KIWI’s Dr. Rosen on day-to-day courage:

When my daughter was only three or four years old, she was obsessed with the “Wizard of Oz” movie. We must have watched parts of it daily for the better part of a year. I know this is not unusual based on the numbers of preschoolers I see in my office wearing ruby red slippers. While I am not a big fan of TV for kids, the fun we had watching clips here and there only served to stimulate her incredible imaginary play the other waking hours of our days.

One of my favorite parts is the following interchange:

Cowardly Lion: …What makes the elephant charge his tusk in the misty mist, or the dusky dusk? What makes the muskrat guard his musk? Courage! What makes the sphinx the seventh wonder? Courage! What makes the dawn come up like thunder? Courage! …What have they got that I ain’t got?

Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Woodsman: Courage!

Cowardly Lion: You can say that again!

Courage, of course, comes in many sizes. Big and small. What I’m writing about here is the day-to-day courage to stand up for your way of life no matter how much others in your life and community may disagree with you.

A recurring theme has developed lately in my conversations with families in my practice. Even though “green” is everywhere, there are still many challenges families face when they adopt a more natural lifestyle. As I noted last month, there are many baby steps to going green that make it easier to move in that direction. Sometimes cost and access can be significant barriers. But the biggest challenge may be trying to convince others in our communities that what we’re doing for our own kids is what’s best for them. One mom told me a story about how, when she politely declined a junk food snack for her toddler in a playgroup, she was not-so-politely requested to find a new playgroup. Mind you, she wasn’t trying to convert anyone to her way of life, just stating a preference for her child. Another parent has been working for years to introduce healthier hand sanitizer options in her local elementary school. Her main challenge? Not convincing the school administration to look at other options – they’re on board. It’s other parents who remain convinced that commercial alcohol- and chemical-based products are the only effective solution, regardless of safety concerns. A family considering non-pesticide lawn care was ambushed one weekend by neighbors, calling them “bad citizens” for possibly exposing their yards to weeds. Weeds?!? What about the exposure of the children and their pets to the toxic pesticides drifting and running into the family’s yard? Sometimes these battles take place within families. In one home, a mom is constantly fighting her own mother, forever scouring the medicine cabinets and tossing out the artificially-dyed and sweetened cold medicines that the grandmother insists her 8-month old grandson needs for his teething-related mild stuffy nose.

These are just a few of the daily examples of those I think of as “parent warriors,” fighting for what they believe in. It takes a lot of courage to stand up for what you think will best serve your child – for what you know intuitively is right – when it seems that the world is against you. I still maintain the best path to enlightenment is through education – of other families and of children. I have witnessed several instances of children encouraging other children to recycle or reduce waste or eat organic food. It’s a marvelous transformation to behold. Fortunately, these acts of childhood courage are often met with more openness and less resistance than their grown-up counterparts. Maybe we should all pay more attention to our kids.

Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day saying, “I will try again tomorrow.”- inspirational author, Mary Anne Radmacher

—KIWI columnist Dr. Lawrence Rosen

Summer is just around the corner, and camping or hiking are great outdoor activities to keep your entire family moving.

And since you’re probably going to end up carrying all of your little one’s gear, water, and snacks, why not use an environmentally friendly pack? The North Face Treehugger 32 Pack is totally eco: the buckles are made from 100% recycled and reground plastic; the webbing, mesh, and foam are made from 100% recycled fabric. It’ll give you tons of space, plus there are great convenient exterior pockets to slip your (stainless steel, I hope!) water bottle into for easy access!

Looking for some other ideas for summer activities? The North Face has announced June 2010 as their second annual National Camping Month. They’ll be hosting free events across the nation with activities, educational clinics, and gear giveaways. Their goal is to increase youth (and adult) participation in outdoor activities. For more info, check out planetexplore.com.

-Nicole McGovern

Raise your hand if you feel guilty that you don’t spend enough time with your kids. Anyone? Everyone? Well parents, rest assured that you are not alone. But some good news: A recent study out of the University of California, San Diego, found that family time has risen dramatically since 1995.

The study looked at surveys that analyzed how parents used their time between 1965 and 2007. Before 1995, moms spent about 12 hours a week on family child care. As of 2007, that number rose to 21 hours for college-educated moms, and to nearly 16 hours a week for all other moms. Dads, too, are in on the fun. College educated dads are now spending 10 hours a week with kids, compared to about 4 hours a week before 1995.

The study did not look at times when parents were around their kids, say at dinner. It focused on activities where the parent is directly involved with the child: helping with homework, playing catch outside.

You’re probably wondering where all the extra time is coming from. Well, moms are spending less time cooking and cleaning, while dads are putting in fewer hours at the office. More good news: Divorce rates are dropping with each generation, and more couples are sharing housework responsibilities, so they have more time together.

How do you ensure you spend quality time with the fam? What kinds of activities do you do?

-Nicole McGovern

My mom always stressed the importance of everyone eating dinner together as a family–as often as possible. As much as I hate to admit it, she was right (and there’s scientific proof to back her!). A new study shows that regular family dinners can actually improve asthmatic children’s lung functions.

The study found that asthma is directly related to separation anxiety. So, eating together as a family can provide little ones with a sense of security and regularity, therefore reducing their separation anxiety symptoms.

Family interaction and dinner conversation is super-important too, so keep the bickering to a minimum! Let everyone take turns discussing their day or what they’ve got planned for the week ahead. It’s also a great time to casually check up on your children’s asthma: ensure they’ve been taking their meds and always have their inhaler handy. Kids will feel protected just knowing that there is an adult looking out for them.

So this Sunday, take a look at everyone’s schedule and try to plan at least four nights where you can all sit down to dinner. And of course, feel free to try some of KIWI’s delicious (and healthy!) recipes.

-Nicole McGovern

When I was in grammar school (and high school, for that matter), I’d do anything to get out of gym class. I’d fake cramps, go to the nurse, “forget” my gym clothes. Now, I was a fairly active kid–I took dance classes three nights a week for almost 15 years–but contact sports and working out weren’t my thing. And when it came time for the physical fitness test, forget it! I’d practically make myself sick at the thought of struggling to do pull-ups while the entire class watched. Why am I getting graded in gym class, I’d wonder? What does it matter if I run a 5- or 15-minute mile?

But apparently, it does matter. According to a recent study from West Virginia University, kids who are more physically fit do better academically. The study looked at standardized test scores (in science, math, reading, and social studies) along with the fitness levels of about 700 5th grade students over a two year period. The results:

• Highest test scores: students who were fit at both the start and end of the study
• Second highest: students who were not fit in 5th grade, but increased their fitness level over two years
• Third highest: students who were fit in 5th grade, but their fitness level dropped over two years
• Lowest scores: students who were not fit at the start or end of the study

Coincidentally, another study by the Agricultural Research Service demonstrated that kids lose more weight when following an instructor-led program rather than working on it alone. This six month study was focused on 57 overweight children. Half of them did a self-taught program: they studied weight management books several times a week. The other half spent that time outdoors with an instructor along with a once-a-week indoor session learning about nutrition. The children working with the instructor lost more weight and had a major decrease in their body mass index (BMI) nearly two years later.

So, if physically fit kids do better in school, and instructor-led programs produce a greater effect on kids, should schools implement more physical education classes per week? What do you think?

-Nicole McGovern

US map by chumworth, flickr

We all know that President Obama’s State of the Union is this week (especially since we learned it wouldn’t conflict with the season premiere of Lost). And whatever he says, there are some kids out there who have their own opinions about the world. Here’s just some of what a group of 9-13 year olds said in a survey conducted by TIME for Kids and KidsHealth.org:

*Two out of three kids agree with the statement, “My future is going to be great.”

*51 percent of kids think the world will be a better place in 10 years.

*63 percent of kids say they worry about money “a lot” or “sometimes.”

*39 percent of kids think math is the school subject most important to their future careers. That’s followed by reading (20%), science (13%), and technology (10%).

How would your child answer those questions? Ask him: You might be surprised! (Also: Are you going to watch the State of the Union? Will your kids?)

—Sarah, KIWI editorial director

Lately, I’ve noticed some tweens and young teens hanging around the local coffee houses. While it’s great that they have a safe, relaxed atmosphere in which to hang out, I’m more curious about the stuff they’re drinking. I remember by my junior or senior year in high school, some students would slide coolly into first period with a Starbucks cup in hand—and even that seemed a little strange at the time (this, of course, spoken by someone who didn’t try coffee until her final year in college). But what about fourteen-year-olds? Twelve-year-olds? Kids even younger? With it’s high levels of caffeine, is coffee OK for them to drink?

No matter what your age, too much caffeine can negatively impact the body, causing things like jitteriness, upset stomach, headache, difficulty concentrating, and increased heart rate. While it would take most adults a couple of cups to feel coffee’s ill effects, kids’ bodies are smaller and less accustomed to that feeling of perkiness accompanied by a daily morning mug of joe.

There’s no official recommendation for caffeine intake for kids in the U.S., but the Canadian government puts the limit at 85mg for kids 10-12. To put that in perspective, the average cup of coffee (that’s 6-8 oz., which is considerably smaller than any of the cup sizes at most coffee shops) contains about 100mg of caffeine. In other words, java and kids don’t mix—at least not until they’ve reached their teens. According to a health care provider quoted at Parent Map, parents shouldn’t worry if their teenager has a cup of coffee each day. It doesn’t stunt growth, and as long as it’s drunk in moderation, won’t cause hyperactivity.

How to deal if your younger kid wants coffee? Let her drink decaf (it’s got only 6mg of caffeine) or antioxidant rich brews like green tea (35-70mg caffeine) or herbal tea (caffeine free).

-Marygrace, KIWI staff writer

You may still be on the hunt for that perfect pair of cute-and-comfy shoes, but at least you can end the search for your little one. ScooterBees makes adorable, snug-fitting, eco shoes for the infant and early toddler sets.

The soft-soled shoes are designed to accommodate a variety of sizes (which means even the chubbiest of feet will fit!) and thanks to no laces, they’re easy to put on squirmy feet as you’re running out the door. They’re also green: Each pair features a recycled fleece lining (making socks optional), a midsole made of recycled milk cartons, and an outsole that contains recycled rubber.

The best part (besides being machine washable)? They’re incredibly cute and kid-friendly. Interchangeable flaps tell a story (watch as a baby owl grows up!) and let your kid pick which design he wants on top. Find a retailer here.

Calling all kids: Do you like to read? Maylee does, and she’s looking for some fun new books! Share with her the name of your favorite book, plus why you like it so much. Don’t forget to leave your first name, age, and parents’ e-mail, too!

If you (or your kids) are dreaming of sleeping in dorms, eating in cafeterias, or going to school with thousands of more students than you could imagine while in high school; then, we want to make sure your college experience is as green as can be. Sustainability on college campuses is on the rise, but how eco-friendly is your dream school? Good news: our 2008 Green College Report is available online. Even better, we just launched our online survey for colleges and universities to apply to enter our 2009 Green College Report. We’ll be featuring this report in our September/October 2009 issue of KIWI Magazine in addition to providing you with our complete online version.

Click here to join our 2009 list.

– Stephanie, KIWI staff and believer that every college and university can practice sustainability

Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial beginning of summer. Beaches fill with umbrellas and sandcastles, swim clubs open for the season, campgrounds flood with tents, and the smell of barbeque pervades neighborhoods. Start your holiday weekend with our bbq favorites and the natural condiments to go with them.

Between the Buns
All-Beef: For a plump, hearty, tastes-like-it-came-off-the-grill treat, try Applegate Farms Great Organic Hot Dog. Made with 100% organic grass-fed beef, this dog has half the fat as many traditional varieties, but all the flavor as your childhood faves.

Pork & Beef: Juicy, with hints of both sweet and salty, Organic Prairie’s Uncured Hot Dog gives a great snap as you bite into it. For the youngsters, try Niman Ranch Fearless Uncured Franks for Kids. These dogs are made with antibiotic- and hormone-free meat, plus the mild flavor and thin shape make them a great choice for little mouths.

Vegetarian: Want a dog, but not meat? Packed with protein, LightLife’s Veggie Dogs, made with organic ingredients, and all-natural Yves Good Dog boasts a delicious hickory flavor. Plus, there’s no saturated fat or cholesterol in these dogs, making them one summer snack that won’t ruin your diet.

Poultry: Organic Prairie Uncured Chicken Hot Dogs and Uncured Turkey Hot Dogs are skinless, made from organic meat and boast a smoky and hearty taste, but contain much less fat than pork or beef dogs.

Tasty Toppers
Ketchup: With Annie’s Naturals Organic Ketchup, delight in the same traditional ketchup taste that you love but without the high fructose corn syrup or pesticide-ridden tomatoes. Or try a new twist on an old classic with Wholemato’s Spicy Organic Agave Ketchup, a thick adaptation with a smoky flavor that’s sweetened with agave nectar.

Mustard: Available in a jar or a squeeze bottle, Eden Organic Yellow Mustard Stone Ground with Apple Cider Vinegar is essential for any condiment lover. Gentle hints of vinegar and garlic harmonize in this smooth-textured mustard.

Sauerkraut: Tree of Life sauerkraut contains only organic cabbage, water and salt, making it mild enough for even the youngest family member to enjoy.

Relish: For a refreshing summer treat, top your dog with the crunchy Del Monte Organic Sweet Pickle Relish. Its tangy taste will be sure to put your tongue into overdrive.

– Cricket Azima, KIWI Food Editor and lover of bbqs

EACH CAMP INCLUDES: Professional cooking instruction of hands-on kid-friendly recipes in a focused, fun and safe environment. Trained culinary teachers from Whole Foods Market Bowery Culinary Center and KIWI Magazine. A limit of 12 participants, ensuring a low child-to-instructor ratio. Cooking projects, games, craft activities and creative excursions. Lunch or snack and beverages (special diets can be accommodated). Lessons on sustainability, composting, gardening, recycling and other eco-friendly ways of life. Apron, chef’s hat and a graduation goodie bag packed with cool stuff!

SESSION I:
Half-Pint Voyager: 2 ½ to 4 years
11am – 12pm
July 14TH to 16TH
Jr. Jetsetters: 5 to 7 years
2pm – 3:30pm
July 13TH to 17TH
World Explorers: 8 to 10 years
11am – 2pm
July 20TH to 24TH
Globe Trekkers: 11 to 14 years
11am – 2:30pm
July 27TH to 31ST

SESSION II:
Half-Pint Voyager: 2 ½ to 4 years
11am – 12pm
August 11TH to 13TH
Jr. Jetsetters: 5 to 7 years
2pm – 3:30pm
August 10TH to 14TH
World Explorers: 8 to 10 years
11am – 2pm
August 17TH to 21ST

To enroll in KIWI Kids’ Camp, please register online. For general questions about the camp or to register over the phone, please contact Alison Martin at the Whole Foods Market at 408-257-7000 x325.

Whole Foods Market, Stevens Creek Culinary Center
20955 Stevens Creek Blvd.
Cupertino, CA 95014

Join chefs from KIWI® Magazine and Whole Foods Market® in exploring culinary regions of the world through food and festivity. Each camp incorporates exciting global foods and facts. We’ll crank up the heat and get hands-on as we make international dishes from places such as Mexico, Morocco, China, Italy and Japan. The camps culminate in an around-the-world cooking competition. Explore continents and countries one plate at a time!

The Whisk and The Spoon
The Learning Kitchen at Whole Foods Market, Princeton
3495 US Route 1 South
Princeton, NJ 08540
Phone 609.799.2919

SESSION I:
Half-Pint Voyager: 2 ½ to 4 years
11am – 12pm
June 29 and 30
Jr. Jetsetters: 5 to 7 years
11am – 12:30pm
July 1 to 3

SESSION II:
Globe Trekkers: 11 to 14 years
11am – 2:30pm
August 24 to 26
Jr. Jetsetters: 5 to 7 years
11am – 12:30pm
August 27 and 28

To enroll in KIWI Kids’ Camp, Please register online or if you want to register over the phone or have additional questions please email Nirit Yadin nirit.yadin@wholefood.com or call 609.799.2919 ext. 305.

EACH CAMP INCLUDES: Professional cooking instruction of hands-on kid-friendly recipes in a focused, fun and safe environment. Trained culinary teachers from Whole Foods Market Bowery Culinary Center and KIWI Magazine. A limit of 12 participants, ensuring a low child-to-instructor ratio. Cooking projects, games, craft activities and creative excursions. Lunch or snack and beverages (special diets can be accommodated). Lessons on sustainability, composting, gardening, recycling and other eco-friendly ways of life. Apron, chef’s hat and a graduation goodie bag packed with cool stuff!

AUGUST DATES: TBD. CHECK BACK FOR SCHEDULE UPDATES

OR CALL THE CULINARY CENTER AT 916-488-2800

To enroll in KIWI Kids’ Camp, please register online. For general questions about the camp or to register over the phone, please contact Customer Service at Whole Foods Market Sacramento (916) 488-2800.

Join chefs from KIWI® Magazine and Whole Foods Market® in exploring culinary regions of the world through food and festivity. Each camp incorporates exciting global foods and facts. We’ll crank up the heat and get hands-on as we make international dishes from places such as Mexico, Morocco, China, Italy and Japan. Explore continents and countries one plate at a time!

EACH CAMP INCLUDES: Professional cooking instruction of hands-on kid-friendly recipes in a focused, fun and safe environment. Trained culinary teachers from Whole Foods Market Bowery Culinary Center and KIWI Magazine. A limit of 12 participants, ensuring a low child-to-instructor ratio. Cooking projects, games, craft activities and creative excursions. Lunch or snack and beverages (special diets can be accommodated). Lessons on sustainability, composting, gardening, recycling and other eco-friendly ways of life. Apron, chef’s hat and a graduation goodie bag packed with cool stuff!

SESSION I:
Half-Pint Voyager: 2 ½ to 4 years
11am – 12pm
June 23RD, 24TH and 25TH
Jr. Jetsetters: 5 to 7 years
11am – 12:30pm
July 13TH to 17TH
World Explorers: 8 to 10 years
11am – 2pm
July 20TH to 24TH
Globe Trekkers: 11 to 14 years
11am – 2:30pm
July 27TH to 31ST

SESSION II:
Teen Bootcamp
11am – 3pm
August 5TH to 7TH
Jr. Jetsetters: 5 to 7 years
11am – 12:30pm
August 10TH to 14TH
World Explorers: 8 to 10 years
11am – 2pm
August 17TH to 21ST
Globe Trekkers: 11 to 14 years
11am – 2:30pm
August 24TH to 28TH

To enroll in KIWI Kids’ Camp, please register online. For general questions about the camp or to register over the phone, please contact Christine Carroll, The Culinary Center Director at the Whole Foods Market Bowery at 212-420-1320 x245.

Here at KIWI, moms are very important to us and to the future of our green babies.  Give your mom an easy, inexpensive Mother’s Day gift by nominating her for our Moms of the Revolution contest. Share her story on how she is revolutionizing the way kids in your community eat. Revolution Foods and KIWI have teamed up for this wonderful, inspiring contest and it does not come as a surprise that others are appreciating how important this contest is. TreeHugger, a well known website focusing on going green, has just mentioned our MOTR contest and we could not be more thrilled! Thanks for your support TreeHugger!  Check it out.

– Brittany, KIWI staff and wishing all moms a happy mother’s day

Well, we want to know how! Simply enter our contest and  you could be the next Mom of the Revolution. 5 Moms will be selected to be featured in KIWI Magazine, receive a free KIWI subscription, and a one year supply of healthy lunchbox snacks for their family. One of the 5 Moms will win the GRAND PRIZE OF $3,000 in cash to help fund their own healthy School Lunch Revolution.

Hurry, contest ends May 30th, 2009.

Share your story today.

– Stephanie, KIWI staff

The official Earth Day is fast approaching and even if you believe as we do, that the Earth should be celebrated every day, there’s nothing wrong with stopping on one particular day and considering our relationship with the planet. And what better activity on Earth Day, than to open our children’s hearts to the environment by settling in at the library or at home with a beautifully written and illustrated book. Here are some of our favorites for various ages:

Young children

• The Tree by Dana Lyons

• The Lorax by Dr. Seuss

• Almost Gone: The World’s Rarest Animals by Steve Jenkins

Tweens

• A Hot Planet Needs Cool Kids by Julie Hall

• Make It! by  Jane Bull

• Gaia Girls (series) by Lee Welles

Teens

• Generation Green: The Ultimate Teen Guide to Living an Eco-Friendly Life by Linda Silversten

• The New 50 Simple Things You Can Do To Save The Earth by Sophie Javna

• What Do You Stand For? For Teens: A Guide to Building Character by Barbara Lewis

Our top pick?

• An Environmental Guide from A to Z by Tim Magner. Right now, you can get it at 25% off the cover price by entering the code, “celebrate” during checkout.

-Lynn and Corey Colwell, mother-daughter duo and co-authors of Celebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family.

From the hyperactive toddler to the anxious teen, we’ve all heard that meditation can help the whole family. But if the thought of sitting still yourself just sounds too torturous, walking meditation might be a perfect option.

Having tried walking meditation myself, I think it’s fabulous! The biggest difference (besides the obvious movement) is that during walking meditation you are more aware of your surroundings. You should allow yourself to notice how you feel but not hold on to any unpleasant sensations. This kind of meditation is also great because it can be fit into your daily routine. Any movement such as your walk to work or your child’s walk home from school can become a mini practice in meditation!

A great way to start your family with walking meditation is to take a “mindful stroll” after dinner. Let your kids know that for the first five minutes all you want them to do is to think about how their feet feel. Is the ground hard or soft? Can they feel their toes wiggle in their shoes or feel the fabric on their feet? After these five minutes take a little time to talk about what their feet felt; but remember, there are no wrong answers! Keep a watchful eye on KIWI for ways to meditate with the family!

– Sara, KIWI intern and practicing walking meditation (not while writing this blog)

A new study was published this month in the medical journal The Lancet that appeared to be groundbreaking for some but is really common sense when you stop to think about it.  The study came out of Europe and looked at young patients with heart disease and addressed that they are smoking more and twice as many suffer from diabetes compared to 12 years ago. It was determined that heart disease prevention in routine clinical practice is inadequate, with only a third of patients being referred to and joining prevention programs, while doctors are prescribing more and more drugs. The most shocking revelation was that despite large increases in the use of all classes of blood pressure lowering drugs, blood pressure management showed no improvement.

One thing many of us agree with is that lifestyle programs should be the backbone of preventive care. Saving people’s lives from acute heart attacks is one thing where conventional medicine excels, but we need an urgent investment in prevention to address the lifestyle causes of heart disease. The nation’s integrative health care leaders met in Washington DC earlier this month to discuss patient centered health care and how to reduce health care costs in the long term. As I was there to witness this inspiring meeting, the word prevention was repeated over and over.

Just how do we prevent heart disease? Exercise and diet are key. How many times do you hear yourself or friends and family make excuses for not exercising. Well, there is not an excuse; in fact your life depends on it! Remember that even housework and gardening burn a number of calories. Enjoy the increased light and longer days. Get on a bike with your kids or throw your little ones in the jogger. Create a mom’s walking group in your neighborhood.

As for diet, fresh fruits and veggies, 5-8 servings a day! When choosing which ones, always aim for a variety of colors to increase the vitamin and mineral assortment. Fiber is important as well. Try to get a minimum of 25 grams a day. While fresh fruits and veggies have a lot of naturally occurring fiber like pectin, other reliable sources are Chia seed, which also contain essential fatty acids. Try Gaia Herbs Chia Fresh. It can be added to salads, smoothies or taken alone.

And yes, of course, no heart healthy plan will ever be complete without mentioning Omega-3 fatty acids. The American Heart Association recommends eating fish regularly and/or consuming around one gram daily of EPA+DHA from fish oil. For a great quality heart healthy option, try Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega. They have a guaranteed no repeat policy because their oils are so fresh.

-Dr. Keri Marshall MS, ND is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor who specializes in holistic pediatrics and women’s medicine.

Change we need, indeed!  And on this first day of spring, we’re going to get it, thanks to Michelle Obama and 23 Washington DC fifth graders.  Together, they will break ground on the South Lawn for the nation’s first White House garden since that kept by Eleanor Roosevelt during World War II.

With over 55 different edibles being grown, including hearty greens, lettuces, peppers, tomatillos, berries, herbs, as well as two beehives for honey, the organic garden will be a chief source of food for the first family.  It will also provide a valuable learning experience to participating students who, along with the President, will do their part in planting, weeding, and harvesting. Even more important, the White House garden will serve to influence mainstream America on the value of local, sustainable food.  (The entire garden set up cost around $200–who says it’s too expensive to eat well?)

Michelle Obama is taking this opportunity to advocate the necessity of good food for our children.  She’s encouraging parents to get healthy with their kids by upping their fresh (locally produced, if possible) fruit and vegetable intake, limiting processed foods, and preparing more meals at home.  Interested in starting a garden of your own?  Learn all about it from Kiwi Community’s article on family gardening.

-Marygrace, KIWI intern and organic gardening supporter

I live in Philadelphia. To get to my laundry room, I have to walk outside and around the corner to another room in the same building. Today while changing loads, I saw a police car idling for quite some time. Idling is beyond inefficient, getting zero miles per gallon. Yes; it is worse than turning off your engine and restarting it. Both of which I recited to this officer. To really grab his attention I add, “there are several schools starting initiatives for idle-free school zones.” He replied, “Wow, I did not know that!” I told him to share this news with his friends.

A growing number of organizations are supporting this cause, especially in schools. Let’s all lead by example. If your school does not have a no-idle zone; check out these resources and toolkits.

– Stephanie, KIWI staff and clean air advocate 

We want to honor the hometown activist in all of our communities – the Moms of the Revolution. Tell us how you (or a mom you know) are revolutionizing the way kids in your community eat.

5 Moms will be selected to be featured in KIWI Magazine, receive a free KIWI subscription, and a one year supply of healthy lunchbox snacks from Revolution Foods for their family. One of the 5 Moms will win the GRAND PRIZE of $3,000 in cash to help fund their own healthy School Lunch Revolution.

Share your story.

– Stephanie, KIWI staff and seeker of the Moms of the Revolution 

Sock seams making your child scream? Made with a polyester and lycra blend, SmartKnitKIDS socks are seam-free and comfy as can be.  They’re available in white, pink, purple, navy and black, and come in a variety of sizes for kids of all ages.  Check them out at therawear.com and use coupon code KIWI for 10% off at checkout.

– Marygrace, KIWI intern and seam-free friendly

As a kid, I loved shrinky dink art. In fact, I still do. I am fascinated by the shrinking process and how bold the colors look when it is finished.I found this Eco-Craft that you and your kids will surely love. The best part: it is made with #6 plastic. Way to put the eco in Eco-Craft!

—Stephanie, KIWI staff and lover of shrinky dinks

We’ve all heard over and over that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. You want your kids to start their day off with a healthy, nutritious breakfast…everyday. But are they? One of the best ways to guarantee that your kids are eating a balanced breakfast is to eat it with them. Let’s call this our mid-January New Year’s Resolution. How many times a week can you eat breakfast with you kids? Our breakfast recipes can help you. Enjoy!

––Stephanie Singer, KIWI staff and lover of breakfast

Black History Month is a time to acknowledge the many African Americans who have made valuable contributions to our country. This year is exceptionally significant: February 12 marks the 100th anniversary of the NAACP, and an inaugural ball on January 20 will commemorate the election of Barack Obama as the first African American president of the United States.

This February, make an effort with your family to learn about groundbreaking African Americans. Check out a book from your local library, such as Follow the Drinking Gourd, by Jeanette Winter (preschool-grade 2); Journey to Freedom: A Story of the Underground Railroad, by Courtni C. Wright (grades 3-5); or a classic like Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin for older readers. Visit KIWI’s Bookworms Book Club for more of our favorite Black History Month reads and reviews. Taking time with your kids to reflect upon the victories and sacrifices of others can lead to greater global unity.

–Marygrace Stergakos, KIWI intern and avid book collector

Have you ever watched Grocery Store Wars? This is a cool video you can watch with your kids and learn (in a creative way) about healthy eating. Enjoy!

How is your child your hero? Here’s how to tell them and the rest of the world. Nominate them for some of the good things they do…even little things like making their bed or taking out the trash or helping their brother or sister.

Win great prizes too…education savings bonds up to $500, subscriptions to KIWI magazine and lots of Yummi Bears!

Hurry, contest ends December 31, 2008. See our Official Rules for details.

–Stephanie, KIWI staff and lover of families

We are all trying to raise our families the natural and organic way. Sometimes, we need a little inspiration to keep us going.

My cousins Liz and David have three kids ages 10 to 16. They try to buy organic foods and cooks most of their meals. Their family is constantly trying to find a good balance between juggling everyone’s schedules. A year subscription to KIWI Magazine will definitely spice up their eco-ability!

With the buy one, gift one offer KIWI is running for the holidays, I can also get a subscription for my best friend Nikki (her daughter Julie can thank me later).

- Stephanie, KIWI staff and lover of families

Yesterday my friend, Leigh, told me what she is buying her twin nephews for the holidays. “The perfect and fun gift for Matthew and Jacob to “Go Green!”

Deluxe Earth Kit For Kids

This earth friendly kit makes the perfect gift with the 16oz. BPA-Free Kids Go Green spill-proof water bottle by Camelbak, Kids Go Green 100% organic cotton t-shirt, Everything Kids Environment Book by Sheri Amsel, EarthKits seeded download card, Kids Go Green dog tag, Green at Heart wristband and a Kids Go Green recognition certificate. What kid wouldn’t love this kit!
$48 including shipping at earthkits.com

- Stephanie, KIWI staff and lover of families

Earthwise Kids gift sets from Nubius Organics make the perfect green gift! Each set includes a super-comfy organic t-shirt and eco-friendly book. All gift sets come wrapped and ready to give in our reusable jute bags (no wasteful wrapping). Sure to please any 2-6 year old.

Price: $32
Where to buy: nubiusorganics.com

- Stephanie, KIWI staff and lover of families

Music is such a great gift to give to anyone for the holidays! The Laurie Berkner Band invites your kids to blast off! Their newest release, Rocketship Run, has twenty-four tracks sure to make you and your kids singing and dancing. You can rock out with Laurie Berkner at musicspacekids.com and anywhere music is sold for $18.98.

- Stephanie, KIWI staff and lover of families

My 10 year old cousin Emily loves animals and nature. She wants to travel the world. Now she can see everything at home with Xeko. It’s the outrageously fun, new animal trading card game that’s driving kids wild. She’ll learn what a club-tailed cruiser is (and maybe teach me!)

Xeko Agents–Mission: China, the fourth Xeko adventure, has launched! Purchase for $24.99 at most Barnes & Noble stores and Amazon.com.

And don’t forget to enter the Mission Madagascar Sweepstakes!

- Stephanie, KIWI staff and lover of families

Last weekend I went to the DC Green Festival, a joint project of Global Exchange and Co-op America. Hundreds of speakers and exhibitors convened at the DC Convention Center to educate thousands of people on the latest trends in the green movement. Attendees who stopped by our KIWI booth walked away with a KIWI Magazine amongst other goodies PLUS had a chance to sign up for our contests. Don’t worry. In case you missed this event, you can still participate.

Here’s the deal:

KiwiCrusaders: KIWI acknowledges excellence in school meals. Enter to win a prize of $3,500 for your school. http://www.kiwimagonline.com/kiwicrusaders/index.php

Next Great Young Chef Contest: Kids ages 4-17 are invited to create a recipe with our secret ingredient – Florida Crystals Organic and Natural Sugars. Parents, please upload a video of the chef in progress. http://www.kiwimagonline.com/contests/NextGreatYoungChef/

Great School Beaches Getaway: Teachers who sign up to receive enews on our new website, MyHealthySchool.com, will be entered to win a vacation package to a Beaches Resort location in Turks & Caicos or Jamaica. http://www.myhealthyschool.com/contests/Beaches/

Next stop on my Green Festival tour is San Francisco this Friday November 15th – Sunday November 17th. Please make sure to stop and say hello and tell your friends…

Stephanie Singer

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve undoubtedly felt the effects of the economic slowdown in recent months. Gas, groceries, meals out–even movie theater popcorn–cost more than ever lately. Despite the gloom, there’s a silver lining: growing support for telework (a.k.a. telecommuting) and other flexible work arrangements.

Telework is a “green” win-win for employers and employees. Work options that allow employees to work from home make for happier, less stressed, and more productive employees (think, improved work/life balance, less time commuting, fewer work-related distractions, and more time for family). Studies suggest that telework is a good thing for employers’ bottom line. Like employees, employers can save money through telework options, including the costs of overhead and lost productivity. Importantly, telework is a huge plus for the environment (e.g., cleaner air) and goes a long way toward resource conservation (e.g., fossil fuels).

But assuming you actually have a job that can be done from home and your employer doesn’t already have an established protocol for telework arrangements, how do you convince your employer to go “green”? Here are five strategies to help you land that “green” work arrangement:

1. Jump on the green momentum. Green is hot right now and it’s a color your boss has probably heard something about or understands. This means that whether you’re asking to telecommute one day a week or twice a month, there’s probably never before been a better time to ask for a telework arrangement. Plus, it probably doesn’t hurt your case that “everyone is doing it”, right?

2. Come up with a plan. Before you approach your employer for a telework arrangement, think about why you want the arrangement, what schedule you want (e.g., will your schedule be fixed?, will you work beyond 9-5 hours), and how you plan to get your job done logistically (e.g., what technology or equipment do you need, and what about the kids, will they be home with you or will you have childcare in place).

3. Appeal to your employers’ interest. Let your employer know what she gains by letting you work from home. As cool as it may be to wear your pajamas and bunny slippers to work, be prepared to explain, if necessary, the benefits the arrangement confers to your employer in terms she understands (think, dollars, productivity, and availability).

4. Offer a trial run. When dealing with a reluctant employer or one unfamiliar with telework, suggest a “trial period”. Use this period to show your employer that you can get it done–and well, too. If you know your employer has particular concerns about the arrangement, use this time to address those concerns.

5. Write it down. If your employer doesn’t already have a policy for handling telework requests and/or prepared documentation, create your own paper trail. You’ll want to make sure you’ve memorialized the terms that you and your employer have reached, just in case….

–Julie Tower-Pierce, J.D./M.S.E.L is a lawyer, mom of three, and author of Staying at Home, Staying in the Law: A Guide to Remaining
Active in the Legal Profession While Pursuing Your Dreams (American Bar Association, 2008).

I was at my son’s travel soccer tryouts last night. The setting: a beautiful local winery that rents its fields to our town for the kids to play soccer and lacrosse. The winery is surrounded by dense New England forest, the kind every kid dreams about running through if it weren’t for the deer tick checks that inevitably follow each romp.

In New England, we wait a long time to wear tank tops and capris, following our dreadfully long winters, only to be bombarded by flying, biting bugs of all shapes and sizes. Black flies, gnats, mosquitoes… if you have ever been to New England in the summer, you know what I am taking about. The beauty is like no other, and so are the bugs.

People love to have me around because I am a natural magnet for these venomous creatures. They tend to leave others alone when I am around. Unfortunately for my daughter, I passed this gene on to her.

As a result I have been forced into finding the perfect natural insect repellent, while avoiding conventional sprays that contain DEET. And let me tell you, I have tried them all!

Here’s what works: essential oils of citronella, lemon eucalyptus, cinnamon, rosemary, lemongrass, cedar, peppermint, clove, and geranium.

The down side of these is that they require frequent application to be effective.

My personal favorite formula, Buzz Away Extreme, is made with all natural ingredients (and it smells good, too). Not only did it last an entire soccer practice, but it allowed me to water my garden three hours later, at dusk with not a single bite!!

–Dr. Keri Marshall MS, ND is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor who specializes in holistic pediatrics and women’s medicine.

Remember it is not always easy to talk to your kids at a young age about issues that they will hopefully not encounter until much older. As in the Appletini incident highlighted in my last Blog, here are five useful tips for having “the conversation.”

1. Start early: It is much easier to initiate conversations regarding drugs and alcohol when your children are seven, rather than seventeen. Start early and often!

2. Keep appropriate: Keep the conversation age appropriate and discuss making healthy choices for their bodies. Introduce consequences for behavior. “You want to make good healthy choices for your body, so your body won’t get sick”.

3. Expressing feelings: Create an environment of listening that supports your child’s ability to express their feelings. As your child grows and their interests widen to friends and activities outside the home, you want them to continue to talk to you about their feelings and “keep you in their loop.”

4. Problem solving: Have your child identify safe people to talk to about their problems (including you). Discuss what can happen if they “mask” or hide their emotions. Modeling healthy ways to resolve and express issues with your child empowers them to tackle the bumps in the road.

5. Safety rules: Discuss the importance of safety rules and the dangers of touching, tasting or smelling things that they can’t identify. Stress how very dangerous this can be.

Open communication with your child early on, practicing patience, problem solving, listening to your child and teaching consequences for their behavior are excellent foundations for laying the ground work for future “tough stuff discussions” including the use of alcohol as they head into the pre- teen years. (Oh, the Teen Years…when you will want that Appletini!)

Written by: June Grushka-Rosen (Miss. June Bug) M.Ed. is a Life Coach, Educator, Psychotherapist and mommy of two.
To contact – LifeCoachingYou@Verizon.net

When I picked up my daughter Sasha from school she proudly announced that a special visitor had come into their second grade classroom to discuss alcohol abuse. I was pleased that my daughter and her peers were being exposed to alcohol prevention so early. I know that early prevention statistically shows a decrease in the onset of kids drinking and addiction. In addition, I had been working diligently through my job to create an effective drug and alcohol prevention program in a near by school district.

I asked Sasha what she had learned, hoping to steal a few good ideas for my own program, and of course, to see how she was processing her new gained knowledge from someone other then her mother. “They said beer was alcohol, so I raised my hand and told them that my mom loves Appletinis. I asked them if Appletinis are alcohol too, and did you know mom… they are!?” You can imagine my surprise! After great effort to teach my child about the dangers of alcohol, it was a casual conversation with a friend joking about a recent event we attended and how we really enjoyed the Appletinis that my daughter picked up on.

The messages we send our children are not always conscious ones. Parents need to be mindful about their casual habits regarding drugs and alcohol. Sit down and have a conversation with your children regarding alcohol. Take it from me…. your children really are taking their cues from you.

Written by: June Grushka-Rosen (Miss. June Bug) M.Ed. is a Life Coach, Educator, Psychotherapist and mommy of two.
To contact – LifeCoachingYou@Verizon.net

P.S. Check back tomorrow for June’s tips on talking to your kids about alcohol.