Before our children are developmentally able to focus on consequences, it’s up to us to help them see alternatives to immediate choices. We can shift focus from GIMME CANDY to things and ideas that will still satisfy in other ways. I usually welcome my children to have a small amount of Halloween candy. My son … Read more
As I’ve been thinking about healthy lunches and what’s for lunch at schools recently, I keep coming back to the problem of soda and children. Specifically, I wonder what is the state of soda in schools. To answer my question, I’ve set out on an investigation. The situation is actually better than I expected, but better isn’t … Read more
A year ago my children carved pumpkins on our sidewalk. They didn’t really clean up very well. Can you see where this story is going? We were surprised in the spring to have little pumpkin plants pop up in our flower garden (you can see our poor flowers struggling to reach the sun between the … Read more
Sometimes before you can start new habits that are good for you, good for your children, and good for the environment, you have to let go of old habits to make room. During January we had a whole month of Save Green habits. We don’t think too much about habits. That is what makes them habits. Becoming … Read more
Has your child ever come home from a birthday party with a bag of candy and throwaway plastic toys? Is there really anyone who can say “No!” to that? I’ve even seen myself give out party gifts that make me groan and feel more determined than ever to improve the loot bag with each passing … Read more