9
A note from Amity Hook-Sopko, Green Child's Editor in Chief Editor's Letter
10
Our top picks to add into your bookshelf this season, including a cookbook! Look Listen Read
12 Linda Åkeson McGurk explores teaching kids the value of living with less Frugal Living
16 From Corporate Life to Community Roots
How Kebbeh Autry is nurturing a love of nature
Each book includes interactive nature activities, sticker sheets, and a real magnifying glass.
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PARENTING IN TODAY'S WORLD ASKS more of us. Not in the “do more” sense, but in the be more present, more discerning, more connected kind of way.
This issue is a collection of voices and ideas designed to meet you where you are. I’m so excited to share the conversations I’ve had lately with some truly inspiring people!
You’ll hear from Kebbeh Autry, who left a traditional career path to help families build their connection to the outdoor world through her in-person classes. Dr. Catherine Clinton shares how nature plays a vital role in our health at the quantum level. And my longtime friend Kim Rosas talks about creating her new brick-and-mortar shop for holistic menstrual supplies: Period Nirvana.
You’ll find guidance for real-life parenting challenges like what to do when a teen’s grades drop, how to support a toddler’s overwhelmed nervous system, and why compassion matters more than punishment. Wendy Snyder brings her kind and practical lens to discipline, reminding us that boundaries and empathy go hand-in-hand.
There’s plenty of inspiration for simplifying: Fiona Liu shares how BabyMint is making secondhand baby gear more accessible, and our gift guides offer thoughtful ways to celebrate without overconsumption. And Linda McGurk is back with advice
on simple and frugal living.
You’ll also find a guide to bird-watching with kids and a screen-free babyhood journey, along with our usual book recommendations, seasonal recipes, and guided meditations for kids.
As always, I’m so thankful for you as a reader and as a part of this community!
Our top picks for your bookshelf this season— Everything from moon phases for kids to balancing energy.
by Andie Powers
A lyrical and dreamy picture book that invites young readers into the night sky, Wild Moon traces the eight phases of the moon and shows how each phase subtly guides wildlife. Told from the moon’s perspective, it pairs poetic language with stunning darktoned illustrations that glow with nocturnal life. Calming and brimming with hidden wonders of nature, Wild Moon is an ideal bedtime read.
by Sarah A. Traisman
A tender, poetic picture book about the boundless love between parent and child, Beyond unfolds like a soft meditation. Through gentle verses rooted in everyday life and nature, the narrative reveals that love expands in immeasurable, mysterious ways. With watercolor art that feels spacious and calm, Beyond is well suited for quiet reading moments, especially for families seeking a book that validates both closeness and the silent expanses between us and the world around us.
by Jada Fitch and Kateri Kosek
The Forest Revealed is an invitation to slow down and witness the quiet magic of the woods, one month at a time. With rich watercolor illustrations and beautifully observed naturalist notes, this book brings the forest to life. Each month is anchored by a watercolor scene centered on the stump of a native tree surrounded by birds, plants, fungi, and insects. Alongside the art, lyrical naturalist notes highlight seasonal changes, animal behaviors, and the intricate relationships that make forest life thrive. Kids are prompted to start a nature journal, go on a mushroom walk, or write a letter to a favorite tree.
by Nora Rice and Jenna Rice
A true celebration of place-based cooking, this book is both a love letter to the flavors of Vermont and a practical kitchen companion. The Rice sisters offer more than 50 recipes that lean heavily on local ingredients. Organized seasonally, the recipes capture the ebb and flow of Vermont’s land, and photos throughout make each dish feel warm and homey. Whether you’re a gardener, a locavore, or simply someone who loves food that tells a regional story, this cookbook will inspire you to cook with what’s around you and eat with gratitude.
by Morley Robbins
Fatigue is one of the most common complaints in modern life, and Robbins explains it’s often rooted in hidden mineral imbalances, especially around copper, magnesium, and iron. The second edition dives deeper into the “Root Cause Protocol,” offering both scientific explanation and actionable steps. Robbins explains how soil depletion, modern diets, and supplements disrupt energy balance. He offers thoroughly researched and practical ways to rebalance and restore the body.
by Nicole Krashin
With whimsical illustrations and rhyming prose, The Need for Green tells the tender story of Jade, a girl whose heart beats for all things green. From mossy rocks to glimmering beetles, Jade’s world is vivid and full of wonder, even if others don’t always understand her way of seeing. This gentle tale offers a child-centered lens on autism, showing how friendship and self-acceptance bloom when we honor what makes each of us unique. Uplifting and inclusive, it’s a sweet reminder that every child deserves to be celebrated for exactly who they are.
BY LINDA ÅKESON MCGURK
WHEN I was a child in the 1980s, I spent a lot of time with my paternal grandparents. At their house, there was no such a thing as trash— nearly everything was repaired, reused, repurposed or recycled. Torn tea towels? Fixed in a jiffy with a needle, thread and grandma’s mad sewing skills. Empty glass jars from the store? Filled with Grandma’s homemade lingonberry sauce or pickled cucumbers. Cardboard boxes? They
became forts, rockets and dollhouses whenever Grandma and I let our imaginations run wild.
My grandparents’ thrift was evident in other ways too. They made every effort to live within their means and never owned any credit cards. Grew their own vegetables and rarely bought new clothes— or new anything.
In their free time, they preferred spending time in the great out-
doors—visiting local nature preserves, national parks and historic sites—over going on expensive vacations abroad. Their greatest joy was the annual hiking trips they took in northern Sweden each summer. Despite their simple lifestyle, my grandparents never complained. Like many other people in their generation, they came from a humble farming background and grew up in the shadow of World
War II. To them, minimizing waste and making sure every penny counted was part insurance against unexpected hardship, part common sense. Frugality was second nature.
Today, we live in a culture steeped in unmet wants and desires, where “more” is never enough, social media influencers constantly peddle the next “must have” product (remember the Stanley cup craze?) and credit cards are handed out like candy in a Fourth of July parade. Our economy thrives on unconscious spending and mass consumerism, and the moment GDP dips, economists warn that we’re still not shopping enough.
But in a post-pandemic world frayed by economic uncertainty and geopolitical instability, frugality seems to be having a moment. Becca Loveless, a mother of two and self-proclaimed “deinfluencer” who shares her thrifty lifestyle on social media, noticed a huge upswing in the summer of 2024, when frugality’s hashtag cousin “underconsumption” was trending strongly.
“We’ve lived in this super-consumerist culture for such a long time, and I think people are getting tired of ads, tired of being in debt and buying into a lifestyle they can’t afford,” Loveless, who lives in Vancouver, B.C. said. “A lot of people are struggling with money in this economy. Just getting groceries and filling up your car with gas is so expensive, and the housing market is insane. There’s no such thing as a starter home anymore. Then I pop up in their feed and show that you can be really happy without buying a bunch of things. And I’m not
Try these simple, family-friendly ways to cut back, get creative, and focus on what really matters.
spending.
In a society designed for mindless consumption, this is a key step for somebody who wants to take control of their finances. When you track your expenses, it puts the spotlight on your unconscious spending and holds you accountable.
Try a "Buy Nothing" challenge.
Refraining from buying any new clothes or non-essentials for a certain amount of time can reset your spending habits in a positive way.
Practice gratitude.
It may sound basic, but research shows that when you appreciate what you have, it can lead to greater happiness and well-being. Plus, it keeps the urge to seek out retail therapy in check.
Avoid the temptation.
Don’t go into a store to browse just for fun— you might come out with something you don’t truly need. Also, unsubscribe from marketing emails and unfollow social media accounts that try to push you to spend money.
Know your priorities.
When you live frugally, you’re able to save up for things that really matter to you. Ask yourself why you want to buy something and think of it as a purchase for life, rather than something you’ll toss out the next time a new trend comes along.
Buy used— or get stuff for free.
The internet is teeming with websites where you can buy things second hand and even get things for free from buy-nothing groups. Local thrift shops and garage sales can also be great for bargains.
Pick a hobby.
Fill your life with hobbies and things that make you happy without costing a lot of money. Being in nature, reading books, cooking and knitting are a few hobbies that are both low cost and relaxing.
depriving myself of anything— this is how I want to live. I don’t want the stress of being out of money.”
For Loveless, the heart of frugal living is owning less and gaining freedom in return. Having grown up in the U.S. in a lower-income household where the fear of running out of money was always present, she knew it wasn’t what she wanted for her own family. The final push came when she and her husband moved to New Zealand with their first child and they had to pare down their belongings to make them fit into just
four suitcases.
“Nothing makes you hate owning a bunch of stuff more than doing a big purge like that. Our move gave me a different relationship with material things, and I figured out what’s important and what isn’t. Today, I put a lot of thought into what I buy, and I do a lot of research. I’m not willing to spend my money on just anything.”
Frugal living can help you pay down debt, save up for an emergency fund and avoid money-related stress. But the benefits of buying less go far beyond a growing savings account, especially for your children. When kids have fewer toys, they become more
deeply engaged in play and play more creatively. Some researchers even suggest that parents and educators should teach frugality for the sake of children’s well-being, since “expensive consumption habits have been shown to lead to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and compulsive shopping addiction,” according to one review.
Beyond personal finances, frugality also ties into a bigger story: social and environmental sustainability. The culture of mass consumerism in affluent nations is fanning the flames of climate change and environmental degradation. Every extra resource we consume leaves less for future generations - and for people in developing countries who already have to make do with far fewer material comforts than we do.
Loveless and her husband live on a single income in an expensive city, so by living frugally they to some extent make a virtue out of necessity. But she pushes back against the idea that frugal living is a sacrifice. Many of their favorite things to do cost little or nothing - bike rides, camping, paddleboarding, home-cooked meals or simply spending time with friends. It’s a conscious lifestyle choice that Loveless hopes will show her children what really matters in life.
“I think frugal living is a win win. It makes you and your kids happier, it saves you money, and it’s better for the environment,” she said. ■
As
KEBBEH AUTRY created Magnolia Nature Club to give children and parents more opportunities to connect through outdoor play, herbalism, and holistic learning. In this conversation, she shares how her work began, why nature matters more than ever, and the small steps every family can take to bring more of it into daily life.
AMITY: What led you to create Magnolia Nature Club?
we help kids build a real relationship with nature, sometimes all it takes is a guide to remind us how simple it can be.
INTERVIEW BY AMITY HOOK-SOPKO
KEBBEH: I worked in corporate for a German television station and then at a mathematical science research institute. I gained so much and had some wonderful experiences in that work, but after becoming a mom, homeschooling parent, and herbalist, I started to feel like something was missing. I wanted to create a space not only for my family, but also for the community. I had a vision of a place where people could learn the true values of living a holistic lifestyle. I wanted to help children and families step away from screens and find more balance. So I left my job and started Magnolia Nature Club.
AMITY: How has homeschooling given you the freedom or flexibility to do this work?
KEBBEH: Homeschooling allows us to integrate nature into a flexible schedule. I think it would be wonderful if the school system created outdoor classrooms or more nature-based spaces, especially in elementary grades. Children spend so many hours sitting at desks, taking exams, and doing evaluations. They need places where they can breathe fresh air and reset. That piece is really missing in most schools.
AMITY: You offer local workshops and events in your community in South Carolina, right?
KEBBEH: Yes. For now Magnolia is mobile. I meet families at community gardens, playgrounds, and parks. I offer workshops on herbalism, holistic nutrition, and natural arts and crafts. I also host private events like birthday parties at homes or venues, and I work with local plant nurseries and homeschool co-ops. It’s a community-based service that adapts to families’ needs.
AMITY: Most of our readers make a priority to get their families outside, but why do you think it’s important for kids to spend more time in nature?
KEBBEH: There are so many aspects. Of course PE in a gym is good for activity, but being outside gives children oxygen, sunlight, and the benefits of being around plants and trees. Nature heals the mind, body, and soul.
There are countless studies showing how time in nature reduces stress, supports mental health, and boosts creativity. But beyond the studies, you can see with your own eyes the way kids calm down, breathe more deeply, and open up when they’re outside.
AMITY: Do you have any advice for parents of kids who are more comfortable indoors?
KEBBEH: Nature-based learning doesn’t have to mean the whole day is spent outside. Families are busy, and sometimes there isn’t time after work to go to a park or trail. Even without a backyard, you can bring nature inside. If you live in an apartment, a small balcony works. Or you can create a mindful play space in your home— collect natural materials for crafts, plant herbs in pots on a windowsill, or set up a sensory play area. My workshops are mostly on weekends so more families can attend. But I also encourage people to start small at home. It’s not just about learning, it’s about building community and finding joy together through simple, natural activities.
AMITY: What kinds of transformations have you seen through this work?
KEBBEH: So many! Recently I held an herbalism workshop where a group of teenagers joined. I wasn’t sure if they’d be interested, but they asked so many questions about herbal teas and natural remedies. I was thrilled to see their curiosity and excitement. Another big reason I created
Magnolia was because my middle child has ADHD and sensory processing disorder. In a traditional school setting, he really struggled with sitting still, following strict rules, not being able to move or express his creativity. Homeschooling and spending more time in nature have been transformational for him. People sometimes imagine kids outdoors just running wild and getting muddy, but there’s so much learning happening. Nature sparks creativity, exploration, and discovery. For my son, it has been a gentler, more effective way to learn. There are countless studies showing how time in nature reduces stress, supports mental health, and boosts creativity. But beyond the studies, you can see with your own eyes the way kids calm down, breathe more deeply, and open up when they’re outside.
AMITY: Do you have offerings for families who aren’t local to you?
KEBBEH: I recently created the Wondercraft Box. It’s a one-time box filled with natural, organic, thoughtfully chosen activities. It’s for families who don’t have access to local workshops but still want to bring nature-based learning into their homes. I also encourage sensory play boxes for kids who need that input, or mindfulness practices like meditation cards for calmer moments. Every family can find a way to weave nature into their rhythm.
AMITY: What challenges have you faced starting Magnolia?
KEBBEH: Magnolia is still
young— about a year and a half old. I do everything myself: social media, the website, leading workshops. Early on, I was approached about monetizing it in a bigger way, and I turned that down. The message matters more to me than profit. Kids need to be outside. That’s the heart of this work. I also started things like a “Trash to Treasure Challenge,” where families repurpose recycled or natural materials to make something creative. Seeing parents and kids come together like that is beautiful. My long-term goal is to have a physical location. I’d like to have a space where families can spend the afternoon, with gardens, a little creek, places to build and explore. Growing up in Germany, I spent time in a nature garden like that, and it made a huge impression on me. I’d love to recreate something similar here.
AMITY: How do you address parent worries about safety or weather?
KEBBEH: Some people in the community raise concerns, but the families who come to my workshops are usually very comfortable with outdoor play. For those who are hesitant, I bring aprons and gloves to help them feel more at ease. I think our culture has become more fearful compared to when I was a child. Back then, if it rained, you put on your boots and jacket and went outside to splash in puddles. Those were some of my happiest memories. I’d love for kids today to experience that same joy. ■
Find more from Kebbeh at www. magnoliathenatureclub.com
The first year with your baby is sacred. The tiny coos, the sleepy snuggles, the quiet moments of connection that don’t need words. In a fast-moving world full of pings and screens, this season invites us to slow down and be present in the simplest, most meaningful ways.
IT CAN FEEL countercultural to raise your baby without screens, especially when you’re tired, touched out, or just trying to make dinner. But choosing a screen-free first year isn’t about perfection. It’s about bonding, presence, and giving your baby the kind of gentle, real-world stimulation their growing brain truly needs. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends avoiding screen time for babies under 18 months (except for
video chatting with loved ones). This guidance is based on how babies’ brains develop best. In the first year of life, neural pathways are forming rapidly. Babies learn through physical movement, sensory experiences, and faceto-face connection with their caregivers. Passive screen use can interrupt these crucial interactions, even if it’s just background noise. Research shows that early screen exposure has been linked to delayed language development,
shorter attention spans, disrupted sleep patterns, increased fussiness, and overstimulation. Even a short daily dose of screen time may displace opportunities for tummy time, cuddling, or simply gazing into your eyes— all of which wire your baby’s brain for trust, communication, and emotional resilience. You are your baby’s favorite toy. Your loving presence is what builds their brain and soothes their nervous system.
If you’ve ever felt like you need to keep your baby constantly engaged, you’re not alone. Modern parenting can come with a heavy mental load. In a moment of exhaustion, screens can seem like the only solution. But babies don’t need flashy animations or non-stop stimulation. In fact, their developing nervous systems thrive in slower, quieter environments. Simplicity, predictability, and human connection are the true “educational tools” of infancy. So let go of the pressure to perform. Your baby doesn’t need you to be a cruise director— just a calm, present guide.
There are many beautiful ways to calm and connect with your baby that don’t involve screens. Here are a few gentle, developmentally rich options:
Music. Sway, bounce, or rock your baby in a wrap or sling.
Sing to your baby during diaper changes or bedtime routines. Your voice is the most comforting sound they know.
Movement. Sway, bounce, or rock your baby in a wrap or sling.
Try stroller walks, nature time, or dancing together in the kitchen.
Tummy time helps develop core strength even if it’s just a few minutes at a time.
Connection. Narrate your day as you move around the house with baby.
Try baby massage, mirror time, or simply lying faceto-face and mimicking sounds.
Read board books with simple images and soothing voices.
Exploration. Give baby safe household items to touch and mouth like wooden spoons, silicone measuring cups, or a basket of textured cloth.
Set up a visual mobile or high-contrast cards for floor playtime.
YOUR BABY DOESN'T NEED YOU TO BE A CRUISE DIRECTOR— JUST A CALM, PRESENT GUIDE.
Raising a screen-free baby isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence. Every time you look into your baby’s eyes, hum a tune, or gently sway with them, you’re helping build their brain, regulate their nervous system, and lay the foundation for secure attachment. ■
BY LAUREN BETZING
IF IT FEELS like your toddler goes from happy to hysterical in seconds, you’re not alone. Today’s little ones are growing up in an overstimulating world. Constant noise, fast-moving images, and packed schedules can keep their tiny nervous systems on high alert. Add in big developmental leaps, new emotions, and the occasional skipped nap, and it’s no wonder things sometimes spiral. Most of us didn’t need a “toolbox” of regulation activities when we were kids. Life was simpler,
slower, and less wired. We played outside for hours, letting nature and movement restore our balance without anyone naming it as nervous system regulation. But for children growing up now, understanding how their bodies respond to stress—and learning tools to reset—can make a world of difference.
When your child melts down be-
cause their banana broke in half, it’s tempting to see it as unreasonable behavior. But beneath the surface, something much deeper is happening: their body is signaling, “I don’t feel safe right now.” Research from experts like Bessel van der Kolk (The Body Keeps the Score) and Stephen Porges (Polyvagal Theory) shows that what we label as “tantrums” or “defiance” are often signs that the body is in a stress state. The autonomic nervous system—the body’s built-in alarm system—
has two main modes:
Sympathetic (“S” for stress) activates fight, flight, or freeze when your child feels unsafe, overwhelmed, or overstimulated.
Parasympathetic (“P” for peace) helps the body return to calm once the perceived danger has passed.
In an ideal rhythm, kids would move between these naturally - getting upset, then soothing themselves and recovering. But in our “always on” world, many children stay stuck in stress mode, leading to frequent meltdowns, sleep issues, sensory sensitivities, or big emotional outbursts.
The first and most powerful way to help your toddler regulate is to regulate yourself. When you take a deep breath and stay grounded, your calm communicates safety to their nervous system— a process called co-regulation. It’s not about never losing your cool; it’s about modeling repair and safety when emotions run high.
Try this the next time your child is spiraling: pause, breathe, and place a hand on your heart. You might quietly say, “You’re safe. I’m right here.” That steady presence helps their body begin to settle before any words of logic can reach them.
Once your child starts to calm, or as part of your daily rhythm, these gentle practices can help support a more balanced nervous system:
Deep breathing together. Invite your child to “smell the flower, blow the candle.” Slow belly breaths help bring oxygen to the brain and signal safety.
Butterfly Hug. Show your toddler how to cross their arms like a self-hug and tap their shoulders slowly—left, right, left, right— while taking deep breaths. It’s grounding and gives a sense of control back to their body.
Shaking It Out. Turn on music and shake your hands, arms, and legs together. It’s playful for toddlers but also helps release built-up tension.
Nature Time. Barefoot play on the grass, sitting under a tree, or simply collecting leaves and rocks helps the body regulate through sensory connection and grounding.
Humming or Singing. Singing together stimulates the vagus nerve—the body’s main relaxation pathway—and helps restore calm. Songs with predictable rhythms, like lullabies or nursery tunes, work beautifully.
When you help your toddler learn to notice their body’s signals, you offer them a lifelong skill. Over time, these moments teach them that big feelings aren’t dangerous and that they can always find their way back to safety.
The goal isn’t to prevent every meltdown. It’s to create a foundation of safety that helps your child recover more easily each time. The more we support their nervous system now, the more resilient, empathetic, and self-aware they’ll grow to be.
So the next time your toddler’s emotions feel like a storm, remember: you don’t have to fix it. You just have to be the calm in the middle of it. ■
Inside Asheville’s first-of-its-kind period shop, founder Kim Rosas is making menstrual care approachable, inclusive, and fun.
INTERVIEW BY AMITY HOOK-SOPKO
What made Asheville the right home for Period Nirvana?
Asheville felt like the right city for us. It’s a vibrant town that supports small business and has a community that embraces an eco-friendly lifestyle. We love being part of this community and have felt welcomed from the start.
The shop is so bright and inviting instead of clinical or commercial. What kind of environment did you want to create for people walking in for the first time?
The interior design was based on our online store’s color scheme and textures. All of it is rooted in
inclusivity and warmth. I want everyone to feel welcome in Period Nirvana spaces.
You’re a pioneer in menstrual cup and disc education. What led you to this work?
In 2012 I tried a DivaCup. It was my attempt to cut down on my personal product waste. I was a skeptic but before my first cycle was through, I already felt called to tell everyone I knew about how much better a cup was for my cycle compared to tampons. At the time, I had a blog about cloth diapering and I decided to
write an article about my first experience using a cup. It struck a chord and received a huge response. As I’d done before with cloth diapering education, I shared my lessons learned about using cups online via my blog and YouTube. Things just grew from there. It’s very fulfilling work.
Our readers tend to be almost equally concerned with personal health and the environment. With holistic menstrual supplies, what does that include and how are they more beneficial to health and the planet?
Switching to reusable period care, external or internal, often results
in a more comfortable period. This is especially true for people switching from tampons. High-quality medical-grade silicone is a safer and healthier option compared to tampons, and they have a much lower risk for TSS.
Many cup users report lighter cycles or shorter cycles, and even lighter cramps. Cups and discs have a lifespan of around ten years, meaning most people can reduce their waste by more than a thousand tampons or pads in the same timeframe.
I’ve watched you interact with hundreds of people at workshops and in your store. There’s always someone who’s embarrassed to ask questions, and you put them at ease without making a big deal about it. How did you get comfortable talking about a sensitive topic?
I ask myself this question often. For some reason, I find it easier to talk about uncomfortable subjects with strangers than making small talk. Discussing periods and bodily fluids is easy. But ask me to tell you about my day, and I get all flustered. Practice certainly helps, but I think this line of work came naturally to me.
So many people want to try a menstrual cup or disc but feel intimidated. What advice can you give to someone who is nervous about getting started?
I own a store, so my joke advice is: just buy one. But honestly, it’s great advice. I tell customers their purchase will just sit in a
As the founder of Period Nirvana, Rosas is asked a host of questions— especially related to the menstrual cup or disc. " The most common is probably, 'Isn’t it messy?'" Rosas says. "I give people an honest answer: it can be, but with practice, you can get by with little to no blood on your fingers." THAT LOOKS HUGE. DOESN'T IT HURT?
I SLEEP WITH IT IN?
Yes. No.
drawer unless they work up the courage to try it. I also remind people that vaginas are designed to stretch, and a little ol’ cup isn’t that scary compared to everything else going in or coming out. It’s a bit crass, but it helps people put the size into perspective, which is often half the fear.
Opening a brick-and-mortar shop is a huge undertaking. What else motivated you to open the Period Nirvana store?
It happened in stages, and I just went along with this idea as it formed and rode the wave until one day I was opening a store. There are about 7–10 globally (depending on how you define a period store), and ours was the second in the U.S. Initially, I thought mine would be the first, and while it was a little disappointing to find out otherwise, it was also comforting. Others had done it, so I knew I could too. I already ran a successful online period store, and opening a physical space felt like the next right move, even though it was terrifying. It’s a huge financial risk, and it’s nothing like running an online business. But the in-person experience is so much more rewarding for us and invaluable for our customers. Seeing and touching the products makes all the difference. People in Asheville have no idea how lucky they are!
In what ways are you engaging with the Asheville community, have locals embraced the shop?
One of the most exciting parts of having a physical store is the opportunity to host events and workshops. We launched a series called Monthly Visitor, where we invite experts to speak on topics relevant to our audience.
Since opening in April, we’ve hosted events on pelvic floor health and perimenopause, with many more coming soon. It’s been a slow process building awareness, but each event draws more people, and everyone we’ve spoken to is excited we’re here. Word is spreading.
Many of our readers are parents of tweens and teens. What advice would you give to parents who want to introduce reusable products in a positive, pressure-free way?
I appreciate that you said “pressure-free.” Some parents are understandably concerned about safety and can be a little too pushy when it comes to encouraging their child to switch to reusables. But not every tween or teen is ready or mature enough for internal products or even external reusables. The best approach is to share what’s available, let them choose when they’re ready, and support them either way. Give them the right tools, products, and resources when they ask. We talk through options with teens and parents all the time in the store.
Some young people are super excited. Others look like they’re about to faint. There are young teens who confidently use cups or discs, but far more start with pads or period underwear, and that’s totally okay. We all remember how scary
it was to insert a tampon for the first time. It should always be their choice.
The shop includes a small but fascinating period museum. Why was it important to include that historical lens, and how do visitors respond to it?
The museum exhibit is a nod to my own background. I have a degree in History and eventually turned my research skills toward reusable period products. Along the way, I uncovered a lot of forgotten (or misrepresented) stories about the development of menstrual care.
As part of my research, I began collecting vintage items. Over time, I realized there was no publicly viewable exhibit on the history of period products in the U.S., so I carved out a corner of the shop to display pieces from my personal collection. I’ve since acquired more items to help tell the full story of commercialized menstrual care.
It’s also a draw for visitors— especially in a town known for tourism. Guests are always surprised by how much they learn. Most leave with at least one new fun fact, like how menstrual cups are actually as old as commercial tampons.
For me, it’s also a way to honor the (mostly) women inventors who, against the odds, created products and companies that shaped this industry… and to poke a little fun at the (mostly) male-designed product fails. ■
GUIDED MEDITATION
In this mindful art meditation, your child can practice creative expression through their imagination or you can guide them through a meditative art session.
BY MELLISA DORMOY
Take a deep breath and close your eyes. Slowly exhale and pay attention to the sound of your breath. Allow the breath to flow in naturally and slowly. Listen to the sound and the space in between each breath you take.
With each easy breath, let your body and mind soften. Feel your muscles unwind, your body growing lighter and more at peace— so relaxed you no longer need to think about it at all.
We are all the artists of our own lives, creating with our thoughts and our feelings. We can also create art to express our feelings and emotions.
So now, imagine your very own private art studio. It can be as big or as small as you want it. The walls are your favorite color. And there’s a cozy chair where you love to sit and admire all the beautiful art you create.
Now, you notice palettes of colors and art supplies waiting especially for you. This is your special place where you
come to create beautiful things and express yourself however you like.
See yourself standing in front of your canvas. Close your eyes and connect with your heart. This is your source of inspiration.
You feel a sense of calm come over you as you connect into your heart space. This special time is yours. You can create whatever you want.
Maybe there's a beautiful work of art inside you just waiting to come out.
Or maybe you need to put a bunch of colors wildly onto the canvas to release anger or sad feelings. Sometimes we need to feel through and clear out these emotions because they're blocking our connection to our heart.
Making art is like a meditation. The way to create beautiful art is to focus on what you're creating NOW.
Really FEEL how the paint brush glides across the canvas or how the clay sculpts in your hands.
Sometimes you get so absorbed in the creative process, everything around you fades away. For now, only the creation in front of you matters.
Isn’t it fun to get lost in a project?
The best part is— there are no mistakes here. And you have all
the time you need.
You can read this to your child at bedtime, just like our other guided meditation scripts. Read through it a few times first so you’re familiar with the flow and can let the words come out naturally. Once your child is comfortable, read the script aloud in a slow, soothing voice. You can also use it for a meditative art session. Gather the art supplies ahead of time and keep them within easy reach. The goal is for your child to be fully present as they create. Read the script beforehand so you can adjust it as needed, depending on the materials you have available. The meditation mentions several types of art supplies, but you’ll only need to guide your child to the ones you have on hand. Since this activity is all about creativity, feel free to make it your own. Let your child’s energy guide the flow. Move at their pace, keeping your tone calm and steady.
You can express different emotions… and then magically wave your brush to make the canvas brand new again and start over.
Anything you create in this art meditation is perfect. It’s perfect because it’s exactly what you need to express right now.
If you love what you make, you get to hang it on the wall. If it’s something you just needed to make right now, you don’t have to keep it. Just wave your brush and make it disappear. This is our magical meditation.
Painting and creating art are excellent ways to express ourselves. We can take our time and get to know ourselves more through the art we create. It’s a wonderful way to connect with yourself and express emotions without saying a word.
When you’re ready to put down
your paint brush, gently come out of the meditation.
Take all the time you need.
If you want to talk about your feelings or what you created, I’m here to listen. ■
WENDY SNYDER of Fresh Start Family shares how connection-based parenting, nervous system healing, and compassionate discipline can help families thrive without relying on control or fear.
How did your passion for working with parents and children develop?
I’ve always been drawn to working with kids. Whether it was coaching springboard diving, nannying through college, or eventually becoming a mom myself, it’s been a constant in my life. Over time, that passion evolved into supporting parents, too. Now I’m a parenting coach, author, podcaster, and family life coach. But at the heart of it all, I’m a child advocate.
Your kids are now at ages where you can fairly confidently say that connection-based parenting works?
If anyone can ever say that— yes. They are 17 and 14 now. But when you're a parenting educator, it's hilarious how often you think, Who am I to be teaching this?
But over time, you start to see how much it actually works. Not perfectly, but powerfully. I actually think the most imperfect parents make the best coaches - the ones who live it, mess up, own it, and keep learning.
Your concept of cactus kids is pretty enlightening. Can you share more?
Identifying cactus kids is really about seeing strong-willed children as a blessing, not a curse. I had a teacher early on who told me, “The world needs cacti.” We can’t just have orchids and daisies.
I live in Southern California, and succulents and cacti are basically the only plants I keep. They’re incredibly hardy, but if you overwater them, they won’t thrive. And if you try to move them without gloves or under-
standing how they work, you might end up with bloody hands. It’s the same with strong-willed kids. Once you learn what makes them tick, everything changes. They have a need to feel powerful because they are our future leaders. When you nurture that and help them feel understood and supported, you start to see all of the beauty they bring.
But if you come at them trying to force compliance, using punishment or shame, things can
IS REALLY ABOUT SEEING STRONG-WILLED CHILDREN AS A BLESSING, NOT A CURSE. WE CAN'T JUST HAVE ORCHIDS AND DAISIES.
spiral quickly. They weren’t designed to blindly obey. They were designed to be empowered, to collaborate, and to show up in the world with strength and purpose.
You also talk about nervous system healing. How does that tie into parenting?
Nervous system work has been so much fun to explore these last few years. In the beginning, we focused mostly on mindset tools which are about mentally reset-
ting when you're triggered. What we’ve discovered now is that when parents combine mindset tools with nervous system regulation, everything comes together. Suddenly, you’re not just trying to “think” your way out of a triggered state, you’re actually calming your body in real-time.
Parents ask, “Why do I get so frazzled when my kid spills something or hits their sibling?” It’s a huge overreaction… like a bear is chasing you. That surge of emotion, that urgency to fix it or scold or make it stop takes over.
What we’ve found is that this is a conditioned nervous system response. For many of us, our bodies learned early on that mistakes or pushback meant danger. Maybe we were raised in autocratic homes, where discipline was all about fear, force, bribery, and rewards. These are external control-based systems. Some families used physical punishment like spanking. Others used emotional pain like shame, separation, disappointment, and “What’s wrong with you?” So the nervous system was wired to associate mistakes or misbehavior with real danger. Then we grow up, become parents ourselves, and we want to do things differently. We read the books, get inspired by conscious parenting, and we want to be peaceful and intentional. But then we find ourselves snapping and doing something like yelling or grabbing a wrist too tightly.
Once we start learning that it’s actually safe to have imperfect children - kids who misbehave, cry, throw fits in the grocery store— we can start to signal safety to ourselves in those stress-
ful moments. That’s what helps shift us out of reactive parenting and into responsive parenting. Reactive parenting is what most of us grew up with: control through fear, force, bribery, or rewards. Responsive parenting happens when we can slow down, connect with our body, and remind ourselves this probably isn’t an emergency even if it feels like one.
The body will choose a comfortable hell over an uncomfortable heaven. Yelling might not be what a parent wants to do, but it feels familiar. I used to get really triggered when my kids would misbehave in public. I’d think, Everyone’s judging me. I must be a bad mom. Or maybe I just have a bad kid. Or both.
I think we’ve all had those moments of feeling judged when our child melts down in public.
Yes. One day when my kids were
about six and nine. We were at this little farm where they could run around, pick wildflowers, and play with the chickens. They started bickering, which wasn’t unusual. I was thinking, This is great. This is a perfect place for them to practice peaceful conflict resolution. They were yelling and waving big sticks at each other, but I was managing okay. Then I turned around and realized a couple had come out to the edge of the field and stood there, arms crossed, watching us. That’s when I lost it. I went straight into panic mode. I yelled, told the kids to get in the car, shoved them in, and stayed angry for way too long. The next morning, I woke up and was like, Oh wow, I need to call my coach. That was a mess! When you feel like everyone’s watching and judging, the fear of that judgment is so intense. It can override all the tools, all the progress. And that’s why nervous
system work is so important. Without it, you just go right back into those old patterns, even when you know better.
Can you talk about compassionate discipline?
There’s something so satisfying about replacing punishment with compassionate discipline. It just feels better for everyone.
In our work, compassionate discipline includes three core tools. The first is self-calming. This is step one whenever there’s misbehavior or mistakes. When emotions are high, learning doesn’t happen. We swap timeouts for self-calming. It helps kids learn to regulate from within, instead of relying on someone else to control their behavior. It takes practice, but it works. The second piece is natural consequences or letting life do the teaching. Strong-willed kids especially respond to this. Say your child keeps forgetting their lunch. After a few reminders, one day you don’t bring it. They make it through with a granola bar or an apple shared by a friend. And they’ll probably remember next time. That real-world experience is more effective than, “I told you so.”
Of course, natural consequences aren’t always safe or appropriate. You wouldn’t let your child skip brushing their teeth just to teach them about cavities. That’s where the third piece comes in: logical consequences.
Logical consequences are
about teaching life skills. Think of Olympic athletes. They fall, get coached, try again, and learn. Punishment looks backward. Discipline looks forward. We ask parents, “Where did we get the idea that to help kids behave better, we need to make them feel worse?” The truth is, we don’t. We can teach responsibility, hold boundaries, and build skills all without shame or fear.
But we have to remove hypocrisy. If you say, “We don’t hit,” and then you spank, it sends mixed messages. Kids notice.
To help guide logical consequences, we use the Four R’s:
• Related to the behavior
• Reasonable in scale
• Respectful to the child
• And teaches Responsibility
If it checks those boxes, it’s likely a logical consequence. If not, it’s probably punishment.
Our kids’ Montessori school taught me a lot about logical consequences. But in a triggered state, it’s easy to take away screen time even when it’s completely unrelated.
Right. If it isn’t tied to the behavior or handled respectfully, it doesn’t teach the lesson you’re hoping for. And it often backfires.
It’s not to say you can’t create a related consequence around tech use. But most parents haven’t learned how to do that yet. That’s one of the things we teach, among other strategies that go beyond punishment.
Some of our go-to tools are role plays, redos, and makeups. These give kids a chance to repair, learn, and build new
habits. And they’re often more effective than any traditional consequence.
We also love using visual charts, especially for younger kids in their first decade. Charts like “When I feel angry…” or “When I feel hurt…” help children name their emotions and choose healthy responses. Anger and hurt are two of the most common emotions that drive destructive behavior, so learning how to move through those is huge.
“I am” statements are another powerful tool. These work best during calm moments, when you can remind your child of who they are and help them reconnect with that identity. It might be something like, “I am kind,” or “I am learning to be a good listener.” These affirmations build emotional resilience. Makeups are actions that repair the relationship after a rupture. They work best when we model them first. For example, if I yelled at my child and later realized I overreacted, instead of just saying sorry, I might do something more intentional, like doing something fun with them. Then I’d say something like, “I want to take responsibility. You don’t deserve to be talked to like that. My mom yelled, my grandma yelled, and I’m trying to do it differently. Thank you for having grace with me.”
That kind of action speaks louder than a quick “sorry” ever could.
Role plays are great for teaching new life skills, especially with younger kids. You can use toys or dolls to act out
a challenging situation. Replay the mistake and then practice the new behavior. We’ve found that touch and play are both direct roads to a child’s mind. They remember what they feel in their body.
Redos are similar, but instead of play-acting with toys, you have your child physically redo the moment, using their own body to walk through what a better choice looks like. That physical repetition helps create new neural pathways and rewires the pattern.
That’s such a hopeful way to look at discipline. It’s not about control, but growth.
Exactly. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s connection, repair, and helping our kids (and ourselves) keep growing. ■
You can find Wendy’s parenting resources and podcast at freshstartfamilyonline.com.
WE ASK PARENTS, 'WHERE DID WE GET THE IDEA THAT TO HELP KIDS BEHAVE BETTER, WE NEED TO MAKE THEM FEEL WORSE?'
As we help families embrace conscious parenting, we love spotlighting changemakers who are making it easier to live out those values. Fiona Liu is the founder of Babymint, a peer-to-peer marketplace dedicated to secondhand baby gear. See how Babymint is a growing movement around sustainability, mindful consumption, and community support.
INTERVIEW BY AMITY HOOK-SOPKO
AMITY: Let’s start with what inspired you to create Babymint. What problem were you hoping to solve for new parents?
FIONA: Babymint is a secondhand marketplace dedicated to baby products like strollers, gears, baby clothes, and toys. It's kind of the first of its kind as a peer-to-peer platform that helps parents shop smarter, save money, and, most importantly, create more sustainable and conscious parenting habits at home.
The idea came to me when I was pregnant. I knew I wanted to use secondhand gear, but I quickly realized there wasn’t a dedicated space that made it easy or safe. I spent hours researching strollers, then tried to find the same model on Facebook Marketplace, but the experience was frustrating. It’s a general platform where you're sifting through everything (cars, couches, random things) and there's no parenting community or guidance. And then the actual transaction process was less than
ideal. You’re messaging strangers, handling cash, meeting in random locations. After I had my son, I knew there needed to be a better way. So I started building a platform where parents could connect, share, and shop secondhand with confidence.
AMITY: You mentioned you were already interested in secondhand before you became a mom. I think there's this message in the baby industry that if we buy all the “right” gear, we’ll be better par-
ents. And generally we’re being marketed brand new items.
FIONA: As a millennial, I was already shopping secondhand for myself. We’ve been trained by The RealReal, Poshmark, right? We know how wasteful the fashion industry is and how much overconsumption leads to overcrowded landfills.
But when it came to baby gear, even though I was trying to do things differently, the options just weren’t set up to support that.
Secondhand shopping for babies is still a big cultural shift. People still create brand-new baby registries and default to shopping new. And there hasn’t been a Poshmark for parenting or a destination where secondhand baby items are trusted, organized, and easy to buy or list. That’s what we’re building with Babymint.
out items. If an item is not in good condition, we suggest donating or recycling instead.
Some things, like car seats, are more sensitive. If you don’t have full confidence in the item’s history, we don’t recommend buying secondhand. But for everything else— especially when parents have the right information - they can make informed, sustainable choices. That’s our goal.
AMITY: Is Babymint focused in New York, or are people using it from other areas too?
AMITY: Yes, the cultural shift has to start with the parents (and maybe grandparents). When kids are little, they’re not influenced by marketing or their peers yet.
FIONA: Exactly. My son loved every secondhand item I got him. A scooter that another child had decorated with stickers? He thought it was the coolest thing. Kids are so pure. They absorb how we feel about things.
We want to make secondhand feel like a completely normal
THERE HASN'T BEEN A POSHMARK FOR PARENTING. THAT'S WHAT WE'RE BUILDING WITH BABYMINT.
choice, not like a compromise. Yes, the economic consideration is a huge component. We love helping families get really good quality items within their budget. At the same time, I think we also want to shift people's mindset that buying secondhand doesn't mean anything negative about them.
We educate sellers not to list worn-
FIONA: We’re still focused on local activation here in NYC—mainly Manhattan and Brooklyn—because local pickup is a key part of what we’re doing. We want to reduce emissions, avoid shipping bulky items like cribs or strollers, and create real connections between nearby families. You’d be surprised how often people live just a few blocks from each other and don’t realize they could be sharing resources. With Babymint, sellers list their zip code (not their full address) so buyers can see how close they are. After a purchase, the detailed pickup info is shared privately. It’s all about convenience and safety.
AMITY: Our readers are interested in the Back to Local movement. Your service and events clearly offer parents the opportunity to give back and meet
other people.
FIONA: Exactly. New parenthood can be isolating, and we were looking for local community initiatives since we launched. We created a bag system where one is for selling on Babymint, and the other is for donation. In my son’s nursery, those two bags hang side by side. Every quarter, we go through his things and decide what to keep, sell, or donate. We’ve done several diaper and clothing donation drives with a local nonprofit called Little Essentials. They’ve supported New York families for 15 years, providing baby gear and supplies to low-income households. A lot of parents have extras (diapers their baby outgrew, clothes they didn’t use) but they don’t know where to donate, or it feels like too much effort. We're trying to remove that
friction and make donation feel just as natural as decluttering.
AMITY: What moments have felt especially meaningful for you so far?
FIONA: For me, it’s the connection. Even though Babymint is an online platform, local pickup lets us interact with real parents.
We verify every user. Sellers list when they bought the item, and for strollers, cribs, or car seats, they have to include the manufacturer year. These products can have an expiration date, so that kind of transparency is key. It’s not like Marketplace, where you have to guess or hope for the best.
One mom came to pick up an Uppababy stroller my son had used. I told her how stable it was for New York’s bumpy sidewalks and that the brand even has a hub
in Brooklyn for repairs and deep cleaning. That kind of insider knowledge is so valuable. We’ve had many expecting moms pick up gear and end up chatting with us about parenting, products, and neighborhood tips. I recently talked with another mom who said she encourages her kids to be caretakers of their belongings. Not only because maybe they’ll want to sell it in the future, but it's just for the whole life cycle of the items we own. If everyone could be a little more mindful in taking good care of things and then passing them along, we can truly be more sustainable.
AMITY: I love that framing of being a caretaker. It naturally lends itself to being more of a minimalist because it’s hard to take excellent care of a thousand things at once.
FIONA: Yes! My son is still little, but even when he was two, he understood when I said, “Can you put that toy in this bag to give to another baby?” Now it’s part of our regular rhythm. I hope when he’s older, he’ll understand even more deeply. And it’s not just about toys. In this world of AI and nonstop efficiency, we have to keep our kids grounded in what it means to be human. That starts at home - learning to care for others, care for the planet, and care for their things.
We’ve started doing pop-up events in New York where families can come, see and touch the items, let kids pick something to take home, and parents can connect over coffee. If one day, we can expand nationwide, I want Babymint to be a space where secondhand shopping feels joyful, and where people build and really feel a sense of community.
AMITY: What’s been the biggest challenge?
FIONA: Building trust. We’re a new brand, and we don’t have widespread name recognition yet. When I meet
parents at local events, they get it. They understand the mission, and they’re excited to participate. But online, it’s harder to cut through the noise. Bigger companies have the ad budgets to be everywhere. I know it
takes time, but I believe in Babymint’s vision. We’re here to help shift culture, to help parents build better habits that benefit their families and the planet.
AMITY: Tell me about Tiny Chair Talks. I love the name!
FIONA: Thank you! Tiny Chair Talks is a video interview series I started in my son’s nursery. It’s filmed using two tiny toddler chairs he plays on every day. I invite fellow parents to sit with me and talk about parenting, work-life balance, and how they’re contributing to a better world.
There’s one question I ask every guest: “What kind of world do you want to create for your children, and what are you doing today to shape that future?”
It’s simple, but the answers are always powerful. One of my first guests was a sustainability manager at Eileen Fisher and another was a wellness coach. What connects them all is this shared desire to build a better future for our kids.
Tiny Chair Talks is my way of spotlighting the many forms of parenting activism— whether through business, community, or small everyday actions. It reminds me that even when the work is hard, I’m not doing it alone. ■
Our holiday picks for baby, big kids, teens, and beyond!
Charming forest-themed set for baby or toddler, featuring soft organic cotton clothing, a cuddly raccoon plush, pink baby shoes, a woodland puzzle, and a sweet board book. Crafted from high-quality, baby-safe materials, ensuring every item is non-toxic.
Gentle, plant-based diaper cream soothes and protects with non-nano zinc oxide, shea butter, and avocado oil. Made in the USA and free from parabens, phthalates, and harsh chemicals.
Delightfully fun and charming, this knit hat features cream and moss details with whimsy strawberries. A cozy, heirloom-worthy gift for little ones.
A wearable, hands-free light for nighttime feeding. With a soft silicone tip (co-designed with lactation experts) to help guide baby’s lips, and a warm red-hued beam to avoid melatonin disruption.
Safe sleep is a breeze with this breathable and waterproof crib mattress cover. Promotes 360° air circulation for safer sleep and guards against mold, bacteria and messes. Machine washable and free from vinyl/PVC, phthalates, and harsh flame-retardant chemicals.
This soft, food-grade silicone teething mitt slips over baby’s hand and lets them explore texture and movement safely. It’s BPA-free, phthalate-free, and made with water-based inks!
With a soft, plush footbed for easyto-wear comfort, these sneakers are machine-washable and made from recycled plastic bottles— it took about 14, to be exact!
Clever 100% silicone mat makes snacking simple anywhere.Three built-in, lidded compartments hold snacks or toys, and it folds neatly into diaper bags or backpacks. Toxin-free, dishwasher safe, and perfect for busy families. Save 15% with code GCM15.
Ignite imaginative outdoor play with this wooden camping set: pot, logs, campfire, split-ax, corn, fish and hot dogs. Encourage nature-loving, hands-on role-play while building fine motor skills and storytelling.
A gift that grows with your child, this sturdy cedar mud kitchen turns outdoor play into hands-on fun. With a working faucet that connects to a standard garden hose, kids can splash, mix, and "cook" to their heart’s content— while building sensory skills and spending time outdoors.
Meet Frankl the Fox! Your little one’s new adventure weighted stuffy delivers deep-pressure touch stimulation to help children self-regulate emotions, ease into sleep, or find calm during transition.
A genius gift for families on the go, this rideon suitcase transforms from travel companion to in-flight bed in minutes. Kids can ride, rest, or pull it themselves through the airport!
Blast off into a universe of hands-on STEM fun with this vibrant magnetic tile set. Supports problem-solving, fine motor skills, and creative building.
Turn any wall into a creative mural with this magnetic, self-adhesive decal. Ideal for little hands to draw, stick magnets, and explore freely.
Made from sustainable rubberwood, this drum invites toddlers to explore rhythm, movement, and sound. Tactile stickers boost fine motor skills, and non-toxic finishes make it safe and heirloom-worthy.
Sustainably made from chemical-free rubberwood and water-based dyes, this vibrant set encourages pretend cooking, healthy habits, and playful learning.
Is it an ocean, a cape, a fire, a blanket, soup? Tap directly into your little one's creativity with these open ended playsilks that support imagination, independence, and grow with them— offering years of lasting play value!
Beautifully illustrated set introduces children to the classic tile game in a fun, accessible way. Includes 144 punch-out tiles, four holders, and easy-to-follow instructions.
Encourage outdoor adventure, helping in the garden, going camping, or digging in the backyard with a sturdy kid-sized shovel.
This real tool set comes with 28 functional pieces (screwdrivers, saw, spanner, hammer) all sized for little builders with real metal tool heads and smooth edges. The sturdy carry-case makes it easy to pack up. Builds practical life skills and hands-on creative confidence.
Let kids turn everyday items into wearable art with punches, beads, charms and elastic cord. Great for eco-conscious creativity and creative self-expression.
This scooter’s larger wheels, chopper-style handlebar, and motion-activated LED wheels sparkle with every glide (no batteries needed), adding a touch of magic to every ride.
A compact Morse code light is a fun way for kids to learn real signal communication— and handy in emergencies, too. Durable and portable, it features an LED light, easy press-button, and metal casing with a hanging hook.
A cozy, adventure-ready sleeping bag is ideal for sleepovers, backyard camping, or quiet reading under the stars. Available in 6 sweet prints, it rolls up with Velcro® straps for easy stashing or transport.
A rugged stainless-steel pour-over coffee set includes an insulated 12-oz camp mug with lid and a reusable steel filter. BPA-free construction, dishwasher-safe parts, and Stanley’s signature outdoor durability.
Give the gift of adventure with a year’s access to America’s wild places. The pass covers entrance or standard day-use fees at federal recreation sites including all national parks.
This beautifully curated set includes a sleek diffuser plus four signature essential oil blends with no toxins or endocrine disruptors. Designed to keep your home clean, calm, and cozy, it's the perfect ready-to-gift bundle for wellness-minded mamas.
Support your body’s natural rhythm with one frame and three lens options to match your day. Block stimulating blue light during work, unwind in the evening, and protect melatonin at night. Available in prescription lenses too.
Soft, breathable and GOTS-certified, this 4-layer organic cotton muslin blanket is crafted without chemical treatments or dyes. Cotton’s natural breathability and muslin’s open weave pattern work in harmony to keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
If your teen suddenly has bad grades, it doesn't mean they aren't trying. While one failing grade isn’t a huge red flag, a sudden drop in several classes needs your attention. Here’s what to do.
BY KATY CODEKAS
TEENAGE DEVELOPING brains haven’t changed, but our world has drastically changed. For anyone (including myself!) who has ever wished for the ever-talked-about yet non-existent guidebook for raising teens, there is now a solution!
Maggie Dent’s book Help Me Help My Teen has a no-nonsense, down-to-earth approach to guiding your teens through today’s challenging issues. Throughout the book are beautiful examples of how to help your teen with connection and communication, with guidance on centering yourself first.
Teens are faced with difficult stressors with a complicated world around them, and the same complicated inner world that helps teens learn and grow into adults. Dent is known as the queen of common-sense parenting, tackling modern topics that even the most hip and savvy parents sometimes need help navigating.
As a mom with three teens and a 20-year-old at home, I can tell you firsthand how helpful this book is. Even though I have an empathetic approach and use gentle parenting techniques with my children, there are situations that happen all too regularly where I am stumped and don’t know what to do or say to help my teen.
This book has a clear layout, and it is so easy to find the topic quickly and learn what you need to do to help your child. Let’s be honest: Asking grandma isn’t always helpful (or available) since most parents in our gener-
ation had a much more hands-off approach than we do. Facing any issue together with your teen strengthens your relationship with them and helps them move forward with skills to be functional adults!
In Middle School and the early months of High School, it’s common and normal to see a dip in a teen’s grades compared to what they were in elementary school. Teens have so much change to process: a hormone surge, needing more sleep, and more expectations and responsibility in school and at home.
It is particularly common among boys, as the prefrontal cortex of their brains are less mature and slower to develop than girls. This makes organization, focus, and thinking ahead more of a challenge for boys and people with certain types of neurodivergence.
Teens of all generations have been no strangers to risk taking behavior, which is another developmental process that comes with this age. If your teen has one grade that has plummeted, they may be trying out taking a risk in a small way as they learn to balance their new independence and responsibility, and a short chat should suffice.
This is not an all-encompassing list, so it’s vital to connect with your teen without being preachy or punishing when faced with
bad grades. There could be many things, directly or indirectly, affecting your teen’s ability to maintain good grades.
Dent encourages parents to take a breather, center themselves, and gather their thoughts before having a difficult conversation with their teen. It is important to respond, not react.
First, approach your teen with concern and curiosity, and be open to their input on what has happened to lead to these sudden bad grades, especially if it is out
If you notice that multiple or all of your teen’s grades have dropped suddenly, it is a sign that their world is challenging them in some way, and a parent shouldn’t ignore it. Some common reasons for a teen to suddenly have bad grades across the board are:
Family issues such as violence, loss of a loved one or pet, divorce, remarriage.
Bullying at school or at home could cause stress and a lack of confidence or depression.
An unaddressed health concern. For example, low iron makes you tired.
Deliberate underachievement for social status. If the other kids in school don’t value high achievement, your child may be trying to fit in or be “cool.”
Rejection from friend group. Belonging is a fundamental human need, especially for teens.
Problematic anxiety rather than brief or normal situationally appropriate anxiety.
Extracurricular demands such as band, sports, dance classes, or any other activity or time consuming hobbies. Expectations in all areas can feel too demanding for a teen to do it all.
Learning challenges like ADHD or dyslexia are possible to be missed in younger years but can cause more trouble in teens when the work is more challenging.
of their norm.
It’s so important that you don’t stress about high grades over good enough grades. With a “let’s get through this together” attitude, any improvements are a win. Your teen will be more open to trying if the expectations are realistic. Remind them that their grades don’t define them and they have so much to contribute to the world, even if it is not shining through an academic setting right now.
A great place to start is chatting with their school counselor. They can help you develop a plan for what classes your teen should prioritize and, if necessary, which ones might be able to be dropped or retaken for another semester. Remember, perfection is not the goal.
Make sure to check in with your teen regularly. Tell you love them no matter what, and school grades don’t make a person who they are. This is just a moment in time, and it will pass. Keep listening to how you can help them make a bridge to good enough grades.
Recognize and respect whatever challenges led them to sudden bad grades. Be sure to tune into whatever it is and address it. Talking to their doctor or setting up some therapy appointments are helpful ways to begin supporting their needs.
Make sure that the goals you and your teen set are attainable and flexible. Set up progress in
small increments to avoid overwhelm. Nothing is set in stone, and all improvements are a win. Your teen got an assignment turned in? Good job, bud! Or got their grade from an F to a C-? Yay, that’s passing!
Taking care of the underlying issue can often help a teen get back on track. Remember that this can take some time and there is catching up to do, which can feel overwhelming. Take their lead in making a plan to get back on track while helping them implement necessary tools (help organizing, planning, therapy).
Some teens have success with peer tutors or having homework time with friends. Some public libraries also have free tutoring open to teens, and getting out of the house and away from siblings, pets, instruments, and snacks can be more productive and less distracting.
Don’t underestimate the compassion and help teachers can give. A life skill that every child who flys your coop should know is how to communicate with teachers (someday they’ll be communicating with a boss!). Yep, even the difficult ones. Sometimes, the teachers who seem the most strict are the most caring and helpful when you bring your problem to them and ask for help.
If talking to a teacher feels intimidating for your teen, have them listen and sit beside you as you model talking to their teachers first. That can open a door for
Try some of these tips to see if they help open the conversation smoothly:
Get comfortable. Have a cup of tea, walk together, or be cozy on the couch. Avoid intimidating body language.
Keep a calm tone. Using a kind tone and a level voice (not too loud) decreases the chances of escalation or your teen tuning you out.
Be present. This is a good time to put your phone away and stay connected in the conversation.
Be empathetic. Take their issues seriously and relay how hard that must be for them. Let them know that their difficulty is valid and they’re not alone.
Avoid blame. We are in this situation. Let’s accept it and encourage cooperation.
Autonomous problem solving. Let them have a say in the solution. Without their buy-in, it won’t work. These skills will carry them through life.
your teen to do it independently.
Your teen may need extra support in school as they work on grade recovery, especially since it can take time. If your teen gets a new diagnosis in the process of identifying an underlying issue, such as anxiety disorder or ADHD, they might benefit from a 504 plan, which would give them learning accommodations specific to their needs.
Help your teen identify learning tools that work for them. I can’t help my kids with math, nor do they want me to! Khan Academy has some really helpful videos and tools. YouTube also has helpful math and other academic channels, but beware of the
YouTube rabbit hole. It’s a real algorithmic phenomenon! Used cautiously, it can teach Algebra 2 much better than I can, though. The Executive Functioning Success class called Seeing My Time is incredibly helpful for kids (and adults) learning how to organize, plan, and achieve goals in practical increments. It’s great for people with ADHD or dyslexia (which affects time management) and is helpful for all growing brains. The brain's frontal lobe isn’t done growing until around
age 25, and it controls the executive function.
It is important to be involved in your teen’s life. However, avoid being too involved or too personally invested in the end result of their school grades. This is their path; part of it is learning independence through this process. Teens make mistakes, just like all people. They’re human! It’s essential to avoid “outcome love”
which only focuses on the end result rather than the process. It’s been shown that paying your child for good grades and punishing them for bad ones doesn’t work. It makes them feel that your love is conditional, missing the point of the life skills learned during adversity.
Good grades can’t be forced, and during the bad grade recovery process, consider how you’d like to measure success as a parent. At the end of the day, ask yourself what the wins were. Were they all huge and bragworthy? Or can you and your teen rest well knowing that progress was made and each day will be a little better than the next? Did they learn the life skills and grit it takes to get through a difficult time?
Supporting your teen in the way they need can be tricky: they need autonomy and help at the same time. Approaching any difficulty with an open heart, lots of hugs, a cup of tea, and a practical plan is a great way to make a new connection they’ll carry into their adult lives. ■
WE HAVE BECOME OVERLY FOCUSED ON THE EDUCATION OF OUR KIDS AND TEENS, ESPECIALLY IN THE PURSUIT OF HIGH GRADES RATHER THAN THE NURTURING OF THE WHOLE CHILD.
MAGGIE DENT
In this wide-ranging conversation, naturopathic physician
DR. CATHERINE CLINTON shares how the emerging science of quantum biology reveals the deep connections between light, water, fascia, and emotional coherence. She also explains why presence, not perfection, is the most powerful medicine we can offer our children.
I always love the chance to learn more about quantum biology. Can you give us a quick overview before we get into the details?
Quantum biology is a fairly new and emerging field. Most of us are familiar with biology and quantum physics separately, but the marriage of the two is relatively new.
This field looks at how tiny energetic particles (electrons, protons, photons of light, sound vibrations, electrical and magnetic fields) impact our health and vitality. It’s the study of these foundational interactions and how they influence the bigger picture we see in lab results or in a doctor’s office. It's profound.
The incredible thing is that once we zoom in that close, we start to see how everything is connected. Unlike traditional reductionist science —where a cardiologist
doesn’t necessarily talk to a neurologist or endocrinologist— when you reduce things down to the quantum level, all of those systems converge. It becomes clear that we’re not separate from the world around us. We’re part of this beautiful, interconnected tapestry of life.
Speaking of connections, I know you often talk about fascia. Why should we be concerned about the health of our fascia?
Fascia is a body-wide network of connective tissue, mostly made of collagen, and it connects to every structure in the body. When I was in naturopathic medical school, we thought of it as just the white layer you peel off an organ to get to the “real” part. But we now understand that fascia is vital for communication and energy transfer in the body.
Collagen in fascia is a semi-
conductor, meaning it can transmit electrical current. It’s also piezoelectric, which means that when it's compressed, like a quartz crystal, it generates an electrical charge. This capacity is part of what gives fascia its vitality.
There are a lot of tools designed to move and sculpt fascia.
Yes. Fascia tools like gua sha, dry brushing, and massage can all help, but our hands and gentle movement are just as powerful. It’s about restoring flow and communication throughout the body.
Movement creates that electrical charge. So when we talk about supporting fascia, it’s not necessarily about intense workouts. It’s about gentle, natural movements like walking, dancing, yoga, or qigong. These movements create pressure, which generates energy and helps hydrate the fascia by signaling fibroblasts (the cells in fascia) to release hyaluronic acid. That acid is covered in a special kind of water, so movement both energizes and hydrates.
Ok, and how does myofascial massage or bodywork tie in?
Yes, absolutely. It’s one of my non-negotiables. I think it’s foundational for restoring that flow of energy through the body.
In a study of women with high-performing with intense jobs and demanding schedules, one group was told to just rest. The other group received a myofascial release on the occipital area, right where the skull meets the neck.
Both groups showed signs of relaxation. Their heart rates and respiratory rates went down. But the group
that received the myofascial release saw a dramatic increase in heart rate variability and heart coherence. That’s significant, because high heart rate variability is linked to longevity, better recovery, improved stress resilience, and overall health. To see that kind of impact from a single session is remarkable.
You can actually feel when fascia is stuck. The tissue doesn’t glide the way it’s meant to. There may be adhesions, tightness, or trigger points that feel like a knot. Fascia is supposed to glide freely, and when it doesn’t, it restricts flow on many levels. So this kind of therapy can be incredibly helpful for restoring both physical and energetic balance.
You talked about keeping fascia hydrated. Does this mean drinking more water or making sure we’re getting enough electrolytes?
We’re really talking about two things: what water does inside the body, and the kind of water we’re drinking.
Water follows salts. Many of my patients say, “I drink water all day, but I still feel dehydrated.” They’re drinking, but urinating it out. That’s great for filtration, but not for hydration.
True hydration requires mineralization. A small amount of minerals helps water move into our cells. We don’t need a lot— just enough to support that process. I avoid electrolyte packets with added sugars or flavors and prefer clean, unflavored mineral supplements. You can also add minerals naturally: a pinch of sea salt, cucumber slices, or berries in your water all help.
That’s the first chemical step: adding minerals so water can get into the cells. The second step is about energy.
Inside the body, water changes structure near our cell membranes, which are hydrophilic — or water-loving. There, water becomes more gel-like and viscous. Research from Dr. Gerald Pollack’s team shows that this “exclusion zone” or EZ water takes on a negative electrical charge and forms a different structure.
we’re drinking water that not only hydrates but also supports our body’s energy system. Water is dynamic, constantly moving and exchanging energy. But research suggests that this structured, energized water behaves like an antioxidant, reducing inflammation and supporting vitality from the inside out.
Can you explain how natural and artificial light affect kids’ sleep and development?
QUANTUM BIOLOGY LOOKS AT HOW TINY ENERGETIC PARTICLES LIKE ELECTRONS, PROTONS, PHOTONS OF LIGHT, SOUND VIBRATIONS, ELECTRICAL AND MAGNETIC FIELDS IMPACT OUR HEALTH AND VITALITY.
This creates a separation of charge— essentially, a battery of potential energy in the body. Pollack even showed that this structured water could power an LED bulb.
Infrared light, especially from the sun, helps build that energized water. Just being outside supports the formation of this “water battery” within us.
When we combine mineralization with this added energy,
Light is one of the main signals we’ve evolved with over millennia— guiding our sleep, energy, hormones, and health. In 2017, three researchers won the Nobel Prize for work in chronobiology, which is essentially the study of how light impacts biology. They found that nearly every cell in the human body is influenced by the light in our environment.
We evolved with broad-spectrum, natural sunlight, but now we spend much of our time under artificial LED lights, which emit a narrow band of blue light. We wake up, turn on overhead lights, and go straight to our screens. That’s a very different input than what our biology is designed for. This shift is especially concerning for children. Kids are even more sensitive to circadian cues. There’s a study showing that when a child is exposed to bright artificial light within two hours of bedtime, their melatonin levels drop by 90%. And melatonin isn’t just for sleep. It’s a master antioxidant. It supports brain repair, immune health, cell renewal, and emotional regulation.
When children miss out on deep, melatonin-rich sleep night
after night, it impacts their learning, development, and mood. We see this chronic sleep deficiency showing up in schools, families, and especially in kids’ overall well-being. And it’s something we need to talk more about because so much of it is preventable.
Just simple shifts like lowering lights before bed, using warm light bulbs instead of bright white LEDs, and getting natural light exposure in the morning can make a huge difference.
I’ve heard that only a portion of our energy comes from food. Can you explain how light contributes to our energy, especially at the cellular level?
Yes! We’ve been taught that all of our energy comes from food, but that’s not the whole picture. A large portion also comes from light, especially when we look at how the mitochondria work.
Mitochondria are the powerhouses inside our cells. They generate ATP, or the energy currency of the body. Researchers like Douglas Wallace have shown that reduced mitochondrial function is linked to almost every modern chronic illness.
Inside the mitochondria is something called the electron transport chain. It’s a series of proteins that move electrons to generate ATP. This process is light-sensitive, and different spectrums of light affect it differently. Blue light, like we get from LED lighting, tends to slow things down. Red and infrared light, on the other hand, stimulate the
mitochondria and increase energy production.
There’s fascinating research by Glenn Jeffery in the UK where they used red light therapy with nonverbal autistic children. Many of them began speaking or participating in activities like swim lessons - not from supplements or diet, but from regular exposure to light that supported mitochondrial function.
So yes, red light therapy devices can be helpful, and I sometimes recommend them. But our best and most abundant source of red and infrared light is the sun. Even on cloudy or cold days, the outdoors is rich in the full spectrum of healing light. Just being outside can support your child’s energy, mood, and development in a way we often overlook.
If you could offer just one bit of advice for supporting kids’ long-term health, what would it be?
If I could offer just one thing for a child’s health, it would be connection or what I call coherence. Coherence is about authenticity. It’s being real with our children, while staying rooted in love.
For example, my 12-year-old daughter has always been able to sense when something’s off, even if I’m in another room. If I tell her “nothing’s wrong,” it invalidates her intuition. It also disrupts the coherence between us.
The relationship doesn’t depend on me being cheerful and composed all the time. I have human emotions just like she does. And when I go through those emotions honestly and age-appropriately, it teaches her how to do the same.
WE'VE BEEN TAUGHT THAT ALL OF OUR ENERGY COMES FROM FOOD, BUT THAT'S NOT THE WHOLE PICTURE. A LARGE PORTION ALSO COMES FROM LIGHT.
We have research showing that this kind of connection supports lifelong health, but we also feel that it’s true. We don’t need studies to tell us that being real, loving our kids fully, and saying “I’m sorry” when we fall short. That’s the stuff that shapes who they become.
And the best part? We get another chance tomorrow. That’s what I remind myself when I miss the mark. We just try again, and keep choosing connection. ■
To learn more about Dr. Catherine Clinton’s work or preorder her upcoming book, visit drcatherineclinton.com
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Going bird watching with your kids is a great way to spend quality time together outdoors, build a greater connection to nature, and develop important observational skills.
BY CARA STOFA
WITH MORE than 11,000 known species of birds in the world, there’s always something new to see and learn! Considering their huge presence and species diversity, birds provide a great opportunity to engage in inquiry-based learning with your child. may displace opportunities for tummy time, cuddling, or simply gazing into your eyes— all of which wire your baby’s brain for trust, communication, and emotional resilience. You are your baby’s favorite toy. Your loving presence is what builds their brain and
soothes their nervous system.
“Why? Why? Why?” For those of you who have or have had toddlers, you’ve heard the many echoes of “why,” “how,” and “what” as they learn and grow curious about the world around them. As children, we are born with inquisitive minds that yearn for knowledge and understanding. Inquiry-based education focuses on student-centered learning where students take the lead on
exploring the topic and following their natural sense of curiosity. A learning environment that encourages exploration, questioning, and real-life participatory learning can help improve learning outcomes and encourage critical thinking skills.
For example, think of the classic owl pellet-dissection project. In a traditional setting, a teacher may give a lecture to students about what exactly they can find in the owl pellets, what owls eat, and then identify the bones found for them with a simple identification sheet. To do the same project in an inquiry-based way, you can start with a question that sparks a sense of curiosity and exploration with your child. Perhaps it would be talking about an owl’s beak shape or talons and asking your child what they think an owl would use those for. Let your child ask questions, and continue to guide them by asking what they think owls would eat. Then, work with your child/ children to dissect the owl pellet and let them take the lead in looking at an identification guide to see what the owl might have eaten.
Using inquiry-based learning can not only improve learning outcomes, help children make real-world connections, and provide active-learning opportunities. In addition, it can help children develop their own unique learning strategies that will lead to strong, independent thinkers.
Not only are birds abundant in most countries around the world, but the types of birds in your neighborhood also change throughout the year as migration occurs. This provides ever-changing experiences to discover new things! In addition, bird watching is a great way to develop observational skills by looking for birds, listening for birds, and searching for clues that birds were there, like holes made by woodpeckers, bird droppings, or feathers.
Birds are also important to study because they can help us understand the overall health of the ecosystem. Several bird species are what we call “indicator species,” meaning that scientists track their populations in order to look at habitat change, the environment, and levels of biodiversity. Birds also offer several essential ecosystem services like pollination, pest control, and seed dispersal.
Here are some fun and educational inquiry-based activities to do while exploring the world of birds!
Go on a bird walk and notice the differences in the birds you see. Look at beak size and shape, how fast or slow the bird flies, where they choose to sit, how they move. You can also look through a bird field guide with your child and explore the various
Start with a simple activity that will spark curiosity and deepen observational skills. Find a place in a park or in your backyard where you can sit uninterrupted. For 3-10 minutes, depending on the age of the children, challenge them to quietly observe what they see and write it down or draw pictures.
Do any questions come up for them about what the birds are doing, why birds act the way they act, why a bird looks a certain way?
Encourage them to think about everything they see— colors, scents, sounds, movement.
After the time is up, talk with each other about what you noticed. What questions came up? What do you want to explore more? How can you facilitate a project or exploration to dive deeper into something they observed or had questions about?
shapes and looks of different kinds of birds. Encourage your child to wonder and question why birds look the way that they do. Then, grab coloring utensils and paper and create your own bird species! What color of bird would you be? Would your beak be short and curved like a parrot for cracking open and eating seeds or sharp like an eagle or a hawk for catching prey? What kind of habitat would your bird live in? For older students, this could be a great way to explore bird adaptations and traits.
This activity is a great way to combine music and science. Songbirds can sing up to 2,500 times a day! The calls and songs that birds sing have many different meanings, like guarding territory, attracting mates, or warning of danger. Go on a bird walk and listen to the different noises you hear from the birds. What do you think these sounds mean? How many different calls or songs can you hear? After observing, come up with your own fun bird song. For children who are interested in music or take music lessons, ask them to
think about rhythm and pitch. Is the bird song you created slow or fast? Do you think it means something different if birds are chirping quickly versus when they are chirping slowly? If you and your child want to listen to more bird calls to create your own song, check out this library of bird sounds.
This activity requires watching videos online (unless you happen to live near one of the several species of birds that “dance”) and is great to do on a rainy day when you can’t go outside. Several types of birds participate in a “dance” to attract other birds and show off their feathers, including the Costa’s Hummingbird, Sandhill Cranes, and Magnificent Riflebirds. Watch some videos of dancing birds with your child, and ask them what they notice. What kind of movements do they do? Can you make up a dance routine inspired by the birds? As a bonus, this can be used with the music composition activity above for your child to create their own musical showcase!
Birds make nests by burrowing in the ground, putting together material in trees or on buildings, or using a hole in a tree. On a bird walk, see if you and your child can spot any bird nests. What do you notice about them? What materials do you think they used
While it’s exciting to see nests in the wild, please be sure to not touch or disturb any nests you may find!
to build their nests? After observing and asking questions, encourage your child to think about how they would build a nest if they were a bird. Then, have them look around the area for materials to build a nest of their own in the park or your backyard. Think about what materials you use that a bird would use, as well. What kind of features your nest would need to have? Encourage your child to think about ways to keep out predators and if materials need to survive weather conditions like rain or snow. Have them test out their materials to see if they’d be able to survive in the wild. This can be a fun way to encourage outdoor play by having your child build their own nest!
Many creatures lay eggs, like some fish species, frogs and other amphibians, and snakes, but bird eggs come in all different shapes, sizes, and colors! While it can be difficult to find bird eggs out in the wild, you can explore the wide variety of egg colors and patterns that birds have online. Some birds have pretty blue eggs, like the Robin, while some birds have eggs that are camouflaged to protect them from predators, like the Golden Plover. Explore the different types of bird eggs with your child and encourage them to ask questions and make observations. Hard boil some eggs
and prepare traditional egg dye or have markers or paint on hand. Be sure to use non-toxic markers and paint if you plan to eat the eggs later! Encourage your child to create their own types of bird eggs. Let them lead the activity and choose colors and patterns for their eggs based off of their observations and questions while looking at bird eggs. For a simpler, vegan alternative, they can draw eggs or use styrofoam eggs.
Some bird species migrate once during spring and once during the late summer or fall. Migratory birds often go south for the winter to be in warmer climates so they have plenty of food and places to find shelter. Figure out which migration path you are on and see which birds will pass over your city when they migrate. Have your child pick out a migratory bird and create a map together showing where the bird may travel during migration. What kind of things do you think they saw on their journey? Encourage curiosity about the different cities the bird would have traveled over, and have your child write a short story or a script about the migration journey that their chosen bird went on.
Citizen science is research that is
done with the help of the general public. eBird, a free smartphone app for tracking birds, is the largest citizen science platform in the world! Download the app and begin tracking the birds you see by logging the different species in eBird. By logging species, you and your child are adding information to a database that scientists from across the world use to track bird populations and trends. With your child, notice how many different bird species you see. Do you see some more than others? Try visiting several different parks and compare your eBird list across parks. Do certain parks seem to have more birds than others? Ask your child why they think that is. What habitats seem to have more birds? Can your child start their own investigation on why certain areas have higher numbers of birds than others?
These 8 activities are a great way to introduce inquiry and ornithology to your child. As you do different activities, see what other questions or topics your child is interested in and facilitate new activities with your child. With all of the questions that inquiry-based learning can generate, there are many paths to new exploration and discoveries! If you and your child are interested in learning more about birds, check out Audubon for Kids or Cornell Lab of Ornithology. ■
1 medium butternut squash peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces (about 3 cups)
1/2 red onion sliced into half moons pinch of salt and pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
2/3 cup dried cranberries
2/3 cup toasted walnuts
1 cup quinoa rinsed and drained
2 tablespoons chopped flat leaf parsley optional
1. Roast the vegetables. Heat the oven to 425°F. Place the squash and red onions in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet.
Toss and coat with two tablespoons of the oil. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper and spread into an even layer. Roast until the squash is fork tender and vegetables start to brown, about 30-35 minutes, stirring halfway through. Remove the roasted vegetables from the oven and set aside.
2. Cook the quinoa. Add two cups of cold water to a medium pot. Add the rinsed and drained quinoa. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 15 minutes, then take the pot off the heat. Let it sit, with lid on, for 10 minutes. Remove the lid and fluff with a fork.
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon maple syrup
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
3. Toast walnuts. Heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the walnuts to the hot, dry pan. As soon as you smell the walnuts, after 3-4 minutes, remove them from the heat and transfer them to a plate to cool.
4. Make the dressing. In a mason jar, combine all dressing ingredients and shake vigorously.
5. Combine the salad. In a large bowl the cooked butternut squash and onions, warm quinoa, walnuts and cranberries. Top with apple cider dressing and stir to combine.
6. Serve warm, at room temperature or chilled.
Makes 2 cups
1 pound fresh ginger
2 1/3 cups sugar, divided
1. Peel the ginger by using the edge of a spoon to scrape off the thin skin. Cut away any dry parts.
2. Cut ginger into ⅛-inch-thick slices using a knife or mandoline.
3. Transfer ginger slices to a saucepan, and cover with water. Bring to a low boil over medium heat; simmer for 30 minutes.
4. Drain ginger in a colander or strainer placed over a bowl, reserving the cooking liquid.
5. Measure 2 cups sugar into the saucepan along with ½ cup reserved liquid. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring frequently.
6. Return sliced ginger to the saucepan and reduce heat to maintain a simmer; cook for 15 to 20 minutes. Ginger will darken and become slightly translucent.
7. Again drain ginger in a colander or
Excerpted from Attainable Sustainable Pantry (National Geographic) by Kris Bordessa
strainer placed over a bowl, retaining the cooking liquid.
8. Transfer ginger slices to a wire rack to cool.
9. Measure the remaining ⅓ cup sugar into a large bowl. Working in batches, toss the ginger slices in the sugar until coated. Return to the wire rack in a single layer and allow to sit until completely dry, at least 4 hours. (If you live in a humid climate, as I do, you may need to utilize your dehydrator to prevent the sugared ginger from absorbing moisture from the air during the drying process. To do so, dehydrate at 125°F for 5 hours or so until well dried.)
10. Store crystallized ginger candy in an airtight container at room temperature.
11. Store the ginger syrup left over from the cooking process in the refrigerator in an airtight container and use to flavor baked goods or drinks.
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