The first few years we have with our children can be so busy (and sometimes so overwhelming) that we might not find ourselves thinking about all the things we want to do before they start school. Sometimes we feel like we’re barely making it through the day. You know that bit of parenting wisdom, “The…
kids in nature
The Summer 2018 Issue of Green Child Magazine is Here
If you live for the whimsical, warm days of summer, you’ll love our new issue! In our Summer 2018 issue, you’ll find healthy recipes, gentle parenting advice, tips for maintaining your holistic health routines while you travel, fun ideas for getting your family outside to enjoy nature, plus our 8th annual Eco Baby Gear Guide. …
Why and How to Raise Earth-Conscious Kids
Raising earth-conscious kids might have been a novel idea a decade or more ago. An idea that was fringe that has gone in and out of being trendy. Now it’s imperative. If we humans want to continue to inhabit this planet in the ways we’ve become accustomed, we need to take steps to keep our…
How to Create a Wildlife Garden
National Wildlife Federation resident naturalist, David Mizejewski, and his pal, Ranger Rick raccoon, believe that one of the best things a parent can cultivate this Spring is a new wildlife gardener. Today, they’re sharing their top kid-friendly tips for making your own wildlife garden. If you’re looking for fun ideas for celebrating Earth Day with…
How Sunscreens Are Damaging Coral Reefs
To prevent sunburns and skin cancer, we put on sunscreen so we can still have fun in the sun without the negative side effects that go along with it. But, did you know sunscreens are damaging coral reefs? Science has found that oxybenzone, a common chemical found particularly in spray-on sunscreens, contributes to coral bleaching and…
The problem with single-use plastic & how you can avoid it
Many of us were taught as children to leave places cleaner than we found them. Yet, as adults, many of us have forgotten this fundamental rule when it comes to the planet. While recycling is a big part of keeping our environment safe and clean, reducing consumption is more impactful. And there’s no more important…
World Water Day: Using Education to End the Global Water Crisis
This World Water Day, we’re making the choice to stop taking clean water for granted. Globally, the number one cause of death among children is waterborne disease – AKA diseases that could be totally prevented with access to clean water. But at least 2 billion people worldwide are forced to drink from contaminated, unsanitary water…
Inspiring Environmental Quotes for Earth Day
Some of these environmental quotes are from modern times, and some are ancient by today’s standards. No matter when they were said or written, it’s astonishing how significant these words remain. Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has. ~ Margaret…
Kid-Friendly Garden Projects to Try this Spring or Summer
Are you looking for creative ways to get your kids outside the house and off those devices? Maybe you’re struggling to encourage your kids to eat healthy? Kid-friendly garden projects can accomplish both… and then some. Your kids will learn about science, nature, and even some math when tending to their plants. Kids who play…
30 Simple Ways to Reduce Your Impact on the Environment
Our society revolves around convenience. So when you try to reduce your impact on the environment, sometimes you have to make a slight mindset shift. Maybe it’s more convenient to buy a bottle of water while you’re out for the day. But what are the effects of that convenient choice? Probably a $2 hit to…
Stargazing with Kids: 101
Orion. Andromeda. Pegasus. Ursa Minor. The night sky is full of stories, adventures, and curiosities. Not only is gazing into the sky one of many ways to encourage your child’s natural love of learning, it’s also a step toward raising thoughtful, introspective, universe-conscious people. Why not take the family out and turn your heads to…
5 Solar Eclipse Activities for Kids
If you haven’t heard, a total eclipse will take place on August 21st. And it’s kind of a big deal. There have been lunar eclipses in America throughout the last century, but the last eclipse to cross America from coast to coast was back in 1918. That’s just shy of a hundred years! If there’s…
The Backyard Biologist
This summer, you can help your kids sharpen their science skills by encouraging them to go outside and do what they do naturally. It’s an age-old parenting conundrum that takes center stage when summer rolls around each year: How do you keep your kids both educated and entertained? Here’s an inexpensive and easy idea: Head…
Your Yard Matters for Hummingbirds and Other Crucial Pollinators
If April showers bring May flowers, then what do May flowers bring? Hummingbirds! The National Audubon Society encourages hummingbird fans nationwide to grow native plants that help these cherished birds thrive. Audubon’s one-of-a-kind bird-friendly native plants database makes it easy to find the right plants and where to purchase them, by simply typing in your…
Outdoor Activity: Backyard Bug Count
When it comes to kids and bugs, there’s a natural magnetic attraction. While a backyard bug count may give you the chills, your child will probably only be noticing the mesmerizing curling and uncurling of a pill bug, or the never ending charm of a lady bug. Want to take advantage of these simple thrills…
Teach the next generation to “Leave No Trace” with an eco-friendly camping trip
Nothing says summer has arrived more than a camping trip. Exploring nature, cooking over an open fire and sleeping under the stars is the classic summertime story that parents have shared with their children for generations. While some of the ways we camp have changed, such as staying in a yurt rather than a tent,…
Kindergarten Goes Into the Woods
Meridian Hills Co-op in Indianapolis brings the kindergarten classroom outdoors. There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing. This isn’t the official motto of Malkah Bird’s kindergarten class at Meridian Hills Cooperative Nursery School & Kindergarten in Indianapolis, but it very well could be. Every day, the 14 kindergarteners spend a good chunk of…
Hiking with Little Kids: How to enjoy hiking without overdoing it
A family hike is a wonderful way to spend time together in nature and get some great exercise. If you’re nervous about hiking with little kids, here’s how to enjoy a great day without overdoing it. Hiking with little kids is the ultimate way to enjoy a free range summer. My niece and nephew are…
Children and Chickens: What Backyard Chickens Can Teach Kids
Children and chickens may not seem as natural a combination as a child and a puppy, but you may be surprised at the bonding experience your family can have with a flock of chickens. Keeping a small flock of chickens in the backyard is much more than a passing fad or trend and is slowly…
How to Talk with Kids About Climate Change
When we talk with kids about climate change, we’re planting a seed. A seed that blossoms into more than just an understanding of the challenges our planet faces, but a respect and understanding for the broad field of science. As we work to curb climate change, we often come up against an epidemic movement to marginalize science. In his book Science…
Become a National Wildlife Federation Butterfly Hero
The National Wildlife Federation today announced the launch of Butterfly Heroes presented by Subaru with a goal of 100,000 Americans pledging to help save monarchs and other critically important pollinators in 2016. To help reach that goal, the National Wildlife Federation is distributing over 50,000 Butterfly Heroes Garden Starter Packets for those who take the Butterfly Heroes pledge, and…
How to Master Your Organic Garden
If you haven’t grown much in the way of plants before, an organic garden may seem a difficult feat. Yet, more and more people are looking to harness nature’s power and provide their own food, so it’s a challenge many are increasingly facing. Fortunately, it’s easier than it seems. The real difference with an organic…
Learning the Art of Foraging for Wild Food
Foraging is the ancient practice of finding and preparing wild food. It’s not only convenient and cost-effective, it can be more healthy than most foods you find in the supermarket. Learning to forage is pretty simple once you get familiar with these guys for finding food safely, honestly, and sustainably. Let me tell you about a…
Stretch into the Sun: Celebrating the Summer Solstice
Hot afternoons, wild thunderstorms, and nights filled with fireflies! The summer solstice, or midsummer, is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and learn about the warmest season with our families. At the Peak of the Light The word “solstice” brings together two Latin words: sol (sun) and sistere (to stand still). At the winter and summer…
