say Goodbye to Plastic Eggs

Earth Day Turns 50!

HOW TO C E L E B R AT E WITH KIDS

LOW WA S T E GOALS Learn How to Shop at a Bulk Store

NINTH ANNUAL

Eco Baby Gear Guide

Publisher & Editor in Chief Amity Hook-Sopko Creative Team Kaitlyn Kirby Tamara Hackett Cover Photography Courtney Rust Contributors Peggy O’Mara Aaronica Cole Mellisa Dormoy Carolina King Sarah Moore Lotus Kay Jessie Stokes Calley Pate Advertising Director Tracy Carter tracy@greenchildmagazine.com Media & Other Inquiries media@greenchildmagazine.com

10 ECO FAB

Our favorite sustainable picks for

the season

12 HOW TO SHOP AT A

BULK STORE

Learn about the positive changes

happening all around us

16 I AM MY CHILD’S FRIEND

Aaronica Cole on balancing your

connection with your child

21 ECO BABY GEAR GUIDE 30 BREASTFEEDING ADVOCACY

Peggy O’Mara shares the many ways

we can support breastfeeding mothers

34 LOOK LISTEN READ

Our selection of the best books to

add to your reading list right now

Award-winning play products, specifically designed for each stage of your baby’s development.

@lovevery Learn more at lovevery.com

36 UNDERSTANDING

TODDLERS TO HELP

THEM THRIVE 40 GOOD GREEN NEWS

Learn about the positive changes

happening all around us

42 ATTACHMENT VS. HELICOPTER PARENTING 48 ECO-FRIENDLY

EASTER BASKETS 50 THE PERKS OF BEING HOMESCHOOLED

Why you should explore this creative schooling option

54 CONSCIOUS KITCHEN 58 GUIDED MEDITATION

This relaxing script takes your little ones through the day as a happy kitty

Editors’ Letter Our annual baby gear guide always brings brand new readers, so if this is your first look at Green Child, welcome! We’re so glad you’re here.

If you’re like me, you probably didn’t realize Earth Day celebrates its 50th birthday this year. (Seriously, how are we not better at taking care of this planet after five decades of awareness?) But in honor of this anniversary, we’re sharing fun ways to celebrate Earth Day with your kids. Spoiler alert: don’t sit inside and make recycled crafts. Get outside and enjoy Mother Nature!

Reach Green Child’s Executive Editor editor@greenchildmagazine.com

You’ll also find a how-to guide for shopping at a bulk or a refillery store. These charming shops are popping up everywhere. If there’s not one near you, the tips are also handy for shopping in the bulk section of your supermarket.

I’m beyond excited to introduce our newest columnist for 2020. When Aaronica Cole of The Crunchy Mommy spoke at ShiftCon last Fall, I immediately knew our readers would love her. Her first article, Unpopular Opinion: I Am My Child’s Friend, is authentic and thought-provoking, and I truly can’t wait for you to get to know her.

Another powerful article in this issue is Peggy O’Mara’s advice on how to support breastfeeding mothers. She includes 16 steps that range from social inclusion to pushing for legislation that controls misleading information about formula.

As always, you’ll find positive parenting advice, book recommendations, healthy recipes, fun ways to enjoy spring with your family, and a special guided meditation script for kids.

We love hearing your thoughts and suggestions. Email me if you have something to share. Happy spring!

Amity

Amity Hook-Sopko Publisher & Editor-in-Chief

FEELING FRESH Meow Meow Tweet’s nontoxic deodorant works and it comes in a paper tube (super easy to roll on) or a glass jar so you’ll still be able to hit your #plasticfree bathroom goals.

Eco Fab

Try out this selection of sustainable products we’re loving this season!

BREEZE IN, BREEZE OUT Thanks to renewable eucalyptus tree fiber, the Women’s Tree Breezers from Allbirds are breathable and super comfortable… not to mention super cute!

ONE OF A KIND Just when you thought you’d seen every way to customize jewelry, someone adds a fingerprint option.

In silver, gold, or rose gold, this custom necklace is one to treasure.

BEE BEAUTIFUL A lightweight yet intensely hydrating gel-cream moisturizer, Farmacy’s Honey Drop uses antioxidant-rich honey, hyaluronic acid, and nourishing golden cupuaçu butter beads to make you look like you’re getting a full night’s rest.

WHO’S SHE? A long-awaited updated take on the vintage game Guess Who? This version from Playeress celebrates strong, inspiring women of all backgrounds. Made from Baltic birch wood and with 28 laser-cut frames, this wooden game is heirloom quality. There’s also an extremely affordable cardboard version!

LOW WASTE GOALS

HOW TO SHOP AT A

BULK STORE “Zero waste” may be the buzzword, but a goal of “low waste” is far more attainable for most families. And whether you’re aiming for a plastic-free kitchen or just cutting back on packaging waste, bulk store shopping can help you reach your goals.

Just so we’re clear— in this case, bulk shopping doesn’t mean stocking up on 16 rolls of plastic-wrapped paper towels from Costco.

We’re talking about refill and bulk bin shopping where items are stored in bins or dispensers, without packaging.

If you live in the U.S. you can find out if there’s one near you at Litterless. You can also try searching plastic-free and bulk hashtags + your city on Instagram.

There are several benefits to shopping this way:

• You only buy the amount of product you want or need.

• You can fill your own containers, eliminating the need for packaging.

• For a one-time purchase (ie: ingredient for a recipe), you can buy the exact amount needed.

• You waste less food and household items.

• You typically save money (especially if you were already purchasing nontoxic products).

SHOPPING THE BULK AISLE FOR FOOD Most grocery stores and co-ops have a bulk section. The key here is to use food-safe containers - reusable produce bags, glass containers with lids, mason jars, etc. Some people keep a stash of plastic containers for ease of transport (and lighter weight).

• If your bag or container isn’t already labeled with its weight, weigh the empty container (including lid) on a scale and write down the tare weight on top of the lid with a wet erase or china marker. You could also use one of the stickers provided.

• Fill bag or container with your desired amount of food, either using a scoop or pulling the bin’s lever.

• Write the item’s PLU# with the ingredient on the sticker or use a twist tie for bags.

• Seal the container or bag (make sure the weight is visible) and bring it to the cashier to pay.

“Shopping plastic-free in the bulk section can be a little intimidating in the beginning,” explains Jessie Stokes from Tiny Yellow Bungalow. “Most bulk stores will gladly tare, or weigh, your containers, allow you to fill them up, then weigh them again when checking out. I have a fun hack for newbies.

Instead of taring your containers, bring lightweight reusable cloth bags. You won’t have to go through the hassle of weighing jars.

The weight of the cloth bag is so minimal, it doesn’t really affect the price.”

SHOPPING AT A PLASTIC-FREE OR REFILL STORE A refill shop operates similarly, but they offer household items in bins. At The Refillery in St. Petersburg, Florida, you can refill laundry soap, cleaning products, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, toothpaste, mouthwash, liquid soap, and sunscreen. You can also buy zero-waste items like bar soap, shampoo and conditioner bars, reusable sandwich bags, bamboo straws, deodorant in cardboard tubes or glass containers, menstrual cups, and plastic-free razors.

Generally, every item stocked is plastic-free and minimally packaged.

• Bring in your old laundry detergent containers, milk jugs, mason jars, sauce jars, or bags. If you don’t have enough containers, they often have a stash of empty jars you can use.

• The staff can help you weigh the empty container when you arrive. Use a wet erase marker (usually provided) to mark the container’s weight (tare weight) before adding the product.

• Fill your containers. If you need help, just ask someone and they’ll give you tips or do it for you. If you’re not sure about something, the beauty of a refill store is that you can try an ounce and see if you like it!

Take your filled containers to checkout to be weighed. Then— enjoy the feeling of paying for only what you use!

UNPOPULAR OPINION

I Am My Child’s Friend

BY AARONICA COLE

Growing up, I can’t even count how many times I heard my mom yell the words, “I’m not one of your little friends.”

In fact, it’s now a running joke in the Black community because I’m pretty sure all of us heard these words growing up. But as a mom who’s doing things differently with my own kids, this isn’t something I say. In fact, I let them know, with intention, that I am their friend—their very first one.

THE DAMAGE OF NOT THINKING OF MY MOM AS A FRIEND

Let me preface this section by saying that I love my mom more than I can put into words. She did the very best she could as a mom, and using her example as a starting point has made it so my own journey in motherhood is something I’m proud of. But there was some room for growth. Why? I learned about my period from reading the book Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. I learned about sex from movies. When I was raped, I didn’t tell her. Growing up, I felt like I was an outsider in my home— never quite comfortable or able to really let

my hair down. I knew my parents loved me without conditions, but I really wanted them to like me and I wasn’t sure they would if I wasn’t perfect.

That’s not to say that I was the perfect child.

I was far from it, but my acting out was on purpose. It screamed, “I NEED YOU IN A DIFFERENT WAY!” But because my parents were raised in the age of “kids are to be seen and not heard,” they showed up in the way they were taught.

As I navigated adolescence and my teen years, I dealt with a lot my mom didn’t know about because I didn’t know how to broach the subject with her since she wasn’t “my friend.”

I never thought of adults as anything more than teachers. Instead of talking to me about what was going on, I was accosted with questions about using drugs when I slept more in high school or being pregnant because I was gaining weight. I was escorted to Weight Watchers meetings instead of being talked to about depression and how I was processing surviving multiple sexual assaults.

When my mom did see that something was going on, she took me to a therapist that helped me navigate how my trauma was playing out. This was really helpful. But what I needed was for my mom to be my safe space. I needed her to be my friend so that I could feel free to come to her for guidance as I navigated my feelings, thoughts, and more.

See, my mom is an incredible woman. She’s

strong and smart and resourceful. She’s not perfect and is quick to make sure that you know that. But she works hard and loves even harder. While through conversations we’ve had in my adult life, I’ve learned she didn’t know how to show up for me in the way that I needed her because she was figuring life out as a parent of two children with her own history and baggage.

But it was because of the work my mom had done on herself that I needed her guidance through those tough times. And now? We are friends. I don’t know if she’ll admit it, but we’ve worked really hard on our relationship to bring it to where it is now.

WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO BE MY CHILD’S FRIEND With my oldest, I started out the same narrative telling her that I’m not one of her little friends. And then a couple years ago, I stopped.

Why? She wanted to tell me something but felt like she couldn’t because I’d told her that I wasn’t her friend. It’s amazing how much of a gut check your children holding a mirror up to you can cause.

I knew how she felt because I’d felt this way too. And the truth is, there shouldn’t be anything that is off limits to discuss with me. If I depend on friends, pop culture, and others to educate my daughter on the important things (or even not so important things), she may be misinformed and make decisions that aren’t conducive to her goals in life.

To date, we’ve talked about sex, what rape is, bullying incidents, how certain things make her feel, crushes at school, different laws, slang terms, music lyrics, and more.

Trust me, these conversations are not easy, and as I have them, my insides are screaming and crawling with discomfort. But at the end, she always thanks me for talking to her and answering her questions.

BEING MY KID’S FRIEND IS HARD BUT WORTH IT Recently my friend brought up how she wasn’t her daughter’s friend and alluded to how she speaks to her friends. As we chatted, I told her that I don’t want my kids to be disrespectful to their friends either. So if my daughter models our relationship to her friends, she’ll be fine. And this is something

that I reinforce with them as well. While their relationships with their friends are more lax, they are still built upon a foundation of mutual respect.

Talking about all the things under the sun with them is hard. I never want to see my kids as sexual beings but the reality is that some day, they will be. The more we talk about taboo topics, the less taboo they become. I want to tell them what to do and demand that they do it because my life has taught me so much. But my job as their mother, their first and wisest friend is to guide them and support them down their own path of life.

I know it’s an unpopular opinion to have in my community, but I am my kids’ friend, and I always will be.

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NINTH ANNUAL

Eco Baby Gear Guide

ROCKER READY Tiny nursery? No room for a rocker? This is for you! The Ready Rocker by Rocker Mama allows you to convert basically any chair into a rocker!

Made from GREENGUARD Gold Certified fabric with a removable, 100% PVC free textured polyurethane cover, you can even place it against any sturdy vertical surface, lean your back against it, and TA DA— You have a rocker!

F O R T H E PA R E N T

Minimalist WHO THRIVES ON LESS

ONE CHAIR FOR LIFE It’s true— the Stokke Tripp Trapp is the one chair that will grow with your child for life! Begins as a baby seat, then transitions to a high chair, toddler seat, and even holds a full-grown adult!

TRAVELING CRIB Don’t worry if you don’t have the space for a full-size crib, this Origamic Mini Crib by Babyletto easily folds for storage and transport, plus it’s made with sustainable New Zealand pine and GREENGUARD Gold certified.

TIME FOR CHANGE No need for additional furniture! You can take the Keekaroo Peanut changing pad anywhere! It’s made from waterproof, nontoxic Dura-Soft material, with no covers necessary!

DOUBLE DUTY The nontoxic playmats from Little Nomad are seamless, expandable, wipe clean, and look just like an heirloom rug!

BABY A GO-GO The Oscha Bairn baby sling (ethically made and designed in Scotland) is both comfortable to wear and quick to snap on— all without compromising on beauty. The specially developed Slider-Cinch waistband allows for quick seat adjustments, making the Bairn easy to adjust from newborn to two years.

RECYCLED AND READY The Jojo Plus bag from Paperclip has an exterior made from 100% recycled plastics, with zipper pulls and flaps made from vegan leather. The perfect combination of function, style, and sustainability!

HAPPY NAPPER The lightweight Guava Lotus Travel Crib is made without flame retardants, PVC, BPA, lead, or pthalates. Easily check this portable crib or carry it on a plane, knowing this smart buy is low-VOC and its fabrics are GREENGUARD certified.

F O R T H E PA R E N T

Traveler

W H O LO V E S TO G E T AWAY

ORGANIC LOUNGER

SUSTAINABLE STROLLING In the market for an eco-friendly, sustainable stroller? The Bumbleride Indie checks all of the boxes! Made from 100% recycled PET, Bumbleride has kept over half a million water bottles out of landfills since 2011. The brand also uses a solution-dye process to color their fabrics that conserves approximately 25-40 gallons of water per stroller!

After a long day of exploring on your travels, this is the perfect place to set baby down for a rest.

The Snuggle Me Organic Lounger curves around baby like a hug and is made with GOTS certified organic cotton fabrics.

REUSABLE WIPES Tired of spending money on wipes? Try these Charlie Banana Organic Cotton Reusable Wipes for bathtime, face washing, and of course, your regular diapering routine!

F O R T H E PA R E N T

Budget Friendly

WHO LOVES A GOOD DEAL

CLOTH DIAPERS Esembly cloth diapers are made up of an absorbent Inner and a waterproof Outer— even better, the Outers are made of recycled fabric from 100% post-consumer plastic bottles! And you’ll be able to cut out the cost of disposable diapers, phew!

PACI PROBLEM SOLVER Solve your paci problems with The Pop! Won’t pop out of baby’s mouth and every time this pacifier falls, the nipple pops back into its built-in protective silicone bubble. No need for a case!

MINI FOODIES This eco-friendly, non-toxic cutlery trio (made of biodegradable bamboo) is ideal for kids 3 years and up who begin to mimic cutting food with a fork and knife.

FREEZER FRIEND If you’re planning to make your own baby food, this 100% silicone freezer tray is a must-have! Simply add baby food to the mold, snap on the lid for freshness, and pop out individual servings as needed!

WASH AND WEAR These organic bamboo nursing pads are perfect for nursing moms’ sensitive skin, more absorbent and durable than cotton—and you can throw them in the washing machine!

EASY SLEEP The brand-new Avocado GOTS organic certified crib mattress features a two-stage design for both infants and toddlers, premium organic materials, 170 ultra-premium cotton-wrapped coils—all handmade in Los Angeles!

CAR SEAT COOL The Clek fllo car seat is one of few with a Low Toxicity ranking with no flame retardant chemicals, fluorinated substances, or components containing bromine. Plus, the brand will recycle it for you when you’re finished so it doesn’t end up in a landfill!

LINEN LOVE Breathable, naturally wicking, and anti-microbial, these pure flax linen sheets (grown with no pesticides, minimal fertilizers, and less water than cotton) make a great sustainable bedding option for your nursery!

LOUNGE AROUND This French baby rocker is a soft place for baby to lounge, while also a beautiful statement (made from wood produced in sustainably managed forests) in any home.

F O R T H E PA R E N T

Splurges WHO WANTS TO INVEST

ECO DIAPERS Coterie is a new brand of diapers doing things differently.

With the highest of safety standards and a product free from fragrance, lotion, latex, chlorine bleaching, dye, rubber, heavy metals, parabens, and phthalates (to name a few!), Coterie is also committed to sustainability by donating to Diaper Recycling Technology and partnering with NativeEnergy to fund renewable energy initiatives.

NAPTIME ACTIVISM

BREASTFEEDING IS A HUMAN RIGHT Breastfeeding is an important human rights and feminist issue. A woman’s breastfeeding success can be undermined by inadequate support from health care professionals and family members, workplace obstacles, and misinformation from the formula food industry. It is only because of activism—mostly volunteer— that breastfeeding initiation is where it is in the US today.

milk-Substitutes—a consensus document that recommends regulation of formula marketing. Eighty-four countries have implemented all or part of the provisions of the Code.

The US has done nothing to implement the Code and in 2007, 72.6% of US hospitals

BY PEGGY O’MARA offered free formula gift bags to peggyomara.com all new mothers. A CDC epidemiological review of studies on these gift bags found that 7 out of 11 who received them, showed lower When I attended my first La Leche League exclusive breastfeeding rates. Martha Walkmeeting in 1973, I didn’t know that I would er, nurse and lactation consultant, reversed become one of only 22% of US women who this trend in just eight years with her Ban the were initiating breastfeeding and one of just Bags Campaign. By 2015, 78.7% of US hospi8% still nursing at three months. In 1970, tals reported banning free formula samples. breastfeeding rates were the lowest they had ever been. All this changed largely because The best way a new mother can ensure that of the activism of La Leche League Internashe will not be given free formula samples tional. By 1975, breastfeeding initiation had is to give birth at a Baby-Friendly Hospijumped to 33.4% and was at 61.9% by 1982— tal, where these samples are not given out. it had nearly doubled in just a decade.

In 1991, WHO and UNICEF launched the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, a global Surprisingly, initiation rates in the US deprogram to encourage broad-scale impleclined for the next 15 years. The World mentation of the Ten Steps to Successful Health Organization (WHO) attributed the Breastfeeding and the Code. Since then, more general worldwide decline in breastfeeding to than 15,000 facilities in 134 countries have “sociocultural and other factors including the been awarded baby-friendly status, including promotion of manufactured breast-milk sub- 604 in the US. stitutes” and responded in 1981 with the International Code of the Marketing of Breast- To extend the idea of baby-friendly beyond

the hospital, breastfeeding women must be undeterred from breastfeeding in public and in the workplace. Today, all 50 US states have laws that specifically allow women to breastfeed in any public or private location.

However, lack of breastfeeding support in the workplace continues to be a significant obstacle to breastfeeding duration. While 83.2% of women initiate breastfeeding, only 46.9% are still exclusively breastfeeding at three months.

Full-time employment of mothers outside the home has a negative influence on the duration of breastfeeding and research shows that supportive state laws correlate with higher breastfeeding rates. While 39 states, DC and Puerto Rico have laws related to breastfeeding in the workplace; few of these laws have enforcement clauses, and therefore

no legal recourse for violation of the law.

On an international level, the World Alliance of Breastfeeding (WABA), a global network of individuals and organizations, works to help protect, promote and support breastfeeding worldwide. One of WABA’s signature efforts has been the launch of World Breastfeeding Week, first celebrated in 1992. World Breastfeeding Week is now observed in over 120 countries by UNICEF, WHO and their partners, including individuals, organizations and governments.

The good news is that breastfeeding initiation rates have been steadily growing since 1997 and today are at 83.2%. There are many opportunities for activism, including with the organizations and efforts listed above.

Here are some ideas...

• Strengthen government and citizen action that ensures adequate maternal nutrition and food security for all.

• Lobby national commissions on women and status of women’s groups to include breastfeeding in their action plans.

• Encourage citizen and government action that helps to create social support systems for mothers, including maternity legislation.

• Ask key women in public office to endorse World Breastfeeding Week and to include breastfeeding messages in their speeches.

• Help women to receive accurate information about infant and young child feeding.

• Boycott products that use women’s breasts as promotional tools in their media advertising.

• Work to create or improve breastfeeding in the workplace legislation in your state.

• Support media that refuse formula advertising.

• Boycott media that accept formula advertising.

• Encourage hospitals and birth centers in your area not to give out free formula samples. Use the Ban the Bags Toolkit.

• Encourage hospitals in your area to become baby-friendly.

• Expand the baby-friendly concept to antenatal clinics, primary health care services, workplaces and communities.

• Push for legislation and regulation that protects consumers and health workers from misleading commercial promotion about breast-milk substitutes.

• Encourage art, media and public imagery to show the normalcy of breastfeeding.

• Welcome breastfeeding mothers at coffee shops, restaurants, conferences and seminars.

• Run for office.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Peggy O’Mara is an independent journalist best known for editing and publishing Mothering magazine for over 30 years. She is now the editor and publisher of peggyomara.com. Her books include Having a Baby Naturally, Natural Family Living, and New Mexico Mountains. She has presented at Omega Institute, Esalen, La Leche League and Bioneers. Peggy is the mother of four and the grandmother of three. She has lived in Santa Fe, New Mexico for 35 years.

Look Listen Read THE PROUDEST BLUE: A STORY OF HIJAB AND FAMILY

by Ibtihaj Muhammad Faizah knows the first day of school is going to be special.

It’s also her older sister Asiya’s first day of wearing hijab.

But not everyone sees hijab as beautiful, and in the face of hurtful, confusing words, Faizah finds new ways to be strong. Paired with Hatem Aly’s beautiful, whimsical art, Olympic medalist Ibtihaj Muhammad and Morris Award finalist S.K. Aly brings readers an uplifting, universal story of new experiences, the unbreakable bond between siblings, and of being proud of who you are.

IN A JAR

by Deborah Marcero Llewellyn gathers things in jars - ordinary things like buttercups, feathers, and heart-shaped stones.

Then he meets another rabbit, Evelyn, and together they begin to collect extraordinary things - like rainbows, the sound of the ocean, and the wind just before snow falls. When they hold the jars and peer inside, they remember all the wonderful things they’ve seen and done together. Your child will treasure this story about the magic of friendship.

ATTAINABLE SUSTAINABLE

by Kris Bordessa No matter where you are on the self-reliance scale, this comprehensive guide to sustainable living is a must-have. Packed with delicious recipes, natural remedies, gardening tips, and more, this indispensable lifestyle reference makes earth-friendly living a reality. You’ll find step-by-step directions for creating fun, cost-efficient projects that will bring out your inner pioneer.

Filled with more than 300 color photographs, this relatable, comprehensive book contains time honored-wisdom and modern know-how for getting back to basics.

WE ARE WATER PROTECTORS

by Carole Lindstrom This gorgeous watercolor book celebrates indigenous-led movements to protect our planet’s water. Written in response to the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline, famously protested by the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and others, this book conveys the emotional connection humans have with water and calls us all to take action to protect it.

HIKE

by Pete Oswald A father and child embark on a wordless and expansive early morning adventure.

There are hard climbs to beautiful vistas, tiny details to notice along the way, and stops to enjoy some trail mix. But the overall theme is that this single-day hike is part of a much bigger journey. More than just enjoying nature, they do their part to protect it.

HER BODY CAN

by Katie Crenshaw and Ady Meschke While children’s literature now features far more diverse stories, there is still one movement that hasn’t been as well represented: body positivity. This book aims to encourage young girls to create a reality in which they love themselves and their bodies for exactly who and what they are, instead of learning to judge themselves based on outside influences. It also inspires young people to honor and accept others for their differences.

UNDERSTANDING TODDLERS TO HELP THEM THRIVE

BY SARAH R. MOORE

Toddlers are fascinating creatures.

Seemingly overnight, they transform from cuddly lumps of baby into walking, talking people with so many feelings about the world! No longer are they content to be carried all day as comfortable observers; now, they like to actively participate in life.

Learning through play and direct involvement are how they decipher everything from the inner workings of the cat’s tail to what happens when dishes hit the floor. Toddlers are among the most dedicated and focused life scientists on the planet.

Aside from in utero, their brains are changing in more significant ways than at any other time in their lives:

Although development continues into early adult years, early childhood represents a period particularly important to the development of a healthy brain. The foundations of sensory and perceptual systems that are critical to language, social behavior, and emotion are formed in the early years and are strongly influenced by experiences during this time.

As parents and caregivers, however, it can feel overwhelming as we wonder how to nurture the budding brains of our children.

It’s only when we’ve just finally “figured out” what they needed as babies (“Oh, that’s the perfect schedule”), they change everything on us. It’s all part of normal toddler development.

WHAT KIND OF EXPERIENCES ARE BEST TO FOSTER THEIR GROWTH? Where’s that parenting manual again? (Oh, right.) Although that might not exist, plenty of research does exist about child development. The more we invest learning about their current and forthcoming changes, the better equipped we’ll be to provide them with exactly what they require from us.

ADULTS NEED TO KNOW THAT THE WAY TO A TODDLER’S HEART (OR RATHER, BRAIN) IS PRIMARILY THROUGH PLAY It might be tempting to enrich a toddler’s life by substantially increasing their structured academic training through early childhood classes and the like, particularly at the urging of family or child care workers who might not understand the neuroscience of childhood. To the contrary, however, what their brains need most is unstructured time to engage in child-directed play.

[It] is essential to development because it contributes to the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being of children and youth. Play also offers an ideal opportunity for parents to engage fully with their children. Despite the benefits derived from play for both children and parents, time for free play has been markedly reduced for some children.

A number of factors have contributed to the decline of free time, but the bottom line is this: changes to family dynamics have had direct implications on our resources as parents. In a nutshell, we’re busy. We’d like to be able to drop our kids off at a class sometimes and get things done. To a point, that’s

reasonable— and outside activities help lighten our proverbial load. Further, many parents see lots of newfound energy and capabilities sprouting forth from their children, so their assumption is to fill their toddlers’ schedules accordingly.

What happens when their free time is reduced or overly adult-directed, however?

All of this activity naturally lends itself to less time for our toddlers to feel bored.

While that might sound like a good thing, boredom does serve an important purpose: it “serves to encourage people to seek new goals and experiences.” Adults might worry that the child’s “goal” might be to learn how to magically pull the tablecloth from the kitchen table (along with the aforementioned dishes). However, the child’s goal is almost invariably to learn about how life works (in this example, gravity). They try new things because they simply want to understand.

Unstructured, child-directed activities help them develop at their own pace. With that development comes the executive function skills that they need to assimilate what they learn as they grow. Unstructured time is an investment in the skills they’ll need throughout their lives.

So yes, we’re busy, and filling their time with adult-led activities can make our lives feel easier. To the extent that we can, however, we need to balance that with our little ones’ need to explore life at their own pace— even if it means more involvement from us.

PARENTING TODDLERS REQUIRES THAT WE UNDERSTAND HOW TO TEACH THEM IN WAYS THAT ARE TRULY ENRICHING

Many parents assume—correctly—that technology is going to be a part of their children’s lives as they grow up. As such, and with the best of intentions, they outfit their little ones with gadgets to help them learn.

Be it a child’s version of a computer that features a foreign language, to an app for early math or reading skills, it’s all marketed to enhance the experience of the developing child.

What we know from science, however, is that not all technology is created equal.

Further, the effects of the content within the technology can vary greatly:

In the same way that there is no single effect of “eating food,” there is also no single effect of “watching television” or “playing video games.” Different foods contain different chemical components and thus lead to different physiological effects; different kinds of media have different content, task requirements, and attentional demands and thus lead to different behavioral effects.

Even products that seem on the surface to be extremely similar, for instance, the children’s television shows ‘Dora the Explorer’ and ‘Teletubbies,’ can lead to markedly different effects (e.g. exposure to ‘Dora the Explorer’ is associated with an increase in vocabulary and expressive language skills in two year olds, while exposure to ‘Teletubbies’ is associated with a decrease in both measures).

Going back to the notion that parents are busy, it’s indeed tempting to have electronic help guiding and holding our children’s attention. While there may be instances where that’s reasonable, the parent should carefully consider what the child is viewing and for

how long. Further, technology use should be in line with the World Health Organization’s recommendations.

What to do instead, then? Circle back to imaginative and child-led activities, with human interaction at the core, as your main resource.

TODDLERS WANT TO LEARN EMOTIONAL REGULATION They don’t put it in those terms, of course.

However, in this incredible stage of development, they like to share in your experiences; to understand all these feelings they’re having about them. They want to try whatever you’re doing exactly the way you’re doing it. When little kids are attempting things that aren’t appropriate or feasible for them, however, parents start saying “no” more often. Toddlers start to mimic it back, hence some of the reputation of toddlerhood being a difficult phase. To be clear, parenting this age isn’t necessarily difficult. Parents simply require a different toolset, ideally using a warm and authoritative style.

When things don’t go their way, it can be immensely frustrating for kids. That’s part of the reason tantrums start to become more prevalent at this age. Parenting in this phase isn’t simply about teaching kids how to share, how to count, and all of the other “standard” tasks; they’re also learning how to deal with emotions. All of them—big and small—like them or not. Part of helping toddlers thrive is teaching them about emotional regulation.

AFTER BABYHOOD, KIDS CHANGE MORE DURING THE NEXT COUPLE OF YEARS THAN DURING ANY OTHER STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT Parenting kids this age requires an understanding of the importance of play and allowing enough opportunity for it each day.

It requires finding the right balance of technology and other tools to foster cognitive growth. Parenting this age also requires that we model emotional regulation and guide our children through their development in this area. Above all, as we keep learning what our toddlers require for optimal growth, we share our lives with them. That, more than anything, is exactly the enrichment they need.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Sarah R. Moore is a published parenting writer and the founder of Dandelion Seeds Positive Parenting.

Follow her on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram. Certified by the Raffi Foundation for Child Honouring, she works alongside bestselling parenting author Elizabeth Pantley. She also spent a year observing Teacher Tom, one of the world’s leading practitioners of ‘democratic playbased’ education. Her glass is half full.

GOOD GREEN NEWS Positive changes are happening for the environment.

Here are the stories that are giving us hope for the future of the planet right now.

A group of Tulane University students are doing their part to recycle glass in New Orleans and help fight coastal erosion. The nonprofit group Plant the Peace is using glass they collect from the community and turning it into sand. The sand will be donated to organizations that help coastal disaster relief efforts.

As part of Hungary’s new climate strategy, the government will now plant 10 trees for every new baby born. This means that as many as 1 million trees could be planted each year, which would lead to a 27 percent increase in Hungary’s forested land over the next decade.

Earth Day turns 50 this year! You can join The Great Global Cleanup to celebrate this special anniversary along with millions of volunteers worldwide and be part of the largest environmental event in history. Cleanups will take place from late March to early May 2020.

You can find a local cleanup or register your own cleanup event.

Massachusetts seventh grader and winner of the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes, Anna Du, has developed a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) that moves through water and detects microplastics on the ocean floor. Removing these tiny bits of plastics saves the lives of sea animals and makes the food chain safer for humans.

As the U.S. organic textile market continues to see massive growth, the need for trustworthy certification is essential. Learn more about these requirements, specifically the GOTS certification, and make sure the items in your home are free from allergenic, carcinogenic, or toxic chemicals used in conventional cotton textile production at the Organic Trade Association’s Fiber Council.

France will ban designer clothes and luxury goods companies from landfilling unsold goods. The groundbreaking law also covers electrical items, hygiene products, and cosmetics, which must now be reused, redistributed, or recycled.

BY CAROLINA KING

mamainstincts.com

R A ISING INDEPENDE NT

KIDS IN T HE A GE O F

H E LIC OP TE R P A R E N T ING “Oh! I thought this child was alone!”

As my 4-year old walked ahead of me in the supermarket, I noticed an adult looking around for a parent. I picked up my pace and quickly informed the person that I was the child’s mother.

I hear this comment a lot… whether at the store, or because I let her climb a playground structure on her own, or because we let her run ahead of us at the airport. Actually, this statement blows my mind because if the people saying it were to look up, they would see me right there.

The expectations for today’s parents are overwhelming. No matter which parenting style you follow, you’re sure to receive constant feedback on it - from the news, social media, or out in public. We’re supposed to let our kids take risks, but we have to be right there so they never get hurt.

In many cases, we’re expected to have a child who behaves even better than an adult.

So, how do we raise an independent, self-reliant child in a society that seems to expect us to hover like helicopter parents?

First let’s define the term helicopter parent. It’s a parent who constantly hovers over their kids without giving them the chance to learn how to do things on their own. In other words, a helicopter parent does everything for their child. It’s pretty easy to see the problem with helicopter parenting. Without opportunities to make decisions and make mistakes, our children will struggle to be independent.

But let’s not confuse helicopter parenting with attachment parenting.

Attachment parenting is about cre-

ating a secure and strong bond with your child.

It doesn’t mean we are constantly hovering.

It means we are there for our child when she needs us, but we encourage her to trust herself enough to figure things out on her own.

Here are some ways to help you strike that fine balance between attachment parenting and helicopter parenting. Remember that you know your child better than anyone.

Pay attention to your intuition—that little voice inside of you—because it will guide you to parent your child in the best possible way.

BE MINDFUL OF YOUR CHILD’S AGE Raising an independent child means you encourage them to do things on their own when they are ready and capable. It doesn’t mean you should leave your baby crying for hours so they can be more independent. There’s a time for everything, and it’s natural for a small child to want to be close to you all the time. The most important thing you can do for them, especially at this stage, is to be present and respond to their cues and needs. This helps your child become more secure and eventually, they will start doing things on their own. It is a beautiful thing to watch unfold!

How will you know when they’re ready?

You just will. You will notice your child starts asking less for you and doing more things on their own.

When this happens, it’s the perfect time to encourage them to do even things on their own. The best way to do this is to lead by example. Our kids learn so much by watching us. Add to that your guidance and your child will start to figure out how to do so many things on their own.

ENCOURAGING VS. TELLING THEM WHAT TO DO “Mama, can you draw a heart for me?” I looked at my toddler and said, “Why don’t you bring me another sheet of paper and I’ll show you how to make one.”

I explained as I drew a heart. Then, after many tries, she made her first heart. The look on her face when she figured it out was priceless!

You can apply this principle to pretty much anything your child wants to do. As they get older you give less instruction because you will know they can actually do what they want to accomplish.

LISTEN TO YOUR CHILD Every child develops at a different pace, which means it’s important to be a present parent and one who listens. You will know what your child is capable of doing if you pay close attention to them.

And remember, children are capable of learning things from a young age. For example, we taught both of our kids how

to use a knife when they were toddlers. We talked about the process, we showed them how sharp a knife can be and eventually they were ready to use a knife on their own.

Now my 7-year-old cuts up fruit for her 4-year-old sister frequently.

GIVE YOUR CHILD SPACE Practicing attachment and gentle parenting doesn’t mean you are supervising your child every minute of the day. It means you’re accessible, and you are their source of love. You can help when they need it, and you know when to back off.

Figuring out when to back off, especially if your child is a toddler, can be tricky. But if you see that every month, every year, your child is doing more and more things on their own, with less intervening from you, then you know you’re on the right track.

One thing I personally do with my kids is ask if they can try and do something on their own first. They have surprised me many times!

There’s no such thing as failure, it’s simply attempts you make in order to reach your goal. When we approach new tasks or activities this way, your children become less scared because they know they will eventually figure it out. They also know they won’t get in trouble if they don’t get it right the first time.

This is a great way to raise our children— by encouraging them to experiment, to discover and even figure out (developmentally appropriate) things on their own. When a mistake happens, don’t make a big deal out of it because it is simply a natural part of the process.

The most important thing you can do for your child is to make sure they are loved.

My mom always told me she’s my cushion and when I fall, she’s right here to help me get back up and remind me of how capable I am. A supportive and reassuring environment gives a child the framework they need to be connected, responsible, and willing to try new things without fear.

WELCOME MISTAKES We all make mistakes, in fact, it’s one of the ways we learn. One story that stuck with me since I was a teenager is the one of Thomas Edison. It took him thousands of tries to figure out how to make a lightbulb and when asked about it, he said, “I haven’t failed— I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Carolina King is a mom of two and the founder of Mama Instincts.

HAPPY 50TH, EARTH DAY! DAY !

Earth Day celebrates its 50th birthday this year.

When we develop a deep fondness of the natural world, all of those baby steps to greener living are amplified. It works wonders for not just the health of the planet, but our own health, too!

Richard Louv explains that a generation of children is not only being raised indoors, but is being confined to even smaller spaces.

Jane Clark, a University of Maryland professor of kinesiology calls them ‘containerized kids.’ They spend more and more time in car seats, high chairs, and even baby seats for watching TV. When small children go outside, they’re often placed in containers— strollers—and pushed by walking or jogging parents. Most kid-containerizing is done for safety concerns, but the long term health of these children is compromised.

This inspires us to want to spend Earth Day with kids outdoors and with as much freedom to run and roam as possible. Enjoying our environment is extremely beneficial to adults, too. Exposure to nature has been found to encourage people to nurture close relationships with fellow human beings, value community, and to be more generous.

5 WAYS TO CELEBRATE EARTH DAY WITH KIDS Get Outside Take a walk and explore nature. Lay down a blanket and look at the clouds or do some stargazing. Celebrating Earth Day means loving and enjoying the earth so kids will feel passionate about protecting it.

HOST A CLEANUP DAY Coordinate a time on Earth Day or a Saturday during April to pick up trash in your neighborhood or favorite park. Children who have never voluntarily picked up their bedrooms will love picking up someone else’s trash.

document a sunrise (or sunset) Gather paper, crayons, markers, pastels, or chalk and head outside just before the sun rises or sets. Preserve the moment by asking everyone to draw the beautiful colors they see.

MAKE A BUTTERFLY GARDEN OR BUG HOTEL Pollinators are critical to a healthy environment and our food supply.

Find out what types of butterflies are native to your area and plant flowers and shrubs that attract them. You can also plant wildflowers to attract bees to your yard. A bug hotel is part garden art and part winter habitat for beneficial insects.

VISIT A LOCAL FARM OR YOUR FARMERS MARKET More fun for the family than the typical grocery run. Plus, you will be supporting local farmers and conserving fuel. If your local farmers’ market is only open on a certain day of the week, make sure you visit it during Earth Week. Get to know local farmers and encourage your kids to ask questions about how they grow the foods they sell.

When we look beyond fake plastic grass and think outside of the candy aisle, there are plenty of options for a greener, healthier Easter.

ECO FRI EN DLY

Easter B A SKETS

CHOOSE A REUSABLE BASKET The greenest option is to use a basket or bucket you already have on hand. If this is your baby’s first Easter, and want something to reuse, choose a basket that can grow with your little one. This could be a tote to store toys or baby items or a traditional basket.

SKIP THE PLASTIC GRASS Ever since seeing a few strands of plastic Easter grass in a real bird’s nest one spring, we’ve been horrified by it. You can make a festive filler by running colorful junk mail through a paper shredder. Or keep the floor much cleaner and line the basket with a pastel play silk or colorful cloth napkins.

WHAT ABOUT PLASTIC EGGS? Don’t buy new plastic Easter eggs. If you already have plastic eggs from previous years, use them. If you don’t, you can easily find them at a thrift shop (or any relative’s basement). It’s possible to make an adorable Easter basket presentation with no eggs at all or by using the real eggs you dye naturally. If you really love hiding treats or inside eggs, opt for wooden eggs that gently twist open.

FILL THEIR BASKET WITH HEALTHIER TREATS Look for treats or candies without artificial sweeteners and colorings by opting for natural elements like dried berries, nuts, and seeds.

In moderation, these sweet treats are a better choice.

NON-CANDY EASTER GIFT IDEAS If your child plays spring sports, Easter is a great time to gift a new softball glove or pair of soccer cleats. Lawn or beach toys are also fun ideas in anticipation of longer, warmer days and more time spent outside.

You might also consider an experience gift with a certificate or itinerary placed in the basket.

THE

PERKS OF

BEING

HOME SCHOOLED

BY LOTUS KAY

“School makes me sad.”

“School makes me angry.”

“School makes me depressed” are all popular Google searches. Clearly there must be something wrong with our system of teaching that makes so many kids and teens feel this way.

I was homeschooled all throughout high school and honestly can’t say enough good things about it. But I thought I’d try, here are some of the great things about being homeschooled.

YOU CAN AVOID CLIQUES AND CONNECT WITH PEOPLE OF ALL AGES I think it’s fair to say that bullying exists in probably every school. When you’re homeschooled, you aren’t stuck seeing the same people every day. You can focus on yourself and your interests, and don’t have to dread the latest gossip and social scene of schools. You can, of course, still be social, but you get to decide who you hang out with. If you want to hang out with people you knew from school, you can still message them and make plans, but now no one is forcing you to hang around particular people. When you are homeschooled it becomes much more of your choice who you hang around. And you don’t have to worry as much about peer pressure and negative influences of other kids.

YOU CAN STAY UP AND SLEEP IN AS LATE AS YOU WANT

A lot of people complain school starts too early. When you start the day tired it’s harder to pay attention in class. And sleep deprivation commonly causes depression and anxiety. When you homeschool, you get to start the day whenever works best for you. And you don’t have to be rushed out the door.

LESS STANDARDIZED TESTING Standardized testing often causes teens stress, and they rarely ever retain the information after they memorize it. When you are homeschooled you can learn at your own pace, and there is much less testing.

NO FORCED SCHEDULE When you’re homeschooled, you get to decide what you focus on every day. You don’t have to time that for this hour you will be doing this, and then onto the next class. If you want to spend more or less time working on something, you can. Or if there’s something you really don’t feel like doing, you don’t have to do it that day, and can wait until you’re more in the mood to do it. When you’re homeschooled you can make your schedule personalized for you each day. There’s so much more freedom.

THE FOCUS IS ON YOU No more having to raise your hand among a bunch of other kids. Now if you have a question, the focus is only on you and no other distractions. This way, you can learn

a lot faster.

YOU DON’T HAVE TO SIT BEHIND A DESK OR STAY INSIDE Having to sit inside for most of the day can have negative effects on a person’s mental health, and being able to spend time outside is an important thing.

When you are homeschooled you can spend more time outside getting fresh air and you can even work outside.

You can work really anywhere you want, even on the couch.

YOU CAN SPEND THE TIME LEARNING AND DOING WHAT YOU WANT You get to decide your curriculum. And you can focus on whatever special interests you have. Instead of asking kids “what do you want to be when you get older?” we should start asking “what do you want to be now?”

One of the reasons kids and teens are so frustrated at school is because it feels like

their life is being put on hold. A lot of very successful people were homeschooled since they were able to have more time to focus on doing what they really wanted to do. And if you’re a parent homeschooling your kid, you can decide to teach them about what you think they should know, instead of having a government system teach them what every other kid is learning too.

MORE TIME WITH THE FAMILY Homeschooling means you get to spend more time with your family, whether that’s your parents or siblings. Parents who homeschool their kids get to watch them learn and see where their head is at, and that is very special! Though parents don’t have to be the ones to homeschool their kids, since there are also tutors and other options.

CREATIVITY CAN BREATHE School does not seem to have been invented for the creative types, putting much importance on math and science and taking more creative subjects such as art and music as

“extra curricular activities” or “electives.”

We are taught in school that the more creative pursuits don’t matter as much. They aren’t as intelligent. The activities that are more fun like P.E., are seen as play and not work.

We are taught working hard is behind a desk and not when you’re having fun, and the stuff we find fun is not real work. This prepares us for adult life in the worst way. So many people grow up doing jobs they hate and give up the things they actually enjoy.

When you are homeschooled you can put focus on those creative interests of yours.

Art and creativity advance the world in a way just as important as math or science, yet creative people feel stifled at school. Being homeschooled, creative people can design a curriculum that works for them and how they learn.

YOU CAN EAT LUNCH WHENEVER You don’t have to eat cafeteria food. You can eat straight from your kitchen, and whenever you’re hungry. Not during a scheduled time.

SCHOOL TEACHES YOU WHAT HAS BEEN DISCOVERED BEFORE AND NOT NEW IDEAS Being homeschooled and indulging in self education you have time to think for yourself and come up with original thoughts.

There’s so many different reasons for homeschooling; these are just a few.

Five days a week is a large portion of your life. When you can spend it doing what you enjoy and learning your way, it’s a pretty good choice.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Lotus Kay is an eighteen-yearold author and writer who has been published in media outlets such as Thrive Global, American Vegan Magazine, Vegan Health & Fitness, New Leaves, Light of Consciousness, and Voya: Voice of Youth Advocates. She is a recipient of a grant from Jane Goodall’s Roots and Shoots program for her work creating an educational campaign called Bears for Cares to help children around the world understand the state of wildlife and endangered species by gifting educational children’s books and eco-friendly stuffed animals.

Conscious Kitchen Fresh Berry Yogurt Medley

The simplest combinations are often the best. When it comes to healthy treats, this berry fruit salad with Greek yogurt is easy to make and super refreshing.

INGREDIENTS 3 cups fresh organic berries: strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt at room temperature 1/4 cup fresh mint, finely chopped 1/4 cup pecans, chopped

1 tbsp honey 1 tbsp orange zest 1/4 tsp salt 1/4 tsp pepper

DIRECTIONS 1. In a small bowl, mix the yogurt, honey, orange zest, salt, pepper, chopped mint, and pecans.

2. In a large bowl add the fruit, add the yogurt mixture and stir gently.

3. Top with fresh mint.

4. Serve immediately or chill for 2-3 hours.

OPTIONAL Layer the berries with the mint and yogurt mixture.

Conscious Kitchen Nourishing Lentil Soup

Lentils are an ancient edible seed in the legume family. They’re high in fiber, folate, and plant protein. This lentil soup is full of flavor, plus your house will smell amazing as it cooks!

INGREDIENTS 1/4 cup olive oil 1/8 teaspoon red pepper 1 chopped onion 2 stalks celery, chopped 3 cloves garlic, minced 2 teaspoons oregano 2 bay leaves 2 teaspoons basil

1 can (28 oz.) crushed tomatoes 2 cups dry lentils (brown or red) 4 cups water 4 cups chicken or veggie broth 1 cups baby spinach, chopped 1 tablespoon salt 2 teaspoons pepper 3 tablespoons lemon juice

DIRECTIONS 1. In a large soup pot or dutch oven, heat the olive oil.

2. Add the red pepper, onion, carrot, and celery to the pot.

3. Cook until onion is translucent (about 6 minutes).

4. Stir in the minced garlic, oregano, bay leaf, basil, salt, and pepper, and cook until fragrant (about 3 minutes).

5. Add the can of tomatoes, dried lentils, broth, and water.

6. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 1.5 hours or until the lentils are soft.

OPTIONAL Add broth to get the desired consistency for your soup.

Right before serving add in the spinach and lemon juice.

Add salt and pepper to taste.

Guided Meditation Calm Kitty

BY MELLISA DORMOY ShambalaKids.com

Take in a nice deep breath and feel your belly expand. Let any thoughts or worries leave your body as you exhale.

Just continue to take nice, deep belly breaths as you follow my words.

Now imagine yourself as an adorable kitty cat— the softest, sweetest kitty you can imagine. You can be whatever color kitty you want to be. (Pause) Just imagine that now. Look at how adorable you are!

Pay close attention to your paws now as you walk along the floor balancing your body. Your long tail also helps you balance perfectly.

Now, imagine jumping up on a rail. Notice how gracefully you do it and how lightly you land up there on your furry feet - one paw in front of the other. It’s so fun to be a kitty cat, exploring and being adventurous.

Imagine you’ve spent the whole day exploring and having fun, and now it’s time to relax and take a nice afternoon nap. In the corner of the room, you’ll see your special soft bed. Imagine jumping down from the railing now and walking gracefully over to your nice, warm bed.

As you make yourself comfortable, you decide to circle around the bed a few times.

You’re making sure it’s nice and perfect to settle down in. The bed feels so thick and comfy and you knead your paws into the bed to make it extra cozy. You turn a few different times to make sure your position will be perfect and then lay down for your nap. It does feel so soft and cozy here in your warm kitty bed.

You feel so calm and happy inside, and you start purring like little kitties do. This feels so nice in your body as it vibrates from the top of your head all the way down to your fluffy tail. The vibrations from the purring make you relax even more.

Stay here for as long as you like... just enjoying the feeling of peace and calm that fills your entire body. You roll your body up in a ball and just enjoy this wonderful relaxing feeling.

It feels so good lying here so cozy in your bed.

When you’re ready you can open your eyes and give your body a big, giant stretch.

What a peaceful time you had as a calm, happy kitty!