The top 5
August 24, 2010 | The top 5
As we scroll and click at our computers ordering school supplies, lunch prep returns as central to our mission. Once we cover lunch and rain boots (LL Bean Puddle Stompers), we’re set. Here’s our guide to lunch basics:
1. Our Eco-Friendly School Gear list includes lunch bags, food containers, and some other good tips to remember for a child’s school cubby.
2. This year’s addition to the Eco-Friendly School Gear are stainless steel food containers. We’re using the Kids Konserve Nesting Trio with soft tops and LunchBots Containers, which fit larger items and have stainless lids.
3. The Kids Konserve lunch kits offer one stop shopping and a great school fundraiser idea for September. They also raise parents’ awareness about packing lunches with reusable containers.
4. After trying a variety of water bottles, we find the 10 ounce Ecousable water bottle the perfect size and easy for kids to open and drink.
5. For delicious and nutritious foods to put inside all these containers, check out our School Lunch Ideas.
March 10, 2010 | The top 5
Tantrums are self-expression–the loud, messy version. They are a normal and important part of childhood, in our experience peaking around 18 months and again in the form of three and a half year olds. The terrible twos is a misnomer.
In the big picture, it’s good for children to test boundaries and make demands, to learn about compromise and not getting what they want. The question though, is what to do with a screaming child?
1. Let it happen. For parents, these big upsets can be jarring, exhausting, and when they happen in public, embarrassing. We stop ourselves from jumping to conclusions about why our kids are upset or restrict our child’s need to express their feelings. We hang in there, not giving in while also, once they’ve told us what they want, acknowledging their desires. We offer an alternative, redirect them to a new activity. Sometimes they’ll move on, or we may have to ride the emotional wave until they’re finished.
We try to stay objective and not take it personally. We remind ourselves that we’re not the only parent whose child screamed, “I hate you!” in the supermarket. We tell our child it’s not okay to talk to one another that way, give them other words to express their anger (“I’m angry at you!”) and leave as soon as possible.
2. Avoid triggers. We notice our three year-olds suffer from possession envy–as in I must have whatever my brother has, right NOW! More
August 19, 2009 | The top 5
In a few weeks, we slide from summer into preschool. As we sort through closets for school clothes, we remember how school days look and feel, and our lessons from last year. Here are the top five:
1. Late doesn’t mean hurry up. If we rush preschoolers in the morning, they cry or complain and we’re more late.
2. Still, some days there’s no time for eggs and toast. A banana on the way counts.
3. Kids pick out their outfits. Even if they don’t match and the shirt’s on backwards. We make sure they’re warm enough.
4. It doesn’t matter what other parents think. If our child’s wearing crazy clothes or hollering at drop off, we’re all doing the best we can.
5. Take it slow. Patience during the “Mommy don’t go!” mornings, and letting the kids adjust to school before trying ballet or T-ball. Depending on their personality, for three and four year olds just school can be plenty.
July 23, 2009 | The top 5
We turned into gardeners with our first cherry tomato plant–we’re talking basic starter plant in a pot, nothing fancy. We eventually grew into a larger planter, adding carrots, green beans and chard. The key is small steps, which keeps it fun and everyone can help. Soon we’re concocting our own bug repellent.
The garden is a huge source of activities for kids, and broadens their perspective about food–it’s worth the adventure!
1. Plan & Shop. We walk around the yard or patio to find a garden spot. Good sun and space for a few plants to grow, whether in a planter or the yard. Again, the idea is to start small. For supplies, the local gardening store has seeds and/or starter plants (starts) and organic compost. We ask their recommendations too, and might add a small shovel, gloves and wire frame for vine plants like tomatoes.
When choosing what to plant, we consider what we like to eat and what’s easy to grow given the season and climate. More
May 7, 2009 | The top 5
Oliver and his great grandma sitting on the porch.
Mother’s Day is a moment to recognize ourselves while we celebrate just being together with our families. We love flowers from the garden and scribbley drawings. And if someone happens to ask what else we really want for Mother’s Day, being moms, we’ve started a list.
On Mother’s Day we’d like to:
1. Lie down for at least 30 minutes, then read the paper or a book while drinking a cup of tea with honey.
2. Take a walk.
3. Appreciate and perhaps be appreciated for the fact that it is so much work.
4. Stay in the moment.
5. Listen more to our hearts and less to the thoughts hovering in our heads.
Happy Mother’s Day!
