Playing ‘Boys’ Games May Help Girls Achieve Success in Science and Math

by , 04/11/13   filed under: green kids, news

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According to a new review published in Springer’s journal Sex Roles, there may be a strong association between masculine or androgynous gender-identification and performing better on mental rotation tasks. The authors of this study, David Reilly and David Neumann from Griffith University in Queensland, Australia, think that individuals who have strong masculine traits and behaviors are more likely to cultivate mathematical and scientific skills. On the flip side, they propose that those with strong feminine traits and behaviors are more likely to be good at abilities related to speaking and language. According to the researchers, gender-roles are not always mutually exclusive. Some individuals tend to develop an integration of both traditional male and female roles. What may prove to be most intriguing about this research is that the development of spatial ability is often fine-tuned through play and recreational activities.

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7 Fruits and Vegetables That are Easy for Kids to Grow in Their Garden

by , 04/11/13   filed under: eco toddler, food, green family, green kids, how-to
 
 
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Gardening is a fantastic activity that everyone in your family will enjoy, especially your children. It is the perfect way to spend several days a week working together outside in the fresh air and sunshine. Gardening is also great for instilling a sense of responsibility, cooperative learning and excitement in your child. Not to mention, when all is said and done, you are left with a beautiful bounty of fresh, organic foods that your family grew together -- and will enjoy eating together.

The key to getting your child super excited about gardening is choosing fruits and vegetables that are easy for them to grow. You want them to have a successful experience gardening, and it helps when the produce they are growing is relatively foolproof. I have planted many different types of fruits and vegetables with my son over the year and have found 7 items that are tried and true when it comes to gardening with children. Several of these plants can be grown inside (in a sunny window or patio), if you're a city dweller. Read on to learn the 7 easiest fruits and vegetables to grow this spring with your children -- and get planting!
 

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The Recycled Orchestra Launches on Kickstarter, Goes Viral on Youtube

by , 04/10/13   filed under: green design, humanitarian design, kids entertainment, news

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Last year we told you about the Recycled Orchestra, comprised of a group of children who play instruments that are made out of trash. The children of Cateura, Paraguay live on a landfill, hence they are surrounded by garbage. But in the spirit of making lemonade out of lemons, one local named Favio Chavez decided to start crafting instruments out of the rubbish, so the children living in the slum could play music. Chavez became the orchestra’s director and he offers the poignant statement, “The world sends us garbage, we send back music.” Now the Recycled Orchestra has gone viral on Youtube, with nearly 1 million views and they have started a Kickstarter campaign to help the project gain funding to complete their documentary.

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The Lullaby Factory Soothes Young Patients with Music in a London Children’s Hospital

by , 04/10/13   filed under: architecture, art, green design, green kids, kids health

 
 
In the back courtyard of the Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital in London, there is a secret, magical collection of pipes, horns, and instruments. Designed by Studio Weave, the Lullaby Factory is hidden inside of the hospital and only visible to the young patients. The project transformed a rather unappealing view of the landlocked space between two buildings. Rather than hide the myriad of drainage pipes, the firm added its own contraptions up and down the ten story building. Music composed by sound artist Jessica Curry sends songs throughout the installation, soothing souls while bodies recover.
 


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gDiapers Global Love gPant Lets Little Ones Commemorate Earth Day

by , 04/09/13   filed under: green baby, green baby gifts, green diapers, green family

gDiapers, gPants, global love gPants, Earth Day, green baby, eco baby, switch to cloth diapers, cloth diapers, gdiapers review

Just in time to honor Earth Day (which is April 22nd), gDiapers is offering an adorable, apropos Global Love gPant, so even the tiniest inhabitants can proclaim their affinity for Mother Earth. The limited-edition vanilla hued diaper cover bears the message: “fill the world with love” in shades of blue and green as a nod to the land and water that comprises our beautiful planet. Making the switch to cloth diapers would be an extraordinary way to commemorate Earth Day — and to help preserve the increasingly fragile globe every day beyond. Read our review of gDiapers here to get started!

+ Global Love gPants $21.99

+ gDiapers


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The Toronto Stool Cleverly Combines Fun & Function

by , 04/09/13   filed under: eco decor, eco toddler, green kids, kids furniture

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Young children will get a kick out playing with the Toronto Stool: interactive furniture that is comprised of 100% recyclable cork and foam and features an evolving design that grows alongside a child. With the ability to customize the stackable discs to meet their height, kids can transform this functional chair to their height while enjoying a hands-on learning adventure that helps them improve their manual coordination and develop an affinity for differing textures, densities and weights. The Toronto Stool will be featured at Milan Design Week, starting today through April 14th in kidsroomZOOM!, an exhibition dedicated to design and art for children.


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How to Protect Your Child from Lead Poisoning

by , 04/09/13   filed under: health & body, how-to, toxins

 
 
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Parenting involves juggling an overwhelming array of issues, from avoiding chemicals such as BPA, to making sure your kids are eating organic foods and that they are getting enough exercise -- to name just a few! It's hard to focus on everything, and some vital areas of concern may slip through the cracks. However, lead is one issue parents shouldn't ignore, because it poses a major health risk for young children.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that if your child is exposed to lead, even at very low levels, it can lead to many problems, including learning disabilities, lower IQ, decreased intelligence, speech, hearing, and language problems, behavioral problems and other life-long health issues. Additionally, a brand new study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has found that kids are more exposed to lead than ever. The new research, based on data compiled by the CDC between 2007 and 2010, shows that about 535,000 children ages 1 to 5, had elevated blood levels of lead in their little bodies -- above the estimated safe level. However, it's important to note that the CDC, among other health organizations, says that there is absolutely no known safe level of lead in kids. Worse is the fact that lead exposure and lead poisoning often occurs with no obvious symptoms, so it frequently goes unrecognized. Double worse, the CDC notes that once major lead exposure has occurred, the effects cannot be corrected. The best thing you can do is learn to protect your child from common sources of lead. Keep reading to learn more.
 


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6 Kid-Friendly Homemade Fruit and Veggie Juice Recipes

by , 04/08/13   filed under: food, green family, green kids, healthy recipe, parenting, recipes, snack, vegan cooking, vegetarian

 
 
Juicing is a great way to get lots of healthy fruits and veggies into your family in liquid form. Of course, we suggest serving the fresh, whole forms of nature's goodies on everyone's plate on a regular basis. But we know that juices are a good, quick fix for busy mornings or for occasionally adding in certain ingredients that your kids might push away on a plate. These recipes range from kid-approved traditional favorites (like apple orange) to the more exotic and adventurous (beet, spinach and apple, anyone)? As always, we recommend using organic fruits and veggies whenever possible. This is especially important for juicing since we are concentrating the fruit in its natural, raw state! And, unless noted, the fruits and veggies do not need to be peeled before juicing, but they should be chopped or sliced into pieces before adding to the juicer (no seeds or pits, please)! Read on for 6 quick and easy juice recipes that are tasty and full of nutrients.
 


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5 Fantastic DIY Forts!

5 Fantastic DIY Forts!

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Little Cord Art Uses Your Baby’s Umbilical Cord To Create an Abstract Masterpiece

Little Cord Art Uses Your Baby’s Umbilical Cord To Create an Abstract Masterpiece

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Play-Doh 3D Printer Brings Designs You Create on Your iPad To Life

Play-Doh 3D Printer Brings Designs You Create on Your iPad To Life

Play-Doh has created a 3D printer that would even impress Dr. Seuss, the king of quirky curiosities. The printer works in tandem with the iPlay-Doh 3D app that you download to your iPad to create any

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Illustrated Alphabet Cards Combine Waldorf Beauty and Learning

Illustrated Alphabet Cards Combine Waldorf Beauty and Learning

This lovely deck of 32 Waldorf-inspired alphabet flash cards will enchant your child with gorgeous artwork depicting the ABCs, alongside watercolor paintings of animals that represent each letter. More

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Photographer Gabriele Galimberti’s Toy Stories Shows Children Around the World with Their Favorite Toys

Photographer Gabriele Galimberti’s Toy Stories Shows Children Around the World with Their Favorite Toys

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Knitting Projects for Parents & Kids to Create Memorable DIY Keepsakes

Knitting Projects for Parents & Kids to Create Memorable DIY Keepsakes

There’s no better keepsake gift than one you make with your own hands, and knitting is a wonderful way to create, unwind and foster a sense of achievement and pride in a job well done. Here we

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TREEPEE: It’s a tent! It’s a swing! It’s a trampoline!

TREEPEE: It’s a tent! It’s a swing! It’s a trampoline!

What do you get when you combine the timeless allure of a treehouse with the bouncy, active fun of a trampoline and the thrill of a tree swing? Welcome to the world of Treepee! This amazing outdoor space

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An Alarming Number of American Kids Are Put on Prescription Meds as ADHD Diagnoses Skyrocket

An Alarming Number of American Kids Are Put on Prescription Meds as ADHD Diagnoses Skyrocket

Image courtesy of Shutterstock A recent study of children’s health issues shows that an estimated 6.4 million children in the United States, ages 4 through 17, have been diagnosed with attention deficit

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HOW TO: Make Non-Toxic Finger Paint for Creative Kids

HOW TO: Make Non-Toxic Finger Paint for Creative Kids

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6 Eco-Friendly Games and Tools that Make Learning Math Fun!

6 Eco-Friendly Games and Tools that Make Learning Math Fun!

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LOTS MORE GREAT GREEN DESIGN STORIES HERE... KEEP READING!