Cozi Blog

Growing up Green

 

Now’s the time to teach your children greener habits that will last a lifetime. Here are easy ways to involve the whole family in making your home and garden more eco-friendly.

1. Spend as much time outdoors as possible. Many environmentalists say family picnics, hikes, bike rides and trips to the beach sparked their interest in the planet. Who knew saving the Earth could be so much fun?

2. Turn out the lights. The energy used in the average home over a year can put twice as many greenhouse gases into the air as the average car. Simple things can make a big difference: Switch the lights off whenever you leave a room, even if it’s for just a few minutes; remind your children to turn off the TV and computer when they’re finished; and unplug chargers for electronic toys when not in use can make a big difference!

3. Recycle your recycled paper. Every American uses about 700 pounds of paper each year, so introduce your children to the recycled symbol on the paper products you buy, then recycle your paper when you’re done! A ton of recycled paper saves 17 trees. Also, teach your little ones to use both sides of a sheet of paper and to think before hitting the print button on the computer.

4. Bring a tote to the grocery store. Plastic bags, which are made from petroleum, can remain in landfills for 1,000 years or blow away and harm marine life. In the U.S.,100 billion of them are thrown away every year; yet incredibly, less than 1% of plastic bags are recycled.

5. Take your kids to a local farmer’s market. The average fruit or vegetable travels 1,500 miles from farm to table in the U.S. Buying directly from farmers cuts down on fossil fuels and packaging. You will probably even save money. Visit www.localharvest.org to find a market in your neighborhood.

6. Turn off the tap when you brush your teeth. This small gesture can save as much as eight gallons of water a day, or about 200 gallons a month. The Environmental Protection Agency says that’s enough water to fill a fish tank capable of holding six small sharks!

7. Help your kids organize a garage sale. Rather than throwing out old or unused items, let your kids learn firsthand about passing them along to others. What’s more, the proceeds can be donated to the non-profit of their choice.

8. Weigh your weekly garbage. Make it a family project to see if you can bring the weight down by recycling more or composting. We each produce 4.6 pounds of garbage a day, so there’s plenty of room for improvement!

9. Ask your children to help sort plastics by recycling code. A fun project for little ones who are just learning to count and read numbers, this activity can also be quite useful. A recycling code — found on bottle labels — is a number, with arrows around it. Representing polymer type, Code 1 and 2 plastics are recycled most often; they account for about 90% of all plastics. To find out what your community recycles, go to www.nrc-recycle.org and click on “Consumers” for links to your local government department of sanitation.

-Lori Bongiorno for Making Life Better

Guidelines for Setting Allowances

Childhood allowances are not merely perks. They provide a valuable tool for showing your child how to save and manage money, develop responsibility and set goals — all of which are lessons that will help him prepare for the future.

When starting out, give your child enough money so he is faced with the choice to either spend some right away or save for future purchases. The amount should reflect your child’s stage in life and take into account the types of things you expect him to pay for on his own — candy, a trip to the movies or new clothes. Generally, one dollar for every year of a child’s age is a sufficient amount, though you can also set a base price and increase it by one dollar every year.

Be clear about what you expect your child to do to earn his allowance. Although some families prefer to give an allowance in return for chores, a child who connects routine tasks with money might be less likely to complete his household duties if he doesn’t need the money at that time. Instead, give your child a chance to earn money by taking on extra jobs around the house or yard. As incentive, you can keep a list of each job and its monetary value on the fridge.

Once you have a system in place, discuss the best ways to allocate his money. For instance, if he wants to buy something you don’t think he needs — such as a new toy car when he already has several he doesn’t use — let him understand the consequences of his purchase, but don’t forbid it. Also, provide restrictions for treats or toys that are not permitted.

Other fun money-saving activities include paying him half the money you save with coupons he clips for groceries, offering to pay interest on the money he saves during the course of a year and opening a savings account for him.

--from Stacy DeBroff, Making Life Better

Cut the Chaos: Sports Parenting

When my now 13-year-old son was much younger, he played in the YMCA basketball league. My husband was coaching, and I was an enthusiastic sideline regular. Maybe too enthusiastic, it turns out.

After one game in which my son had not played up to my standards, I asked my husband exasperatedly, “What was the matter with him? Why didn’t he pick up his man?” My husband answered calmly, “Because he’s eight.” In that moment, I became Reformed Sports Mom.

Since my reformation, I’ve spent hundreds of hours on the sidelines. I’ve been team mom, snack mom, photo-day mom, banner mom and fund-raising mom. I get sports; it’s about winning and losing. But it’s also about playing the game with honor — and that goes for parents too.

Do remember that these are kids, not professional athletes. Every player out there is a child: your daughter, her teammates and the opposition. They’ll win, they’ll lose, and they’ll cry or goof around. It’s a long road from T-ball to the NCAA. (And no, your baby won’t fall behind athletically if you don’t hire a private coach for her at age six, no matter what your crazy sports-parent neighbor claims.)

Don’t coach from the sidelines. If you are not wearing the goofy golf shirt that says “coach,” then it is not your place to instruct your child from the sidelines. Period. If your kids are constantly looking to you on the sidelines, chances are they’re not paying attention to the game. Plus, they’ll never learn to listen to their own instincts if you keep telling them what to do.

Do respect the coaches and the referees. At the youth sports level below junior high, most coaches and refs are volunteers. Some are great; some are not. But they are all devoting hours to training, coaching and calling games while wearing really bad outfits. Show up for practices and games on time and keep negative comments to yourself. And, please, think about how you’d look in kneesocks before you question a ref’s call.

Don’t celebrate excessively. It can be incredibly exciting when your team scores in the final seconds. But when your team wins, somebody else’s team loses. A little cheering is fine, but wild whooping and thunder sticks (yes, I’ve seen them at youth sports, folks) is too much. When your child is on the losing side, you’ll appreciate the restraint.

Do remember the solo athlete. It’s tough to be the goalie, pitcher or field-goal kicker. If your team benefits from a goalie’s mistake or a pitcher’s walk, keep your cheering to a minimum.

Don’t sign your kids up for multiple teams in the same season. Yes, I know that your kid is special, but there is no way a 10-year-old can manage two sports equitably. (Or manage them at all! Talk about chaos!) If you are hoping that sports will enhance your child’s life by teaching him teamwork and sacrifice, allowing him to play two sports simultaneously does exactly the opposite. It puts your child above the team, which is the wrong lesson.

Do have fun. Youth sports can be a great experience for kids and parents: new friends, new skills, lots of snacks. Remember what you are there for, though — a healthy outlet for youthful energy. Get yourself a floppy hat, some sunscreen and a cold iced tea. Find a positive cheer (”Go Blue!“) and always clap for both teams at the end of the game.

--from Lian Dolan, for Making Life Better

Turn Meal Time Into Fun Time

Who says dinner time always has to be serious? Serve up a side of fun with dinner time games like secret ingredients, breakfast for dinner, and truth or dare.

Eat Backward

It’s a dream come true for kids (and lots of adults too). At this meal, dessert comes first, followed in reverse order by the other courses. Get your kids into the kitchen to help prepare a special sweet for this occasion, and then watch your family dig in with enthusiasm. Have veggies and simple side dishes ready for the second course, but remember it’s okay if you don’t finish the entire meal—just for tonight.

Breakfast for Dinner

Shake things up a little and serve your family’s favorite breakfast foods for supper—especially the kinds of dishes you rarely have time to serve in the morning. Try funny-face pancakes (decorated with strawberries, blueberries, bananas, chocolate chips, whipped cream—the works), fruit kabobs with vanilla yogurt dip, waffle-and-ice-cream sandwiches, or make-your-own omelets.

Secret Ingredient

Have the family vote on one favorite ingredient that has to be included in at least three dishes at dinner. Perhaps raw broccoli florets with a dip to begin, followed by broccoli soup and a cheesy broccoli pasta side dish. Anything goes—yes, even chocolate. (Helpful hint: Bittersweet chocolate is an ingredient in the classic Mexican sauce called mole.)

Be Daring

What crazy combination of food are you willing to eat? Go around the table daring the family to try new things. Dare Dad to drizzle ketchup on his salad. He has to take two bites or do a silly dare. Mustard on macaroni? Mayonnaise on broccoli? It’s a sure way to keep the fun going throughout dinner.

Food Art

Create a work of art at the table! Encourage your family to dish up their dinners in creative ways. Stack it, blend it, or squish it into a work of art. Take a vote on which one the family likes best, and then take a picture of the winner and post it on the refrigerator.

--Making Life Better

How and When to Cozy Up to Your Kids

There’s nothing more gratifying than holding your children in your arms or planting kisses on their irresistible cheeks. But their desire for physical affection changes as they grow older, and it’s often difficult to know how and when to reach out. Below, some hints on staying close through the years.

Babies and Toddlers

Your gentle touch shows your child that she’s loved. Do what comes naturally. Cuddle her during feedings, walk your fingers up her tummy, play This Little Piggy with her toes.

Preschool to Age Five

Your touch equals reassurance as your child faces the world. A hug and kiss as you drop him off at preschool show him you’re there for him even when you’re not nearby.

Ages Six to 12

As kids become peer-conscious, they may recoil from physical contact, especially when they’re with friends. If your child shrinks away when you hug her in public, then don’t. Save it for when you’re in private. You may have to settle for a quick hug or shoulder pat — or wait for your child to make the first move. But you can set a good example by letting her see Mom and Dad touch with affection.

Ages 13 to 18

In adolescence, separation is the name of the game. But that doesn’t mean you should give up on physical affection. Try offering a good-night hug or ruffling your child’s hair as he passes you in the hall. If he flinches, give it a rest. In time you may be pleasantly surprised: The child who mopes along behind you at the mall may suddenly give you a big hug.

--Making Life Better

Time-Saving Tips for Creating Family Meals

 

A pinch of togetherness at dinnertime makes for a closer family.

It's a simple fact: Cooking for your family takes time—time you don't really have. Yet sharing just one meal a day can strengthen your bonds immeasurably. Here are some simple ideas that can help you spend less time in the kitchen and more quality time with your family.

Stock a More Versatile Pantry

• You'd be surprised by how many meals come from a relatively short list of ingredients. So use a pantry of staples to make even spur-of-the-moment meal planning easier. Rice, beans, and different pasta shapes, for example, are must-haves for good reason: The ingredients you add to them will let you make instant one-dish meals in almost infinite variety.
• Keep beef, vegetable, and chicken stock—and an array of salad dressings—on hand to use as marinades and sauces for grilled foods or to add flavor when you stir-fry.
• Stock canned or jarred tomatoes in every form: whole, stewed, paste, salsa, pasta sauce, juice, pizza sauce.
• Think of your freezer as an extension of your pantry. Stock it with boneless chicken breasts, frozen spinach, chopped broccoli, soups, and filled pastas such as tortellini and ravioli.
  Use Slow- and Quick-Cooking Techniques to Make Speedy Meals
• Try stir-frying, broiling, microwaving, grilling, and pressure-cooking. Or start meats in the morning in a slow-cooker so dinner's ready when you get home.
• Think about one-pot main courses to save cooking and clean-up time.

Let Someone Else Chop It, Slice It, and Dice It!

• Today, many basic ingredients come already prepared. Pre-chopped frozen onions may cost more, but the time they save you may be worth it. Buy cleaned and sliced veggies, cleaned salad greens, jars of pre-chopped garlic, and shredded or grated cheese.
• Chop and slice extra portions yourself and put them in resealable bags so they'll be ready whenever you need them.
• Try some of the many boxed products that have all the ingredients and flavorings you need. Just add a source of protein and you're ready to go.

Think in Threes!

• Cook once, enjoy several times. Triple a favorite main-course recipe—it's as easy as making a single batch. You'll have one meal for now and two more for later. For example, the same triple batch of spaghetti sauce can become chicken Parmesan. Or noodle casserole. Or even chili.
• Another triple tip: Make three main courses at once. Roast a cut of beef and a chicken at the same time. Cook another chicken in a pot. Cut all the vegetables you'll need in advance; then just keep track of the cooking times.

Cooking is a wonderful way to care for your family. The benefits of sharing a meal with them make the prep time well worth the few minutes it takes. And if you can get there more quickly, even better for you!

--Making Life Better

Clearing Out the Clutter

This week we’re welcoming makinglifebetter.com, to our blog -- and every week we’ll look to makinglifebetter.com to provide tips and smart strategies to help you feel good and get more out of life.

Keep it or toss it? We'll help you to decide.

Organize Junk Drawers

Ask yourself the following two questions to determine whether an item belongs in one of your junk drawers: Is the item small? Is the item typically used near the drawer? If the answers are yes, it’s okay to keep it there. But don’t simply throw it in: Clean and reorganize. Empty each drawer, wipe it down, then line it with a dryer sheet (to impart a fresh scent). Sort like items together using a desk-drawer organizer or utensil holder.

Help Your Kids Clear Clutter

Fewer toys make less of a mess. Keep only your child’s current favorites in her toy box. The rest? Stash them in a covered plastic bin in your garage or basement. After a while, bring some stored items back and rotate others out.

Refresh Your Closets

Get rid of garments you don’t like, don’t fit or are in disrepair. Clean the clothes you want to keep, then organize them by color or type when hanging them. For a fragrance boost, make scented sachets. Cut squares of plain cotton muslin and crumple dried lavender sprigs inside, then tie them closed with pretty ribbons.

--Makinglifebetter.com