Summer 2014 Issue of Green Child Magazine

Natural Discipline

For the Older Child Farm Fresh Recipes

GCM talks to

Summer 2014

Earth Mama Angel Baby founder Melinda Olson 1

More than a generation ago, a young mother and herbalist founded Motherlove to empower women with the wisdom and healing strength of nature.

Today our commitment spreads around the world; helping women to discover the bond between motherhood and mother earth.

Experience this wondrous connection yourself through our herbal care products for pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, and babies; formulated to soothe and nurture both body and soul.

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www.motherlove.com

Contents 8 EcoFab

A few of our favorite summer finds, inspired by nature & health!

10 Nutritional Nuggets

From staying hydrated to packing healthy snacks on the go, expert Louise Goldberg answers your questions.

12 Free-Range Summers

Summer is synonymous with freedom.

Make the most of every unscheduled moment with your family!

14 Fun in the Sun

Browse this breezy guide for our top picks for fun in the sun.

18 Natural Discipline

The highly anticipated follow up to “Natural Discipline for the Early Years”, author Kelly Bartlett shares gentle parenting solutions for your child’s next stage.

22 Rethinking “Sink or Swim”

The attached parent’s guide to swimming lessons.

24 Returning to Ritual

The hidden value of rituals and traditions in childrearing.

30 Conscious Kitchen

A fun & delicious deconstructed California Cob, Froyo pops, and juicy burgers served on butter lettuce.

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Contents 34 What’s in Season

64 Community Marketplace

38 Container Gardening

66 Your Green Child

42 Tick Safety Tips

On The Cover

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

Family friendly recipes featuring seasonal favorites.

A peek into the lives of our readers.

Tips for gardening in even the smallest of places.

Ways to help keep your family safe from these tiny threats.

45 Dry Skin Brushing

Benefits of this simple healthcare routine.

46 Volunteer Vacations

Natural Discipline p18

Farm Fresh Recipes p30, p34 GCM Talks to Mama Melinda p50

Traveling for good.

48 Look Listen Read

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

50 The More You Know Eco

GCM talks to Earth Mama Angel Baby founder Melinda Olson.

54 Eco-Print Scarves

A fun, fashionable project for gardeners and crafters alike.

57 Guided Relaxation Magic Carpet Ride

58 Unexpected Pleasures Finding joy in daily routines.

Natural Dis

For the Old

61 Ask Green Grandma

er Child

Questions from our readers answered.

Farm Fresh

62 ReUse Craft

Easy upcycled bug jar.

Summer 2

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Annie’s Sweet Pea Photography Portland, Oregon

Recipes

GCM talks Earth Mam to founder Ma Angel Baby elinda Olso n

Cover Photography by 4

cipline

www.attachmentparenting.org

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Publisher & Editor

Amity Hook-Sopko

Creative Director Amanda Hearn

Copy Editor Julie Clark

Columnists

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

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Contributors

Anne Michelsen Madeleine Somerville Erin Scott Lou Paradise Kaitlin Gardner Megan McCoy Dellecese Angela Price Kelly Bartlett Chris McLaughlin Jennie Lyon

Media & Other Inquiries

media@greenchildmagazine.com

from our publisher & editor This summer marks my eighth year as a workfrom-home-mom.

After having our first child, I was able to maintain a pretty good balance of family and my corporate career. But when our second baby came along, everything changed.

She rushed over to hold the baby so I could gather everything up. She said, in her kind Portuguese accent, “Your life… It is too much!”

There just wasn’t enough time for everyone. I wanted to give my all at everything... and like most people who do that for very long, I burned out.

She was right, and I knew that was the proverbial straw. It took a few months of arranging and planning, but by the end of May, I handed in my resignation and never looked back. We had one of the best summers of my life – slowing down, savoring the little moments of watching two little boys throw rocks in a puddle, spending almost all of our time outside.

Reality struck one winter morning when I had just gotten us all bundled up to leave and realized my husband had accidentally taken both sets of keys. I called around frantically trying to find someone to take us to daycare and work. Luckily, my neighbor said she’d be right over.

Amanda and I often discuss the beauty and challenges of working from home. Life doesn’t necessarily slow down, but we’re no longer living someone else’s priorities. It’s not easy, and sometimes it’s a trade off. Family comes first… but you might be up all night finishing your work!

With a preschooler’s backpack, diaper bag, briefcase, and breast pump bag over my shoulder and the baby in my other arm, I started down the driveway after my son, who was happily stomping through the snow in his boots.

We call it the Fullness of Life. There are crazy busy days and lazy, blow it all off days. There are hands-on times and there are times they read books, play games and entertain themselves for so long you forget they’re around. It adds up to a full life… one that we’re grateful for every single day.

As I looked up to thank my neighbor, my heel hit a patch of ice, and I pitched backward. Somehow I managed to hold onto the baby, but everything else went tumbling down the driveway. Blankets, bottles of breast milk, laptop charger, my planner… all of it, lay there in the snow.

This summer, we’re wishing you a life full of wonder-moments to slow down and savor.

-Amity 7

EcoFab

Inspired by Mother Nature, these are just a few of our favorite finds for summer comforts.

Beachfront Baby Wraps

The perfect way to take baby in the water in style this summer! These lightweight mesh wraps won’t weigh you down in the water and are perfect for hot weather baby wearing. Available in 10 colors and 3 sizes like the fashionable Tropical Punch pictured here. $40 from Beachfront Baby Wraps

Primal Pit PasteTM

For some people, replacing antiperspirant with natural deodorant is tough. Even though sweat is one of the body’s best ways to detox, we don’t like the feel of it. Enter Primal Pit Paste... organic and natural ingredients that eliminate odors and actually help keep your skin dry. Also available in a stick formula, in case you don’t like applying with your fingers. $11 at Primal Pit Paste 8

The Trio Pillow

The Naturepedic Trio pillow is a washable, customizable organic pillow system. The three-piece design provides dual action compression with a luxurious fluffy outer layer and an adjustable organic latex inner pillow. A zippered compartment allows you to adjust the fill for proper postural alignment. You can even machine wash and dry the quilted encasement as well as the accompanying organic pillowcase! $139 from Naturepedic

Reclaimed Style

One of our favorite new finds! Bring a beachy feel to your home all year round with these custom styles from Beach Frames. Each frame is uniquely made from reclaimed wood and accents of corrugated metal and burlap. Make a statement with one of the extra large frames. Or create an eclectic wall with the mini sizes, starting at only $29. $135 from BeachFrames 9

Nutritional Nuggets Expert Louise Goldberg answers your questions!

My kids play outside a good deal of the day. I usually wait for them to tell me when they want something to drink, but it’s so hot I’m worried if I’m giving them enough. How much water should they have?

Kids are often too busy playing to recognize when they need to take a water or snack break.

By the time a child feels thirsty, it means they are already somewhat dehydrated. It may be best to offer them something at least every 2-3 hours during the summer, regardless of whether they ask. Water is ideal. Fruits, veggies and fruit pops also contribute liquids. For an icy sweet (and hydrating) snack, place grapes in the freezer overnight and serve the next day.

My son is going to sleep away camp for 3 weeks for the first time. The food offered is not very healthy, and I think the campers get a dessert every night. I’m terrified of this! What can I do to make sure he chooses the healthiest options?

It can feel very scary to lose control of the foods offered to your kids; however that day will come, whether it starts at summer camp or in middle school. If you’ve built a solid foundation for him about what goes into selecting a healthy meal, that knowledge will always be there. You can also discuss it openly with him before he leaves.

Don’t be surprised if he ignores that advice while hanging with his buddies at camp though. It’s good for him to have an opportunity to make choices (good or not-so) on his own. When he

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returns, help him process those choices and how they made him feel. Then get back into the routine of healthy foods and checking in with how good he feels. Good luck!

I’d love ideas for quick healthy meals we can eat on the go. I find it especially hard to find vegetables that travel well.

Here are just a few ideas!

• Sandwiches of any kind are an easy way to get in whole grains and fiber. Fill with nut butters, cheeses, or meat-alternative sandwich slices.

• A whole grain tortilla filled with rice and beans folded up is just right and can be perfect for handing to your kiddos on the baseball field.

• Mix cooked whole wheat pasta with Italian vinaigrette, chopped tomatoes, cucumbers and sliced olives. Scoop into individual containers and store in your fridge, then all you have to do is grab a fork before you head out the door!

• A handful of nuts and dried fruits can also be a good source of protein.

• Vegetables can be a bit trickier, but consider ones that can be served raw or cold. They can be prepared in advance and kept in the fridge when you need it. My boys enjoy: sugar snap peas, sliced green-red-yellow-orange bell peppers, edamame, grape or cherry tomatoes, snow peas, bite-size broccoli or cauliflower, kale ‘chips’, cucumber slices, celery sticks, and sweet crunchy carrots.

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Free-Range

Summers |by Megan McCoy Dellecese

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Chickens aren’t the only ones who deserve to roam in the grass and breathe in the fresh air. This summer, try a few of these tips to get your brood off the couch and into the great outdoors.

Make it daily (if possible).

Weather permitting, every day that you don’t have things planned already, make it a point to get your children outside (extra points for playing along with them). Not only will it provide exercise and entertainment, studies prove that it decreases rates of depression.

And, besides, isn’t there something intangibly wonderful about laying down at the end of the day after filling your lungs with fresh air?

Eat outside.

Have lunch at your picnic table or patio set, or head out for a picnic or barbecue. As they say, an object in motion stays in motion. In this case, a body outside stays outside. After you eat, play some tag and watch the afternoon fly by!

course, indoor and outdoor activities covering various themes. It’s literally a nature camp at home, but admittedly far cheaper.

Change your scenery.

Some kids can run around their own backyard for days on end without a complaint.

Others find themselves growing bored. Either way, it’s always fun to mix it up by taking a mini-trip to discover a national park or campground, or any other green place you’ve always wanted to visit.

Provide the tools.

You know whether your child can stay outside with his or her imagination all day long or if he/she may need a little guidance to enjoy the outdoors. If they’re in the latter group, be sure to offer simple toys (rather than complex games) and other items to encourage imaginative play. A durable magnifying glass for searching out creatures and a ball or jump rope for a thousand and one different uses can help get things moving.

Grow a garden.

Try out the trails.

Try a DIY at-home camp.

Camp in your own backyard.

Aside from the health benefits of eating the fruits of your labor, growing a garden is a fun way for kids to learn about the world around them and the importance of taking care of it.

The daily upkeep also gives a great excuse to get the family outside each day.

If you’d rather have some guidance or structure in the outside play arena, then this one’s for you. The At-Home Summer Nature Camp eCurriculum provides 8 weeks of lessons, recipes, media connections, and, of

Be they a far-off hiking trail, a family-friendly bike trail, or a simple walking trail, going “free range” doesn’t have to mean romping through the fields like the Ingalls girls (although that’s fun, too). Search Trail Link to find a trail near you. And, for an added challenge with the older kids, try geocaching.

Pitch a tent, grab a book of constellations, and get ready to catch some fireflies. It’s sure to make a long-term memory for every member of the family!

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Fun in the Sun

You don’t have to compromise style and function for sustainable options... Browse this breezy guide for our top picks for fun in the sun.

Biodegradeable Beach Gear

Unlike typical plastic beach toys, these beach toys from ZoĂŤ B will fully biodegrade in just 2 years if lost and accidentally washed out to sea. $22 at Amazon

Swimmi by Bummis Your little cutie will be swimming in eco-style with this adorable swim diaper from Bummis. Easy on, easy off!

Swimmi is available in five sizes and a variety of fun prints! $15 at Amazon 14

Sun Tent

Perfect for lounging or playing in the sand. This versatile tent provides protection from the sun’s rays while your little one plays or you relax and read a book. $42 at Amazon

Quick Drying Beach Towel

This Turkish beach towel is 100% cotton, lightweight and highly absorbent! In addition to being perfect beach towels, they can double as the perfect cover up, or even a light throw. $40 at Fuzen

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Tmbr Sunglasses

These fashionable and fun are made from 7-ply maple skateboard wood and polarized lenses. Each pair is unique, durable, and hand sanded to perfection with a water resistant seal. Quality made and perfect for him or her! $75 at Tmbr on Etsy

Perfect Beach Tote This Planetwise shoulder tote bag is perfect for taking on summer outings. It easily fits two large swim towels plus clothes and accessories. There is also a no-leak “wet� anti-microbial section on the inside, so you can store wet swim suits and towels while keeping the rest of your items dry! $40 at Planetwise 16

Fun in the Sun Sun Protection for the Whole Family

You shouldn’t have to compromise on toxic chemicals when it comes to sun protection.

Badger provides truly non-toxic care with great coverage.

For baby, kids, the sports fan, sensitive skin, and more - Badger has you covered!

Starting at $14

Munch for a Cause

We’re big fans of the Rover lunchbox from Planetbox, and their partnership with musician Jack Johnson has us a bit more in love. Designed by Hawaiibased artist, Heather Brown, 100% of the proceeds from the sale of these magnets will go to the Kōkua Hawai’i Foundation that supports environmental education in schools. $40 at Planetbox 17

Natural Discipline For The Older Child 18

|by Kelly Bartlett

Ways to work with your child’s development to create natural harmony and stronger relationships.

Your children may be past the age of tantrums and biting, but as they grow, behavior challenges certainly don’t go away. Your child’s brain won’t reach full maturity until long after childhood.

The average age is about 27 years old, which means your child still has a lot of growing to do!

The neural pathways that connect the emotional center of the brain with the logical center brain are far from efficient just yet. There is plenty of miscommunication as children learn how to balance strong emotions with rational thought and self-control. But the frustrating behavior you see from your growing children is only the tip of the iceberg. There is more going on than meets the eye, and you can help kids develop valuable long-term skills by addressing what’s really going on. Here are a few of the most common behavior challenges parents face in the older years and some tips for handling them with effectiveness.

“My child’s attitude is pushing my buttons!”

There can be many reasons why children may show disrespectful behavior by talking back or having “an attitude.” They may be feeling a sense of powerlessness and trying to gain some of it back.

They may feel a need to assert their autonomy with their words and tone.

They may be feeling disconnected in their relationship with a parent.

Or, they may simply be having a hard day. It is important to understand that although backtalk may push your buttons, there is a message behind it. If you can get to the root of the attitude, you can respond to your child in a constructive way.

“Working With” Tips • Make sure your relationship is on track. Typically, when a child is behaving in

a way that makes you want more distance between the two of you, what she actually needs more than anything else is a renewed sense of closeness. Take a deep breath and remind yourself of what you love about her. Spend some regular one-on-one time together and dedicate that time to listening and understanding her. When your child feels like you “get” her, she’ll communicate more respectfully.

• Look below the surface. That is, be will-

ing to look past the rude words or tone of voice to discover what might be driving the behavior. You seem frustrated; did you have a rough day? You’re very upset right now; let’s both take some time to calm down before we talk. Being able to remember that behavior stems from more deeply rooted feelings (and is not intended specifically to drive you crazy) will help you keep your cool and not add fuel to the fire.

• Give opportunities for more power. Ver-

bal pushback in the form of attitude or backtalk may come from a child’s feeling a lack of power. Find opportunities for your child to take control over more areas of her life.

Give her more say in how her homework gets done, her extra curricular activities, chores, or clothing choices. Ask more questions instead of giving more directions. What do you think we should do? Do you have ideas?

What do you think about this? Amy McCready, author of If I Have To Tell You One More Time says, “The more positive power you give kids, the less they’ll try to get it in negative ways.”

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Natural Discipline For The Older Child

“My child is so angry!”

Kids will always get angry about the things in their lives that aren’t working, but occasionally that anger doesn’t subside. Sometimes, what looks like an expression of anger could even be other difficult feelings that a child has been fending off such as grief, loneliness, fear, or powerlessness. Bottled up long enough, these emotions may be expressed as chronic anger. To help a child who seems angry, try these important steps:

“Working With” Tips • Allow the anger. While you may not enjoy

your child’s angry behavior, it is important to communicate that you accept him, angry feelings and all. I can see you are upset about something. Let me know how I can help. It’s OK to be mad. I’m here if you want to talk.

Make sure the message of acceptance gets through.

• Give your child tools for anger management. Jennifer Patterson, an elementary

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school principal in Oregon, finds the Zones of Regulation a helpful and intuitive tool to teach anger management. Students in her school learn to identify their emotional “zones”—green zone means a child is feeling “good to go,” yellow zone is the “warning zone” of emotional frustration, while red zone is a sign of overload and an indication to stop. “The zones serve as a universal language for understanding normal human emotions,” says Jennifer. “They help kids build an awareness of self-regulation.” Children identify specific action steps they can take in each zone to help them process anger and get back to feeling “green” again. Taking time to calm down (a positive timeout), deep breathing, physical exercise, and stress release balls are all helpful ways of releasing the initial onslaught of anger in order to be able

to restore a child’s brain chemistry and communicate effectively.

• Identify the source(s). Sometimes anger

can come from an immediate situation (such as headphones broken by a younger sibling) but sometimes it can manifest as a compilation of difficult feelings that have added up over time. Challenges in school, losing a pet, or relationship struggles can all be factors in a child’s outward display of angry behavior.

Try to help your child identify the frustrations in his life that may be contributing to his unhappiness. Encourage him to vent and cry to help process strong emotions. “When a child no longer needs anger to defend against difficult emotions, the anger evaporates,” says Dr. Laura Markham, author of

“My child seems so anxious!”

It is not unusual for older children to develop anxiety. The pressure they face at school, managing their activities and schedule, making friends, as well as the realization that they are growing up may trigger feelings of stress and nervousness. As Dan Siegel writes in his book Brainstorm; The Power and Purpose of the Teenage Brain, “When the mind tries to predict what will happen next and everything is new and unfamiliar, it is natural to feel nervous and uncertain.”

So, feelings of anxiety are normal. But what to do when a child’s anxiety has taken center stage and their feelings of worry become overwhelming? Here are a few things that will help:

“Working With” Tips • Build confidence through small successes. Confidence is a child’s ability to know

that he is capable of succeeding, and is needed most during times of uncertainty. You can help your child strengthen this by finding small ways to help her experience success.

Enlist her help in making dinner. Let her take

the lead in assembling a new Lego set. Even something as simple as helping you hang pictures by hammering nails into the wall can provide a boost in confidence. Encourage her by drawing out her own sense of pride in her accomplishment. You did it! Thank you, that was a huge help! You put a lot of time into this and your effort really shows. You want your child to find it within herself to be able to say, “I can do hard things.”

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• Help your child feel a sense of security.

Reassure him that no matter what, your relationship will always provide a secure base.

Schedule regular dates as opportunities to keep your connection strong. These dates will allow him time to talk about whatever may be on his mind, as well as time for you to listen reflectively. Children will feel more capable in handling the parts of life that make them nervous when they know they have a safe, supportive family environment.

• Develop your child’s sense of resilience.

Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity and recover from failure. A fear of failure can often be a trigger for anxiety— many children feel afraid to make mistakes, be wrong, or that they might disappoint in some way. One thing that helps a child overcome this fear is to join him in stepping outside his comfort zone and trying a new activity together…perhaps even making mistakes along the way! Take an art class together, put on a dance show for your family, or travel to a new place and find your way around hand in hand. You can cooperatively experience new things as well as the mistakes that come with them and provide a powerful example for your child on surviving failure.

Behavior challenges don’t require doing to, they require getting through. Stay close with your growing child and get through challenging times together. The skills you teach will last them a lifetime. And so will your relationship.

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Rethinking

“Sink or Swim”

The Attached Parent’s Guide to Swimming Lessons

|by Kaitlin Gardner

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Your child’s first experience in a swimming pool should be a positive one— for both of you—and will go a long way toward building a lifelong love of the water. A parent-child class is often the surest way to a successful introduction to the pool for your child, giving both the mom and baby an opportunity to bond in the warm water of an indoor or outdoor swimming pool.

Reassure Every Step of the Way If you decide on a mommy and metype class, the first thing you should do is take a look at how the class is structured. Will you be asked to be apart from your baby or child, or handing him off to anyone else? Your child’s first experience in a pool should be a parent-child one, from the first moment in the pool to the last.

We all know how acute an infant’s senses are, so arrive early in order to spend some time on the pool deck, which will allow your child time to get used to the sensory stimulation coming at him from all directions, especially an indoor pool: the unfamiliar smell of chlorine, the feel of the humidity on his skin, and the sounds of voices echoing off the walls. If your child is relaxed around the pool, he’ll have an easier time entering and being in the pool. Curiosity, not fear, is the goal.

Be Prepared!

Plan your visit to coincide with a time of day when he or she is typically not napping or eating. Try to make sure that all “business” is taken care of before you go. Outfit your baby with a secure swim diaper and swim suit bottoms, both of which should have elastic leg openings. Pack a couple of spares, just in case. Finally, a hooded towel will ensure a comfy exit.

Pool Temperature Because babies have such a high surface area to body weight ratio, they can get too cold—and too hot—very easily. Overly hot baths, and of course hot tubs, are out of the question for infants, babies and toddlers, as are overly cold bodies of water. A pool that is between 80 – 85 degrees will ensure a smooth transition into the pool.

Short and Sweet For young babies, 30 minutes is plenty.

It is far better to leave him wanting more than struggle with him if he reaches his limit for being comfortable in the water before the class had ended.

Ensuring a physically and emotionally safe and relaxed experience for your baby or young child’s first experience in the swimming pool will set the stage for a long, satisfying relationship with the water.

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Returning to Ritual: The Hidden

Value of Rituals and Traditions in Childrearing

Nine year old Yuu looks like a little butterfly in her bright yellow flowered kimono. Her face is solemn, but her eyes dance as she follows her mother into the tea dojo, or practice room for the Japanese Tea Ceremony. Together, they approach the tokonoma – a built-in niche at one end of the tea room - where the tea sensei (teacher) has placed a beautiful scroll and an arrangement of flowers. Kneeling on the woven tatami mats, they bow and then take a few moments to examine the scroll and admire the beautiful flowers. Yuu glances sideways at her mother to be sure she is doing everything correctly as they bow once more, then take their place on the mats beside the other students. Tea Ceremony instruction is about to begin.

While children as young as six may begin learning the ancient and intricate art of Chado, or the Way of Tea, Yuu is the youngest regular participant in this semester’s Tea Ceremony class at the University of Illinois’ Japan House in Urbana, IL. My daughter, Aster, is one of two young teens in the class; we decided to participate as a family in support of her deep interest in all things Japanese. The rest of the class consists of university students, professors and staff, and community members.

I have never been particularly drawn to ritual or ceremony of any type, and I have to admit, I had no idea when we first signed up for tea class

|by Anne Michelsen

what a commitment it was. I was surprised to learn that the tea ceremony is a discipline far more comparable to the martial arts than it is to a British tea party. To a Westerner, in fact, many aspects of it can seem downright OCD; at times I found myself marveling that I, with so much on my plate as a working mother, was voluntarily spending precious time learning to pick up a tea scoop in the exact proper manner. However, as the semester wears on, I have begun to realize the value in this ritual – and indeed, the value that ritual in general imparts to us, and our children, as human beings.

Why Ritual?

Ritual - whether the practice of serving and drinking tea, or another ritual or tradition - can offer an oasis of peace and a grounding sense of being “in the moment,” in the midst of otherwise frenetic school and work schedules. Many adults find themselves gravitating towards ritual traditions; however they can be wonderful, too, for children, who naturally crave structure. Incorporating ritual into the day, week, month or season can offer a comforting sense of familiarity, a framework around which to structure the sometimes confusing and contradictory events of our lives, and a sense of belonging to a community greater than ourselves.

At its best, ritual can become a connecting link

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Returning to Ritual between the physical and the spiritual. Rituals have been used for millennia as an important and effective vehicle for teaching both great spiritual truths, and the practical skills needed to live a life in harmony with others. “The function of ritual,” as the late great mythologist Joseph Campbell pointed out, “. . . is to give form to human life, not in the way of a mere surface arrangement, but in depth.”

Because rituals rely heavily on physical events and sensations, they have the power to impart knowledge and wisdom on an intuitive, almost dream-like level that may be easier for a child to absorb than verbal instruction. Even if the child doesn’t grasp the deeper meaning right away, the seeds are being sown. In the meantime the ritual offers elements that appeal to the child’s senses and his or her sense of belonging.

Another thing many rituals tend to do is to place emphasis on the relationships in a group or society rather than focusing on the individual. In doing so, they show a child her place in society, and reassure her that there is a network of support available to her there.

Lessons Learned from Ritual The Tea Ceremony is a fantastic example of spiritual lessons embodied in ritual. In fact, its roots are spiritual rather than social; it was developed by 14th century Zen Buddhists in order to impart the principles of harmony, respect, purity and tranquility. As an observer, here are just a few of the lessons I believe are embedded in the ceremony (many of which are sorely lacking in modern society):

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Respect for all others – At every turn, tea ceremony participants are required to display respect for others, including those of lower

rank. For example, refreshments are served to guests one at a time. Before eating a tea sweet or drinking a bowl of tea, each guest will turn to the one below and ask pardon for going first. Respect is also shown in myriad more subtle ways throughout the ceremony, both between participants and directed towards the objects used.

Holistic outlook - To study tea is to study relationships, and the interdependence of all elements in a system. Everything is important; every gesture and minute detail carries meaning. One learns, too, to be aware of and to respond appropriately to subtle signals from the host or guests.

Appreciation for beauty – Embedded in the ritual is the practice of taking time to notice beautiful things. In addition to observing the art and flowers in the tokonoma, guests are expected to examine and discuss the tea bowl and other utensils after partaking in tea.

These are selected carefully by the host for their aesthetics and appropriateness for the occasion.

Humility, persistence, and focus – The practice of tea is incredibly complex and takes years to master. To do so requires that one take instruction, practice hard and endure a certain amount of failure.

Self-discipline – Some forms of tea ceremony involve sitting for long periods with the legs folded under in seiza position – a mental and physical challenge! Also, the process of learning to do a complex procedure the right way helps to develop a disciplined attitude.

Hygiene – In addition to keeping the tea utensils, kitchen and dojo spotlessly clean, the tea

ceremony itself includes ritual purification.

The idea is that there is a connection between how we care for our physical surroundings, and our spiritual well-being. (It may be coincidence, but I’ve noticed my daughter’s room becoming significantly neater since beginning to study tea!)

Gratitude – Expressions of thanks and gratitude are also an important part of the tea ritual, on the part of both guests and host.

Appreciation of nature – Sen Rikyu, the great 16th century tea master who popularized the Tea Ceremony, brought to the practice a rustic simplicity more in harmony with nature than earlier, more ostentatious variations. He insisted that flowers, in particular, should be arranged “the way they appear in the field,” thus recognizing nature as the ultimate aesthetic ideal.

Balance of material and spiritual – We are spiritual beings who live in material bodies and sometimes there’s a tendency to focus primarily on one or the other.

This can lead on the one hand to an overly materialist or carnal existence, and on the other to ungroundedness or neglect of one’s physical needs. Rituals like the Tea Ceremony help firmly ground the spirit within our physical existence for the purpose of living a balanced life – a physical life infused with the spiritual. In other words, they help teach both children and adults how to integrate spiritual values into the real, physical world.

Enhanced spirituality is not the only benefit of ritual. Research confirms that rituals have many beneficial effects on families and individuals. They can help reduce stress, alleviate

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options to fit your child’s interests, talents, style

• •

extensive homeschooling resources self-paced, flexible, affordable

Use our curriculum independently or by enrolling in our fully accredited distance learning school. Visit oakmeadow.com or call 802-251-7250 to speak with one of our friendly and experienced educational counselors.

Let Oak Meadow help you bring the heart of learning back home!

oakmeadow.com 27

Returning to Ritual pain and grief, and even lesson the severity of physical disease such as childhood asthma.

Finding Ritual In North America, tea dojos are few and far between, and the study of tea may not appeal to every family. However, opportunities to involve your kids in ritual are everywhere. You can find ritual activities embedded in religious and cultural events, sports and martial arts, and the performing arts. Any of these can be used to help kids learn to become well-rounded, welladjusted human beings.

But what if you’re uncomfortable with existing rituals?

It’s true, rituals can lose their meaning, especially when conditions in society change. And few things are more alienating than taking part in a ritual that no longer speaks to your soul. If you find yourself in that situation, you may want to consider creating your own rituals, ones that are meaningful to you. As Campbell explained, “Now, people ask me, what rituals can we have today? My answer is, what are you doing? What is important in your life? What is important, they say, is having dinner with their friends.

That is a ritual.”

You can make a ritual out of anything that appeals to you – walking on the beach, playing Frisbee, reading stories to your kids. What makes your heart sing? That is an opportunity for ritual.

Introducing Children to Ritual Very young children thrive on ritual – but it doesn’t have to be formal at all. Even mundane 28

events can be made into little rituals - making the bed, snack time, the sequence of things done before bed. (You are probably already doing this with your kids.) These little rituals provide structure to their days, and help buffer them against life’s inevitable surprises.

But as kids grow older and are ready to start participating in more complex rituals, how can you prepare them?

Last week, we were visited by Mr. Sōkō Shimua, a high level tea instructor from Japan. I asked him his advice on introducing children to the Tea Ceremony. I think his answer applies universally to any complex ritual: “To be able to understand, you must first experience,” he advised. “Start by exposing them to the experience. Bring them into an environment where everyone in the group is practicing. Let them observe. Let them breathe the air, and take in the total experience. They’ll get the vibration.

Afterwards, talk to them about it. Ask them what they saw, what they sensed and observed.”

He added that the experience may seem strange to them at first, but that they will become more comfortable with time.

As for me and my family...

I have definitely noticed a subtle shift in energy since becoming involved in Tea Ceremony. We all seem just a little calmer, and more able to go with the flow of life. Enough to make me feel confident in suggesting, if you find yourself stressed as a parent…if there are aspects of your life that feel empty to you…if your kids exhibit behaviors you’re not completely happy with, look carefully – there may indeed be a ritual that can help.

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Conscious Kitchen Recipes by Erin Scott

Yummy Supper

Deconstructed California Cob Dressing • • • •

Directions

1 heaping teaspoon Dijon mustard 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 1⁄3–1⁄2 cup extra-virgin olive oil Sea salt

:

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 pound pan-fried or grilled chicken breast, torn into small pieces and seasoned with salt and pepper • 1⁄2 pound bacon, crisp-cooked and broken into bite-size pieces • 2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced into thin rounds or chopped • 2 avocados, pitted, peeled, and sliced • 1⁄2 cup thinly sliced fennel • 1⁄4 cup crumbled blue cheese {GF folks: check with the producers to be sure the cheese is gluten-free; or you could use a creamy fresh goat cheese as a safe substitute here} • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved • Fennel or arugula blossoms (optional) • 8 cups arugula or torn butter lettuce leaves

Reprinted from “Yummy Supper” by Erin Scott. Copyright (c) 2014 by Erin Scott.

By permission of Rodale Books. Available wherever books are sold.

1. In a large bowl, combine Zen blend, peas, onion and avocado; set aside.

2. In a small bowl, whisk remaining ingredients. Pour over avocado mixture; gently toss to combine.

3. Serve immediately.

Directions 1. Place the chicken, bacon, eggs, avocados, fennel, cheese, tomatoes, and blossoms (if using) in their own bowls. Place the bowls in the center of your dining table.

2. In a large salad bowl, lightly dress the salad greens. Pour the remaining dressing into a small pitcher and place it on your nowcrowded table.

3. Set out 4 dinner plates or shallow bowls. Let everyone dig into the ingredients, creating a salad to their liking.

4. Pass the dressing for an extra drizzle to top the goodies.

5. Crack some black pepper over your salad and sprinkle with salt.

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Conscious Kitchen

Froyo Pops

:

Ingredients • • • •

1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest 1–11⁄4 cups light agave nectar 21⁄4 cups plain Greek yogurt

Directions 1. In a small saucepan, mix together the blueberries, lemon zest, and 1⁄2 cup of the agave nectar.

2. Simmer gently for 10 minutes, or until the blueberries have softened into the sweet syrup.

3. Chill the blueberry sauce in the fridge until fully cooled.

4. Once the blueberries have cooled, get out a medium bowl and whisk together the yogurt and the remaining 1⁄2 to 3⁄4 cup agave, depending on your sweet tooth.

5. Lightly swirl the blueberry syrup into the yogurt so the popsicles have a nice marbled look. Scoop the fruit and yogurt into 10 3-ounce ice-pop molds and freeze until solid.

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Juicy Burgers with Gruyere Ingredients • 11⁄4 pounds ground beef • 1 teaspoon kosher salt • Freshly ground black pepper • 3 ounces Gruyere cheese, grated • (sharp Cheddar is also good) • 1 avocado • 1 head butter lettuce, leaves separated • 1⁄2 cup Quick-Pickled Onions

Directions 1. Let the meat come to room temperature for 30 minutes before forming the burger patties.

2. The key to a tender burger is to very lightly handle your ground beef. Sprinkle the beef with salt and black pepper & gently form four 1”-thick patties.

3. Grill the patties over high heat for 3 to 4 minutes on the first side. Flip and top with the grated cheese.

Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on the second side for medium-rare burgers.

4. Let the burgers rest for 5 minutes before serving.

5. Pit, peel, and thinly slice your avocado. At serving time, nestle each patty into a large leaf of butter lettuce. Top with avocado slices, pickled onions, and plenty of ground black pepper.

Reprinted from “Yummy Supper” by Erin Scott. Copyright (c) 2014 by Erin Scott.

By permission of Rodale Books. Available wherever books are sold.

Conscious Kitchen

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Photography by Vannmarie

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What’s In Season Fresh fruits and veggies will soon be abundant at your farmer’s market, grocery store, or even your own garden! Summer is the perfect time to experiment with new flavors and add a fresh twist to your standby recipes.

Zucchini

Tomatoes

Zucchini is a tender and slightly sweet summer squash that’s packed with vitamin C, manganese, and other nutrients. New research has found the lutein and zeaxanthin in zucchini are powerful phytonutrients that promote healthy eyesight and prevent sun damage to the eyes.

A bona fide superfood, an organic tomato is bursting with antioxidants, dietary fiber and vitamins. Tomatoes also contain flavonoids (natural anti-inflammatories), potassium, lycopene, and other mineral salts. Lycopene is a powerful weapon against many forms of cancer (prostate, breast, and stomach) and helps protect skin from the sun’s damaging rays. And because of their high water content, tomatoes are perfect in summer salads.

This mild and easy to cook vegetable is a versatile summer favorite. Just wait till you try it as a refreshing pasta!

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What’s In Season

Zucchini Noodles

Ingredients: • Organic Zucchini • Italian Seasoning • Butter

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil • Minced Garlic • Salt & Pepper

Directions: Use a Spiralizer or Julienne slicer to get easy zucchini noodles.

Heat a tablespoon of butter, olive oil, and a minced garlic clove in a skillet.

Add “noodles” and Italian seasoning. Sauté.

Season with salt & pepper if desired, then serve and enjoy!

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Garden Caprese Salad

Ingredients: • Balsamic Vinegar • Basil • Tomoatoes

• Mozzarella • Extra Virgin Olive Oil • Salt & Pepper

Photography by Dave Nakayama

Directions: Create a balsamic reduction by pouring a bottle of Balsamic vinegar into a small pot and boil gently for 20-25 minutes, until it creates a thick but pourable sauce. Set aside.

Slice tomatoes & mozzarella into thick slices and arrange on a plate.

Sprinkle on a pinch of salt and pepper.

Add a basil leaf or two for each piece of tomato and mozzarella.

Drizzle the dish with olive oil and the balsamic reduction and enjoy!

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Container

Gardening |by Angela Price The beauty of container gardening is its versatility. It allows the gardener to experiment, to be eclectic, and even to be a bit non-committal. If you can’t decide on what your gardening style is, try a container!

If you live in an apartment or a condo with only a balcony, plant a container garden that fits within your small space. If you are not sure how much time you want to commit to a garden, but still want something beautiful to look at, place a collection of planters by your front door that you can enjoy (and water) on the way out each day.

You’re only limited by your imagination when it comes to creating a beautiful and bountiful container garden, but there are a few things to keep in mind. ●●Choose your containers – Almost anything works as long as it is big enough to hold the plants and allows room for growth.

Drainage holes are also important, so plants don’t get waterlogged. If your container doesn’t have a drainage hole, use a drill to make one.

●●Choose your soil – High quality potting soil is essential to successful plant growth.

Most nursery centers have a good selection of potting soils to fit your plants’ needs; i.e.: organic soil for vegetables. Blueberries and azaleas prefer acidic soils (often called Azalea, Camellia, Rhododendron soil). Fast draining cactus soil is perfect for succulents and cacti, and it’s often recommended for citrus and palm trees too.

Get Creative with Planters!

Besides traditional terracotta or glazed ceramic pots, try: • Baskets • Vintage tool boxes and wood crates • Fabric planters like Wooly Pockets or Grow Bags • Wagons • Tea pots • Old boots • Cedar or redwood boxes.

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Container

Gardening ●●Choose your supplements – Many general-purpose potting soils come formulated with fertilizer. There are fertilizers formulated for flowers, vegetables, acid loving plants, fruiting vines, citrus, etc. Remember to follow the directions carefully. ●●Choose your plants – Those little sticks that come in the 6-pack of flowers or the label attached to the nursery pot contain a wealth of information regarding the light, water, and food needs of the plant as well as how high and wide a plant will get. Take a little time to get to know your space. It is in full sun or part shade? Does it get windy?

Will a grouping of larger plants block the view? Maybe you want to block the view.

Remember that plants will grow, so don’t pack your containers so full that your plants crowd each other. ●●Choose your watering method – Plants in containers will dry out more quickly, especially in warm or windy climates, so make sure you are watering adequately. Consider adding a drip irrigation system on a timer if you have large groupings of planters. Remember, some plants, like succulents, don’t need a lot of water. If you are not sure whether or not a plant is thirsty, look for telltale leaf drooping or do the ‘finger test’. Stick your finger an inch or two into the potting soil. If it feels dry, give the pot a good watering. Putting saucers under the pots is a good idea if you want to protect the surface on which they are placed.

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Use your container garden to experiment with new plants and plant combinations. Your garden, no matter how small, should be a place of wonder, discovery, fun, and inspiration. Enjoy your garden!

Design Tips!

• For round or square planters, plant a taller plant in the middle with lower growing plants around it.

• Add plants that trail over the sides of the planter • Group different sizes of planters using a cohesive theme like vintage containers or pastel colors.

• Choose plant / flower colors that either coordinate or contrast with the color of the planter.

• Add accessories, colorful stones or glass, or even solar powered lighting to containers.

What to Plant • Masses of annual flowers are always beautiful in hanging baskets or a window box.

• Try a dwarf citrus or stone fruit tree. Many fruiting trees come in dwarf varieties that grow to a maximum of 5-7’. Imagine having fresh lemons or peaches on your patio.

• Veggies do great in containers!

Add a trellis and grow beans. Tuck lettuce and herbs in a container of pansies. Try a ‘patio’ variety of tomato tis summer. You don’t need to have a large plot of land to grow your own food.

• Make the plant the star by adding a single plant that adds an architectural element like topiary trimmed rosemary bush or a single Agave.]

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Happy Campers

Tick Safety Tips |by Lou Paradise

Summer is the time for hiking, gardening, picnics, and simply enjoying the great outdoors.

It is also prime tick season—which means increased exposure to the serious infectious diseases they carry.

According to the New York Department of Health, ticks are most active late spring through mid-August.

In 60 to 70 percent of Lyme disease cases*, the first symptom is a rash that occurs at or near the site of a tick bite and has a round, “bulls-eye” appearance. Other symptoms occur from several days to weeks, months, and even years after a bite. They include “flu-like” symptoms, such as aches and pains in muscles and joints, chills and fever, headache, sore throat, stiff neck, swollen glands, dizziness, and fatigue.

Tricky Diagnosis Because tick bites are usually painless, the incubation period is long, and the symptoms so varied, a tick-borne disease may go unrecognized for weeks or even months.

Tick-borne disease threat doesn’t end when a victim is bitten. There is some history docu42

menting how an individual exposed to these pathogens can pass them through their blood— including from a pregnant woman to her unborn child.

Prevention & Defensive Measures Here are some tips to help keep you and your family safe from these tiny threats.

1. There are a number of plants you can cultivate around your yard that repel ticks, including lavender, garlic, pennyroyal, pyrethrum (a type of chrysanthemum), sage, American beautyberry, and eucalyptus.

2. Keep in mind that ticks attach easily to bare flesh. When outdoors, protect yourself and your children by wearing long sleeves and long pants, preferably in light colors so you can spot a tick more easily. Wear shoes and socks that you tuck pant legs into or a pair of tall boots.

3. Your four-legged friend may pick up an unwanted hitchhiker after being outside. Be sure to inspect pets for ticks and they can also become sick with Lyme disease.

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Happy Campers

Tick Safety Tips

4. Shower then perform a whole-body tick check. In the case of Lyme disease, infection from a tick to a human typically takes 30 – 40 hours, so spotting and removing them quickly is an important first defense.

Safe, Natural Treatments Doctors will often prescribe antibiotics if they suspect Lyme or another tick-borne illness. But there are ways you can assist your body further with some safe, natural treatments.

• Essential fatty acids (for helping to reduce inflammation and joint stiffness)

• Garlic (immune system stimulator with antibiotic properties) • A natural topical ointment such as Topricin® gives the body the support for its basic function of maintaining healthy cells and repairing damaged ones through enhanced healing • Kelp (a rich source of B-vitamins and minerals, aids in detoxification) • Vitamins A, C, and E (antioxidants and immune system support) • “Green drinks” provide chlorophyll (aids in detoxification while providing important nutrients and enzymes).

for Children Specially Formulated for Children (ages 2-11) *For children under age two consult a pediatrician

Parents and grandparents are relieved to know there is a safe, effective, natural way to treat their children’s pain…and kids love their “Boo boo cream!”

• Bumps, Bruises, and Bug Bites • Skin Conditions, such as Eczema • Growing Pains • Sprains, Strains, Minor Burns • Muscle Spasms and Leg Cramps • Injection Site Pain 5% of (gross) Sales of Topricin for Children are Donated to Pediatric Cancer Care Foundations 25% Off and FREE

shipping on first order with promo code BBG25

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For more information visit us at www.topricin.com

The Benefits of

Dry Skin Brushing

Who knew that such an invigorating way to stay healthy could be a short cut to naturally glowing skin?

• • • • •

Dry skin brushing…

Stimulates the lymphatic system to help release toxins Regulates and increases circulation Reduces cellulite Helps reduce stretch marks and tighten skin after pregnancy

Liver issues are more and more common today. By helping your body detox, you make the liver’s important job more efficient.

Ready

to give it a try?

Here’s how to brush your body to optimal health: • Brush dry skin once a day (best before showering) • Use a gentle brush with natural bristles • Start at the feet and brush in long circular movements up toward the heart • Brush stomach and underarms in a clockwise motion • Brush softly – no scrubbing (work your way up to adding pressure) • Shower after brushing • Moisturize after showering; we love coconut oil

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Travel for Good — Volunteer Vacations — As their children get older, many conscious families look to Ecotourism for their annual family vacation. Essentially it is responsible travel, replacing indulgent vacations that are either no longer affordable… or just don’t feel right to green-minded travelers.

Responsible travel starts in the planning stage.

Taking green travel a step further, we consider what it takes to set yourself up for a sustainable trip before you ever leave the house. The good news is: today, there are more options than ever The Travel Industry Associations of America says for greening your vacation. nearly 56 million Americans have taken some form of volunteer vacation, and nearly twice as Several commercial airlines have updated fleets many are looking for options to “travel for good.” of planes with winglets, which reduce drag and

carbon dioxide emissions by about 5 percent.

Go a step further and invest just $20 in clean energy or forestry projects to help offset your travel carbon footprint. ClimateTrust is a reliable orBy choosing ecotourism, your money encourages ganization to help you find your ideal donation. developing nations to protect their natural resources and preserve the local culture.

When you arrive at your destination, be sure You’ll get a chance to soak up the local flavors and culture, while making it a meaningful trip.

Just a few examples of volunteer vacations are: • Resettle earthquake victims in Haiti • Care for endangered wallabies in Australia • Observe and record marine life to help protect coastal ecosystems • Help women learn trades to support their families and villages • Prepare meals for the homeless • Tutor students (locally or abroad) For more ideas, check out the endless possibilities at: IdeaList, Volunteer Abroad, The International Ecotourism Society, Peaceful World Travel, and Responsible Travel.

to take advantage of public transportation like buses and ferries. Or soak up the local culture by walking from place to place.

Even if an eco-friendly hotel isn’t available, you can still do your part: • Reuse your sheets and towels • Bring soap and shampoo in reusable containers and pass on the complimentary ones • Always turn off the lights and A/C when you leave the room • Recycle your newspaper, guide maps, water bottles, etc.

• Be sure to patronize local establishments. Dining at a neighborhood spot is better for the local economy than going to a chain restaurant.

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On Kiki’s Reef

By Carol L. Malnor

The vibrant, colorful story follows Kiki, a tiny baby sea turtle as she scrambles across the sandy beach and into the sea. Floating far out in the ocean, Kiki is becoming a gentle giant. She swims to shallower water where a rainbow of corals puts on a show.

Kiki adopts the busy coral reef as her new home and discovers fish of all sizes and lots of surprises! But something keeps calling her back to the beach . . . and the circle of life continues. A delightful read for your little beach-lover! $9 at Amazon

Local Pickins App “Local Pickins” is, yes, a farmers market search tool, but also so much more. It not only allows you to search your area for local farmers markets, but for merchants (co-ops and farmers), cooking classes/special events, and food trucks.

This app is particularly useful when traveling, and focuses equally well on grabbing a bite of locallymade food out-and-about as well as providing you with resources to get cooking in your own kitchen. From ice cream to cupcakes and veggies to honey, some of the food providers listed aren’t always super healthy, but they are always super local.

Free on iTunes 48

Help! My Child is Addicted to Screens (Yikes! So Am I.): Positive Discipline Tools for Managing Family Screen Time

By Jane Nelsen and Kelly Bartlett

With gems like, “When kids feel secure in their relationship with you, they are more likely to accept limits around screen time” and “Children know when you mean what you say and when you don’t,” Nelsen and Bartlett use their attachment parenting wisdom to help guide you through the dilemma of kids and screen time. This guide includes real life advice on setting limits and actual scripts for speaking to your child in a loving, but direct way to follow your new screen guidelines. What do we love most about this book? You won’t find judgment here. The focus is on solutions (tons of creative ideas and new rules) instead of blame. $6 at Amazon

Eco-Friendly Crafting With Kids

By Kate Lilley

The British blogger behind mini eco, builds on a child’s inherent need to play with the simplest items around them (such as cardboard boxes and paper towel tubes). By offering a slew of wonderful craft projects written in a clearly-explained manner, you’ll be able to add some fun, green-minded art to your family’s daily routine. Organized into eight areas of crafting, such as “Nature and Recycling Bin,” “Homemade Materials,” and “Science,” you’ll know exactly what to expect from The segment labeled “Boredom Busters” will immediately get your little ones into simple projects.

Recommended for preschoolers (but admittedly just as fun for toddlers and grade school children alike). $10 at Amazon

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the

More you Know

eco

GCM talks with

Earth Mama Angel Baby

founder “Mama” Melinda Olson

For many natural mothers, Earth Mama Angel Baby is much more than a trusted brand of products. It’s a community – a place as safe as the arms of the angelwinged mother on their logo. We spoke with founder, “Mama” Melinda Olson about how she cultivated her passion for plantbased healing into a business that does the world so much good.

GCM: Your background is nursing, yet you’ve created a line of organic, holistic products from plants. How did you balance the two?

Melinda: Yes, it’s a balance. The “first, do no harm” oath 50

has stayed with me, and that’s the most important part of Earth Mama’s mission today. Our first concern is safety. That applies

to everyone in our building, including someone driving a fork truck. And secondly, we’re concerned with effectiveness.

I never intended to start a business, but like many things in life, it evolved. When I was pregnant with first baby, I went to my OB about my morning sickness. At that time, you know, I knew everything because I had just graduated from nursing school. My OB prescribed a pill for morning sickness, but I refused to take it. I don’t exactly know why, but I didn’t see why anyone should have to medicate themselves when they have a baby growing inside of them.

Down the road when I was getting very sick and losing weight, he said, “You must take this pill.”

Well, I still didn’t, and it turned out that pill was Bendectin, which was later taken off the market for causing birth defects.

GCM: Wow. How fortunate for you and your

family that you trusted your instincts.

Melinda: Yes. Then I had that baby in the

hospital, because that’s what you do. And as soon as my healthy, perfect child was born, they whisked him off to the nursery and took me to a room. I kept asking to see my child, but the nurses told me, “Oh no, you’ve been in labor for 24 hours. You really need some rest. We’ll bring him to you in the morning.”

So I lay awake all night sobbing because I couldn’t have my baby. I didn’t realize that I was empowered to say, “Bring me my baby!” I didn’t get that because I was young.

However, my second baby was born in my living room.

GCM: Awww, I love it!

Melinda: My second baby was born

surrounded by support and family and friends in the peaceful setting of our home, and it was perfect. I had somehow realized, “I’m not broken, I don’t have to go to the hospital.”

I’m not saying people shouldn’t have babies in hospitals today. Today there are doulas, midwives in hospitals, birthing centers. There’s much greater consciousness for how it can be in a peaceful and safe manner.

Those were my early experiences. In the meantime I raised children. I worked. I’ve always been incredibly fascinated with gardening and plants. I was fortunate to have a period of time when my husband was working and my kids were safely out of the nest. I spent a solid 3 years immersing myself in studying plant medicine. I couldn’t wait to get up in the morning. I grew my own herbs. I studied with herbal masters. Over time, I started learning how to extract the medicine from herbs by infusing them in oil and using that oil to make salves or soaps. Infusing them in water to make medicinal tea. Extracting their medicine in alcohol and using it to make herbal tinctures. I wanted to learn how to put all of that together. My friends and people around me would come to me with issues like heartburn. I found resources like the American Botanical Council which has evidence-based research about using plants, and I learned with hands-on experience how to effectively combine plants so they work synergistically.

Everything I formulated was for someone I knew. Pregnant women would come to me, and that intensified my clarity on safety. When you give something to a pregnant woman, you’re giving it to the fetus. It better be safe! And I just believed that heartburn and morning sickness aren’t conditions that need to be drugged.

GCM: I’m actually drinking your Heartburn

Tea now. It and your Third Trimester Tea really

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GCM talks with

Earth Mama Angel Baby founder “Mama” Melinda Olson

help my son’s and my allergies. Speaking of the teas, they were the first among your new nonGMO certification. Do you care to share more about that? I know there has been a bit of confusion since EMAB has always been organic.

(The USDA National Organic Standards prohibit the use of GMOs in the all label categories “100% organic”, “organic”, and “made with organic ingredients”)

Melinda: We have been certified organic

forever, and we have always labeled our products with integrity. It’s hard to explain to people that when we say our tea is organic, it means every single herb has to be organic. If just one of the herbs in the tea is 95% organic, we can’t say that tea is 100% organic.

So we were already non-GMO, we just felt it was important to carry that verification on our products. Personally, if I’m buying corn chips, I don’t always have time to read every single ingredient.

So when I see the Non-GMO Project Verified seal, I know they’ve done the homework for me.

From the beginning, it’s been my job to do that research for moms. They are busy taking care of their families, feeding babies, and trying to figure out who needs to go to soccer today. That’s why it’s helpful if publications like yours, which I love by the way, can help through cut through the maze a little bit.

Our Natural Nipple Butter is the only non-GMO project verified nipple cream. We think it’s really important, because it’s going into a baby’s mouth.

GCM: You provide so much support to

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mothers through your products. There’s also such a warm, trusting, and welcoming feel to your community. How do you support and educate without overwhelming?

Melinda: I’m glad you feel that way. And

you’re right. There’s a fine line between scare tactics and providing information. I can’t tell you how many times advise people to read labels and we try support programs like the Safe Chemicals Act without causing fear. We’re trying to give people information to empower them. And I’ve said all along, we’re asking you to read all labels, not just ours. There are buzz words like BPA and parabens, but we’re trying to broaden that awareness. Even if you don’t use EMAB products, please use something of quality, safe ingredients.

Fear mongering is immobilizing. One of the things we have known for a very long time is that when you say something causes cancer, many people couldn’t care less. But when a woman gets pregnant, that’s the turning point where these issues become real. We try to bring that community to social media. New moms need help, or someone to say, “I’ve been there.”

Surrounding people with a community that’s a safe place to ask questions. Giving mothers objective information they can use to make their own decisions. We really are a mission-based company, and that’s what makes us unique. We take our safety mission and mission to help educate the public very seriously.

GCM: Exactly. And we love that your prod-

ucts can be a gateway into natural living or even attachment parenting. A mom gives her new mom friend your bottom balm and tells her to check out your Facebook page for breastfeeding tips. The next thing you know, she’s exposed to cloth diapering or safe co-sleeping, or she learns more about the Non-GMO Project.

Melinda: You do what you know to do.

And when you know better, you can do better.

Support truly is everything.

1 in 3 families struggles to afford cloth diapers.

We can help.

Visit our website to see if your family qualifies.

www.givingdiapersgivinghope.org

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EcoPrint Scarves |by Chris McLaughlin A Garden to Dye For

Oh, how I love making eco-patterns on playsilks and scarves. Silk takes color like crazy and the natural materials used in the patterns are easy to see. There are as many ways to ecoprint as there are crafters in the world. Try this simple (yet satisfying) technique.

What you’ll need: • 100% silk scarf or playsilk, any size & prewetted (try Dharma Trading Company) • White vinegar • Small bowl with some white vinegar • Non-reactive pot • Rubber bands • Plant materials such as eucalyptus, dark rose petals, onion skins, etc. (I favor the silver dollar leaf type of eucalyptus, but use 54

whatever type you can get) • Extra eucalyptus leaves (Two large handfuls)

Technique!

1. Fill the pot about halfway up with water and two big handfuls of eucalyptus leaves.

Turn the heat on medium and once it’s simmering turn the heat down a bit so that it’s a strong simmer or a gentle rolling boil.

2. Take your pre-wetted silk scarf or playsilk and lay it flat on your dye station table.

3. Dip eucalyptus leaves into the bowl of white vinegar (just some color assurance here) and place them all over the silk in whatever way pleases you.

4. Now, place the onion skins, rose petals, or

whatever plant materials you have onto the silk.

stove. Let it simmer hard or gentle boil for about two hours.

5. Fold the silk in half and repeat with the eucalyptus leaves and other materials.

10. Using tongs, remove the bundle from the pot and let it cool for a few minutes.

6. Start from the bottom and begin rolling the scarf or playsilk up until you reach the end.

Roll carefully to keep your plant materials inside.

11. Clip the rubber bands off of the bundle and add the used plant materials to your compost pile. Rinse the silk off in cool water and hang up to dry.

7. Using the rubber bands, secure the sides several times to create a bundle. Turn the bundle sideways and add more rubber bands going the opposite direction.

A variation of this is to use something like a piece of PVC pipe or other sturdy item to wrap the silk around. Then add the rubber bands to secure the silk lengthwise onto the pipe or other core item. Try every variation that you can think of for some beautiful and original eco patterns.

8. Add about 1/2 to 3/4 cup vinegar to the pot 9. Add the bundled silk to the pot on the

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guided relaxation

“Magic Carpet Ride ”

This month let’s go on an amazing adventure into the sky! Children love the use of the vivid guided imagery for fun and stress relief. Simply read the following meditation is a calm relaxed voice to your child before bed or anytime for relaxation.

...

Take in a deep breath and close your eyes. I’m going to count down from 5 to 1 and when I get to 1, your whole body will feel very heavy and deeply relaxed. You will feel so relaxed that you will not even want to move... but just stay still and enjoy the wonderful relaxation that begins to flow into your body.

5... starting to feel the relaxation in your arms and legs 4... your legs are starting to feel heavy.. your arms too 3... heavier and heavier and more relaxed and comfortable….

2... more and more relaxed with each number I say 1... now your whole body is very heavy…

Now imagine a beautiful, colorful magic carpet underneath you. This magic carpet is the most beautiful carpet in the world. It has exquisite colors and is woven very tightly, ornately and neatly. Someone took great care and love in making this very special magical carpet just for you.

Reach down and touch the smooth texture of the brightly colored carpet. It’s so soft. Now, wrap your hands around the two tassels that hang down on the front corners. As you do, notice the tassels tighten and stick straight up like han-

with Mellisa Dormoy of Shambala Kids

dles… you feel perfectly safe. The magic carpet starts off softly… making sure you feel safe and comfortable. The magic carpet gently sways and sweeps up now and makes you giggle with delight! What an adventure! It takes you up into the sky, higher and higher, up to the pillowy soft clouds. It’s wonderful to be here… feeling free and completely relaxed. You can breathe clearly here. You inhale deeply and exhale slowly.

Your body feels wonderfully clear and the air is so pure and light.

Look down and see the beautiful green patches below you. The trees seem to wave up at you while the wind blows them to and fro. You see fields of abundant crops and houses that look quite tiny from all the way up here. You begin to let go of any worries. Any problems or difficult thoughts seem to vanish. You leave them all far behind as you relax and enjoy your magical carpet ride. This is an amazing adventure. Feel as the carpet swoops and turns… you can go as fast as you want and have more fun still. Spin with the carpet and know that you are in full control – going faster and faster or perhaps slower, you choose…. but totally enjoy your ride.

Now, take in a deep breath and glide your magic carpet back down on the ground when you’re ready. Stop comfortably and very gently. Bringing all the wonderful, happy feelings you have back with you now, open your eyes when you are ready. Breathe in deeply and exhale fully. You’ve done a fantastic job of using your imagination!

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

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Photography by Sarah Joy

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Unexpected Pleasures

Finding Joy in Daily Routines |by Madeleine Somerville

Line drying clothes always seemed like a lot of work. Rather than just throwing laundry from the washer to the dryer, I would have to haul a heap of damp clothing outside, individually clip each item to the clothesline, and then remember to come back later to take everything in again.

In the meantime anything could happen—rain, wind, or even nosey neighbors laughing at my dainties. Despite my misgivings, however, when we rented a small house with a gorgeous backyard, I knew I had to give it a try.

On the first sunny day after I had installed our clothesline (and by “I,” I mean “my husband, under great duress”), I grudgingly hauled a basket of wet laundry into the backyard and began hanging our clothes.

I was approaching this whole thing as a Great Sacrifice. There was Madeleine, nobly doing “what was right” at great personal inconvenience, spurning the convenience of indoor laundry facilities “for the greater good.” I was the perfect martyr!

BUT… I found it so meditative… it was insane.

Pick up a shirt, pin, pin, slide the line over.

Pick up a tea towel, pin, pin, slide the line over.

Item after item, bamboo clothespin after bamboo clothespin. I continued this little repetition until my laundry basket was empty, and then I stood back to survey my work.

I had a full line of clean clothing gently flapping in the breeze. My face was warm from the sun; my arms felt a pleasant sort of ache. It was so...

wholesome.

All in all, it had taken only about ten minutes longer than hurriedly throwing everything into the dryer and pressing, “Start,” and I’d been able to get outside and enjoy some sun and fresh air too.

I was hooked. Laundry, usually one of my most hated chores, suddenly became enjoyable. During the winter our laundry hampers sit stagnant and brimming until I finally run out of clean underwear, but during the warmer months the first thing I think of when I wake up to a sunny day is how much laundry I can get done.

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Ask Hana Haatainen Caye

Mandy writes: We just bought a new house with a hot tub. A friend said she’d never get in it because they’re supposedly full of bacteria even after being cleaned. Is that true?

And if it is, is there anything natural I can use to protect my family?

GG: First of all, Mandy, congratulations on your new home! Unfortunately, your friend is correct. The problem is no matter how clean it appears to be, there is a strong possibility of a dangerous bacteria hiding out in the spray jets.

It’s nice and warm in there – a romantic setting for some bacterial reproduction. So, even if you scrub and scrub the tub, once you fill it up with hot water and turn on the jets… the bacteria party has begun. Fungi, staph bacteria, and . . . yuck . . . fecal bacteria are commonly found in both public and private hot tubs and whirlpools. The results are conditions such as hot tub rash, hot tub lung, ear infections, respiratory infections, Legionnaire’s Disease, pink eye and other eye infections, staphylococcus, genital infections and herpes, and lower sperm count (caused by the combination of hot water and bacteria).

Before you decide to permanently shut down your hot tub, there is some good news. Research shows that distilled white vinegar kills 99% of bacteria. So, grab a gallon of DWV and pour it into the water in the tub. Turn on the jets and let them run for a couple of

hours. After you drain the water, wipe the tub down with a vinegar-soaked sponge. No need to rinse. Just fill the tub up again and enjoy. I recommend doing this monthly to avoid any problems. Bonus: the vinegar will dissolve any water stains and keep your jets clog-free. Plus, unlike chemical cleaners, vinegar won’t leave any toxic residue behind. Enjoy!

Brian writes: We have two families of skunks living in our neighborhood, and I’m thinking it’s only a matter of time before our dog, Max, encounters one. This happened a few years ago and we did the traditional tomato juice bath, but I was just wondering if you had a less messy solution to get rid of the smell.

GG: Yikes! As cute as they are, skunks are really unwelcome backyard guests, aren’t they?

Fortunately, I do have a solution for you, and it’s something you can keep on hand for the nearly inevitable event. Once again, I’m talking about vinegar! Simply mix up a 50/50 blend of water and vinegar and sponge Max down. You can also pour the liquid over your pup, but be careful not to get it in his eyes, as the vinegar will burn. You can use any kind, but for economical reasons, I recommend distilled white vinegar. Once you no longer detect any skunky odor, rinse Max thoroughly with plain water.

Here’s hoping you never have to put this advice to use!

Hana Haatainen Caye, is a wife, mother, grandmother, and author of the book Vinegar Fridays, who shares her passion for common sense greener and healthier living.

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Kid-Friendly Craft

ReUse : Bug Jar

|by Jennie Lyon

Life is blooming all around us -- from new flowers, baby animals and bugs and insects galore.

If you have a little one at home, chances are they have definitely noticed and will let you know at every turn and corner on your daily journey. A fun way to explore this new life that is emerging after a long, cold winter is by teaching your children how to carefully examine small animals and insects up close and personal.

Your child will love customizing an old jar into his or her favorite critter. Take it outside and let the exploring begin!

Materials: • • • • •

An empty, clean food jar Non-toxic paint Nail Hammer Paper or pipe cleaners (optional)

Instructions: 1. Have a parent use the nail & hammer to carefully poke holes in the lid.

2. For our critter, we painted the lid yellow.

3. Once dry, we added black stripes and a pair of fun eyeballs!

4. We finished the jar off with a couple of 62

antenna made from a leftover piece of a sticky note. You can use pipe cleaners, wire or any found item in place of the paper to make it more durable for outside play.

5. Be sure to release the bugs back into their natural habitat.

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An Apple A Day Nutrition Consulting With Louise Goldberg RD, CSP, LD, CNSC A registered dietitian with over a decade of experience working with children and families to find realistic solutions for their nutrition concerns.

One-on-one consultations online or by phone.

Written by Hana Haatainen Cay, Vinegar Fridays offers tips on how to use vinegar for cleaning, pet care, diet, healthcare, car care, beauty and more.

The perfect guide for greener & healthier living!

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Your Green Child

Bear

Henry & Lillian

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Athina

Julia

Amari Lynn

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Self Portrait Watring Strawberry

by Carson, age 6 from KY

Community - Get advice from other parents on attachment parenting and raising eco-conscious children Go Green - Learn how to get your kids involved in causes they care about Activities - Have a ball with games, crafts, and more Giveaways - Win eco-stylish and fun green gear for families

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