Gimme the Good Stuff https://gimmethegoodstuff.org A resource for conscious parents and healthy kids Tue, 16 Nov 2021 20:32:59 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.8.2 https://gimmethegoodstuff.org/wp-content/uploads/GGS-identity-100x100.png Gimme the Good Stuff https://gimmethegoodstuff.org 32 32 7 Ways You Can Make School Safer from Covid-19 https://gimmethegoodstuff.org/7-ways-you-can-make-school-safer/ https://gimmethegoodstuff.org/7-ways-you-can-make-school-safer/#comments Thu, 06 Aug 2020 17:49:56 +0000 https://gimmethegoodstuff.org/?p=93811 Many of us are still in the thick of debating what school model makes sense–fully remote, hybrid, pods–but if you’d decided that your child will be spending some amount of time physically in the classroom, here are seven ways to reduce the risk of catching COVID or bringing the virus back into your home. 1) Clean the air in the classroom. I hope your school has a plan for improving air quality—ideally even holding classes outside if space and weather allows. If they don’t, placing portable air filters in each classroom can clear the air of viruses and bacteria–in addition to removing a wide variety of environmental toxins. Here is more on which filters kill the virus that causes COVID-19 and this is the filter we are buying for our schools. (We’re also donating filters to underserved schools, so please reach out if you’re a teacher in such a classroom.)   2) Keep your child’s immune system strong. We aren’t big vitamin proponents in normal life, but select supplements are worth considering this year. You could even add a serving of (yummy tasting!) elderberry syrup to a water bottle so your child boosts her immunity while she sips throughout the day. (Or go the easier route and just give them a gummy.) Wondering about the science behind elderberry? Studies suggests it “may help to prevent the early stage of coronavirus infections, which includes COVID-19,” according to Dr. Andrew Weill. One caveat from my husband, a molecular embryologist: “It’s possible that if you’re sick with COVID-19, the increased cytokine activity conferred by elderberry could add to fluid volume in the lungs–part of the “cytokine storm” reaction. For this reason, if you become symptomatic or test positive, I’d stop slugging elderberry.” Another supplement to consider is vitamin D for its general immune-boosting properties. My mom, a certified holistic health coach, suggests six daily habits that keep kids’ immune systems in top shape: Greens every day. An alkaline diet (cucumbers with their crackers, bananas on their cereal, a little broccoli in their pasta). Eating with the seasons. Getting quality sleep. Creating a peaceful home. Spending time outside every day. Suzanne wrote a separate post to provide details and tips to incorporate these habits into your daily life come fall! 3) Teach your kid to clean his own hands. Normally, I fight the urge to turn my kids into germaphobes (which isn’t to say I cannot often be found shouting “don’t touch that subway pole!”). However, right now I am reminding them to use hand sanitizer every 30 minutes or so whenever we are outside of our home and touching things. Consider sending your children to school with easy-to-open sanitizer and encouraging him to apply it often. (This one is easiest for my kids). 4) Put your child in a mask that fits. I like these soft organic cotton ones that fit well and don’t require lots of fiddling with. And of course, because masks are the new missing sock in our home, I have at least five per kid--especially since I’ll want to wash them daily when they get home from school. (Primary also makes nice masks that have a removable filter for extra protection.) 5) Enable your kid to keep a distance from her teachers. For the sake of the teacher as well as your kid, you want her to handle herself without a teacher having to come too close. Depending on the age of your child, this likely means shoes that slip on or have Velcro rather than laces, pull-on pants rather than ones that need buttoning after the bathroom, and so on. This is a year to definitely make sure ALL of your child’s items are clearly labeled, so that he keeps his own stuff in his own space (I am normally so bad about having our stuff labeled, but I am vowing to do better!). It’s also a year to make sure her backpack, lunchbox, and jackets and hoodies have functional zippers, and that she’s able to open his water bottle and lunch containers without help. If you have a kid with seasonal allergies, send along tissues. 6) Push for safer cleaning products. While COVID is the most front-of-mind risk, I’m also worried about the heavy dose of bleach and other cleaning products our kids will be exposed to in the school. If your school is receptive, you might consider lobbying for them to use one of the many non-toxic solutions that will kill the coronavirus. This one is the most earth-friendly, and Force of Nature is offering 40% off all bundles through the end of the year with code GIMMETHEGOODSTUFF. 7) Keep your home germ-free. This year, we will have designated space outside the door for backpacks, shoes, and outerwear. The kids will come in from school, put their clothes (and masks) straight into a hot washer, and go take their showers immediately. And, I’ll definitely be running an air filter in my home all evening. What other strategies are you employing to mitigate the inherent risks of sending your kids back to the classroom? I would especially love to hear how parents of middle- and high-school aged kids are tackling this. Stay saneish,       P.S. Lots of you have asked what our plans are for school this year, and I am happy to share:  Felix is starting at a private middle school, which will be fully open and because it is small is able to abide by social distancing rules with limited class size, spacing between kids, etc. Wolfie is going to public school for second grade, and he will be there half-time (with half as many kids) and doing remote learning from home on the other days. Do I feel one hundred percent comfortable sending them to school? Definitely not. However, I basically trust our governor and our school administration/teachers, and the community at both of the schools, and so I am willing to take this calculated risk for the educational and social-emotional benefit to my kids. I would almost certainly make a different choice if I lived in a city where my values didn’t align with local elected officials, school leadership/teachers, and the parents whose kids will be in school with mine—or if I lived in an area where there were high levels of COVID currently circulating. If New York City’s numbers begin to creep up, my husband and I will re-evaluate our strategy. We are fortunate that I work from home, and I know many of you are having a much more stressful decision-making process. If you liked this post, sign up for our newsletter to be alerted when we publish new content like this!

The post 7 Ways You Can Make School Safer from Covid-19 appeared first on Gimme the Good Stuff.

]]> Many of us are still in the thick of debating what school model makes sense–fully remote, hybrid, pods–but if you’d decided that your child will be spending some amount of time physically in the classroom, here are seven ways to reduce the risk of catching COVID or bringing the virus back into your home.

1) Clean the air in the classroom.

I hope your school has a plan for improving air quality—ideally even holding classes outside if space and weather allows.

If they don’t, placing portable air filters in each classroom can clear the air of viruses and bacteria–in addition to removing a wide variety of environmental toxins.

Here is more on which filters kill the virus that causes COVID-19 and this is the filter we are buying for our schools. (We’re also donating filters to underserved schools, so please reach out if you’re a teacher in such a classroom.)

Austin Air Healthmate Plus Sandstone

 

2) Keep your child’s immune system strong.

We aren’t big vitamin proponents in normal life, but select supplements are worth considering this year. You could even add a serving of (yummy tasting!) elderberry syrup to a water bottle so your child boosts her immunity while she sips throughout the day. (Or go the easier route and just give them a gummy.)

Wondering about the science behind elderberry? Studies suggests it “may help to prevent the early stage of coronavirus infections, which includes COVID-19,” according to Dr. Andrew Weill. One caveat from my husband, a molecular embryologist: “It’s possible that if you’re sick with COVID-19, the increased cytokine activity conferred by elderberry could add to fluid volume in the lungs–part of the “cytokine storm” reaction. For this reason, if you become symptomatic or test positive, I’d stop slugging elderberry.”

Another supplement to consider is vitamin D for its general immune-boosting properties.

My mom, a certified holistic health coach, suggests six daily habits that keep kids’ immune systems in top shape:

  1. Greens every day.
  2. An alkaline diet (cucumbers with their crackers, bananas on their cereal, a little broccoli in their pasta).
  3. Eating with the seasons.
  4. Getting quality sleep.
  5. Creating a peaceful home.
  6. Spending time outside every day.

Suzanne wrote a separate post to provide details and tips to incorporate these habits into your daily life come fall!

Llama Naturals Vitamin D from Gimme the Good Stuff

3) Teach your kid to clean his own hands.

Normally, I fight the urge to turn my kids into germaphobes (which isn’t to say I cannot often be found shouting “don’t touch that subway pole!”). However, right now I am reminding them to use hand sanitizer every 30 minutes or so whenever we are outside of our home and touching things. Consider sending your children to school with easy-to-open sanitizer and encouraging him to apply it often. (This one is easiest for my kids). All Good Pepperint Hand Sanitizer Gimme the Good Stuff

4) Put your child in a mask that fits.

I like these soft organic cotton ones that fit well and don’t require lots of fiddling with. And of course, because masks are the new missing sock in our home, I have at least five per kid--especially since I’ll want to wash them daily when they get home from school.

(Primary also makes nice masks that have a removable filter for extra protection.)

Port 213 Kids Mask from Gimme the Good Stuff 003

5) Enable your kid to keep a distance from her teachers.

For the sake of the teacher as well as your kid, you want her to handle herself without a teacher having to come too close. Depending on the age of your child, this likely means shoes that slip on or have Velcro rather than laces, pull-on pants rather than ones that need buttoning after the bathroom, and so on.

This is a year to definitely make sure ALL of your child’s items are clearly labeled, so that he keeps his own stuff in his own space (I am normally so bad about having our stuff labeled, but I am vowing to do better!).

It’s also a year to make sure her backpack, lunchbox, and jackets and hoodies have functional zippers, and that she’s able to open his water bottle and lunch containers without help. If you have a kid with seasonal allergies, send along tissues.

seal-cup-trio-food_Gimme the Good Stuff

6) Push for safer cleaning products.

While COVID is the most front-of-mind risk, I’m also worried about the heavy dose of bleach and other cleaning products our kids will be exposed to in the school. If your school is receptive, you might consider lobbying for them to use one of the many non-toxic solutions that will kill the coronavirus. This one is the most earth-friendly, and Force of Nature is offering 40% off all bundles through the end of the year with code GIMMETHEGOODSTUFF.Force of Nature Cleaning Kit from Gimme the Good Stuff

7) Keep your home germ-free.

This year, we will have designated space outside the door for backpacks, shoes, and outerwear. The kids will come in from school, put their clothes (and masks) straight into a hot washer, and go take their showers immediately. And, I’ll definitely be running an air filter in my home all evening.

What other strategies are you employing to mitigate the inherent risks of sending your kids back to the classroom? I would especially love to hear how parents of middle- and high-school aged kids are tackling this.

Stay saneish,

Maia_signature

 

 

 

P.S. Lots of you have asked what our plans are for school this year, and I am happy to share: 

  • Felix is starting at a private middle school, which will be fully open and because it is small is able to abide by social distancing rules with limited class size, spacing between kids, etc.
  • Wolfie is going to public school for second grade, and he will be there half-time (with half as many kids) and doing remote learning from home on the other days.

Do I feel one hundred percent comfortable sending them to school? Definitely not. However, I basically trust our governor and our school administration/teachers, and the community at both of the schools, and so I am willing to take this calculated risk for the educational and social-emotional benefit to my kids.

I would almost certainly make a different choice if I lived in a city where my values didn’t align with local elected officials, school leadership/teachers, and the parents whose kids will be in school with mine—or if I lived in an area where there were high levels of COVID currently circulating. If New York City’s numbers begin to creep up, my husband and I will re-evaluate our strategy. We are fortunate that I work from home, and I know many of you are having a much more stressful decision-making process.

If you liked this post, sign up for our newsletter to be alerted when we publish new content like this!

The post 7 Ways You Can Make School Safer from Covid-19 appeared first on Gimme the Good Stuff.

]]> https://gimmethegoodstuff.org/7-ways-you-can-make-school-safer/feed/ 2 https://gimmethegoodstuff.org/7-ways-you-can-make-school-safer/back-to-school-gimme-the-good-stuff-jpg/ Natural, Non-Toxic Easter Baskets (Optional: Real Grass!) https://gimmethegoodstuff.org/natural-nontoxic-easter-baskets-with-real-grass/ https://gimmethegoodstuff.org/natural-nontoxic-easter-baskets-with-real-grass/#comments Mon, 23 Mar 2020 05:03:07 +0000 http://gimmethegoodstuff.org/?p=6850 The last few years, instead of filling my kids’ Easter baskets with tacky plastic “grass” and cheap toys, I’ve taken the time to make Easter more about the Good Stuff. Here’s what’s on my shopping (and growing!) list this year, plus some ideas for younger kids. Real Easter Grass! My mom always grew really grass in our Easter baskets when we were kids, and I assumed it was complicated and difficult, like so much of what she did. (For instance: making yogurt from scratch, never once buying a can of beans, and sewing the hair on our Waldorf dolls until 3:00 a.m. on Christmas mornings.) Turns out, making an Easter basket with real grass isn’t difficult. Even we over-scheduled modern moms can pull it off relatively last minute! Here’s a video from a few years ago where we show you what to do to grow your own real Easter grass. All you need to purchase are wheat grass berries and some potting soil. And there still is totally time to do it this year. As an alternative, you can buy these kits that include everything you need to grow some real Easter grass, plus natural dyes. Natural Easter Egg Dyes When we were kids, my mom dyed our Easter eggs with, like, actual onion skins and cabbage. And my dad always blew out the eggs and did fancy Ukranian-style decorations. I assume it goes without saying that this isn’t happening in my house. These natural dyes from Eco-Kids are my favorite. Wooden Animals & Games Made from eco-friendly rubber wood with child-safe stains, this egg matching game is perfect for kids two and older. I’m also a fan of the wooden animals from Holtztiger.  Rabbit Game This sweet, simple game from Germany is great for kids 2 years old and up. Organic Jelly Beans While no one would call these a health food, Surf Sweets jelly beans are certainly better than Jelly Bellies, and they look so pretty nestled in the real grass. Organic Stuffed Animals My boys aren’t big on stuffed animals, but I usually do a plush toy of some kind in their Easter baskets. This adorable organic bunny lovey is my favorite. I also love these scrappy bunnies made of recycled organic cotton (available in a few colors). Haba Musical Eggs My kids are obviously too old for these, but I’m obsessed with the colorful wooden eggs from Haba, each of which makes a different sound! Homemade Chocolate Of course my mother always made chocolate (or perhaps it was carob) in the shape of a big bunny, using a stainless steel mold that seems to no longer be sold anywhere. These silicone molds are what I use instead. Duck Bubble Bath You’re never too old for a bubble bath (I still take them), and this bottle is cute in a basket for a baby or a bigger kid. Babo Botanicals Skin- and Haircare Babo’s organic skin- and hair-care products have a big bunny right on the bottles, so I always include them in Easter baskets. Natural Rubber Ducky If you want to include a duck in your Easter baskets this year, these natural latex ducks are free of phthalates, which you’ll find in most “rubber” duckies. Waldorf Easter Books I love Gerda Mullers four season boards books, and the spring one is perfect for babies and preschoolers alike. Organic (Cotton) Spring Veggies I’m obsessed with the various organic stuffed vegetables from Under the Nile. They can also be used as teethers for babies. (Click on any of the photos here to buy.) I’d really love to hear what you will be getting for your own children’s Easter baskets, so please comment below. Stay sane,     P.S. This year we are also offering non-toxic Easter Basket bundles for kids or babies, sold at a discounted rate (basket and grass not included). If you liked this post, sign up for our newsletter to be alerted when we publish new content like this!

The post Natural, Non-Toxic Easter Baskets (Optional: Real Grass!) appeared first on Gimme the Good Stuff.

]]> The last few years, instead of filling my kids’ Easter baskets with tacky plastic “grass” and cheap toys, I’ve taken the time to make Easter more about the Good Stuff.

Here’s what’s on my shopping (and growing!) list this year, plus some ideas for younger kids.

real grass easter basket

Real Easter Grass!

My mom always grew really grass in our Easter baskets when we were kids, and I assumed it was complicated and difficult, like so much of what she did. (For instance: making yogurt from scratch, never once buying a can of beans, and sewing the hair on our Waldorf dolls until 3:00 a.m. on Christmas mornings.)

Turns out, making an Easter basket with real grass isn’t difficult. Even we over-scheduled modern moms can pull it off relatively last minute!

Here’s a video from a few years ago where we show you what to do to grow your own real Easter grass. All you need to purchase are wheat grass berries and some potting soil. And there still is totally time to do it this year.

As an alternative, you can buy these kits that include everything you need to grow some real Easter grass, plus natural dyes.

Natural Easter Egg Dyes

When we were kids, my mom dyed our Easter eggs with, like, actual onion skins and cabbage. And my dad always blew out the eggs and did fancy Ukranian-style decorations. I assume it goes without saying that this isn’t happening in my house.

These natural dyes from Eco-Kids are my favorite.

Eco-Kids Eco-Eggs Coloring Kit Gimme the Good Stuff

$11.99Buy Now

Begin Again Color 'N Eggs Matching Game | Gimme the Good Stuff

Wooden Animals & Games

Made from eco-friendly rubber wood with child-safe stains, this egg matching game is perfect for kids two and older.

I’m also a fan of the wooden animals from Holtztiger. sheep holtztiger Gimme the Good Stuff

Rabbit GameHaba Rabbit Rally Guessing Game from gimme the good stuff

This sweet, simple game from Germany is great for kids 2 years old and up.

$19.99Buy Now

jelly beans

Organic Jelly Beans

While no one would call these a health food, Surf Sweets jelly beans are certainly better than Jelly Bellies, and they look so pretty nestled in the real grass.

Under The Nile Snuggle Bunny with Pink Ears from Gimme the Good StuffOrganic Stuffed Animals

My boys aren’t big on stuffed animals, but I usually do a plush toy of some kind in their Easter baskets. This adorable organic bunny lovey is my favorite.

I also love these scrappy bunnies made of recycled organic cotton (available in a few colors).

SCRAPPY-BUNNY-blue-and-white-stripes-baby-toy Gimme the Good Stuff

Haba Musical EggsHaba Musical Eggs from gimme the good stuff

My kids are obviously too old for these, but I’m obsessed with the colorful wooden eggs from Haba, each of which makes a different sound!

$39.99Buy Now

chocolate_bunny

Homemade Chocolate

Of course my mother always made chocolate (or perhaps it was carob) in the shape of a big bunny, using a stainless steel mold that seems to no longer be sold anywhere. These silicone molds are what I use instead.

Duck Bubble BathCarina Organics Baby Bubble Bath from gimme the good stuff

You’re never too old for a bubble bath (I still take them), and this bottle is cute in a basket for a baby or a bigger kid.

$10.99 — or subscribe and save up to 5%Buy Now

Babo Botanicals from Gimme the Good Stuff

Babo Botanicals Skin- and Haircare

Babo’s organic skin- and hair-care products have a big bunny right on the bottles, so I always include them in Easter baskets.

$15.99 — or subscribe and save up to 5%Buy Now

Hevea Mini Kawan Rubber Duck from gimme the good stuff
Natural Rubber Ducky

If you want to include a duck in your Easter baskets this year, these natural latex ducks are free of phthalates, which you’ll find in most “rubber” duckies.

$14.99Buy Now

spring board book gerda muller

Waldorf Easter Books

I love Gerda Mullers four season boards books, and the spring one is perfect for babies and preschoolers alike.

Under the Nile Asparagus Veggie Toy from Gimme the Good StuffUnder the Nile Carrot Veggie Toy from Gimme the Good Stuff

Under the Nile Eggplant Veggie Toy from Gimme the Good Stuff

Under the Nile Pear and Broccoli Fruit and Veggie Toy Set from Gimme the Good StuffUnder the Nile Veggie Crate Gift Set from Gimme the Good Stuff

Organic (Cotton) Spring Veggies

I’m obsessed with the various organic stuffed vegetables from Under the Nile. They can also be used as teethers for babies. (Click on any of the photos here to buy.)

I’d really love to hear what you will be getting for your own children’s Easter baskets, so please comment below.

Stay sane,

Maia_signature

 

 

P.S. This year we are also offering non-toxic Easter Basket bundles for kids or babies, sold at a discounted rate (basket and grass not included).

Natural Easter basket bundle in basket gimme the good stuff

natural easter basket for babies gimme the good stuff

If you liked this post, sign up for our newsletter to be alerted when we publish new content like this!

The post Natural, Non-Toxic Easter Baskets (Optional: Real Grass!) appeared first on Gimme the Good Stuff.

]]> https://gimmethegoodstuff.org/natural-nontoxic-easter-baskets-with-real-grass/feed/ 13 https://gimmethegoodstuff.org/natural-nontoxic-easter-baskets-with-real-grass/easter-eggs-in-real-grass/ Non-Toxic School Supplies https://gimmethegoodstuff.org/non-toxic-school-supplies/ https://gimmethegoodstuff.org/non-toxic-school-supplies/#comments Thu, 09 Aug 2018 17:55:11 +0000 https://gimmethegoodstuff.org/?p=36166 A lot of effort goes into keeping kids safe in school–from sprinkler systems to spongy “concrete” under the jungle gym. If you’re a reader of this blog, you are probably worried about other dangers—and specifically toxins–that might be found in your children’s school. Not all of this can be easily controlled, but you might as well send them to school with only the non-toxic school supplies. Alarmingly, recent headlines have shown that toxins like asbestos and benzene, both established carcinogens, have been found in children’s school supplies, like crayons and dry-erase markers. This back-to-school season, replace toxic back-to-school products with the following upgrades. 1. Backpacks Backpacks are typically made from synthetic fabrics and other materials (like glues) that can contain toxins such as lead, BPA, and phthalates. This is particularly true for vinyl backpacks. It’s hard to find a mass-produced backpack that is totally toxin-free, but because your kid isn’t eating off it or sucking on it (we hope!), you can rest assured with some okay options. My biggest tip? Look for products that are free from PVC, phthalates, BPA, and lead (or labeled “lead safe”). Of course, if they are also labeled as earth-friendly, that’s the best option. Best Non-Toxic Backpack Brands Milkdot Petit Collage SoYoung Stephen Joseph 2. Writing Supplies Erasers often contain phthalates. Look for ones that specify they are phthalate-free, such as these. Vinyl pencil cases and those made with soft plastic also usually contain phthalates. Use metal or cloth cases instead. 3. Lunch-Packing Supplies Some old-school vinyl lunch boxes have been shown to contain unsafe levels of lead. Look for lunch boxes and bags that are free of BPA, PVC, and phthalates. (And of course you’ll want to avoid plastic containers and baggies if you want your child to have only non-toxic school supplies this year.) Here are my favorite plastic-free, non-toxic lunch-packing supplies: Petit Collage Lunch Box Padded and insulated, this lunchbox easily wipes clean. The interior mesh pocket is perfect for holding utensils and ice packs.       Sandwich Wrap Bee’s Wrap, made of beeswax and organic cotton, has been a revelation for our family–we no longer need plastic wrap!       Stainless Cube I don’t worry about squished sandwiches when I use this stainless steel Solo Cube, which is also great for storing leftovers.       Stainless Steel Spork This handy foldable spork is made of high quality 18-8 food grade 304 stainless steel and comes in a certified organic cotton pouch.       Silicone Snacker These have been a go-to in our house for years. I fill them with berries, leftover pasta, or yogurt, and the cup collapses down when empty so it takes up very little room.       Straw & Sports Bottle These are the only bottles we’ve had–one can take you all the way from infant to adult if you want it to (you simply switch out the top). For school-aged kids, I go for either the straw or the sport top (both of which are made of silicone, not plastic).     (Here are even more great plastic-free lunch-packing supplies and here is some healthy packed lunch inspo. ) Toxins in the School Itself While you can’t control most of the chemical exposure your child may encounter in school–from paints on walls to vinyl flooring, there are some items you can send that will reduce the body burden of all the students lucky enough to be in your kid’s class:) Bleach solutions and wipes are commonly used to clean classrooms. Bleach contains chlorine, which has been linked to cancer and endocrine disruption. Fortunately, there are safe and effective alternatives. Encourage teachers and cleaning staff to use natural antibacterial all-purpose products, such as these by CleanWell. Antibacterial soaps and hand sanitizers are a favorite among teachers who encourage kids to wash their hands after playing and before mealtimes. Unfortunately, most of these products contain toxic ingredients, encourage antibacterial resistance, and do little or nothing to halt the spread of bacteria and/or viruses. CleanWell is again my favorite for hand wipes, sanitizer, and soap. Disposable plastic cups, common in classrooms and cafeterias, are identifiable by the #7 recycling code on the bottom. They contain phthalates. Send your kids to school with their own water bottle (see recommendations above) or a cup made from stainless steel or lead-free enamel. Playground surface material provides a softer landing, but the rubbery stuff is made from recycled tires and is linked to cancer. Similarly, artificial turf is made from plastic and includes other components that are known to be toxic. Make sure your kids wash their hands after they play. Hopping in the tub and/or putting on clean clothes is a good idea, too. Every year I debate being THAT MOM and lending these air filters to my children’s teachers. Maybe this will be the year I really embrace my roll as a neurotic and go for it Stay sane,       P.S. Here are some tips for staying healthy during the school year, and we now carry Umcka in our online store!   If you liked this post, sign up for our newsletter to be alerted when we publish new content like this!

The post Non-Toxic School Supplies appeared first on Gimme the Good Stuff.

]]>

A lot of effort goes into keeping kids safe in school–from sprinkler systems to spongy “concrete” under the jungle gym. If you’re a reader of this blog, you are probably worried about other dangers—and specifically toxins–that might be found in your children’s school.

Not all of this can be easily controlled, but you might as well send them to school with only the non-toxic school supplies.

Alarmingly, recent headlines have shown that toxins like asbestos and benzene, both established carcinogens, have been found in children’s school supplies, like crayons and dry-erase markers.

This back-to-school season, replace toxic back-to-school products with the following upgrades.

1. Backpacks

Petit Collage Backpack – Woodland

Petit Collage Eco-Friendly Backpack

Backpacks are typically made from synthetic fabrics and other materials (like glues) that can contain toxins such as lead, BPA, and phthalates. This is
particularly true for vinyl backpacks.

It’s hard to find a mass-produced backpack that is totally toxin-free, but because your kid isn’t eating off it or sucking on it (we hope!), you can rest assured with some okay options.

My biggest tip? Look for products that are free from PVC, phthalates, BPA, and lead (or labeled “lead safe”). Of course, if they are also labeled as earth-friendly, that’s the best option.

Best Non-Toxic Backpack Brands

Milkdot
Petit Collage
SoYoung
Stephen Joseph

2. Writing Supplies

Erasers often contain phthalates. Look for ones that specify they are phthalate-free, such as these.
Faber Castell Eraser Pencils from Gimme the Good Stuff

Vinyl pencil cases and those made with soft plastic also usually contain phthalates. Use metal or cloth cases instead.

Zicome Canvas Pencil Case from Gimme the Good Stuff

Derwent Pencil Tin from Gimme the Good Stuff

3. Lunch-Packing Supplies

Some old-school vinyl lunch boxes have been shown to contain unsafe levels of lead. Look for lunch boxes and bags that are free of BPA, PVC, and phthalates.

(And of course you’ll want to avoid plastic containers and baggies if you want your child to have only non-toxic school supplies this year.)

Here are my favorite plastic-free, non-toxic lunch-packing supplies:

Petit Collage Lunch Box

Petit Collage Lunchbox – Dinosaur

Padded and insulated, this lunchbox easily wipes clean. The interior mesh pocket is perfect for holding utensils and ice packs.

 

 

 

Sandwich Wrap

Bees Wrap Sandwich Original from Gimme the Good Stuff

Bee’s Wrap, made of beeswax and organic cotton, has been a revelation for our family–we no longer need plastic wrap!

$10.99Buy Now

 

 

 

Stainless Cube

ecolunchbox-solo-cube-from-gimme-the-good-stuff

I don’t worry about squished sandwiches when I use this stainless steel Solo Cube, which is also great for storing leftovers.

$19.99Buy Now

 

 

 

Stainless Steel Spork

Life Without Plastic Spork with Pouch from Gimme the Good Stuff

This handy foldable spork is made of high quality 18-8 food grade 304 stainless steel and comes in a certified organic cotton pouch.

$10.00Buy Now

 

 

 

Silicone Snacker

Eco Vessel Collapsible Silicone Snackers

These have been a go-to in our house for years. I fill them with berries, leftover pasta, or yogurt, and the cup collapses down when empty so it takes up very little room.

$10.00Buy Now

 

 

 

Straw & Sports Bottle

Pura Kiki Kids Insulated Sport Bottle from Gimme the Good Stuff
These are the only bottles we’ve had–one can take you all the way from infant to adult if you want it to (you simply switch out the top). For school-aged kids, I go for either the straw or the sport top (both of which are made of silicone, not plastic).

$19.00 – $26.00Buy Now

 

 

(Here are even more great plastic-free lunch-packing supplies and here is some healthy packed lunch inspo. )

Toxins in the School Itself

While you can’t control most of the chemical exposure your child may encounter in school–from paints on walls to vinyl flooring, there are some items you can send that will reduce the body burden of all the students lucky enough to be in your kid’s class:)

  1. Botanical_Disinfectant_Wiptes_35ctBleach solutions and wipes are commonly used to clean classrooms. Bleach contains chlorine, which has been linked to cancer and endocrine disruption. Fortunately, there are safe and effective alternatives. Encourage teachers and cleaning staff to use natural antibacterial all-purpose products, such as these by CleanWell.
  2. Antibacterial soaps and hand sanitizers are a favorite among teachers who encourage kids to wash their hands after playing and before mealtimes. Unfortunately, most of these products contain toxic ingredients, encourage antibacterial resistance, and do little or nothing to halt the spread of bacteria and/or viruses. CleanWell is again my favorite for hand wipes, sanitizer, and soap.
  3. ANYWare Splash Cup from Gimme the Good StuffDisposable plastic cups, common in classrooms and cafeterias, are identifiable by the #7 recycling code on the bottom. They contain phthalates. Send your kids to school with their own water bottle (see recommendations above) or a cup made from stainless steel or lead-free enamel.
  4. Playground surface material provides a softer landing, but the rubbery stuff is made from recycled austin-air-healthmate-plus-junior-air-purifier-blue_2048x2048tires and is linked to cancer. Similarly, artificial turf is made from plastic and includes other components that are known to be toxic. Make sure your kids wash their hands after they play. Hopping in the tub and/or putting on clean clothes is a good idea, too.
  5. Every year I debate being THAT MOM and lending these air filters to my children’s teachers. Maybe this will be the year I really embrace my roll as a neurotic and go for it

Stay sane,

Maia_signature

 

 

 

P.S. Here are some tips for staying healthy during the school year, and we now carry Umcka in our online store!

Umcka Cold + Flu Orange Chewable | Gimme the Good Stuff

$17.99 — or subscribe and save up to 5%Buy Now

 

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The post Non-Toxic School Supplies appeared first on Gimme the Good Stuff.

]]> https://gimmethegoodstuff.org/non-toxic-school-supplies/feed/ 6 https://gimmethegoodstuff.org/non-toxic-school-supplies/derwent-pencil-tin/ 5 Days of Healthy Packed Lunches https://gimmethegoodstuff.org/5-days-of-healthy-packed-lunches/ https://gimmethegoodstuff.org/5-days-of-healthy-packed-lunches/#comments Thu, 28 Dec 2017 06:05:07 +0000 https://gimmethegoodstuff.org/?p=29430 I hope you all are having a wonderfully relaxing holiday break! I always enjoy the week where my kids have lots of new stuff to play with from Christmas, and stop asking for screens! If you’re like me, you’re also spending this week getting organized–from new toy storage systems to winter gear organization to getting your various resolutions or intentions for 2018 set up for success. One thing I’m doing this week is getting organized for packing healthful lunches for my kids once school starts again. I would love to hear about some of your go-to healthy or sort-of healthy lunch ideas for kids. If you need inspiration, below is a week of real lunches I packed for my kids. They aren’t all as perfectly healthful as I might wish, but this is my reality as I try to #staysane! Please share your own ideas in the comments! Day 1: Bean and cheese quesadilla on a sprouted tortilla Clementine Applesauce cup Carrot Raisins Flavored water Day 2: Bean and cheese quesadilla on a sprouted tortilla Veggie/fruit strip Applesauce cup Carrot sticks Sliced strawberries Sliced peppers Guacamole Day 3: Sprouted bagel with cream cheese Carrot sticks Homemade trail mix (O’s cereal, raisins, etc.). Roasted seaweed snack Day 4: Roasted seaweed snack Gummy bunnies (not Good Stuff!) Roasted pumpkin seeds Carrots and shell peas Clementine Bean and cheese quesadilla on a sprouted tortilla Granny smith apple Cheddar cheese Greek yogurt Day 5: Banana Homemade trail mix (O’s, raisins, roasted almonds) Sliced cheese Blackberries Spelt pretzels Spiralized carrots (On this day, they were also getting school lunch, which was a hamburger, so this was a smaller lunch). Shop This Story Petite Collage Insulated Lunchbox ECOlunchbox Ecolunchpod EcoLunchbox Oval and Snack Cup Kids Stainless Steel Spoon Lunchbot Cinco Wonder Well Water for Kids Santa Cruz Organic Applesauce Buy now from Thrive Market Ezekiel Tortillas Sabra Guacamole Veggie Gos   Seaweed Snack Buy now from Thrive Market Alvarado Street Bakery Bagel Spelt Pretzels Buy now from Thrive Market Dried Cranberries Whole O’s Cereal Fage 2% Greek Yogurt   Annie’s Fruit Snacks Buy now from Thrive Market Cabot Seriously Cheddar Snacking Cheese Stay sane,       P.S. You’ll notice in this post that I’ve linked a variety of ingredients to Thrive Market. If you aren’t familiar with Thrive, I encourage you to give it a try. It’s a Costco meets Whole Foods meets Amazon model, with hard-to-find healthful foods delivered, for free, at steeply discounted prices. We’ve partnered with Thrive to get you $60 off your first three orders. If you liked this post, sign up for our newsletter to be alerted when we publish new content like this!

The post 5 Days of Healthy Packed Lunches appeared first on Gimme the Good Stuff.

]]> Maia James | Gimme the Good Stuff

Written by Maia, President & Founder

I hope you all are having a wonderfully relaxing holiday break! I always enjoy the week where my kids have lots of new stuff to play with from Christmas, and stop asking for screens!

If you’re like me, you’re also spending this week getting organized–from new toy storage systems to winter gear organization to getting your various resolutions or intentions for 2018 set up for success.

One thing I’m doing this week is getting organized for packing healthful lunches for my kids once school starts again.

I would love to hear about some of your go-to healthy or sort-of healthy lunch ideas for kids. If you need inspiration, below is a week of real lunches I packed for my kids. They aren’t all as perfectly healthful as I might wish, but this is my reality as I try to #staysane! Please share your own ideas in the comments!

Day 1:

Day 2:

Day 3:

Day 4:

Day 5:

  • Banana
  • Homemade trail mix (O’s, raisins, roasted almonds)
  • Sliced cheese
  • Blackberries
  • Spelt pretzels
  • Spiralized carrots

(On this day, they were also getting school lunch, which was a hamburger, so this was a smaller lunch).

Shop This Story

Petite Collage Insulated Lunchbox

ECOlunchbox Ecolunchpodecolunchbox-ecolunchpod-from-gimme-the-good-stuff

$9.99Buy Now

EcoLunchbox Oval and Snack Cup

$32.99Buy Now

Kids Stainless Steel Spoon

Lunchbot Cinco

Wonder Well Water for Kids

Santa Cruz Organic Applesauce

Buy now from Thrive Market

Ezekiel Tortillas

Sabra Guacamole

Veggie Gos

 

Seaweed Snack

Buy now from Thrive Market

Alvarado Street Bakery Bagel

Spelt Pretzels

Buy now from Thrive Market

Dried Cranberries

Whole O’s Cereal

Fage 2% Greek Yogurt

 

Annie’s Fruit Snacks

Buy now from Thrive Market

Cabot Seriously Cheddar Snacking Cheese

Stay sane,

Maia_signature

 

 

 

P.S. You’ll notice in this post that I’ve linked a variety of ingredients to Thrive Market. If you aren’t familiar with Thrive, I encourage you to give it a try. It’s a Costco meets Whole Foods meets Amazon model, with hard-to-find healthful foods delivered, for free, at steeply discounted prices. We’ve partnered with Thrive to get you $60 off your first three orders.

If you liked this post, sign up for our newsletter to be alerted when we publish new content like this!

The post 5 Days of Healthy Packed Lunches appeared first on Gimme the Good Stuff.

]]> https://gimmethegoodstuff.org/5-days-of-healthy-packed-lunches/feed/ 2 https://gimmethegoodstuff.org/5-days-of-healthy-packed-lunches/healthy-packed-lunch-day-1/ Resilience in Children: Why This Matters (And How to Make School Separation Easier!) https://gimmethegoodstuff.org/resilience-in-children-why-this-matters/ https://gimmethegoodstuff.org/resilience-in-children-why-this-matters/#comments Tue, 25 Apr 2017 12:55:11 +0000 https://gimmethegoodstuff.org/?p=25640 Over the last few years, there has been much attention drawn to this idea of “grit” as being a more important predictor of success than brains. I recently sat down with Inna Thomka, a licensed social worker with a decade of experience working with a diverse population, to discuss why grit, which she refers to as “resilience,” matters so much and how we can foster it in our children. Maia James: What is resilience, generally speaking? Inna Thomka: Resilience is the ability to successfully overcome serious hardship by bouncing back from tragedy, trauma, risks, and stress. It can be broadly understood as capacities for persistence, creativity, emotional intelligence, grit, cognitive flexibility, risk-taking, adapting to change, delaying gratification, learning from failure, and questioning success. MJ: We keep hearing about how important “grit” is in kids, and I think as parents we all worry that our own kids aren’t gritty enough! Why is it important to understand resilience in children? IT: Understanding why some children do well despite adverse early experiences, while others do not, is crucial because it can make us better parents, caregivers, and educators to children who have experienced traumatic life events and other hardships. It can also inform more effective policies and programs that help children reach their full potential. MJ: What is the single most common protective factor for children who develop resilience? IT: At least one stable and committed relationship with supportive parent, caregiver, or other adult. These relationships provide the personalized protection that buffer children from developmental disruption. They also build key skills- such as the ability to plan, monitor, and regulate behaviors- that enable children to respond adaptively to adversity and thrive. MJ: How can we understand resilience in children who have NOT undergone trauma or unusual hardship? In other words, why is this important even just for the average child? IT: It’s important to understand how to develop a resilient mind-set in children, even if they have not undergone what most of us consider “traumatic or unusual hardships” (i.e. abuse, neglect, or lack of basic necessities). Every child experiences challenging situations and disappointments on a daily basis! Children process, internalize, and react to those experiences differently. Some children are more sensitive than others to daily stressors (i.e. saying goodbye to a parent in the morning or feeling left out during play time) and may even find them to be traumatizing. Therefore, even a child that has not undergone trauma or excessive stress needs to build resilience. Children who do not have the supports around them to help cultivate this skill may have a more difficult time coping with everyday challenges such as changes in routine, peer conflict, treating oneself and others with respect, and problem-solving. So, if we as parents/caregivers/teachers have an understanding of what resilience is and how we can assist in nurturing the type of environment that supports its development, then children will likely have an easier time coping with stressors, bouncing back from disappointments, and gaining more insight into navigating the world around them in healthy and appropriate ways. MJ: I have a kid who definitely seemed traumatized from the simple act of saying goodbye to me each morning at preschool. So, can you give some concrete examples of how we might foster increased resilience in your average 3-year-old? To again use this example of separation from a parent: does a “ripping off of the bandaid” approach work here, or would you recommend a gentler approach? Which is more likely to build resiliency? IT: The goal in fostering resilience in a person (young or old), is to provide him/her with a set of tools that are quick, easy, and simple to use and are proven to help the person feel better faster. Experts have identified 4 Basic Characteristics of Building Resiliency (Henderson, et al., 1999). Resilient attitude: “You have what it takes” Focus on strengths not weaknesses Provide caring, supportive environment Give it time Let’s apply an everyday example and see how we can utilize these four characteristics to build resilience in a 3-year-old, who is in a new school setting and is having difficulty separating from parent at drop-off. Resilient Attitude: “You Have What It Takes” Discuss the situation with your child in a “safe” place when they are calm and happy (not at drop-off time). Actively listen to their fears and validate their feelings, and instead of dismissing them and adopting a “ripping off the bandaid approach” by saying something like, “You need you to be better at drop-off” or “You’ll be fine, it’s no big deal” (because most likely it is a huge deal to them), instead say something like, “You are so strong, I know it is so difficult to start a new school, when you don’t know anyone, but you are very tough and I know you can do it.”Another way to build them up is to remind your child of a time they have overcome a similar challenge and connect it to the challenge at hand, for instance, you can say, “Hey bud, remember when you went to a birthday party an you did not know anyone, but then you made friends with all these new kids and had a great time etc., this is just like that.” Focus on Strengths, Not Weaknesses Highlight your child’s strengths as they relate to being able to adjust to the new environment. For instance, instead of saying something like, “I can’t believe you are still acting like this, you are 3 years old now, you should not be crying at drop-off!” utilize their strengths and provide opportunities for meaningful participation: “You are such a great helper, I know the teacher needs help in the morning, do you think that you could help set-up for breakfast?” Of course, discuss your plan with the teacher, so everyone is on the same page. Provide Caring/Supportive Environment Talk to the teachers beforehand and ensure that they are caring and empathetic and are on the same page with your approach to the issue. For example, instead of the teacher giving a directive right away, such as “Time to let go of your mother now, please go sit down at the table,” ensure that he/she validates your child’s feelings, acknowledging their fears and lets them know they are there to help and support them. Teachers may want to say something like, “I am here for you and I will help you, it is so hard to be away from your mom, and it is ok to cry,” or “Would you like to help me take out books for circle time?” Give it Time (Set Clear and Consistent Boundaries; Be Consistent) Allow the child to take their time to adjust to their new environment, and try not to impose your own timeline. Also, it may help to set clear and consistent boundaries at drop off, for instance, instead of staying with a child in their classroom for a different amount of time, depending on their behavior at drop off, set clear expectations beforehand. For example, in a “safe” environment (not at drop off), inform them that mommy will have to leave, when he/she sits down for breakfast, and be consistent. This way the child knows what to expect. Discuss your plan with the teacher, so everyone is on the same page. MJ: What is the biggest misconception regrading resilience in children? IT: That children are either born with resilience or they are not. In reality, resilience is something that is developed over time. Research suggests that human beings are born with innate self-righting ability, which can be helped or hindered. The capabilities that underline resilience can be strengthened at any age. The brain and other biological systems are most adaptable early in life, but it is never too late to build resilience. MJ: Wow, this is so helpful. Can you recommend resources for parents to learn more about this? IT: Yes, here are some of my favorite websites:                   http://www.resiliency.com                   http://www.bouncebackproject.org/resilience/                   http://www.search-institute.org/ And here’s some great Literature on Resilience for Children: 101 Mindful Ways to Build Resilience, Cultivate Calm, Clarity, Optimism & Happiness Each Day, by Donald Altman The Hugging Tree, A Story About Resilience, by Jill Neimark Bounce Back, How to Be a Resilient Kid, by Wendy L. Moss, PhD Bella Eve, The Bounce Back Dog, A Puppy’s Journey of Resiliency, by Kasey Crawford Kellem Have You Filled a Bucket Today, A Guide to Daily Happiness for Kid’s by Carol McCloud But Aren’t I Lucky That…by Deanna Beech Inna Katsev Thomka is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), and mother of two. Over the course of the last decade, Inna has worked in a variety of community-based, mental health programs, as well as residential facilities and acute care settings and have provided individual, group, and family counseling, as well as case management and crisis intervention services to children, adolescents, and adults of diverse ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds. Stay sane,       If you liked this post, sign up for our newsletter to be alerted when we publish new content like this!

The post Resilience in Children: Why This Matters (And How to Make School Separation Easier!) appeared first on Gimme the Good Stuff.

]]> Maia James | Gimme the Good Stuff

Written by Maia, President & Founder

Over the last few years, there has been much attention drawn to this idea of “grit” as being a more important predictor of success than brains. I recently sat down with Inna Thomka, a licensed social worker with a decade of experience working with a diverse population, to discuss why grit, which she refers to as “resilience,” matters so much and how we can foster it in our children.

Maia James: What is resilience, generally speaking?

Inna Thomka: Resilience is the ability to successfully overcome serious hardship by bouncing back from tragedy, trauma, risks, and stress. It can be broadly understood as capacities for persistence, creativity, emotional intelligence, grit, cognitive flexibility, risk-taking, adapting to change, delaying gratification, learning from failure, and questioning success.

MJ: We keep hearing about how important “grit” is in kids, and I think as parents we all worry that our own kids aren’t gritty enough! Why is it important to understand resilience in children?

IT: Understanding why some children do well despite adverse early experiences, while others do not, is crucial because it can make us better parents, caregivers, and educators to children who have experienced traumatic life events and other hardships. It can also inform more effective policies and programs that help children reach their full potential.

MJ: What is the single most common protective factor for children who develop resilience?

IT: At least one stable and committed relationship with supportive parent, caregiver, or other adult. These relationships provide the personalized protection that buffer children from developmental disruption. They also build key skills- such as the ability to plan, monitor, and regulate behaviors- that enable children to respond adaptively to adversity and thrive.

MJ: How can we understand resilience in children who have NOT undergone trauma or unusual hardship? In other words, why is this important even just for the average child?

IT: It’s important to understand how to develop a resilient mind-set in children, even if they have not undergone what most of us consider “traumatic or unusual hardships” (i.e. abuse, neglect, or lack of basic necessities). Every child experiences challenging situations and disappointments on a daily basis! Children process, internalize, and react to those experiences differently. Some children are more sensitive than others to daily stressors (i.e. saying goodbye to a parent in the morning or feeling left out during play time) and may even find them to be traumatizing.

Therefore, even a child that has not undergone trauma or excessive stress needs to build resilience. Children who do not have the supports around them to help cultivate this skill may have a more difficult time coping with everyday challenges such as changes in routine, peer conflict, treating oneself and others with respect, and problem-solving.

So, if we as parents/caregivers/teachers have an understanding of what resilience is and how we can assist in nurturing the type of environment that supports its development, then children will likely have an easier time coping with stressors, bouncing back from disappointments, and gaining more insight into navigating the world around them in healthy and appropriate ways.

MJ: I have a kid who definitely seemed traumatized from the simple act of saying goodbye to me each morning at preschool. So, can you give some concrete examples of how we might foster increased resilience in your average 3-year-old? To again use this example of separation from a parent: does a “ripping off of the bandaid” approach work here, or would you recommend a gentler approach? Which is more likely to build resiliency?

IT: The goal in fostering resilience in a person (young or old), is to provide him/her with a set of tools that are quick, easy, and simple to use and are proven to help the person feel better faster. Experts have identified 4 Basic Characteristics of Building Resiliency (Henderson, et al., 1999).

  1. Resilient attitude: “You have what it takes”
  2. Focus on strengths not weaknesses
  3. Provide caring, supportive environment
  4. Give it time

Let’s apply an everyday example and see how we can utilize these four characteristics to build resilience in a 3-year-old, who is in a new school setting and is having difficulty separating from parent at drop-off.

  1. Resilient Attitude: “You Have What It Takes”
    Discuss the situation with your child in a “safe” place when they are calm and happy (not at drop-off time). Actively listen to their fears and validate their feelings, and instead of dismissing them and adopting a “ripping off the bandaid approach” by saying something like, “You need you to be better at drop-off” or “You’ll be fine, it’s no big deal” (because most likely it is a huge deal to them), instead say something like, “You are so strong, I know it is so difficult to start a new school, when you don’t know anyone, but you are very tough and I know you can do it.”Another way to build them up is to remind your child of a time they have overcome a similar challenge and connect it to the challenge at hand, for instance, you can say, “Hey bud, remember when you went to a birthday party an you did not know anyone, but then you made friends with all these new kids and had a great time etc., this is just like that.”water play | Gimme the Good Stuff
  2. Focus on Strengths, Not Weaknesses
    Highlight your child’s strengths as they relate to being able to adjust to the new environment. For instance, instead of saying something like, “I can’t believe you are still acting like this, you are 3 years old now, you should not be crying at drop-off!” utilize their strengths and provide opportunities for meaningful participation: “You are such a great helper, I know the teacher needs help in the morning, do you think that you could help set-up for breakfast?” Of course, discuss your plan with the teacher, so everyone is on the same page.
  3. Provide Caring/Supportive Environment
    Talk to the teachers beforehand and ensure that they are caring and empathetic and are on the same page with your approach to the issue. For example, instead of the teacher giving a directive right away, such as “Time to let go of your mother now, please go sit down at the table,” ensure that he/she validates your child’s feelings, acknowledging their fears and lets them know they are there to help and support them. Teachers may want to say something like, “I am here for you and I will help you, it is so hard to be away from your mom, and it is ok to cry,” or “Would you like to help me take out books for circle time?”
  4. Give it Time (Set Clear and Consistent Boundaries; Be Consistent)
    Allow the child to take their time to adjust to their new environment, and try not to impose your own timeline. Also, it may help to set clear and consistent boundaries at drop off, for instance, instead of staying with a child in their classroom for a different amount of time, depending on their behavior at drop off, set clear expectations beforehand. For example, in a “safe” environment (not at drop off), inform them that mommy will have to leave, when he/she sits down for breakfast, and be consistent. This way the child knows what to expect. Discuss your plan with the teacher, so everyone is on the same page.

MJ: What is the biggest misconception regrading resilience in children?

IT: That children are either born with resilience or they are not. In reality, resilience is something that is developed over time. Research suggests that human beings are born with innate self-righting ability, which can be helped or hindered. The capabilities that underline resilience can be strengthened at any age. The brain and other biological systems are most adaptable early in life, but it is never too late to build resilience.

MJ: Wow, this is so helpful. Can you recommend resources for parents to learn more about this?

IT: Yes, here are some of my favorite websites:

And here’s some great Literature on Resilience for Children:

  1. 101 Mindful Ways to Build Resilience, Cultivate Calm, Clarity, Optimism & Happiness Each Day, by Donald Altman
  2. The Hugging Tree, A Story About Resilience, by Jill Neimark
  3. Bounce Back, How to Be a Resilient Kid, by Wendy L. Moss, PhD
  4. Bella Eve, The Bounce Back Dog, A Puppy’s Journey of Resiliency, by Kasey Crawford Kellem
  5. Have You Filled a Bucket Today, A Guide to Daily Happiness for Kid’s by Carol McCloud
  6. But Aren’t I Lucky That…by Deanna Beech

Inna Katsev Thomka is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), and mother of two. Over the course of the last decade, Inna has worked in a variety of community-based, mental health programs, as well as residential facilities and acute care settings and have provided individual, group, and family counseling, as well as case management and crisis intervention services to children, adolescents, and adults of diverse ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds.

Stay sane,

Maia_signature

 

 

 

If you liked this post, sign up for our newsletter to be alerted when we publish new content like this!

The post Resilience in Children: Why This Matters (And How to Make School Separation Easier!) appeared first on Gimme the Good Stuff.

]]> https://gimmethegoodstuff.org/resilience-in-children-why-this-matters/feed/ 1 https://gimmethegoodstuff.org/resilience-in-children-why-this-matters/ithomka-photo/ Aromatherapy for Back-to-School Blues https://gimmethegoodstuff.org/aromatherapy-for-back-to-school-blues/ https://gimmethegoodstuff.org/aromatherapy-for-back-to-school-blues/#respond Sun, 30 Sep 2012 03:59:11 +0000 http://ggs.site/aromatherapy-for-back-to-school-blues/ Felix recently started preschool and while I am mostly excited about this transition, it has not been without some stress and a certain sense of loss. I can’t believe his first three years are really over (and that I’ve spent the bulk of them waiting for bedtime…waiting for the weekend…waiting for him to be old enough to go to school!).  Because I know that many moms are going through the same range of emotions this time of year, I turned to aromatherapy expert Valerie Bennis for her stress relief tips. Here’s what Valerie had to say: Whether your little boy has just begun kindergarten or your first-born is starting her journey off to college, this can be a stressful time of year.  Aromatherapy can ease tension, warm your heart, and help you let go. Essential oils of lavender and ylang/ylang are deeply calming. Woody scents (think cedar and spruce) are comforting and restorative. Essence of Vali’ s CALM relax mist and massage & bath oil can help put you at ease, and the diffuser blend is a quick and easy way to add some “calm” into your home or office. Our FORTIFY blend is very grounding and can help ease the feeling of loss or emotional fragility, creating a sense of shelter and warmth. I wish you all a smooth transition this school year! Valerie Stay sane,       If you liked this post, sign up for our newsletter to be alerted when we publish new content like this!

The post Aromatherapy for Back-to-School Blues appeared first on Gimme the Good Stuff.

]]> First-Day-of-SchoolFelix recently started preschool and while I am mostly excited about this transition, it has not been without some stress and a certain sense of loss. I can’t believe his first three years are really over (and that I’ve spent the bulk of them waiting for bedtime…waiting for the weekend…waiting for him to be old enough to go to school!). 

Because I know that many moms are going through the same range of emotions this time of year, I turned to aromatherapy expert Valerie Bennis for her stress relief tips.

Here’s what Valerie had to say:

Whether your little boy has just begun kindergarten or your first-born is starting her journey off to college, this can be a stressful time of year.  Aromatherapy can ease tension, warm your heart, and help you let go. Essential oils of lavender and ylang/ylang are deeply calming. Woody scents (think cedar and spruce) are comforting and restorative.

Essence of Vali’ s CALM relax mist and massage & bath oil can help put you at ease, and the diffuser blend is a quick and easy way to add some “calm” into your home or office. Our FORTIFY blend is very grounding and can help ease the feeling of loss or emotional fragility, creating a sense of shelter and warmth.

I wish you all a smooth transition this school year!

EOV_ValerieValerie


Stay sane,

Maia_signature

 

 

 

If you liked this post, sign up for our newsletter to be alerted when we publish new content like this!

The post Aromatherapy for Back-to-School Blues appeared first on Gimme the Good Stuff.

]]> https://gimmethegoodstuff.org/aromatherapy-for-back-to-school-blues/feed/ 0