Whole Child Sports Free Play Earns the Winning Score by Luis Fernando Llosa Many parents concerned that their children are getting engulfed by social media often turn to sports to spark physical activity. They scramble to sign their toddlers up for swimming and tennis lessons, T-ball and soccer practice, hoping these activities will teach their kids about motivation and leadership, while getting them off the couch and out the door….
by April Thompson Few things in life are more permanent than a tattoo. Yet those most likely to change their life course—in careers, relationships or fashion styles—are also most inclined to get inked. Nearly 40 percent of Americans between the ages of 18 and 25 have at least one tattoo, according to a Pew Research Center poll. “If you change your hairstyle or look often, you…
Natural Health by Intentional Example by Keith Bishop Each generation learns from the previous one. There’s a story of a young girl who was helping her mother prepare a roast for dinner. When her mother cut off one end of the roast and then oddly enough placed both pieces in the pan, the girl questioned why she did that. After a pause, her mother explained that was how…
Fueled by unconditional love, parenting with presence embraces all potential connections between parents and their children. Establishing Values Shelly Lefkoe, co-author of Chicken Soup for the Soul Guide to Effective Parenting, believes that children learn what we model as important values. She tells her daughters they should treat her with dignity and respect both because she’s their mother and, “That’s how you treat people and that’s how…
by Harriet Shugarman Here’s how to entertain the kids, keep them healthy and get them outdoors this summer. Where to Go Traveling to iconic natural wonders like the Blue Ridge Mountains, Niagara Falls or the Grand Canyon isn’t the only awe-inspiring way to captivate children’s attention and help them contemplate nature’s beauties. As Brian Ettling, a seasonal ranger at Crater Lake National Park, in Oregon,…
by Lane Vail Fathers are more involved in their children’s lives than ever before, embracing their roles of leader, nurturer and protector, and they’re reaping extraordinary benefits. According to a 2014 study published in the Academy of Management Perspectives, fathers that spend more time with their kids are both happier at home and more satisfied at work. Today, many mindful dads engaged in a natural lifestyle apply that same…
by Elizabeth Logan Many adults hold fond childhood memories of playing in backyards, parks and school playgrounds, where they let their imagination run wild with creativity and adventure. But will future generations have similar stories to share? Free play is endangered for our young people. To understand how we can provide our youth with opportunities to play, it’s helpful to grasp what free play really means. Free play is free…
by Keith Bishop Low levels of vitamin D3 in children and their mothers is associated with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Several nutrient deficiencies and toxicities are associated with ADHD. Vitamin D3 deficiency is just one issue contributing to attention and hyperactivity symptoms. Vitamin D3 is obtained from food sources and made by the skin during exposure to sunlight. During pregnancy, the active form of vitamin D is transported from the mother to the fetus through the…
by Jenna Blumenfeld Although experts aren’t certain why it occurs, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects 3 to 5 percent of school-age children, causing symptoms such as inattentiveness, frenetic activity, anxiety and forgetfulness. Kids with ADHD typically respond to drug prescriptions designed to provide calm and focus, but some carry unpleasant side effects like appetite changes and muscle spasms. Experts suggest considering these natural options to complement an afflicted child’s integrative treatment plan. Nutritionist Sara Vance, owner, Rebalance Life, San Diego, California. Up…
Keep Kids Engaged in Healthy Living by Julianne Hale In today’s technology-fueled society, kids spend many hours of their free time staring at smartphones or tablets instead of exploring nature, riding bikes or playing outdoor games with their friends. Rather than just imposing radical reductions in screen time, parents and caregivers can meet youngsters halfway by adding apps to their handheld devices that provide tips on healthy eating, exercise and…