#garlicgoodness

Growing up, my dad always told us that garlic "cleaned our blood." Turns out he was on to something! Some benefits include: boosting the immune system, anti-microbial, high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory. Add roasted garlic to soups, or raw garlic to dressings and dips for a little pick-me-up.

All things #woodlands and #woollen #felt for fall!

#nappingoutdoors

Take some inspiration from Scandinavian parents (and Canadian parents a few generations ago) and let baby nap outside for a longer sleep and fresh air. I've tried this in the winter as well, and my children will always wake with rosy cheeks and smiles. 

Layer baby up in the cool or cold weather, go for a walk, then place the stroller in a safe quiet spot and keep baby in eyesight. Our front porch works well, as I can sit at the table and have a coffee and still see babe, but sitting next to the stroller on a park bench, or in your yard works well too. 

I have read that it is commonplace in Finland for a line of strollers with slumbering babies to be parked outside a cafe window while parents are inside. Maybe that will be the norm here someday too!

#beeswax candles

Mmm, sweet #beeswax. I like to get our candles out around this time of year as we start to create a cozy atmosphere in the home. Lighting a candle in the evening when everyone is home can be a comforting tradition that signals time together, reminds the family to slow down and encourages everyone to linger at the table a little longer. 

Tip: we light one for each child so there is no arguing over who gets to blow the candle out ;)

#pumpkinpatch #pumpkinfarm

Include farm visits as a seasonal family tradition during berry, apple, pumpkin and maple syrup season.  When possible, shop locally at farmers markets throughout the year. Seeing the farm and meeting farmers helps children understand where their food comes from.

#pumpkinpatch

Many farms have pumpkin festivals with corn mazes, tractor rides, and animals. McLean's Berry Farm even has a famous (mentioned by Rick Mercer) pumpkin canon!

Take the pumpkin theme a step further and read up on the origins of pumpkin carving with children. A little #history lesson can be interesting for older kids who enjoy researching on their own.

#jackolantern

Try roasting the #pumpkinseeds to snack on while creating ghoulish Jack o'lanterns. While carving pumpkins and removing the pulp, I separate seeds and throw them into a strainer, where I rinse and then pat dry. Toss with a bit of olive oil and sea salt onto a baking sheet and bake at 300 degrees F for about 45 mins or until golden brown. Pumpkin seeds are high in magnesium and the perfect snack.

#paintedcones #paintedrocks

Set up a washable paint station outside. Have little ones collect cones, rocks, twigs and acorns. A fun and (mostly) independent activity that keeps the mess outdoors!

#naturewalk

Time in nature has always been rejuvenating for me. Research shows that outdoor exposure helps children with emotional regulation, mood and general mental health wellness. The fresh air, sunlight and plants provide multiple physical health benefits including deeper breathing, stronger bones , and a calmer stress response.

A  regular walk in a green space near you or even down the road can teach children a lot about the seasonal shifts in nature. You can watch a summer stream dry up and freeze as winter approaches then compare it when melted and running quickly with the spring thaw.

Other tips include:

#changeitup

have older kids take photos or sketch interesting finds to keep them engaged

#getmessy

wear weather-appropriate clothing and bring a change of clothes

#waterwalking

try hopping rocks or wading in the water 

#useall5senses

have children touch tree bark and compare it to moss, 

#explorefungi

talk about the roles of fungi (decomposer, symbiotic tree companions) and the importance of these roles in a forest

#exploreinsects

take a closer look at the leaves and trees to see insects feeding and have children research later on

#familytime

make family walks part of your weekly rhythm 

#autumncraft wax pressed leaves

We have a maple tree in our yard and each year I have the children pick out some leaves to press between wax paper. My grandmother would do this with us every fall, and we have adopted it as a family tradition.

Collect leaves, wax paper, scissors, a towel and an iron. place leaves between two sheets of wax paper and place in the towel. Iron over the area and let cool. Peel back wax paper to reveal flat, shiny leaves that can be hung as a garland (as we did above) or displayed in any way you'd like. Stick them on a window for beautiful sun catchers.Enjoy!

#autumnbooknook

Set up a spooky book nook with all things fall and October to get kids thinking about the season. What are your favourite fall books for kids?

#readingbylight

Take the bedtime story outside! There is something magical and spooky about being out in the dark on a crisp autumn evening, even if only for a few minutes. optional warm drink and stargazing encouraged.

Nature and Human Health

I recently attended a lecture entitled Connecting With Nature in the Kawarthas: How Nature Improves Our Health, Happiness and Environmental Sustainability. 

Kawartha Land Trust (KLT) and Trent University have partnered for a series of talks called Sense of Place. The premise is that there are many ways to connect to nature and the lectures aim to explore some factors in forming that connectedness focusing on the Kawartha experience.

The first lecture was given by Dr Lisa Nisbet, PhD, Assisstant Professor of Psychology at Trent U.  

I took detailed notes and have summarized below. I will provide a link to the talk when it is available as well. 

For decades now, researchers have gathered data on the health benefits of nature. The science is clear. Nature makes us happier, healthier, more confident and reduces mortality, violence and depression. Perhaps one of the most important findings is that being connected to nature fosters environmental stewardship. 

While we can quantify some of the reasons that nature benefits us, there are healing components to nature that we cannot identify yet. 

E.O. Wilson's Biophilia Hypothesis attempts to describe the reason that we humans are attracted to nature. The reasoning is that there is an, "instinctive bond between humans and living systems." 

Although, the data is relatively new, the benefits of spending time in nature have been known for a long time. The Japanese term Shinkin Yoku translates into "taking in the forest air" a practice known as "forest bathing." 

Research shows that even a 15 minute walk after work or a busy day can increase happiness. Some studies have shown that time in nature can have a therapeutic effect in children with ADHD equal to that of ADHD medications (without the side effects). Part of the healing power of nature is explained by the theory that our brains are able to softly or effortlessly focus on nature and this reduces stress. The attention that is required to enjoy nature is different than that of watching tv, although that may also seem effortless. 

Dr Nisbet concluded by talking about the gross underappreciation of nature's healing aspects. This can be remedied by educating people on the health benefits of nature connectedness rather than using guilt tactics. 

The David Suzuki Foundation currently has a nature challenge and the aim is for us to spend 30 mins a day for 30 days in some sort of green space. I am trying to incorporate time outside in green space, as a preventive measure for stress and a way to connect. 

Daily nature exposure for children has been shown to foster a healthy nature connectedness that leads to greater stewardship. This may be the single most important thing we can do to prepare the next generations for the environmental issues they will face. 

Cough Remedies

Winter has been long and full of colds. Boosting the immune system is the best (and only) defence for many common viruses. We now know that over-the-counter decongestants can be harmful. We know that antibiotics are over prescribed and useless against viral infections. This means we keep an array of remedies to soothe symptoms. 

We soothe coughs around here using:

• honey, lemon and ginger tea

• elderberry syrup (Suro) 

• vapour rub (Kayala) 

• diffusing oils such as eucalyptus and wintergreen 

These remedies are effective at soothing irritated throats and contain anti-inflammatory properties. Nature is full of powerful active ingredients. I'm always on the look out for companies that harvest and create medicinal products sustainably, because we want these treatments available well into the future. 

Luckily, 8 years into parenting and we haven't had to use antibiotics yet. Here is hoping for strong immune systems for life!! 

Mei Tai Review

Our Mei Tai carrier was the best baby gift we received. It folds easily and packs into a bag for convenience. It is washable. It is all you need to bring on a walk. We have taken it on family vacation to California, on road trips, on walks near the cottage, we use it in museums and most of all, at home. Baby wearing is simple and enjoyable with Mei Tai. 

Recycled Crayon Valentines

Use up broken crayons lying around! 

These Valentines are easy to make (ask my 7 year old), have a function (colouring) and are made from old broken crayons (no need to buy supplies). 

The longest part is peeling all of the paper off the crayons. 

We found a silicon baking tray with heart shaped cups and filled them half full with broken crayons. Place the tray in the oven at 200•c until melted (8 mins for us). Remove and let cool until hard. 

They were a hit at dd2's preschool! Idea inspired by the awesome activity book for kids, Boredom Busters by Caroline Fernandez.

 

Ladybugs

Every winter, ladybugs move into the house. There haven't been many this year, and dd1 wanted to help this lonely survivor. In our house, a bug is prey for 3 cats. Can this be classified as conservation? 

Ecophobia

Environmental issues and disasters are constantly making headlines. The media's fascination with a global doomsday, and a lack of attention around positive changes can cause fear in children known as ecophobia. 

Children who feel hopeless and fearful about the environment are going to have a hard time connecting.

While I think it is important to recognize the problems that we face such as climate change and pollution, even more pressing is enabling children and youth to correct these issues. One of the best methods for fostering a caring attitude toward the environment is to have children get out into nature.

Studies have shown that children learn stewardship through various experiences. A healthy environmental interest can be developed through classroom learning, reading books, and watching education shows. However, a better understanding comes from outdoor experiences which allow for hands-on-learning. Planting a tree, catching a bug to study, looking up at the stars through a telescope, and cleaning up a shoreline are all great activities for building a relationship with the world around.

Let's emphasize activity ideas which get kids out in nature, interacting and having fun!

Michelle

old things into art

old maps + Ikea frames = inexpensive art

old school rulers + antique vase = eclectic, but personal decor

I finally did something with the flowers I pressed a few months ago. It was easy and fun to arrange the pressed pieces. I plan on doing many more of these. I'd like to try pressing red roses next...

Spring

Come on muddy spring days!

In honour of a day that was a little warmer (minus 2 instead of minus 26) we had a picnic style lunch. It's refreshing to have a meal which is fresh and light. It's also nice to use up odds and ends from the fridge!