Green Child

1Mariel Hemingwayon mindful living

Summer Sun Safety Guide

Finding Your Balance

Setting Effective Screen Time Limits

Fresh SummerRecipesInspired Ideasfor Family Travel

Mariel Hemingwayon mindful living

Summer Sun Safety Guide

Finding Your Balance

Setting Effective Screen Time Limits


Summer 2015 A health & family focused digital magazine & community.

38 Eco FabA few of our favorite summer finds, inspired by nature

10 Finding Balance This SummerSummer is the perfect time to slow down and enjoy life to the fullest

12 Nutritional NuggetsFrom getting out of a food rut to the benefits of collagen-rich foods, expert Christina Towle answers your questions

14 Stretch into the SunCelebrating the Summer Solstice

18 Screen Time LimitsAttachment parenting expert Kelly Bartlett shares actionable tips for setting effective screen limits

22 How I Conquered My Fear of GardeningOur Stable Tables Carrie Saum shares her first experiences in her community garden, plus a delicious recipe for red sauce

26 Free Range KidsFinding the balance between independence and supervision

28 Sage SpoonfulsTomato & Watermelon Salad, Blueberry Peach Frozen Yogurt Popsicles, Banana Coconut Tofu Pudding

32 Conscious KitchenAnti-inflammatory Cocktail, Morning Energy Drink

Contents

4Cover Photography by

Chris Baldwin

Summer 2014

Farm Fresh Recipes

Natural DisciplineFor the Older Child

GCM talks to Earth Mama Angel Baby founder Melinda Olson

34 Summer Cookout RecipesSpringtime cocktails, Veggie Kabobs, Saba Noodle Summer Rolls, Strawberry Popsicles

40 The More You Know EcoWater Conservation - using water wisely benefits all of us

42 One Room @ A TimeCreate a healthy space for room sharing with your baby

44 Out Came the SunGreen Child Magazine talks with Mariel Hemingway

48 Eco Travel with KidsFrom faraway to local, Anne Michelsen will inspire your family vacation with eco-mindfulness and fun

56 Summer Sun SafetyEverything you need for a fun, safe day at the pool or beach

58 Back to NatureThe benefits of plant medicine for your family

62 Look Listen ReadOur editors top picks in books, apps & more

64 Making the SwitchThe benefits of cloth menstrual pads

69 Guided Relaxation A beautiful meditation for your child on releasing worry, sadness, and stress

71 Green Grandma Questions from our readers answered

72 ReUse CraftNo-sew beach bag

74 Community MarketplaceEco-friendly products & services from our collection of artisan shops & resources

76 Your Green ChildA peek into the families of our readers

78 Little ArtistsSharing the talents of our youngest community members.

On the Cover:Mariel Hemingway p44Sun Safety p56Finding Balance p10Screen Time Limits p18Recipes p28Family Travel p48

Contents

Mariel Hemingwayon mindful livingSummer Sun Safety Guide

Finding Your BalanceSetting Effective Screen Time Limits


Mariel Hemingwayon mindful livingSummer Sun Safety Guide

Finding Your BalanceSetting Effective Screen Time Limits


Summer 2015 A health & family focused digital magazine & community.

576 Your Green ChildA peek into the families of our readers

78 Little ArtistsSharing the talents of our youngest community members.

On the Cover:Mariel Hemingway p44Sun Safety p56Finding Balance p10Screen Time Limits p18Recipes p28Family Travel p48

We can help.

1 in 3 families struggles to afford cloth diapers.

Visit our website to see if your family qualifies.www.givingdiapersgivinghope.org

6Publisher & EditorAmity Hook-Sopko

Creative DirectorAmanda Hearn

Advertising DirectorTracy Carter

Copy EditorMegan McCoy Dellecese

ColumnistsLiza Huber

Mellisa DormoyMegan McCoy Dellecese

Christina TowleHana Haatainen Caye

Contributors Megan McCoy Dellecese

Molly WestermanKelly BartlettCarrie Saum

Nicholas SopkoAnne Michelsen

Susie LyonsTracy Puhl

Media & Other [email protected]

Publisher & EditorAmity Hook-Sopko

Creative DirectorAmanda Hearn

Advertising DirectorTracy Carter

Copy EditorMegan McCoy Dellecese

ColumnistsLiza Huber

Mellisa DormoyMegan McCoy Dellecese

Christina TowleHana Haatainen Caye

Contributors Megan McCoy Dellecese

Molly WestermanKelly BartlettCarrie Saum

Nicholas SopkoAnne Michelsen

Susie LyonsTracy Puhl

Media & Other [email protected]

7To be nobody but yourself in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else means to fight

the hardest battle which any human being can fight; and never stop fighting.

~ e.e. cummings

Can we just be real for a minute?

By the time you find this issue in your inbox or your social media feed, youve probably seen dozens of images on your phone or computer. A perfectly packed bento lunch with carefully sliced fruits, veggies, and just the right amount of protein and healthy fat. Those pins of your dream home with sweeping views of the ocean, master chef s kitchen and more pillows than the Pottery Barn catalog. Your gorgeous friend from high school smiling radiantly in her post-power workout selfie (wait did she really Photoshop her workout pic?)

I dont know about you, but some days I find it exhausting. Its as if I could toil away incessantly, and Im never going to manage the healthiest meal with the cleanest kitchen, with the most organized laundry room and the smartest children, all the while having the whitest teeth and the thinnest thighs.

We can remind ourselves that social media is essentially everyones highlight reel, but it doesnt make it any less overwhelming. So then what? Are we supposed to airbrush our photos and join in the perfection pageant?

I dont think so.

I had the great pleasure of speaking to Mariel Hemingway for this issue, and I was struck by her transparency. Her life has been a journey to overcome the stigma of mental illness that plagued her legendary family, yet her openness is a true mark of the beauty of imperfection. Had she swept her flaws under the rug, she would have missed the opportunity to validate and inspire countless people impacted by mental disorders.

Does it make you wonder how many of us are missing out on life by trying to be someone were not?

I hope this issue inspires you to find your authentic self and share it with the world.

-Amity

from our publisher & editor

EcoFabIndugle a little with these Summer must-haves, hand-picked by our editors!

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The Wet BrushWet hair is elastic and easy to damage with traditional brushes, but those tangles wont get themselves out. The Wet Brush is designed specifically to meet the needs of wet hair and has become a fast favorite with stylists! $8 at Amazon

Sanuks Yoga JoyWprdsBag is now available in a variety of new colors, so youll be set for every gift-giving occasion. From your aunts annual Thanksgiving to a coworkers holiday soiree, there is no event this bag cant handle. $30 at Sanuk

DYLN Living Alkaline Water BottleDYLN Living Alkaline Water Bottle - Alkalinity helps to promote optimal health in the body, while acidity has a negative impact. Now you can enjoy the benefits of alkaline water without the waste of single use bottles. $34 at DYLN

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FEED Wine BagTo date, Lauren Bushs FEED Project has helped provide more than 85 million meals all over the world. Now her classic natural fiber tote is available in a wine bottle size. Keep your best vino secure while you help provide 5 school meals with every purchase. $22 at FEED

Green Salve by MotherloveIf it itches, Green Salve to the rescue. This all-natural, versatile salve quickly and effectively takes the itch out of insect bites, bee stings and poison ivy. It soothes and eases the discomfort of rashes, chapped and irritated skin. A must for every moms medicine cabinet. Made with 100% certified organic ingredients. $9 at Motherlove

Summer is a perfect chance to rejuvenate your life. Its both restful and exciting at the same time. If you work outside the home, your schedule may loosen and you find good excus-es to take some of that well-deserved vacation time. If you work inside the home, you, too, may grow a bit more lax in your scheduling, enjoying more non-structured free-time with your young ones and adhering to less strict bedtimes. No matter your situation, its simply a wonderful time to recharge.

Here are a handful of ways to help create some new, healthy habits during this sunny season.

Get Zen. Take some quiet time to yourself and start meditating at the same time each day (yes, even if it involves getting up ear-lier), or take up a yoga class. By using some of your extra summer free time to learn how to properly focus and find inner peace, youll get into a great habit and continue it throughout the rest of the year (the times when you really need it).

finding your balance this summer|by Megan McCoy Dellecese

10

Take advantage of the sunshine. Its difficult NOT to be happy on a gor-geous, sunny day, isnt it? Get outside when nature allows the chance, whether its just to garden or do yard work while the kids run around, or on a more structured na-ture walk. Just be sure to use natural sun protection for any prolonged exposure!

Establish a family reading time. Many studies prove that children who are raised by parents who model good read-ing practices (even if it involves reading a magazine or newspaper) have a far greater chance of becoming life-long readers (and learners). So, block out a quiet time for the family to read, whether separately or all in the same room. Make regular visits to the library to allow your child to try new and different books. Talk about the things youve read, especially any ideas that popped into your heads or questions that might have arisen. Your child is also likely to have less of a summer learning gap when they return to school in the fall since their brains were still exercising all sum-mer long. Youll even no-tice your brain sparking quicker in the process!

Focus on food. Summer is the perfect time to get creative in the kitchen. During this time, meals arent as rushed, grilling allows you to prepare foods in new ways, and the abundance of fresh farmers mar-ket products gets your wheels turning. If youre feeling super adventurous, purchase a CSA (find some near you at Local Har-vest), which can actually last you well into the fall. Either way, be mindful while you cook and add some new recipes to your

meal plan for when things get busy again.

Allow for unstructured play. Okay, most of us do this during the summertime, anyway, but the point here is to create the habit, then see it through. Allow for an allotted time of unstructured play during the same block of time (if possible) every-day. When the autumn hits along with the busyness of school and added responsibili-ties, try to maintain that daily hour or so (before or after dinner, for little ones after a nap, etc) for creativity and imagination to bloom. This is also a time for you to relax and allow your own creative juices to flow, which can be far more powerful than parents may realize.

Get in touch with your inner child. We can get serious and, at times, grumpy when things get stressful. Use the open flow that summer brings to not only get back in touch with your actual children, but with

your own inner child, as well. Throw on your own play clothes and get down in the dirt with your little ones. Blow bubbles and look for shapes in the clouds. Truly listen to the conversations your child starts and reciprocate, no matter how silly or nonsensical they

may be. If playtime doesnt help, try journ-aling to find your true voice again (its not just for teenagers; most people jotted down short diary entries a century ago).

Take just a couple of these steps to heart and see if they help to rejuvenate your spirit this season. Ultimately, its all about taking a step back from the fast-paced environment we all experience daily and filling our summer (and beyond) with moments of calm and joy.

Ultimately, its all about taking a step back from

the fast-paced environment we all experience daily

and filling our summer with moments of calm and joy.

11

12

Question: I recently read about collagen-based supplements and powders to combat aging and capture youthful looking skin. Is there truth behind this trend?

The quest for the fountain of youth...and collagen! It is true that as we age, collagen production slows, resulting in the thinning/sagging of the skin. The good news is we can certainly make efforts to keep our col-lagen engine functioning optimally through our food choices.

Adding collagen-boosting supplements and powders will likely not have a negative affect on your body, but I would save my money and eat real foods that include the full nutri-tional package of collagen, plus a variety of nutrients and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Tomatoes and beets with Lycopene help increase collagen production; Omega-3 fatty acid fish like salmon & tuna are good, Vita-min C rich greens like kale & spinach and fruit like mangos help boost production too. White tea is believed to prevent enzyme ac-tivity that breaks down collagen, along with high quality protein like eggs and grass-fed beef. If its difficult to include these foods in your diet, than you can seek out grass-fed animal protein-based shakes as your source.

Also, complement your diet by monitoring sun exposure, getting lots of fresh-oxygen daily through deep breathing, exercise, and outdoor play to naturally maintain youthful skin and radiance.

Question: Im bored!! I feel like I buy, serve, and eat the same foods day-in, day-out. What do you suggest I do to liven up my meals and get me excited about food again?

I hope I can inspire! Especially since dietary boredom often leads to mindless overeating, less variety of nutrients, and less satisfaction.

A few tips:

1. Ensure that your kitchen is an inspiring environment. Perhaps pick up a few books on Feng Shui to guide you on creating kitchen calm. Clean your space before each meal. This will help work up an appetite, slowly starting the engine of digestion instead of shocking the body, which causes poor digestion. Put on music, light a candle, relax - the Sistine Chapel was not painted in a day, likewise, your body is worthy of time.

Expert Christina Towle answers your questions!

Nutritional Nuggets

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2. Envision your masterpiece meal. Coaches, psychologists, and spiritual advisors recommend the power of imagery. If you envision a healthy meal, you will eat one. A simple way to achieve a vision is to find a recipe for dinner, ideally one with a gorgeous picture. Display the pic in your kitchen or laptop and get ready to smile and enjoy it for dinner that night.

3. Use a variety of colors in your preparation. Colored food provides fiber, vitamins, and phytochemicals. Specifically, purple and blue help memory function; green fruits and

vegetables boost immunity; white and tan fruits maintain healthful cholesterol levels; Yellow and orange fruits promote eye health; red fruits and vegetables promote urinary tract health; and brown whole grains, legumes reduce the risk of colon and other cancers.

4. Finally, frame your creation. Take pictures of your meals to create a showcase of health. Youll track your success while gaining a portfolio of pride.

I hope these tips help spice things up for you!

14

Hot afternoons, wild thunderstorms, and nights filled with fireflies! The summer sol-stice, or midsummer, is a wonderful opportu-nity to celebrate and learn about the warmest season with our families.

At the Peak of the Light The word solstice brings together two Latin words: sol (sun) and sistere (to stand still). At the winter and summer solstices, the sun as seen from Earth appears to pause in its sea-sonal motion and then reverse its path. The summer solstice is the day of the year when the sun seems to rise highest in the sky, following its longest and tallest arc, and rises and sets at its northernmost point on the ho-rizon. This is also the longest day and shortest night of the year, with the difference in day-time hours more noticeable at high latitudescloser to the north or south pole, farther from the equator. In the northern hemisphere, our summer solstice occurs around 21 June each year. (In the southern hemisphere, this date marks the winter solstice; 21 December is their summer and our winter solstice.) Summer festivals and personal observances of the solstice often reflect the following themes:

light, heat, fire, and sun the earth in full bloom: flowers and

greenery life in full bloom: joy, pleasure, creativity,

and stretching into the long day This is the time of Midsummer Day, St. Johns Day, Litha, and the Midnight Sun Festival (in-cluding Nome, Alaskas icy Polar Bear Swim!). In some historical and cultural locations, the summer solstice has also been a magically potent dayand especially nightwhen healing herbs should be gathered and when witches and fairies are abroad. It is a lovely time to read, perform, or see Shakespeares A Midsummer Nights Dream with older chil-dren and to enjoy tales of summer magic with people of all ages.

Celebrating with children How tall is my shadow?

At noon on each solstice day, measure from your childs toe to his or her shadows top. Have the child measure your shadow, too, and record the numbers. After gath-ering data on all four holidays, you can ask your child to guess which shadow was longest, compare your shadows changing heights with your own heights (when did it come up to your knee? when was it about

Stretch into the SunCelebrating the Summer Solstice

|by Molly Westerman

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as tall as you? when would it be too tall to stand up in your living room?), discuss the changing angles of the sun, read up on our solar system and the Earths seasons, and experiment with a flashlight and a globe.

Sun foodsChildren of all ages can help choose, pre-pare, and eat foods and beverages that remind us of the sun. Think shades of or-ange, red, and yellow, as well as foods that can be circular in shape: oranges, pine-apples, grapefruits, pancakes, fried eggs, sun- or flower-frosted cupcakes, brightly-colored juice or punch, and so on.

Flowers and greeneryMake real or paper flower crowns to wear at your solstice celebration. Bring flow-ers or beautiful greenery into your home. Draw or paint a tree, leaf, or flower in its full summer glory.

MusicMany songs celebrate the sun and the long, fun days of summer. Put together a playlist and dance or sing together.

Light a fireBonfires and fireworks are summer solstice traditions in many countries.

Go outsideIf the weather is pleasant, this is a wonder-ful day for a picnic, for playing outside, and for staying out late to witness the enduring light.

Make a sundialInstructions for projectsfrom very simple to elaborateare readily available online. Constructing a sundial is an engaging way to learn about how our days and seasons work.

Looking forward, looking backThis observance can take place with your family or alone. On paper, out loud, or simply in your thoughts, reflect on these questions or others that suit you better: What bright lights and simple pleasures illuminate your life this summer? How can you stretch into the seasons opportunities? What do you miss from winters darkness, and how might you hold onto those gifts in this very different time?

ReadThese picture books are great family read-alouds for the vernal equinox.

The Longest Day: Celebrating the Summer Solstice (Wendy Pfeffer) introduces the science, history, and cultural traditions surrounding this solstice. The book also includes projects and recipes to try at home. For a more fanciful approach to a summer celebration, try The Flowers Festival (Elsa Beskow).

Mama, Is It Summer Yet? (Nikki McClure) is a sweet, simple book about wantingand gettingsummer. Its cut paper illustrations offer lots to point out and discuss. Beach Feet (Kiyomi Konagaya) is another favorite for toddlers and preschool-aged children.

Summer Sun Risin (W. Nikola-Lisa), Summer Days and Nights (Wong Herbert Yee), Come On, Rain! (Karen Hesse), Hot Day on Abbott Avenue (Karen English), and Think Cool Thoughts (Elizabeth Parry) all explore the height of summer with wonderful sensory details and energy.

Celebrating the Summer Solstice

17www.attachmentparenting.org

19

Too often parents take responsibility for their kids screen-free time by structuring activities for them. They think that if kids are upset or bored without electronic enter-tainment, they must provide another activ-ity for them to do. But this is just another form of rescuing. When parents are quick to step in with activities to distract kids from boredom or anger about not having their screens, they inadvertently rob children of the opportunity to develop problem solving skills and resilience.

Turning off the TV is a challenge for many kids and families. Have faith in them to work through this suffering to feel more capable in managing their time. When you have faith in your children to handle their feelings, they will learn to have faith in themselves, too.

It is important that parents do not make children suffer, but sometimes it is most helpful to allow them to suffer with sup-port. Parents too often (in the name of love) want to protect their children from struggle. They dont realize that their children need to struggle, to deal with disappointment, and

to solve their own problems so they can de-velop their emotional muscles and the skills necessary for the even bigger struggles they will encounter throughout their lives.

When allowing children to suffer...

1. Express empathy. You are really angry about not being able to play your video game right now. I understand.

2. Avoid lectures.

3. Do not rescue. Its OK to feel upset.

4. Let them know you have faith in them to figure out what to do.

When a child suffers because she cant watch the show she wants, allowing her to endure this experience can help her develop her resiliency muscles. She learns that she can survive the ups and downs of life, as well as the decision of what to do with her time when there are no screens to watch. The support parents can offer is to validate her feelings, but avoid solving the ultimate problem of what to do instead. Say, I can see this is very upsetting to you. It can be

- simple tips for setting effective -

Screen Time Limits|by Kelly Bartlett

20

disappointing when we dont get what we want. Period. Some parents overdo vali-dating feelings; they go on and on with the hope that validating feelings will take away the suffering.

Validate a childs feelings and then allow her to recover from those feelings. Then comes the tough part no rescuing and no lec-tures. Simply have faith that she can get over her disappointment and figure out what she can do with herself.

Children will learn to get past the disap-pointment of reduced screen time, and they will be able to develop their imagination and creativity in solving the problem of, What should I do? Parents just need to provide an atmosphere of loving support that does not include bawling them out (lectur-ing on how many other toys, games, crafts, and activities there are available to do), and bailing them out (fixing their boredom by providing a new activity). Have faith in your children; they will grow stronger for it.

Decide What You Will Do

You have set a limit on screen time with kindness and firmness. You have faith in your children to handle their unhappy feel-ings about the limit. Now comes the part where you must decide what you will do.

Rather than rescuing a child from solv-ing their problem of, Now what can I do? when the screens are turned off, have faith in them to work it out themselves. Since this usually takes time, it is helpful for you to decide what to do that does not include lectures or rescue in the presence of their turbulent feelings.

No TV until after homework is done. I will be in the kitchen making dinner. Anyone is welcome to come work in there with me.

You may watch a half-hour of TV. You can turn it off when the time is up, or I will.

Everyone must turn their phones off during dinner. I will put mine away and meet you at the table.

Were not going to play video games today. I am going for a bike ride and would love for you to join me.

We have discussed the responsibilities that go along with the privileges of having electronic equipment. When you dont keep our agreements for the responsibilities, I will confiscate the equipment until you are ready to try again.

I know you are disappointed and Im going to give you a big hug; so youd better run if you dont want one.

Stating what you will do allows children to decide what they will do in the face of a limit that has been set. You are communi-cating, I decided what I will do; what will you do? They may continue to cry, com-plain, and have difficult feelings about the limit, and thats OK. They may simply need more time to express and recover from their disappointment. By deciding what you will do, you are providing an example, while ultimately turning the decision over to the child.

Setting Screen Time Limits

21

Follow Through

Many parents have great intentions to set limits around and manage their childrens screen time, but for one reason or another, the limits are never held. Or theyre not held consistently. Sometimes a lack of fol-low through on screen time limits is due to losing track of timeyou tell your kids they can watch a half-hour of television, and before you know it, an hour or more has gone by because you were absorbed in other tasks. Or maybe you dont really want screen time to end because t will mean the kids will go back to their arguing, bickering, or fighting; the screen is a welcome distraction and youre not ready to handle the problems that come when it gets turned off. Or per-haps you just dont want to be the bad guy and have to tell your kids that screen time is over. Theyre enjoying the time, and its tough to be the one who brings it to an end.

Whatever the reason, not following through on a limit you have set about your childs time on front of a video screen sends a few messages:

Limits on screens are not important.

You dont care what they do with their time.

You dont really mean what you say.

Its OK to keep playing or watching, even when youve said stop.

You dont prioritize family engagement.

You lack confidence as a parent.

Children know when you mean what you say and when you dont. It is really that sim-ple. If you say it, mean it, and if you mean it, follow through. Parents sometimes believe that giving children what they want will show them that they are loved. But children will suffer much more throughout their lives if they develop the belief that love means others should take care of them and give them whatever they want.

They will suffer when they dont learn they can survive disappointments in lifeinclud-ing setting limits around electronicsand discover how capable they are in the process. Permissiveness is not the way to help chil-dren develop initiative or any other valuable social or life skill. Parents who say what they mean and mean what they say do not have to use a lot of words. In fact, the fewer words used, the better. When you use a lot of words you are lecturing, and children tune out lectures. One reason you may use a lot of words is that you are trying to convince yourself, as well as your child, that what you want is okay. If what you are asking is rea-sonable, have confidence in your request.

When it is time for TV or video games or computer play to be over, ensure that it does indeed end in a timely manner. You may need to help your children stick to the me-dia limits by following through with kind and firm action. It may take a while for kids to get used to your decisiveness about the limits, but when you are able to follow through each time, they will understand that you mean what you say when it comes to limits on electronics. Say it; mean it; and follow-through.

23

This year, I conquered my fear of gardening.

I have a gorgeous little community plot, 20 feet from my front door. Ive tried to mus-ter up the courage to begin growing food for years, and as a chronic Black Thumb, I wor-ried that I would kill all of the things. So, I conducted an experiment. I bought a basil plant, and vowed if I could keep this one small plant alive for at least a month in my house, I would try my hand at gardening this summer.

As it turns out, I was fearful for no reason. The basil plant survived, and is currently thriving in my small plot of budding earth, just past my doorstep.

Gardening requires some work, but I genu-inely enjoy interacting with nature through cultivating, caring and digging in the dirt. I engage my body and mind, and find myself humming horrible 90s tunes while pulling up weeds and spreading compost. Somehow, MC Hammer and my old food scraps make magic together.

I decided if I was really going to do this, (and I am a person who does things full-out or not at all); I had to bring my toddler, E, into the gar-den with me. Since he is old enough to be ac-tive, I figured he might be old enough to enjoy learning about the broader aspects of organic horticulture and getting filthy in the process.

As with anything involving a toddler, things did not go as planned.

My Zen feelings about gardening with my kiddo dissolved about 10 minutes into our first foray at the plot. I was trying to dig holes to plant our tender starters while E tried to pull up all of the green things and my pro-gress right along with it. And because this is a community garden, he pulled up plants that were not ours. I stopped every 30 seconds to still his hands with mine and quietly say, Gentle touch. Everything that grows is pre-cious. Green things belong in the ground. Then E would immediately resume his Tasma-nian devil activity as I began mentally writing notes of apology to our neighbors who found onions uprooted or baby kale shredded to bits.

Luckily for us, E is well loved and tolerated by our little garden village, so nobody held a grudge. In fact, a few showed E their plots, explained which plants were which, and encouraged him to smell the blossoms and touch the leaves. He loved the special inter-action and listened closely as our neighbors explained the plants to him, absorbing a little bit of information and 100% of the attention.

I figured out small ways to involve E along the way. I gave him his own set of tools I found at a gardening store, as well as a space to work on his own plants and weeds. He quickly caught

how i conquered my fear of gardening|by Carrie Saum

24

on to watering the plants, breaking up the soil, getting his hands caked with mud, and talking to the garden. And by talking, I really mean yelling Daaaaaa! at the top of his lungs ad infinitum while racing up and down the rows.

Our hours in the garden became a bit easier when I resurrected the baby pool from last summer and brought it down to the garden so E could splash and play while I kept a watch-ful eye on him as I pulled weeds, watered my growing plants, and harvested wild lemon balm, peppermint, and rosemary I found ris-ing up along the edges of the property. Now I love pulling off my shoes and dipping my feet in the shallow water for a few minutes and splashing with him before gathering our things and walking home, wet, muddy, tired and usually in good spirits. Fellow community members and I use the water from the wad-ing pool to quench our thirsty plants after E is finished with his fun, and we are careful to use all of our resources, especially in the drought-parched West Coast.

Our community garden lives up to its mis-sion. We are growing together, raising vegeta-bles and babies and awareness around organ-ic, sustainable, urban gardening. We are also building a sweet little community that loves to eat and play and work together.

This years community garden veggie selection includes heirloom tomatoes, zucchini, kale, green onion, cauliflower, and green beans. One of my favorite community meals to make with this abundance? Zoodles with Red Sauce. Anyone can make it, and you dont have to be a green thumb or even a culinary wizard to make this dish. It just takes a little time to prep and simmer, and once its made, it freezes like a dream. I love thawing a batch of red sauce in late fall for a nourishing meal, or share with a

friend who has just had a baby and needs easy, healthy food with minimal effort.

Carries Red SauceFeeds 6 regular people, or 3 growing toddlers.

I n g r e d i e n t s : 6 lbs fresh tomatoes, diced 3-4 Tbsp butter 1 bulb garlic, minced 1 medium onion, diced 2 Tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped 3 Tbsp cup fresh basil, chopped 1 Tbsp fresh or dried oregano 1 Tbsp fresh or dried thyme tsp cumin salt pepper

D i r e c t i o n s :1. In a large stockpot, saut onions until

translucent. Add garlic and saut until barely golden, stirring often.

2. Add tomatoes and dried herbs. Add cumin, salt and pepper.

3. Bring to a bubble (not boil), stirring occasionally. Once its bubbling, cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for an hour, stirring occasionally.

4. Add fresh herbs and simmer covered for another 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Taste sauce and add salt and pepper and more herbs as needed. Remove from heat and serve over your favorite pasta or spiralized zucchini noodles, or allow to cool and transfer to storage containers.

6. This sauce can stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, and freezes for up to 6 months.

how i conquered my fear of gardening

26

Lets play a game. Visualize your childhood playtime routine.

Go ahead!

Was it filled with running, playing and explor-ing in your backyard (and all your friends yards)? Did you ride your bike through your surrounding neighborhoods and maybe even to school to use the jungle gym ad nauseam? Were your summers permeated with spraying sprinklers, green rubber hoses, worn jump ropes, entire days spent outside, and skinned knees? Did your evenings entail playing ball

outside until the street lights came on (at which point you knew youd better get home and fast)? To many of us, this was a very close facsimile of childhood.

Today, these kids would be referred to as free range. Their parents would be practicing free range parenting (also called simplicity or slow parenting). It often involves more unstructured free time, less of a focus on the use of electronic devices, and less hovering of parents around children as they play or make new discoveries. Children are ultimately al-lowed to explore the world at their own pace.

Finding the balance between independence and supervision

|by Megan McCoy Dellecese

Free Range Kids

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It is said that free range parenting is in re-sponse to the widespread trend for parents to schedule many activities and classes after school, solve problems for their children, and often helicopter around their children to help with any issues that arise. Others contend that this less hands-on, more independence-inducing style is simply a return to the style in which many of us were raised.

It is important to note some of the positives of free range parenting. The free range life-style allows children to develop many valuable skills, such as problem-solving, self-confi-dence, and creativity, to say nothing of the val-ue of a well-honed imagination. Children with an active, exploratory life have lower risk of mental health and emotional issues and higher development of motor skills. It is said that the more time kids spend in the great outdoors, as well, lower their chances of developing asthma, allergies, and have a general immunity against many illnesses. They are also far better able to bounce back from the disappointments of life after gaining hands-on troubleshooting experience in their day-to-day activities.

But, as with most forms of parenting, opin-ions differ and controversies arise.

With a greater awareness of child abuse and neglect, many are on the lookout for strange or off behavior - such as seeing children out walking or playing without supervision. Al-though each case and scenario is different and unique, many times we see in these news sto-ries that the children ultimately get picked up by police and, due to proper procedure, taken to Child Protective Services before finally al-lowing the parents to have contact with their missing children.

There are two schools of thought here. One - those poor parents must have been frantic! Two - the same parents would feel worse if their children had gone missing for real. Both are completely valid points.

However, its important to note that America, in general, is at its safest point in years. Ac-cording to a recent child mortality report put together by numerous government agencies, childhood mortality has never been lower. In 1935, there were 450 deaths per 100,000 chil-dren aged 1 to 4, compared with todays num-ber of 30. Some of this can be attributed to a rise in the use of vaccines (do your homework and decide if this is right for you), but the rates have nonetheless continued to drop in recent decades. Homicide rates are at a low of 1.5 per 100,000 children under 14, as well.

Beyond these facts, though, comes the worry. Its not just about a childs possible death (although thats huge). What about an abduc-tion or disappearance? According to the FBI National Crime Information Center, reports of missing juveniles under 18 since 1997 are down 40%. This information also tells of the fact that a vast majority - 96% - of all missing person reports are runaways. A very minute percentage of these cases are what we might consider a stereotypical kidnapping. More details can be found through this informative Washington Post article, but the point is, basi-cally, that things are pretty darn safe on aver-age, depending on your particular life situa-tion and neighborhood demographic.

As parents, we all know that parenting isnt one size fits all. Every child is unique and every parent reacts to situations differently. Hopefully, we can all agree that as long as children are in a loving, cared-for scenario - even if its completely different than our own - theres nothing to worry about.

It is up to us to use our common sense and intuition to recognize when something is seri-ously wrong, or that we simply need to back off and allow other parents the courtesy to make their own choices for their families.

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Heirloom Tomato & Watermelon Salad

Ingredients 1/2 organic watermelon - cut into

cubes

1 pound organic heirloom tomatoes - washed and chopped

1 tablespoon organic fresh organic basil - washed and cut into strips

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

teaspoon coarse grain sea salt or pink salt

Directions1. Place the watermelon, tomatoes and basil

into a mixing bowl and toss with the salt.

2. Place into a serving bowl or dish, drizzle with the balsamic vinegar and olive oil.

3. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

4. Enjoy!

|by Liza HuberCEO & Founder of

Sage Spoonfulstm

This summer salad is sure to be the hit of any barbecue or gathering. Refreshing and nourishing for everyone, but weve made to sure to slice these in the perfect finger food size for older babies (12 months and up) and toddlers to easily handle.

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Blueberry Peach Frozen Yogurt PopsiclesI cant think of a better treat for summer than homemade popsicles. Theyre easy-to-make, deli-cious and healthy. The best part is that you avoid all of the artificial ingredients found in most store-bought popsicles. Suitable for babies 10 months and up, toddlers, big kids and adults.

Ingredients 1 cup organic vanilla yogurt can use

dairy, coconut milk or almond milk yogurt

2 ripe organic peaches or nectarines washed, peeled and chopped

1 cup organic blueberries washed

4 banana slices

Wooden popsicle sticks

Directions1. Place a slice of banana into each jar and place a

wooden popsicle stick into each slice.

2. Put the yogurt, peaches and blueberries into a blender and blend until smooth. Pour the mixture into each jar or popsicle mold until about full.

3. Place into your freezer for 4-5 hours. When you are ready to serve, run the jar or mold under warm water for a few seconds to release the popsicle enjoy!

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Banana Coconut TofuThis mix of banana, coconut and tofu tastes like pudding and I love it - so do the kids! Its a healthy, protein packed treat! Suitable for babies 10 months and up, toddlers, big kids and adults.

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Ingredients 1 large ripe organic banana

1 cup of organic tofu - can use soft or firm

1 heaping tablespoon organic finely grated, unsweetened coconut

Directions1. Place all ingredients into a blender or food processor

and blend until smooth. Serve and enjoy!

2. Banana Coconut Tofu will stay fresh in an airtight container, like Sage Spoonfuls jars, for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Some discoloration of the banana is to be expected, but does not affect taste. Mix well before serving.

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Conscious KitchenSpringtime Cocktails

Anti-Inflammatory CocktailFennel is an anti-inflammatory, anti-histamine, analgesic, & antioxidant. Apples inhibit the development of allergies because rich in histamine-lowering quercetin. Cucumber has analgesic (pain killing) properties and is an antioxidant that prevents the synthesis of the inflammatory compound prostaglandin. Broccoli is anti-carcinogenic, prevents gastric mucosal damage (suggesting potential histamine-lowering action), and finally, ginger is as effective as an H2 receptor antagonist prescription drug.

1 green apple large fennel with fronds 1-inch-piece ginger root 1 large broccoli stem 3 leaves kale cucumber, peeled if not organic

Cut produce to fit your juicer. Start by juicing the apple and finish with the cucumber. Drink as soon as possible.

|by Cherie CalbomThe Juice Lady

32

Morning EnergyBeets contain unique phytonutrients called betalains, which have been shown to provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and detoxification effects.

1 2 carrots, scrubbed well, tops removed, ends trimmed

small beet, with leaves

1 cucumber, peel if not organic 1 handful spinach or several chard leaves lemon, peeled 1-inch-piece ginger root, scrubbed, peel if old

Cut produce to fit your juicers feed tube. Juice all ingredients and stir. Pour into a glass and drink as soon as possible.

33

|by Jennifer KatzingerExcerpted from Gluten-Free &

Vegan for the Whole Family

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Sizzlin KabobsKebabs are such a festive summer food. The whole family will enjoy having a meal cooked on the grill. You might want to grill up some extra vegetables that have been marinating too!

1. To make the sauce, in a large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat the oil and saut the onion and garlic until softened and transparent, about 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes, maple syrup, molasses, vinegar, mustard powder, chile powder, salt, pepper, and paprika to the saucepan. Bring to a boil and reduce the heat to low. Cook, uncovered, for 1 hour. Puree the sauce, using an immersion blender, or in batches in a blender or food processor. Return the sauce to the saucepan and continue simmering for 30 minutes more. Remove from the heat and let cool.

2. Prepare the wooden skewers by soaking them in water for 15 minutes. Preheat the grill to medium heat. Skewer the vegetables and tempeh in a colorful pattern. Brush the kebabs generously with the sauce. Grill the kebabs for 3 minutes on each side. You may need to brush the kebabs with more sauce after flipping to the other side. The kebabs are ready when the vegetables are slightly browned and seared. Serve over rice. Leftover sauce can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator or 2 months in the freezer.

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 small red onion, minced 2 cloves garlic 4 cups chopped fresh tomatoes 1/3 cup maple syrup 14 cup blackstrap molasses 12 cup apple cider vinegar 2 teaspoons mustard powder 1 teaspoon chile powder 1 teaspoon sea salt 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1/8 to 14 teaspoon paprika

4 wooden skewers 8 crimini or button mushrooms 12 shiitake mushrooms 12 cherry tomatoes 1 small orange bell pepper, seeded and cut

into bite-size pieces 2 small baby bok choy, leaves separated 1 yellow summer squash, cut into bite-size

pieces 1 (8-ounce) package tempeh, cut into bite-

size pieces Cooked rice, for serving

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Summer CookoutSoba Noodle Summer Rolls There is so much goodness in these mouthwatering summer rollsbright antioxidant-rich vegetables, creamy avocado loaded with vitamin E, powerful immune-supporting shiitake mushrooms, protein-rich tofu, and satisfying buckwheat noodles! The rice paper wrappers are very sticky, so they hold the rolls together beautifully.

1. In a small bowl, combine the mushrooms and tamari to marinate.

2. Bring a medium pot of water to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook the noodles for 8 minutes. Drain and rinse the noodles under cold water. Slice the noodles into 2-inch lengths.

3. In a dry skillet over medium heat, roast the sesame seeds until they brown slightly and smell fragrant.

4. Prepare a large container of cold water to soften the rice paper wrappers. (I use a large saut pan because the size and shallow depth work well.) Assembling 1 roll at a time, lay 1 paper in the water until softened, about 2 to 3 minutes. Put the softened wrapper on a flat surface and arrange the mushrooms, noodles, tofu, cucumber, carrots, avocado, basil, cilantro, onion, and the sesame seeds

in a line down the center of the wrapper. Sprinkle with oil and, working with your hands, lift up the edge of the rice paper below the filling and fold it over the filling toward the center. Next, fold in the sides of the rice paper toward each other. Finally, roll up the roll. Continue in this way with the remaining filling and rice papers.

5. To make the dipping sauce, in a small bowl, combine the vinegar and green onion. Slice each roll in half to expose the vibrant colors of the filling. Serve with the dipping sauce on the side.

Note: Softened rice paper wrappers are very sticky, so to keep the rolls from sticking to one another in a packed lunch, wrap a bit of parchment paper around each before packing snugly in a container.

10 shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and sliced 1/3 cup tamari 3 oz 100 percent buckwheat soba noodles 12 cup sesame seeds 12 rice paper wrappers 14 ounces tofu, cut into thin rectangles 1 small cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced 1 medium carrot, peeled and julienned

12 avocado, cut into thin slices 1 cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, finely chopped 12 small red onion, minced (about 12 cup) 2 teaspoons chile oil 1 cup rice wine vinegar 1 green onion, minced

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Strawberry Surprise Popsicles These popsicles have a surprising ingredientcucumber! Cucumber not only adds a refreshing note, but its a good source of B vitamins. Strawberries contain vitamin C in great abundance. Try throwing some basil in with the mint for an even brighter flavor.

3 cups fresh strawberries 1 cup chopped peeled cucumber 1/8 cup maple syrup 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice 12 cup fresh mint leaves 12 cup water

1. In a high-powered blender or food processor, blend all the ingredients until completely smooth. Pour the mixture into 6 popsicle molds and freeze for at least 3 hours.

Summer Cookout

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MeasureMents

substitutions

Helpful KitcHen conversions

4 Quarts8 Pints16 Cups128 Oz

3.8 liters

3 Teaspoons1/2 Fluid Ounce

15 Milliliters

2 Pints4 Cups

32 Ounces.95 liters

2 Cups16 Ounces

480 Milliliters

8 Ounces240 Milliliters16 Tablespoons48 Teaspoons

Honey or Apple Sauce : 1 to 1

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Spaghetti Squashin place of pasta

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or Mashed Banana

(for baking)1 to 1

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Per egg - Whisk 1

Tbs flax meal or chia

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to sit for 10 minutes

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81 Free Mix & Match PagesHome Organization, To-Do lists,

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theMore youKnoweco: Water Conservation

40

Water is very necessary for human life. Our bodies need water to live. We use water to grow our crops and to clean our environment. The earths water supply is being contami-nated and depleted by overuse and pollution. Our planet has a water problem, and we have to figure out what to do about it and devise steps to prevent further waste.

Although water makes up 71% of the earths surface, we are having trouble saving it. Take California, for instance. They are now under-going a major drought and by the next year, according to NASA, will be out of water. This could happen in more places if we are not smarter on water conservation.

The easiest way to save water is to not use it when you have no need for it. For instance, you can run some warm water in a sink then plug it up to rinse the dishes instead of run-ning it the whole time, or turn the water off while brushing your teeth.

You should recycle as much water as pos-sible. When washing fruit, you can save the

water and use it to water your plants. When you change your pets drinking bowl, use it to water your plants. When you clean out your fish tank, put the water in a plant. When an ice cube falls out of your refrigerator, put it in your plant.

Always check your water bill. If the bill is higher than usual, you may have a leak in your home. Phone your local water company and ask for them to check for leaks in or around your home. Take 5-minute showers instead of baths. Reward kids for the water saving tips they use.

All of these things can help us save and use water more wisely, and when we save water, we can help other lands or people if they are low, like California. Its up to everyone now to make a change and conserve water, be-cause while water is considered a renewable resource, were not getting any more of it on this planet. There is only so much of it and we need to preserve what we have. The best way to do that is to follow these tips and save as much as we can.

|by Nicholas SopkoOak Meadow Distance Learning

7th Grade Student

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One Room @ a Timeroom -sharing with baby

live

green

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Musical FriendSweet distractions and gentle sleep

soothers can come in handy. We love this pull-string musical lovey and all of its chewy goodness. $ at Kthe Kruse

Extra Organic SheetsWhether you bedshare or not,

baby will likely make a visit for a mid-night feeding, diaper change, or other haphazard sleepy happening. Extra sheets are a must. Starting at $50 at West Elm

SnapPower GuidelightsThese outlet covers include a sen-

sor and ultra energy efficient LED lights that are perfect for illuminating hallways, bathrooms, and kitchens for late night needs. Starting at $15 at SnapPower

Lullaby Earth Healthy Support Mattress in Leaf Pattern

Keep baby safe and close with this fully waterproof mattress weighing a mere 7 lbs. It offers firm and durable construc-tion, square corners for a snug fit, and no harmful chemicals or allergens. This mattress meets the strictest GREEN-GUARD certification standards for elimi-nating chemical emissions and is proudly made in the U.S.A. Available in regular or 2-stage firmness. $199 at Lullaby Earth

Gentle CleanerMore imprortant than ever, gentle

cleansers like vigenar and water are tough on germs and messes, but leave behind no toxins to harm indoor air quality where baby sleeps. Free in your kitchen.

Smart Cookies!Having snacks on hand when

trapped beneath a sleeping, or nursing, baby can be a lifesaver. These smart cook-ies from Bitsys Brainfood are full of real fruits and veggies to help provide vital nutrients for mom or a hungry sibling.

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Tips to green your life... one room at a time!

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Out Came the SunGreen Child Magazine Talks with

Mariel Hemingway

Much of my generation knows Mariel Hemingway as a celebrity who uses her status to advocate for mental health and mindful liv-ing. While we certainly remember her grandfather, iconic Ameri-can writer Earnest Hemingway, I realized in preparing for this interview, not all of us were aware of the depths of the Hemingway family curse of mental illness and suicide.

Mariels new books: Out Came the Sun: Overcoming the Legacy of Mental Illness, Addiction, and Suicide in My Family, and Invisible Girl, a similar memoir written in her own teenage voice, show us how a legendary family wasnt above a stigma that plagues so many families.

After reading her books and having the pleasure of speaking to her, Im touched by the poignancy of Mariels story, told with gra-ciousness and understanding toward her family.By shining a light onto her own dark history, shes helping countless people open their hearts, be conscious, and learn to heal.

Amity: In one way or another, every one of us has been affected by mental illness. Yet most of us are scared or embarrassed and dont want to talk about it. Ive been watching the reaction in the brief time since the book has been out, and its tremendous. Youre connecting with SO many people.

Mariel: Thank you. You know, its time for this. People want to talk about this issue. Its been around longer than any of the diseases we put time and energy into, and yet, its the one we want to pretend doesnt happen.

46

Amity: Your perspective in the books is almost like reading your journal. Its beautiful how you were able to write about your parents and sisters in an objective, yet kind and compassionate, way. How do you think you remained less affected than the other members of your family?

Mariel: I think some of us put ourselves in a world where we want to get better. Some people grow up embedded in deception and denial. Its the reality of what were taught and what we perpetuate. Its really hard to make the choice to change. It isnt a place to think youre better than anyone else or the people you came from.

If you want to be healthy body, mind, spirit and really connected, you have to do that digging and discovering. And its so reward-ing.

Memories really cant hurt us. Theyre so scary in our head, but the minute you say them or write them down, its like, Oh ,thats not so bad. Nothing came out and bit me. So we have misconceptions. Our fears are the fears of things we allow to be buried. But they kind of have a voice and they speak to you, so you push them away. Ultimately, you can push something away so long that eventually it slams you. And the outcome of that can be physical illness, mental illness, poor relation-ships, inability to communicate.

There are so many ways it manifests, but we all have the choice to change. We all have the choice to be healthy. We really do. And thats just becoming conscious about all the choices we make. How we parent, what we eat, wheth-er we remember to breathe or take time to be silent. The things that seem little but theyre

actually big and have a profound effect on our growth and expansion into the world.

Amity: Our readers are quite interested in food, and I know theyll be interested in your thoughts. In the books, you talk about how you used food as a way of exerting control in your life. So you had lots of rules about what you would or wouldnt eat. We joined you with Dr. Greene and Ed Brown for a webinar last year, and youre very involved in the real food movement. Are you at a healthy place in your life with food?

Mariel: Yes, for me food is all about local gardening, farmers markets doing what you can to be connected to your food. Again its about nature. How do we make the circle back? Im not vegan anymore. I used to be everything with a rule or regulation. But now its like: How can I just be mindful? Can I eat fewer animals? And when I do have meat, can I choose animals that werent abused? So its just about being conscious.

Amity: Having taken on the caregiver role when your mother had cancer, you seemed to be formulating a plan of how you were going to parent your children. So often that pattern is repeated, but you raised your daughters in a completely different way.

Mariel: I think theres always someone in a family that says, I dont want to carry this on. Youre not conscious of it when youre young. You live in fear, you dont feel safe, but at the same time you dont know anything different. So you think maybe feeling unsafe is normal... until you realize thats actually not how youre supposed to be.

Out Came the Sun

47

Amity: How old are your daughters now?

Mariel: Theyre 25 and 27. I remember all of it like yesterday. You never lose that connection. Actually, Langley and I just did a Mothers Day project for Coach. They interviewed us separately. It was so cool to hear what she said about me; you just get choked up when you realize you did a pretty good job and your kid likes you!

Amity: Of course she does! Your thoughts on mindfulness and spirituality completely inspired me. Can you share more on that?

Mariel: I dont think of spirituality as a separate thing we do. Everything we do is related to everything. Spirituality is an extension of eating good food in the morning, taking a mindful approach to all that you do. You know, Chop wood, carry water. Do one thing at a time. I think our lives are so complicated now because we have technology up the wazoo and nobody knows when to turn it off. Im as guilty as the next person. But we have to learn to compartmentalize and also learn to take time for yourself; when to be conscious, when to slow down, when to speed up, when to make all kinds of choices. To me, living life is a spiritual experience if youre living in the present moment.

Amity: Its perfect, truly. Another way you inspire us is your Instagram feed. Its so calm and peaceful. Our whole team just breathes more deeply when we look at your photos. And your sweet dog!

Mariel: No, I love your magazine images with kids in nature!

Growing up, that was the only thing I had that made sense to me. Nature was like, Ahhh, this is real. This is life.

Its always there, it doesnt judge. I feel like nature is such an important part of our lives that were not paying enough attention to. I really feel like nature is where God lives. Thats where I feel a connection. Thats my religion, and where I can feel most still and grounded. So I think when youre trying to find a place to tune in to your instincts, thats where you go. Thats what will allow you to hear your in-ner voice.

Amity: And that constant of nature is grounding, too. The stream you sit by is the same today as it was yesterday, and last year, and maybe even from when you were a child. Something that remains unchanged feels really important in a world where your Twitter feed is completely different in five seconds.

Mariel: Its true. And its all about allowing, with no expectation.

Read on in Mariels new books:

Out Came the Sun: Overcoming the Legacy of Mental Illness, Addiction, and Suicide in My Family

& Invisible Girl

Eco travel? With kids? You bet. For many people the term ecotourism brings to mind exotic (and expensive) adventures in far-off places. Many people do enjoy ad-venture traveling with kids. But if the idea of changing diapers atop a pitching whitewater raft or hiking for miles through the steam-ing jungle with your toddler in a sling doesnt make you want to book a flight this minute, dont despair. There are sustainable travel options to please every family regardless of your interests and the ages of your kids.

What is eco travel? You might be wondering if the term eco travel is perhaps an oxymoron. It is true that everything we do has an impact on the envi-ronment. It can be difficult to plan a trip with-out increasing our environmental footprint. However, keep in mind that impact can be positive as well as negative. A well-planned trip can bring positive benefits to the com-

munities you visit. In fact, tourism provides a much-needed economic incentive for many communities around the world to protect their natural and cultural heritage.

Traveling with your kids is also a wonder-ful way to expose them to different cultures and allow them to experience first-hand the wonders of the natural world. This can help them develop tolerance, confidence, and an open-hearted love of and interest in the world critical attitudes to foster if our so-ciety is ever to learn to live in harmony with the earth. Eco travel is full of what educa-tors call teachable moments or, more defini-tively, unplanned opportunities to explain a concept that has unintentionally captured a childs interest, says Irene Lane, president of the eco-travel agency Greenloons. Whether it is touring the rainforests of the Amazon, observing blue footed boobies throughout the Galapagos Islands or understanding the water issues that surround the Okavango Delta in Botswana, eco travel is a vacation experience that provides boundless opportunities to teach younger generations about the fragility of eco-systems and the significance of heritage.

|by Anne Michelsen

Tread Lightly Eco Travel

with your kids!

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Here are some ideas to consider when making your sustainable travel plans:

Think local Your vacant home still consumes resources even while youre away. One way to avoid excess consumption is to plan a vacation at home or staycation. Many people get so caught up in their daily lives that they never take the time to discover and enjoy the won-ders that surround them. Chances are you have a weeks worth of attractions just a short drive or bike ride away from your home. Why not use your vacation time to visit them? Vis-it your local tourist center or talk to friends for ideas. If you are blessed with sensitive or high-need children who get overstimulated easily, this can be a wonderful option. You can even plan a rest day in the middle of the week where you dont go anywhere, just to help them recharge.

Even if you decide to travel away from home, you can still think local. Locally owned, bou-tique hotels and local restaurants and mar-kets offer unique tastes and experiences you will never experience elsewhere. Patronizing them also helps support the communities you visit in a big way. With most hotels, only 4% of their profits go local, explains adventure travel consultant Dana Johnson of Open Leaf Excursions. When you stay in a boutique hotel, an average of 70% of the profits stay in the local economy. Supporting these smaller businesses helps keep the communities you visit vital and alive.

As an alternative, consider arranging a home stay. Green business consultant Shel Horowitz says, (Our family has) been doing that all the way back to 1983, through homestay networks

like Servas or Couchsurfing. Our kids (born in 1987 and 1992) grew up with it. As adults, both of them have stayed members of Servas. Homestays can, and often do, result in deep mutual appreciation and even lifelong friend-ships between members of diverse cultures.

How you get there counts Eight times out of ten, Americans jump in the car when they get the urge for leisure travel. But car travel may not be the most sustainable choice for your trip. According to research by the Sightline Institute, even air travel trumps the average car for fuel emissions per pas-senger, when driving solo. Adding passengers improves your stats (as does driving a fuel-ef-ficient car), but it does make sense to explore alternatives.

If you are traveling to and within urban cent-ers, consider taking the train or bus. These forms of transportation typically consume half the fuel of flying or driving. And as Corinne McDermott of HaveBabyWillTravel.com explains, riding them can add to the fun. Getting around a new city by public transit is a green way to explore a destination that kids absolutely love. Not only are you reducing your carbon footprint, youre saving money too by not taking expensive cabs. Children enjoy taking buses and trains, and you expe-rience more of your destination this way as well. If youre planning a long trip, consider booking a sleeper compartment on the train. Kids love the novelty, and it makes travel a lot more comfortable.

If you really want to travel green, consider bicycle touring. Bikes are amazingly versatile: they can go places cars cant, and you can even take them on many trains and buses. Bicycle


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touring with kids is not as hard as you might think. If youre unsure about it, start small, as software engineer and cycling blogger Richard Masoner suggests: Among bike people, we have a concept of the S24O or the Sub 24-hour overnight trip. You find a destination within easy biking distance for you and your family, and you dont even need fancy or expensive touring gear. My family and I did this with inexpensive city bikes and heavy car-camping gear, camping overnight in a nearby state park. In Califor-nia, many state parks even have camping sites reserved just for those who bike or walk into the site. Richard did this when his kids were 9 and 13, but dont discount bike travel with younger kids, as well. My husband and I traveled 4,000 miles across the U.S. on our honeymoon. On the way, we overtook a young family doing the same thing. The mom was pregnant, and the dad was pulling their 2 year old in a trailer be-hind him. He was happy as a clam at 40 miles a day! Tandem extensions can help bridge the gap for kids who are too big for a trailer and too small to go far on their own. And if youre worried about safety in traffic, plan your trip for an established, dedicated bike trail. Ultimately, youll need to consider more than just carbon emissions when planning your mode of travel. No matter how you choose to go, purchasing carbon offsets can help you make amends to the planet for your travel impact. Sustainable Travel Internationals Carbon Calculator for travelers is a useful tool that lets you calculate your impact and offset it by donating to reforestation, renewable en-ergy, and other sustainable projects.

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impact. Sustainable Travel Internationals Carbon Calculator for travelers is a useful tool that lets you calculate your impact and offset it by donating to reforestation, renewable en-ergy, and other sustainable projects.

Leave no traceWherever you go with your kids, use it as an opportunity to teach respect for the environ-ment and for others. Whether or not your trip involves outdoor exploration, consider teach-ing your kids to follow the Seven Principles established by the Leave no Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics:

Plan Ahead & Prepare Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces Dispose of Waste Properly Leave What You Find Minimize Campfire Impacts Respect Wildlife Be Considerate of Other Visitors

Some of these principles are specific to camp-ing. Challenge your older children to come up with alternatives that apply to non-camping situations, too!

Take a balanced approachOf course you want your vacation to be as eco-responsible as you can make it. But keep in mind that stress is unsustainable, too! Do what you can to plan a trip that supports your familys values and expectations whether its positive social impact on the local com-munity, the availability of good food, access to natural areas, availability of shuttles, bicycles, public transit and/or safe walking paths, green

housekeeping practices, or something else en-tirely. Do your own research by making phone calls to places and chatting with folks as well as reading third party eco ratings and social media reviews. Once you make the decision that feels the best to you, let go of the rest. The last thing you want your eco-vacation to become is tense and frustrating because you are constantly searching for the best sustain-able choice, says Hillary Mizia, executive Director of Shadowcliff Mountain Lodge in Grand Lake, CO. Allow yourself to be im-mersed in the culture and welcome social sustainability on a new level. Expose your kids to happiness while traveling. Give your family the gift of being present. Enjoy yourself!

David Leventhal, owner of the Playa Viva ho-tel in Guerrero, Mexico, agrees. My number one peice of advice is find a place that allows for kids to interact with nature and then do NOT try to schedule, he says. We are so prone these days to schedule every moment of our kids lives, but if you take them to the right Eco locationthe kids will become kids again and their sense of curiosity and espe-cially around nature will emerge.

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with your kids!

The last thing you want your eco-vacation to become is tense and frustrating because you are constantly searching for the best sustainable choice, says Hillary Mizia, executive Director of Shadowcliff Mountain Lodge in Grand Lake, CO. Allow yourself to be immersed in the culture and welcome social sustainability on a new level. Expose your kids to happiness while traveling. Give your family the gift of being present. Enjoy yourself!

Not sure what to plan for your next family vacation? Here are our top eco-friendly picks:

1. National Parks Between them, the U.S. and Canada boast nearly 100 national parks, offering spec-tacular landscapes and awesome outdoor experiences for families of all ages. Many require reservations for camping and lodg-ing, so plan your trip in advance.

2. Glamping Not a hardcore camper? No worries. Glamping (glamour + camping) resorts offer a cushy alternative the outdoor experience wrapped in luxury. Staying in a yurt, treehouse or other cool struc-ture with ready access to running water and other necessities is a relaxing experi-ence the whole family can enjoy - includ-ing special needs families or those with very young kids. For more information on glamping visit InspiredCamping.com [http://www.inspiredcamping.com/].

3. Volunteer vacation Family volunteering is a wonderful way to give back to the communities you visit and

empower your kids to be a positive agent of change. There are volunteer vacations available worldwide; for more information visit GoEco.org. [http://www.goeco.org/tags/family-volunteering]

4. Farm or Ranch Stay Imagine your kids faces as they collect their own eggs to eat for breakfast, pull car-rots from the farm garden, eat blueberries right off the bush, then race to the creek running through the property to splash and wash off messy hands. Farmstays of-fer families a chance to experience life in the country, to understand where and how your food is grown or raised, and to con-nect families with the natural world, with farmers, and ultimately with each other. FarmstayUS.com offers a searchable data-base of farm and ranch stays nationwide.

5. Alternative Transportation Tours Why not make the journey itself the desti-nation? Besides bike touring, there are lots of other non-motorized options: trips by canoe, kayak, horseback, or even covered wagon!

top green family travel ideas|by Anne Michelsen

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Summer Sun Safety

Ah, a day in the summer sun! You set off with the family to the beach, a campsite, or perhaps youre off for a fun-filled day at an amusement park. Youre excited for a day of adventure, lounging, swimming, or searching for shells.

Time flies when youre having fun.

Its easy to let the hours slip by without even realizing just how long youve been out (weve had the red shoulders to prove it!). Sun safety is vital, and we hope that these tips, along with a few of our favorite items, will help you have a sun-safe summer!

Sunscreens: Both sunscreen use and skin cancer rates have increased in the past several years. Its not a coincidence. Conventional sunscreens are loaded with harmful chemicals, some even known to cause cancer, the very thing youre trying to prevent. You can find a great list of non-toxic sunscreens on our website.

Beach bag must-haves!Make your day at the beach (or pool) a breeze with these must-haves. A) Eco Lips SPF 30 Lip Balm B) Vapour Nail Polish (for touch ups!) C) Blue Planet Eyewear D) Earth Mama Angel Baby Mama Bottom Balm (perfect for bug bites, scrapes, and minor burns) Prices vary.

A

B

C

D

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EWG Top-Rated SunscreenWith aloe vera, green tea, chamomile, and blood orange extracts, Protect All Overs non-nano UVA and UVB formula hydrates skin with moisture and antioxidants. Lightweight and water-resistant, this non-nano zinc oxide formula blends into skin, which means you wont be sporting the iridescent white sheen this summer. The light lemon scent is refreshing, and so is the fact that this sunscreen is safe for the whole family. $26 at Beautycounter

UV Protective Clothing Extra coverage means less sunscreen to slather on a wiggly little guy in a hurry to get to the water. And with sun protection of UPF 50+, you wont have to worry about drying him off to reapply. Soft, stretchy, and super comfortable, these colorful swim shirts are chlorine and salt water resistant. $29 at UV Skinz

Bug StickOne touch of this silky smooth botanical butter, and youll never want to use another spray insect repellant again. Rather than drying out your skin, Dr. Fedorenkos Bug Stick hydrates and protects with an effective blend of pure essential oils to keep biting insects away for hours. Plus, it smells amazing! $30 at Amazon

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Reduce. Reuse.

Recycle.

Many of us remember this early mantra of the Green movement.

Embracing a green lifestyle is about more than a nice catch phrase. While we know those activities are a huge part of going green, once you really embrace organic foods, cleaning with environment friendly products, recycling as much as possible, the next logical step is to care for yourself and your family naturally as well.

Transitioning from over-the-counter and prescription medications for every ailment to treating with diet, herbs and essential oils (a/k/a plant medicine) is a huge change for many people. Popping a pill for every illness is so easy and has become so engrained that a change to plant medicine can seem a daunting task. As with any other lifestyle change, it is a process and not one to be taken lightly. That being said, the long term rewards are great if you make the change the right way.

Education is KeyAs a society, we are constantly bombarded with information about side effects caused by every possible medication. Just as with medi-cations, there are side effects caused by herbal remedies and essential oils as well. If youre using herbs and oils for medicinal purposes, you need to educate yourself about what youre using before you use it.

You need to know not only what to use but when and how to use it. Just as you wouldnt self-prescribe medication (hopefully) for a serious medical condition, you should treat plant medicine with the same respect. Al-ways get a sound diagnosis before treating with plant medicine just as you would with any other medication. At the outset of your path toward natural health, find a good local naturopath to talk to when you need addi-tional information or help. And always con-sult a naturopath, a midwife or other licensed healthcare professional well versed in natural healing if you have any of the following issues:

Acute pain that doesnt go away

Your condition changes suddenly or dras-tically (and not in a good way)

|by Susie Lyons

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Your symptoms keep coming back Your symptoms dont improve after a full

week of consistent treatment

If youre serious about using plant medicine, it is vital to find a trusted source for informa-tion. Folklore and traditional healing are edu-cational and fascinating but make sure youre getting information that has been thoroughly researched. Some highly regarded sources are Earth Mamas Herb Gallery, Aviva Romm, Rosemary Gladstar, the American Botanical Council, Dorene Peterson and the American Herbalist Guild.

Safety FirstWhen using plant medicine, more is not nec-essarily better. Youre much better off using small doses on a scheduled, consistent basis than giving a big dose at one time, especially with children.

As Melinda Olson, founder of Earth Mama Angel Baby says Something to remember about plant medicine is it is processed by your body the same way your body processes food. Nettles, for example, are delicious when steamed and eaten like spinach. But, the an-tihistamine effect is short lived. You wouldnt ask your body to be sustained long term with steamed spinach, you need to eat again to be sustained. Herbs usually go through your body quickly, which means the benefits do, too. This is a great rule of thumb to remem-ber when thinking about how plant medicine works in the body.

Other things to keep in mind when using plant medicine or essential oils are:

Children are smaller and their ability to process drugs or herbs is not the same as adults. Always use a reduced dosage for children.

Mild infusions or weak teas ( teaspoon or teaspoon of herb to one cup of boil-ing water) are a good way to give herbs to your children. Always make a fresh batch each time.

Use mild herbs for children.

When using essential oils topically on children, use about 1 drop to 4 teaspoons of carrier oil. Their skin is thinner and they will absorb more than an adult.

Consider the age of the child youre treat-ing. Some oils and herbs should never be used for infants and still others shouldnt be used on children under the age of 10.

Inhalation is one of the best ways to use essential oils for children. Invest in a good quality diffuser and distilled water. Diffuse for thirty minutes, stop for thirty minutes, diffuse for another thirty minutes, stop for thirty minutes, etc.

Start SmallAs with any lifestyle change, its easy to be-come overwhelmed with the amount of in-formation out there. Dont expect to be an expert overnight. Start small with a few good, all purpose herbs and oils and go from there. When asked which five herbal remedies or plant medicines she would always keep on hand, Earth Mama Melinda Olson recom-mended lavender (for its antibacterial, calm-ing and uplifting properties), yarrow (as an

You wouldnt ask your body to be sustained long term with steamed spinach, you need to eat again to be sustained. Herbs usually go through your body quickly, which means the benefits do, too.

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antifungal, antibacterial and for its ability to stop bleeding), calendula (a wonderful wound healing herb, it has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties), lemon balm (for ten-sion, restlessness and irritability) and nettles (a great antihistamine and a must have for spring tonics).

Start with these five herbs, some organic jo-joba, coconut, olive or almond oil, self-sealing tea bags, a glass pot or teapot to heat water and you have a great starter kit for herbal healing. Five simple herbs may not seem like much but that is one of the wonders of plant medicine. One herb can have several constit-uents that make it effective for several condi-tions or ailments. Instead of taking a handful of pills every day, imagine having a cup of herbal tea instead! The more you learn, the more youll add as you see what works best for your family and what you can do without.

Have Fun!Above all else, have fun with compiling your plant medicine chest.

Find local wild crafting experts and take your children on a nature walk and pick your own plants and herbs.

Get your children in the kitchen for a nightly ritual of making homemade chamomile tea.

Start your own herb garden. You can do this in minimal space and it makes a wonderful family project.

If you start them early and make it fun, you will be giving your children a lifetime of healthy living and family traditions to pass on for generations to come.

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Grow Healthy. Grow Happy. The Whole Baby Guideby Becky Cannon

From the founder of trusted company i play, this truly is the only guide for whole family living youll need. With sections on raising a whole baby (including well-ness, spirit and learning broken down in practical and theoretical terms), a foundation of whole foods (on establishing holistic eating habits from the start with mouth-watering recipes included),

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Green Child