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

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

KIWI is excited to be one of the sponsors of this FREE upcoming event on Sunday, February 7 at noon: Mama Moves Post-Natal Fitness and Pilates at Nimble Fitness.

Personal trainer and pre/post Pilates instructor, Charlotte Blake, will be offering a post-natal FREE Pilates class that will launch a regularly scheduled Mama Moves Pilates class on Sundays at noon. (Read more about why KIWI loves Charlotte.) Nimble is a unique fitness facility, offering integrated personal training, cutting-edge classes, and holistic workshops and seminars.

This exciting event will be an hour for you to rejuvenate your body, ask questions, meet other moms, learn about pelvic floor and diastasis rehabilitation, and connect with your NYC mom community. Bring your baby (although not required), a blanket to rest your baby on, small toys for your little one, and wear comfortable clothes. You will walk away feeling more limber and more connected with your community, resources, and body. You’ll get a goody bag that includes the latest issue of KIWI, too!

Space is limited, so RSVP with Nimble Fitness: info@nimblefitness.com, 212-633-9030.

Have fun!

-Sarah, KIWI editorial director

When I first started dating my partner, I thought I’d hit the jackpot. Not only is he a funny, smart, wonderful guy, he also has a degree from culinary school. Can anyone say gourmet meals at home?

I still think I’ve hit the jackpot, but after dating him for a while, I noticed that the way I was eating had changed. Whenever we cooked together, he’d serve me up a plate as full of food as his (even though he’s nearly twice my size). And when we’d go out, he’d want to have three-course meals filled with butter, salt, fat, and all manner of delicious, unhealthy things. I quickly learned that my appetite–and my waistline–just couldn’t keep up.

Turns out, other women have the same problem. It’s no surprise that women with children naturally gain weight after giving birth, but a recent study has shown that childless women who have a partner also gain a significant amount more than single gals. The reason? Behavioral changes. Whether it’s more date nights out at restaurants or an unconscious attempt to eat as much as their better halves, women tend to gain weight simply by having a partner in their lives.

So this year, I’m going to keep reminding myself that I don’t have to keep up with my guy’s endless appetite. And if I want to have a Waldorf salad for dinner while he has two cheeseburgers, that’s OK (although I still might steal a couple fries off his plate!).

-Michelle, KIWI Editor

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

With a full line of body care products for pregnancy, labor, post-partum, and breastfeeding, Earth Mama Angel Baby has new and expecting moms covered in organic goodness.  The line was created by moms who view pregnancy the way our foremothers did, as a phenomenal natural process to be honored accordingly.  Their offerings feature eco-friendly packaging and 100% natural, vegan ingredients for lotions, potions, sprays, and oils you can feel good about.  We’re big fans of their Mama-to-Be Tea Sampler, which makes a cool, unexpected shower gift.  Learn more at earthmamangelbaby.com.

Marygrace, KIWI intern

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.

It’s time again for another round-up of the best of the mom blogosphere!  Here’s what’s going on…

• Hopping on board the backyard vegetable garden train this spring?  Nature Moms reviews garden tool sets and gear for your little farmers-in-training.
• To school or not to school?  Read about Mama-Om’s journey on her family’s decision to send their son to school or stick to unschooling at home.
• Green Baby Guide puts the bokashi bin, an indoor composting system from Japan.
• Forget balance.  Instead, Healthy Green Moms says we should be seeking harmony.
• The Soft Landing Blog covers possible legislation for federal ban of BPA in children’s food containers.  Yes!

What’s happening on your blog?  We want to know!

Marygrace, KIWI intern

Traditional Medicinals, a tea company featuring all-natural, herbal brews, helps new moms and moms-to-be achieve health and balance.  Their organic Pregnancy Tea combines a blend of herbs like alfalfa and spearmint used by women for centuries to nourish the womb and prepare it for childbirth.  Breastfeeding mothers can benefit from Organic Mother’s Milk, made of anise, fennel, and coriander.  And all women will get a boost from Women’s Liberty, which promotes healthy hormonal balance according to Chinese medicinal practices.  Learn about all their teas at traditionalmedicinals.com.

Marygrace, KIWI intern

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 

It’s easy to say no to preservatives and additives with Tastybaby’s organic frozen baby food. They might be serious about nutrition, but with flavor names like “Corn in the USA” and “Peas on Earth,” TastyBaby knows how to have fun.  What’s more, all the food is gluten-free, and is packaged in reusable, BPA-free cups.  Getting a stamp of approval from eco-conscious moms like Cindy Crawford, Ali Landry, and Lisa Loeb, try a Tastybaby gift basket for a great shower gift!

– Marygrace, KIWI intern and fan of eco-consious moms

Feel the difference of natural with Noli n Nali skincare line, available for both mom and child.  Certified organic, these eco-friendly products nourish the body from the outside in with ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and calendula.  Think soothing belly butter and nipple salve for moms, and gentle shampoo, bubble bath, and detangler for little ones.  Use coupon code KIWI for 25% off your purchase.

– Marygrace, KIWI intern and lover of body nourishment

Check out the Lil Diaper Depot for a great selection of eco-conscious products. You can ditch disposables for good with their organic cloth diapers, or swaddle baby in an eco-fleece baby blanket made from recycled soda bottles. The company caters to moms, too, with super-soft, organic nursing pads, extra-comfy body pillows, and stylish diaper totes. Pick up a gift certificate for an upcoming baby shower, or register for your own. Receive 10% off your first order with promo code KIWI9 before 2/28/09.

–Marygrace, KIWI intern and lover of eco-conscious proudcts

Calling all sensitive skin types! We’ve teamed up with Lavera Organic to give KIWI readers 10% off on a soothing slew natural and organic skincare products (use promo code Kiwi09 at checkout). Lavera’s Mom and Baby Set pampers mom with a wild rose facial mask and moisturizer and keeps baby’s delicate hair and skin soft with almond shampoo and cream. Offering protection from harmful ingredients while creating effective products for allergy-prone and sensitive skin types, Lavera’s skincare line is a goldmine of green baby shower gifts.

–Marygrace, KIWI intern and lover of organic skin care

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).

By the time I left the hospital, baby Sylvie had bit my nipple and swallowed part of it. It was bleeding and raw. We both had yeast infections, which my doctor didn’t treat so the pain grew more and more intense. Not only was I angry at my doctor for not knowing anything about breastfeeding, angry at the hospital lactation consultant for pushing her social agenda of “keep breastfeeding no matter what,” but I was also angry at my girlfriends who never told me how difficult and painful it was. I was terrified of my sweet little baby every time she had to eat. So instead of being happy and elated, I felt angry, stupid, scared and alone. Great.. But I was not giving up!

After breast infections, house calls from the amazing boob doctor Dr. Mona Gabbay and the illustrious Susan Berger, emailing photographs of my breasts to them both, weekly breastfeeding support group meetings at Real Birth, begging and paying our post-partum doula Tara Brooke to sleep over, having my dear husband latch Sylvie onto me (which was like waiting for the perfect wave), banning my unsupportive mother from coming over for weeks, and even pumping for two weeks to get of the mental hang-ups I had created, at exactly eight weeks and one day, it stopped hurting. And we got into a rhythm. And no formula! I won! But don’t get me wrong—this was my Olympic Event and no one else’s.

I learned that women don’t tell their pregnant friends how hard it is because they don’t want them to stop trying, give up or be scared. It’s like a gang initiation rite. I now give the Sears “Breastfeeding Book” at any and all baby showers. New moms look at it with an “oh….” and soon-to-be grandmothers look at it equally suspiciously, hoping for cute Baby Gap outfits. But a month after the babies are born, they’re all grateful!

Time for a little update from me to you.

We always have so much fun stuff going on at KIWI, it’s good to give you all the “low down.”

We have updated our contests– you could win a 5-day/4-night trip for a family of four to the Bahamas! (Where do I sign up?!) Just head on over to enter.

Also, we have so many downloadable freebies, just for visiting our site. We have KIWI’s Top 25 Holiday Toys of 2007 (a little late, but always good for birthday gift ideas) and a free activity page and holiday entertaining tips from KIWI, Whole Foods Market and Healthy Child Healthy World. We also have the KIWI Special Report: What Moms Want– The Definitive Me-Time Study; KIWI Green College Report and our ever expanding KiwiKids Activities.

We update our Featured Articles and Recipes regularly. Right now we have two winter themed articles, Baby It’s Cold Outside and Keeping a Lid on Heating Bills. Our featured recipes are Quinoa Chopped Salad and Tofu and Cheese Quesadillas by Chef George Kyrtatas. These won’t be featured for long! We are updating the site soon, so more articles and recipes are coming.

Also, Happy New Year!