Articles > Help Your Kids "Go Green"

Help Your Kids "Go Green"

Recycling, reusing, waste-reducing – if you really want to make a difference, it’s better to do it together. Children will copy you in everything you do, so the best way to help them “go green” is to be a good role model yourself. So... do it as a family!

By showing that you care about and respect the environment and be earth-friendly, your kids will soon learn to do the same. Here are some suggestions you can try as a family:

Respect the nature. This can start in your own backyard. Help kids plant a flower or a tree. Set up bird feeders, a birdbath, and birdhouses. Do it together and show your kids that you care for the nature. Go to the park, organise a picnic, or book a family holiday somewhere away from urban spaces and distressing noise. Explore the nature and take any opportunities to point out and discuss the plants and animals you see and why it's important to protect their habitats.

Refill and Recycle. Recycling is easy, so show them how to do it when they are toddlers. Have separate bins for recycling and for rubbish. Try to make it fun - You may put stickers with images of what they can put in the recycling bin, and what – in the other one. In the very early days, give rewards every time they do it right. Always choose items that come with a refill option. They reduce the waste and are cheaper, too.

Drink tap water. You can add a filter to improve its taste. Mineral water usually comes in plastic bottles, most commonly made from polyethylene terepthalate (PET), which can end up in landfills.

Paper. You may consider buying note-books, pads, photo-albums and even photo-frames made from recycled paper. And to get creative again, show them how to do the best (and most valuable) hand-made greeting card from recycled paper. And going even further, why not recycling the paper at home? – click here for handmade paper tips.

Cleaning. When cleaning, use non-toxic or purely natural materials. The following will clean your house just as effectively as bought chemical-based products, and offer a sweet-smelling, natural and eco-friendly element to your housework:
White apple vinegar - A natural disinfectant, stain remover and reduces mineral and lime deposits
Baking soda – Mixed with water, it will cut through grease and dirt on almost any surface
Soda crystals – If you need to unblock the sinks
Baking soda and vinegar when mixed will clean perfectly any silver surfaces
Toothpaste – use as above
Lemon - A natural bleaching and disinfecting agent which also smells great
Olive Oil - Use as a furniture polish to nourish wood.
Tea tree oil – add a few drops in your laundry to disinfect and kill the bacteria

Save energy. For older kids remind them to turn off lights when they're not in use, power down computers, turn off the TV when nobody's watching. Use energy-saving bulbs which are better for conserving energy, last longer, and come cheaper.

Give away and donate. Ask kids to gather toys, books, and clothes, which they no longer use for donation to local charities, or simply giving to friends who want them.

How to Treat and Prevent Babies and Kids' Eczema Naturally
When my little one was 2-month old, she has been diagnosed with severe eczema. Poor girl was crying all the time, her skin was dry, red and scaly, she couldn’t sleep and… I was feeling devastated. Doctors prescribed steroid creams, which made me even more nervous and worried than before, because of the possible side effects. As a first-time mum, I didn’t know what to do, or where to seek advice. Then I started talking to people, reading books and researching on the Internet for advice on… Read more

Your Guide to Mother and Baby Winter Essentials
Is it just great when the winter is white and when kids have lots of fun playing outside, making snowmen? Rather than spending the weekend in front of the TV, join the kids outside and have fun together as a family! Even when temperatures go below zero, it is still beneficial even for the very small children and babies to go out for a short walk and have some fresh air. Just make sure you’ve got handy your winter essentials…Read more

The Real Nappy Guide
A friend of mine told me a story the other day. She’s got a 2-year old lovely daughter, Ester. When Ester was a baby, mum started her on disposable nappies. Baby constantly had nappy rash, so my friend had to change different nappy brands, from Pampers and Huggies to food retailers’ own nappy brand… but no difference at all – they were all full of lotions and nasty chemicals, irritating the newborn gentle skin. Besides, I wasn’t aware about… Read more

What’s Really in Your Toddler’s Breakfast
I am sure every parent is aware of the importance of giving breakfast to children, but how aware you are then it comes to ingredients in your toddler’s bowl? Healthy breakfast options containing appropriate for kids level of salt and sugar is what we need to look for. With some expert help, we did a cereal breakfast research, aiming to establish the salt and sugar level in different cereal and porridge brands, and to find out what are really the healthy options. The results were… Read more

How to Naturally Pamper Yourself in New Year’s Eve
The day before New Year’s Eve it’s time to have a "day off" from the daily routine, leave kids to enjoy their quality time with daddy and find a way to indulge yourself. How we feel is not necessarily related to our outlook, but it does boost the confidence, right? So don’t underestimate it, but rather take advantage of those stolen few hours of “me-time” and pamper yourself naturally, following those 5 easy steps... Read more

Christmas Gift Guide: The Perfect Baby and Toddler Eco-Friendly Toys
“Dear Santa, My name is Veronica, I am 2 years old now, and this year I've been sooo good that I deserve the best gift ever! But I am a bit confused – the problem is that I can’t decide what gift to wish for… so I am leaving to you to bring me the toy that you know I would enjoy most. I am sure this toy would be made with all your love, inspired by every funny day spent with me during this year.”… Read more

Planning a Toddler Christmas Party? – Get Some Healthy Party Snacks Ideas
You are invited to your toddler Christmas party at the nursery, and need to bring some party treats for the kids. Or throwing a Christmas party for your child’s friends and neighbours? I guess many parents would go for some mince pies and cakes, but I will give you a healthier choice. And I bet your little ones would enjoy it even more!... Read more

Have a Magic Eco-Friendly Christmas
Christmas is knocking on the door, so it's time to prepare. How about, apart from dreaming of white Christmas, you think about making it a bit greener this year? If you like the idea, start discussing your intentions to have a green Christmas with your family early in the season... Read more

How to Fight Swine Flu in Babies and Children Naturally
Cases of Swine flu are doubling in the UK weekly, and more and more parents are getting concern about their children's health and the possible side effects of the prescribed Tamiflu for babies and small kids. Well, there is always a better (and safer) alternative, and in this case is to prevent and treat flu naturally. First of all, try to boost your child's natural body defence by… Read more

Eco Halloween – Boo!
With just a few weeks to go, there is enough time to prepare for Halloween. And to think about how to give it some eco twist, without missing out all the fun. Here are some tips on having a “green” Halloween – from Trick-or-Treating to hosting a Halloween party… Read more

Mummy is Back to Work!
How to make sure your childcare provider will keep up your eco habits
Going back to work is an emotional moment for both mother and child. It is hard to believe that someone else will take care of our little ones the same way we do. But mummies do need to go back to work, and children do need to find their new friends at the daycare... Read more

The Healing Power of Water Therapy
Did you know that water can “absorb” our emotions? – There have been lots of studies proving that water structure changes according to peoples’ thoughts, either positive or negative. In a way our emotions are being absorbed by the water, and might be kept there for ages. Our feelings and thoughts affect the health of our bodies… Read more

Summer is Bright, Summer is Colourful… but Why Don’t you Make it a Bit “Greener”
It’s summer time, and the family vacation is on its way! Having a baby on board or small children makes the holiday planning even more exciting… and tricky. If you have chosen to be a green parent, it is possible to keep on with your eco habits… Read more

Healthy Mother and Baby through Ayurveda
From birth each baby is individual, has already a personality, waiting to become more visible to others. One baby may sleep well and sooth easily, while other may be restless even when not hungry, wet or in pain. There is a science explaining why people are different, and, by its individual approach, “recommends” a specific lifestyle… Read more

What’s the difference between an allergy and intolerance?
If you think your child has a food allergy or intolerance, then it's important to get a proper diagnosis. Don't cut food groups out of your diet without medical advice, because she could miss out on important… Read more

Feng Shui for Kids! How to help your children grow and develop in a positive way and enhance family harmony
There are no bad children, only bad behaviour. Our environment affects our behaviour. We know what to expect if we give our kids a lot of sugar or caffeine. They will bounce off the walls. We know what to expect if… Read more

Create a Children's Garden
A children's garden is an excellent way to create a safe, summer place to continue learning. In his own garden a child can observe and discover while he interacts with nature. An ideal children's garden will be completely safe and kid friendly. This means no chemical fertilizers or pesticides... Read more