parenting in the age of climate change
Parenting has always been difficult and stressful: colicky babies, babies who don't sleep at night; childhood illness; the pressure of finding the right college or apprenticeship, affording weddings and college bills (can you tell I'm knee deep in the college application process right now!)-- these things have been around for a very long time! But… Continue reading The Power of Parents
Real world climate conversations are messy and awkward and often uncomfortable. Here is a real world climate conversation between myself and my 12 year old. My 12 year old and I recently read a book-- called Wild Buildings and Bridges by Etta Kaner. It's an awesome book about how architects are learning from nature how… Continue reading Polar Bears and Anxiety
About a year ago I embarked on one of the most powerful adventures of my life. This one didn’t involve exotic locations or single engine aircraft, or even a sailboat. It simply took the shape of a few books, a stick and my memory. About a year ago I decided to start memorizing animal tales… Continue reading Storytelling
Looking back at our time in Costa Rica for the 2019 Earth Expedition trip, the theme that most stands out for me is Persistence over Perfection. I think often we become frustrated and give up on conservation efforts far too easily. For instance how many times have we heard someone give up on… Continue reading Persistance over Perfection
Have you heard about these benefits to spending time in Nature? provides an opportunity for increased exercise boosts the immune system. lowers blood pressure. reduces stress. improves mood. increases ability to focus, improves sleep. facilitates communication Strengthens family bonding If you are like most parents, that list of things is exactly what you hope to… Continue reading Ruined Hikes and Resilient Families
I know! Mindfulness and saving the planet don't seem to be related right? We are constantly told we need to DO something about climate change. And, of course, we do! But maybe first we need to just sit still for a moment. Believe it or not, there have been a number of studies that have… Continue reading Sitting quietly to save the world?
I'm not sure how this conversation started, but I do know how it ended. So maybe it's best to start somewhere in the middle. All three of my kids (ages 12, 15, and 17) were a part of this particular conversation. At some point --after the big math problem to determine if it was more… Continue reading Rock, Feather, Bowl, Stick
For our kids who accept the reality of climate change it can be really frustrating and hard to understand when they see other people continuing to go about "business as usual". Just like it helps to be able to identify emotions (that is the first step in moving beyond an emotional response to a problem),… Continue reading How climate change is like a bowl of goldfish
Who will Plant a Tree by Jerry Pallotta Don't be fooled by the fact that this is a simple picture book! This book is a perfect jumping off place for talking about the topic of desertification and reforestation. Therefore, this little book guide can have food for thought for your elementry kids, your teens and… Continue reading Discussion Guide for “Who will Plant the Tree”
This is a beautiful story by Katherine Applegate is about community, friendship, the importance of home (a “sense of place”), the interconnection of plants and animals and people. I strongly recommend this as a starting place for eco-based discussions! How To Use The Discussion Guides: My suggestion is: before you begin reading the story with… Continue reading Discussion Guide for “The Wish Tree”
Earth Sea Sky 