Green

May 7 2013

Taking Your Kids to Spring Farmers' Markets: An Education

Things to do with kids: Taking Your Kids to Spring Farmers' Markets: An Education

Farmers' markets are a great place for kids to learn – about the value of a dollar, where their food comes from (and how it looks in its natural state), money math, which fruits and vegetables are harvested during each season, how to conduct a financial transaction, and of course, making choices.

When we visit a farmers' market, I give my kids a small amount of money to use as they choose, provided that they make the purchases themselves. I have enjoyed watching their confidence, composure, and decision-making skills grow.

Now that spring is here and summer is fast approaching, the local farmer’s markets are setting up their tents and filling their tables with local, whole, fresh foods. Read on for info about neighborhood institutions of hands-on learning (A.K.A. farmers markets) which are opening during the month of May.

Updated: May 2013

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Mar 18 2013

Around the World in 8 Ways: Internationally Inspired Spring Crafts for Kids

Around the World in 8 Ways: Internationally Inspired Spring Crafts for Kids

Spring always inspires wanderlust in my family. How about yours? Are you imagining yourselves somewhere far away, someplace new and exciting? Even if you can’t get away, you and your kids can take a crafting vacation to Japan, France, Mexico, or the UK for an hour or two, and have a souvenir to display proudly when you return to your every day life. 

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Jan 30 2013

10 DIY Valentines for Kids to Make (with a little help)

10 DIY Valentines for Kids to Make (with a little help)

I heart Valentine’s Day. Truly. I love that such a little thing, like a valentine, can brighten someone’s day in a big way. We’ve seen our kids’ cards bring smiles to the faces of neighbors and be displayed for months on the desks of colleagues. At school, we give our kids' classmates valentines they can have fun with long after the holiday is over.

Sure, you can make your valentine-giving quick and super easy by picking up a box at the store. We’ve done that, too. But if you’re looking for something different and you want your kids’ valentines to have a more personal touch, read on for  a roundup of 10 do-it-yourself (or almost DIY) valentines for your family. We have made many of these ourselves, and not only did they turn out great, they were fun and easy to make.

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Nov 20 2012

A Green Christmas for Boston Kids and Families

Things to do with kids: A Green Christmas for Boston Kids and Families

‘Tis the season:  With Christmas quickly approaching, celebration planning is in full swing.  It’s easy to get lured in by the mega-sales, sparkling lights, and shiny wrapping paper. Even for those of us who try our best to be good to the Earth during the rest of the year, the holiday season can completely derail our efforts as we endeavor to please everyone, outdo our neighbors, and make Christmas magical for our kids. Celebrating Christmas in an Earth-friendly, sustainable way doesn’t mean taking the fun out of the party. Read on for our tips to help you be green (and maybe even save some green) this Christmas in Boston and beyond. 

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Oct 23 2012

Alternatives to Traditional Trick-or-Treating for Boston Kids

Things to do with kids: Alternatives to Traditional Trick-or-Treating for Boston Kids

There are many reasons not to take your kids out for traditional, around the neighborhood, nighttime trick-or-treating: Your little pumpkin is just too young and is still afraid of the dark. You might have a child (like mine) with an autism spectrum disorder – the sensory input and the possibility of complete meltdown are just too great. Perhaps you’re trying to move toward a greener Halloween, or you just want your kids to think more about giving than getting.

Whatever the reason, there’s no need to feel left out for Halloween. There are plenty of alternatives to traditional trick-or-treating in the Greater Boston area, and dare I say, they may be even better than the real thing! Read on for some ideas to celebrate Halloween without pounding the pavement on Halloween night.

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