green parenting

Cut Back on Screen Time and Save $30,000 or More Over Five Years

Because my family is working on cutting screen time, I figured I’d attempt to figure out how much money you can save by cutting back. I started a post yesterday morning about cutting screen time as part of my save $50,000 over five years series, but it was proving EXTREMELY COMPLICATED to organize. How come? There are so many [...]

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Are people really that addicted to technology?

I’m considering a screen detox at my house. Why? Because one, I’m tired of people paying more attention to screens than to other people and other interests and two my household has a lot of red flags related to screen addiction and low physical activity. I’m just not feeling like my household is using screens [...]

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Red Flags Related to Kids + Physical Activity + Tech Gadget Overload

I’m pondering a screen detox right now, because screen time is out of control at my house. I’m pretty sure I’m the only one at my house who would be on board with a screen detox. I’m guessing everyone else in the house would say, “You’re overreacting about the screen situation.” So, to be fair, [...]

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Considering a home screen detox

I know I’ve been absent a lot lately. Sorry about that. Turns out you shouldn’t look for a new school for your kid at the end of the year while looking for new clients and organizing spring cleaning (stress city). Still, just because I’ve been gone, doesn’t mean I haven’t been thinking about green family [...]

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Apparently organic food advocates are jerks

A new study shows that folks who fequently buy, eat or advocate for organics are more snotty and judgmental than folks with less exposure to organic food. To be honest I have seen this, in some cases, but now it’s officially documented – not good news for organic advocates. The claim that organic food turns people into [...]

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Ten sane tips for a green, safe and happy life

I wrote a piece about co-sleeping for a client a while back. The post got a mix of pro and anti-co-sleeping comments. Even as a co-sleeping advocate none of the anti-co-sleeping comments bothered me. Not until someone left a comment stating they’d never ever co-sleep because they’d rather be, “Safe than sorry.” I’ve read that [...]

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How to cut screen time and get your kids outside

I recently wrote, 50 things I did outside as a kid that didn’t kill me, a post that got me thinking about how come I did all this cool stuff outside, but kids today don’t. I think it’s due to two major issues – screens and parent comfort with the outside world. Kids are glued, [...]

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Is it safe to let your kids play outside alone?

As I noted in that 50 things I did outside as a kid that didn’t kill me post, plenty of parents today are too scared to allow their kids any freedom when it comes to outside play. In fact, the Kids Fighting Chance website notes that a recent study of parents’ worries by pediatricians at the Mayo Clinic in [...]

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50 things I did outside as a kid that didn’t kill me

Kids are pretty darn sheltered these days. On Facebook I once posed the question to some parents, “At what age is it safe to let kids play alone outside?” The answers I got freaked me out. Parents posted stuff like, “14, 18 years of age” or “Never.” Very few parents said they allowed their kids [...]

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Eco-friendly summer tips for green families

I’m scrapping together a lower-cost sunscreen guide, due to our ongoing conversations here about expensive sunscreen. But, it’s taking a while. Until I get this list together, why not enjoy some past Growing a Green Family posts you may have missed… Make sure your child is getting out into nature. In fact, consider sending your [...]