# The Green Parent > Our mission is to 'mother the mothers', to help you feel like you’re part of a community, like you’re not alone. Like you’re having a chat with a good friend Public Ghost content for AI and LLM tooling. This file includes a bounded export of public pages first, then recent public posts. Append `.md` to any post or page URL to get the content in Markdown (for example, `/example-post.md`). ## Pages ### Welcome Back! URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/signin/ Last updated: 2024-05-08T11:38:17.000Z _No content available._ ### Enhance your Green Parent experience with our exclusive Membership option URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/membership/ Last updated: 2024-03-10T22:40:58.000Z Start your journey with a free registration, and when you love it, take the next step and upgrade your membership. _This page is for subscribers on the Premium and Premium Plus tiers only._ ### Advertise with The Green Parent URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/advertise/ Last updated: 2024-04-07T17:01:43.000Z The Green Parent is a family-led brand with a committed and loyal audience across all our platforms. We are dedicated to bringing the message of natural parenting to life in a fun, inspirational way. From our launch in 2002 to present day we’ve grown into a household name, bringing more joy and connection into family life. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/04/417513722_799837965500998_1099379079172022375_n.jpg) The Green Parent magazine - Raising Kids with Conscience for over 21 years ## Promote your business with The Green Parent and you will be speaking directly to your key audience of environmentally aware parents. We offer a wide range of promotional opportunities across the magazine, website, newsletter and social media platforms. Download our media kit here: [TGP Media Kit 2024Here's an overview of our brand, contact us for rates and specifications belowTGP Media Kit 2024.pdf3 MBdownload-circle](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/content/files/2024/04/TGP-Media-Kit-2024.pdf "Download") Find out how you can best promote your business with the UK’s leading natural parenting and green lifestyle title. Fill in the contact form below or call Hayley on **07793737564** ### Explore green parenting and lifestyle topics URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/topics/ Last updated: 2024-04-11T16:19:47.000Z _No content available._ ### Welcome to your new parenting haven! URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/welcome-paid/ Last updated: 2025-02-16T23:55:29.000Z We’re so happy to have you here. _This page is for paying subscribers only._ ### Write for Us URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/write-for-us/ Last updated: 2026-06-17T15:07:56.000Z ## Our main objective is to provide information that empowers readers and supports them in being their own experts. We like to publish articles that have a strong point of view and are written from the heart. ## Familiarise Yourself With ***The Green Parent*** We are more likely to publish your article if you are a Green Parent reader and are familiar with the issues we discuss and our standpoint on raising children, alternative health and environmental concerns, for example. Consider those subjects about which you are passionate and those that are undercovered. You can look at some samples of the magazine[**here**](https://www.exacteditions.com/read/green-parent?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). The Green Parent is a quarterly print & digital publication and website with an international readership over 150,000\. Our choice of articles depends on the other material we have published on the topic (browse back issues[**here**](https://www.exacteditions.com/read/green-parent?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)), how new the topic is to us and how unique the angle is. ## How to Submit Your Work ​Please send your work as a Word Document and email it as an attachment. Email articles to[**features@thegreenparent.co.uk**](mailto:features@thegreenparent.co.uk) for the attention of Jez Harris. Please include contact details (name, address, tel no and email address) within your email and on the word document. Please provide a brief biographical sketch at the end of the article (25-50 words about you, your family, where you live, level of expertise in the subject about which you are writing). ## What We Are Looking For We are particularly keen on features written in the first person about a real-life experience (for example: How I Walked 1000 Miles With My Family Across Africa or I Lived Without Plastic for a Year). ​We are looking for articles covering the following topics: - Pregnancy and Conscious Birth - Breastfeeding - Family Life and Simple Living - Alternative Education - Natural Health and Beauty - Green Travel - Feeding a Family - Gardening, Particularly Growing Your Own - Sustainable Fashion ## Length of Features **Full length article:** 1500 - 2000 words **Short Opinion Piece:** 600 words ## Images ​If you have high res, excellent quality images to support your article please send them to us by [**email**](mailto:features@thegreenparent.co.uk) or [**WeTransfer**](https://wetransfer.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). ## Originality **​Please note:** We will not accept previously published work. Please do not send us an article if it has been submitted to another magazine, until you have heard that it will not be published by them. ## Rights ​Your article is for the use of Green Parent Media to publish in The Green Parent magazine and possibly online at[**thegreenparent.co.uk**](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/). Contribution of your article is deemed as agreement to these terms. We request that your article is not published elsewhere (this includes publishing on your own blog) for at least one year from the date of publication in The Green Parent. Reprinted articles should carry the following byline (with web address included): This article was first published in the Green Parent magazine, issue no: date: thegreenparent.co.uk. ## Timing ​Our procedure is to read articles within two months and respond to those writers whose work we are interested in publishing. If you have not heard from us within two months please take this as indication that we are not able to publish your work. Once an article is received and we have expressed an interest we may want to keep it for several issues; we plan in advance and may have already selected articles for upcoming issues before we receive your article. Even when an article is selected for an issue it may be pulled due to lack of space. These uncertainties make it difficult for us to be as specific in our acceptance as we would like; we appreciate your understanding of this creative process. We try not to keep an article for longer than six months as although we may like it we feel it should have a chance in another market. ## If You Don't Hear From Us We retain only a small percentage of the articles we receive. If you don’t hear from us we are unable to accommodate your work at this time. This is not a rejection of your work, it is a practical consideration. We evaluate all articles in light of the other features we have in each issue, when we last covered the subject and our readers’ interest in the topic. We encourage you wholeheartedly to submit your work elsewhere if we cannot accept it. We accept articles on a speculative basis so even if we have expressed an interest in, or given you the go-ahead on, a proposed article, we cannot guarantee its publication. ## Rate of Payment ​We pay £75 per 1000 words. Payment is made by bank transfer on publication. Once we have confirmed publication of your work we’ll request an invoice to include name, address and bank details. In addition to payment, all authors receive a complimentary voucher copy of The Green Parent. Expenses are not usually paid, except in exceptional circumstances, and then only by prior arrangement. ## Ethos ​The Green Parent is an editorially-led magazine with a self-imposed advertiser criteria (advertisers must reflect the values of The Green Parent - no disposable nappies, no formula milks or products that undermine breastfeeding, no electronic toys, no TV or Apps - or related branded products, no products tested on animals, etc.). It is unusual for a magazine such as ours to pay for articles but we feel it is important to maintain the high level of journalism that our readers have come to expect and we are also keen to support those writers who are stay-at-home writers. --- Photo by[***Hannah Olinger***](https://unsplash.com/@hannaholinger?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) ### Contact Us URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/contact-us/ Last updated: 2024-12-02T09:57:35.000Z Fill in the form below and we'll get back to you as soon as we can. **For print subscription enquiries or a change of address please email** [**sales@thegreenparent.co.uk**](mailto:sales@thegreenparent.co.uk) Alternatively use our chat window to talk to us direct - find in the bottom left 💚. We'll respond if we're online, or get back to you via email, if we're not. Looking forward to chatting with you! ### Welcome to your new parenting haven! URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/welcome-free/ Last updated: 2024-05-14T12:57:17.000Z Whether you've been around the block a few times or you’re just embarking on the thrilling adventure of parenthood, you’ll feel at home here. I set up The Green Parent 22 years ago to create community and support for parents who choose a different path to the mainstream. From navigating sleepless nights to nurturing our teenagers, I’m here to walk alongside you every step of the way. I’ve two adult kids, two step-sons and a feisty four-year-old. I’ve home educated for over twenty years and am passionate about what our kids are here to teach us. Explore our treasure trove of resources, from expert advice to heart-warming stories from fellow parents just like you. Here are some of my favourites: [**The Trouble with Rewards**](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/the-trouble-with-rewards/) \- how rewards or punishments create external motivation, rather than intrinsic, and what to do instead! [**How to Raise Free-Range Kids**](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/ready-to-raise-free-range-kids/) \- In our fear-based society, we often treat kids as if they can’t make their own lunch or climb a tree without hurting themselves. Here’s the antidote! [**8 Ways to Create the Ideal Space for Birth**](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/8-ways-to-create-the-ideal-space-for-birth/) – giving birth is a natural body function; here’s how to create the ideal conditions for labour. So, take a deep breath, relax, and know that you're not alone on this incredible journey. Here’s what you can expect from us: **1)** A weekly email about a hot parenting topic **2)** A monthly newsletter with a guide to everything that’s going on next month, from festivals to recipes, crafts to museum trips. **3)** Regular content updates – new articles, ideas and inspiration. Welcome to a place where parenthood is celebrated, questions are welcomed, and love knows no bounds. Welcome home. Love from ***Melissa*** Founder + Editor ps: When you’re ready you can[**up-level**](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/#/portal/account/plans)and join our paid membership for more in depth articles, magazines delivered regularly and lots of support and input from me. ### Authors URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/authors/ Last updated: 2024-05-09T22:38:47.000Z _No content available._ ### Welcome to Green Pages 💚 URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/directory/ Last updated: 2025-08-26T12:31:55.000Z ## Empowering you to make the best decisions for your family from ***holidays*** to ***health***, ***toys*** to ***food***, ***festivals*** and all stages of the parenting journey from ***birth*** to ***education*** and beyond. ## [Green Pages - Natural Beauty🧴Discover award winning natural and organic brands you can trust for your family![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/icon/tgp_favicon_l-11.png)The Green ParentThe Green Parent![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/thumbnail/Hannah_KinvaraSkincare_Julia_Dunin_Photography-302-Edit--1-.png)](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/green-pages-natural-beauty/) [Green Pages - Festivals 🎪We’ve partnered with a few of our favourite festivals for 2025.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/icon/tgp_favicon_l-10.png)The Green ParentThe Green Parent![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/thumbnail/gp-festivals.jpg)](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/green-pages/) [Green Pages - Travel 🏕A selection of organic , sustainable holidays and companies we love.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/size/w256h256/2024/03/tgp_favicon_l.png)The Green ParentThe Green Parent![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/size/w1200/2024/05/gp-travel.jpg)](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/directory-travel/) [Green Pages - Alternative Schools 🎒Find a learning path that’s suited to your child.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/icon/tgp_favicon_l-7.png)The Green ParentThe Green Parent![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/thumbnail/alternative_schools-1.jpg)](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/green-pages-alternative-schools/) Want to be featured in the Green Pages? Contact a[**member of our sales team**](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/advertise/). ### Green Pages - Travel 🏕 URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/directory-travel/ Last updated: 2024-11-27T14:35:18.000Z ## From camping adventures to cosy ***off-grid escapes*** and ***family activity breaks,*** your holiday planning for 2025 stars here. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/11/North-Hayne-Image-3.jpg) #### North Hayne Farm Cottages Set in beautiful North Devon, our 8 family friendly award winning cottages sleep 2-10 each with their own private hot tub to relax in at the end of a busy day. Come and help feed the animals twice a day, collect the eggs, bottle feed the Spring lambs, groom the goats, hold the chicks and enjoy daily donkey rides each morning. Enjoy outdoor freedom with our farm trails and Free Rangers Club. EYFS curriculum-based activity packs also available, an indoor Games Room and Under 7’s Play barn, locally prepared meals to order as well as Holistic therapy treatments. ****FAMILY FACILITIES** Hot tubs, Animals, Autism Friendly, Holistic Therapies, Activity clubs, Donkey rides. ****GREEN CREDENTIALS** Plastic free champions, Local Suppliers, Bat walks, Nature trails, Energy management, Waste management. ****LOCATION** North Hayne Farm, Bishops Nympton, South Molton, Devon EX36 3QR ****EMAIL** [****info@northhaynefarmcottages.co.uk**](mailto:info@northhaynefarmcottages.co.uk) ****TEL** [****01769 550807**](tel:01769 550807) ****SLEEPS** 2 - 10 (or up to 47 if whole complex booked) ****PRICES FROM Weekly:** £615 ****Short Stay:** £399 [Find out more here](https://www.northhaynefarmcottages.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/11/IMG_20190813_073515_577.jpg) #### Coombe Mill Farm Holidays Coombe Mill is set in a beautiful valley in Cornwall. There are self catering luxury lodges overlooking the River Camel. With families very much in mind, each lodge has at least one, cot, bed guards, blackout blinds, highchairs and stair gates fitted at the top and bottom. Some lodges have playrooms. There are play areas to explore including a games room, soft play, outdoor play areas and a mini golf course. There are daily morning tractor rides, giving children a hands on opportunity to feed the animals. There’s a gym, BBQ area and pizza oven as well as Carp fishing. ****FAMILY FACILITIES** Daily Animal Feeding, Playrooms, Games Room, Soft Play, Pitch Putt ****GREEN CREDENTIALS** Solar Panel, Ground Source Heat Pumps, Bore Hole Water ****LOCATION** Coombe Mill, St Breward, Bodmin, Cornwall PL30 4LZ ****SLEEPS** 4 - 8 ****TEL** [****01208 850344**](tel:01208 850344) ****EMAIL** [****mail@coombemill.com**](mailto:mail@coombemill.com) ****PRICES FROM** Weekly: £550 Short Stay: £300 [Find out more here](https://www.coombemill.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/11/reargardens-1.jpg) #### The Middlewick Middlewick is an award winning resort set at the base of Glastonbury Tor in Somerset. Set on a 16 acre 17th Century farm there is a selection of self catering properties including luxury cottages, cabins and glamping sleeping from 1 to 60 people. Also on the resort you will find a family friendly café serving a menu that is locally sourced, many ingredients coming from the Middlewick kitchen gardens or from the neighbouring farms. Attached to the café is a farm shop selling local produce and organic food. Within the grounds there is a Spa with indoor swimming pool, steam room, yoga space as well as 3 Converted shepherds huts that are now treatment rooms. On the farm you will find a selection of pet sheep, goats and horses. The property is in a rural location but close enough to walk into the town of Glastonbury. A few miles away is the Avalon Marshes nature reserve, Cheddar Gorge, and the smallest city in England, Wells. ****FAMILY FACILITIES** Pizza Nights, Open All Year Round ****GREEN CREDENTIALS** Biomass heating, Solar Panels, Onsite Farm Shop, Gold winner of the Somerset tourism Responsible, Ethical and Sustainable business 2023. ****ADDRESS** Wick Lane, Glastonbury, BA6 8JW ****TEL** [****01458 832 351**](tel:01458 832 351) ****EMAIL** [****hello@themiddlewick.co.uk** ](mailto:hello@themiddlewick.co.uk ) ****SLEEPS** 1-60 ****PRICES FROM** ****Weekly:** £600 ****Short Stay:** £240 [Find out more here](http://themiddlewick.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/11/f-Group-camping_Beech-Estate-2023_James-Wilson.jpg) #### Pegs and Pitches Camping Two off-grid campsites in beautiful Sussex woodlands. Family focused and perfect for breaks into nature, with group areas available for larger family gatherings. Surrounded by acres of wild woodland which is yours to explore, watch wildlife, build dens, bug hunt, or hike to the local pubs for lunch. Bell tents for those without their own tents - just bring your bedding and everything else is provided. Tent pitches for those with their own equipment, tucked away in woodland glades and each with its own campfire. Get back to basics and reconnect with nature and your loved ones. ****FAMILY FACILITIES** Campfire Cooking, Woodland exploration, Den Building, Wildlife, Stargazing, FireTV, Walks ****GREEN CREDENTIALS** Off-Grid, Bucket Showers, Campfire Cooking, Enhanced Wildlife Habitats, Renewable Energy ****LOCATION** ****Beech Estate Campsite**, Battle, East Sussex, TN33 9QU ****Wild Boar Wood Campsite**, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, RH17 7EA ****TEL** [****01273 980218**](tel:01273 980218) ****EMAIL** [****info@pegsandpitches.co.uk**](mailto:info@pegsandpitches.co.uk) ****CAMPING PRICES FROM** £24 per adult and £12 per child. ****GLAMPING** ****PRICES FROM** £85 per night [Find out more here](https://pegsandpitches.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/11/Luxury-Lodge-Tent-Secret-Meadows-2.jpg) #### Secret Meadows Set at a beautiful nature reserve, close to the Suffolk Coast AONB, Secret Meadows takes glamping to new heights with award winning accommodation, activities such as Meet the Animals, and special packages including food hampers. Luxury Lodge Tents, a Two Storey Safari Tent, Gypsy’s Rest and Horsebox Hideaway are set in individual woodland glades overlooking wildflower meadows. Each accommodation option includes organic towels, ready-made beds, complimentary extras, luxury furnishings and private facilities. An onsite pantry shop is full of locally-sourced quality produce. Guided by an environmental ethos and owned by a wildlife charity, all profits go to nature conservation. ****FAMILY FACILITIES** Nature trails, farm animals, outdoor activities, onsite shop, hot tub ****GREEN CREDENTIALS** Recycling, natural/organic products, sustainably sourced wood, local produce food hampers ****LOCATION** Nr Woodbridge, Suffolk ****SLEEPS** 4-8 ****TEL** [****01394 337337**](tel:01394 337337) ****EMAIL** [****holidays@secretmeadows.co.uk**](mailto:holidays@secretmeadows.co.uk) ****PRICES FROM** Weekly: £1012 Short Stay: £332 [Find out more here](https://www.secretmeadows.co.uk/index.aspx?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/11/Smithycroft.jpg) #### Rural Retreats Comfortable, stylish and full of character, the Rural Retreats portfolio represents over 800 of the finest self-catering luxury holiday properties throughout the UK and Ireland. For three consecutive years, Rural Retreats have come top of the table of UK Holiday Cottage Companies compiled by Which?. From quintessential cottages and country houses to quirky windmills and lighthouses; from big and beautiful homes to romantic getaways and dog friendly stays, you’re sure to find the perfect holiday home with Rural Retreats. ****FAMILY FACILITIES** Games rooms, hot tubs, spa facilities, tennis courts, walking/cycling nearby (some properties) ****GREEN CREDENTIALS** Some properties across the portfolio feature solar panels, air source heating pumps, ground source heating pumps, biomass heating, walking/cycling trails, wildlife areas, natural settings ****LOCATION** Across the UK and Ireland ****TEL** [****01386 897 959**](tel:01386 897 959) ****EMAIL** [****info@ruralretreats.co.uk**](mailto:info@ruralretreats.co.uk) ****SLEEPS** 2 - 31 ****PRICES FROM** Weekly: £467 Short Stay: £165 [Find out more here](https://www.ruralretreats.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/11/Buckland-Wood-Barn---Cotswolds.jpg) #### Hideaways Holidays Find your perfect getaway within our Hideaways Holidays family. The Hideaways Holidays Group is dedicated to providing a wide range of top-quality self-catering accommodation across the UK. Variety and originality are at the heart of the Group, but so too are consistently high standards of comfort, service and value for money. Companies within the Group include eight regional brands (collectively offering over 1,100 properties) covering Norfolk, Suffolk, the Cotswolds, Dorset, Devon, the Isle of Wight, Yorkshire and Cornwall and then in the glamping sector, Glamping Hideaway ****FAMILY FACILITIES** Games rooms, hot tubs, walking/cycling nearby, bird watching (some properties) ****GREEN CREDENTIALS** Some properties across the portfolio feature solar panels, air source heat pumps, walking trails, biomass heating. ****LOCATION** Across the UK ****SLEEPS** 2 - 31 ****PRICES FROM** Weekly: £331 Short Stay: £150 [Find out more here](https://hideawaysholidays.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/11/gcc.jpg) #### Greener Camping Club Experience the best in eco-friendly camping with the Greener Camping Club. Over 160 members-only campsites spread across England and Wales, providing environmentally conscious families with a haven of sustainable getaways. Immerse yourself in nature at our carefully chosen campsites, where eco-friendly practices take precedence. Enjoy back to nature camping with eco-facilities, renewable energy supplies and waste recycling initiatives. Discover a community dedicated to preserving and enhancing the natural environment, fostering a sense of unity with like-minded people. From tranquil countryside settings, to dramatic coastal locations, our campsites offer unforgettable and responsible holiday experiences. And for those seeking a little bit of eco-camping luxury, many of our campsites offer ‘glamping’ accommodation too. Join the Club today and create your everlasting memories. To find your greener escape, go to [****www.greenercamping.org**](https://www.greenercamping.org/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Club membership is £12 for the calendar year. ****GREEN CREDENTIALS** Each year the Club plants a tree for every member. The trees are distributed to our campsites and planted by the owners. In 2023 alone, around 17,500 trees were planted - equivalent to 22 acres of new woodland. In addition, the Club sows more than two acres of wild flower seed, creating feeding grounds for bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects. We also distribute hundreds of nesting boxes and bat boxes. As well as supporting the work of the Woodland Trust through corporate membership, annual donations are made to selected environmental and humanitarian causes. [Find out more here](https://www.greenercamping.org/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) [Welcome to Green Pages 💚Empowering you to make the best decisions for your family from holidays to health, toys to food, festivals and all stages of the parenting journey from birth to education and beyond. Bringing ethical brands under one roof and celebrating every action taken to make the world a more sustainable and![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/icon/tgp_favicon_l-2.png)The Green ParentThe Green Parent![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/thumbnail/gp-1.jpg)](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/directory/) Want to be featured in the Green Pages? Contact a[**member of our sales team**](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/advertise/). ### Green Pages - Festivals 🎪 URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/green-pages/ Last updated: 2025-05-22T14:16:06.000Z ## Find out where they are and when, plus what to expect at each ***festival*** below. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/05/A-beautiful-summers-day-at-Folk-by-the-Oak.jpg) #### Folk by the Oak ****Hatfield Park 20 July** [****folkbytheoak.com** ](https://www.folkbytheoak.com/?utm%5Fsource=Green%5FParent&utm%5Fmedium=Website&utm%5Fcampaign=Directory%5FListing&utm%5Fid=Folk%5F25) An uplifting summer day of the finest folk, roots and acoustic music, Folk by the Oak delivers a family- friendly, relaxed vibe alongside the full-on festival experience! Thanks to the festival’s unique schedule and clever layout of two stages in one beautiful Hatfield Park arena, you can catch every single set at this ‘festival in a day’. There’s even a dedicated family area within sight and sound of the Main Stage, with most of the activities free of charge, making the festival a truly family friendly day out for music lovers. The 2025 Main Stage line-up includes ✨Headliners and Ivor Novello Award nominees ****Bear’s Den**, renowned for their anthemic songs, accomplished musicianship, flowing melodies and engaging lyrics ✨Mercury Prize Winner ****Kate Rusby**, a consummate performer with a warm, Yorkshire wit and unprecedented cross-over appeal ****✨Fisherman’s Friends**, the merry band of shanty singing fishermen and their friends who became world-famous thanks to the blockbuster self-titled feature films inspired by their story Headlining the Acorn Stage is neo-trad trio ****Project Smok**. A band renowned for joyous, high energy performances that effortlessly blend trad music with contemporary new-age pop influences. [FIND OUT MORE AND BUY TICKETS](https://www.folkbytheoak.com/?utm%5Fsource=Green%5FParent&utm%5Fmedium=Website&utm%5Fcampaign=Directory%5FListing&utm%5Fid=Folk%5F25) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/05/377228067_2771707169643640_1444520774150332590_n.jpg) #### ****Between The Trees** ****Merthyr Mawr National Nature Reserve, South Wales 22-25 August** [****betweenthetrees.co.uk**](https://betweenthetrees.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ****Between The Trees** is about reconnecting people, of all ages, with the natural world. It blends the enjoyment of indie-folk music with science & nature and art. It’s far more than just a music festival, it’s an “**encounter with nature*” and an opportunity to relax and feel refreshed by the wonderful, restorative qualities of a woodland environment. BTT has now developed into an established, boutique festival set in Candleston Woods, adjacent to Merthyr Mawr National Nature Reserve, South Wales. It features spoken word, informative talks and debates about biodiversity, sustainability and conservation with workshops in watercolours, pottery, wood-carving and metalwork. [FIND OUT MORE AND BUY TICKETS](https://betweenthetrees.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) [![CTA Image](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/05/25-04-11.Boutique_Camping.0892-1.jpg)](https://boutiquecamping.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ****Get Kitted out for Boutique Camping** Discover the joy of family glamping with Boutique Camping - your go-to for beautiful, practical tents designed to turn outdoor adventures into unforgettable memories. From backyard campouts to festival weekends, their innovative bell tents offer spacious, easy-to-pitch options that keep comfort at the heart of every experience. Available in a wide range of sizes, colours, and high-quality materials - including Canvas, Polycotton and Lightweight Oxford fabric - Boutique Camping’s tents are made to suit every family’s style and needs. Whether you’re after something traditional, modern, or ultra-portable, there’s a tent to match your adventure. Alongside their signature tent designs, you’ll find a curated selection of glamping accessories - from Wood Burning Stoves and soft furnishings to practical matting and tent canopies - helping you create a glamping setup that’s both functional and magical. Loved by families, festival-goers, and glamping enthusiasts alike, Boutique Camping has built a reputation for durability, thoughtful design, and top-notch customer care. Step into your next adventure with Boutique Camping - where family time meets freedom, and memories are made under the stars. Explore the full collection at [***boutiquecamping.com**](https://boutiquecamping.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) [Shop the range here ](https://boutiquecamping.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/05/2024.08.24-Sat-markkensett-gb24-973-Mark-Kensett.webp) #### **Greenbelt Festival* ****Boughton House, nr Kettering, 21-24 August 2025** [****www.greenbelt.org.uk**](http://www.greenbelt.org.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Set in the gorgeous fields of Boughton House, Greenbelt festival describes itself as ‘somewhere to believe in and belong to’. If you like the sound of a weekend of music, comedy, craft, theatre, dance, food, faith and spirituality, talks, provocations and more, chances are you’ll love this friendly, inclusive family festival. It's a space where everyone is welcome (you might see a few generations on the dancefloor together) and the only thing you have to believe in is the difference people can make when we come together. This year’s theme is Hope in the Making and there are plenty of inspiring young environmentalists like Dara McAnulty, Mya-Rose Craig and Sophie Pavelle there to inspire the next generation. Elsewhere Sarah Corbett is the festival’s ‘craftivist in residence’: this is a festival where you can spend each day in drop-in art sessions, crafting workshops and print-making. Artistry meets activism at Greenbelt, with Nadine Shah, K.O.G, Kate Rusby and the gospel-disco queens Annie and the Caldwells all headlining three nights of a packed music bill, alongside three days of theatre, comedy and more. [FIND OUT MORE AND BUY TICKETS](https://www.greenbelt.org.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/05/ballet.jpg) #### ****Found Festival** ****Claydon Estate, Nr Buckingham 22-24 August** [****foundfestival.uk** ](https://www.foundfestival.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) A festival of discovery with music, dance, arts, crafts and wellness. Head turners from the world of Americana, Folk, Country, Blues, World and Roots Music. A festival with space to breathe and relax, to discover and learn, to create and share. Your first and forever festival, inspiring the best you. Don’t lose yourself, be Found. An opportunity to experience creativity and connection and take it back to your daily life. Nestled on a picturesque country estate, it’s a space where festival goers can festival how they want to – deep in the crowd for the music, a new connection to mindful practice, taking inspiration from a workshop, dancing day to night, an afternoon nap through the festival hubbub, a laugh out loud comedy performance, a campsite meal with festival family, learning a new craft, watching your kids play... Or all of these things! [FIND OUT MORE AND BUY TICKETS](https://www.foundfestival.uk/what-is-found-festival?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### Be in with a chance to win some fantastic prizes 🤩 URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/win/ Last updated: 2026-06-15T13:47:33.000Z ## Good luck everyone. Winners will be announced after the competitions have ended over on our[***Facebook Page***](https://www.facebook.com/greenparentmag/). [![CTA Image](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/06/suntribe_comp.jpg)](https://link.thegreenparent.co.uk/suntribe?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ***Win the ultimate Suntribe Sunscreen Family Bundle** Sunny days are made for family adventures, and Suntribe Sunscreen has your skin covered every step of the way. Sweden’s favourite mineral sunscreen brand keeps little noses, sandy shoulders and splash-happy skin protected with natural, reef-safe formulas that are kind to both your family and the planet. Made with mineral UV filters and natural, organic ingredients, Suntribe’s award-winning sunscreens are free from synthetic ingredients, synthetic perfumes, parabens and other nasties — just long-lasting protection you can feel good about. Trusted by parents around the world, it’s the ultimate beach bag essential for fun-filled days in the sun. ****Price: Big Family Bundle** 2x Baby & Kids Sunscreen SPF 30 1x Organic Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 1x Active Organic Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 1x Organic Mineral Tinted Lip Balm SPF 30 1x Organic Mineral Zinc Lip Balm SPF 50 1x Organic Mineral Zinc Sun Stick SPF 50 in Mint Green 1x Organic After Sun Gel Double Aloe Vera 1x Suntribe Original Cotton Bag 1x Suntribe Worry-Free Sticker Sheet \= Total value: 160 GBP ***For your chance to win visit the link below:** ***Closing date:** 24th July 2026 [Enter Here ](https://link.thegreenparent.co.uk/suntribe?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### Members' Area 👥 URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/members-area/ Last updated: 2026-10-13T18:57:04.000Z This is where Premium members download The Green Parent. Every new issue appears here on publication day, alongside the five before it, to keep on your computer or tablet. ![Cover of The Green Parent Autumn 2026 issue](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/10/tgp131-autumn-2026-cover.jpg) **Out now: Autumn 2026** All about trust, with our Natural Beauty Bible 2026 inside _This page is for subscribers on the Premium Plus and Premium tiers only._ ### Green Pages - Alternative Schools 🎒 URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/green-pages-alternative-schools/ Last updated: 2026-05-19T10:18:11.000Z ## Discover completely ***outdoor kindergartens***, forest-based ***home-education groups***, ***Waldorf schools***, ***Montessori farm schools*** and many more. ## **South East** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/05/20250520_144647--1--2.png) #### ****The New Forest Small School** ****WHERE: Lyndhurst, Hampshire TEL: 07818 246472** ****AGES: 3-16**. ****WEB:** [****www.newforestsmallschool.com**](https://www.newforestsmallschool.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Founded in 1994, the New Forest Small School is an alternative, independent school in Lyndhurst in the New Forest National Park. We are lucky to be nestled in beautiful, ancient woodland in which we are able to learn, explore and play. We offer a broad and balanced curriculum, developing children’s academic skills from the early years onwards in a gentle, holistic manner, preparing them for GCSEs. Children are able to choose to sit up to 12 GCSEs, incorporating the core subjects (English, Maths, Science) as well as a language (Spanish), arts (Art, Music, Drama) and humanities (History, Geography, Psychology). ****OPEN DAYS: Please contact us to arrange a visit with the Headteacher** [Find out more here](https://www.newforestsmallschool.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/05/IMG_1373--1-.jpg) #### ****Brockwood Park School** ****WHERE: Bramdean, Alresford, Hampshire AGES: 14-19** ****WEB:** [****brockwood.org.uk**](https://brockwood.org.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **TEL: 01962 771 744** Situated in 40 acres of beautiful countryside within the South Downs National Park, this school has pioneered an alternative approach to education entirely different from other schools. It provides a holistic education for around 60 students aged 14–19 from around 25 countries. Brockwood is co-educational and fully boarding. Its intentions are to nurture self-reflection, inquiry, appreciation of the natural world, and discovery of one’s own talent, in a caring and home-like atmosphere. There are no grades, no comparison, and students, with the support of staff, create their own programme of studies that challenge and extend them. All meals are either vegetarian or vegan, some coming from the school’s organic garden, which students help maintain. ****OPEN DAYS: 26 Sep 2026, 20 Mar 2027+ online 2 May 2026, 14 Nov 2026, 27 Feb 2027 and 1 May 2027** [Find out more here](https://brockwood.org.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/05/IMG_26072.jpg) #### ****Michael Hall Waldorf School** ****WHERE: Kidbrooke Park, Priory Road, Forest Row, East Sussex RH185JA AGES: 0-18 TEL: 01342 822275** ****WEB:** [****www.michaelhall.co.uk**](https://www.michaelhall.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Michael Hall School is the UK’s longest-established Waldorf school, offering a rich, holistic education from Early Childhood to Sixth Form. Nestled in the beautiful Ashdown Forest, the school nurtures creativity, curiosity, and a love of learning through a balanced curriculum of academics, arts, and practical skills. With a strong sense of community, a deep connection to nature, and a focus on individual growth, Michael Hall provides a warm, inspiring environment where students flourish. Small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and a child-centred approach ensure a meaningful and enriching education, preparing students for life with confidence, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning. ****OPEN DAYS: 24th September, 20th November 2025** [Find out more here](https://www.michaelhall.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/04/5-1.jpg) #### ****Annan The Froebel School** ****WHERE: Uckfield, East Sussex AGES: 2-11** ****WEB:** [***annanschool.co.uk**](https://annanschool.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **TEL: 01825 841410** Annan School is a unique and inspiring school in a beautiful woodland setting. A Froebelian ethos puts children at the centre of learning and helps them develop as confident, thoughtful learners who are happy, curious, and have empathy and responsibility towards each other. At Annan learning is hands on. The creative and exciting curriculum encourages children to explore in a connected and meaningful way, to challenge themselves and take risks. The natural world shapes the school day, and every child has a forest school session each week. This close relationship with nature impacts on children’s wellbeing and means children have an excellent knowledge and understanding of the world around them. **“Annan allows my child to be my child”* ***Parent** **“A school that truly is a hidden gem and a very special place”* ***Parent** ****OPEN DAYS: June Open Week 8th-12th June 2026,** ****Open Morning Saturday 13th June 2026** [Find out more here](https://annanschool.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ## **London** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/04/gate-and-family-2.jpg) #### The King Alfred School ****WHERE: North End Road, London NW11 7HY** ****AGES: 4-18 TEL: 020 8457 5200** ****WEB:** [****www.kingalfred.org.uk**](https://www.kingalfred.org.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) “Within the nurturing, close-knit school community, pupils feel empowered to express themselves freely. As a result, they grow into confident, self-aware young people.” – ISI Report 2025 The King Alfred School adopts a progressive approach to education through its innovative curriculum, focussing on the whole child’s academic and personal success. Located on the fringes of Hampstead, across two tree-filled sites, the school achieves academic success without unnecessary pressures, and social success through the development of relationships and responsibility. With students from Reception age through to a flourishing Sixth Form, it’s a vibrant and friendly community where the emphasis, both academically and socially, is on discovering and maximising the potential of each child. First names are used between students and staff, there is no uniform, and as few rules as can be managed within a community. Students can be who they really are, and develop into creative, confident and thoughtful individuals. The school nurtures a love of learning and prepares students to flourish in a fast-moving world. "King Alfred is a school where I can express who I am. It's a breath of fresh air where I look forward to learning something new every day." Eila, student [Find out more here](https://www.kingalfred.org.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/05/Crouch-End-5.jpg) #### ****Maria Montessori School** ****WHERE: Hampstead NW3 5NW, Bayswater W2 4LA, Notting Hill W11 1JG. AGES: 2½ - 16 TEL: 020 7435 3646** ****WEB:** [****www.mariamontessori.org/school**](https://www.mariamontessori.org/school/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) The Maria Montessori School offers authentic Montessori education for 2½ - 16 year olds in London, located at Hampstead, Bayswater and Notting Hill. The school is designed with the child and their development at the forefront and fosters a classroom culture that leads to a strong sense of community and a deep respect for humanity, the environment, and the world. Children learn through real life experiences and specially designed materials that make abstract concepts concrete. There is an absence of competition; each child is treated as an individual and given time to learn at their own pace, offering them a sense of agency over their learning. It is a peaceful, engaging, vibrant and welcoming environment. ****OPEN DAY: We recommend parents book a Classroom Observation - a unique experience to come into our classroom environment during school hours, see Montessori in action and observe how children and teachers engage in their daily routine. Book via** [****www.mariamontessori.org/school/visit-our-school/**](https://www.mariamontessori.org/school/visit-our-school/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) [Find out more here](https://www.mariamontessori.org/school/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/05/Dallington_4Oct2024_mg_6839.jpg) #### ****Dallington School** ****WHERE: London, EC1 AGES: 3-11** ****WEB:** [****dallingtonschool.co.uk**](https://dallingtonschool.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **TEL: 020 7251 2284** Dallington School is a progressive, nurturing independent school in the heart of London, dedicated to creativity, individuality, and holistic learning. With small class sizes, no uniform, and a culture where everyone is on a first-name basis, we encourage confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning. Rooted in our values of play, empathy, and creativity, our broad curriculum includes weekly Forest School sessions, exciting trips across London, and a creative arts focus. Dallington pupils develop the strong academic skills and independence to thrive, moving on to sought after secondary schools that align with their strengths and aspirations. Here, children grow, explore, and flourish in a joyful, inclusive environment. Weekly tours available. ****OPEN DAY: May 15th, 9.30am** [Find out more here](https://dallingtonschool.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ## **East** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/05/398A1009.jpg) #### ****St Christopher School** ****WHERE: Letchworth Garden City, Hertfordshire AGES: 3-18** ****WEB:** [****www.stchris.co.uk**](https://www.stchris.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **TEL: 01462 650947** St Chris is an outstanding, modern school with an important, progressive heritage. As a school, we were amongst the first to see that humanity, understanding, kindness, and ‘progress’ are the pillars on which education - and childhood - should stand. Our approach values the individual, nurtures curiosity, and equips young people with the confidence, skills, and academic excellence to thrive. By giving children the time and space to grow at their own pace, we foster a love of learning and a true zest for life—preparing them not just for exams, but for the world beyond. [Find out more here](https://www.stchris.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ## **North West** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/05/MAHA23-3576.jpg) #### ****Maharishi School** ****WHERE: Davies Building, Cobbs Brow Lane, Lathom, Near Ormskirk, L40 6JJ AGES: 4 - 16 TEL: 01695 729912** ****WEB:** [****maharishischool.com**](https://maharishischool.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Maharishi School, situated in West Lancashire, is a state-funded, all-through school (age 4-16) founded on Consciousness-based Education (CbE). CbE gives pupils direct practical knowledge of their own consciousness and unfolds their creativity and intelligence as a basis for greater achievement. Staff and pupils practise Transcendental Meditation, the cornerstone of CbE, as part of their school day, helping to create a dynamic and harmonious school environment. Inner development leads to outer success! “Pupils are tolerant, considerate and empathetic…they are ambitious, articulate, confident and engage very well with adults.” **Ofsted. (2017)* Maharishi School is a non-religious, non-denominational school where pupils of all religious faiths and of no faith are welcomed. ****OPEN DAY: Saturday 26th April - 10am - 12 noon** [Find out more here](https://maharishischool.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Are you a school or educational organisation and want to be part of our annual Alternative Schools Guide? Contact a[**member of our sales team**](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/advertise/), we'd love to work with you. [Welcome to Green Pages 💚Empowering you to make the best purchasing decisions for your family from holidays to health, toys to food, festivals and all stages of the parenting journey from birth to education and beyond. Bringing ethical brands under one roof and celebrating every action taken to make the world a more sustainable![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/icon/tgp_favicon_l.png)The Green ParentThe Green Parent![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/thumbnail/gp.jpg)](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/directory/) ### Family Travel Awards 2025 URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/the-green-parent-family-travel-awards-2025/ Last updated: 2024-11-28T21:39:33.000Z Our 2025 awards are now open, nominations have been submitted and sent out, so if you received an email from us - congratulations! You can find all the details below for the next steps to take. We’ve been encouraging ethical travel, and sustainability practices in holiday accommodation, since we launched, 22 years ago. This year, we’re running our second annual Family Travel Awards, where we showcase the very best in green holidays. It is quick and simple to register. [Click here to get started](https://form.jotform.com/greenparent/family-travel-awards-entry-2025?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) The first Green Parent Family Travel Guide was produced over 9 years ago - every edition is packed full of holiday accommodation to suit every taste and budget. Once again this year we’ll be looking for the very best campsites, adventure holidays, self-catering accommodation and family attractions - highlighting your green credentials and what makes you the best. ## **WHY ENTER OUR AWARDS** From our customer research we know that Green Parent readers are actively looking for sustainable holidays. We will promote all entrants to our 2025 Green Parent Travel Awards in our print, and digital channels, throughout 2025. **EVERY** entry will receive a mention in our Family Travel Guide 2025, published in Jan 2025\. This will be a free publication to download as well as a print supplement with every copy of the February/March 2025 edition of The Green Parent magazine, available in UK newsagents and worldwide digitally through our digital partners [**Exact Editions**](https://shop.exacteditions.com/the-green-parent?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), [**Zinio**](https://www.zinio.com/gb/publications/the-green-parent/42588?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) and [**Readly**](https://gb.readly.com/magazines/the-green-parent?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). **GAIN RECOGNITION** from experienced, discerning and adventurous audience. **STAND OUT** from the competition with award badges and more. **BUILD BRAND AWARENESS** with families looking for ethical and sustainable holidays. **BOOST** sales and attract new customers. ### **Key Dates:** **Deadline for entry:** 13th December 2024 **Winners announced:** 6th January 2025 Winners and entries promoted in the Green Parent Family Travel Guide 2025 24th January 2025 **See last year's winners on our website here:** [The Green Parent Family Travel Awards 2024From cosy off-grid glamping spots to spacious self-catering barns - the last word in eco luxury, there’s something here for everyone![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/icon/tgp_favicon_l-3.png)The Green ParentThe Green Parent![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/thumbnail/Landal-de-Reeuwijkse-Plassen-1.jpg)](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/the-green-parent-family-travel-awards-2024/) **Download our 2024 Family Holiday Guide with the Awards covered inside:** [FTG24Download our Family Travel Guide 2024 here:FTG24.pdf22 MBdownload-circle](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/content/files/2024/11/FTG24.pdf "Download") #### FAQ ****How do I enter?** Follow the step by step process [****here**](https://form.jotform.com/greenparent/family-travel-awards-entry-2025?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). ****Can I enter more than one category?** Yes, you can enter as many categories as you choose. You will need to pay a registration fee for each category that you enter. ****What is the final date for entries?** All entries must be received by 13th December 2024\. ****When will the winners be announced?** The winners will be announced on 17th Jan 2025\. Winners will be featured in The Green Parent Family Travel Guide 2025, published on this date, and featured on The Green Parent website and through all our social media channels. ****If we don’t win, will we still be featured in the travel guide?** All entries to the awards will be featured in The Green Parent Travel Holiday Guide 2025\. ****Will there be promotional graphics if I win?** Winners will receive a promotional graphics by 6th January 2025, which can be used for marketing purposes. ****Do holidays have to be based in the UK?** Holidays do not need to be based in the UK. There will be sections for European and International Holidays within the Family Holiday Guide 2025. ****When will I hear if I have received an award?** All winners will be notified by 6th January 2025\. ****Who are the judging panel?** The Green Parent Travel Awards judges are a team of Green Parent staff members, travel writers, experts and readers. ****What is the judging process?** Each entry will be carefully assessed and information requested to back up environmental credentials and sustainability practices. ****What will it mean for me to win an award?** Winning an award in The Green Parent Family Travel Awards will be a huge accolade and bring great brand awareness, as you will be promoted to our readership of 100,000 eco-concious parents. Recognition from this well-respected, ethical family brand will set you apart from your competition. ****How much does it cost to enter?** There is a registration fee of £97 +VAT per entry. ****Will I receive an invoice?** An invoice will automatically be emailed to you after entry ****What category should I choose?** Here are the categories ****ADVENTURE HOLIDAY** ****ACTIVITY CENTRE** ****CAMPSITE** ****GLAMPING HOLIDAY** ****SELF CATERING** ****HOTEL** ****HOSTEL** ****FAMILY ATTRACTION** ****MUSEUM** ****TRAVEL GEAR (Carriers, Buggies, Car Seats and Travel Cots)** ****ETHICAL TRAVEL BRAND** If you need further assistance, please email [**travel@thegreenparent.co.uk**](mailto:travel@thegreenparent.co.uk) ### Natural Beauty Awards URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/natural-beauty-awards/ Last updated: 2026-10-20T09:34:04.000Z ## **Glow time is coming: 2027 entries open January** **The winners of our 2026 awards can be found** [**here**](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/the-green-parent-natural-beauty-award-winners-2026/) Register your interest below and we'll email you as soon as entries open. [Register your interest for 2027](https://form.jotform.com/262783714358063?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) The Green Parent Natural Beauty Awards are an annual event dedicated to recognising and celebrating sustainability in the beauty industry. Scroll down for the simple entry process. ## **The History of the Awards** Established in 2013, the awards highlight the best products, brands, and individuals that are pushing the boundaries of beauty and setting new standards for quality and innovation. The Green Parent Natural Beauty Awards are now in their 15th year and recognise the most outstanding ethical products and brands in the beauty industry. ## **The Judging Process** The rigorous judging process involves a panel made up of beauty editors, influencers and parents. Each product is trialled by at least two testers over a period of eight weeks. The judging panel rate each entry in terms of sustainable packaging, effectiveness and value for money. In depth reviews and comments are provided for every entry, including providing a rating in each of the key categories listed below. ## **How to Enter** To enter your products into our industry recognised awards, please click on the link below and follow the simple three step process. [Yes! I Want to Enter Our Products](https://form.jotform.com/greenparent/nba-2026-entry?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) We have an independent panel of beauty experts and Green Parent readers waiting to try out your products and write about their experiences. We will be selecting award winners (Gold, Silver and Bronze and Best Buys) in each category. There will also be a Green Parent Pick category with a few of our top selections given to companies that go the extra mile in sustainability and quality ingredients. ### **Here's the simple 3 step process** **1)** Choose which product(s) you’d like to enter. **2)** Fill out the form[**here**](https://form.jotform.com/greenparent/nba-2026-entry?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). Please be aware that you will need a good quality image of each product you enter. Entry fees are as follows: **1 product £65 +vat** **2 products £55 per product +vat** **3 or more products £45 per product +vat** This can be paid by card at the bottom of the form. A receipt, invoice and PDF of your entry will be emailed to you after entry. **3)** Send us two of each of the products you entered, which we will distribute to the judging panel. Items must be full-sized, not samples, and must be in the same packaging as is available from retailers. The products need to reach The Green Parent Natural Beauty Awards coordinator no later than **25th March 2027**. **DEADLINE:** Please[**submit form**](https://form.jotform.com/greenparent/nba-2026-entry?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) and then send us two of each of your products, which must reach us no later than **25th March 2027**. **SEND PRODUCTS TO:** ***The Natural Beauty Awards, Green Parent Media Ltd, Flat 5 The Chalk Yard, 112a Malling Street, Lewes BN7 2YN*** ## **Natural Beauty Awards 2027 Schedule** - **11th January** \- Beauty Awards launched - Entry open - **25th March** \- Entry Closes - **16th April** \- Products received by our team of testers - **11th June** \- Results back from testers - **25th June** \- Winners informed via email (embargoed) - **23rd July** \- Digital Beauty Bible published (winners announced - tell the world about your win!) - **10th September** \- Printed Beauty Bible supplement published and distributed with The Green Parent magazine ## **Get Featured in our Natural Beauty Bible 2027** We will be publishing our annual Natural Beauty Bible, which will be sold alongside issue 135 of The Green Parent magazine and distributed free across our website and social media channels. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/12/bb_table.png) Inside, we’ll feature each of the winning products from the 2027 awards as well as articles about natural beauty, and our favourite vegan and plastic-free products from the entries received this year. This will be published on 23rd July 2027 and will reach an audience of over 150,000 conscious parents. ## **See the 2026 award winners** [**here**](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/the-green-parent-natural-beauty-award-winners-2026/) **or download the 2026 Natural Beauty Bible below** [The Green Parent Natural Beauty Bible 2026Click here to read our Natural Beauty Bible 2026The Green Parent Natural Beauty Bible 2026.pdf8 MBdownload-circle](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/content/files/2026/08/The-Green-Parent-Natural-Beauty-Bible-2026.pdf "Download") For promotional opportunities in our Natural Beauty Bible 2027 - please get in touch with our sales team [**here**](mailto:hayley@thegreenparent.co.uk) --- #### Natural Beauty Awards 2027 full category list Considering entering our awards this year? Here are the categories for judging, so that you can see where your products best fit. From Best Facial Oil to finest Mascara, Skin Serum to Children's Shampoo, we've got it all covered. ****Skincare** Skin Serum Facial Oil Day Moisturiser Night Moisturiser Eye Cream Toner Cleanser Facial Scrub/Exfoliator Face Mask ****Haircare** Shampoo Conditioner Styling Product Hair Treat ****Makeup** Tinted Moisturiser Powder Concealer Foundation Blusher Bronzer Lipstick Lipgloss Mascara Eye Liner Eye Shadow Lip Balm Nail Polish Nail Polish Remover Application Tools ****Body & Bath** Body Cream/Balm Body Oil Body Scrub Bath Treat Shower Gel Deodorant Hand Cream/Balm Soap Menstrual Care ****Suncare** Sun Protection Aftersun ****Baby & Child** Children’s Shampoo Bubble Bath Baby Oil Baby Lotion/Cream Nappy Cream Baby Balm ****Pregnancy** Bath Product Massage Oil/Cream Breast Care ****Dental** Toothpaste (Child & Adult) ****Perfume** ****Beauty Supplements** Supplements/Vitamin #### ****Natural Beauty Awards 2027 FAQS** Have a question about this year’s awards? Take a look below to see if your questions can be answered before contacting us... ****How do I enter the awards?** It’s a very simple process - get started [****here**](https://form.jotform.com/greenparent/nba-2026-entry?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ****How many products do I send?** You need to send 2 full sized products in retail packaging ****How much does it cost to enter?** Sliding scale entry fees are as follows: ****1 product £65 +vat** ****2 products £55 per product +vat** ****3 or more products £45 per product +vat** This can be paid by card at the end of the form. ****Where do I send products to?** Please send to: ****Natural Beauty Awards** ****Green Parent Media Ltd** ****Flat 5 The Chalk Yard** ****112a Malling Street** ****Lewes** ****East Sussex** ****BN7 2YN** ****When is the deadline?** You need to fill in the form and send products to us by ****Friday 26** **th** **March 2027.** ****If I win, where will my award be shown?** We will promote all winners in our Natural Beauty Bible 2026 published with the Green Parent magazine and also on our website and social media channels. This will be available for free download on our website for the whole year. ****Is there a logo I can use in my marketing?** Yes, here is a link to a logo you can [****download**](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hwLzP4YDZgWc5WeeBdI0mduY-wG1cfyl/view?usp=sharing&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). ****We want to enter your awards but are concerned about postal strikes. Are there any other delivery companies you could recommend?** We recommend using Parcelforce, UPS or DPD. Please make sure your items are well packaged as we cannot be held responsible for breakages in transit. ****Will I get a notification that my products have arrived safely?** Yes, you will receive an email within 24 working hours of receipt of products to confirm that we’ve received them. ****Who will be testing my products?** We have a team of dedicated beauty experts and bloggers, readers and their families waiting to try out your products. ****Can you accept products a day late?** Please contact [****beauty@thegreenparent.co.uk**](mailto:beauty@thegreenparent.co.uk) to check. ****Can you confirm if the Toothpaste sub-section under the Dental Category is open to Baby and Children’s Toothpaste please?** Yes, the Toothpaste category is open for Baby and Children’s Toothpaste. ****I’m a beauty blogger and I want to take part in the tester panel.** We will release more information about joining our tester panel on 3rd March 2026\. Be sure to follow us on Instagram - [****https://www.instagram.com/thegreenparentmag/**](https://www.instagram.com/thegreenparentmag/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) \- to stay up to date! ****I want to make payment by bank transfer, can you help?** Yes, of course - please drop us a line to [****beauty@thegreenparent.co.uk**](mailto:beauty@thegreenparent.co.uk) and we may be able to help. For more information, please email:[**beauty@thegreenparent.co.uk**](mailto:beauty@thegreenparent.co.uk). ### Green Pages - Natural Beauty🧴 URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/green-pages-natural-beauty/ Last updated: 2025-08-26T19:19:22.000Z [![CTA Image](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/08/Unknown.jpeg)](https://arella-beauty.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ****Arella – Plant-Based Supplements for Women’s Wellness** Arella is a British wellness brand supporting women through every life stage with clean, effective, plant-based supplements. Focused on hormonal balance, healthy ageing, and natural beauty, Arella champions sustainability and ethical wellness. The brand’s hero products – Arella Pause and Arella Collagen – are designed to work in harmony for optimal results. ****Arella Pause** is a powerful liquid supplement that helps ease symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. With clinically backed ingredients like sage and pine bark extract, plus essential vitamins, it supports hormonal balance, mood, and energy. ****Arella Collagen** is a vegan collagen-boosting liquid supplement that increases natural collagen production by up to 134%, improving skin elasticity, strengthening hair and nails, and supporting joint health. Each comes in a convenient daily sachet – no mixing, no fuss. Just tear and sip or stir into your favourite drink. Packed with biotin, vitamins C, E, and B-complex, this dynamic duo delivers antioxidant protection, immune support, and visible results in as little as 28 days. Vegan, sustainable, and science-backed, Arella is ideal for women who want to nourish their body the clean way. Buy a 30-day supply of Arella Collagen & Arella Pause together and save 35% [Learn more ](https://arella-beauty.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) [![CTA Image](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/08/Travel-Bar-with-award-logo-on-white-BG-1.jpg)](https://friendlysoap.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ****Friendly Soap** Our gold award-winning, handmade travel soap is the perfect companion for greener adventures. Plastic-free and packed with natural goodness, it’s a 3-in-1 soap bar that cleans both your body, hair and even your clothes, helping you travel lighter, fresher, and with a clear conscience. Handmade in the UK with natural ingredients, it’s gentle on skin but tough on dirt. It’s also naturally deodorising, antiseptic, and even insect-repelling, perfect whether you’re hiking in the hills or hopping on a plane. Plus, it’is solid and compact, which makes passing through airport security hassle-free. Vegan, cruelty-free, and completely free from palm oil, SLS and parabens, this versatile soap bar is made with both your skin and the planet in mind. At Friendly Soap, we believe travel should feel good, for you and the world around you. Wherever you're going, pack one in your bag to stay fresh, clean, and prepared for your next adventure. [Learn more ](https://friendlysoap.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) [![CTA Image](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/08/TEEN_SKIN_ON-WOOD_crop-2.jpg)](https://hriherbalmedicine.co.uk/products/teen-skin/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ****HRI** This unique, vegan formulation for spots and acne has been tailored to the life stage of teens, where hormone fluctuations, irregular sleep and eating habits can leave young adults with skin problems. Help is at hand with HRI Teen skin, with 26 premium nutrients, including a full multivitamin and specialist skin complex in one. It contains a wide variety of berry and grapeseed extracts to combat oxidative stress and B vitamins for hormone balance and energy. And with 5 billion live cultures to support gut health, HRI Teen Skin is jam packed with skin loving ingredients for a healthy, glowing complexion. [Learn more ](https://hriherbalmedicine.co.uk/products/teen-skin/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) [![CTA Image](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/08/Hannah_KinvaraSkincare_Julia_Dunin_Photography-302-Edit--1-.png)](https://www.kinvaraskincare.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ****Kinvara Skincare** Kinvara Skincare’s Brilliant Body Oil has been recognised in the Editor’s Picks category of The Green Parent Natural Beauty Awards 2025 - a well-deserved accolade for a product that blends performance with thoughtful formulation. This silky, fast-absorbing body oil is enriched with cold-pressed organic oils and designed to soothe, soften and deeply hydrate the skin. At the core of its plant-powered formula is Apricot Oil, a gentle yet effective ingredient rich in vitamins E and K, known for delivering lasting nourishment and a radiant glow. Paired with the uplifting scent of Sweet Orange, this body oil offers a sensorial experience as well as real results - leaving skin feeling smooth, supple and revitalised. True to Kinvara’s ethos, Brilliant Body Oil is as kind to the planet as it is to the skin. Thoughtfully packaged in post consumer recycled plastic, with a fully recyclable carton, sustainability is built into every element of its design. This award win highlights Kinvara Skincare’s commitment to creating high-performance natural products that care for both people and the planet. Described by customers as “a feast for the senses,” Brilliant Body Oil is a standout example of what makes this Irish brand a trusted favourite in natural skincare. [Learn more ](https://www.kinvaraskincare.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) [![CTA Image](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-26-at-19.54.57.png)](https://suntribesunscreen.com/product/suntribe-natural-mineral-baby-kids-sunscreen-spf-30/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ****Suntribe - Protect Your Little Ones, Naturally** Suntribe’s Baby & Kids Organic Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 offers 100% natural and safe sun protection for babies and children aged 6 months and older. Awarded “Best Mineral Sunscreen” by The Independent UK, this sunscreen features Non-Nano Zinc Oxide, providing broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays, blocking 97% of UVB rays from the first moment of application. Made with only natural ingredients, this product is specially designed for sensitive skin. It’s free from allergens and synthetic chemicals such as preservatives and perfumes. The gentle natural vanilla scent makes applying this sunscreen a pleasant experience for both children and parents. This sunscreen doesn’t sting if it gets into the eyes and leaves a subtle white cast, so you can easily see where your child’s skin is protected. It’s also water-resistant, so it stays on even during water play, and it’s reef-safe, ensuring you’re protecting the planet while keeping your child safe in the sun. The packaging is made from eco-friendly sugar cane material, reducing the environmental impact and aligning with sustainable family values. Whether you’re at the beach or in the park, Suntribe’s Baby & Kids Organic Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 provides reliable, natural, and worry-free sun protection for your little ones. [Learn more ](https://suntribesunscreen.com/product/suntribe-natural-mineral-baby-kids-sunscreen-spf-30/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) [Welcome to Green Pages 💚Empowering you to make the best decisions for your family from holidays to health, toys to food, festivals and all stages of the parenting journey from birth to education and beyond. Green Pages - Natural Beauty🧴Discover award winning natural and organic brands you can trust for your familyThe Green![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/icon/tgp_favicon_l-12.png)The Green ParentThe Green Parent![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/thumbnail/gp-3.jpg)](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/directory/) Want to be featured in the Green Pages? Contact a[**member of our sales team**](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/advertise/). ### Links URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/links/ Last updated: 2026-09-30T11:05:52.000Z Bringing more joy and connection to your family life [Join freeMonthly What’s On guides and parenting inspiration in your inbox](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/#/portal/signup) Our autumn issue is out now [![The Green Parent autumn 2026 issue cover](https://subs.thegreenparent.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/TGP131.jpg?v=1789725771)](https://subs.thegreenparent.co.uk/products/autumn-2026?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) [Buy the autumn issue, £5.95](https://subs.thegreenparent.co.uk/products/autumn-2026?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) [Autumn issue digital download](https://subs.thegreenparent.co.uk/products/autumn-2026-digital-download?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) [Subscribe to the magazineFour issues a year, delivered to your door](https://subs.thegreenparent.co.uk/products/print-subscription-1-year-6-issues?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) New on the site [14 Fun and Free Things To Do With Your Family in October](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/14-fun-and-free-things-to-do-with-your-family-in-october/) [The Book Nook: Myths, Mammoths and a Whole Lot of Poo](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/the-book-nook-myths-mammoths-and-a-whole-lot-of-poo/) [Natural Beauty Award winners 2026](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/the-green-parent-natural-beauty-award-winners-2026) [Your free guide to alternative education in the UK](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/your-free-guide-to-alternative-education-in-the-uk-is-here) Follow us [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/thegreenparentmag?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/greenparentmag) [X](https://x.com/greenparentmag?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ## Posts ### Pear Necessities: Gluten-Free Quiche and Cake URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/pear-necessities-gluten-free-quiche-and-cake/ Last updated: 2026-10-22T09:00:00.000Z *Gluten-free autumn bakes from Laura Muthesius and Nora Eisermann, the photographer and food stylist behind Our Food Stories* When Laura and Nora started dating, neither of them could cook, and eating out was tricky because of Laura’s food intolerances. So Nora taught herself. “Neither of us comes from a family with a strong cooking tradition, so it felt natural for us to explore and experiment,” they say. Their aim is simple: vegetarian food that you’d never guess was gluten-free. These two recipes celebrate the best of the season. “For the best flavour, always use the best ingredients you can find. In many cases, buying local, seasonal and organic will be your best option. We encourage you to improvise and make substitutions: use your favourite ingredients, or whatever you have to hand.” ## Sweet potato and chickpea quiche with quinoa crust Orange sweet potato, cumin and coriander give this quiche extra brightness and spark. ![A sweet potato, chickpea and pea quiche in a fluted tart tin on a wooden board, with a hand squeezing lemon over it](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/10/sweet-potato-quiche.jpg) **Serves 8** ### Ingredients **For the quinoa crust** - 200g quinoa - 1 egg - 1 tsp salt **For the filling** - 200g sweet potato - 1 tbsp olive oil - 2 spring onions - 100g cooked chickpeas - 125g cooked sweetcorn - 125g cooked peas - 200ml coconut milk - 4 eggs - Juice of ½ lemon - 2 garlic cloves, crushed - 1 tsp salt - 1 tsp ground cumin - 1 tsp honey - ½ tsp ground coriander - A pinch of pepper - Marjoram (or other herbs), to serve ### Method 1. Preheat the oven to 225°C/gas 7. 2. Cook the quinoa according to the packet instructions and leave to cool. Peel the sweet potato, cut into slices about 7mm thick, and cut the slices in half. Lay them on a baking sheet lined with baking paper and brush or drizzle with the olive oil. Bake for 10 minutes, then take out of the oven and turn the heat down to 180°C/gas 4. 3. Mix the quinoa well with the egg and 1 tsp salt and spoon it into a greased 26cm tart tin, pressing it down firmly on the base and sides. Bake the crust for 15 minutes. 4. Meanwhile, cut the spring onions into long pieces or slices. Rinse the chickpeas, sweetcorn and peas and mix them together. 5. For the filling, stir the coconut milk well in a mixing bowl. If it’s still flaky, warm it gently in a small pan, stirring until smooth. Beat the tepid (not hot) coconut milk with the eggs, lemon juice, salt, pepper, cumin, coriander, garlic and honey. 6. When the crust comes out of the oven, spread two-thirds of the chickpea and vegetable mixture over it, then pour over the egg mixture. Scatter the rest of the vegetables and the sweet potato on top and bake for 35 minutes. 7. Leave the quiche to cool slightly, then sprinkle with marjoram or other herbs before serving. **Tip:** use a tart tin without a removable base, otherwise the egg mixture can drip through the quinoa crust. ## Pear and walnut cake with vanilla and cardamom “There’s something lovely and bittersweet about faded maple leaves still clinging to branches and the rustle of fallen leaves underfoot,” say Laura and Nora. They baked this cake one blue-skied late autumn morning and carried it into the woods near their studio to photograph. “The gentle warm spice of the pear and walnut cake was just the right complement. Not a piece was left by the end of the day.” ![Slices of pear and walnut loaf cake dusted with icing sugar, with whole baked pears inside, held on a wooden board against golden autumn leaves](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/10/pear-walnut-cake.jpg) **Serves 8** ### Ingredients - 150g unsalted butter, softened - 160g sugar (coconut or white) - A pinch of salt - 1 tsp vanilla extract - 3 eggs - 120g rice flour - 1½ tsp baking powder - 1 to 2 tsp ground cardamom - 125g ground walnuts - 3 pears (ripe but not too soft, stalks left on) - 1 tbsp icing sugar ### Method 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/gas 4\. Line a loaf tin with baking paper, then grease and flour the paper. 2. Beat the butter, sugar, salt and vanilla together with a hand mixer for 3 to 4 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time. 3. Mix the rice flour, baking powder and cardamom in a separate bowl, then stir into the butter and egg mixture. Stir in the ground walnuts and spread the batter evenly in the tin. 4. Rinse the pears, pat them dry and stand them evenly spaced in the batter, pressing them down so only the stalks show. 5. Bake for 55 minutes. If the top is browning too much after 45 minutes, cover it with foil. 6. Leave the cake to cool in the tin for 30 minutes, then lift it out and leave it to reach room temperature. Dust with icing sugar before serving. --- [![Cover of A Year with Our Food Stories: Gluten-Free Seasonal Fare](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/10/book-jacket.jpg)](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/3967040739?tag=thegreenpar0a-21&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) These recipes are from [***A Year with Our Food Stories: Gluten-Free Seasonal Fare***](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/3967040739?tag=thegreenpar0a-21&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) by Our Food Stories (Gestalten, £35), with more seasonal recipes for every month of the year. *This article contains affiliate links. If you buy a book through one of them, The Green Parent may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, which helps support our independent magazine.* ### Meet the Natural Beauty Awards winners - Douvall's URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/meet-the-natural-beauty-awards-winners-douvalls/ Last updated: 2026-10-21T11:29:59.000Z **We spoke to mother-and-daughter team Alicia and Georgia Douvall about how Douvall's got started, and a few things you should know about their brand.** Founded by Alicia and Georgia after discovering the benefits of pure argan oil, Douvall's delivers exceptional, luxurious results from natural ingredients. What began as a passion has grown into an internationally recognised skincare and beauty collection. At the heart of every product is first cold-pressed, sustainably sourced argan oil, prized for its nourishing properties. An exclusive partnership with a Moroccan women's co-operative secures top-quality ingredients while supporting fair wages, education and reforestation, delivering beauty with social impact. Every formula is cruelty-free, free from parabens, sulphates, fragrances and toxins, and suitable for sensitive skin. Giving back is woven into the brand's DNA. Alongside championing female empowerment, Douvall's supports charities including Eden Reforestation. The brand continues to challenge perceptions of natural beauty, proving clean products can be as glamorous and effective as conventional ones. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/10/douvalls-argan-oil-collection-v2.jpg) ## “No two mornings look the same, and flexibility matters more than perfection” ***Douvall's** ### **What is your morning beauty routine?** “My ideal morning starts with stepping outside, even briefly, for fresh air and sunlight to reset my body clock. I begin with a gut health shot, then herbal tea or matcha instead of coffee. When time allows, I add yoga alongside my red light panel. It's less about a ‘perfect’ wellness routine and more about reconnecting before the day begins. Family, pets and dogs are just as valuable. I also give myself grace. No two mornings look the same, and flexibility matters more than perfection. Working from home can feel isolating, so I make a point of getting outside and connecting with nature and people. True beauty comes from balance, wellbeing and small daily rituals.” ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ## **3 things about Douvall's we should know** 1. We know where every drop of our argan oil comes from. It's sourced exclusively from a Moroccan women's co-operative we visit every year, where we're always welcomed with a beautiful traditional meal. It's a partnership we're proud of, and together we've helped build a school for the co-operative's children, giving them access to education. 2. We're proudly women-led. Douvall's is 99% run by women, and we're a close-knit team that genuinely feels like family (and mostly is). Everyone rolls up their sleeves: we do everything from developing products and packing orders to customer service, making sure every customer has the best possible experience. 3. We create our own formulas in-house. Our trained formulators develop and make many of our products ourselves, giving us complete creative freedom to innovate with natural ingredients, maintain exceptional quality and bring exciting new ideas to life. --- Find [**Douvall's**](https://www.douvalls.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) winning products in **The Green Parent Natural Beauty Bible 2026** [**here**](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/the-green-parent-natural-beauty-award-winners-2026/). ### Wood You Dare? Six Halloween Horrors Hiding in the Trees URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/wood-you-dare-halloween-horrors-in-the-woods/ Last updated: 2026-10-20T16:59:59.000Z *Anton Baskerville of* [***woodlands.co.uk***](https://www.woodlands.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) *picks out what to look and listen for on a Halloween walk in the woods.* Forget pricey Halloween attractions. This half-term, the scariest sights around are free, and probably just down the road in your local wood. Strange fungi, tangled branches, rustling leaves and wildlife that wakes up after dark make woodland the perfect place for children's imaginations to run wild. And behind the creepiest of them is a good story about how a wood works, and why even the things that look a bit frightening have a job to do. ## 1\. The poisonous mushrooms Autumn is prime time for fungi, and the woodland floor can suddenly fill with them. Some look as if they've wandered out of a fairy tale, others come in odd shapes and colours, and a few even seem to glow in the right conditions. ![Blue-green toadstools pushing up through bare soil beside a slug](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/10/Halloween-4.jpeg) Not every mushroom is brown: some come in startling blues and greens. Photo: Woodland Trust ![Tiers of orange bracket fungus growing from the base of an old oak trunk](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/10/Chicken-Of-The-Woods-1.jpeg) Chicken of the woods, a bracket fungus, grows in bright orange tiers on old oaks. Photo: Woodland Trust But some British mushrooms are poisonous, and telling the safe ones apart is hard. Children should never pick or eat wild fungi, however tempting they look. If the grown-ups want to learn more, our [**beginner's guide to mushroom foraging**](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/mushroom-foraging-without-the-fear-a-beginners-guide-to-britains-wildest-autumn-harvest/) is a good place to start. ## 2\. The trees that refuse to die A dead tree with twisted branches clawing at the sky is pure ghost story. But it's far from useless. ![A tall, hollow, rotting tree stump covered in bracket fungi in a winter wood](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/10/Halloween-3.jpeg) Dead but far from empty: a rotting stump is a home and a larder. Photo: Woodland Trust Rotting wood feeds and shelters insects, fungi, birds and small mammals, and slowly returns its nutrients to the soil. What looks like the end of a tree is really the start of something new. ## 3\. Something went bump in the night What was that? And did something just move in the branches? Woods are a different place after dark. Owls call from the trees and bats swoop through clearings after insects. Foxes and badgers are out and about too, though you'll be lucky to spot one. ![An owl with glowing eyes perched on a post at night, caught on a night camera under the moon](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/10/Halloween-1.jpeg) Who goes there? An owl caught on a night camera. Photo: Woodland Trust ![A small brown bat with outstretched wings clinging to tree bark](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/10/Halloween-5.jpeg) Bats spend the day tucked away and come out at dusk to hunt insects. Photo: Woodland Trust Try an early evening walk and see how many animal sounds you can pick out. Stick to safe, familiar paths and take extra care as the light goes. And if the sky is clear, look up: here's [**where to see the stars this half-term**](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/over-the-moon-where-to-see-the-stars-this-half-term/). ## 4\. The web of the woodland Spiders give some of us the creeps, but autumn is a brilliant time to find their webs, especially on a dewy morning when every thread is picked out. ![A garden spider hanging in its web against a blue sky, with a leaf caught below](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/10/Halloween-7.jpeg) A spider waits in its web for the next meal to fly in. Photo: Woodland Trust Look between branches and across low plants for these tiny feats of engineering. Spiders are important predators, keeping insect numbers in check, and they're food for other woodland animals in turn. ## 5\. The forbidden fruit Bright red berries look deliciously tempting against autumn leaves, but not all of them are safe. ![A cluster of shiny red berries hanging from a woodland plant](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/10/Halloween-9.jpeg) Pretty, shiny and best left well alone. Photo: Woodland Trust Several British woodland plants have poisonous berries, so children should never put unknown berries, leaves or other plant parts in their mouths. The golden rule is to look closely, take a photo and leave it where it is. ## 6\. The mysterious woodland folklore Woods have haunted our stories for centuries. Ancient trees, dark paths and unexplained noises have given us fairy tales, local legends and all manner of mysterious creatures. ![Fallen autumn leaves arranged in a circular pattern on the woodland floor](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/10/Halloween-6.jpeg) Leave your own mark: a spiral of fallen leaves for the next walker to find. Photo: Woodland Trust It's easy to see why. With the leaves rustling overhead and light flickering through the branches, a wood can feel like another world. Why not ask the children to invent their own woodland ghost story, inspired by the shapes, sounds and shadows they find along the way? ## A few simple rules for a safe adventure - **Look, don't touch.** Leave fungi, berries and unfamiliar plants alone. - **Stay on familiar paths**, especially when it's slippery underfoot or the light is fading. - **Leave dead wood where it is.** Fallen branches and logs are home to all sorts of wildlife. - **Take your litter home.** Even the spookiest woodland creatures don't want your crisp packets. [**Woodlands.co.uk**](https://www.woodlands.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) sells small woodlands across the UK and offers guidance to new owners on caring for them, whether for wildlife, leisure or learning. ### Apple of My Eye URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/apple-of-my-eye/ Last updated: 2026-10-19T16:39:47.000Z *How to celebrate the tastiest harvest fruit this season, with games, tastings and three simple recipes to make the most of a glut* When Apple Day was conceived over 30 years ago by the charity Common Ground, the aim was to create a new autumn holiday, a celebration of the diversity of fruit in the UK. It was held in 1990 in the old Apple Market in Covent Garden, bringing fruit back to the market after 16 years of absence. Sellers offering a wide variety of apples and trees rubbed shoulders with juice producers, and writers and illustrators of books about apples. Thousands of people came, and since then the celebration of the apple has spread to many villages and city markets. These events have boosted local pride and deepened interest in local distinctiveness. Each year, at these celebrations, alongside tasting, juicing, baking, pruning and grafting, an imaginative array of games and creative activities have flourished, ranging from simple apple printing to mummers’ apple plays, new songs and poetry evenings. But invariably, year after year, the most popular event is the tasting and buying of numerous varieties of apples and the presence of an expert to aid identification. With over 2,500 varieties of apple available here in the UK (7,000 globally), you could eat a different apple variety every day for over six years. Today, we’re in danger of losing not only those different apple varieties, but also the rich diversity of the landscape too. And the variety is not reflected in our shops. In a supermarket, you’ll find six or seven different apples: Gala, Braeburn, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Pink Lady and Jazz are six of the heavy cropping, uniform and branded club varieties that dominate. But it doesn’t have to be this way. A heritage apple simply means an old fashioned, often regional fruit that isn’t commercially produced and sold. It’s quite a loose definition that usually means a variety dating back before 1950, but many of these apples are centuries old. As the name implies, they’re part of our social and cultural heritage, often preserving the names of places and people or words of dialect that might otherwise have been lost to us. ## Why are old apple varieties endangered? Since the industrial revolution, there’s been a gradual severing of our connection to the land which still continues. We work long hours and don’t have time to grow our own food. We have to live in towns and cities near to where the work is, in smaller and smaller homes without the space to grow. The rise of supermarkets dealt another blow to fruit diversity, as under this retail model, produce had to be the same shape, size and colour, be able to withstand being transported across a national delivery network (or flown across the world) and be stored for months before being sold. That’s the reason we ended up with big shiny apples like Red Delicious which have shelf appeal, and the ability to survive fourteen months in cold storage, but taste like weak tea with a sweetener. Apples like these crop heavily and have few issues with pests (nothing can get through the tough skin) but lack the rich, complex flavours of something less showy, like an Egremont Russet, for example. As a consequence, the rich diversity of apples in the UK started to take a hit. The most endangered were the apples that don’t keep well, those that don’t crop on an industrial scale and those that are, well, a bit ugly. ## Why are heritage apples important? Homogeneity in pomiculture (fruit tree growing) is not just bad for our diets, but for the environment too. Different insect, bird and mammal species were happily evolving alongside specific tree varieties for thousands of years until industrial apples came along, then suddenly they can’t even bite through the skins. Cross breeding amongst as many different trees as possible is also important for the survival of fruit species. > **Heritage fruit gives us a physical connection to our past, when we enjoy the same apples that our great grandparents would have enjoyed** Heritage fruit also gives us a physical connection to our past, when we enjoy the same apples (sometimes from the same tree) that our great grandparents and generations further back would have enjoyed. The names of orchards long since lost, events, people and even scientific discoveries are all commemorated in the names of heritage apples, as well as words that were once common. No one wants to live in some kind of dystopia where all the apples are glossy, tasteless and exactly the same size, but if we want to save the old varieties, we have to support the growers and sellers of heritage apples. Better still, we can grow our own and preserve them for future generations. ![Two young children lean over a tin bath full of red and green apples floating in water](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/10/apple-games.jpg) ## Create your own Apple Day There are lots of events taking place in gardens and orchards that you can attend, but you could also create your own. Host it in a local park and invite friends and family too. ### Apple tasting There are thousands of varieties of apple, including some really ancient ones with amazing sounding names. Ever heard of Pendragon, Cornish Aromatic or Captain Broad? Why not gather as many different ones as you can and get people to take a taste of each, to really enjoy all the different flavours apples can offer? If you don’t have any from a garden or an orchard, a local farmers’ market, farm shop or even supermarket should have several different varieties. Another fun idea is to ask people who come along to bring an apple as an ‘entry fee’, which can then be used for all the activities suggested here. ### Food and drink Make sure there are some lovely apple dishes and drinks to try at your event. Invite neighbours, fellow gardeners or family to make something and bring it along. For people who do have an apple tree in their garden, it’s a good way to help them clear their glut! Try apple chutney or one of the recipes below. ### Apple games Both kids and adults love a silly game, and there are lots involving apples. Apple bobbing, for example, is where you fill a large tub with water and apples. The challenge is to try and catch an apple with your teeth while it’s bobbing around on the surface. The only rule is: no hands. Or try the longest peel competition: all you need is a few apples and a peeler. The challenge is to create a continuous length of peel from the apple skin. The person with the longest peel wins. Get more ideas from Common Ground’s [**Ideas for Apple Day**](https://link.thegreenparent.co.uk/appleevents?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) guide. ## Fruitful events There are celebrations at orchards and farms around the UK every autumn. Find your nearest on the [**Orchard Network’s Apple Day map**](https://link.thegreenparent.co.uk/appledays?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). Here are a few still to come this year: ### Community Apple Day, Staveley, North Yorkshire: Saturday 24 October Yorkshire Wildlife Trust’s community orchard hosts a day of orchard games, crafts and apple press demonstrations, with a cider press stall and an apple pie baking competition. Most activities are free. [**ywt.org.uk**](https://www.ywt.org.uk/events/2026-10-24-community-apple-day?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### Apple Week at Ampleforth Abbey, North Yorkshire: 24 to 31 October A free half-term celebration with apple tastings, lawn games and apple-tossing races, a children’s orchard trail, apple crafts and pressing demonstrations at the abbey’s cider mill. [**ampleforthabbey.org.uk**](https://www.ampleforthabbey.org.uk/apple-week-half-term-family-fun?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### Apple Tasting at Acorn Bank, Cumbria: weekends until the end of October Sample freshly picked fruit from more than 165 varieties in Acorn Bank’s orchards. Try a Keswick Codlin, a Howgate Wonder or even a Pitmaston Pineapple! On Thursday 29 October, the gardeners are also juicing the harvest, with free tastes. Tasting is free; normal admission applies. [**nationaltrust.org.uk**](https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/lake-district/acorn-bank/events/379cce49-6f89-4658-8a69-fa7276f07d55?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### Mark your diary for next autumn Some of our favourite apple days take place earlier in October, so they’re worth noting for next year: the **Apple Fair at Brogdale**, home of the National Fruit Collection in Kent ([**brogdalecollections.org**](https://brogdalecollections.org/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)), the **Apple Day Weekend at The Newt** in Somerset ([**thenewtinsomerset.com**](https://thenewtinsomerset.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)) and **Apple Day at Cambridge University Botanic Garden** ([**botanic.cam.ac.uk**](https://www.botanic.cam.ac.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)). ![A jar of smooth, caramel-coloured apple butter beside toast and fresh apples on a wooden board](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/10/apple-butter.jpg) ## Make your own: apple butter *Lindsay Landis is the founder of* [***loveandoliveoil.com***](https://www.loveandoliveoil.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)*. Here she shares a sweet way of preserving autumn fruit. Crisp apples cooked down with sugar and spices until lusciously smooth and intensely flavoured, this small batch apple butter is perfect when you just have a few apples to hand.* 1. Core and coarsely chop about 5 apples. Place the apple pieces and cores in a large saucepan along with 120ml water, 50g granulated sugar and 2 tbsp lemon juice. Bring to a simmer over a medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for 20 to 25 minutes or until the apples begin to soften and fall apart. 2. Remove from the heat and run the softened apples through a food mill, discarding any remaining solids or seeds. (If you don’t have a food mill, blend the softened apples in a food processor or with a hand blender until smooth.) You should have about 2 cups of apple purée. 3. Return the purée to the saucepan and set over a medium-low heat. Add 55g brown sugar to taste, along with ½ tsp ground cinnamon, a pinch of ground cloves and a pinch of salt. Gently simmer, stirring regularly to avoid spattering, until the apple butter is a deep caramel colour and thick enough to hold its shape on a spoon. 4. Transfer to a jar or airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 3 weeks. ## Make your own: baked apples 1. Preheat the oven to 200°C/gas 6\. Grease an ovenproof dish. Wash 4 medium apples well and remove the cores. 2. Using a sharp knife, make a cut just through the skin going all the way around the widest part of each apple. Place the apples in the dish (they should fit quite snugly) and push 25g pecans into the hollows. 3. Add 40g butter, cut into cubes, to the hollows, then top up with another 25g pecans and drizzle over 4 tbsp honey. 4. Pour 50ml water around the base of the apples and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the apples just start to split and puff up slightly, but don’t overcook. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 15 to 20 minutes. 5. Serve in deep bowls with yoghurt or custard and spoon over the buttery juices from the dish. ## Make your own: apple bread 1. Peel and core 2 large apples (about 500g), then cut into 2cm dice. Fry in a frying pan with 25g butter over a high heat for 2 to 3 minutes, until golden brown, then leave to cool. 2. Place 450g brown and 450g white bread flour and 3 tsp salt in a large bowl. In a small pan, melt 75g butter, then set aside to cool slightly. 3. Add 1 sachet of easy blend yeast, 50g caster sugar and the melted butter to the flour mixture. Add 175ml tepid water, a little at a time, and use your hands to bring it together into a kneadable dough. Now add the cooled apple cubes. 4. If the dough seems too dry and won’t hold together, add a little more water. If it seems too wet, add a little more flour. 5. On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for 10 to 15 minutes until smooth and elastic. Put it back in the bowl, cover with a damp tea towel or lightly oiled cling film and leave somewhere warm until doubled in size, about 45 minutes. 6. Knead the dough again for about a minute. Divide into 4 pieces, shape into round loaves and place on a lightly oiled baking tray. Leave to prove for about 30 minutes, then brush with a lightly whisked egg yolk. Bake at 180°C/fan 160°C/gas 4 for 35 minutes. Tap the bottom of each loaf: if it doesn’t sound hollow, bake for a few minutes more. 7. Cool on a wire rack and serve with a cheeseboard. ## More inspiration **Celebrate:** get ideas for your own Apple Day events with Common Ground’s [**Ideas for Apple Day**](https://link.thegreenparent.co.uk/appleevents?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Discover:** the benefits of [**community orchards**](https://link.thegreenparent.co.uk/orchards?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Find:** [**an Apple Day or orchard near you**](https://link.thegreenparent.co.uk/findorchard?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### The Greenest Nappy is One that Never Existed URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/the-greenest-nappy-is-one-that-never-existed/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:21:21.000Z I was twenty-one years old, standing on a dirt-floored hut in Nicaragua, waiting for a hurricane to roll in, when I first understood what I would spend the next fifteen years trying to teach. A young mother, maybe twenty, two or three small children clinging to her, was pulling a cloth nappy off a washing line as the rain began to spot the fabric. She looked at me with the kind of matter-of-fact calm that only comes from having long since run out of alternatives, and said in Spanish: “Mi un Pampers.” My one diaper. Not my last one. My one. I stood there trying to do the arithmetic and failing. She had children who, by any Western calculation, should have been in nappies. Multiple children. And one cloth square between them. The hurricane was coming. She was not panicking. I spent the rest of that afternoon following her around. I had the Spanish skills and relentless curiosity and, as it turned out, she was happy to show me. She knew her children’s rhythms, the particular shift in posture, the slight stilling, and she responded by holding them over a patch of earth. That was it. No method. No milestone chart. No M&Ms. No stickers. No waiting until they showed signs of readiness. Just a mother, paying close attention. I flew home weeks later and didn’t have the vocabulary for what I’d seen. It wasn’t until I became a mother myself, six years later, that I started hunting for it, scrolling through websites in three languages, clicking on pictures because I couldn’t read the text, until I found the term: Elimination Communication. But here is what I want to tell you, all these years later. What I witnessed on that dirt road wasn’t a potty training method. It was a relationship. And it was, without anyone framing it that way, one of the greenest parenting practices on earth. ## **The Maths We Don’t Talk About** We talk a great deal in conscious parenting circles about nappies. Cloth versus disposable. Bamboo versus cotton. Whether our laundry detergent is certified. We are, most of us, trying. We mean well. But we rarely extend that conversation into the territory of asking a more fundamental question: what if the goal wasn’t to use better nappies, but to use fewer? The average child in the UK and United States today goes through somewhere in the region of five to seven thousand disposable nappies before they are toilet trained, though estimates vary, and the number depends heavily on when training begins. Each one takes an estimated several hundred years to break down in landfill. Not decades. Centuries. We will be long gone before the nappies we used this week have begun to decompose. And here is the part that caught my breath when I first really sat with it: in 1957, approximately 92% of children in the United States were fully potty trained by eighteen months of age. Eighteen months. Not three years. Not “whenever they’re ready.” Eighteen months. That number increased, steadily and significantly, as disposable nappies became more convenient, as paediatric guidance shifted, as the message quietly calcified into cultural assumption: children aren’t ready until they’re ready, and there’s no rushing it. And today, the average age at which Western children are trained has drifted well past their third birthday. **Want to read on?** *The rest of Michelle’s story, including what her daughter Poema taught her and how to lead potty training gently, without pressure, is in our autumn issue, out now.* [**Buy the print issue, £5.95**](https://subs.thegreenparent.co.uk/products/autumn-2026?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) · [**Get the digital download**](https://subs.thegreenparent.co.uk/products/autumn-2026-digital-download?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) [![The Green Parent autumn 2026 issue cover](https://subs.thegreenparent.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/TGP131.jpg?v=1789725771)](https://subs.thegreenparent.co.uk/products/autumn-2026?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) [](https://subs.thegreenparent.co.uk/products/autumn-2026?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. --- *Michelle D. Swaney is the founder of The Potty School and author of The Complete Guide to Potty Training. She homeschools her children and specialises in potty training for children of all abilities.* ### Over the Moon: Where to See the Stars This Half-Term URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/over-the-moon-where-to-see-the-stars-this-half-term/ Last updated: 2026-10-15T17:29:59.000Z *Swap screens for stars, with a travel expert's pick of the darkest skies in the country and a few tips for getting little ones looking up.* The clocks go back on Sunday 25 October, the evenings draw in, and for once that's something to celebrate. With nightfall arriving well before bedtime, half-term is the perfect week to wrap up warm, pack a flask of hot chocolate and look up. Plenty of us have the same idea. Searches for stargazing holidays in the UK are up by half in five years, and jumped more than 5,000% around August's solar eclipse. Andy Brooker, travel expert at holiday cottage company kate & tom's, has combined light pollution data with search interest to pick out the UK's top spots for dark skies. "We're totally over looking at our phones," he says. "Looking up at the sky and truly observing something so much bigger than us can feel very freeing, and make our mundane problems feel much smaller." ## **1\. Exmoor** Exmoor has the lowest light pollution in the UK and was Europe's first International Dark Sky Reserve. Its tenth [**Dark Skies Festival**](https://www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/exmoor-for-everyone/stargazing-and-dark-skies/exmoor-dark-skies-festival?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) runs from Friday 16 October to Sunday 1 November, with astronomy sessions and planetarium shows alongside bioluminescence walks, UV rock pooling, night-time e-bike rides and moonlit dips. By day there are sea cliffs, open moorland and ancient woods to explore, so the darkness becomes part of the whole trip rather than a one-off event. ## **2\. Yorkshire Dales** The most searched-for dark sky destination in the UK, and a good choice if you've never been stargazing before. The Dales' Dark Skies Fringe Festival runs from 23 October to 1 November, with stargazing events, night photography and dark-sky-friendly places to stay. Andy's tip for beginners is to book at least one organised event, "so you have someone on hand to explain what you're looking at rather than simply turning up and hoping for the right conditions." ![](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1610288733460-14f838fc590b?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDF8fGZhbWlseSUyMHN0YXJnYXppbmclMjBuaWdodCUyMHNreXxlbnwwfHx8fDE3OTIwNTM3ODR8MA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) ## It is estimated that 85% of the UK population has never seen a truly dark sky or experienced the sense of wonder that a clear night filled with billions of stars can give! ## **3\. Northumberland** The serious stargazer's choice. Northumberland is home to the UK's largest Gold Tier International Dark Sky Park, covering 572 square miles around Kielder, and the skies over the remote East Kielder Moors are some of the darkest in the country. It gets far fewer searches than the others on this list, which makes it something of an unsung hero, and you're less likely to be sharing the view. ## **4\. North York Moors** The North York Moors also holds a Dark Skies Fringe Festival from 23 October to 1 November. Highlights include guided stargazing at Danby Lodge, night photography and walks where you find your way by the stars, which older children in particular will love. ## **5\. Eryri** Eryri's rugged, sparsely populated mountains keep light pollution very low. Spend the day scrambling up hillsides and the evening lying back under the stars: a proper adventure for families who like their holidays on the wild side. ### **Tips for stargazing with children** - **Check the moon.** It's full on 26 October, which washes out fainter stars. The first weekend of the festival (16 to 18 October) has the darkest skies, while later in the week the moon itself is a brilliant thing to look at through binoculars. - **Give your eyes time.** It takes around 20 minutes for eyes to adjust to the dark, so put phones away and cover torches with red cellophane. - **Make it cosy.** Blankets, hats, a camping mat to lie on and something warm to drink will keep little ones happy for longer. - **Don't forget the quieter spots.** Cranborne Chase and Bodmin Moor are dark sky places too. As Andy puts it, smaller destinations "can offer just as memorable a night under the stars without the crowds." ### Meet the Natural Beauty Awards winners - Earthy Nail Polish URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/meet-the-natural-beauty-awards-winners-earthy-nail-polish/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:09.000Z **We spoke to Jackie Khanguras about how Earthy Nail Polish got started, and a few things you should know about her brand.** Every great brand begins with a simple question. For Jackie Khanguras, founder of Earthy Nail Polish, it was this: why should choosing a healthier nail polish mean compromising on beautiful colour, exceptional performance or luxurious packaging? She believed you shouldn’t have to. Earthy’s journey started with a love of timeless beauty and a desire to create nail colours that feel just as good as they look. Inspired by the colours, textures and calming landscapes of the natural world, Jackie created a collection of earthy, sophisticated shades designed to complement every style and every season. From warm terracotta cliffs and ancient forests to soft sandstone, wild botanicals and rich clay soils, nature has always been the brand’s greatest source of inspiration. Every shade is carefully curated to capture a feeling: calm, confidence, warmth or effortless elegance. ### **What is your morning beauty routine?** “Good mornings start simply: a few quiet moments, natural skincare for a healthy glow, and make-up-free days when I’m working from home. Then a cup of coffee, and a fresh top coat over my chosen shade of Earthy Nail Polish to help it last longer and look new. Building a brand that celebrates conscious beauty begins with the rituals I choose every day.” ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **What does the future hold for your company?** “While trends come and go, earthy shades never lose their appeal. Their understated elegance makes them just as suitable for everyday wear as for the office, weddings, evenings out and special occasions. They pair effortlessly with every wardrobe, complement both gold and silver jewellery, and work beautifully across every season. Rather than chasing fleeting trends, earthy tones offer a timeless style you’ll reach for again and again. For us, beauty has always been about more than colour. It’s about creating products inspired by nature that help you feel confident, elegant and effortlessly yourself.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/10/earthy-nail-polish-earthy-tones.jpg) ## “Building a brand that celebrates conscious beauty begins with the rituals I choose every day” ***Jackie Khanguras** ## **3 things about Earthy Nail Polish we should know** 1. Earthy Nail Polish is crafted with natural-origin ingredients, offering a healthier alternative to conventional nail colour without compromising on beautiful, long-lasting results. 2. Created with mindful living in mind, Earthy is a brand parents can feel good about, bringing together safer beauty choices, sustainability and everyday self-care. 3. Recognised as a Green Parent Award winner, Earthy Nail Polish is celebrated for combining high-performance colour with a commitment to cleaner, more responsible beauty. --- Find [**Earthy Nail Polish’s**](https://www.earthynailpolish.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) winning products in **The Green Parent Natural Beauty Bible 2026** [**here**](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/the-green-parent-natural-beauty-award-winners-2026/). ### Never Too Late? Your Questions About Having a Baby After 40 URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/never-too-late-your-questions-about-having-a-baby-after-40/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:09.000Z From Natalie Portman expecting her third child at 44 to Lady Gaga becoming a first-time mum at 40, later motherhood is very much in the spotlight. And it isn't just celebrities. Births to mothers aged 40 and over rose in England and Wales in 2024, according to the [**Office for National Statistics**](https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/livebirths/bulletins/birthsummarytablesenglandandwales/2024?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). Fertility treatment is playing a growing part too. In 2023, IVF accounted for 11% of UK births to women aged 40 to 44, up from 4% in 2000, according to the [**Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority**](https://www.hfea.gov.uk/about-us/publications/research-and-data/fertility-treatment-2023-trends-and-figures/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). Pregnancy in your 40s is possible, both naturally and with help. But fertility does change with age, so the options and chances can look quite different at 40 than they did at 30\. Ahead of World Menopause Day on 18 October, Dr Justin Chu, UK Medical Director at TFP Fertility, answers five of the questions women ask most often. > “There are many reasons why women may choose to start or grow their family in their 40s, and there are a number of options available. Pregnancy in your 40s is absolutely possible. However, age does play an important role in fertility, so understanding how it changes and getting advice at the right time can help you make informed decisions.” ## 1\. Can I still get pregnant naturally in my 40s? Yes. Many women conceive naturally in their 40s, although it can take longer as fertility gradually declines. This is largely down to changes in the number and quality of eggs. Ovulation can also become less predictable as you approach menopause, but pregnancy is still possible during perimenopause. Getting to know your menstrual cycle, looking after your health and seeking advice sooner rather than later if you're struggling to conceive can all help. ## 2\. How quickly does fertility decline after 40? There's no single age when fertility suddenly stops. The decline happens gradually and becomes more noticeable from the mid-30s. By your 40s there are fewer eggs, and a greater proportion may have chromosomal abnormalities, which can make conceiving harder and raise the risk of miscarriage. ## 3\. How long should I try before seeking help? If you're in your 40s, there's no set time you need to wait. You can talk to your GP or a fertility specialist before or as soon as you start trying, to understand your own circumstances and spot anything that might make conceiving more difficult. Not everyone in their 40s will need help or treatment to get pregnant. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ## 4\. Can IVF help me get pregnant after 40? It can, although success varies from person to person and age still matters. If you're using your own eggs, IVF can't reverse changes to egg quantity or quality that have happened over time. The picture can be quite different with eggs you froze when you were younger, or with donor eggs. Frozen eggs keep the quality they had when they were collected, and donor eggs usually come from women under 35, so both may give a better chance than using your own eggs later in life. A fertility assessment can help you work out which treatment, if any, might suit you. ## 5\. What other options are there? There's no single route that's right for everyone. Depending on your circumstances, options might include IVF with your own eggs, eggs you froze earlier or donor eggs. Success with frozen eggs also depends on their quality and how many were stored, and no option can guarantee a pregnancy. Reaching 40 doesn't mean you've run out of options, or that you automatically need IVF. What matters is understanding your own fertility and getting the right advice for you. > “If having a baby is something you know you want, getting the right information early on gives you more time to understand your fertility and the choices available. Everybody's circumstances are different, and speaking to a specialist can help you work out the route that's right for you.” *Find out more at* [***TFP Fertility***](https://tfp-fertility.com/en-gb/fertility-guides/early-menopause-symptoms-and-treatment?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)*.* ### Leaf It Be: Five Ways to Put Fallen Leaves to Good Use URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/leaf-it-be-five-ways-to-put-fallen-leaves-to-good-use/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:09.000Z *Before you reach for the rake this weekend, take a leaf out of the woodland's book. Here's how to turn autumn's free bounty into food for wildlife, richer soil and a fair bit of fun.* As the leaves turn gold, orange and red and drift down across gardens, paths and lawns, it's tempting to rake, blow and bag the lot. But the experts at [**Woodlands.co.uk**](https://www.woodlands.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) are urging us to think twice before throwing them away. Every autumn, nature's biggest recycling operation gets underway, and millions of tonnes of fallen leaves are fed back into the ecosystem. Take a walk through any deciduous wood and you'll see a very different approach to tidying up. Fungi, bacteria and a remarkable cast of small creatures slowly break the leaves down where they land, returning goodness to the soil and creating food and shelter for wildlife along the way. Richard Scholfield at Woodlands.co.uk says we can all borrow a few tricks from the woodland floor. Rather than trying to remove every last leaf, here's how to put them to good use. ## 1\. Create a wildlife corner You don't have to let leaves cover the whole garden. Rake some into a quiet corner, under a hedge or around established shrubs, and leave them be. Decaying leaves support worms, woodlice, beetles and lots of other minibeasts, which in turn feed birds, hedgehogs, frogs and toads. Add a few twigs or small logs and you'll create even more nooks and crannies for wildlife to shelter in over winter. It may look a little less manicured, but underneath there's a miniature ecosystem quietly getting on with its business. ## 2\. Make your own leaf mould If you have lots of leaves, turn them into leaf mould, a rich, crumbly material that works brilliantly as both a mulch and a soil conditioner. It's wonderfully low-tech. Gather damp leaves into a simple wire-mesh cage, or pop them into old compost or bin bags with a few holes punched in. Keep them damp, then leave nature to do the work. Unlike a compost heap, leaf mould is made by fungi in a slow, cool process. After a year or two, your pile of autumn leaves becomes dark, earthy leaf mould, ready to go back on the garden. ## 3\. Let leaves protect your plants Instead of bagging the leaves you clear from lawns and paths, spread some beneath trees, shrubs and established plants. A good layer of leaves helps the soil hold on to moisture, keeps weeds down and protects the soil surface. With our summers getting warmer and drier, that's a real help to native trees and shrubs. Worms and other creatures will gradually pull the leaves down into the soil, leaving plenty of room for next autumn's leaf fall. ## 4\. Know where leaves shouldn't stay Leaving leaves for nature doesn't mean putting the rake away for good. Thick layers should come off lawns, where they block the light and can damage the grass, and wet leaves on paths, decking and steps can be slippery. Large quantities should also be fished out of ponds before they sink and rot. The trick is not to throw those leaves away, but to move them somewhere they'll be useful. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ## 5\. Make it a family job Leaves are one of the best free toys going. Before you move a pile, let the children jump in it. Then hand them a rake or a bucket and they can help build the wildlife corner, stuff the leaf mould bags and spread leaves under the hedge. Lift the edge of a leaf pile together a few weeks later to see who has moved in, from woodlice and beetles to the odd sleepy toad. Collect the brightest leaves for rubbings, crowns and collages, or turn your next walk into a [**nature treasure hunt**](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/nature-treasure-hunt/). So this autumn, rather than seeing fallen leaves as another job on the list, think of them as a free natural resource. Woodlands have been recycling their leaves rather successfully for millions of years. Perhaps the best thing we can do is resist the urge to improve on the system. --- ## Five autumn leaf myths **"I should rake up every fallen leaf."** Clear lawns, paths and ponds where needed, but leaves beneath hedges, trees and shrubs provide valuable habitat and slowly return goodness to the soil. **"Fallen leaves are just garden waste."** They're actually a free natural resource. Use them as mulch, add them to the compost or turn them into leaf mould. **"Leaf mould is just another name for compost."** Not quite. Leaf mould is made mainly by slow fungal decomposition and can take a year or two to mature. **"A tidy garden is better for wildlife."** Often the opposite is true. Leaf litter shelters minibeasts, which support a whole food chain including birds, frogs, toads and hedgehogs. **"Burning leaves is the easiest way to get rid of them."** Easy, yes, but it wastes useful organic matter and sends the carbon stored in the leaves straight back into the atmosphere. Let nature do the recycling instead. [***Woodlands.co.uk***](https://www.woodlands.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) *offers private woodlands for sale across the UK, with resources and guidance to help owners manage them for wildlife, leisure, conservation and education.* ### And Breathe: 7 Ways to Stay Calm During a Meltdown URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/and-breathe-stay-calm-during-meltdown/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:09.000Z *Karden Rabin shares seven neuroscience-backed tips to help parents stay calm during a child's meltdown.* Parenting is an incredible journey filled with love and joy, but it is also the hardest and most challenging thing in the world, especially during a child's meltdown. We have all been there: wanting to be the best parent we can be, but getting so triggered that we end up behaving in a way we wish we hadn't. The truth is that when we are exhausted and overwhelmed and get triggered, our body's stress response takes over and the higher centres of our brain that can calm us down go offline. In these moments, we need body-based practices, not mental ones, to stay regulated and help our child. Below are seven neuroscience-backed (and parent-tested!) tips to help you through these difficult moments. Give each a try, use whichever works best for you, and feel free to combine them during a meltdown. They work well together! ## 1\. Use earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones When your child is having a meltdown, the noise can push you into sensory overload, making it difficult to stay calm. Earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones can reduce the auditory intensity and help you keep your composure. Research shows that reducing sensory input can significantly lower stress levels and improve emotional regulation. ## 2\. Soften your tongue You might not realise it, but the position of your tongue can influence your stress levels. When we are stressed, we often tense our tongue and press it to the roof of our mouth, adding to overall body tension. By consciously softening your tongue and letting it rest gently in your mouth, you can relax the entire core line of your body (throat, diaphragm, abdomen and pelvic floor) and reduce reactivity. ## 3\. Practise deep breathing Deep breathing is a powerful tool for calming your nervous system. The 4-7-8 technique can be particularly effective: breathe in deeply through your nose for four seconds, hold for seven seconds, then breathe out slowly through your mouth for eight seconds. Repeat this cycle a few times to centre yourself during your child's meltdown. ## 4\. Use your voice Humming or singing a tune that you and your child both enjoy can be a lifesaver during a meltdown. This activates your vagus nerve, which helps send signals of calm to your body and brain. Humming also brings a sense of rhythm and synchrony between you and your child, helping them move out of upset and into connection, which is vital for a child's emotional regulation. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/10/and-breathe-hallway.jpg) ## “Letting go of your agenda as a parent and simply being with your child is incredibly effective” ***Karden Rabin** ## 5\. Try emotional spreading This involves expanding the felt sense of an emotion throughout the body, to build your capacity to tolerate and integrate it. When you feel overwhelmed, try locating the emotion or sensation in your body and consciously spreading it to other areas, like water being absorbed into kitchen roll. This can help dissipate the intensity of the emotion, making it more manageable. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ## 6\. Relax your hands and forearms When we get triggered, our nervous system often produces a lot of energy that makes us want to scream or hit something. Instead of just trying to repress it, you can use progressive muscle relaxation to channel that energy through your muscles in a productive way, easing tension and calming your nervous system. I recommend focusing on your hands and forearms, as it's easy to do mid-meltdown. Clench your fists tightly for a few seconds, then slowly release and let your hands relax. Repeat a second time, add a few rotations of your wrists, and then relax them. ## 7\. Let go of the outcome and connect with your child A big part of the stress of a meltdown is feeling that we must fix it or stop it right away. In truth, what we really need to do is simply be there, providing support and containment to help our child ride out their big emotions. They'll come back to baseline with very little intervention. Letting go of your agenda as a parent and simply being with your child is incredibly effective, because it takes away the pressure of "having to do something", which allows you to relax. Your calmness and presence then relieve the pressure on your child and make it easier for them to calm down too. Being present can mean physically holding and comforting your child or, if they don't want to be touched, humming quietly while staying close and letting them know you care. --- *Karden Rabin is a father of two, a certified Somatic Experiencing practitioner and co-founder of Somia. He lives with his family in the Berkshires, Massachusetts.* **More inspiration:** read *The Secret Language of the Body* by Jennifer Mann and Karden Rabin. Visit [**kardenrabin.com**](https://kardenrabin.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) or [**somiainternational.com**](https://somiainternational.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) for ideas and resources on nervous system regulation, and follow [**@kardenrabin**](https://www.instagram.com/kardenrabin/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) on Instagram. *This story first appeared in The Green Parent magazine.* ### Meet the Natural Beauty Awards winners - Dead Sea Dream URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/meet-the-natural-beauty-awards-winners-dead-sea-dream/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:10.000Z **We spoke to Louise Lisztman about how Dead Sea Dream got started, and a few things you should know about her brand.** Dead Sea Dream was born from personal experience. After years of struggling with reactive, sensitive skin and trying product after product that either did nothing or made things worse, Louise Lisztman discovered the remarkable power of Dead Sea minerals on a trip to the Dead Sea. The difference in her skin was undeniable, and she came home determined to share it with others. “What makes our products different is what’s inside them. Every formula is built around natural Dead Sea salt and mud, rich in over 21 essential minerals. Think of them as electrolytes for your skin. These minerals help calm inflammation, improve moisture retention and strengthen the skin barrier. Dead Sea Dream is for people with reactive, sensitive and condition-prone skin, such as eczema, psoriasis, hormonal acne and topical steroid withdrawal, who have been let down by conventional skincare and are looking for something that actually works. Every product in the range is vegan, cruelty-free and made with natural ingredients. Our Purity Mud Bar is our latest launch and now our newest award winner.” ### **What is your morning beauty routine?** I always start by cleansing with our award-winning Purity Mud Bar. It’s a mineral-rich soap bar that deeply cleanses without stripping the skin, which is so important when you have reactive skin. I follow that with a toner, a day cream and SPF50\. Simple, consistent and kind to my skin. That’s always been my philosophy: less is often more, especially for skin that’s been through a lot. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **What does the future hold for your company?** We’re focused on growing our reach across the UK, both online and through carefully chosen retail partners, so that more people with difficult skin can discover what Dead Sea minerals can do for them. Alongside that, we’re deep in the process of developing new products, all rooted in the same mineral-rich Dead Sea salts and mud that sit at the heart of everything we make. There’s a lot to be excited about, and we can’t wait to share it. We’re also investing in consumer perception testing so we can share real, evidenced results with our customers. We believe the products speak for themselves, and we want the data to back that up. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/10/dead-sea-dream-dsd1.jpg) ## “Less is often more, especially for skin that’s been through a lot” ***Louise Lisztman** ## **3 things about Dead Sea Dream we should know** 1. Dead Sea minerals are known to help calm inflammation, restore the skin barrier and soothe conditions like eczema, psoriasis and hormonal acne. Our products are formulated around that science, with high concentrations of natural Dead Sea salts and mud. 2. We have never had a single product returned in all our years in business. Our customers tell us Dead Sea Dream is the first thing that has genuinely worked for them, and that says more than any claim we could make ourselves. 3. A percentage of every sale goes to The Dead Sea Revival Project, which raises awareness of and works to preserve the Dead Sea environment. The place that inspired this brand matters deeply to us, and we’re committed to protecting it. --- Find [**Dead Sea Dream’s**](https://deadseadream.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) winning products in **The Green Parent Natural Beauty Bible 2026** [**here**](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/the-green-parent-natural-beauty-award-winners-2026/). ### Run, Mama, Run URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/run-mama-run/ Last updated: 2026-10-10T14:24:21.000Z Padding gently along the peaceful country lane to the melodic chirping of the dawn chorus, my mind relaxes and drifts from the intrusive thoughts that have been playing over and over in my head since 4am. I focus on my breathing, unsteady and irregular at first, but falling into rhythm with my footsteps as the dew-drenched meadow unfolds ahead. With each in-breath, my lungs fill with litres of fresh, oxygen-rich air, fuelling every cell in my body, restoring my sanity and, crucially, channelling vitality into the eight-month-old baby growing inside me. I started running regularly, unconventionally, when I was five months pregnant. I have always been active, but I am more of a tortoise than a hare when it comes to exercise, preferring long countryside rambles to sprint sessions at the track. However, I am also quite the daydreamer, indulging in fantasies of completing outlandish feats of endurance while dawdling around the duck pond with my children. So when my husband joked about signing me up for an ultramarathon after I joined him one Saturday at our local parkrun, my brain started ticking. This daydream was a welcome distraction from the funk I had found myself in. I was experiencing mounting anxiety about the upcoming birth of my daughter. My son had been born the previous year by emergency caesarean after an attempted vaginal delivery resulted in a suspected placental abruption. As the birth of my daughter loomed, I started having flashbacks: the feeling of impending doom as we sped towards the hospital, bright lights fading in the corridor as I was rushed into theatre and, finally, waking up alone on a ward without my son, who, unbeknownst to me, was recovering on the neonatal unit. Now, with the possibility of this happening again, dread mounted every time I visited the hospital. Panic overwhelmed me when my midwife spoke of birth options. At night, dreams of dying haunted me and in my darkest hours my faith crumbled. I blocked out all thoughts of giving birth and began to avoid hospital appointments. _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Mind the Gap: Why Parents Should Ask Schools About AI URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/mind-the-gap-why-parents-should-ask-schools-about-ai/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:10.000Z This week Google made its [**free AI training for teachers**](https://blog.google/products-and-platforms/products/education/making-ai-training-available-to-uk-and-ireland-educators/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) available to all 650,000 educators in the UK and Ireland. It's a sign of how quickly artificial intelligence is moving into the classroom. According to the [**National Education Union**](https://neu.org.uk/latest/press-releases/state-education-2026-ai?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), 76% of teachers now use AI tools in their day-to-day work, up from 53% a year ago. Yet 49% say their school has no AI policy at all, for either staff or pupils. A [**report led by Sir Anthony Seldon**](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cw8r68mpm6p3o?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), the former head teacher and author on AI in education, describes AI's arrival in schools as “chaotic and anarchic”. It calls for a national framework, with every school in England to have its own AI strategy by September 2027\. Polling for the report of more than 4,000 young people aged 11 to 24 found that 87% have already used an AI tool, while fewer than one in ten feel their school or university is preparing them for a world with AI. Jonny Murphy-Campbell, an ethical AI expert at [**Resolvable**](https://resolvable.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), says parents have every reason to ask their child's school how AI is being used. > “AI use itself isn't a threat to children or schools. With the right governance it could vastly improve how teaching is delivered, how work is marked and how children learn. But there's a clear gap between how many pupils are using AI and how many schools have a formal policy. That's the policy vacuum we have in our education system. Children need to be protected, and they also need to be ready for a world where AI is advancing rapidly, with skills like discernment and human judgement.” ## A postcode lottery The real risk, Jonny says, isn't AI itself but the lack of rules around it. “Without a framework you get a postcode lottery. One school teaches pupils to question what AI tells them, while the school down the road has no idea it's being used to write entire essays. Everyone is making it up as they go along.” He sees three blind spots in most schools: where pupils' data ends up; over-reliance on AI at exactly the age children should be building independent thinking; and a widening gap between schools with the resources to build their own approach and those without. “None of this requires AI to be banned or feared,” he says. “It requires someone to own the decision. Right now, in most schools, nobody does.” ## Five principles for using AI well While schools wait for national guidance, Jonny suggests five principles every school, and every family, can adopt now. They also make good questions to ask at your next parents' evening. ### 1\. Make AI use visible Whether AI has been used shouldn't be assumed. Pupils and staff should say openly when they've used it, rather than it being discovered after the fact. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### 2\. Protect the thinking, not just the results AI should never do the learning for a child, only support it. Schools should make sure it doesn't get in the way of critical thinking or imagination. ### 3\. Keep a human in charge of marking and feedback AI might help teachers with marking, but feedback should always be checked and given by a person. AI doesn't have the context, nuance or experience of a teacher who knows your child. ### 4\. Treat pupil data as a safeguarding issue Children's personal information should never be put into AI chatbots. Before any tool is used, schools should know exactly what happens to the data and who can see it, just as they would in other regulated settings such as healthcare. ### 5\. Teach discernment, not just how to use it AI isn't always right, and children need to learn that its answers aren't gospel. Discernment comes with maturity, so children using these tools should be old enough to understand their limits and think critically about what they're told. *Find out more about responsible AI at* [***Resolvable***](https://resolvable.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)*.* ### Trusting Your Intuition: When the Parenting Advice Never Stops URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/trusting-your-intuition-when-the-parenting-advice-never-stops/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:10.000Z I expected having a baby to disrupt the predictable, orderly life I knew. But what caught me off guard wasn't the broken sleep or the sudden lack of free time. It was the outside noise. It began the moment I got pregnant: opinions on birth plans, lists of foods to avoid, and product guides detailing what I supposedly could not live without. Once my baby arrived, the noise grew louder. Parenting books, tracking apps, online forums and social media feeds all competed to tell me the right way to feed, settle and care for my child. We live in an era where we have access to practically every piece of parenting information out there. In many ways, having answers at our fingertips is brilliant. Whether you're awake in the middle of the night checking safe room temperatures or reading up on a strange new rash, NHS guidance and evidence-based advice can bring genuine peace of mind. However, there is a fine line between useful advice and information overload. It's important that we don't let the parenting noise distract us from listening to our own common sense, and to the baby in front of us. ## The noise from every direction From the moment you bring a newborn home, advice arrives from every angle: books, parenting websites, health visitors, well-meaning relatives and friends. In those stressful early days, having experienced voices around you can offer genuine comfort and practical tips on the basics. The challenge comes when that advice starts to contradict itself. I learned this in our first few weeks over something as simple as a dummy. When my son was briefly on the neonatal ward, the nurses used one to settle him, so we assumed it was completely fine. A week later, our health visitor warned against it, worried it might interfere with breastfeeding. We took it away immediately and endured weeks of endless crying… > “Instinct is the automatic reflex to protect and comfort a crying child, but intuition is knowing why they are crying.” ## Read the full feature in our autumn issue In the rest of the piece, Ellie shares how she: - stopped letting a baby-tracking app and its “wake windows” decide when her son was tired - stepped back from the pressure of perfect milestones on social media - handled unsolicited advice from family and friends with kindness and clear boundaries - learned the difference between instinct and intuition, and why you are the one who knows your baby best [![The Green Parent autumn 2026 issue cover](https://subs.thegreenparent.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/TGP131.jpg?v=1789725771)](https://subs.thegreenparent.co.uk/products/autumn-2026?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) [](https://subs.thegreenparent.co.uk/products/autumn-2026?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. “Trusting Your Intuition” is on page 25 of our autumn issue, alongside elimination communication, learning plants through the senses, sheet pan suppers and a free Natural Beauty Bible 2026. [**Buy the print issue, £5.95**](https://subs.thegreenparent.co.uk/products/autumn-2026?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) · [**Get the digital download**](https://subs.thegreenparent.co.uk/products/autumn-2026-digital-download?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) --- *Ellie Garcia-Reeves is a new mother to Maxwell. She lives in Hampshire and is navigating the beautiful, messy transition into parenthood, fuelled by coffee and community. Find her on Instagram* [***@elliereeves***](https://www.instagram.com/elliereeves/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)*.* ### Nature Treasure Hunt URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/nature-treasure-hunt/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:10.000Z With just a little bit of creativity and a little persuasion, a walk can turn into a treasure hunt. A child can't walk far without stopping to pick up a treasure of nature! Bring along a basket or bag and collect some of the amazing nature treasures you find as you mosey along. You may find a feather, a pine cone, an interesting rock, a shell or a funky twig. I promise you that the walk will not be an aerobic one, because you'll be stopping much too often. But it will warm your heart in another way as you see all the treasures you would have missed if walking only for exercise. ## Cross Pieces for the Mobile As you go, be sure to pick up a few sticks or other objects to use for the cross piece(s) of the mobile. When you get home, lay the treasures out and take a minute to just observe them. Aren't they cool? ## What's a Mobile? How Does it Balance? If your children don't know what a mobile is, take a moment to explain it to them. This is a great opportunity to explore the idea of balance. Pick out the treasures you'd like to hang on your nature mobile. Which of your objects are heavier or lighter? How can you make them balance? Here's your chance to experiment. ![A nature mobile made from a stick hung with a pine cone, feather, acorn and autumn leaf](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/10/nature-treasure-hunt-mobile.jpg) A finished nature treasure mobile ## How to Make Your Mobile Choose a stick or other item to use as the main cross piece. Tie a string to the middle of the stick and hang or hold the mobile up by this string to check the balance as you go. ## Hanging Up Your Nature Treasures Begin to tie objects to the stick. Move them around and keep adding objects one by one to get the mobile to balance. With a younger child, you can keep this simple and use just one stick as a cross piece. If you want to get more complicated, you can cross two sticks and tie them in an X, then tie objects to all four ends. Or you could hang another stick under the first, tie more objects to it and keep working to make it balance. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ## Enjoy Your Mobile Find a great place to hang your mobile where it can catch a breeze and twirl. You'll enjoy your walk for many, many days! --- *Shelly Carlson is an artist, previously home-educating mother of three and now proud grandma (Nana) of six. She loves sharing hands-on crafts for children of all ages at* [***welcometonanas.com***](https://welcometonanas.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)*.* *This story first appeared in The Green Parent magazine.* ### 🍂 Leaf Through Our Autumn edition out now URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/our-autumn-edition-is-out-now/ Last updated: 2026-10-06T20:08:44.000Z ### **Here's what you can look forward to in this issue** - **When the Parenting Advice Never Stops** \- How to rebuild trust in your own parenting judgement - **Mountain Retreat** \- A 'village' sanctuary designed to help families slow down - **Every Child is an Artist** \- Cultivate your child's creativity - **The Greenest Nappy is One that Never Existed** \- Discovering elimination communication - **Learning Through the Senses** \- Helping children build relationships with plants - **Sheet Pan Cooking** \- Seasonal recipes, minimal fuss - **Kitchen Cupboard Beauty** \- Home-made skincare solutions - **All this plus:** Autumn Journal, Readers' Stories, Wild Swimming with Brigid Lowe, The Book Nook and so much more - **\+ FREE Natural Beauty Bible 2026**, 250+ natural beauty buys tried and tested by real families [**Buy the print issue**](https://subs.thegreenparent.co.uk/products/autumn-2026?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) or[**get the interactive download**](https://subs.thegreenparent.co.uk/products/autumn-2026-digital-download?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). If you're a **Premium** or **Premium Plus** member you can download this edition now in the[ **members area**](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/members-area/) ### The Crow Woman URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/the-crow-woman/ Last updated: 2026-10-05T21:51:44.000Z Warm, deeply wise and with a sparkling, impish nature, Candace Savage is the grandmother of dreams. Her love of nature and insight into our relationships with the wild are captured in her award-winning books, including *A Geography of Blood* and *How To Know a Crow*, her book for children aged 9 to 12\. Charmingly illustrated by Rachel Hudson, it follows the life story of a young crow, Okie, with incredible facts about these members of the corvid family and ideas for crow-based activities. Warning: these magnificent black birds might become your family's new obsession. “I live in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, which is a small city on the northern Great Plains in Canada. My house is two blocks from the bank of a very beautiful river called the South Saskatchewan River, which connects the Rocky Mountains to the Arctic Ocean; it passes by our place on its way to Hudson Bay. I work as a writer and also as a community organiser, and I'm a grandma! I work with others to do small-scale interventions in our city. We try to nurture nature in our urban lives. We have a wonderful project called Pollinator Paradise; we encourage people to grow native prairie plants to support pollinators, which feed birds. These little interventions feel very important. And, of course, the plants that grow naturally here are beautiful. _This post is for subscribers only._ ### The Art of Strewing: Inspiring Home-Educated Children Without the Hard Sell URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/the-art-of-strewing/ Last updated: 2026-10-02T09:14:54.000Z ## **Karen Lee** discovers the answer to one of the most common questions asked by home-educating parents: how much should I do? During my years of de-schooling, as I journeyed towards really understanding unschooling, I struggled with one main question: How much should I do? How much should I suggest and offer ideas and activities? I couldn’t get my head around it. I was learning to trust that my children would learn from living life. I was learning to set them free but I wasn’t sure how much to “let them be”, and how much I needed to suggest ideas for activities and outings, etc. How active should my role be? When I heard about the concept of strewing (or scattering of useful educational resources around the home) I realised I had found my answer. The problem was how to go about doing it. ### **Unsuccessful Strewing** I would take my children to the library and get frustrated if all they wanted to borrow was the comics instead of “all those interesting books”. We would come home with piles of borrowed material anyway. Lots of it would not be looked at and I would feel sad at what a waste it was. I would leave an interesting library book open on the coffee table and it would often stay untouched. I would suggest an outing or activity and the response would often be, “No thanks, I’m not really interested,” or “Maybe” and my heart would sink. I was hoping for something more like, “Yeah, Mum, that’s an awesome idea!” _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Meet the Natural Beauty Awards winners - BAR SUDS URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/meet-the-natural-beauty-awards-winners-bar-suds/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:10.000Z **We spoke to Mandy Webb about how BAR SUDS got started, and a few things you should know about her brand.** "It was a hobby that turned into a side hustle! During Covid I experimented making soaps for friends and family, sending samples by post. I'd better clarify here that I'm a qualified soapmaker. I didn't just wake up one day and get a saucepan, mix oils and butters together and voila, soap was made! I also felt shop-bought soap was no longer ethical and contained dozens of nasty ingredients. I wanted my soap to actually help those who had skin conditions or wanted to use a soap that's only made from natural products. I also spent months researching essential oils, selecting those with mood-enhancing properties to help with mental health. The other non-negotiable was sustainability. I wanted to ensure my suppliers were just as ethical as me, so zero waste and plastic free where possible. So good for the skin and great for the planet." ### **What is your morning beauty routine?** Funnily enough I use my soaps, at the moment Aleppo, just because it's aged into the most amazing bar! Twice a day. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **What does the future hold for your company?** I'd love to be able to expand and make it my day job. Perhaps getting a listing in an ethical business such as National Trust, Kew Gardens or English Heritage and producing a range specifically for them would be amazing. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/10/Mandy-Webb-BAR-SUDS-1.jpeg) ## “It was a hobby that turned into a side hustle!” ***Mandy Webb** ## **3 things about BAR SUDS we should know** 1. The name came to me in a dream, pretty random, but it has another meaning. Can you guess what that is? Only one person has got the right answer in 7 years! 2. I'm the Chief Soaper and do everything! Website design, branding, photography, markets, picking and packing, soap manufacturing, buying ingredients, marketing, etc., all around a full-time job. 3. Sustainability at its core. Recyclable packaging, reusing supplier boxes, avoiding plastic where possible and always recycling it ethically. --- Find [**BAR SUDS'**](https://www.barsuds.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) winning products in **The Green Parent Natural Beauty Bible 2026** [**here**](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/the-green-parent-natural-beauty-award-winners-2026/). ### Room to Bloom: How Schools Can Bring Nature into the Smallest Playgrounds URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/room-to-bloom-how-schools-can-bring-nature-into-the-smallest-playgrounds/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:10.000Z Children who have nature around them at school enjoy it more. That is the message from Natural England's Children's People and Nature Survey: of the children and young people who said there was more nature around their school, 72% said it made them enjoy school more. For 28%, school is where they spend most of their time in nature at all. So what can a school do with a square of tarmac and a tight budget? Quite a lot, says Arek Zakrzewski, landscape architect and creative director at Glasgow garden design firm North Hill Gardens, who shares his ideas for bringing more of the wild into even the smallest playground. ## Why green space matters Nature at school gives children room for outdoor learning, physical play and hands-on exploration. In Denmark, the Udeskole approach sees pupils regularly take lessons outside, and shows how even a small green space can support science, maths and English through practical activities. Time outdoors also feeds children's curiosity about the natural world and helps good habits take root early. ## Start with what you have "Ideally, green spaces in schools need to be established early in the construction of a school," says Arek. "It is much easier and cheaper to cover a playground in tarmac, but it offers no opportunity to create a green space where pupils can enjoy nature." Schools without large grounds can still make good use of smaller corners, and Arek suggests aiming for spaces that appeal to children and wildlife alike. "Using bright, colourful plants and flowers can make outdoor spaces more engaging for children, while incorporating a variety of native plants, wildflowers and other wildlife-friendly features can help create a thriving habitat for insects and birds. "Schools don't necessarily need large gardens to achieve this. Even smaller areas can be transformed into valuable green spaces, whether through planting beds, wildflower patches, potted plants or dedicated wildlife areas." ## Roll out the welcome mat for wildlife **Bug hotels** are a simple way to invite wildlife in, while helping children learn about local species, watch life cycles unfold and sharpen their observation skills. "Bug hotels are a good option for urban schools, which often lack the natural habitats many insects rely on, such as decaying wood and hollow plant stems," Arek explains. "Children can also collaborate with each other by helping to build a bug hotel, giving them valuable opportunities to develop problem-solving and design skills." **Bird feeders** take up very little room. Pupils can take turns topping up the seed, which is often all it takes to spark a lifelong love of birdwatching. **Log piles** make a ready-made micro-habitat for insects and other small creatures. Children can watch who moves in, and learn about biodiversity and why habitats matter along the way. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ## Take lessons outside Green spaces aren't just for break time and PE. They can become an extension of the classroom too. In English, pupils might write about the sights, sounds and smells around them; in geography, they could explore weather, soil, habitats and sustainability; in science, the school grounds become a living laboratory of plants, insects and local ecosystems. "The Danish approach of Udeskole can be adapted to green spaces in UK schools, regardless of the size of the area available," says Arek. "Schools can start by creating a simple outdoor learning space with seating, planting and areas for children to explore. Even a small garden, courtyard or collection of raised beds can provide opportunities for pupils to take lessons outside and interact with nature. "The key is to make the space versatile. Planting can be used for science lessons, natural materials can be incorporated into maths activities, while the surroundings can provide inspiration for English and art. This allows schools to make the most of the space they already have, rather than needing to create a large purpose-built outdoor classroom." ## Make room for everyone Sensory planting creates a more varied outdoor space, with quieter corners for pupils who find a busy classroom or playground overwhelming. "Try incorporating plants with different colours, textures, scents and forms, giving children opportunities to interact with the space using different senses," Arek suggests. "Making the space accessible for all is important, whether that means ensuring there are accessible paths, raised flower beds or quieter seated areas. It is important to think about how different pupils will use the space, rather than creating a one-size-fits-all environment. Green spaces should be somewhere all pupils can enjoy, learn and collaborate together." ## Small steps, big difference "Many school grounds are dominated by tarmac, but creating opportunities for children to connect with nature doesn't require a major redevelopment project," Arek concludes. "Even simple additions such as sensory planting, wildlife areas, raised beds and outdoor learning spaces can help transform underused areas into valuable places for learning and exploration. "The important thing is to make the most of the space available and think about how it can be used throughout the school day. By bringing more nature into school grounds, we can create environments that support learning, encourage curiosity and give more children the opportunity to experience the natural world." *Source:* [*The Children's People and Nature Survey for England: 2025 update*](https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/the-childrens-people-and-nature-survey-for-england-2025-update/the-childrens-people-and-nature-survey-for-england-2025-update?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)*, Natural England.* ### 14 Fun and Free Things To Do With Your Family in October URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/14-fun-and-free-things-to-do-with-your-family-in-october/ Last updated: 2026-10-05T21:57:12.000Z ## Fun Fungi Mushroom season is in full swing. It’s time to forage for ceps, puffballs and parasols. It’s important to be careful when picking your fungi; find a good guide from the Woodland Trust [**here**](https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/blog/2018/10/foraging-in-autumn-wild-mushrooms/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). If you’re lucky, you might find a [**giant puffball mushroom**](https://www.wildfooduk.com/mushroom-guide/giant-puffball/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk); huge, football-sized growths that appear in open grasslands, pastures, parks and roadsides. They’re easily identified, safe to eat and have the most progeny of any living thing; on average each mushroom produces seven trillion spores! You’ll find them after heavy rain, sometimes hiding among nettles, and they can grow up to 80cm across! Fry them as a substitute for steaks, grill them with garlic and herbs, or make [**Puffball Schnitzel**](https://www.wildfooduk.com/wild-food-recipes/puffball-schnitzels/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)! ## Celebrate Radical Creativity The first weekend in October (2-4 October) is Fun Palaces, a UK-wide celebration of community, passions and radical creativity, showing that art and education are powerful tools for social change. Across the country, venues throw open their doors and hold parties, workshops and festivals. Make a zine, take part in a drama workshop, or find out how art can support your family’s wellbeing. Find a Fun Palace near you [**here**](https://funpalaces.co.uk/find-a-fun-palace/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). _This post is for subscribers only._ ### The Book Nook: Myths, Mammoths and a Whole Lot of Poo URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/the-book-nook-myths-mammoths-and-a-whole-lot-of-poo/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:10.000Z We sent out packages to some of our subscribers, filled with picture books and tales for older readers. Here are their reviews, plus our book of the month. ## Book of the Month [![Pathfinding: One Mother’s Journey From Wilderness to Freedom book cover](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/09/booknook-130-pathfinding.jpg)](https://amzn.to/3PG47Ew?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### [**Pathfinding: One Mother’s Journey From Wilderness to Freedom**](https://amzn.to/3PG47Ew?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Kerri Andrews** Elliot & Thompson When author and academic Kerri Andrews becomes pregnant, chronic pelvic girdle pain, depression and a loss of identity destabilise and debilitate, while a matrescence dark with PND feels inescapable. Kerri had been a walker, happiest in the hills, and the thought that those trails may no longer be for her is a heavy burden to carry. *Pathfinding* is the story of how Kerri slowly feels her way back into the wild, joined on that expedition by women past and present. Her academic work had focussed on women authors writing about walking, but motherhood gives her a different lens through which to read their words, finding new meaning in Mary Shelley, Mary Wollstonecraft, Dorothy Wordsworth and Kate Chopin. As well as their ghosts, Kerri finds kindred souls; women who have tussled with the shift into motherhood alongside those who have helped her navigate her own journey. She walks companionably with Jemma, a mother of twins, meets her mental health support worker Julie and doula Natalie, and hikes with Astra, who, like Kerri, has felt enormous anger. Motherhood for her is a steep, rocky mountain, but one that, with other women at her side, she begins to conquer. When, rashly unprepared, she summits the Buachaille Etive Beag, we are walking alongside her, cheering every painful step. Pack it in your rucksack. ## Our Reviewers’ Book of the Month [![The World’s Last Mammoth and Other Missing Marvels book cover](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/09/booknook-130-mammoth.jpg)](https://amzn.to/4vwknqJ?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### [**The World’s Last Mammoth and Other Missing Marvels**](https://amzn.to/4vwknqJ?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Mike Barfield, Franziska Höllbacher** £10.99 Templar Books As soon as they saw the amusing, vibrant illustrations on the cover of this large paperback, Willow and Mo knew this was going to be a fun book! With a comic book style format, this will appeal to both reluctant readers and more confident book lovers. The colourful illustrations bring the stories to life, and it is written in an engaging, amusing yet informative way. The book aims to take us on a hunt through history, finding or rediscovering places, people and things which have mostly been lost in time, although it does include some iconic things we can still see today but which have intriguing histories. Willow and Mo enjoyed learning about people, animals and places they knew a little about, but particularly liked some of the more unusual items no longer with us, and how their demise came about. There are also little snippets of random facts which they have loved sharing with their friends. This is a history book that doesn't feel like a history book. Wonderfully written and illustrated, recommended for ages 7–11\. *Elaine* --- ## Picture books [![The Tiny Baker book cover](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/09/booknook-130-tiny-baker.jpg)](https://amzn.to/3RSu18y?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### [**The Tiny Baker**](https://amzn.to/3RSu18y?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Hayley Barrett, Alison Jay** £13.99 Barefoot Books Beautifully illustrated pages, our little nature lovers really enjoyed looking at all the insects and their outfits. Stanley and Douglas both enjoyed this read: Douglas for the wonderful illustrations and Stanley liked the story. The one criticism I have is that some of the words are very complicated for a children's book. The book comes with an audio scan so we have enjoyed listening and reading this book. The boys have mentioned part of the story since reading so we could call it memorable. *Aimee* [![My Best Friend Tilly book cover](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/09/booknook-130-tilly.jpg)](https://amzn.to/4uS2Dq1?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### [**My Best Friend Tilly**](https://amzn.to/4uS2Dq1?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Iris Samartzi** £12.99 Post Wave We enjoyed the interactive pages which have a wonderful aesthetic of collages, made from paper, drawings and textured cardboard. Stanley and Douglas got quite bored half way through (very rare when a book is in front of them!). Stanley said this was because the pictures were quite small on the blank white page. Therefore I do not think the pages of the book grab the small readers' attention. A little bit of a confusing narrative, when reading I often was trying to guess the 'story' or message the book was giving us. *Aimee* [![Whose Poo? book cover](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/09/booknook-130-whose-poo.jpg)](https://amzn.to/4vu7Tjg?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### [**Whose Poo?**](https://amzn.to/4vu7Tjg?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Alexandra Milton** £8.99 Boxer Books Beautiful both inside and out. The whole family really loved this book! All children seem to enjoy talking about poo and this book was spot on. It was wonderfully informative, both for small and grown people, we all learnt something. Every page is a real feast for the eyes, the amazing collages on each page almost make them look 3D and so lifelike. Stanley enjoyed this book so much that he has taken it into his school for show and tell. On forest school days the children are now looking for animal poo. To say this book was inspiring is an understatement. *Aimee* [![Big Book of Feelings (Animals with Attitude) book cover](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/09/booknook-130-feelings.jpg)](https://amzn.to/4dPER7U?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### [**Big Book of Feelings (Animals with Attitude)**](https://amzn.to/4dPER7U?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **James O’Brien** £8.99 Boxer Books We are in complete awe and admire how the book is potato printed, each page is simple but bright and beautiful. Every page has a different emotion attached with an animal that maybe has those feelings. This book has created so many conversations, for example "the geese honk when they are angry, when did you feel angry?". Perfect book for a rainy afternoon on a squishy sofa when everybody is in the correct headspace to talk and express their feelings. *Aimee* [![Follow the Swallow book cover](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/09/booknook-130-swallow.jpg)](https://amzn.to/3SlV1xm?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### [**Follow the Swallow**](https://amzn.to/3SlV1xm?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Julia Donaldson, Thomas Docherty** £7.99 Farshore Julia Donaldson and Thomas Docherty’s *Follow the Swallow* is a lovely story about friendship, trust, and the changing seasons. The illustrations are absolutely beautiful and were the standout feature for us; the girls really loved looking through the pictures and talking about what was happening in them. I’d say the book is suitable for children under 6, especially for reading together and sparking conversations afterwards. It naturally led us into a discussion about truth and what it means to trust someone, which added an extra layer to the reading experience. Overall, the girls really enjoyed it. While it’s probably not a story we’d return to again and again, it was still a warm, thoughtful read with gorgeous artwork. *Shenel* [![Luna and the Night book cover](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/09/booknook-130-luna.jpg)](https://www.florisbooks.co.uk/books/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk#Children's) ### [**Luna and the Night**](https://www.florisbooks.co.uk/books/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk#Children's) **Maylis Daufresne, Ian de Haes** £12.99 Floris Books We really enjoyed *Luna and the Night*. It’s a beautifully written story with a thoughtful message about facing the things that scare us and learning to say hello to them instead of running away. The book gently encourages children to explore fear, sit with uncomfortable feelings, and find comfort through courage and curiosity. What stood out most to us were the illustrations and descriptions. The artwork was absolutely stunning and added so much depth to the story. The drawings completely drew us in and made the experience feel immersive, emotional, and magical. I also loved how the story sparked meaningful conversations about fear: what we’re scared of, how we can breathe through those feelings, and how we can learn to feel more comfortable in uncomfortable situations. It’s a powerful message delivered in such a gentle and beautiful way. I would highly recommend this book for children aged 6–10\. For children under six, some of the themes and imagery may feel a little too intense or introduce fears they may not yet fully understand. But for slightly older children, it’s a wonderful and thoughtful read that opens the door to important emotional conversations. *Shenel* [![The Little House that Needed a Witch book cover](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/09/booknook-130-little-house.jpg)](https://amzn.to/4uXilQA?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### [**The Little House that Needed a Witch**](https://amzn.to/4uXilQA?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Sophie Pluim** £12.99 Floris Books My children, aged eight and six, both genuinely loved this book, and the illustrations were the standout feature for all of us. Every page felt carefully composed and beautiful in a way that invited lingering rather than rushing ahead. The story follows a lonely little house whose owner is no longer there. Rather than staying abandoned, the house sets off in search of someone who belongs with it, eventually finding a wandering witch who is also searching for a place to belong. A visually stunning and emotionally unusual picture book. *Shenel* [![The Spark (Mabel and Merryglow) book cover](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/09/booknook-130-spark.jpg)](https://amzn.to/4ucCyk9?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### [**The Spark (Mabel and Merryglow)**](https://amzn.to/4ucCyk9?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Anne Montel, Loïc Clément, Julien Arnal** £12.99 Post Wave A beautifully illustrated graphic novel about a tortoise who is afraid of the dark. The artwork is genuinely stunning, atmospheric, detailed, and creatively laid out. However, this book really wasn't for us. Some of the imagery at the beginning felt surprisingly frightening for a children's book, and it actually introduced fears about the dark that my children hadn't really expressed before. Although I can appreciate the incredible artwork and imagination behind the book, it's not one I'd choose to read again. *Shenel* --- ## For older readers [![Jane Goodall: 5-Minute Genius Stories book cover](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/09/booknook-130-goodall.jpg)](https://amzn.to/4ep76uj?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### [**Jane Goodall: 5-Minute Genius Stories**](https://amzn.to/4ep76uj?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Heather Alexander, Sally Walker** £12.99 Union Square Kids *Jane Goodall* is an absolutely stunning book that I’ve completely fallen in love with and could read over and over again. It tells the story of Jane Goodall through small, beautifully written snippets that make her life feel so real, inspiring, and full of wonder. I especially loved the way the book speaks to children with such warmth and honesty, while still capturing the awe of everything she has achieved. Each little moment from her life builds such a deep sense of admiration, love, and genuine appreciation for who she is and what she has done. I also think this book is perfect for a huge age range, from the youngest children right through to teenagers and even adults. I would happily read it myself again and again because it’s just so lovely, heartfelt, and inspiring. *Shenel* [![Junko’s Climb book cover](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/09/booknook-130-junko.jpg)](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Junkos-Climb-People-Shaped-World/dp/1454946830?crid=2688B2QM4I76F&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ZKmPS6OU36FWhFqWMFMmXuhNCSyZ4pBofjJH-Dgyln7GjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.rrpXd4bEJqGy%5FiMVyrmscT5MxvfdmV5-9my6ZjpOXJE&dib%5Ftag=se&keywords=junkos+climb&qid=1790667136&sprefix=junkos+climb%2Caps%2C129&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll2&tag=thegreenpar0a-21&linkId=0ae9ecd837dd5ec34241fc5e60e919e3&ref%5F=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### [**Junko’s Climb**](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Junkos-Climb-People-Shaped-World/dp/1454946830?crid=2688B2QM4I76F&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ZKmPS6OU36FWhFqWMFMmXuhNCSyZ4pBofjJH-Dgyln7GjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.rrpXd4bEJqGy%5FiMVyrmscT5MxvfdmV5-9my6ZjpOXJE&dib%5Ftag=se&keywords=junkos+climb&qid=1790667136&sprefix=junkos+climb%2Caps%2C129&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll2&tag=thegreenpar0a-21&linkId=0ae9ecd837dd5ec34241fc5e60e919e3&ref%5F=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Elyssa Gavin, Hifumiyo** £16.99 Union Square Kids *Junko’s Climb* is a beautifully written and inspiring true story about Junko Tabei. What makes this story so powerful is the way it shows children that strength does not always look the way people expect it to. Junko was often seen by others as weak or small, yet she refused to let those assumptions define her. The story of how she formed a women-only climbing group before eventually climbing Mount Everest is both empowering and accessible for children. The illustrations are absolutely stunning and bring the adventure vividly to life. An inspiring, motivating, and beautifully told story about courage, resilience, and following your dreams. *Shenel* [![Actual Factual Files: Outer Space book cover](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/09/booknook-130-outer-space.jpg)](https://amzn.to/3S7Mq1f?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### [**Actual Factual Files: Outer Space**](https://amzn.to/3S7Mq1f?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Ali Adams** £5.99 Workman Publishing This glossy paperback with smooth matte pages features a stylised illustration of a spaceman and moon, clearly aimed at developing readers. Our young reviewers were excited to learn what it would teach them about space. The chapter book format has slightly larger text and generous line spacing, making it less intimidating for reticent readers. Key words appear in bold, with a glossary at the back for further explanation, plus an index: a great way to teach children how to navigate non-fiction books and find additional information. Packed with information on planets, galaxies and stars, it explains topics clearly and engagingly. Recommended for ages 7–11\. *Elaine* [![Big Brilliant World book cover](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/09/booknook-130-big-brilliant-world.jpg)](https://amzn.to/4x9z1G7?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### [**Big Brilliant World**](https://amzn.to/4x9z1G7?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Matt Ralphs, Aysha Tengiz** £12.99 Big Picture Press We love cultural books that tell us about different countries around the world. Although we love the colourful full pages the font is very small and busy with lots of information on each page. We are going to keep this book for when the boys are older, maybe 12+, when we can make little mini projects from the very full pages. *Aimee* [![Greek Myths (Puzzle Hero series) book cover](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/09/booknook-130-greek-myths.jpg)](https://amzn.to/4vpHFyl?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### [**Greek Myths (Puzzle Hero series)**](https://amzn.to/4vpHFyl?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Catherine Ard, Maria Surducan** £14.99 Thames & Hudson ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. With its large size and weighty feel, we immediately got the impression of a good quality book. It has a sturdy hardback cover with a textured finish and the cover illustration depicts some of the Greek mythological characters we will meet inside as well as a maze, alluding to the puzzles within. Once you open the book, the reader is invited to step into the world of Greek mythology, discovering the characters and tales while solving puzzles along the way. The characters and myths are explained in a way that is understandable without being overly simplified and the illustrations are colourful with historical styling so they don't look cartoonish. This book is a great introduction for those with no former knowledge thanks to the mix of bite-sized information, short stories and character explanation. Willow and Mo loved the variety of puzzles throughout, including mazes, hidden images and codes to crack, offering a fun challenge whether solving alone or together. Recommended for 7–10 year olds. *Elaine* [![Fire (Nature’s Superpowers) book cover](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/09/booknook-130-fire.jpg)](https://amzn.to/4usbxtm?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### [**Fire (Nature’s Superpowers)**](https://amzn.to/4usbxtm?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Anna Skowronska** £12.99 Boxer Books We love the bold, dynamic illustration on the cover of this book which made our young readers eager to open it up and get reading. It is absolutely packed full with interesting facts, some of which young readers may know but I guarantee there will be lots they will learn from this. Yes, this book is obviously about fire, what it is, how it begins, its uses, and it dives deep into the science of fire, flame and heat but it also covers all manner of topics where fire has played or does play a part. Our readers enjoyed that it takes us on a really interesting journey through fire in history, space, nature and ritual. Recommended for readers aged 8–11 who are interested in science, nature or anthropology. *Elaine* [![We Made a Song book cover](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/09/booknook-130-song.jpg)](https://amzn.to/4vu82Dk?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### [**We Made a Song**](https://amzn.to/4vu82Dk?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Doro Globus, Rose Blake** £12.99 Bloomsbury As a family which loves music, singing and playing instruments, the idea of this book really appealed to us. The book is written from the perspective of a songwriter and musician and explains the process from the very first snippet of inspiration through the evolution of the melody and harmonies, recording and post-production. We liked that so many people who are involved in bringing a song to life but maybe don't get wider recognition are given the importance for the integral jobs they do. I would buy it for children aged 8–10 who want to learn more about the songwriting process. *Elaine* [![How to Build a Chocolate Bridge: Extraordinary Builds Using Everyday Things book cover](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/09/booknook-130-chocolate-bridge.jpg)](https://amzn.to/4dZGz5u?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### [**How to Build a Chocolate Bridge: Extraordinary Builds Using Everyday Things**](https://amzn.to/4dZGz5u?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Roma Agrawal, Robert Sae-Heng** £14.99 Laurence King Just the title alone of this book intrigued Willow and Mo and they couldn't wait to discover more. The good quality hardback cover has a retro-contemporary graphic style with gloss highlights, depicting a variety of everyday products. The book covers different types of materials, structures and products, relating to the built environment, space, music and other everyday items, explaining how materials work and their properties in an interesting and fun way. They particularly enjoyed conducting the experiments, which require items you will already have at home or can easily pick up. They are cleverly designed to make science interesting and fun, and fairly straightforward to conduct. While generally recommended for 7–10 year olds, this book will appeal to anyone curious about science. *Elaine* [![Zombie Spiders and Asteroid Blasters: 16 Incredible Ways that Scientists Are Changing the World book cover](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/09/booknook-130-zombie-spiders.jpg)](https://amzn.to/4uQpZfn?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### [**Zombie Spiders and Asteroid Blasters: 16 Incredible Ways that Scientists Are Changing the World**](https://amzn.to/4uQpZfn?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Maynard Okereke** £15.99 Storey The title of this book alone really appealed to Willow and Mo who couldn't wait to find out more so dived right in to the glossy pages within. They liked the question and answer style of the book. The information is concise but well explained so they can absorb it easily and retain it well. The book helps explain that science is all around us and introduces us to some real scientists. It covers topics from the fields of nature, space and technology in an interesting and engaging way. The author has done a good job of creating a book that is fun and informative. Recommended for 7–11 year olds. *Elaine* --- ## Three books about animals [![Jungle Jumble book cover](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/09/booknook-130-jungle-jumble.jpg)](https://amzn.to/4ofmKfk?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### [**Jungle Jumble**](https://amzn.to/4ofmKfk?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Magda Azab** £12.99 Post Wave A very interactive and interesting book that was suitable for both boys (ages 5 and 3). It was a very 'high energy' book that would be perfect for waiting rooms! The book has a question on each page so we learnt a lot, it was very informative with the added lifting flaps. I have put this in our everyday bag and it will be very well used when we are next waiting for a train or in a doctor's waiting room! *Aimee* [![The Littlest Elephant book cover](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/09/booknook-130-littlest-elephant.jpg)](https://amzn.to/4dZGD5e?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### [**The Littlest Elephant**](https://amzn.to/4dZGD5e?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Katherine Applegate, Lita Judge** £12.99 HarperCollins A beautifully illustrated book, a real treat for the eyes and perfectly fitting for my elephant enthusiast, Douglas. I would not recommend this book as a bedtime read, as it has a serious and sad message: the ivory trade and hunting of elephants. Therefore it prompts a lot of life questions from small people, which would be easier to fully explain in the daytime. *Aimee* [![Capy Capy Capybara book cover](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/09/booknook-130-capybara.jpg)](https://amzn.to/4okfFdh?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### [**Capy Capy Capybara**](https://amzn.to/4okfFdh?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Charise Mericle Harper** £14.99 Union Square Kids Although there are wonderfully bright colours within the pages, we found this book rather boring! Douglas, aged 3, walked away half way through and the only reason Stanley (aged 5) continued is that he enjoyed reading the larger font words on the page. Not the most interesting story and a book we have read once and not gone back to. *Aimee* --- ### Thank you to our reviewers, big and small **Aimee Howlett-Mitchell** with Stanley (5) and Douglas (3) **Elaine Cowie** with Willow (7) and Mo (9) **Shenel Shefik** with Louisa (8) and Leonie (6) *This article contains affiliate links. If you buy a book through one of them, The Green Parent may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, which helps support our independent magazine.* ### The Great British Conker-Off URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/the-great-british-conker-off-why-autumn-means-war/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:10.000Z For generations, children have collected the biggest, hardest conkers they can find, threaded them onto string and challenged friends to a good old-fashioned battle of strength and skill. But what began as playground entertainment has grown into something considerably more serious. This October, the[**World Conker Championships**](https://worldconkerchampionships.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) return to Southwick in Northamptonshire, where hundreds of competitors will battle it out to become Conker King or Queen. The event began in 1965 and has grown into an international competition, with thousands of spectators heading to the village each year. “There's something wonderfully British about the fact that a conker picked up from the ground can become the centre of an international competition,” says Stuart Brooking, woodland expert at[**Woodlands.co.uk**](http://woodlands.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). “But anyone who has ever played will know that choosing the right conker can make all the difference. You want one that's hard, glossy and fully mature, rather than one that's soft or damaged.” Conker battles have been going on for generations, but perhaps the most extraordinary conker story dates back to 1954\. That year saw the most successful untreated conker ever recorded; a “five thousander plus”, which won the BBC Conker Conquest that year. In the traditional scoring system, a conker takes on the score of each opponent it defeats, meaning a conker can build up an impressive tally as it progresses through battle after battle. But there was a rather brilliant twist. A botany professor later suspected that the champion conker wasn't actually a conker at all, but potentially an ivory or tagua nut, both of which can bear a striking resemblance to the real thing. So, Britain's greatest recorded conker may, in fact, have been a ringer. “It's a brilliant bit of conker folklore,” says Brooking. “And it shows that people have been taking their conker battles very seriously for a very long time.” Conkers are a lovely reminder that you don't need expensive equipment or organised entertainment to get children outside, all you need is a horse chestnut tree, a few fallen conkers and a little imagination. A family walk in October can become a conker hunt, a competition can spring up between siblings, or a particularly impressive specimen can be taken home and admired as an autumn trophy. And while the modern world may have given us screens, apps and increasingly elaborate entertainment, the humble conker continues to prove that some of the best autumn fun can still be found lying beneath a tree. Just make sure your champion is a genuine conker. ## **Stuart Brooking’s Five Rules for Conker Victory** **The rules are simple, although choosing the right conker and knowing how to strike it are another matter.** ### **1\. Pick your conker** Look for one that's hard, mature, glossy and free from cracks. A good conker should feel solid rather than soft or spongy. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **2\. Thread it up** Traditionally, a hole is made through the conker and a piece of string threaded through, with a knot at the end to stop it escaping. ### **3\. Take turns swinging** Players take alternate turns trying to smash their opponent's conker while keeping their own out of harm's way. ### **4\. Protect your champion** A good conker can survive multiple battles. Under traditional scoring, a winning conker takes on the score of the one it defeats, plus one. ### **5\. Keep going until one breaks** The winner is the conker that survives. And, naturally, the winner gets bragging rights. --- Founded with a mission to make woodland ownership accessible and enjoyable,[**Woodlands.co.uk**](http://woodlands.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)offers private woodlands for sale across the UK. The company provides resources and guidance for new owners to explore creative ways of managing their woodlands for personal and community benefit. Whether for conservation, leisure, or environmental education,[**Woodlands.co.uk**](http://woodlands.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)empowers individuals to steward and protect their woodlands for generations to come. ### Made to be handed down: the case for rethinking the animal figurine URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/made-to-be-handed-down-the-case-for-rethinking-the-animal-figurine/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:10.000Z It asks nothing of a child except imagination. It gets carried in pockets, buried in sandpits, lined up along windowsills and eventually handed down to someone smaller. Years later, the animals are still there. Gary Wilmot has spent his working life in the toy industry, and it is that staying power he keeps returning to. > "A figurine is one of the few toys a child genuinely keeps, it gets named, it gets taken everywhere, it goes in a pocket on holiday. That is a wonderful thing to be trusted with, and it deserves to be made really well." Wilmot is the founder of[**Proud Penguin**](https://proudpenguin.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), a company he set up to take one of the oldest and best loved toys there is and rebuild it from the ground up. The thinking was straightforward. If children keep these animals for years, then the animals should be worth keeping: better materials, better craft, and complete openness about where every piece comes from. ### **What "rebuilt from the ground up" actually means** Proud Penguin figurines are made from a bio-based material and certified to the ISCC+ standard. They are finished by hand with water-based paints. They are produced, packed and shipped from a single family-run site in Tunisia, which has been making toys for 45 years. They meet EN71 safety standards in full, and are made for ages three and up. None of which, Wilmot is quick to point out, changes the play itself. "An elephant is still an elephant," he says. "A child does not need to know any of this. But you might like to, and you should be able to find out easily." That is what the Digital Product Passport is for. Every figurine carries one, so parents can look up where the material came from, where the toy was made and what is in it. "We would rather show our working," Wilmot says. "The more we tell you, the better the decision you get to make." ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/09/6-2.png) ## Every figurine carries a Digital Product Passport so parents can look up where the material came from, where the toy was made and what is in it. ### **Twenty eight animals, and more to come** The first Proud Penguin collection runs to 28 animals, with further releases scheduled for later this year. Quality over quantity is a phrase that gets used a lot, and here it means the care that goes into each one rather than how few there are. Every figurine is modelled on a real species in a real habitat, so a child is not simply collecting animals, they are meeting them. A killer whale opens a conversation about cold water and the family groups that hunt together in it. An elephant opens one about herds, memory and the long walk to water. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. "Children are naturally curious about animals, long before anyone teaches them to be," Wilmot says. "We want the figurine in their hand to be the start of that, not the end of it. If a child asks where elephants live and somebody looks it up with them, we have done our job." ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/09/3.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/09/4.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/09/5.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/09/11.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/09/12.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/09/13.png) ### **The test Proud Penguin sets itself** Ask Wilmot how he will know whether any of this has worked, and he does not reach for shelf space. "The measure is whether one of our animals is still being played with in twenty years, in a house we have never heard of, by a child who was not born when it was made," he says. "That is the whole ambition. Make something good enough that it keeps finding new hands." It is a big ambition, and it explains how Proud Penguin has been put together. The way each animal is researched, the traceable supply chain and the hand-painted finish all point the same way: a toy worth keeping, and then worth handing on. Proud Penguin figurines are distributed in the UK by Aurora World. Browse[**the full range**](https://proudpenguin.co.uk/collections/all?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)or read more about[**what the brand stands for**](https://proudpenguin.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), and follow Proud Penguin UK on[**Facebook**](https://www.facebook.com/proudpenguinuk) and[**Instagram**](https://www.instagram.com/proudpenguinuk?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) to see the animals in the wild, and the rest of the collection as it lands. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/09/PP_Logo_Green_Heart.jpg) ### Meet the Natural Beauty Awards winners - Good Bubble URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/meet-the-natural-beauty-awards-winners-arella-2/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:11.000Z **With popular characters like The Gruffalo & Friends, Peppa Pig and Paddington Bear, their sulphate-free formulations are designed to be gentle enough for sensitive and eczema-prone skin and prove that you don't need to choose between fun and kindness at bath time.** **From zero-plastic Peppa Pig Wash Bar with Rosewater to clinically tested, paediatrician-approved Gruffalo & Friends bubble baths in bottles made from at least 50% recycled materials, and even 100% organic coconut oil, there's something in the Good Bubble range for every mucky monster, from newborn upwards.** **Good Bubble is a cruelty-free, vegan-friendly brand, and all products are made locally in the UK. They are a small but mighty team of two sisters from Manchester, *Amy and Sally*. Founder Amy is also a mum of three, aged 9, 5 and 2, so she knows the chaos of bath time all too well.** ### **What is your morning beauty routine?** As a mum of three young kids, whatever I do with my skin has to be quick. I rely on simple, effective skincare: a daily cleanser, vitamin-C serum, light moisturiser and SPF 50+, then I'm good to go. I like Medik8 - their Total Moisture Daily Cream feels nourishing without being heavy. As a previous acne-sufferer, I look for clean, science-backed formulations, and once I find something that works, I don't tend to switch. I like that they're a B-Corp too. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **What does the future hold for your company?** We've just launched our skin-friendly range with The Gruffalo into Sainsbury's, a huge deal for our small business, and our plan is to keep scaling and hold on tight. We'll soon be looking for someone special to join our team and help grow our family business. We also have new products on the horizon, and a completely new category we're excited about. Watch this space! ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/09/image0.jpg) ## ‘‘Our parents ran a personal care factory, and we spent teenage summers on the lines, in the warehouse and in the lab, learning every stage of making cosmetics” ***Amy and Sally** ## **3 things about Good Bubble we should know** 1. We were raised in a family manufacturing business. Our parents ran a personal care factory, and we spent teenage summers on the lines, in the warehouse and in the lab, learning every stage of making cosmetics. Good Bubble is still made at that same factory in Middleton, Greater Manchester, where our office is also based, now under new ownership. 2. We reuse our outer boxes. Order online and your box might arrive a little shabby chic. Wherever possible, we reuse packaging, keeping it sturdy enough to protect your order, even if the outside looks well-travelled or carries a label from somewhere exotic. We call them our wonky boxes. 3. Amy went on national TV and almost fainted. Years ago, I appeared on BBC Dragons' Den, where the highlight was going woozy under the studio lights and nearly passing out - cue the Dragons and crew rushing over with a chair and water. I recovered, finished my pitch and secured investment from Deborah Meaden. It was the near-faint that made the trailers, racking up millions of views: a story for the kids to cringe at one day. --- Find[**Good Bubble's**](https://goodbubble.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) winning products in **The Green Parent Natural Beauty Bible 2026** [**here**](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/the-green-parent-natural-beauty-award-winners-2026/). ### How to Help Children Feel Settled When Moving Home, According to a Psychologist URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/how-to-help-children-feel-settled-when-moving-home-according-to-a-psychologist/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:11.000Z To help families make the move feel calmer and more positive for children,[**new build home developer**](https://www.tiliahomes.co.uk/new-homes/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Tilia Homes has partnered with[**Dr Kamaria Fleary**](https://www.educationalfrontiers.co.uk/about?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)**,** HCPC Registered Educational Psychologist, to share the signs children may need extra reassurance when moving home, and the steps parents can take to help them settle. Dr Fleary explains: “Moving can bring uncertainty about what lies ahead. Children may worry about their new bedroom, neighbourhood, school, or making new friends. “Every child responds differently, but those who have not yet developed strong coping or resilience skills may find these changes particularly overwhelming.” ## **Why can moving home feel unsettling for children?** For adults, moving home often means focusing on practical jobs, from packing boxes and arranging removal dates to setting up utilities and managing paperwork. For children, the change can feel different, especially if their current house is the only home they have known, or if they are also moving away from familiar friends, neighbours, clubs, parks or schools. Heike O’Leary, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer for Tilia Homes, says: “Families often spend a lot of time planning the practical side of moving, but it can be just as important to think about how the move will feel for children day to day. “Small details, such as when their bedroom will be unpacked, whether they have familiar items nearby, or when they will get to know the local area, can make the move feel much more manageable.” ## **Signs your child may need extra reassurance** Every child will respond differently to moving home. Some may feel excited straight away, while others may need more time, patience and reassurance as they adjust. Dr Fleary explains: “Children don't always express their worries verbally. Instead, anxiety or dysregulation can often appear through changes in behaviour or emotions. “Parents may notice increased clinginess, irritability, tearfulness or anxiety. Some children may present as withdrawn or quieter than usual, while others may present as more emotional or with protesting behaviours, such as arguing against the idea of moving.” “In addition, sleep difficulties, nightmares, changes in appetite or a temporary return to earlier behaviours, such as bedwetting or wanting more comfort from parents, can also be common. These may be signals from the child that they need more reassurance and a sense of security from their parents.” ## **How can parents help children settle when moving home?** There are several ways parents can make the move feel calmer and more positive for children, from talking about the change early to helping them build familiarity with their new home and local area. ### **Talk to your child early about the move** Parents should talk to children about the move as early as possible, giving them time to understand what is happening and ask questions. Dr Fleary says: “Preparation is one of the most effective ways to reduce anxiety. Talk to children about the move well in advance, just as you would prepare them for starting school or another major life transition. Encourage questions, acknowledge mixed emotions, and be honest about both the exciting and challenging aspects of moving.” O’Leary adds: “One of the easiest things parents can do early on is give children a clear picture of what will happen next. This could be as simple as talking through the moving timeline, showing them photos of the new home, or explaining what will stay the same, such as bedtime routines or family traditions.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/09/pexels-cottonbro-4569306.jpg) Even with preparation, some children may take longer than others to feel fully settled ### **Involve children in small decisions** Where possible, giving children small roles in the moving process can help them feel more connected to the change. This could include visiting the new home, exploring the local area, helping pack some of their own belongings or choosing small details for their bedroom. Dr Fleary explains: “Where possible, involve children in the process. Visit the new home and neighbourhood before moving, explore local parks or schools, and let them help choose decorations or arrange their bedroom. These experiences help replace the fear of the unknown with familiarity and a growing sense of ownership.” ### **Keep familiar routines where possible** Moving day and the days around it can feel busy, so keeping some familiar routines in place can be reassuring. Dr Fleary says: “Maintaining routines is equally important. Keeping regular mealtimes, bedtime rituals and family traditions provides reassurance when other aspects of life are changing. If possible, unpack the child's bedroom first, so they have a familiar space to retreat to from the first night.” For younger children, parents may also want to arrange childcare on moving day itself, particularly while furniture is being moved and doors are open. O’Leary says: “Moving day can be exciting, but it can also be quite overwhelming for younger children when there are boxes, open doors and furniture being moved around. “If possible, having them at nursery, school or with family for part of the day can make things calmer, before welcoming them into the new home once the essentials are in place.” ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **Set up children’s bedrooms first** Once the family arrives in the new home, setting up children’s bedrooms early can help the space feel more familiar from the first night. O’Leary says: “Before trying to unpack everything at once, it can help to prioritise the spaces children will use first, especially their bedroom. “Having their bed made, favourite toys nearby and familiar belongings in place can make the first night feel much easier, even if the rest of the house is still full of boxes.” Familiar items can also be particularly helpful during the transition, according to Dr Fleary. “A treasured soft toy, familiar bedding, family photographs or a favourite pillow can provide emotional reassurance and help children regulate feelings of uncertainty while they adapt to their new surroundings.” ### **Be mindful that settling can take time** Even with preparation, some children may take longer than others to feel fully settled. This does not mean the move has gone badly, but it may mean they need more reassurance as they adjust. Dr Fleary says: “Once the move is complete, don’t forget to keep checking in with children, as many changes will occur over time beyond the initial moving date.” She adds: “Above all, parents should remember that children do not need to be shielded from every difficult emotion. Feeling sad, worried or uncertain about moving is a typical response to a significant life change. The most protective factor is having responsive adults who listen, validate those feelings and provide consistent reassurance.” O’Leary adds: “Moving home can be a really positive new chapter for families, but children may not always feel settled the moment the boxes are unpacked. “By preparing them early and keeping familiar routines where possible, parents can help children feel reassured and excited about making their new house feel like home.” --- [Our autumn edition is out now 🍂Issue 131 is here, and this autumn we’re talking about trust. Trust in your own parenting instincts, and trust in your children to find their own way.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/icon/tgp_favicon_l-e9af796e-e12f-410a-8842-772a453746a6.png)The Green ParentThe Green Parent![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/thumbnail/tgp131w-e6dc0d93-d08b-4a53-a632-14b632a908e0.jpg)](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/our-autumn-edition-is-out-now/) ### Prepare for Bedsharing (even if you do not plan to do it) URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/prepare-for-bedsharing-even-if-you-do-not-plan-to-do-it/ Last updated: 2026-09-22T10:54:46.000Z It was the most beautiful Moses basket - pretty cream and green satin bows on the outside and soft cotton sheets and cosy blankets inside. Heavily pregnant with my first son, I’d stand and stare at it, imagining my baby sleeping dreamily in this perfect little bed. Four sons later I sold it to a couple who remarked on its pristine condition. “Well,” I said, “the only thing that ever slept in there was … the cat!” I wasn’t joking. Repeated studies show that, in spite of parents being urged to put their babies in their own cots to sleep, 9 out of 10 of us end up, at least sometimes, hauling our babies into bed overnight. _This post is for subscribers only._ ### How to Celebrate the Autumn Equinox URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/how-to-celebrate-the-autumn-equinox/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:11.000Z ## **Glennie Kindred** shares ways to mark the Autumn Equinox, on the 23 September This is the harvest celebration of the year, and here we pause for a moment to appreciate all the abundance that the Earth has provided. It is also an opportunity to give thanks for your own harvest too and to look for the seeds within them. Day and night are equal in length, and at this point of balance, look for what might have become out of balance in your life and what you could do to help restore it? • Plan a harvest party, asking everyone to bring seasonal home-cooked food and drinks to share, and something to add to a central shrine that will reflect harvest in all its many different ways. • Ask everyone to bring things for a ‘Basket of Abundance’ - things they no longer want or need, or an abundance of produce. This may be an ongoing flow of putting in and taking out, or it might be part of a harvest ceremony, where each in turn lights a night-light with thanks for their harvest, as each puts something in, and takes something out. • Ask everyone to bring beads, seeds, shells, sticks, feathers, grasses, dried seed heads, flowers, ribbons, threads, large-eyed-needles, scissors etc. Make a place for everyone to sit together to weave, thread, bind and create something that reflects the abundance of your harvest moment. It may be a necklace to wear, a head-dress, a posy to hang up, a special harvest wand or totem. As you make it, think positively about the things you are harvesting right now and count your blessings! • Using your creation as an anchor, take it in turns to share with each other both your harvest and the seeds hidden within your harvest, and how you might take these gifts forwards for your greater good and the greater good of the Earth. • Take the children into the woods to gather nuts and fruit. (Always remember to leave plenty for the birds and forest creatures whose lives will depend on them, and only gather from where there is a great abundance.) • Plant native tree seeds such as acorns, hazelnuts, rowan berries, alder cones, haws from the Hawthorn. It is a good idea to tie some netting over the pot to stop mice from digging them up. Label the pots and leave them outside. Some will germinate in the spring, when they can be potted up into a larger pot. Eventually they will need permanent homes. Plant them in the ground when the leaves have fallen and root energy begins. [Our autumn edition is out now 🍂Issue 131 is here, and this autumn we’re talking about trust. Trust in your own parenting instincts, and trust in your children to find their own way.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/icon/tgp_favicon_l-f0bf90a1-8f84-4c00-9d69-e07ec9a27404.png)The Green ParentThe Green Parent![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/thumbnail/tgp131w-f6a440fd-dfb5-46bc-b71d-0a063ca47d9a.jpg)](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/our-autumn-edition-is-out-now/) ### **HAZEL *Corylus avellana*** Hazel is a very useful tree to have in the garden. The many straight stems or ‘rods’ growing from its base can be cut and used to make dens, archways, bowers, screens and other creative structures. The more you cut them, the more will grow. (Only cut the straight rods as the other more twisty ones are nut bearing.) Forked Hazel divining sticks have long been used to find hidden underground water. If you want to have a go, cut a fresh forked Hazel twig, and state your intention to use it to find water. Holding the two arms, pull them slightly apart to create tension and walk slowly. The tip of the twig will ‘twitch’, as it responds to water below the ground. Hazel nuts or ‘cobs’ are a rich source of protein. Roast them in a heavy pan with a little olive oil, adding a little salt at the end. Alternatively grind them up, adding extra oil and cocoa for your very own chocolate hazelnut spread. ***Glennie Kindred is a writer, author, grandmother and wisewoman of earth traditions*** ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ## **MORE INSPIRATION** For lots more ideas about celebrating the Earth Festivals: The Earth Pathways Diary can be ordered from[**www.earthpathwaysdiary.co.uk**](http://www.earthpathwaysdiary.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Also read Sacred Earth Celebrations from[**www.glenniekindred.co.uk**](http://www.glenniekindred.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### When Wellness Becomes Work URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/when-wellness-becomes-work/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:12.000Z I’m not entirely sure when being healthy became so much bloody work. There was a time when the advice seemed fairly manageable. Eat your vegetables, move your body, try not to smoke, get outside every now and then and aim for a decent night’s sleep. None of it was particularly glamorous, but at least you could remember it. Then the podcasts arrived. Suddenly, extremely healthy-looking men with very expensive microphones started explaining that we had apparently been waking up incorrectly our entire lives. Simply getting out of bed was no longer enough. You needed sunlight in your eyes within a certain window. Coffee had to wait. You needed electrolytes. Your cortisol needed managing. Cold water had to appear somewhere. Breakfast became a debate and your breathing probably wasn’t optimal. Neither was your gut, your glucose, your testosterone or your dopamine. > **Somewhere between “eat your vegetables” and monitoring your glucose response to a banana, being healthy had quietly become a full-time hobby.** ## **Then came biohacking** Biohacking went mainstream and YouTube filled up with longevity experts, optimisation gurus and people who somehow had three hours every morning to prepare for the rest of their morning. And I watched a lot of it. That’s the annoying part. I found it fascinating. There was always another study, another supplement or another small adjustment that might help you sleep deeper, think more clearly, recover faster or improve your gut. Once you start looking into this world, it is incredibly easy to keep going. Why wouldn’t you want to sleep better? Why wouldn’t you want more energy? Why wouldn’t you want to understand what is going on inside your own body? ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/09/Then-came-biohacking-1.png) At first, it all felt like progress. We were learning more about ourselves. Wearables suddenly allowed ordinary people to see data that would once have belonged in a laboratory or clinic. We could track our sleep, heart rate, recovery, exercise and movement. But the more we could measure, the more things there were to improve. Going for a walk was no longer just going for a walk. There were steps. Exercise came with zones, VO2 max and recovery scores. Sleep arrived with graphs, percentages and a number waiting for you first thing in the morning. ### **Suddenly, your body had KPIs.** And social media poured petrol on the whole thing. Before you’ve even got out of bed, somebody on Instagram has already run 10k, meditated, cold-plunged, drunk something fluorescent and prepared a breakfast containing 42 grams of protein. You haven’t even found your trousers. The difficult part is that most of this isn’t nonsense. Exercise is good for us. Sleep matters. What we eat matters. Getting outside matters. There is genuinely useful science behind a lot of the things that came out of the biohacking movement, and plenty of it changed how I thought about my own health. But somewhere along the way, wellness stopped simply being about feeling well. It became something to achieve, measure and compare. Eventually, it became another thing we could get wrong. ## **When your watch knows you better than you do** You wake up after what feels like a decent night’s sleep. Nothing spectacular, but you feel fine. Then you look at your watch. **Sleep score: 62.** Apparently you had a terrible night. Now you’re scrolling through deep sleep, REM, resting heart rate, HRV and recovery. Five minutes ago you felt rested. Now you’re wondering whether you’re actually exhausted. Sleep clinicians have even described a version of this behaviour as **orthosomnia**, after seeing patients become preoccupied with achieving the right sleep data from wearable devices.\[1\] I find that fascinating because it says something much bigger about optimisation. We have access to more information about our bodies than almost any generation before us. Used properly, that can be incredibly useful. Research into self-tracking has found genuine benefits and motivations around monitoring things such as activity, exercise and sleep.\[2\] But more information doesn’t always make us feel more in control. Sometimes it does the opposite. The question used to be, *How do I feel this morning?* Increasingly, the question is, *What does it say?* ## **Social media gave wellness an audience** Comparison obviously existed before Instagram. Humans have always looked at other people and wondered whether they were doing life better. The difference now is scale. It used to be your neighbours, friends, people at work and perhaps one annoyingly successful cousin. Now your completely normal Tuesday morning is being compared with the most impressive forty seconds from thousands of other people’s lives. A 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis brought together 83 studies involving more than 55,000 people. It found that greater online social comparison was associated with greater body-image concerns and eating-disorder symptoms, as well as lower positive body image.\[3\] That doesn’t mean scrolling through Instagram automatically makes somebody unhappy. Association isn’t causation. But it does support something many of us probably recognise instinctively: what we repeatedly compare ourselves with can affect how we feel about ourselves. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/09/Social-media-gave-wellness-an-audience-1.png) Wellness has simply given us many more things to compare. Our bodies, breakfasts, workouts, morning routines, sleep and even how well we relax. We have somehow managed to make relaxing competitive. There is also an interesting difference between being inspired by health content and actually becoming healthier because of it. In one experiment, researchers showed young women either Instagram “fitspiration” images or travel images. The women who saw the fitness content reported worse mood and greater body dissatisfaction, yet the exposure did not lead to greater exercise behaviour.\[4\] That finding stuck with me. You can consume an enormous amount of content about being healthy without doing anything particularly healthy at all. Sometimes you simply walk away with a longer list of things you feel you should be doing. And I think that is where wellness starts becoming work. ## **The awkward thing is that I work in wellness** This is where the whole subject gets slightly uncomfortable for me. I’m not standing outside the wellness industry throwing stones at it. I’m part of it. I created [**REFIX**](https://altervhealth.com/products/refix-natural-sleep-aid-for-gut-health?srsltid=AU7gw4WdC2Kwwum4jsfA8ULyu1XwkHchO3LtzueV8p-ocbjemvUu8rYl&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/09/The-awkward-thing-is-that-I-work-in-wellness.png) In fact, a lot of the thinking behind [**REFIX**](https://altervhealth.com/products/refix-natural-sleep-aid-for-gut-health?srsltid=AU7gw4WdC2Kwwum4jsfA8ULyu1XwkHchO3LtzueV8p-ocbjemvUu8rYl&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) came from going deep into exactly this world. I became fascinated by sleep, the gut, stress, supplements and the relationship between them. I read studies, tried products, listened to podcasts and experimented with my own routines. The deeper I went, though, the more complicated wellness seemed to become. There was always another capsule. Another powder. Another protocol. Something to take in the morning, something else before food, something with food and something precisely forty-five minutes before going to bed. At some point I started thinking: if a wellness routine is making you more stressed, we’ve probably misunderstood the assignment. That became an important part of why I made [**REFIX**](https://altervhealth.com/products/refix-natural-sleep-aid-for-gut-health?srsltid=AU7gw4WdC2Kwwum4jsfA8ULyu1XwkHchO3LtzueV8p-ocbjemvUu8rYl&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). I didn’t want to create another complicated regime. I wanted something that could fit into an ordinary evening. One product, one scoop and one small ritual before bed. No spreadsheet required. The longer I’ve worked on it, the more important that philosophy has become to me. A wellness product should earn its place in your life by making something simpler. It shouldn’t need to frighten you into believing your body contains another twenty problems you hadn’t previously noticed. And that means I have to be a little suspicious of my own industry. Wellness exists to help people feel better, but we have also become remarkably good at finding new things for people to worry about first. Your sleep. Your gut. Your cortisol. Your glucose. Your hormones. Your biological age. Your morning routine. There is always another thing that could apparently be improved and, quite conveniently, often another product available to improve it. So I’ve started coming back to a much simpler question, including when I think about [**REFIX**](https://altervhealth.com/products/refix-natural-sleep-aid-for-gut-health?srsltid=AU7gw4WdC2Kwwum4jsfA8ULyu1XwkHchO3LtzueV8p-ocbjemvUu8rYl&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk): ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **Does this actually make life easier?** Because if something genuinely helps you, brilliant. If your watch encourages you to walk more, wear it. If running improves your mood, run. If learning about nutrition changes the way you eat for the better, keep learning. The research on self-tracking itself is not anti-technology. There are real benefits to monitoring our behaviour.\[2\] The problem begins when the tool stops working for us and we start working for the tool. When breakfast becomes admin. When sleep becomes a score. When a walk doesn’t count unless the watch counted it. When looking after ourselves begins to feel like another unpaid job. ## **Maybe we need to get a little worse at wellness** There are signs that this feeling is spreading. The Global Wellness Summit identified an **“over-optimization backlash”** as one of its major wellness trends for 2026, describing a move away from constant measurement, performance and self-surveillance and towards a more human idea of wellbeing.\[5\] I like that. Not because I think we should throw everything away and decide health doesn’t matter. Quite the opposite. Maybe we just need to put all this information back in its proper place. Your sleep score can be useful without becoming a judgement on your day. A run can improve your fitness without needing to appear on Strava. You can eat something because it tastes good without first asking what it does to your blood glucose. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/09/Your-body-isn---t-a-spreadsheet-1.png) And every now and then, perhaps we need an hour where absolutely nothing is being improved. Go for a walk without recording it. Have dinner with somebody. Listen to an album without simultaneously answering emails. Sit outside. Play with your children. Waste a bit of time. We’ve become so used to optimisation that unproductive time can start to feel like wasted time. But think about the things that actually make a life worth having. Friendship is inefficient. Children are spectacularly inefficient. Falling in love is inefficient. Sitting around a table talking until midnight is inefficient. Making music is inefficient. Making art is inefficient. Getting completely lost on a walk is very inefficient. None of these things performs particularly well on a dashboard. But they might be the whole reason we are trying to stay healthy in the first place. ## **Your body isn’t a spreadsheet** I don’t want to go backwards. I like that we understand more about sleep. I like that people are talking about gut health. I like that technology can show us things about ourselves that we might otherwise miss. I built [**REFIX**](https://altervhealth.com/products/refix-natural-sleep-aid-for-gut-health?srsltid=AU7gw4WdC2Kwwum4jsfA8ULyu1XwkHchO3LtzueV8p-ocbjemvUu8rYl&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) because I believe that taking care of ourselves can make a real difference. But I also don’t want wellness to become another version of work. [**REFIX**](https://altervhealth.com/products/refix-natural-sleep-aid-for-gut-health?srsltid=AU7gw4WdC2Kwwum4jsfA8ULyu1XwkHchO3LtzueV8p-ocbjemvUu8rYl&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)was never meant to be one more demand on somebody’s evening or another thing they have to perform correctly. The point was to bring several things I had been researching into one simple ritual, then get out of the way. Take it. Put the phone down. Go to bed. That, increasingly, is what I think good wellness should feel like. Something that quietly supports the life you are already living rather than asking you to build your entire life around being healthy. So eat well most of the time. Move your body. Get outside. Try to sleep. Look after your gut and look after your head. Then leave some room for being human. Stay up too late because the conversation got good. Eat the cake without checking the ingredients. Miss the workout. Lose the streak. Forget your step count. Spend an afternoon achieving absolutely nothing. Your body isn’t a spreadsheet. And maybe the healthiest life isn’t the one with the best numbers. **Maybe it’s the one you actually had time to enjoy.** --- ### **References** 1. Baron KG, Abbott S, Jao N, Manalo N, Mullen R. Orthosomnia: are some patients taking the quantified self too far? J Clin Sleep Med. 2017;13(2):351-354\. doi:10.5664/jcsm.6472. 2. Feng S, Mäntymäki M, Dhir A, Salmela H. How self-tracking and the quantified self promote health and well-being: systematic review. J Med Internet Res. 2021;23(9):e25171\. doi:10.2196/25171. 3. Bonfanti RC, Melchiori F, Teti A, Albano G, Raffard S, Rodgers R, et al. The association between social comparison in social media, body image concerns and eating disorder symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Body Image. 2025;52:101841\. doi:10.1016/j.bodyim.2024.101841. 4. Prichard I, Kavanagh E, Mulgrew KE, Lim MSC, Tiggemann M. The effect of Instagram #fitspiration images on young women’s mood, body image, and exercise behaviour. Body Image. 2020;33:1-6\. doi:10.1016/j.bodyim.2020.02.002. 5. Global Wellness Summit. The Future of Wellness: 2026 Trends. Miami (FL): Global Wellness Summit; 2026. ### Mushroom Foraging Without the Fear: A Beginner’s Guide to Britain’s Wildest Autumn Harvest URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/mushroom-foraging-without-the-fear-a-beginners-guide-to-britains-wildest-autumn-harvest/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:11.000Z Mushroom foraging can look incredibly complicated when you open a guidebook and see page after page of different fungi. But you don’t need to know everything to get started. Think of it as learning a language – learn a few words first, get comfortable with them and gradually build your vocabulary. The biggest mistake is rushing to identify and eat something simply because it looks like a mushroom you recognise. Good foraging is about developing familiarity, not finding a quick answer. For anyone keen to give mushroom foraging a go this autumn, I recommend starting with a small number of species that are distinctive, relatively common and useful in the kitchen. ### **Jelly Ear – The Easy Starter** One of the more approachable fungi for beginners and is particularly associated with dead or dying elder trees. Its distinctive, rubbery texture and ear-like appearance make it an interesting introduction to wild mushrooms. It is often found after periods of wet weather, when its translucent brown fruiting bodies become swollen and easy to spot. In the kitchen, its slightly crunchy texture works particularly well in stir-fries, soups and broths, where it readily takes on the flavours around it. ### **Chicken of the Woods – The Showstopper** Bright yellow and orange shelves growing from tree trunks, chicken of the woods is hard to miss. It is particularly associated with broadleaf trees and can produce substantial quantities when conditions are right. It’s probably one of the mushrooms that gets people most excited because you can spot it from quite a distance, but don’t let the confidence of finding something distinctive turn into overconfidence. You still need to make absolutely certain of what you have before eating it. Young, tender pieces are particularly good torn into strips and pan-fried with butter, garlic and herbs, or used as a meaty addition to pasta, curries and tacos. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/09/Chicken-Of-The-Woods.jpeg) ****Chicken of the Woods** ### **Porcini and Boletes – The Gourmet Goal** Also known as penny buns, Porcini are among Britain’s most sought-after edible mushrooms and belong to the bolete family. Boletes are a useful group to learn because their pores, rather than gills, provide an important identifying feature. But, don’t assume that because something looks like a porcini it is one, learn the characteristics of the whole mushroom – including what’s underneath the cap, the stem, where it is growing and what trees are around it. Porcini are delicious simply sliced and fried in butter with garlic and parsley, while dried specimens can add a rich, earthy depth to risottos, sauces and gravies. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/09/Porcini.jpeg) ****Porcini** ### **Shaggy Inkcap – Eat It Fresh** Another distinctive mushroom that can be found in grassland, woodland edges and other habitats. Its tall, white, shaggy caps make it relatively easy to recognise when young. The catch? They don’t hang around. Once mature, the cap begins to dissolve into a characteristic black, inky liquid, meaning this is a mushroom for the kitchen rather than one to collect and leave sitting in a basket all day. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. Young specimens are best cooked promptly and simply – try frying them in butter with garlic and black pepper while the caps are still firm and white. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/09/Shaggy-Inkcaps.jpeg) ****Shaggy Inkcap** ### **Five Rules for New Mushroom Foragers** **1\. Learn a handful, not hundreds** Forget trying to memorise every mushroom in Britain. Pick a few beginner-friendly species and become genuinely familiar with them before moving on. **2\. Look at the whole mushroom** Don’t rely on colour or shape alone. Examine the cap, stem, gills or pores, size, texture, habitat and what the mushroom is growing on or near. **3\. Learn where they grow** Knowing the habitat can be just as useful as knowing what the mushroom looks like. Some species have strong relationships with particular trees or types of woodland. **4\. Don’t outsource identification** Apps, social media groups and online photographs can be useful learning tools, but they should never replace proper identification. **5\. When in doubt, leave it out** This is the golden rule of mushroom foraging. If you cannot be completely confident of your identification, don’t eat it. Foraging should also always be carried out responsibly, legally and with permission where required. Take only what you need, avoid damaging the woodland floor or surrounding habitat and leave plenty behind for wildlife and the fungi to continue reproducing. Learn first, pick second and eat last. If you get those three things in the right order, mushroom foraging can become one of the most rewarding ways to experience a woodland. --- ***Founded with a mission to make woodland ownership accessible and enjoyable,*** [***Woodlands.co.uk***](https://www.woodlands.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ***offers private woodlands for sale across the UK. The company provides resources and guidance for new owners to explore creative ways of managing their woodlands for personal and community benefit. Whether for conservation, leisure, or environmental education, Woodlands.co.uk empowers individuals to steward and protect their woodlands for generations to come.*** ### Meet the Natural Beauty Awards winners - Arella URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/meet-the-natural-beauty-awards-winners-arella/ Last updated: 2026-09-17T11:00:45.000Z **Founded in 2023 by nutritionist and certified life coach *Laura Capewell*, the brand combines carefully selected plant-based ingredients with credible science, creating products that fit naturally into daily life. The growing range supports people through changing life stages, from teenage and adult skin concerns to menopause, healthy ageing and whole-body wellbeing. Supplements are vegan and cruelty-free, with ethical production and sustainability central to the brand’s approach.** ### **What is your morning beauty routine?** My morning beauty routine is quite simple and starts from within. I always drink a large glass of water before my morning coffee to rehydrate after sleep, and take my Arella supplements. Then it is a straightforward skincare routine and, whenever possible, some fresh air. I am a great believer that small, consistent habits make the biggest difference. ### **What does the future hold for your company?** Arella continues to develop its portfolio around everyday needs and key life stages. Further launches are in the pipeline, extending the brand into new areas of daily wellbeing while remaining rooted in plant-based ingredients, credible science and easy-to-use formats. I am incredibly proud that all three products have now been recognised in The Green Parent Natural Beauty Awards. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/09/Laura-Capewell-2025---@carinthakrarphotography--1-.jpg) ## ‘‘I wanted to develop an effective alternative to traditional marine and bovine collagen that supports the body’s own collagen production.” ***Laura Capewell** ## **3 things about Arella we should know** 1. I created Arella Collagen following my own experience of living with Crohn’s disease. My journey back to health gave me a deep appreciation of the importance of nourishing the body from within. Having also followed a plant-based lifestyle for many years, I wanted to develop an effective alternative to traditional marine and bovine collagen that supports the body’s own collagen production. 2. Arella Pause was developed after I was plunged into early menopause following an unexpected hysterectomy. The experience drove me to create the kind of straightforward, effective and plant-based support that I couldn’t find at the time. 3. Arella Skin began with my four daughters, who have all experienced skin concerns at different ages. I became increasingly interested in the connection between skin, hormones and gut health, and created an easy-to-take gummy for teenagers and adults navigating everything from breakouts and hormonal fluctuations to changes in the skin during midlife. --- Find[**Arella's**](https://arella-beauty.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) winning products in **The Green Parent Natural Beauty Bible 2026** [**here**](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/the-green-parent-natural-beauty-award-winners-2026/). ### Celebrate Organic September URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/organic-september/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:11.000Z ### **What does “eating organic” mean to you and your family, and why is it important to you?** I’ve eaten organic and plant-based food all my life, so for me, organic has never been a trend. I often say, “organic is not a lifestyle choice, it is life.” It’s about the soil our food is grown in, the people who produce it, the environment around us and ultimately the food we put on our table. Now that I have my own family, I want my children to grow up understanding that connection too. ### **Have you always eaten organic and why?** Yes, organic and plant-based food have always been part of my life. For me, it’s about understanding where our food comes from and respecting how it is grown, rather than following a particular trend or way of eating. ### **For families who feel that eating organic is too expensive, what are your top tips for making it more affordable?** Don’t feel you need to change everything overnight. Start with the everyday foods your family already eats. Cooking oil is a great example. Choosing a good-quality organic oil is a great simple swap. Rice, noodles, oats and pasta are other easy places to start. When your usual pack runs out, replace it with an organic one. > "I tend to focus on the foods we use week in, week out. Rather than buying lots of unfamiliar ingredients simply because they’re organic" ### **Are there certain foods you always try to buy organic?** I tend to focus on the foods we use week in, week out. Rather than buying lots of unfamiliar ingredients simply because they’re organic, I think it makes more sense to make small swaps to the staples you already eat. ### **How do you make organic eating practical for busy family life?** For me, it’s about keeping things simple. I plan meals around everyday ingredients and make the most of what we already have. As the weather gets cooler, noodles with seasonal vegetables, tofu and a simple miso broth make an easy family dinner. Miso is also incredibly versatile. I use it in soups, sauces, dressings and marinades. ### **What are some simple organic swaps families can make this Organic September?** Choose one or two things your family uses all the time and try swapping them for organic. Rice is an easy one. Our new Organic Thai Hom Mali Rice is traditionally grown in Thailand, rainfed and produces just one harvest a year. It’s a lovely reminder that there’s a story behind everyday ingredients. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **How do you encourage children or other family members to get involved?** I try to make good ingredients part of the same meals we all enjoy, rather than creating a separate ‘healthy’ meal for the children. Nori is particularly easy. We slice it into strips and leave it on the table so everyone can add their own to rice or noodles. ### **What is one of your favourite easy organic meals or snacks?** Silken tofu is a favourite because it’s so versatile. I use it in everything from pasta sauces and smoothies to chocolate or strawberry mousse. For a simple dinner, noodles, seasonal vegetables, tofu and miso make a quick, comforting family meal. ### **What advice would you give families who don’t know where to start?** Start with what you already eat. Make one or two organic swaps and take an interest in where those ingredients come from. Small changes are much easier to maintain than trying to completely change the way you eat. ### **If readers could take away just one tip about eating organic as a family, what would you want it to be?** Don’t aim for perfection. Think about variety and make small, everyday swaps that work for your family. The changes that become lasting habits are ultimately the most meaningful. --- ***Find the full range at*** [***www.clearspring.co.uk***](https://www.clearspring.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### Eco-Schools programme making a real difference as schools across the country take action for a cleaner, greener future URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/eco-schools-programme-making-a-real-difference-as-schools-across-the-country-take-action-for-a-cleaner-greener-future/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:11.000Z Schools and nurseries across the country are showing that small changes really can add up to a big difference, with a million square metres of natural habitats created or maintained as part of the Eco-Schools programme. The latest Eco-Schools Impact Report, published today by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, celebrates incredible work taking place in schools and nurseries through the programme, with **116,404** young people now members of an Eco-Committee (Eco-Schools) or Eco-Club (Eco-Schools: Early Years). It shows **3.8 million** kwh of electricity and **4.8 million** kwh of gas were saved year on year – demonstrating the scale of the change being made by pupils, teachers and whole school communities. From cutting waste and creating wildlife-friendly spaces to saving energy and encouraging sustainable travel, Eco-Schools are putting environmental action at the heart of everyday school life, with 1.3 million young people now attending a setting delivering Eco-Schools or Eco-Schools Early Years last year, and **£763k** raised for charity. The Department for Education has set out an ambitious vision for England’s school estate, recognising the important role schools can play in creating healthier, more sustainable places for children and young people to learn, at a time when the impacts of climate change are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. The past few years have brought some of the most challenging weather conditions on record, from extreme temperatures and water shortages to an increasing risk of wildfires. For schools and nurseries, these changes are not a distant concern – they are already affecting the environments in which children learn and play. But through the Eco-Schools programme, thousands of young people are taking practical action to make their schools more sustainable, from reducing waste and saving water and energy to creating wildlife-friendly spaces and helping their communities understand the importance of tackling climate change. The report highlights how **42,000 trees** were planted and more than 10,000 walk or wheel to school events were delivered as a result of Eco-Schools activities, with **110,000** young people participating in a litter-pick. These actions demonstrate that creating a more sustainable school estate is not simply about buildings and infrastructure. It is also about empowering the next generation with the knowledge, skills and confidence to make a difference and giving them a meaningful role in shaping a healthier, more resilient future. The latest findings show that **227.4k** people participated in Biodiversity themed activities, while **17.4k** energy-saving devices were installed, showing just how much can be achieved when young people are given the opportunity to take the lead. National Manager for Eco-Schools, Adam Flint, said: “We know that our schools are incredibly powerful places for change. When young people are given the opportunity to get involved, they don't just learn about sustainability – they become part of the solution. “We’re thrilled at the strong results shown in our impact report as it doesn’t just reflect our own work, it is testament to the ongoing work of pupils and teachers striving to make a difference for the good of the planet and achieve an Eco-Schools Green Flag. > **"Their actions may start in the classroom, but their impact can reach far beyond it.”** The programme is also helping young people feel more confident about making a difference, with 1.5k young people given the opportunity to observe or record wildlife. For Keep Britain Tidy, this is at the heart of what Eco-Schools is all about: helping young people understand the world around them, giving them a voice and supporting them to turn good ideas into action. The report highlights how the positive influence of Eco-Schools extends into communities – 85% of educators felt that Eco-Schools benefited their local community, and **176k** people engaged in Global Citizenship themed activities. Behind every statistic is a school community taking action – pupils coming up with ideas, teachers helping turn those ideas into reality, and whole school communities working together for a cleaner, greener future. Whether it is switching off lights, reducing single-use items, planting for pollinators or encouraging more sustainable journeys to school, pupils are taking what they learn at school and sharing it with those around them – in fact last year **40.8k** m3 of water were saved. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. Keep Britain Tidy’s Chief Executive, Allison Ogden-Newton OBE said: “Equipping young people with the skills and confidence to address climate change and biodiversity loss has never been more important. Eco-Schools empowers young people to believe they can make a difference and take action. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/09/webversion-1-1.jpeg) Eco-Schools biodiversity activities "The programme’s impact is remarkable. Perhaps its greatest achievement is helping young people develop the tools they will need for the future – 99% of educators said Eco-Schools helped pupils develop Green Skills. As communities, industries, and workplaces adapt to a changing climate, Green Skills will become increasingly important across every sector." 2025/26 was an incredible year for the programme with 94,738 external collaborators involved in Eco-Schools work, 26,671 adults on an eco-committee. The report shows 98% of educators felt that Eco-Schools increased environmental awareness, and 71% agreed that taking part in the programme has reduced eco-anxiety in pupils. The report comes a year after the charity launching Eco-Schools for Nurseries, aimed at early years settings. There are approximately 21,600 nurseries in England but until now there have not been any national environmental education programmes designed specifically for them. 96% of nursery practitioners felt that delivering Eco-Schools: Early Years contributed to children's personal, social, and emotional development, and 96% felt that delivering EcoSchools: Early Years increased understanding of climate change and sustainability in their setting. Register your school today and be ready to start your Eco-Schools journey in September. Or watch the video on the Eco-Schools England website to find out more. Schools can sign up at: [**members.eco-schools.org.uk/sign-up**](https://members.eco-schools.org.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) --- Keep Britain Tidy is a leading environmental charity. Setting the standard for the management of parks and beaches, inspire people to be litter-free, to waste less and live more sustainably. They run campaigns and programmes including the Great British Spring Clean, Eco-Schools, Love Parks Week, Buy Nothing New Month, Eco-Schools, the Green Flag Award for parks and green spaces, the Blue Flag/ Seaside Awards for beaches and blue spaces, and the Green Key for sustainable tourism and hospitality. To find out more about Keep Britain Tidy, their campaigns and programmes visit [**www.keepbritaintidy.org**](https://www.keepbritaintidy.org/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). Eco-Schools is the nation’s leading environmental schools programme. Over 50% of the schools in the country have been engaged and active on the programme in the last 5 years, with 90% engaging since the programme’s inception in 1994\. In 2022/23, 1.4m pupils attended a school involved in our programme.[**eco-schools.org.uk**](https://www.eco-schools.org.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). Eco-Schools is the most successful environmental education programme on the planet, and has already accredited more than 13,000 educational settings, accounting for more than a fifth of all Eco-Schools globally. It equips teachers to educate their pupils about environmental issues, empowers young people to take action, and provides them an opportunity to play a pivotal role in reducing the environmental impact of their school. The annual seven-step framework covers up to ten environmental topics and empowers young people to learn about environmental issues, take action, and gives them the opportunity to play a pivotal role in reducing their school’s impact on the Earth, while developing a sense of responsibility and cultivating a sustainable mindset that they can take with them throughout their lives. Eco-Schools also supports education settings through other projects including: • Count Your Carbon – the nation’s first free, full scope carbon emissions calculator, built for, and in collaboration with, schools, nurseries and colleges. • Cut Your Carbon – our annual, national campaign, delivered each November, which challenges pupils to take positive action at home with their friends and families to cut carbon emissions. ### Mothers Rise Up URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/mothers-rise-up/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:12.000Z Mothers, children and babies from Mothers Rise Up gathered outside 10 Downing Street onon Tuesday 1 September, bringing a giant melting-planet ice cream to highlight the growing threat extreme heat poses to children and demand urgent government action. The action follows a summer of exceptional heat. June 2026 was England’s hottest June in records dating back to 1884, while this became the first year on record in which the UK reached temperatures of at least 35°C in May, June and July. \[1\] [**Over 30,000 people have signed Mothers Rise Up’s open letter to the Prime Minister**](https://www.change.org/p/andy-burnham-protect-our-kids-from-deadly-heatwave-temperatures?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), amid growing concern from mothers about the effects of increasingly extreme temperatures on children. It calls on the Prime Minister to: - urgently adapt homes, schools and other public infrastructure for increasing heat; - invest in clean, affordable renewable energy; and - oppose new North Sea oil and gas drilling, including the Rosebank oil field. The UK Health Security Agency identifies babies and children under five among those at highest risk during hot weather. \[2\] Mothers Rise Up says families need urgent action to make the places children live, learn and receive care safer as temperatures rise. **Joanna Groves, 31, mother of two, says:** *“My four-year-old daughter developed heat exhaustion after nursery and became so unwell that an ambulance was sent. Our home was also dangerously hot, and we went into debt buying an air conditioner just to make one room safe enough to sleep in.”* **Dr. Lorna Powell, co-director of Mothers Rise Up, says:** *“As both a doctor and a mother, I’ve seen how much children are suffering in extreme heat. We need decisive government action now to adapt homes, schools and hospitals alongside an urgent transition towards clean renewable energy and away from the fossil fuels that drive extreme heat.”* The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has concluded that human-caused greenhouse gas emissions are unequivocally driving global warming. \[3\] Mothers Rise Up says protecting children means acting on both sides of the crisis: adapting homes, schools and public services to hotter temperatures now, while accelerating the transition to clean energy and away from further fossil fuel expansion, including the Rosebank and Jackdaw oil and gas fields. ***Mothers Rise Up is a UK-based network of mothers, children and supporters using love, humour and creativity to campaign for a safe and sustainable future for all children.*** ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### Sources **Open letter:** [**https://www.change.org/p/andy-burnham-protect-our-kids-from-deadly-heatwave-temperatures**](https://www.change.org/p/andy-burnham-protect-our-kids-from-deadly-heatwave-temperatures?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **\[1\] Met Office (2026), “Heatwave continues as UK records unprecedented run of 35°C days”, 10 July 2026\.** [**https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/about-us/news-and-media/media-centre/weather-and-climate-news/2026/heatwave-continues-as-uk-records-unprecedented-run-of-35c-days**](https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/about-us/news-and-media/media-centre/weather-and-climate-news/2026/heatwave-continues-as-uk-records-unprecedented-run-of-35c-days?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **\[2\] UK Health Security Agency (2024), “Supporting vulnerable people before and during hot weather: healthcare professionals”.** [**https://www.gov.uk/guidance/supporting-vulnerable-people-before-and-during-hot-weather-healthcare-professionals**](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/supporting-vulnerable-people-before-and-during-hot-weather-healthcare-professionals?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **\[3\] Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (2023), *Climate Change 2023: Synthesis Report — Summary for Policymakers*.** [**https://www.ipcc.ch/site/assets/uploads/2023/03/Doc4\_Approved\_AR6\_SYR\_SPM.pdf**](https://www.ipcc.ch/site/assets/uploads/2023/03/Doc4%5FApproved%5FAR6%5FSYR%5FSPM.pdf?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### Good Life Tasters offer introduction to small-holding URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/good-life-tasters-offer-introduction-to-small-holding/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:12.000Z **Good Life Tasters** provide those considering such a ‘Tom and Barbara’ move with a try-it-first opportunity on a 25-acre holding that keeps hens, grows much of its own fruit and vegetables and produces its own firewood, while managing the land for nature. This is alongside growing hay for a nearby horse-training school. Orchid Meadows near Tregaron is offering both residential and day-visit introductions to living and working on the land, running through the autumn and winter. During the **Good Life Tasters**, topics explored will include self-sufficiency, conservation work, wildlife protection, meadow management, no-dig vegetable production, apple tree pruning, woodland management, firewood production, hen-care and more. And participants can gain practical skills by helping out with a hands-on task. The following tasks are on offer: - Sphagnum bog management. Available September - Hawthorn jelly making. Available September - Apple juicing. Available October - No-dig vegetable bed maintenance – manuring and preparing for winter. Available November or December - Planting for tall trees. Available January - Living willow sculpture work. Available February - Willow pollarding and woodland management. Available February - The art and science of firewood production. Available March - Devil’s bit scabious potting-up and turf-seeding for a marsh fritillary reintroduction programme. Available March Site owner Stephen Hounsham said: “There are so many different things happening on a small-holding – some more glamorous, others more hard graft and some rather mucky – but together they reward you with an unbeatable lifestyle where it feels you’re in your own little world. We’re offering people the chance to see if it might be a world they’d be happy in.” The first day begins with a detailed guided discovery tour of Orchid Meadows. After a shared vegetarian lunch of Orchid Meadows and other local produce, a small-holding task will be undertaken at a relaxed pace and with full instruction. The following day the task is completed followed by the chance to revisit any parts of the small-holding operation people may be particularly interested in. Participants can stay onsite or visit during the daytime only. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/09/Speckled-hen.JPG) ## “There are so many different things happening on a small-holding – some more glamorous, others more hard graft and some rather mucky” A residential **Good Life Taster** costs £105 per person, which includes two nights’ accommodation, breakfast and lunch on two days, plus a jar of Orchid Meadows chutney, jam or hedgerow jelly to take home. A daytime visit alternative costs £45, including lunch and a jar of preserve. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. Anyone interested can find out more at[**www.orchidmeadows.co.uk/taste-the-good-life**](https://www.orchidmeadows.co.uk/taste-the-good-life?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)or by contacting Orchid Meadows at[**hello@orchidmeadows.co.uk**](mailto:hello@orchidmeadows.co.uk) ***Orchid Meadows is a small-holding, nature reserve and glamping site near Tregaron in West Wales. It is run by husband and wife team Stephen Hounsham and Lynn Thornborrow and their three cats.*** For more information, visit[**www.orchidmeadows.co.uk**](http://www.orchidmeadows.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)or call 01974 209220. ### Back to School – But not for all: Why more parents are looking beyond the classroom URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/back-to-school-but-not-for-all-why-more-parents-are-looking-beyond-the-classroom/ Last updated: 2026-09-02T18:30:25.000Z Thousands of families across the UK are turning their backs on ‘normal’ schools with 126,000 children now being electively home educated in England – up from 111,700 just a year earlier. For Lisa Bradford, Lead Instructor and Managing Director of[**Willow Bushcraft CIC**](https://www.willowbushcraft.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), there is an important distinction that can easily be overlooked: “We shouldn't confuse a child struggling in a particular environment with a child who is struggling to learn,” she says. “Sometimes the ability is there, but the environment isn't allowing them to show it.” Some children, particularly those with additional needs, the noise, movement, social pressures and sensory stimulation of a busy school can make learning incredibly difficult. A child who appears disruptive, disengaged or unwilling to learn may simply be overwhelmed by the environment around them. _This post is for subscribers only._ ### When autumn still feels like summer: preparing for a September baby URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/when-autumn-still-feels-like-summer-preparing-for-a-september-baby/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:12.000Z September has long been Britain’s baby boom month, with more babies born in September than any other month, according to analysis by the Office for National Statistics. For parents expecting a September arrival, that traditionally means preparing for the start of autumn – cosy sleepsuits, extra layers and cooler nights. But as UK summers get hotter, the way families prepare for a September baby may be changing too.[**Pramworld**](https://tx.bz-mail-us1.com/1/l/ca16756c78254a4f81d2436e5e7fa215?rl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pramworld.co.uk%2F&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), one of the UK’s leading nursery retailers, is advising families to think beyond the season when preparing for their new arrival, particularly when it comes to clothing, sleep and getting out and about. The advice comes after a summer that has pushed the UK’s weather to extremes. **2026 is on course to be the UK’s warmest summer on record**, with the average UK temperature between 1 June and 10 August reaching 16.48°C – 1.88°C above the 1991–2020 average. England has been warmer still, with an average summer temperature of 18.19°C so far – 2.46°C above average. For families expecting a September baby, autumn may be on the calendar, but the weather could still feel very much like summer. And the heat may not be over just yet. While September could begin unsettled, the latest Met Office outlook says warmer and potentially hot spells remain possible later in the month, particularly across southern parts of the UK. For mums in their final trimester, that could mean spending the last weeks of pregnancy in temperatures more familiar to the height of summer – before bringing a newborn home into potentially warm September weather. So, is it time to rethink what it means to prepare for an ‘autumn baby’? For families expecting a September arrival, David Winstanley, Director at Pramworld, shares some practical considerations for those first few weeks – from what baby wears and where they sleep to getting out and about safely in warmer weather. ### **1\. Dress for the temperature, not the month** “September can still bring some surprisingly warm days, so it’s worth having lightweight, breathable clothes to hand rather than putting away your summer essentials as soon as autumn arrives. At the same time, the weather can turn quickly, so having a few warmer layers means you’re covered either way. The key is to dress baby for the temperature outside, rather than the season on the calendar.” ### **2\. Don’t assume September nights will be cool** “It’s easy to assume that once September arrives, the evenings will automatically be cooler, but after a hot summer, homes can stay warm well into the night. A room thermometer is a useful way to know the temperature rather than guessing, so you can adjust baby’s clothing and bedding accordingly. The Lullaby Trust recommends keeping the room where a baby sleeps between 16°C and 20°C, so it’s worth keeping an eye on this even as we head into autumn.” ### **3\. Think about shade as well as warmth when you’re out** “When you’re out with a newborn on a warm day, keeping them shaded is important, but covering the pram with a blanket or muslin can trap heat and restrict airflow. A proper sunshade or parasol is a much safer option, as it keeps baby shaded while allowing air to circulate and lets you keep an eye on them. It’s also worth regularly checking the back of their neck or chest to make sure they’re not getting too warm.” The Lullaby Trust advises against covering prams, buggies and travel systems with blankets, muslins or other coverings, as these can restrict airflow and increase the risk of overheating. It recommends using a suitable sunshade or parasol and keeping babies out of direct sunlight as much as possible. ### **4\. Remember that cars heat up quickly** “If you’re travelling with a newborn in warm weather, remember that cars can heat up quickly, even when it doesn’t feel particularly hot outside. For longer journeys, build in regular breaks to check on baby and take them out of their car seat for a stretch. And once you reach your destination, if they’ve fallen asleep, move them onto a firm, flat surface rather than leaving them in the car seat.” The Lullaby Trust advises taking regular breaks during longer journeys to check on baby and take them out of their car seat. Car seats are designed for travelling, rather than as a main sleeping place. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **5\. Keep safer sleep advice the same, whatever the weather** “September weather can be unpredictable, but the basic safer sleep advice stays the same, whatever the temperature. There’s no need to add extra blankets or padding to a cot to make it cosier – a firm, flat mattress is safest. If it’s warm, focus on keeping the room cool and dressing baby appropriately for the temperature, while keeping the sleep space clear and following the same safer sleep routine.” The Lullaby Trust recommends placing babies on their back, on a firm, flat mattress, for every sleep, including when away from home. ## **Is the ‘autumn baby’ checklist changing?** September may mark the beginning of autumn on the calendar, but the weather doesn’t always agree. With September remaining the UK’s most popular month for births, this year’s baby boom could be arriving into anything from late-summer sunshine to more traditional autumn weather. For parents, that doesn’t mean abandoning the autumn essentials. It simply means being prepared for both – because when it comes to a September baby, the calendar doesn’t necessarily tell you what the weather will bring. ### **ENDS** ### **Sources** - [**Office for National Statistics – Birth characteristics in England and Wales**](https://tx.bz-mail-us1.com/1/l/41bf9f9ab1074081ace4821b392624e4?rl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ons.gov.uk%2Fpeoplepopulationandcommunity%2Fbirthsdeathsandmarriages%2Flivebirths%2Fbulletins%2Fbirthcharacteristicsinenglandandwales%2F2022%3Futm%5Fsource%3Dchatgpt.com&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)— September is identified as the most popular month for births, based on average daily live births in England and Wales from 2012 to 2022. - [**Office for National Statistics – How popular is your birthday?**](https://tx.bz-mail-us1.com/1/l/422df7894f2e49c587fdd235b77e6abe?rl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ons.gov.uk%2Fpeoplepopulationandcommunity%2Fbirthsdeathsandmarriages%2Flivebirths%2Farticles%2Fhowpopularisyourbirthday%2F2015-12-18%3Futm%5Fsource%3Dchatgpt.com&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)— ONS analysis showing the peak in births in late September and its relationship with conception around Christmas. - [**Met Office – Warmest UK summer on record “increasingly likely”**](https://tx.bz-mail-us1.com/1/l/4ac694f3e15a4b9a809b0615713d8f47?rl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.metoffice.gov.uk%2Fblog%2F2026%2Fwarmest-uk-summer-on-record-increasingly-likely-as-temperatures-stay-well-above-average%3Futm%5Fsource%3Dchatgpt.com&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)— supports the 16.48°C UK mean temperature, +1.88°C above the 1991–2020 average, and England’s 18.19°C mean temperature, +2.46°C above average, between 1 June and 10 August 2026\. It also states that 2026 was increasingly likely to become the UK’s warmest summer on record at the time of publication. - BBC News – UK drought: 71.3% of England declared in drought — supports the 71.3% drought figure and the context around exceptionally dry conditions. - [**The Lullaby Trust – Safer sleep on holiday**](https://tx.bz-mail-us1.com/1/l/d7b3bdfa54ba45878f19b4da3566d7e1?rl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lullabytrust.org.uk%2Fbaby-safety%2Ftravel-and-weather%2Fsafer-sleep-on-holiday%2F%3Futm%5Fsource%3Dchatgpt.com&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)— guidance supporting the safer-sleep advice around room temperature, keeping babies appropriately dressed, firm and flat sleep surfaces, avoiding extra bedding, checking baby’s temperature and car-seat use. ### 13 Things To Do With Your Family in September URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/13-things-to-do-with-your-family-in-september/ Last updated: 2026-08-31T11:33:50.000Z ## Shifting Sands September is a great time to visit the beach. There’s still a bit of sun (particularly this year), but the crowds have gone. Make the most of low autumnal tides and vast expanses of sand; take kites to fly, go rock pooling and try creating some beachy sand art. Tiny children can use soft biscuit cutters to create patterns in damp sand, or help create a sandcastle that will see off the fiercest of enemies; English Heritage have some great tips[**here**](https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/inspire-me/blog/blog-posts/how-to-build-the-perfect-sandcastle/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). Older children and teens might even attempt some more complex sand sculpting; be inspired by this[**incredible octopus**](https://www.bgsandsculptures.com/sand-sculpting-101?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)! ## Bayeux Watch The Bayeux Tapestry is finally on view in the UK this month. Have you got tickets? Not to worry if not, it's easy to create your own as a family with a long roll of paper and paint, pens or pencils. Be inspired by the original, or create a long artwork commemorating an historical event of your choice. Or perhaps you'll be inspired by something closer to home; your family tree, a school class or a depiction of your home city, town or village. No paper or space? Try Berkhamsted Castle's[**digital make-your-own Bayeux Tapestry**](https://www.berkhamstedcastle.org.uk/bayeux/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk#!/). _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Beat the Back-to-School Bugs: Five Simple Ways to Support Your Family's Immunity Now URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/beat-the-back-to-school-bugs-five-simple-ways-to-support-your-familys-immunity-now/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:12.000Z We all know the wave of bugs and unsettled health that often arrives each September, as children return to school. Mixing with friends and classmates again doesn't just affect the kids either. Those bugs tend to travel home too, moving through the wider family and into workplaces along the way. We often write these off as inevitable "back-to-school bugs," but according to nutritionist Kim Plaza, there is a lot you can do to support your body's immunity now, in August, with a few simple changes at home. [**Kim Plaza MSc, BSc (Hons), MBANT, rCNHC**](https://www.bio-kult.com/health-hub/author/plazak/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), Senior Nutritionist and Education Advisor at[**Bio-Kult**](https://www.bio-kult.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), explains: "The gut microbiome plays an important role in supporting our immune function, so looking after our gut health is one way we can help support the body as we head towards the back-to-school period. Taking a proactive approach, rather than waiting until the bugs are already circulating, can help support the body ahead of this change. Live bacteria are best taken consistently to support immune function, while many fibre-rich foods help nourish the beneficial microbes in our gut. "Back to school also coincides with the seasonal shift towards autumn, when bugs and viruses resurface, different meals are introduced back into our diet, and we typically spend less time outdoors or in daylight. Starting to make small changes now can help adults and children ease back into healthier routines before September arrives, and then autumn." Kim shares five simple ways the whole family can start supporting their immunity now. ### **1\. Make fibre-rich swaps to lunchboxes, and to your own work snacks** "Many fibre-rich foods help nourish the beneficial microbes in our gut \[1\], so start thinking now about simple swaps you can make when preparing lunchboxes and snacks. Wholegrains, whole fruits, vegetable sticks, nuts and seeds can all help increase fibre intake, and don't have to mean lots of extra preparation. "Refined carbohydrates may lead to rapid fluctuations in blood sugar levels, which may contribute to energy dips, increased hunger and cravings \[2\]. When routines get busy, it can be tempting to reach for more processed convenience foods, so having easy, fibre-rich snacks on hand can help keep energy levels steady for both adults and children." ### **2\. Don't overlook the "nervous tummy," for children or parents** "A new school year can naturally bring nerves for children, while parents may also be dealing with the stress of changing routines, childcare and getting everyone out of the door on time. Digestive health is worth paying attention to during periods of stress or anxiety. The digestive system and brain communicate through what's known as the gut-brain axis, influencing not only gut health but also mood and how we cope with stress. If back-to-school nerves start to creep in, try taking a few slow, deep breaths to help activate the vagus nerve and encourage a sense of calm. This can be just as beneficial for children as it is for adults. "Ongoing stress may dampen immune function, so building stress resilience isn't just about finding a moment of calm. It may also help support healthy immune regulation \[3\]." ### **3\. Consider introducing live bacteria before September arrives** "You don't need to wait until the back-to-school bugs arrive to consider a live bacteria supplement. Taking live bacteria consistently may help support the gut microbiome and immune function, so introducing one now can be a proactive step before the change in season and routine \[4\]. "[**Bio-Kult Boosted**](https://www.bio-kult.com/p/boosted/13412728/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)contains 14 strains of live bacteria alongside vitamin B12, which contributes to the normal function of the immune system, making it an easy addition to a daily routine for adults and over-12s as September approaches. For younger children, there are age-appropriate options in the range too, such as[**Bio-Kult Infantis**](https://www.bio-kult.com/p/infantis/15291162/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)and Bio-Kult Everyday." ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **4\. Start shifting the family routine now** "Maintaining regular mealtimes and consistent eating patterns may help support digestion and daily routines, so try not to wait until the night before school starts to get everyone back into their usual rhythm \[5\]. During the second half of August, ease back into your term-time routine by gradually bringing wake-up times, bedtimes and mealtimes forward. Regular physical activity and sufficient sleep are important for immune function too, and making these changes gradually can help make the return to routine feel less abrupt for both children and adults \[6, 7\]." ### **5\. Add more colour to the family's plate before autumn** "Colourful fruits and vegetables provide polyphenols, antioxidant compounds that may help support gut health, while nutrients such as vitamin C contribute to the normal function of the immune system \[8, 9\]. "Make the most of seasonal fruits and vegetables, and aim for variety rather than relying on the same few options. Simple additions such as carrots, leeks, apples and pears can help increase the range of plant foods in the family's diet as we head towards autumn." --- **References** 1. Ayakdaş G, Ağagündüz D. Microbiota-accessible carbohydrates (MACs) as novel gut microbiome modulators in noncommunicable diseases. *Heliyon* 2023; 9: e19888. 2. Lennerz B, Lennerz JK. Food Addiction, High Glycemic Index Carbohydrates and Obesity. *Clin Chem* 2017; 64: 64. 3. Alotiby A. Immunology of Stress: A Review Article. *J Clin Med* 2024; 13\. DOI:10.3390/JCM13216394. 4. Mazziotta C, Tognon M, Martini F, Torreggiani E, Rotondo JC. Probiotics Mechanism of Action on Immune Cells and Beneficial Effects on Human Health. *Cells* 2023; 12: 184. 5. Paoli A, Tinsley G, Bianco A, Moro T. The Influence of Meal Frequency and Timing on Health in Humans: The Role of Fasting. *Nutrients* 2019; 11: 719. 6. Nieman DC, Wentz LM. The compelling link between physical activity and the body's defense system. *J Sport Health Sci* 2019; 8: 201-17. 7. Besedovsky L, Lange T, Haack M. The sleep-immune crosstalk in health and disease. *Physiol Rev* 2019; 99: 1325-80. 8. Wang X, Qi Y, Zheng H. Dietary Polyphenol, Gut Microbiota, and Health Benefits. *Antioxidants* 2022, Vol 11, Page 1212. 9. Nutrition and Health Claims: EU Register of nutrition and health claims made on foods (v.3.6). EFSA. https://ec.europa.eu/food/safety/labelling\_nutrition/claims/register/public/?event=search (accessed Oct 31, 2023). ### Britain’s best loved wildflowers revealed URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/britains-best-loved-wildflowers-revealed/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:12.000Z The Field Poppy (or Papaver Rhoeas) is the ‘red flag of the wildflower world’ and one of our most recognised wildflowers. “Field Poppies are bold, iconic and impossible to ignore,” says Max Mancroft, 28, founder of Seed Revolution, the seed company founded to drive a wildflower revolution. Max has encouraged a new and younger audience into gardening by deliberately making it less intimidating to get planting, even if the grower has just got a windowsill in a city centre flat to grow from. Seed Revolution’s newly published list of the UK’s top 10 native wildflower seeds, taken from his customer data, contains some of the best loved wildflowers as well as some lesser-known varieties. Max said: “Some of the proven favourites deliver natural impact, long-lasting blooms and easy success in gardens, pots and wilder spaces. “Together they are the UK native wildflowers that gardeners trust the most for colour, reliability and pollinator appeal.” ### **Seed Revolution’s Top 10 Wildflowers** 1. **Field Poppy** (Papaver Rhoeas - Poppies have always loved disturbed ground. That is why they appeared so dramatically on the churned up battlefields of France and Belgium after the First World War. Give them bare soil, sunshine, and a little breathing room, and they will do what poppies do best, arrive in a blaze of red and steal the show.) 2. **Yellow Rattle** (Rhinanthus Minor - Yellow Rattle, which gets its name from its dry seed heads, which rattle when shaken, is the wildflower meadow’s undercover agent. Small yellow flowers, papery seed pods, and a quiet little mission to weaken grass from the inside. Not flashy, not huge, but absolutely revolutionary.) 3. **Cornflower** (Centaurea Cyanus - Cornflower is electric blue rebellion in flower form. Sharp, elegant, impossible to miss, and far too good looking for something so easy to grow. Historically, cornflowers have had a strange and glamorous little career. They were worn by young men in love, used to ward off unwanted visitors, and found in the tomb of Tutankhamun, still holding their colour after 3,000 years. Scatter these seeds and bring a flash of ancient Egyptian drama, French remembrance, and full botanical swagger to your garden.) 4. **Sainfoin** (Onobrychis Viciifolia **–** When Sainfoin flowers, the bees do not stroll over. They descend. With rich pink flower spikes and old farmland glamour, Sainfoin has been grown for centuries as a forage plant, soil improver, and pollinator powerhouse. It is part of the pea family, which means it can help fix nitrogen in the soil. This is a plant for sunny, free draining spaces where you want beauty and function. The revolution will be pink, protein rich, and absolutely buzzing.) 5. **Oxeye Daisy** (Leucanthemum Vulgare **\-** The big, bold, beautiful face of the meadow. White petals, golden centre, and instant “he loves me, he loves me not” nostalgia, even if your romantic life is currently less meadow picnic and more unanswered WhatsApp. This is one of Britain’s most loved wildflowers for a reason. It is cheerful, tough, brilliant for pollinators, and looks good almost anywhere sunny. A proper meadow classic with thick stems, bright flowers, and no interest in being difficult.) 6. **Maiden’s Tears** (Silene Vulgaris **\-** Delicate white petals float above little inflated green pouches that look like they are hiding secrets, gossip, or possibly tiny woodland ghosts. It has long been linked with love, purity, and innocence. But do not let the delicate look fool you. This is a tough little wildflower with proper wild charm. It has also been eaten in parts of Italy and Spain, where the young shoots are used in risottos, omelettes, and other dishes. So yes, it looks like it belongs in a fairytale. It also might belong in dinner. Nature, as usual, refuses to stay in one lane.) 7. **Bluebell** (Hyacinthoides Non Scripta - Bluebells are woodland royalty. That soft violet blue haze under ancient trees, the sort of thing that makes people whisper, take photos, and suddenly believe in fairies again. In British folklore, bluebell woods were magical, dangerous, and not to be messed with. It was said that if you heard a bluebell ring, you might be spirited away by fairies. Dramatic? Yes. But stand in a bluebell wood in spring and tell us it does not feel at least slightly enchanted.) 8. **Wild Teasel** (Dipsacus Fullonum - Teasel is not a flower, it is a whole architectural decision. Tall, spiky, dramatic, and absolutely convinced your garden needs more attitude. In summer, bees and butterflies visit the purple rings of flowers that move around the spiny heads like tiny floral halos. Later, goldfinches arrive for the seeds, looking very pleased with themselves, as if they have found the private members’ club of the bird world. Historically, teasel heads were used in cloth making to raise the nap on wool. So yes, this plant has dressed people, fed birds, entertained bees, and looked magnificent doing it. A gothic tower block for wildlife.) 9. **Foxgloves** (Digitalis Purpurea) - Foxgloves look like they’ve come straight off the set of the James Cameron film Avatar and their bright and enchanting appeal is the epitome of the wild English landscape. As children, many of us were told not to touch them because they were poisonous. Sensible advice, but it also gave Foxgloves their strange magic. Beautiful, useful, sinister and completely iconic. In folklore, the flowers were linked with fairies, foxes, witches and woodland mischief. Grow it for height, drama, pollinators, and a little bit of beautiful menace.) 10. **Wild Garlic** (Allium Ursinum - Wild Garlic is woodland magic you can smell before you see. White starry flowers, lush green leaves and that unmistakable garlicky scent drifting through shady spring corners like nature has started cooking without telling anyone. It has been foraged and used in food for centuries. This is a plant for cool, shady, damp places. Give it the right spot and it can create a beautiful spring carpet. Bees visit the flowers, cooks eye up the leaves, and the garden starts smelling faintly of dinner. Not a bad outcome.) Max, whose seeds are all British grown and harvested, added: “Britain has lost around 97% of its species-rich grasslands since the 1930s and meadows are one of the most threatened habitats in the country. “From now until late October is one of the best times to sow wildflower seeds to get the best results next year. Sowing from mid-August also ensures you’ve sown your seeds well ahead of the first frosts arriving. “Wildflowers are easier than you think to grow but somehow they have become either overly technical or wildly unrealistic. Endless rules, perfect-meadow promises and advice that makes growing feel harder than it should be. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. “Seed Revolution is all about making growing feel effortless. Rip open a packet, scatter the seeds, and let nature do the rest. No rules. No pressure. Just the simple thrill of watching something grow and helping nature to bounce back. “You don’t need lots of land to make a difference. A border in your garden, a few pots on a balcony, a patio, a school field, or just a sunny windowsill in a city-centre flat is all you need because every patch planted with native wildflowers can help to support bees, butterflies and other wildlife. “If we can make wildflowers accessible to more people, then together we can create thousands of small patches of habitat across the country. On their own they might seem insignificant, but collectively they can make a real difference – they’re a movement.” **Seed Revolution seeds are available online from** [**seedrevolution.co.uk**](https://seedrevolution.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **and nationally from selected Blue Diamond Garden Centres.** ### **Seed Revolution’s key goals** - **Make Growing Simple:** Engage a new generation of gardeners**.** - **Save Bees & Pollinators:** Provide essential food and habitat for insects. - **Restore Biodiversity:** Bring back native flowers to the UK landscape. - **Simple Action, Big Impact:** Empower individuals to contribute to nature conservation. ### The Green Parent Natural Beauty Award winners 2026 URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/the-green-parent-natural-beauty-award-winners-2026/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:12.000Z For two months, our team of dedicated testers got stuck in, cleansing and moisturising, all in the name of finding products that are as kind to your family as they are to the environment. Every single review and rating fed into our judging process, where we weighed up effectiveness, ingredients and packaging, because what goes on you and your family's skin matters just as much as how it's made. The result? This handy guide to the most outstanding, ethical beauty buys around. New to the awards? Find out more about [The Green Parent Natural Beauty Awards](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/natural-beauty-awards/), how products are tested and how to enter. > Download the free Natural Beauty Bible below which will also be included in the autumn print edition of The Green Parent magazine published this September. A big thank you to all the companies that entered this year — the quality was outstanding — and thank you to all our wonderful testers: *Abby Render, Rachel Burrows, Emma Baxter, Elizabeth Cohen, Jo Cowen, Daisy Douwes, Hannah Francis, Catriona Graffius, Charlotte Hartley, Evelyn Kogler, Rochelle Lear, Laura Lismanis, Amy Mathieson, Amanda McLauchlan, Lisa Nash, Kayleigh Owen, Tania Purdie, Emma Pyzer, Rachel Reid, Lorna Rehren, Jennifer Robertson, Chloe Seaman, Lyn Shephard, Cath Smith, Esther Sumpster, Filiz Taylan Yuzak, Kate Thomas-Collins, Alison Wheeler, Sophie-Jane Wilcox, Amy Wilson, Jessica Woolrich.* Treat your family to something on this list; you deserve it. All the links go direct to the winning products 🔗⭐ 💅 **The Green Parent Natural Beauty Awards Team** [The Green Parent Natural Beauty Bible 2026Download your free copy here 👉 The Green Parent Natural Beauty Bible 2026.pdf8 MBdownload-circle](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/content/files/2026/08/The-Green-Parent-Natural-Beauty-Bible-2026.pdf "Download") ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/07/skincare1.png) Skincare Natural Beauty Awards 2026 Winners ## **Skincare** ### **Skin Serum** **GOLD** INIKA Organic Bakuchiol Serum Natural Retinol Alternative, £59[***uk.inikaorganic.com***](https://uk.inikaorganic.com/products/bakuchiol-serum-natural-retinol-alternative-30ml?%5Fpos=1&%5Fpsq=bakuchiol&%5Fss=e&%5Fv=1.0&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) *“This is AMAZING! It makes me glow and my skin just sucks it up. I also love that the product is only 2 natural ingredients so it's a complete worry-free product to apply. I also have sensitive skin and I had no breakouts from this product.” *Lisa** **SILVER** Skin Food Super Serum, £17.95[***weleda.co.uk***](https://www.weleda.co.uk/product/skin-food-super-serum-g005611?variant=102237&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Olive Squalane and Vitamin E Facial Serum, £13.95[***shaloahskincare.co.uk***](https://www.shaloahskincare.co.uk/products/olive-squalane-vitamine-e-face-oil-natural-anti-wrinkle-face-serum?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **Eye Cream** **GOLD** Skin Food Super Eye Cream, £12.95[***weleda.co.uk***](https://www.weleda.co.uk/product/skin-food-super-eye-cream-g005612?variant=102241&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) *“Green is my favourite colour, and having used Weleda products before, I was excited to try this one. I wasn't disappointed. It had a creamy feel that left the area feeling soft and nurtured, with a lovely smell. Come morning, my eyes still felt soft, and looked brighter too.” *Daisy** **SILVER** Regenerate Eye Cream, $49.00[***naturalzestskincare.com***](https://www.naturalzestskincare.com/products/regenerate-marine-algae-anti-ageing-eye-cream-for-wrinkles?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Eye Care Cosmetics Ultra Moisturising Eye Contour Serum, £18.00[***butterflies-eyecare.co.uk***](https://www.butterflies-eyecare.co.uk/products/eye-care-moisturising-eye-contour-serum?variant=56112092971383&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **Day Moisturiser** **GOLD** Beauty Balm, £17.50[***lyonsleaf.co.uk***](https://lyonsleaf.co.uk/collections/day-time-skincare/products/beauty-balm?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) *“This is an all-round winner with a uniquely natural, botanical scent. As a cleanser, it melts away even stubborn makeup without leaving my dry skin tight or itchy. Rich enough to double as an overnight moisturiser and dry-patch treatment, it leaves skin really soft and nourished. Natural ingredients, and I'll definitely repurchase!” *Emma** **SILVER** Active Rosehip day Cream, £30[***kinvaraskincare.com***](https://www.kinvaraskincare.co.uk/products/active-rosehip-day-cream-60ml?shpxid=4b680979-de6e-40bd-b09d-bb0656f04a38&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Brightening Beauty Cream, $49.00[***naturalzestskincare.com***](https://www.naturalzestskincare.com/products/brightening-beauty-cream-radiance-boosting-face-moisturiser?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **Facial Scrub/Exfoliator** **GOLD** Nessa's Facial Polishing Bar, £15[***nana-kats-apothecary.co.uk***](https://www.nana-kats-apothecary.co.uk/product-page/nessa-s-facial-polishing-bar-exfoliating-brightening-clarifying?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) *"This product has an amazing, uplifting scent that's as refreshing as it makes my skin feel. I was sceptical trying an exfoliating scrub, but my skin felt clean, light and exfoliated without drying out — the natural grains don't irritate. I'll introduce my teenagers (patch test first) as a gentler option than their shop-bought products." *Cath** **SILVER** Vitamin C Exfoliating Face Mask, £12.99[***lyonsleaf.co.uk***](https://lyonsleaf.co.uk/collections/natural-face-masks-and-exfoliating-scrubs/products/vitamin-c-exfoliating-face-mask?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Facial Exfoliator with Apricot & Papaya, from £16[**therosetree.co.uk**](https://www.therosetree.co.uk/collections/all-skin-care/products/facial-exfoliator-with-apricot-papaya?variant=55863111778686&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **Cleanser** **GOLD** Soap on a Rope 'Zingy' Lemongrass, £4.95[***friendlysoap.co.uk***](https://friendlysoap.co.uk/products/natural-soap-on-a-rope-zingy-lemongrass?variant=53251286794627&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) *“This soap smells gorgeous. The rope makes a fun addition and is also really handy. I hung it over the taps in my bathtub and my daughters loved using it at bath time. I also enjoyed the exfoliating feel it gave. My hands felt nice and smooth after use.” *Chloe** **SILVER** Immaculate Cleansing Oil, $83.00[***naturalzestskincare.com***](https://www.naturalzestskincare.com/products/immaculate-cleansing-oil-oil-to-milk-cleanser-for-dry-mature-and-sensitive-skin?variant=45945878872299&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Organic Argan Nourishing Cream Cleanser 100g, £29[***douvalls.com***](https://www.douvalls.com/products/argan-cream-cleanser?%5Fpos=2&%5Fsid=aa02e88d7&%5Fss=r&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/07/skincare2-1.png) Skincare Natural Beauty Awards 2026 Winners ### **Night Moisturiser** **GOLD** Balancing Night Repair Balm, £24.95[***marigoldcharms.com***](https://www.marigoldcharms.com/products/balancing-night-repair-balm?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) *“My immediate observation was the luscious, light smell of this product. A little goes a long way and the balm is instantly absorbed. My skin does soak this in but remains feeling lightly hydrated and not greasy.” *Cath** **SILVER** Calendula Cream, £12.99[***lyonsleaf.co.uk***](https://lyonsleaf.co.uk/collections/skin-in-need-of-tlc/products/calendula-cream-soothing-emollient?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Lavender Night Face Cream 50ml, £24.99[***kanaturals.co.uk***](https://kanaturals.co.uk/product/lavender-night-face-cream/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **Toner** **GOLD** Acqua di Miele - Honey & Orange Toner, £31[***casamencarelli.co.uk***](https://www.casamencarelli.co.uk/shop/p/honey-orange-toner?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) *“I am besotted with this product’s light, refreshing smell but also how my ageing skin feels after using it. My skin feels hydrated and refreshed, like it’s breathing again. I have a youthful glow and my fine lines have reduced around my upper lip and forehead in just the 6 weeks of testing so far. Thank you for introducing me to this product!” *Cath** ### **Facial Oil** **GOLD** Calm Facial Oil, £23.96 [ ***justbenatural.co.uk***](https://www.justbenatural.co.uk/product/calm-carshalton-lavender-facial-oil/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)*“This calming facial oil has quickly become a favourite of mine. The lavender scent is lovely and I've found it wonderfully soothing, especially as part of my night-time routine. After just a few uses, my skin felt noticeably softer and more nourished, exactly as promised on the bottle. I've always loved facial oils, but this one stands out.” *Laura** **SILVER** Rejuvenating Face Serum with Bakuchiol, £15.95[***marigoldcharms.com***](https://www.marigoldcharms.com/products/serum-visage-face-serum?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Silky Face OIl, £16[***mifsoapco.com***](https://www.mifsoapco.com/product-page/silky-face-oil?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **Face Mask** **GOLD** Pomegranate & Rose Mask, from £26[***therosetree.co.uk***](https://www.therosetree.co.uk/collections/hydrating-face-masks/products/pomegranate-rose-mask?variant=43992570658997&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) *"This product has a really calming, warming and refreshing smell. It leaves my complexion lifted and hydrated with a lovely glow that isn't greasy or shiny. A little goes a long way and has been amazing for my mature complexion. Designed as an overnight mask, it leaves my face feeling lushly replenished in the morning.*" **Cath** **SILVER** Firming Egg Skin Soufflé, £10.99[***farmsteadnaturals.co.uk***](https://farmsteadnaturals.co.uk/products/firming-egg-skin-souffle?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Sicilia - Green Clay & Lemon Mask & Scrub, £29[***casamencarelli.co.uk***](https://www.casamencarelli.co.uk/shop/p/lemon-clay-face-mask-scrub?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) #### ****Skincare - Best Buys** ****1\.** Renewing Cleanser, £62 [***tropicskincare.com**](https://tropicskincare.com/products/renewing-cleanser-ceramide-cleansing-butter?variant=45635690004676&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ****2.** Purity Mud Bar, £14 [***deadseadream.com**](https://deadseadream.com/collections/skincare/products/purity-mud-bar?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ****3\.** Hygiene Cleansing Lotion, £24.95 [***christophercourtney.co.uk**](https://www.christophercourtney.co.uk/collections/hygiene-cleansing-lotion-sustainable-alternative-to-wet-toilet-wipes-eco-friendly/products/hygiene-cleansing-lotion-sustainable-alternative-to-wet-wipe?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ****4\.** Nourishing Cleansing Balm, £19.95 [***marigoldcharms.com**](https://www.marigoldcharms.com/products/nourishing-cleansing-balm-60ml?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ****5\.** Gently Nourishing Cleansing Balm, £33 [***huskandseedskincare.co.uk**](https://huskandseedskincare.co.uk/collections/cleansers/products/gently-nourishing-cleansing-balm?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ****6\.** Rejuvenate Vitamin C Cream, $95 [***naturalzestskincare.com**](https://www.naturalzestskincare.com/products/rejuvenate-vitamin-c-hyaluronic-acid-anti-ageing-face-cream?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ****7\.** Vital Glow Vitamin C Cream, £32 [***evolvebeauty.com**](https://www.evolvebeauty.com/products/vital-glow-vitamin-c-cream?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ****8\.** Wild Yam Cream, £16.95 [***farmsteadnaturals.co.uk**](https://farmsteadnaturals.co.uk/products/wild-yam-cream-fragrance-free-moisturiser-for-sensitive-menopausal-skin?%5Fpos=1&%5Fpsq=Wild+Yam+Cream&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ****9\.** Nakin Matt Formula Face Cream, £24 [***nakinskincare.com**](https://www.nakinskincare.com/collections/natural-anti-ageing-skincare/products/matt-formula-face-cream?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ****10.** Forest Cream, Botanical Repair Cream, £49 [***starseednatural.com**](https://www.starseednatural.com/product-page/forest-cream-1-month-skincare?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ****11\.** Nourish Floral Face Moisturiser, £31.79 [***justbenatural.co.uk**](https://www.justbenatural.co.uk/product/nourish-floral-face-moisturiser/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ****12\.** Rose and Frankincense Face Moisturiser, £21 [***shaloahskincare.co.uk**](https://www.shaloahskincare.co.uk/shop/natural-skincare/natural-skincare-moisturisers/natural-skincare-rose-frankincense-anti-aging-moisturiser/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ****13\.** Dead Sea Minerals Purifying Clay Mask, £14.95 [***shaloahskincare.co.uk**](https://www.shaloahskincare.co.uk/shop/natural-skincare/clay-face-masks/dead-sea-minerals-clay-mask/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ****14\.** Balance & Brighten Mask, £34 [***huskandseedskincare.co.uk**](https://huskandseedskincare.co.uk/collections/masks-facial-exfoliants/products/balance-brighten-treatment-mask?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ****15.** INIKA Organic Liquid Nectar, £49 [***uk.inikaorganic.com**](https://uk.inikaorganic.com/products/organic-liquid-nectar?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ****16\.** Radiance Face Oil, £26 [***devaiyaoils.com**](https://devaiyaoils.com/products/radiance?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ****17\.** Marshmallow Soften & Rejuvenate Facial Oil, £19.99 [***lyonsleaf.co.uk**](https://lyonsleaf.co.uk/collections/night-time-skincare/products/scented-marshmallow-soften-and-rejuvenate-facial-oil-30ml?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ****18\.** SkinBare exfoliating dry hemp wipes, £4.99 [***skin-bare.com**](https://skin-bare.com/products/skinbare-facial-wipes-copy?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ****19\.** Moon Cream, Overnight Treatment, £54 [***starseednatural.com**](https://www.starseednatural.com/product-page/moon-cream-1-month-skincare?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ****20.** Sensational Serum, $78.00 [***naturalzestskincare.com**](https://www.naturalzestskincare.com/products/sensational-bakuchiol-retinol-alternative-anti-aging-serum-30ml?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ****21\.** Sunless Glow Tanning Drops, £24 [***evolvebeauty.com**](https://www.evolvebeauty.com/products/sunless-glow-self-tanning-drops?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ****22.** Star Glow Serum, £59 [***starseednatural.com**](https://www.starseednatural.com/product-page/star-glow-serum-1-month-skincare?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ****23\.** Youth Boost Repairing & Refining Serum, £20 [***wildmintcosmetics.com**](https://www.wildmintcosmetics.com/products/youth-boost?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ****24\.** Siero Rimpolpante Pro-Age Per Viso, Collo E Décolleté, €100 [***lady-o.it**](https://lady-o.it/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ****25\.** 24Hr Rosehip Face Serum, £33 [***kinvaraskincare.co.uk**](https://www.kinvaraskincare.co.uk/products/24hr-rosehip-face-serum-30ml?shpxid=2a71e212-7062-4f75-8bfd-df9e696dfe66&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ****26.** EcoLuxe Daily Defense Vitamin C Serum with Propolis, $89.00 [***ecoluxehq.com**](https://www.ecoluxehq.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ****27\.** EcoLuxe Daily Defense Vitamin C Serum, $89.00 [***ecoluxehq.com**](https://www.ecoluxehq.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ****28\.** EcoLuxe Hyaluronic Acid Peptide Serum, $75.00 [***ecoluxehq.com**](https://www.ecoluxehq.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ****29\.** Alvaskin® Anti-Age & HydroLift Serum, £50 [***alvaskin.no**](https://www.alvaskin.no/products/alvaskin-serum?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/07/makeup1.png) Makeup Natural Beauty Awards 2026 Winners ## **Makeup** ### **Foundation** **GOLD** — INIKA Organic Loose Mineral Foundation SPF 25, £42 [***uk.inikaorganic.com***](https://uk.inikaorganic.com/products/loose-mineral-foundation-spf25-8g?%5Fpos=1&%5Fpsq=loose+mineral&%5Fss=e&%5Fv=1.0&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) *"Lovely even coverage and easy to apply, gorgeous colour, skin felt fresh after using it. Lasted whole work day. Fragrance free. SPF 25 which is a welcome bonus to it." *Hannah** **SILVER** — Mineral Foundation, £15 [***honeypieminerals.com***](https://honeypieminerals.com/collections/foundation?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **Lipgloss** **GOLD** Mermaid Dreams Kids Makeup Set, £14.99 [***nonastieskids.co.uk***](https://nonastieskids.co.uk/collections/kids-makeup-kits/products/mermaid-dreams-gift-set?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) *“My kids absolutely loved this product. The lip gloss smelt lovely and went on really nicely. Their skin felt fine after use, no reactions or redness. You can tell these are gentle products. It stayed on well during the day but all came off easily in the bath that night using just water and a flannel. Perfect” *Chloe** **SILVER** Strawberry Cupcake Kids Makeup Set, £14.99 [***nonastieskids.co.uk***](https://nonastieskids.co.uk/collections/kids-makeup-kits/products/strawberry-cupcake-gift-set?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **Powder** **GOLD** Mineral Sunscreen Colour Correctors, £5 [***farmsteadnaturals.co.uk***](https://farmsteadnaturals.co.uk/products/mineral-sunscreen-colour-correctors?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) *“There are six shades, each designed to work specifically with mineral sunscreen. I used the green one, and it completely cancels the white cast while calming the redness on my rosacea-prone cheeks. Buildable, easy to blend, no streaking. Feels lightweight and breathable all day. Total no-makeup makeup win!” *Rachel** ### **Blusher** **GOLD** Argan Colour Stick Balm, £26 [***douvalls.com***](https://www.douvalls.com/collections/makeup/products/argan-colour-balm?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) *“Absolutely love this product. It is multi-use across eyes, cheeks and lips. I mostly used it on my cheeks. I haven’t used a cream blusher for many years, but I would certainly recommend this item. I received several compliments when wearing this and was told my skin looked glowing and healthy.” *Tania** **SILVER** Mineral Blusher, £9 [***honeypieminerals.com***](https://honeypieminerals.com/collections/blushers?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **Mascara** **GOLD** INIKA Organic Bold Lash Mascara, £30 [***uk.inikaorganic.com***](https://uk.inikaorganic.com/products/bold-lash-vegan-mascara-12ml-black?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) *“Having used one brand of mascara for the last few years, it would take a lot to make me switch. However, I loved this mascara — it went on easily with no clumping and made my eyes really defined. I’ll be buying this again certainly!” *Rachel** **SILVER** Eye Care Cosmetics Intense Mascara, £28.00 [***butterflies-eyecare.co.uk***](https://www.butterflies-eyecare.co.uk/products/eye-care-intense-mascara?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/07/makeip2.png) Makeup Natural Beauty Awards 2026 Winners ### **Bronzer** **GOLD** Sunkissed Bronzing Serum Drops, £12.95 [***weleda.co.uk***](https://www.weleda.co.uk/product/sunkissed-bronzing-booster-serum-drops-g005610?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) *“I used it as required on days when I felt that the appearance of my skin needed a little boost. Easily absorbed, particularly if mixed with a usual daily moisturiser, and left skin slightly tinted and feeling moisturised (even when used as a stand-alone product). I wouldn't describe the product as 'serum drops' as it dispenses more as a squirt of liquid tinted moisturiser.” *Kate** ### **Concealer** **GOLD** Mineral Concealer Green Corrector, £9 [***honeypieminerals.com***](https://honeypieminerals.com/collections/corrector/products/green-corrector?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) *“This product definitely works! I have rosacea on my face and the green corrector did a great job covering it, without even applying foundation after! Even better results with foundation applied on top of it. I am very impressed and I would happily buy it. The only thing I didn't like about this product is its fully plastic packaging because it could have been a paper one, and it looks cheap.” *Filiz** ### **Nail Polish** **GOLD** Oceana Collection, £29.99 [***earthynailpolish.com***](https://www.earthynailpolish.com/product-page/oceana-collection?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) *“This product looks fab as soon as you open it, it’s sparkly and shimmery and my girls were so excited to try them out. The smell is really mild and inoffensive compared to normal nail varnish. It goes on nicely and is easy to use for young children. It does come off with water which my daughters were disappointed about when they realised after they next washed their hands.” *Chloe** ### **Lip Balm** **GOLD** Organic Mineral Tinted Lip Balm SPF 30, £9.99 [***suntribesunscreen.com***](https://suntribesunscreen.com/product/organic-mineral-tinted-lip-balm-spf-30/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) *“It smells great, like you might want to eat it. The look is like a lipstick, it has a twist-up stick to apply to lips and it is a lovely red-pink colour. The feel is a little dry to apply, but when you rub along your lips it is smooth and feels like it really covers. I like the feel, smell and the amount of colour it adds to my lips. The SPF is an absolute winner as I would use it alone as a colour.” *Jessica** **SILVER** Rosy Lip balm, £6.25 [***www.kutis-skincare.co.uk***](https://kutis-skincare.co.uk/products/rosy-tinted-vegan-lip-balm?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Naked Lip Balm, £5.75 [***nirvananatural.co.uk***](https://www.nirvananatural.co.uk/product-page/naked-lip-balm?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **Makeup Best Buys** Vanilla Lip Balm, £6.25 [***www.kutis-skincare.co.uk***](https://kutis-skincare.co.uk/products/vanilla-vegan-lip-balm?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/07/bodybath1-1.png) Body & Bath Natural Beauty Awards 2026 Winners ## **Body & Bath** ### **Body Oil** **GOLD** Wild Divine Bio-Retinol Body Oil, £28 [***evolvebeauty.com***](https://www.evolvebeauty.com/products/wild-divine-body-oil?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) *“Utterly delicious body oil! My favourite of the pack, it had an incredibly luxurious smell, was easy to dispense and glided onto the skin. The oil smells delightfully like a chocolate orange but wasn't overly powerful. My skin felt immediately nourished and more pampered and I’ve felt a definite difference over time. Couldn’t recommend it more!” *Catriona** **SILVER** Nourishing Body Oil, £32.00 [***luvmyoil.co.uk***](https://www.luvmyoil.co.uk/nourishing-body-care/nourishing-body-oil?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Argan Skinare Massage Candle, £48 [***douvalls.com***](https://www.douvalls.com/collections/wellness/products/skincare-candle-spices?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **Bath Treat** **GOLD** Rescue & Repair Bath Salts, £12.99 [***droughtsecret.com***](https://droughtsecret.com/products/rescue-and-repair-bath-salts?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) *"I loved these bath salts. The natural, enriching ingredients left my skin softened, moisturised and calmer, easing my eczema, while the scent was stimulating and comforting. I felt energised, relaxed and less overwhelmed afterwards. The packaging was lovely, with a reassuring brand story, clear vegan ingredient list, and recyclable, no-waste design. I'll repurchase and explore more." *Lyn** **SILVER** Zen Whisper Aromatic Bath Oil, £25 [***evolvebeauty.com***](https://www.evolvebeauty.com/products/zen-whisper-bath-oil?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Oat & Mellow Bath Saok, £15.99 [***droughtsecret.com***](https://droughtsecret.com/products/oat-mellow-bath-soak?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **Body Scrub** **GOLD** SkinBare hemp exfoliating mitts, £4.99 [***skin-bare.com***](https://skin-bare.com/products/skinbare-facial-wipes-copy-copy?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) *“Soft and easy to use, great exfoliating quality and legs felt lovely after use. Used weekly with good effect. Lasted multiple uses when washed in between uses.” *Hannah** **SILVER** Organic Argan Sugar Body Scrub, £28 [***douvalls.com***](https://www.douvalls.com/products/argan-body-sugar-scrub?%5Fpos=1&%5Fsid=67210095e&%5Fss=r&variant=57058073543043&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **Body Cream/Balm** **GOLD** Body butter, £11.99 [***kitandkin.com***](https://kitandkin.com/collections/skincare/products/body-butter?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) *“Lovely glass jar, gorgeous smell. Thick body butter which has done wonders for my dry skin. Leaves a slight sheen which I love. Great for after being in the sun or having a bath. Lasts for the day.” *Daisy** **SILVER** Calming Butter Balm, £17.99 [***droughtsecret.com***](https://droughtsecret.com/products/calming-butter-balm?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Magnesium Sleep Support Travel Gel, $26.00 [***surmanti.co.nz***](https://surmanti.co.nz/products/magnesium-sleep-support-gel-targeted-application-prolonged-absorption-for-deep-restful-sleep-relaxation?%5Fpos=2&%5Fsid=9a6132f64&%5Fss=r&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/07/bodybath2-2.png) Body & Bath Natural Beauty Awards 2026 Winners ### **Soap** **GOLD** Colloidal Oats & Maple Oat Milk Soap, £5.50 [***todburnsoaps.co.uk***](https://todburnsoaps.co.uk/product/colloidal-oats-and-maple-oat-milk-soap/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) *“Having just had my children go through a bout of chicken pox, this came at perfectly the right time, and has really helped to soothe their skin (lathering up on the hands and smoothing over their body). It gently cleans and helped to reduce some of the itching for a while.” *Charlotte** **SILVER** Bergamot & Clary Sage Oat Milk Soap, £5.50 [***todburnsoaps.co.uk***](https://todburnsoaps.co.uk/product/clary-sage-and-bergamot-oat-milk-soap/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Soothe Criminal, £8 [***naturallysoapy.com***](https://naturallysoapy.com/products/soothe-criminal?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **Shower Gel** **GOLD** Baylis & Harding Goodness Natural Body Wash Strawberry Swirl, £4.00 [***baylisandharding.com***](https://baylisandharding.com/bath-body/goodness-kids?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) *“Very uplifting strawberry scent, but not overpowering. Has a good lather, and rinses off well.” *Jennifer** **SILVER** Skin Food Shower Cream, £7.50 [***weleda.co.uk***](https://www.weleda.co.uk/product/skin-food-shower-cream-g005767?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Joyful Light Hand & Body Wash, £16 [***evolvebeauty.com***](https://www.evolvebeauty.com/products/joyful-light-wash?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **Deodorant** **GOLD** — Patchouli and Rose Bicarb Free Natural Deodorant, £7.25 [***kutis-skincare.co.uk***](https://kutis-skincare.co.uk/products/patchouli-rose-bicarb-free-deodorant?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) *“This exceeded my expectations. The fragrance is beautifully balanced, more natural perfume than deodorant. It's smooth to apply, with no white marks or irritation, and it works all day. I'm replacing my homemade deodorant with this: one of the best natural deodorants I've tried, and one I'd buy again.” *Emma** **SILVER** Wild Petal Deodorant, £18 [***www.bloom-skin.co.uk***](https://www.bloom-skin.co.uk/products/bloom-skin-deodorant-balm?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Lime Sorbet Eco Deodorant, £7 [***todburnsoaps.co.uk***](https://todburnsoaps.co.uk/product/lime-sorbet-eco-deodorant/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **Hand Cream/Balm** **GOLD** Organic Argan Multi Balm 100g, £31 [***douvalls.com***](https://www.douvalls.com/collections/skincare/products/argan-balm?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) *“The Douvalls Multi Balm is quite a solid balm and you have to dig your finger in a little for larger applications, but light sweeps for smaller areas work really well too. It has a fresh citrusy lemongrass scent, which feels uplifting and is generally a great all-rounder for a variety of uses.” *Charlotte** #### Body & Bath - BEST BUYS ****1\.** Bebot Simple Soap, $14 per bar [***www.bebotsimplesoap.com**](https://www.bebotsimplesoap.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ****2.** Aleppo Soap, £7.95 [***barsuds.co.uk**](https://www.barsuds.co.uk/product-page/traditional-aleppo-soap-bar?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ****3\.** Gardener's Soap, £5.95 [***barsuds.co.uk**](https://www.barsuds.co.uk/product-page/gardener-s-cleaning-soap-bar?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ****4.** Bona Dea Naturals Feminine Deodorant Spray, £18.40 [***bonadeanaturals.com**](https://bonadeanaturals.com/collections/yeast-infection-treatment/products/bona-deas-feminine-deodorant-yeast-infection-treatment?variant=37717932867757&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ****5\.** Organic Creamy Argan Body Butter, £33 [***douvalls.com**](https://www.douvalls.com/collections/bodycare/products/argan-body-butter-unscented?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ****6\.** Rescue Butter Balm, £17.99 [***droughtsecret.com**](https://droughtsecret.com/products/rescue-butter-balm?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ****7\.** Avocado & Tea Tree Soap, £8.49 [***droughtsecret.com**](https://droughtsecret.com/products/avocado-tea-tree-soap?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ****8\.** Triple Oat & Honey, £8.49 [***droughtsecret.com**](https://droughtsecret.com/products/triple-oat-honey-soap?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ****9\.** Cedarwood and Rose Natural Deodorant, £7.25 [***kutis-skincare.co.uk**](https://kutis-skincare.co.uk/products/copy-of-vegan-deodorant?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ****10\.** Lavender and Geranium Natural Deodorant, £7.25 [***kutis-skincare.co.uk**](https://kutis-skincare.co.uk/products/copy-of-lavender-geranium-vegan-deodorant?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ****11\.** Foot Balm, £17.50 [***lyonsleaf.co.uk**](https://lyonsleaf.co.uk/collections/natural-body-care/products/foot-balm-new-product?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ****12\.** Body Butter, £23.99 [***lyonsleaf.co.uk**](https://lyonsleaf.co.uk/collections/natural-body-care/products/natural-body-butter?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ****13\.** Airmid's Herbs - Soothing Botanical Salve, £18 [***nana-kats-apothecary.co.uk**](https://www.nana-kats-apothecary.co.uk/product-page/airmid-s-herbs-soothing-botanical-salve?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ****14\.** Oh My Wash, £17.50 [***skin-genius.co.uk**](https://skin-genius.co.uk/products/oh-my-wash-natural-eczema-psoriasis-cleanser?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ****15\.** Relaxation & Sleep Support Body Wash, $27.00 [***surmanti.co.nz**](https://surmanti.co.nz/collections/relaxation-sleep-support/products/relaxation-sleep-support-body-wash-250ml?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/07/bayandchil1-1.png) Baby & Child Natural Beauty Awards 2026 Winners ## **Baby & Child** ### **Baby Lotion/Cream** **GOLD** Calm Cream - 100% Natural Skin-Relief Butter with Magnesium, £20 [***wildmintcosmetics.com***](https://www.wildmintcosmetics.com/products/calm-cream?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) *"As I have rosacea, I wanted to use this product for myself. Subtle smell, feels great, looks luxurious and high-quality, with a rich, creamy texture that's still so easy to use. My skin felt relieved and soft after just one use, with lasting effects. Loved this natural, plant-powered product, effective and nourishing for my skin and my husband's, relieving sunburn, redness and pain overnight!" *Filiz** **SILVER** Vanilla Cloud Body Butter, £6.75 [***nalasbaby.com***](https://nalasbaby.com/collections/body-butter/products/vanilla-cloud-body-butter-200ml-new?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Cream Come True, £16.50 [***skin-genius.co.uk***](https://skin-genius.co.uk/collections/skincare-dry-skin/products/eczema-cream?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **Baby Balm** **GOLD** Calm Balm - 100% Natural Skin-Relief Treatment, £20 [***wildmintcosmetics.com***](https://www.wildmintcosmetics.com/products/calm-balm?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) *“This calm balm is 100% natural and just the thing you would want on a little one's skin. The balm melts very quickly for quick application and is fragrance free. After a few uses I noticed my little one's dry patches behind her ear had completely cleared up. A little goes a long way and can be used sparingly, and can be used from newborn so would make a great present.” *Abby** **SILVER** Magic salve, £9.99 [***kitandkin.com***](https://kitandkin.com/collections/skincare/products/magic-salve?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Pure Baby Balm, £10.99 [***lyonsleaf.co.uk***](https://lyonsleaf.co.uk/products/pure-baby-balm-new-product?%5Fpos=1&%5Fpsq=Pure+Baby+Balm&%5Fpsid=c063d19ae&%5Fss=e&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **Bubble Bath** **GOLD** Baylis & Harding Natural Bubble Bath Lavender & Vanilla, £4.00 [***baylisandharding.com***](https://baylisandharding.com/bath-body/goodness-kids?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) *“Lovely lavender smell without being too overpowering. Bubbles nicely and gives a relaxing bath atmosphere. One note - bathtub is slippery after use - need to rinse the tub out after draining the bath water.” *Jennifer** **SILVER** Calm Cleanse - 96% Natural Skin-Relief Hydrating Whipped Cleanser, £20 [***wildmintcosmetics.com***](https://www.wildmintcosmetics.com/products/calm-cleanse?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Good Bubble Snail and the Whale Lotus Flower and Sea Minerals Bubble Bath 400ml, £5.49 [***goodbubble.co.uk***](https://goodbubble.co.uk/collections/the-gruffalo-and-friends/products/snail-and-the-whale-lotus-flower-and-sea-minerals-bubble-bath-400ml?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/07/babyandchild2.png) Baby & Child Natural Beauty Awards 2026 Winners ### **Baby Oil** **GOLD** Sleep Nighttime Oil, £5.55 [***nalasbaby.com***](https://nalasbaby.com/products/nalas-baby-sleep-nighttime-oil-200ml?%5Fpos=4&%5Fpsq=slee&%5Fss=e&%5Fv=1.0&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) *“Nala’s Baby Sleep Nighttime Oil quickly became a favourite in our house. I originally used it on my 9-month-old baby’s feet as part of our bedtime routine, but it wasn’t long before my 8-year-old wanted to join in too. It became a lovely evening ritual where he would ask me to 'rub his back and feet' before bed.” *Emma** **SILVER** Oil Day Long, £22.50 [***skin-genius.co.uk***](https://skin-genius.co.uk/collections/skincare-dry-skin/products/eczema-oil?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **Children's Shampoo** **GOLD** — Baylis & Harding Goodness Natural Conditioning Shampoo Watermelon Burst, £4.00 [***baylisandharding.com***](https://baylisandharding.com/bath-body/goodness-kids?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) *“We were so excited to try this watermelon hair range for children. It froths quickly and provides an easy washing experience, helped along by the delicious scent, and being conditioning as well is an extra bonus, making the post-wash hairbrushing a much easier process. My daughter's hair remained soft and in lovely condition for a week after using." *Abby** **SILVER** Hair & body wash, £9.99 [***kitandkin.com***](https://kitandkin.com/collections/skincare/products/hair-body-wash?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Good Bubble Peppa Pig Hair & Body Wash Bar with Rose Water 80g, £6.95 [***goodbubble.co.uk***](https://goodbubble.co.uk/collections/peppa-pig-collection/products/peppa-pig-hair-body-wash-bar-with-rose-water-80g?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **Nappy Cream** **GOLD** Zinc Magic, £17.99 [***droughtsecret.com***](https://droughtsecret.com/products/zinc-magic-balm?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) *“My son and I loved the smell of the product. He commented it smelled like chicken soup (the thyme, I guess...:-)). The product was very effective on various areas of the body for dry skin and where protection was needed.” *Daisy** **SILVER** Zinc & Calendula cream, £12.99 [***lyonsleaf.co.uk***](https://lyonsleaf.co.uk/collections/skin-in-need-of-tlc/products/zinc-and-calendula-cream?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Magic salve, £9.99 [***kitandkin.com***](https://kitandkin.com/collections/skincare/products/magic-salve?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) #### Baby & Child - BEST BUYS ****1\.** Barrier Repair Balm, £28 [***www.bloom-skin.co.uk**](https://www.bloom-skin.co.uk/products/bloom-skin-barrier-repair-balm?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ****2.** PAW Patrol Bubble Bath, £5.55 [***nalasbaby.com**](https://nalasbaby.com/collections/nalas-kids-x-paw-patrol/products/strawberry-springs-bubble-bath-copy?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ****3\.** Good Bubble Prebiotic Baby Moisturiser with Aloe Vera and Vitamin E 250ml, £4.99 [***goodbubble.co.uk**](https://goodbubble.co.uk/collections/for-babies/products/prebiotic-baby-moisturiser-250ml?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ****4\.** Weleda Baby Calendula Good Night Bath, £11.95 [***weleda.co.uk**](https://www.weleda.co.uk/product/baby-calendula-good-night-bath-g005270?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/07/haircare.png) Haircare Natural Beauty Awards 2026 Winners ## **Haircare** ### **Hair Treat** **GOLD** Organic Scalp Oil, £28.00 [***nirvananatural.co.uk***](https://www.nirvananatural.co.uk/product-page/OrganicScalpOil?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) *“The scalp oil has a lovely smooth feel and looks lovely in the bottle. The smell wasn't as strong as I would have hoped, but it did absorb quickly into my scalp and I have noticed my hair is glossier when used as an overnight mask after applications every other night for a week. My scalp can get dry and flaky and I have seen an improvement.” *Abby** **SILVER** Drops of Thirst, £17.99 [***droughtsecret.com***](https://droughtsecret.com/products/drops-of-thirst?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Ultracapil Hair Serum, £24.00 [***butterflies-eyecare.co.uk***](https://www.butterflies-eyecare.co.uk/products/eye-care-ultracapil-hair-serum?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **Styling Product** **GOLD** Mane Tamer, £14.99 [***lyonsleaf.co.uk***](https://lyonsleaf.co.uk/products/mane-tamer-55ml?%5Fpos=1&%5Fpsq=Mane+Tamer&%5Fpsid=e8b9762d2&%5Fss=e&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) *“When I first received this product I was reluctant to try it as it was for 'unruly curls, dreadlocks and frizz' which I don't have. However, my 16-year-old son was keen to try this on his big mop of wavy hair and he loves it. He said he only needs a tiny amount but it makes his hair soft, allows him to style it and holds the curls.” *Esther** ### **Conditioner** **GOLD** Coconut Conditioner Bar, £9 [***mifsoapco.com***](https://www.mifsoapco.com/product-page/nourish-and-smooth-conditioner-bar?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) *“Beautiful smell and texture. Made my hair feel very fresh.” *Rachel** **SILVER** Natural Conditioner, £14 [***hairyjaynehandmade.co.uk***](https://hairyjaynehandmade.co.uk/products/fragrance-free-conditioner?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Super Omega-7 Regeneration Conditioner, £17.50 [***nirvananatural.co.uk***](https://www.nirvananatural.co.uk/product-page/super-omega-7-regenerating-conditioner?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **Shampoo** **GOLD** Argan Hybrid Cream Shampoo, £26 [***douvalls.com***](https://www.douvalls.com/collections/haircare/products/eco-creamshampoo?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) *“This product is incredible! The only thing that we didn't love was that it ran out too quickly. It's a whipped shampoo and so luxurious — it goes on easily but doesn't stick like a silicon shampoo. It's so natural and lovely and the minute you put it on it starts getting to work and cleansing deep down leaving a lovely scent.” *Amy** **SILVER** Hyaluronic Hydrating Shampoo, £16 [***evolvebeauty.com***](https://www.evolvebeauty.com/products/hyaluronic-hydrating-shampoo?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Shampoo Concentrate, £16 [***hairyjaynehandmade.co.uk***](https://hairyjaynehandmade.co.uk/products/refillable-shampoo-concentrate?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/07/extras1.png) Extras Natural Beauty Awards 2026 Winners ## **Extras** ### **Perfume** **GOLD** Carissis | Organic Eau De Parfum, £180 [***prosodylondon.com***](https://prosodylondon.com/product/carissis-natural-skin-scent/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) *"A wonderfully clean, 100% natural unisex skin scent. It's built around Ambrette seed and violet leaf, with no synthetic musks at all. Delicate and non-toxic, it opens with fresh melon and lavender, then softens into rose. It sits close to the skin rather than filling a room and lasts far longer than I expected for a botanical fragrance. Prosody London describes it as feeling less like perfume and more like presence, which describes it perfectly." *Rachel R** **SILVER** — Amber Hair Perfume, £16.00 [***hairyjaynehandmade.co.uk***](https://hairyjaynehandmade.co.uk/products/hair-perfume-amber?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **Sun Protection** **GOLD** Baby & Kids Organic Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30, £24.99 [***suntribesunscreen.com***](https://suntribesunscreen.com/product/suntribe-natural-mineral-baby-kids-sunscreen-spf-30/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) *“I was hesitant that this might leave a chalky feel on the skin, but it rubbed in really well, and all my children who normally do not like sun cream on their faces were fine to apply this one. I’d certainly seek it out to buy in the future.” *Rachel** **SILVER** — Super Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF50, £26 [***huskandseedskincare.co.uk***](https://huskandseedskincare.co.uk/collections/mineral-sunscreen/products/super-sensitive-mineral-sunscreen-spf-50?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Argan Daily Moisturiser with SPF30 UVA/UVB protection, £36 [***douvalls.com***](https://www.douvalls.com/products/argan-daily-moisturiser-with-spf30-uva-uvb-protection-100ml-jar?%5Fpos=1&%5Fsid=a965f84fe&%5Fss=r&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **Aftersun** **GOLD** Organic After Sun Gel Double Aloe Vera, £13.99 [***suntribesunscreen.com***](https://suntribesunscreen.com/product/organic-after-sun-gel-double-aloe-vera/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) *“This organic after sun gel is specially formulated with double aloe vera to instantly cool, soothe, and hydrate sun-exposed skin. Made with natural ingredients, the lightweight gel absorbs quickly to help calm dryness and leave the skin feeling refreshed, soft, and comforted after time in the sun.” *Rochelle** ### **Supplement** **GOLD** Omega 3, £14.99 [***togetherhealth.co.uk***](https://www.togetherhealth.co.uk/products/algae-omega-3?srsltid=AfmBOopJCsgBDVkm4ydOdG3A9zXIx5jvC%5FTZuKEKIqz-yf4JIB04HVq7&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) *“The soft gels are small, soft and easy to swallow. I enjoyed taking this supplement daily, and believe it has supported my health whilst taking it. I took one soft gel daily. I liked that it was vegan and suitable to take whilst breastfeeding too.” *Jessica** **SILVER** Arella Collagen, £32.99 [***arella-beauty.co.uk***](https://arella-beauty.co.uk/products/arella-vegan-liquid-collagen-supplement?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Multivit for Vegans Gummies, £7.95 [***vegums.com***](https://vegums.com/products/multivit-for-vegans?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-22-at-20.29.35.png) Extras Natural Beauty Awards 2026 Winners ### **Wellness** **GOLD** Relaxation & Sleep Support Pure Soy Candle, $39.00 [***surmanti.co.nz***](https://surmanti.co.nz/collections/relaxation-sleep-support/products/black-crystal-series-candle-150g-relaxation-sleep-support?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) *“I loved this product as soon as I opened the box — it smells lovely, it's luxurious. I couldn't wait to try it out that evening. And it lived up to my expectations, perfect when lit next on my bedside table while I read my book in bed. Felt like a little treat/ritual.” *Chloe** **SILVER** Relaxation & Sleep Support Natural Room Spray, $44.00 [***surmanti.co.nz***](https://surmanti.co.nz/collections/relaxation-sleep-support/products/relaxation-sleep-support-natural-room-spray-200ml-1?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **Massage Oil** **GOLD** Stretch mark oil, £11.99 [***kitandkin.com***](https://kitandkin.com/collections/skincare/products/stretch-mark-oil?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) *“Absorbs quickly and applies with ease, leaving skin soft and smooth without any greasy feeling afterwards. The scent is fresh and light, and feels like it is soothing and nourishing my belly with daily use. A little goes a long way.” *Rachel R** **SILVER** Comfrey & Calendula Rub, £23.99 [***lyonsleaf.co.uk***](https://lyonsleaf.co.uk/collections/natural-body-care/products/comfrey-and-calendula-rub-new-product?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **Breast Care** **GOLD** Calendula & Marshmallow Balm, £12.99 [***lyonsleaf.co.uk***](https://lyonsleaf.co.uk/collections/skin-in-need-of-tlc/products/calendula-and-marshmallow-balm?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) *“This balm is a lovely little multitasker. It's 100% natural and completely unfragranced and is gentle enough for sore, cracked nipples while nursing. Made with home-grown calendula and marshmallow root, it calms and softens skin quickly. It's water-free and quite concentrated, so a thin layer sinks in without feeling greasy. I've also started using it on my bump to help with elasticity.” *Rachel R** #### Extras - BEST BUYS ****1.** Pure Mineral Sunscreen, £29 [***farmsteadnaturals.co.uk**](https://farmsteadnaturals.co.uk/products/pure-mineral-sunscreen?variant=57050691010935&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ****2\.** Arella Pause, £49.99 [***arella-beauty.co.uk**](https://arella-beauty.co.uk/products/arella-pause-menopause-support-supplement?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ****3\.** Arella Skin, £16.99 [***arella-beauty.co.uk**](https://arella-beauty.co.uk/products/arella-skin-gummies?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ****4\.** True Veda Organic Moringa, £24.97 [***trueveda.com**](https://www.trueveda.com/product/organic-moringa-capsules/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ****5\.** Wholefruit Live Culture Gummies, £7.95 [***vegums.com**](https://vegums.com/products/wholefruit-probiotic?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) --- ### Want to see your products here next year? Entries for the 2027 Natural Beauty Awards open in January. Leave your details and we'll let you know the moment they do. [Register your interest for 2027](https://form.jotform.com/262783714358063?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### 16 Fun and Free Things To Do With your family in August URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/16-fun-and-free-things-to-do-with-your-family-in-august/ Last updated: 2026-07-31T18:30:21.000Z Dry and relentlessly hot, this August we are looking for ways to spend time outside and stay cool. Try water games, go on a woodland sound safari, or venture out at night to spot bats and shooting stars. Plus a big eclipse you can't miss and fun ways to celebrate Lammas! _This post is for subscribers only._ ### A Day of Giant Bubbles, Circus and Big Tunes on the Hilltop URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/a-day-of-giant-bubbles-circus-and-big-tunes-on-the-hilltop/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:13.000Z **Kaleidoscope Festival 2026: Saturday 11 July 2026, Alexandra Palace Park, London N22 7AY** Back for its sixth year at [**Alexandra Palace Park**](https://www.alexandrapalace.com/the-park/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), this one-day boutique festival has built a reputation as one of the capital's most family-friendly days out, with a dedicated Family Fun area that works as a mini festival in its own right. Children can wander between the brilliantly eccentric Silly Science Show, clamber into Circus Sensible's interactive mini Big Top, watch the African Acrobatics Circus, and chase enormous bubbles courtesy of The World's Tallest Bubbleologist. There's Family Disco Yoga for wriggly bodies, traditional Punch and Judy shows, plus art, theatre and hands-on experiences designed for curious minds of all ages. Pop-up performances and roaming performers appear throughout the park all day, so there's always something to stumble upon. And because this is a proper festival rather than a kids' event with music tacked on, parents get a genuinely brilliant line-up too. Chart-topping collective Rudimental headline, joined by Groove Armada with a special DJ set, UK garage pioneer MJ Cole, Black Grape, drum'n'bass legend Roni Size, garage originator Wookie, DJ Paulette, The Amy Winehouse Band and the Some Voices Choir. Add Bez's Acid House Experience, Hip Hop Karaoke and comedy from Russell Kane, Olga Koch, Emmanuel Sonubi and Bella Hull, and there's plenty to keep the grown-ups grinning between bubble chases. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/07/34.-Kaleidescope-12.07.25---www.harbinson.uk.JPG) ## Three stages are dotted across the parkland of the historic “People's Palace”, with the South Slope's natural amphitheatre framed by Alexandra Palace itself The setting does a lot of the magic. Three stages are dotted across the parkland of the historic “People's Palace”, with the South Slope's natural amphitheatre framed by Alexandra Palace itself and sweeping views across London. For families who love a bit of adventure, the atmospheric Victorian Basements beneath the Palace open for an afternoon of offbeat storytelling and a Q&A with rave culture author Kirk Field, a rare chance to explore a hidden side of Ally Pally not usually open to the public. As night falls, the cavernous underground spaces transform into an immersive playground for those staying on after bedtime. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. Festival Director Simon Fell says: “Kaleidoscope Festival has been running since 2018 and has become a real staple of London's summer. This year's line-up is a celebration of the golden age of garage, house and drum'n'bass, the sound of London, alongside comedy, culture and family experiences. It's a festival like no other; a place for the curious, for music lovers, for families, where you can explore our park, take in panoramic views of the capital, and even discover parts of Alexandra Palace you wouldn't normally see.” The festival welcomes all ages, with under 16s to be accompanied by an adult over 21, making it an easy choice for a whole-family day out. Visit[**kaleidoscope-festival.com**](https://kaleidoscope-festival.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) for tickets and full details. ### 18 Things To Do With Your Family in July URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/18-things-to-do-with-your-family-in-july/ Last updated: 2026-10-05T21:57:13.000Z Once Upon A Time... ...the British Library mixed together authors, singing sessions, dancing and mask-making to create a huge, day-long celebration of fairy tales. Legendary children’s author Chris Riddell will be present, as will beloved poet Joseph Coelho, the master of Fairy Tales Gone Bad. Join draw-alongs, card game sessions and take a look at the magical Fairy Tales exhibition. Festival is free, exhibition ticketed. More[**here**](https://events.bl.uk/events/family-festival-happily-ever-after?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Explaining difficult news to children and handling their exposure URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/explaining-difficult-news-to-children-and-handling-their-exposure/ Last updated: 2026-06-29T13:43:33.000Z Difficult news, whether about conflict around the world or sensitive events closer to home, can be accessible to everyone, including young children. Their exposure can be tricky to control; they may overhear adult conversations, encounter snippets on TV and radio, or talk with peers in the playground. Yet as parents and carers, we don’t need to completely shield children from the world around them. We can lean on techniques to explain difficult news in a child-friendly way, without causing fear. _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Childhood, Unplugged: Making Space for Music, Play and Imagination URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/childhood-unplugged-making-space-for-music-play-and-imagination/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:13.000Z For many families, they're an opportunity to step away from the routines of the school term and embrace experiences that spark imagination, encourage participation and allow children to try something new. This belief has been at the heart of [**The Strings Club**](https://www.thestringsclub.org/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) since it was founded in 2012 by musician and mum Amy Cunningham. Having taught hundreds of children each week as a violin teacher, Amy witnessed first-hand the powerful role music could play in children's development. Beyond learning an instrument, she saw music helping children develop self-belief, form friendships, express themselves and uncover talents they never knew they had. Inspired by these experiences, she launched a small music-led Holiday Camp in Camden, North London. Just six children attended that first camp. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/06/12_cea26aab-8435-4f85-9eea-80437b6253ff.webp) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/06/23.webp) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/06/231026_Str_Club_0318.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/06/Copy_of_5.webp) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/06/Copy_of_27.webp) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/06/the-strings-club-holiday-camps-7.webp) Today, The Strings Club has grown organically to more than 20 venues across London, the Midlands and Warwickshire, inspiring almost half a million children through the joys and benefits of music. Alongside its continued organic growth, the organisation is also expanding through a dedicated franchise network, enabling purpose-led entrepreneurs to bring The Strings Club to their local communities. At every Holiday Camp, children aged 4-11 enjoy a carefully-curated blend of music, outdoor play and imaginative activities. Interactive guitar, violin and ukulele sessions sit alongside creative workshops, games and projects designed to encourage teamwork, exploration and participation. > **Importantly, Camps are proudly screen-free.** Many families tell us they value opportunities for their children to spend time making music, being active, creating with their hands and sharing experiences with others. Parents frequently tell us their children return home with new interests, lasting friendships and a greater sense of confidence in themselves. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/06/231026_Str_Club_1186.jpg) ## **Interactive guitar, violin and ukulele sessions sit alongside creative workshops, games and projects designed to encourage teamwork, exploration and participation.* The benefits of music are woven throughout the experience. Research has long highlighted music's ability to support concentration, communication, emotional wellbeing and social development. At The Strings Club, music provides a shared experience that brings children together whilst encouraging personal growth and self-expression. In an increasingly busy world, many parents are seeking opportunities for their children to slow down and become fully absorbed in an activity. Whether learning a new chord, performing alongside friends or working together on a creative project, music naturally encourages children to listen, communicate and collaborate. These experiences help nurture resilience, self-esteem and a sense of belonging - qualities that often extend far beyond the school holidays themselves. Families also value the warm and nurturing environment created by The Strings Club's experienced team. Every camp is designed to be inclusive, encouraging and supportive, ensuring children feel comfortable participating, trying something unfamiliar and celebrating their achievements. Today, The Strings Club is proud to be a Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award winner, with over 500 verified 5-star reviews from families. The organisation is also Ofsted-registered, accepts Tax-Free Childcare and childcare vouchers, and remains committed to creating positive childhood experiences through the joys and benefits of music. For many families, school holidays are a welcome opportunity to step back from busy schedules and make room for the things that matter most - time for children to explore the world around them, enjoy unhurried moments of play and build the relationships, interests and experiences that shape childhood. At [**The Strings Club**](https://www.thestringsclub.org/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), music provides the foundation for those experiences - helping children flourish both during the holidays and beyond. --- [Discover Holiday Camps for 4-7yrs](https://www.thestringsclub.org/pages/holiday-camp-4-7?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) [Discover Holiday Camps for 8-11yrs](https://www.thestringsclub.org/pages/holiday-camps-8-11?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ## **Venue Locations** ### **London:** **Balham, Blackheath, Brockley, Bow, Clapton (new), Crouch End, Dulwich, Ealing (new), Fulham, Greenwich, Hackney Dalston, Hampstead, Islington, Kingston upon Thames, Nunhead, Richmond, Walthamstow and Wimbledon (new)** ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **West Midlands:** **Harborne (Birmingham), Leamington Spa (Warwickshire).** ### Exclusive Discount Code for **The Green Parent** readers: **GREEN10** for 10% off of your first booking with[**The Strings Club!**](https://www.thestringsclub.org/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### ### Your Free Guide to Alternative Education in the UK is Here URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/your-free-guide-to-alternative-education-in-the-uk-is-here/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:13.000Z Inside you'll find **90 schools and groups across the UK**, from woodland kindergartens and Forest School settings to Waldorf, Steiner and Montessori schools, self-directed learning communities, and home education provision. Whatever stage you're at, whether you're just starting to explore the alternatives or ready to make a change, this guide is designed to make that journey easier. ## What's inside - **90 schools and groups**, organised by region, covering the South East, London, South West, East, Central, North East, North West, Wales, Scotland and Ireland - In-depth interviews with **New Forest Small School** on play, nurture and why a gentle start matters, and **Brockwood Park School** on learning without fear, free of comparison and exam pressure - Featured profiles of schools including [***Annan The Froebel School***](https://annanschool.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)***,*** [***Michael Hall Waldorf School***](https://www.michaelhall.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)***,*** [***The Montessori Place***](https://themontessoriplace.org.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)***,*** [***The King Alfred***](https://www.kingalfred.org.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)***,*** [***St Christopher School***](https://www.stchris.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)***,*** [***Waldorf Cambridge***](https://www.waldorfcambridge.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)***,*** [***Sands School***](https://www.sands-school.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)***,*** [***Wildwood Nature School***](https://www.wildwoodnatureschool.org.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ***and*** [***Ruskin Mill Trust***](https://rmt.org/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)***'s specialist provision*** Every setting has been chosen because it nurtures a love of the natural world, a sense of community, and a belief that childhood deserves space to play, wonder and grow at its own pace. It's a fully interactive guide too, so every website address is clickable, making it easy to head straight to the school or group that catches your eye. ## Download your copy The guide is completely free. Simply click below to download your copy and start exploring. [Download The Green Parent Alternative Schools Guide 2026TGP ASG 26.pdf4 MBdownload-circle](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/content/files/2026/06/TGP-ASG-26.pdf "Download") ## Share it with someone who needs it If you know a parent weighing up their options, or a home educator looking for local groups, please share this guide. The more families who find their way to a setting that fits, the better. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. *The Green Parent's Alternative Schools Guide is published annually. Know a school or group that should feature next year? Get in touch at* [***features@thegreenparent.co.uk***](mailto:features@thegreenparent.co.uk) **You can find a print version of the guide inside our summer 2026 edition of The Green Parent magazine available now!** [Buy the summer 2026 edition of The Green Parent here](https://subs.thegreenparent.co.uk/products/summer-2026?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-16-at-17.33.29-1-1.png) ### How to Create Your Own Summer Solstice Circle URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/how-to-create-your-own-summer-solstice-circle/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:14.000Z ## **Anoushka Florence** welcomes you into the circle of women with her plans for a summer solstice gathering Ever since I was a little girl, I felt the calling of the circle. I was drawn towards the ritual of gathering, the coming together of friends and family, and the safety I felt when contained in it all. Growing up in a tight-knit Jewish community, I witnessed the coming together of people who gathered to mark holy days, new moons, seasonal festivals, coming of ages and transitions of both love and loss. These markers rooted in me a deep knowing of how much we all need one another. The longing to gather, to be seen and to be witnessed holds the key to so much of what I believe we all collectively seek. As I learnt very early on, we were not meant to do life alone. That experience was paired with a bohemian mama who created sacred spaces for a living. As a little girl I used to watch as she transformed people’s homes into havens. Our house was constantly changing, dependent on her mood. Furniture would move around, walls would change colour, smells would waft. She showed me the importance of spaces, and their power to hold and move energy. She passed this gift down to me, a gift that was passed down to her by her mother, and her mother and her mother – the red thread that had always known the importance of sacred spaces. As I grew, I found myself stepping away from more organised patriarchal religion as I sought out a path of my own. I yearned to find a deeper connection to myself, to understand my feminine nature, to move through the cycles of Womanhood in a more holistic way. I needed to figure out who I was and what I truly wanted from life. I believe that at some point in our lives, we are all called to leave what we know, in search of a deeper journey that calls us. As I navigated my own way through the quest and all the challenges that life presents, I found myself calling out for a place where I could take refuge and find solace. A space to be seen, to be heard, to be witnessed. A space to re-centre as I journeyed deeper and deeper on my path. A space to gather with others, to belong and to remember that although this was my path to take, I didn’t have to do it alone. Ah, the Circle was calling me again. And so, not knowing where to find spaces like this, I decided to create them for myself. As I sought other women who wanted to gather in a space like this, I realised this longing was based on a thread so much deeper than I could ever imagine; a thread that I now know is woven into every woman: the thread of the Women’s Circle. Having been separated from one another for so long, my wish is that as we do return to gathering, we do so with meaning, with intention, with sacredness. This ritual is an ode to reviving the ancient feminine practice of the Women’s Circle with the intention of bringing meaning, symbolism and healing back to the moments in our lives when we need them most. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/05/DSCF4373.jpg) “Invite all the women to gather the flowers they foraged and any they feel called to from the Circle” ## **Summer Solstice Circle** **WHEN** On the evening of the summer solstice **WHO** Three or more Women who are seeking to gather to honour the longest day of the year **WHERE TO GATHER** A park, garden, beach (weather permitting). Somewhere in nature. As it is the longest day of the year, hold a Circle in the evening, while it’s still light outside, and celebrate with a picnic. ### **WHAT TO BRING** - ritual basket - 1 × bunch of sunflowers - 1 × bunch of any other seasonal flowers - 1 × floral wire and tape (enough for the circumference of each Woman’s head) - 1 × wire scissors - food and crockery for picnic - Invite the Women to forage some seasonal flowers to bring with them to the Circle, as well as a dish to share, and a blanket to sit on. ### **Create an altar** Lay down your ritual cloth and create a flower circle using the heads of the sunflowers. In the middle, place candles, crystals and anything else you feel called to. ### **Open the space** Introduce yourself, the practice of the Women’s Circle and the intention for gathering. Smudge the Women clockwise, then yourself, and then finally the altar space. Invite each Woman to introduce themselves and their astrology sign, and to share why they felt the calling to gather and what this shift in season is bringing up for them. ### **Energy talk** The sun has reached its peak and hangs high in the sky. At this moment, we welcome the longest day of the year, the marker that we have shifted from the waxing/rising energy of spring into the full bloom of summer as we step into the next season and cycle of summer. The land is abundant, filled with flowers, herbs, plants. Everything has bloomed around us, and the sun is shining down on it all. It is a time to bask, honour and give deep gratitude for all the light that has shone down on us, for all that the sun has charged within us, and for all the life, growth and bounty it has bestowed. On the summer solstice we are given a beautiful opportunity to pause, reflect, celebrate and acknowledge the light of the sun. People have been gathering to honour the solstice and the changing of the seasons since the beginning of time. We see this when we look at the ancient stone circles that were all positioned intentionally to welcome the sun on this powerful day – the Temple of the Sun in Peru, Stonehenge in England, the Ring of Brodgar in Scotland, the Pyramids in Egypt, to name just a few. The solstice offers us an invitation to connect to this powerful ritual once again, to honour the sun and to bask in the glory of the light. Cultures from around the world celebrate the solstice with celebration, music, dance and joy – this is probably where the idea of summer festivals stemmed from. During the summer months, we all seek a space to gather together, to celebrate all that has been, as we can finally exhale and just enjoy. ### **Sharing prompts** Begin to lead the sharing circle by asking a few questions and creating space for each Woman to write down what comes to her: Questions such as What are you proud of? What are you grateful for? What blessings are in your life? What can you give to others? Once you feel everyone is ready, open up the sharing circle, inviting each woman to share something that came through for them on their guided journey or their responses to the sharing prompts. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **Oracle cards** Shuffle the deck then pass the cards around, inviting each woman to connect to the spirit of the summer solstice. Each Woman should set the intention to receive some deeper guidance and wisdom as they connect to its energy. Consider: How am I being called to see my light within? and What do I need to let go of I order to see my light? Share what message you received with the Circle, and how you feel it connects to what you have uncovered in the space so far. ### **Create a crown** Invite all the women to gather the flowers they foraged and any flowers they feel called to gather from the Circle. Demonstrate how to make a flower crown. Calling in the glory of yourself, and holding the vibration of all the light you are being asked to witness in yourself, begin to gather the wire, perhaps asking the woman beside you to help cut the perfect sized wire for your head. Once you have your wire, you will want to start weaving your flowers onto it, taping the stems down. Ensure you place each flower down with intention. Keep going around and around until the crown is full of flowers. Then, one by one, holding up your flower crowns, place them on top of your head, and invite the other women to witness you as you each place your crowns on your head like the queens that you are! ### **Close the circle** Invite the women to close their eyes, to reconnect back to the wisdom that the Circle has given them, taking a moment to honour themselves for the journey they’ve been on to connect to the seeds longing to be planted, and to send gratitude to all the women who gathered beside them and to the energy of the summer solstice for guiding you back to your spirit. ### **Post circle** Once you have closed your Circle, it’s time to feast! Bring forward all your food, have a picnic, light a bonfire if you feel called to, and stay up all night radiating, laughing, singing and dancing in the joy of summer, in the joy of you! ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/05/SMW08971_1-1.jpg) #### Meditation Invite the Circle to take three deep inhalations, in through the nose and out through the mouth, then gently welcome your natural rhythm of breathing back. Become aware of your breath, become present to it, witnessing the ebb and flow. The more present you become to what’s happening inside of you, the more you can bring your presence to all that is happening outside of you too. For the seeds we planted are beginning to bloom, and we are given a moment in time to sit back and reflect on all the ways we have grown. What have you created for yourself this year? No matter how big or small, allow yourself to receive the glory of you. The fruits of your labour, the gifts you’ve manifested. Trust whatever rises to the surface, and allow yourself to witness, reflect and receive the light of all that you are. (Pause for at least one minute.) Bring this light back into the room, as you very gently feel yourself returning back to your seat, wiggling your fingers and toes, and opening your eyes. ### **RESOURCES** **READ** The Women’s Circle: How to Gather with Meaning, Intention and Purpose by Anoushka Florence (Hardie Grant) **FOLLOW** Anoushka on Instagram[***@thegoddessspace***](https://www.instagram.com/thegoddessspace?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### 17 Fun and cheap things to do with your family in June URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/17-fun-and-cheap-things-to-do-with-your-family-in-june/ Last updated: 2026-06-01T19:01:17.000Z Light evenings and mornings mean more time for fun. Celebrate solstice with a dawn dip or magical ferns, or cool off with ice play or snacking on frozen yoghurt bark. Plus free festivals galore and games to play on your bikes! _This post is for subscribers only._ ### A School Without Fear URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/a-school-without-fear/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:14.000Z **What does a typical day look like for a child at Brockwood — and how does it differ from a conventional school day?** A typical day at Brockwood starts with a whole-school silent morning meeting, where we all sit together quietly in our Assembly Hall — or sometimes outside in nature — to observe the movement of our own minds and gather energy for the day. After breakfast comes 30 minutes of Morning Jobs, where everyone helps care for the school. Classes run through the morning and afternoon alongside sports, with free time from around 5pm to make art, play music, throw a frisbee on the lawn, walk in the grounds, or simply sit by the fire. Smartphones are not part of daily life here, except on Saturdays — which leaves students free from the pressure to be always connected, and gives them more space for direct engagement with community, activities and nature. **Brockwood is one of only six Krishnamurti schools in the world. For a parent who has never encountered his teachings, how would you explain what that means for their child’s daily experience?** Krishnamurti founded Brockwood as a centre of learning where students and teachers explore fundamental questions of life in a setting free of fear, authority and dogma. Learning about oneself happens only in relationship — to others, to nature, to ideas. Brockwood is set up so that it quickly becomes a genuine home for students, where they actively participate in daily life, engage with nature, and take part in open discussions and inquiry. Perhaps most distinctively, students are not being moulded into any particular image or ideal; instead they are encouraged to ask questions freely and explore life with vigour and curiosity. This creates a warm, positive environment that carries with it a sense of seriousness and responsibility — for oneself, for one’s learning, and for the place. **How do you balance giving children freedom with ensuring they’re prepared for life beyond school?** At Brockwood, freedom and preparation aren’t in tension — they’re the same thing. Students discover their interests and talents through wide exposure to different activities, in a setting of genuine learning rather than exam-focused pressure. Older students can pursue A Levels through taught courses or self-study. But perhaps the deepest preparation happens through community life itself. Students help care for the school, bring their own initiatives, and take part in regular discussions about the fundamental questions of living together — including a questioning of the society they’re growing up in, with its emphasis on comparison, competition and acquisitiveness. In a small, international community, encountering different perspectives while also being encouraged to look inward at their own reactions and habits, students tend to develop emotional maturity, practical independence and confidence in relationships quite naturally. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/06/Cover.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/06/DSC06158r.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/06/Green-Parent-1.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/06/Green-Parent-2.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/06/IMG_5336-r.png) **How do you approach assessment — and what do you say to parents who worry about grades and outcomes?** Assessment at Brockwood is personal and light-touch. Small classes give teachers natural insight into each student’s progress, and students are constantly encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning and to find motivation that comes from genuine interest rather than external pressure. For those pursuing A Levels, assessment is more formalised, with mock exams and structured feedback. Parents drawn to Brockwood will find a school that supports every child individually, according to their needs, strengths and interests — though the school does not have specialist provision for complex or severe special educational needs. Those looking primarily for guaranteed academic outcomes may find a better fit elsewhere. Brockwood works best when there’s a genuine fit, for the child and the family alike. **What does wellbeing mean at your school, and how is it woven into daily life?** ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. Brockwood offers an extraordinary setting for wellbeing: a place surrounded by rolling hills, ancient trees and natural beauty, within a small, family-like community where relationships are positive and friendships form without the pressure of conformity or comparison. Students have personalised timetables, plenty of sport and physical activity, healthy vegetarian food — much of it organic or from our own garden — and silence woven into the daily rhythm through our morning meeting. But true wellbeing goes deeper than that. It depends on each person’s interest in understanding their own background, conditioning and habits, and exploring the possibility of being free from them. **Is there anything else you’d like parents to know?** Brockwood is genuinely one of a kind — a small, international boarding community of around 70 students aged 14 to 19, drawn from over 25 countries. That international mix is not incidental; it’s central to the education. Living and learning alongside people from very different backgrounds is itself part of what Brockwood offers. The school sits within a beautiful Georgian estate in the South Downs, and staff from around the world live on-site alongside students, with a genuine interest in the intentions of the school. After Brockwood, students go in many directions: universities both traditional and alternative — including liberal arts colleges in the UK, US and Netherlands — apprenticeships, creative fields, or a gap year to find their own footing. Financial support is available. Bursaries are means-tested and not linked to academic performance, because a family’s financial situation shouldn’t determine whether their child can access this kind of education. ### Room to Grow: Inside the New Forest Small School URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/room-to-grow-inside-the-new-forest-small-school/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:14.000Z The New Forest Small School (NFSS) in Lyndhurst has been offering a unique educational environment to children for over 30 years. Founded in 1994 by Alison and Nicholas Alp, the school has grown from its beginnings as a Montessori preschool to become an all-through school catering for children aged 3-16, and offering GCSEs in 12 subjects. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/05/data-src-image-f5272e17-aac6-404d-a7ef-3e5e57896fb3.jpeg) ### **Human-scale education** Visitors to the Small School often comment on the genuine warmth and sense of community which is immediately apparent when stepping through the doors of NFSS. With no uniform, first name terms and mixed age groups, NFSS feels less like a traditional school and more like an extended family. From its earliest beginnings, one of the strongest beliefs underpinning the environment NFSS offers is the huge value of human-scale education. There is a strong belief that the social, emotional and academic needs of children are best served within small, caring environments where every child can be fully seen and their voice fully heard. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/05/data-src-image-f14848e2-3dba-42e7-92b5-cf85e343dbaf.jpeg) ### **Approach to learning** For those joining NFSS aged 3, learning begins in kindergarten. Loosely based on the Montessori model, this vibrant classroom serves children aged 3-6\. This offers an incredibly special environment in which children are given the space to grow and learn in a natural, holistic way free from many of the pressures that so many young children in the UK face at a very early age. A more formal approach to learning to read and write begins in Class 1 (for children aged 7-9), and children’s academic skills are nurtured gently alongside their social and emotional development through each class in the school. Children leave the school aged 16 or 17 having completed GCSE examinations, which are offered in a broad range of subjects (English, Maths, Science, History, Geography, Psychology, Art, Music, Drama and Spanish). > ***"The small class sizes give us the opportunity to hear the children's voices in ways that aren't possible in larger environments"*** Throughout the school, the small class sizes play a huge role in allowing learning to be tailored as much as possible to the needs of the individual child, as well as in contributing to strong and positive relationships both between pupils and between pupils and teachers. We really value children’s active participation in lessons and the small class sizes give us the opportunity to hear the children’s voices in ways that aren’t possible in larger environments. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/05/data-src-image-9c0756a5-db63-4be7-a1f7-54772745d722.jpeg) ### **Connection to Nature** NFSS is located in the heart of the New Forest National Park, with a gate from the garden into ancient woodland that surrounds the school. This access to the natural world offers our pupils nature play, time to calm and connect with nature at break times, learning opportunities and weekly forest walks that bring the school community together on Friday afternoons. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. Herbs, fruits and vegetables are grown within the school garden and recently a connection has been developed with a local regenerative farm, where children have been involved in planting, harvesting and cooking the organic produce grown there. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/05/data-src-image-547541d3-8d75-4b60-846f-4d4fbbcfa74a.jpeg) If you would like to find out more about the unique environment NFSS offers and how they may be able to support your child’s educational journey, please contact them to arrange a personal tour with the Headteacher. [***www.newforestsmallschool.com***](https://www.newforestsmallschool.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### Room to Grow URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/room-to-grow/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:14.000Z ### **What does a typical day look like for a child here — and how does it differ from a conventional school day?** With children ranging from 3 to 16, a typical day can look quite different depending on the age of the child! For those aged 3 to 6 in our kindergarten, the focus is self-directed play — in our kindergarten space, the school garden, or the woodland next to the school. Our downstairs classes, for children aged 3 to 11, are structured to give lots of opportunities for play, inquiry, project-based learning, movement and time outdoors, with learning gradually becoming more formal as children move through the school and prepare for GCSEs — we currently offer 12 subjects. Older children usually attend four hour-long lessons a day across a broad and balanced curriculum. School starts at 9:30am, allowing a gentler-paced start for families. Children don't wear uniforms, and we love the creative, colourful clothes many wear to school — this also matters for those with sensory preferences who really benefit from wearing what they feel comfortable in. All our children have longer breaks than they might in a conventional school: at least half an hour in the morning and an hour and fifteen minutes at lunch. At the end of the day, children often stay and play in the playground or woods with their parents, helping them transition gently from school and fostering the strong community bonds we're so proud of. ### **What do young children need most in their earliest years of learning, and how does your setting provide that?** We believe the two things children need most are nurture and space to grow. Our kindergarten is a highly nurturing space, with high adult-to-child ratios and a genuine ethos of love and care. It's primarily play-based, giving children aged 3 to 6 the space to grow in a relaxed environment, free from the pressures children face in so many school settings from such a young age. The space is filled with interesting books, toys and resources — a stimulating environment for them to explore and learn about the world at their own pace. > ***"The key is finding the right balance between predictable routines and space for "going with the flow" — that's where the true magic of early years education lies"*** ### **How do you balance freedom and structure for very young children — and why does that balance matter?** Whilst our kindergarten is primarily play-based, clear rhythms and routines are built into each day, and these are incredibly important for giving young children a sense of security and predictability. The key is finding the right balance between predictable routines and space for "going with the flow" — that's where the true magic of early years education lies. Alongside self-directed play, there is gentle structure woven in: yoga sessions, stories, circle times, craft activities, Spanish songs and games. By balancing self-directed activity with a gentle introduction to more structured learning, we prepare our youngest children for their transition into Class 1 in the academic year they turn 7. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/05/Amongst-the-wildflowers-1.jpg) The focus is self-directed play — in our kindergarten space, the school garden, or the woodland next to the school. ### **How do you approach assessment — and how do you talk to parents who worry about grades and outcomes?** Our approach to assessment reflects our overall approach to learning: ensuring it's truly age-appropriate and reflective of the needs of the child, something we believe is so often missing in mainstream education. As children approach GCSEs, from around 12 onwards, assessment becomes gradually more formal while remaining as individually responsive as possible. For children younger than 12, it's very much about formative assessment, enabled by our small classes — no more than 12 — and the close relationships between pupils and teachers. With over 30 years of experience, we're confident this approach works. We'll always create space to reassure concerned parents that, in our experience, a gentle start — in which children grow holistically, socially, emotionally and spiritually as well as academically — gives them the best possible foundation for the academic learning that becomes more of the focus in later years. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **How involved are families in their child's learning, and what does that relationship look like day to day?** As a small school with around 65 pupils, we really value the strong relationships we build with parents, and we create space for them to check in informally with teachers at the start and end of each day. We communicate regularly through a Google Classroom learning environment and actively look for opportunities for parents to support and contribute to their children's learning. We welcome them into school to discuss and see their children's work, and to contribute to the school community more widely — helping create equipment in the school garden, reading individually with children, or discussing their working lives as part of our careers provision. ### **What does risk and challenge look like in your setting — and why is it important not to wrap young children in cotton wool?** Exploring risk and challenge are such important parts of children's growth, and being involved in choices about what is and isn't safe helps foster autonomy and self-reliance. An overly risk-averse culture can limit children's potential for growth — and take the fun out of playtime! We try to strike a healthy balance between our role as adults in keeping children safe and giving them freedom to explore risk in appropriate ways. We take an active, engaged role in supervising children in the garden and forest, so that rather than simply saying "no" to an activity, we can ask, "How can we find a way to do this safely?" ### **How do you support children who find it hard to separate from parents, or who arrive with anxiety or sensory sensitivities?** Even with everything we do to make school a safe, welcoming space, some pupils — especially very little ones — may find it hard to separate from parents at first. We take a gentle approach: better to build confidence gradually, step by step, than create anxiety around separation that becomes a bigger issue. Our youngest children often start with just a couple of mornings a week in kindergarten, building up their hours as they grow in confidence and independence. We also recognise that many children — and adults! — have sensory sensitivities. Elements of our school culture work well here, such as having no uniform, so children can wear what feels comfortable. Our small classes help avoid the busy, noisy classrooms many children find challenging, and we have pastoral support throughout the school for children experiencing anxiety. *New Forest Small School has around 65 pupils aged 3 to 16 and offers 12 GCSE subjects.* [***www.newforestsmallschool.com***](https://www.newforestsmallschool.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### Sharing Sisterhood URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/sharing-sisterhood/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:14.000Z When my youngest daughter was eight months old, I wanted to attend a Red Tent. I had read the novel by Anita Diamant and craved a supportive female space where we could talk about our experiences of family life, the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and birth. The nearest gathering was too far away so I took the plunge and started my own circle. The first Red Tent I hosted was in my living room with a collection of curious friends and neighbours. They were invited to bring crafts along and we knitted / crocheted / sewed our way through sharing experiences of having a menstrual cycle. It became normal that we would open the circle with sharing our name and what day of the cycle we were on. (Day 1 is the first day of your period.) It became a wonderful shorthand for how people were likely to be as we understood the uniqueness of each person’s experience. For example, while some in the pre-menstruum became sensitive to noise (me!) or smells, others would find their spatial awareness changed. Knocking glasses over or no longer being able to parallel park could be a sign that their period was due soon. What I heard again and again was that this knowledge was so precious: that understanding your own patterns of behaviour was liberating and reassuring. What I also heard was that these women wished they’d known about menstrual cycle awareness as girls, rather than discovering it in their thirties or forties. As the talking circle grew, we moved into a yurt on the edge of some beautiful woods. All through the winter we would continue to meet, with the wood stove crackling and casting a warm glow. I remember one particular evening when there was dense fog – a real pea souper – and three new attendees were planning to join us. I wondered if they would give up, but out of the fog they appeared, looking apprehensive and relieved at the same time. ### **Being Vulnerable** It can take courage to attend a talking circle. People know that it’s going to involve a different way of communicating than normal and perhaps are nervous about being put on the spot or feeling too vulnerable. As a facilitator, I aim to reassure that listening is as important role in circle time as speaking. Being witnessed as your authentic and whole self, without the risk of someone jumping in to fix you, is the magic of being in circle. Part of the reason that I wanted to attend a women’s circle was to be part of a varied community with different ages and life experiences. My heart’s desire was to have honorary aunties for my daughters to grow up around when we had no family nearby; people they could go to who would give good advice. Some of the women have been coming for 10 years and are like family. I have a feeling of belonging because of the circle that I’ve never had anywhere else. > **“I believe that talking circles are like safety valves; preventing individuals from becoming isolated and communities from becoming polarised”** ### **Choosing A Theme** Each month I choose a theme to start off the sharing. Last time, it was ‘invisibility’. Have there been times in your life when you felt invisible and it was unpleasant? Were there other times when being invisible was a positive experience? As a woman, have there been times when being visible was enjoyable or its opposite? Talking one at a time, we reflected and shared about our lives. It’s hugely validating to know that you’re not alone in an experience and enlightening to hear stories so different from your own. I believe that talking circles are like safety valves; preventing individuals from becoming isolated and communities from becoming polarised. Over the years, being part of the circle has given people the confidence to leave jobs or ask for a promotion, to advocate for the birth that they want, to get divorced or trust that they’re worth this new wonderful relationship, or to move to another country. When there is at least one space in your life where you are listened to respectfully, where you matter, it ripples out. Being part of the circle gave me the courage to publish my first book, Ruby Luna’s Curious Journey, for younger girls to know about their bodies, including the correct words for different parts such as vagina and vulva. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/05/circle1.png) “I remember one on a Summer evening, sharing stories of funny parenting mishaps, tales of strength in labour, and celebrations of the mother’s qualities” ### **Celebrating Rites Of Passage** We’ve marked rites of passage together such as pregnancy, miscarriage, and the end of relationships. There have been lots of mother blessings. I remember one on a Summer evening, sat around the fire pit, singing songs and sharing stories of funny parenting mishaps, tales of strength in labour, and celebrations of the mother’s qualities. We wound a red thread around all of our wrists; the cotton bracelet only to be removed when news of the birth was received. Rather than preparing, celebrating or grieving in a small family unit, the community offers support by witnessing these life events and marking them. Over the years, I have offered gatherings to other groups: mother and daughter circles around puberty, pregnancy and new mother talking circles, menopause circles, yoga teacher circles. Some are simply about creating a space to open up honest conversation with a cup of tea. Others include ceremony, deeper reflection, journaling, movement or mindfulness practices. All of them are connected by a clear framing of the guidelines to create a brave space for sharing: confidentiality, respect and non-judgement, talking one at a time, not fixing, and taking responsibility for yourself. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. It's human nature to want to make someone feel better if they’re sad or distressed. However, in circle time, we check what the person would like in that moment. Rather than rushing in with tissues to dry up tears or with a hug to comfort, we ask, “Is there anything that you need from us right now?” Sometimes letting tears flow freely and drop off the end of your chin, or experiencing the weight of your emotions alone, is liberating and empowering. During the pandemic, the circle went online. It was a different experience, but for most was a lifeline to feeling connected emotionally when physical connection was not possible. Sometimes, on purpose, we would not talk about the pandemic to have a break from how it was affecting our lives. Other times, we would have space to unpack how the impact was unfolding. We used breakout rooms on Zoom to talk in pairs in Listening Partnerships to create deeper connections with others and some continued this practice together between the monthly gatherings by phone. In over a decade of experiencing and hosting circle time, I have become more comfortable with silences, a little wiser and a lot more humble. Sometimes before the evening gathering starts, I’m rushing to pick up from netball club, cook dinner and set up a welcoming space. Then I pause before the doorbell rings and take a big anticipatory breath in and out. By the end, I’m buzzing with connection and a sense of rightness in myself. The next morning, my youngest will say, “I heard your ladies cackling again!” and all is right with the world. #### ****What is a Listening Partnership?** This concept was created by Hand-in-Hand Parenting. One person talks first, while the other listens. Eye contact, nodding, verbal acknowledgements (hmm, aha) are encouraged, but not words, even if the speaker is silent for a while. After the speaker finishes (start with 5 minutes), the listener asks clearing questions. For example, “What did you have for breakfast?”, “What colour is your top?” Questions that are easy to answer and take the speaker out of the reflective state. Then the listener becomes the speaker. At the end of the allotted time, the new listener asks clearing questions. Rather than chatting afterwards, you could repeat the process or agree to have another listening partnership soon. This process encourages deep listening. It can be freeing for the listener to not have to think about a response and freeing for the speaker because they know they won’t be interrupted. The topic can be “What am I feeling today?” or something that connects you such as parenting, the menstrual cycle, or perimenopause. ### **MORE INSPIRATION** **READ** Tessa is the co-author of the book [**Circle Holding: A Practical Guide to Facilitating Talking Circles**](https://amzn.to/3Pe4JRr?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) (published by Singing Dragon). [Circle Holding: A Practical Guide to Facilitating Talking Circles : Davis, Julia, Sanderson, Tessa Venuti: Amazon.co.uk: BooksCircle Holding: A Practical Guide to Facilitating Talking Circles : Davis, Julia, Sanderson, Tessa Venuti: Amazon.co.uk: Books![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/icon/favicon-5.ico)Shop the store on Amazon ›Follow![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/thumbnail/A1F83G8C2ARO7P-525-5495965-3583539-J896J7JZR5R492Y4XPK8-uedata-s--2Frd-2Fuedata-3Fstaticb-26id-3DJ896J7JZR5R492Y4XPK8-0)](https://amzn.to/3Pe4JRr?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **EXPLORE** Circle facilitation trainings at [***tessavenutisanderson.co.uk***](https://www.tessavenutisanderson.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) or follow[***@tessa.venuti.sanderson/***](https://www.instagram.com/tessa.venuti.sanderson/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ***Tessa is a mum of two girls living in Berkshire. She is a yoga teacher and menstrual educator.*** ### “We replaced our car with a cargo bike and have never looked back" URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/we-replaced-our-car-with-a-cargo-bike-and-have-never-looked-back/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:15.000Z As the war in the Middle East pushes up fuel prices, Solve The School Run and Clean Cities have calculated that using an e-cargo bike and public transport for family travel is £4,000 a year cheaper than using a second-hand family car and public transport. The analysis includes purchase price, depreciation, running costs, and additional transport costs. \[1\] Since the beginning of March petrol prices have jumped 20 per cent, while the diesel spike has been even bigger, increasing by 36 per cent. \[2\] **Dr Chris Van Tulleken**, the BAFTA-winning TV presenter and practicising doctor, has shared his story of making the switch and is a huge advocate of family cargo e-bikes. “We replaced our car with a cargo bike and have never looked back. It’s way cheaper and faster than a car, and our favourite way to get all three kids around London - they love it, and I love it. It’s great for our health, our happiness, our climate and our community.” E-cargo bikes are an increasingly popular option for those concerned about the cost of living. Clean Cities analysis of data from **Transport for London** shows that cargo bike journeys **doubled between 2022 and 2024** and 2025 figures from theBicycle Association show a 36% year on year increase in e-cargo bikes sales. \[3\] However, sales in the UK are way behind other European countries, with just 4,000 sold in 2022, compared with 70,000 in France and 90,000 in Germany. \[4\] The barriers include up front costs - an e-cargo bike can cost around £6,000 - and a safe place to store the bikes. With councillors due to be elected across the country on 7 May, the researchers have found that families are being “locked out” of thousands of pounds in potential savings because of a severe shortage of secure cargo bike parking. “We speak to hundreds of families every year who are keen to buy an e-cargo bike, but lack of secure storage stops them,” said **Alper Muduroglu**, CEO of Peddle My Wheels. “It means families in flats — who could benefit most from lower transport costs — are effectively locked out.” Even in London, which often has better bike storage facilities than other parts of the country, there are just two secure spaces in on-street cargo bike hangars, one for every 4,500,000 people in the capital. There are one million parking spaces for cars. \[5\] ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/05/Copy-of-Clean_Cities_Campaign_Transport_070.JPG) ## Clean Cities has inspired 3,200 community events, mobilised over 380,000 people, and helped create 300 new car-free school streets With secure storage for just two cargo bikes in the whole of London, in a dedicated cargo bike hangar provided by **Westminster City Council,** families are unable to safely store their cargo bikes, which are too big for standard bike hangars. Electric cargo bikes are increasingly used by parents for transporting primary school-aged children distances that it would be hard for them to walk, and which often end up being driven. Research has found that half of all e-cargo bike journeys replace a car journey, cutting emissions and congestion. \[6\] **Laura Jackson, Broadcaster, Founder and Creative Director of Glasette said:** “School runs in London rush hour used to be chaotic with three kids, until our Benno. Now we ride together on calmer routes, skipping traffic. E-cargo bikes could transform family travel, but only if boroughs back them with subsidies, secure parking, and cycle training". ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/05/Laura_Jackson-1.JPG) **Nicola Pastore**, co-founder of Solve The School Run, a grassroots network of parents concerned about the road danger and air pollution of the school run said: “In a cost-of-living crisis, we don’t think it’s fair that families are locked out of savings in this way. Families want a practical, affordable alternative to the car. Councils set aside kerbside space to park cars, why not do the same for a form of transport that is cleaner and cheaper?” Solve The School Run is calling on London boroughs to develop and implement strategies for secure on-street cargo bike parking, such as hangars, and introduce subsidies to make cargo bikes more accessible to families, as outlined in its **Streets for Kids** manifesto. They are also asking the Mayor for a London-wide strategy for family e-cargo bikes, similar to Transport for London’s freight-focused Cargo Bike Action Plan. \[7,8\] Although e-cargo bikes are cheaper than cars to buy and run over time, the upfront cost can be a barrier. A family-sized e-cargo bike and accessories typically cost around **£6,000**. Unlike cars, which are widely available through finance or leasing schemes, families often struggle to find the initial funds. Campaigners say council support schemes – such as discounted hire programmes like the one available in Richmond – could make e-cargo bikes far more accessible and transform everyday journeys for families. \[9\] The Government’s target for 55% of children to walk or cycle to school by 2025 has been missed, and the latest National Travel Survey shows that more than one in five families are deterred from active travel by dangerous and congested roads. \[10\] **Dr Ian Philips, Associate Professor at the University of Leeds added:** “Cargo bikes help people keep active, do activities with family that they might not otherwise have done and they replace car trips – showing great potential for health benefits and carbon savings. Add to this the financial and convenience benefits of these bikes and you have a very strong case for cargo bikes to become a more mainstream form of family travel - as they are in other European countries.” \[11\] ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. **Caz Conneller, Clean Cities, former founder of Cyclechic and She's Electric** said: “After 17 years working in the cycling industry, particularly in the family and lifestyle market, I’ve consistently seen cost as a barrier to e-cargo bike adoption. Many women say they would love to make the switch but simply can’t afford the upfront cost. If we are serious about reducing car-use, support and subsidies must be in place to help families make healthier, more sustainable choices, that will save them money in the long run.” --- 1. [Cost Savings Workings](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1N300iT8hWXqanKM0AxazmH1tx2k6vyRY/view?usp=drive%5Flink&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) 2. [Weekly road fuel prices - ](https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/weekly-road-fuel-prices?mc%5Fcid=07ab62fe87&mc%5Feid=cc908cabce&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)[GOV.UK](http://gov.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) 3. [https://cleancitiescampaign.org/cargo-bike-use-doubles-in-london-across-last-two-years/](https://cleancitiescampaign.org/cargo-bike-use-doubles-in-london-across-last-two-years/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) 4. [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2950105925000373](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2950105925000373?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) 5. [https://centreforlondon.org/reader/parking-kerbside-mangement/chapter-1/#cars-take-up-valuable-public-space](https://centreforlondon.org/reader/parking-kerbside-mangement/chapter-1/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk#cars-take-up-valuable-public-space) 6. [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2950105925000373](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2950105925000373?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) 7. [https://www.solvetheschoolrun.org/streetsforkids](https://www.solvetheschoolrun.org/streetsforkids?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) 8. [https://content.tfl.gov.uk/tfl-cargo-bike-action-plan-2023-acc.pdf](https://content.tfl.gov.uk/tfl-cargo-bike-action-plan-2023-acc.pdf?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) 9. [https://www.richmond.gov.uk/cargo\_bikes](https://www.richmond.gov.uk/cargo%5Fbikes?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) 10. [https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/national-travel-survey-2024/nts-2024-introduction-and-main-findings](https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/national-travel-survey-2024/nts-2024-introduction-and-main-findings?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) 11. [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2950105925000373](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2950105925000373?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **Total Costs of Ownership Cargo Bike vs Car Ownership** The full analysis including methodology, analysis tables and limitations can be found [here](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1N300iT8hWXqanKM0AxazmH1tx2k6vyRY/view?usp=drive%5Flink&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) This analysis compares the cost for a family of using an **electric cargo bike as their primary form of transport** versus owning and using a car. It looks at the **total cost of ownership over three years** for a **three-seater e-cargo bike (one adult and two children)** compared with a **five-seater car**. As well as comparing like-for-like costs based on miles travelled, the analysis factors in additional transport costs the families would incur, informed by the National Travel Survey. Because the e-cargo bike used in the comparison carries **one adult and two children**, the analysis is most relevant for families with **one or two children**. [**An e-cargo bike**](https://content.tfl.gov.uk/getting-to-know-school-streets-case-studies-2022.pdf?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)is an electric-assisted bicycle designed with cargo areas (front or rear) to transport heavy loads, children, or passengers. This release used a cargo bike and e-cargo bike interchangeably. For this report the terms **cargo bike parking and cargo bike storage** are interchangeable, and mean **cargo bike hangars**. Like normal bike hangars, these are weather-resistant, secure, insurable and lockable shelters that are specially designed for cargo bikes. Due to their size and shape, most cargo bikes cannot fit in a normal bike hangar, so need a dedicated style of hangar. This data was FOI’d for a report for the [Electrify London Campaign](https://cleancitiescampaign.org/electrify-london/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) by Clean Cities. The campaign promotes electric vehicles - from e-cargo bikes to electric vans - for climate, clean air and a healthier and more affordable London. [**Streets for Kids**](https://cleancitiescampaign.org/streetsforkids/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)is a Europe-wide movement led by Clean Cities, championing child-friendly mobility and car-free school streets. In just four years, this collaborative campaign has inspired 3,200 community events, mobilised over 380,000 people, and helped create 300 new car-free school streets. Through grassroots action and policy change, *Streets for Kids* is transforming urban spaces into safe, vibrant environments where children can walk, cycle, wheel, and play freely — building healthier, happier cities for the next generation. [**Solve The School Run**](https://www.solvetheschoolrun.org/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)is a parent-led charity that combines unique data insights with experience of real-world, parent-powered solutions. Fed up with the chaos, congestion, road danger and air pollution children have to face on the school run each day, they focus on data that highlights the issues and informs the solutions. They think all families should be able to have safe, convenient and sustainable options for getting children to school. The **Streets for Kids** campaign page can be found[ here](https://www.solvetheschoolrun.org/streetsforkids?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). [**Clean Cities**](https://cleancitiescampaign.org/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)is Europe’s largest network of organisations on a mission to build public support for cities to shift from polluting cars to active, shared and electric mobility. Clean Cities is hosted by[ T&E](https://www.transportenvironment.org/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). ### 6 Woodland birds you’ll hear before you see and how to identify them URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/6-woodland-birds-youll-hear-before-you-see-and-how-to-identify-them/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:15.000Z Learning to recognise these sounds can transform a simple walk into a rich wildlife experience for seasoned walkers and young children alike. Many woodland birds are surprisingly difficult to spot hidden high in the canopy or deep in dense undergrowth, but their calls often give them away. “People often think they’re only seeing one or two bird species on a woodland walk,” says Richard Scholfield (Estate Manager)at Woodlands.co.uk and a keen wildlife enthusiast. “But if you stop and listen, you’ll realise there are often half a dozen or more species singing around you at the same time.” Here are six woodland birds you’re likely to hear before you see, and some simple ways to recognise them. **Chiffchaff -** One of the earliest migrants to return to Britain in spring, the chiffchaff is famous for its simple call that sounds just like its name: “chiff-chaff, chiff-chaff.” The song repeats steadily and can continue for minutes at a time. The bird itself is small and olive-brown, often flitting restlessly among branches as it hunts insects. Because of its muted colours, it can be difficult to spot among fresh spring leaves. **Blackbird -** The blackbird produces one of the most beautiful songs in the British countryside. Its tune is slow, rich and flute-like, with pauses between phrases that give it a calm, reflective sound. Male blackbirds are easy to recognise once you spot them: glossy black with a bright yellow beak. They often sing from high perches in trees or on garden walls early in the morning or at dusk. **Great Spotted Woodpecker -** Instead of singing, the great spotted woodpecker is often identified by its rapid drumming sound. This loud rattling noise is created when the bird taps its beak quickly against tree trunks or branches. If you manage to spot one, it’s unmistakable, black and white with a bright red patch beneath the tail. **Song Thrush -** The song thrush has a clever trick that makes it easier to recognise. It sings short musical phrases and repeats each one several times before moving on to the next. The bird itself is brown with a creamy chest covered in dark spots, and it often sings from an exposed branch where its voice can carry through the woodland. **Wren -** Tiny but incredibly loud, the wren produces a rapid cascade of trills and whistles that seems far too powerful for such a small bird. Wrens are round and brown with a distinctive short, upright tail. They prefer dense vegetation, tree roots or fallen logs, which is why you often hear them before you see them. **Tawny Owl -** As evening falls, the soundscape of the woodland changes. One of the most recognisable calls is the “twit-twoo” of the tawny owl. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. Interestingly, this familiar sound is usually a duet: the female makes the “twit” call while the male responds with the deeper “twoo.” Tawny owls are rarely seen during the day but are common residents in mature woodland. For those just starting to learn birdsong, the Woodlands.co.uk team recommends trying a birdsong identification app such as Merlin by Cornell Labs, which can help match the sounds you hear with possible species. “It’s a great learning tool,” says Richard. “You can listen to the birds around you, check what the app suggests, and gradually train your ear to recognise the different calls yourself.” “Next time you walk through a woodland, stop for a minute and close your eyes,” he says. “You’ll often hear far more birds than you expect, and once you start recognising them, every woodland walk becomes much more rewarding.” --- If you would like further information, expert comment or additional tips on identifying birdsong, woodland wildlife, or topics such as owning and managing woodland, the team at [**Woodlands.co.uk**](https://www.woodlands.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) would be happy to help. With extensive experience across the UK’s woodlands, the team can provide knowledgeable insights, background information and practical advice. ***Founded with a mission to make woodland ownership accessible and enjoyable, Woodlands.co.uk offers private woodlands for sale across the UK. The company provides resources and guidance for new owners to explore creative ways of managing their woodlands for personal and community benefit. Whether for conservation, leisure, or environmental education,*** [***Woodlands.co.uk***](https://www.woodlands.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ***empowers individuals to steward and protect their woodlands for generations to come.*** ### The Celtic Tree Calendar - Willow URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/the-celtic-tree-calendar-willow/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:15.000Z Willow is the fifth tree in the Celtic Tree Calendar. It is the tree most associated with the feminine and the lunar cycle. Found most often near waterways throughout temperate regions it has a long list of medicinal uses and magical properties. Willow relates to Monday, the activity of bees and is often used as a honey tree. Although the most commonly accepted species is the eponymous tree from Kenneth Grahame’s popular tale – the weeping willow (Salix babylonica), it is actually the white willow, salix alba, which is the tree of the Celtic Ogham. There are over three-hundred species in the genera willow, which is a close cousin to the poplar. The leaves of this tall tree, which can grow to 25 metres, are lance-shaped; shiny dark green above, whitish and silky beneath. They turn yellow in the autumn. In fact, the golden brilliance of the willow in the autumn remains long after other trees have shed all their finery. The bark is grey and rough. You’ll notice at this time of year, the beautiful catkins, which are around 5cm in length. Willows herald the spring, along with the robin. The fruit matures in late spring and is a 2cm long capsule, light brown in colour. ### **MANIFOLD USES** In flat areas, willow can be planted to prevent flooding and can be used to protect river banks from erosion. Willow has long been the predominant tree used in basketry, with many varieties being cultivated for the colour of the branches allowing for variety in the baskets themselves. The wood has been used for cabinets, all types of furniture, barrels and prized for cricket bats. According to Druidic mysteries, two scarlet snake eggs were hidden within the Willow. The Universe was hatched from these two eggs, one containing the Sun, the other the Earth, relating to both cosmic birth and the birth of mankind. Traditionally, in spring rituals, these were replaced by hens’ eggs, coloured scarlet for the Sun and eaten at Beltane. ### **HEALING PROPERTIES** When scraped, the inner bark - which peels away easily - contains salicylic acid, the active ingredient of aspirin. These scrapings were traditionally used to alleviate pain, lower fevers and as an astringent tonic. Willow was used to relieve rheumatic conditions and gout since these conditions were widespread and common. Its powers were also used as a diuretic, a gargle for sore throats and gums, an external wash for sores, skin problems, wounds and burns. All varieties of this Tree can be utilized as an eyewash, to clear skin and a decoction of leaves and bark, simmered, can be used to treat dandruff. All can also be utilized to prevent recurring fevers and as a digestive tonic, especially for dyspepsia. If you are interested in using willow in your herbal practice, the bark is collected in the Spring. Soak three teaspoons in one cup of cold water for five hours; then simmer lightly for twenty minutes. For indigestion and as a tonic, take one cup per day. For skin eruptions and similar complaints, such as bleeding gums and sore throats, use a stronger solution. You can also use an oil base in order to utilize this as an astringent salve. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **EMOTIONAL BENEFITS** In the Bach Flower Remedies, Willow Flower Essence is used as a remedy for bitterness and resentment; people who are stuck in a position of blaming others (or circumstances) for their problems, who have an experience of being a victim or being treated unfairly by life, would benefit from this essence. Willow branches are said to be the best for divining water, channelling earth energy and to find lost objects. Shavings of the wood, pieces of bark and whole leaves can be placed in a small bag under your pillow. This same package can be used to assuage feelings of powerlessness, an unreasoned fear of death and panic attacks, and to assist you in nurturing yourself emotionally. It is suggested that Willow be used in the same way when experiencing grief and to aid in this healing process. ### 14 fun and free things to do with your family in May URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/14-fun-and-free-things-to-do-with-your-family-in-may/ Last updated: 2026-10-05T21:57:13.000Z ## Summer Is Coming Friday May 1st is Beltane, or May Day. There are plenty of organised events Hastings’[**Jack in the Green**](https://thegreenparent.cmail19.com/t/r-l-tiuudhtd-hilikyyklj-h/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Clun's[**Green Man**](https://thegreenparent.cmail19.com/t/r-l-tiuudhtd-hilikyyklj-k/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), Edinburgh's[**Beltane Fire**](https://thegreenparent.cmail19.com/t/r-l-tiuudhtd-hilikyyklj-u/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), Bristol’s[**Jack in the Green**](https://www.bristoljack.info/home?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), Rochester's[**Sweeps**](https://www.medway.gov.uk/sweepsfestival?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) festival and[**burning the wicker man**](https://www.butserancientfarm.co.uk/beltain-celtic-fire-festival?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)at Butser farm. Or perhaps you’d like to try something a little different this year? Traditionally, white and yellow may flowers and wreaths were placed on doors and in windows, or strung together and placed on livestock. Perhaps you could try making a daisy chain crown for your cat! _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Step Into Spring: Best Bluebell Walks Across the UK URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/step-into-spring-best-bluebell-walks-across-the-uk/ Last updated: 2026-04-07T10:58:55.000Z **Found mainly in ancient woodland, bluebells are a sign of long-established, healthy forests, and a perfect reason to get outdoors and enjoy a seasonal walk.** [***Woodlands.co.uk’s***](https://woodlands.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)regional managers and local agents share some of their favourite places to experience bluebells at their peak, from quiet valley woods to gently rolling hillsides. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/04/P1020774.JPG) ### **Bentley Wood, Wiltshire** **Recommended by Dan Sharp, local agent for Central England,**[***Woodlands.co.uk***](http://woodlands.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) One of the largest ancient woodlands in southern England, Bentley Wood is renowned for its spring displays and varied walking routes through beech and oak. “Bentley Wood is one of those places that really stops you in your tracks in spring,” says Dan. “The bluebells spread across the woodland floor in huge swathes, and when sunlight filters through the trees, the colour is incredible. It’s peaceful, atmospheric, and feels wonderfully timeless.” **Location & access:** Near Salisbury, Wiltshire, with parking at multiple woodland car parks. **Length of walk:** Routes range from 1.5 to 4 miles. --- ### **Gibside Woods, County Durham** **Recommended by Liz & Dan Watson, local agents for North England,** [**Woodlands.co.uk**](http://woodlands.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Set within a sheltered valley, Gibside’s woodland paths offer a calm, immersive bluebell experience with gentle gradients. “Bluebells thrive here thanks to the long-established woodland,” says Dan Watson. “In spring, the paths wind through banks of blue, with birdsong echoing through the trees. It’s a lovely place for a slower walk where you can really appreciate the changing season.” **Location & access:** Near Rowlands Gill, County Durham, with well-marked parking areas. **Length of walk:** Circular woodland routes of 1–3 miles. --- ### **Nymans Woodland, West Sussex** **Recommended by Anton Baskerville,** [**Woodlands.co.uk**](http://woodlands.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) The woodland areas surrounding Nymans are rich with spring flowers and sheltered paths, making it an inviting place for a gentle seasonal walk. “Nymans feels remarkably special when bluebells appear,” says Anton. “They weave between trees and old garden boundaries, softening the landscape and giving the whole area a calm, dreamlike quality. It’s a wonderful place to wander and explore.” **Location & access:** Near Handcross, West Sussex, with parking available on site. **Length of walk:** Approximately 2 miles, with optional extensions. --- ### **Yarner Wood, Dartmoor National Park, Devon** **Recommended by Stuart Brooking, local agent for Devon & Cornwall,** [**Woodlands.co.uk**](http://woodlands.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) This ancient oak woodland on the eastern edge of Dartmoor is renowned for its spring colour, rich wildlife, and gently winding paths. Managed by Natural England, it combines easy access with a strong sense of seclusion. “Yarner Wood is at its best in late spring,” says Stuart. “The bluebells spread beneath the oak canopy and along the rides, creating soft carpets of colour. With birdsong, fresh green leaves and filtered sunlight, it’s a calming and restorative place to walk.” **Location & access:** Near Bovey Tracey, Devon, with parking at the Yarner Wood car park. **Length of walk:** Circular routes from around 1 mile, with options to explore further into the surrounding woodland. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/04/Woodlands-31.jpg) ## Sign up for The Green Parent Bringing more joy and connection to your family life Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Native bluebells are slow-growing and easily damaged. Walkers are encouraged to keep to established paths, supervise children carefully, and avoid trampling flowers, ensuring these displays can return year after year. Bluebell season is brief but unforgettable. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful solo walk, a family day out, or a moment of calm beneath ancient trees, spring woodlands offer beauty, colour, and connection in abundance. With careful footsteps and open eyes, these blue carpets become one of the most rewarding ways to experience the countryside. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/04/DSC_3850.JPG) **About** [**woodlands.co.uk**](http://woodlands.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Founded with a mission to make woodland ownership accessible and enjoyable,[***Woodlands.co.uk***](http://woodlands.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) offers private woodlands for sale across the UK. The company provides resources and guidance for new owners to explore creative ways of managing their woodlands for personal and community benefit. Whether for conservation, leisure, or environmental education,[***Woodlands.co.uk***](http://woodlands.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) empowers individuals to steward and protect their woodlands for generations to come. ### The Joy of Planting Trees: A Practical Guide URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/the-joy-of-planting-trees-a-practical-guide/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:15.000Z **Whether it's a single sapling in a back garden or the beginnings of a new woodland, putting a tree in the ground is one of the simplest and most lasting contributions any of us can make; to the environment, to wildlife and to our own quality of life.** Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping to offset the effects of climate change. They improve air quality, reduce flooding by slowing rainwater runoff and create habitat for an extraordinary range of wildlife. But they're good for us too. There is something deeply satisfying about watching a tree you planted grow and change with the seasons. Spending time among trees has been shown to reduce stress and improve mental wellbeing. A garden or woodland you've planted yourself becomes a place of personal meaning. Getting the best results does take a little thought at the outset. At Woodlands.co.uk, we've spent decades helping people choose, plant and nurture trees, and our experience shows that a few practical steps early on make all the difference. Choosing the right species is the most important decision. Most native broadleaf trees - oak, birch, hazel, hawthorn, rowan, field maple - are adaptable and will grow happily on a wide range of soils and sites across the UK. If your ground is particularly wet or heavy, species like willow, alder and hornbeam cope well. Lighter or acidic soils suit birch, rowan and Scots pine. Observing what already grows well nearby is often the best guide of all; nature has already done the research for you. Timing matters too. Bare-root trees, which are cheaper and often establish better than potted ones, should be planted while dormant, usually between late autumn and early spring. Container-grown trees offer more flexibility but still do best planted outside the heat of summer. The planting itself is straightforward. Dig a hole slightly wider than the root spread and no deeper than the root collar - the point where the trunk meets the roots. For bare-root trees, spread the roots out carefully. Backfill with the original soil, heel-in gently and water well. A layer of mulch around the base helps retain moisture and suppress weeds, but keep it away from the trunk itself, where it can encourage rot. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/04/IMG_1192.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/04/IMG_3413.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/04/IMG_4374.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/04/IMG_9349.jpeg) Aftercare in the first few years is where many plantings succeed or fail. Young trees need regular watering during dry spells and protection from browsing animals - rabbits and deer can damage a young tree remarkably quickly. Tree guards are a worthwhile investment. Stakes can help in windy positions but should be removed after the first year. Keep an eye out for pests or disease and act early if you spot problems. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. Some species are more forgiving than others. Silver birch, rowan, and hawthorn are hardy, fast to establish, and require very little fuss. Oaks, beech, and hornbeam are slower growing but reward patience with magnificent trees in time. Mixing fast and slow-growing species creates early visual impact while the slower trees come into their own over the years. A few common mistakes are easily avoided. Don't plant too deep. Space trees according to their eventual mature size, not how they look as saplings. Keep the area around young trees clear of competing grass and weeds, but avoid heavy-handed clearing that damages surface roots. Even a single well-chosen tree makes a difference - to the air, to the soil, to the birds that nest in it and to the person who planted it. Choose the right tree for the right place, plant it with care, look after it in its early years, and enjoy the results for decades to come. --- ***Founded with a mission to make woodland ownership accessible and enjoyable,*** [***Woodlands.co.uk***](https://woodlands.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ***offers private woodlands for sale across the UK. The company provides resources and guidance for new owners to explore creative ways of managing their woodlands for personal and community benefit. Whether for conservation, leisure, or environmental education, Woodlands.co.uk empowers individuals to steward and protect their woodlands for generations to come.*** ### 16 Fun and Cheap Things To Do With Your Family in April URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/16-fun-and-cheap-things-to-do-with-your-family-in-april/ Last updated: 2026-04-07T13:14:18.000Z ## Going Cheep The birds are returning! It’s peak migrating season, so go and say hello to your old friends. Sand martins, chiffchaffs, nightingales and house martins are all in our skies, and you might even spot a magical swallow — the herald of early summer and regarded as good omens. Find your favourite spot, take a[**warm picnic**](https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/blog/2023/01/winter-picnic-ideas/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), and see who you spot. Don’t forget to listen for the cuckoo on April 14th, which is St Tiburtius’ day. It’s considered lucky to hear one if you’re sitting on soft ground, but bad luck on hard. So find a meadow to in which to plonk yourselves! _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Dealing with stress as a parent over the Easter holidays URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/dealing-with-stress-as-a-parent-over-the-easter-holidays/ Last updated: 2026-03-31T10:46:48.000Z For most families, Easter is a time to get together, carry on family traditions, reflect and connect. It’s a break from the strenuous term-time routine and time to rest and be creative. However, for some parents, two weeks of school holidays and the pressure to live up to the ideal Easter break, can lead to stress. Children’s routines and structures are often built around term-time to ensure children’s wellbeing with exact mealtimes and bedtime routines to balance rest, homework and extracurricular activities. During the holidays, children often expect and look forward to changing routines, including relaxed or no screen time limits, bedtime, fun activities and connecting with friends. Parents also want to give their children a well-deserved break from school term routine and support fun holiday activities. ### **Easter break challenges for parents** **The perfect holiday myth -** the pressure to live up to the ideal Easter break, meeting everyone’s expectations and keeping children entertained, can leave parents feeling stressed. Parents can place unrealistic expectations on themselves to create special memories for everyone without taking into account how much time they actually have for everything and how much time is left for them, or other commitments such as work. **When routine disappears -**challenges can arise when adapting to a holiday routine, as parents may debate whether to maintain similar rules, relax them slightly, or abandon them altogether. This can include decisions around screen time, bedtimes, junk food, sweets, and sleepovers. For most young people, a lack of routine and structure can lead to disrupted sleep and poor diet, resulting in irritability, isolation, and a general decline in mental health. **Financial pressure -** alongside the emotional and logistical pressure, there is increased financial strain due to the cost of everything. Days out, Easter eggs, activity clubs, and the expectation of doing something memorable can add up quickly. Financial pressure to keep children happy and occupied over the school holidays can be a significant source of anxiety. **Everything in good measure – finding the right balance** Balance and moderation are key to a healthy, sustainable, and fulfilling life. Balance is even more important for children and young people’s stability and healthy development, which in turn reduces parental stress. Finding the right balance starts with setting realistic expectations for the Easter break, helping to prevent tensions and avoid disappointment when things don’t go exactly to plan. **Planning and sharing responsibility -** planning holiday activities in advance helps everyone understand what to expect and what is expected of them in return. Talking openly as a family about plans and priorities can support a smoother, more enjoyable break. It may also help to modify certain holiday traditions to make them more manageable. Assigning each family member a specific task can ease the pressure, with the understanding that things may be done differently than in previous years. Planning a budget for activities and any gifts in advance can also help manage expectations and reduce financial strain. **Having a flexible approach -** agreeing a flexible routine with clear expectations can help strike the right balance between time to rest and time to be active, screen time and off-screen time, quiet time and opportunities for real connection **Focusing on what really matters -** children are most likely to remember connection, time with loved ones, laughter and a sense of novelty. Many of the most effective mood-boosters are also free, whether that’s walking somewhere new, baking together, enjoying a film night with homemade popcorn, creating a scavenger hunt in the garden, or exploring a local park. The Easter break can also be an opportunity to model positive values. Encouraging children to contribute, for example, by offering small rewards for additional chores, can help introduce the principle of giving and receiving and reinforce a sense of shared responsibility. ## Sign up for The Green Parent Bringing more joy and connection to your family life Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### **Recognising and preventing parental burnout** Parenting today occurs in a fast-paced and stimulus-filled world due to the digital environment, social media, and information overload, with potential negative impact on mental wellbeing. The parental role by nature demands continuous compliance, availability, and high-quality care for the children. Luckily, the positive aspects of parenting usually compensate and often outweigh the stressful aspects. Parental burnout is a result of enduring exposure to chronic parenting stress. It is characterised by prolonged physical and mental exhaustion associated with the parental role and may be accompanied by emotional detachment from the child, overwhelming exhaustion, and even self-doubt regarding parental abilities as a nurturer. For working parents, the pressure to meet expectations at home as well as in the workplace can be a constant source of stress. It is essential to recognise the early warning signs. - **Early recognition of stress** \- identify signs of stress early and note the stressful situation/s. It might be helpful to ask yourself how you feel emotionally and physically in response to the situation, what are your thoughts about it and what do you need to do to deal with the situation? - **Balance** **resources and demand** \- remember, parenting is one of the most energy-consuming and one of the most energy-giving activities, it both taxes and replenishes your emotional resources and empties and nourishes you. - **Self-care** \- incorporate into the family routine regular relaxation or mindfulness exercise practice. - **Make time -** for leisure activities to mentally rejuvenate and relax. - **Movement** \- physical activities release endorphins and help regulate both sleep and anxiety. - **Rest** \- genuine rest without screen, whether it's half an hour with a book, a bath, or time to catch up with a friend. Protecting small pockets of downtime for yourself is not indulgent, it's necessary. - **Connection** – make time for real connection with others. Isolation amplifies stress. - **Lower expectations** \- holidays are times for family get-togethers, connection, and enjoyment. Releasing the pressure on things to be ideal creates space for enjoying the experience. Ask for help when needed. If you experience anxiety which feels unmanageable, speaking to a therapist can make a real difference. Cognitive behavioural therapy is the effective evidence-based recommended psychological therapy for common mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression. Remember ,you need to ‘put the mask on yourself first’ to ensure your own mental and physical well-being in order to support others best. ***By Babalwa Madikazi, Head of Children and Young People Psychological Therapies,*** [***Onebright***](https://onebright.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### Beyond Birthday Cake URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/beyond-birthday-cake/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:15.000Z Every birthday, every milestone, every "just because" moment, we celebrate the children in our lives with gifts. Toys that gather dust. Gadgets that lose their appeal within weeks. Clothes they outgrow within months. Meanwhile, billions of pounds are spent annually on gifts that deliver fleeting joy but zero lasting value. What if there was a better way? ### **The Forgotten Opportunity in Family Gifting** When it comes to building financial security for children, many parents feel investing is out of reach. Sometimes it’s due to perceived complexity, sometimes it’s the assumption that large sums are required to get started. However the truth of the matter is that time matters more than the initial amount. Starting early allows the opportunity for even small contributions to grow through compounding, turning modest beginnings into meaningful outcomes over time. Despite this, investment gifting has remained underutilised. Traditionally, the process has been too complicated, requiring account setup, financial knowledge, and effort that most friends and family aren’t prepared for when simply trying to give a thoughtful gift. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/04/Sponsored-article-illustration-2.jpg) ### **A Paradigm Shift in How We Think About Gifting** Imagine replacing a £50 toy with a £50 investment. Instead of something temporary, the same value gift potentially becomes a growing asset that could one day support university fees, a first home, or a new venture for your child The emotional value of the gift deepens instead of disappears. Each contribution becomes a lasting reminder of care and support, forming part of the child’s journey over time. Introducing children to investing from an early age is often discussed as a way to build financial awareness, encourage long term thinking, and help children understand how money can change in value over time. What’s been missing until now is just a simple, frictionless way to make it happen. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/04/Sponsored-article-illustration-3.jpg) ### **Making Investment Gifting Accessible** That’s where a new approach is emerging. Platforms like First Portfolio are making it easier to rethink how we give. Instead of another short lived present, parents can set up an investment account for their child and invite friends and family to contribute. Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or special milestone, each contribution becomes part of something bigger, helping to build a meaningful financial foundation for the child’s future. The simplicity is key. Parents can get started in minutes, choose an investment strategy that fits their comfort level, while contributors can add to the portfolio just as easily as sending a gift. There’s also a deeper shift taking place. Investment gifting changes how families think about generosity. It transforms gifting from something temporary into something lasting. Instead of clutter, it creates value. Instead of fleeting excitement, it builds long term security. It also opens up new possibilities for financial inclusion. Not every family has the means to invest large amounts on their own, but many have a network of people, including grandparents, relatives, close friends, who want to contribute in a meaningful way. By bringing those contributions together, even small amounts can add up to something impactful over time. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. Just as importantly, it introduces children to the concept of investing early. While they may not fully understand it at first, growing up with investments in their name helps build awareness, confidence, and a healthier relationship with money in the long run. First Portfolio makes this entire process simple, accessible, and collaborative. It’s designed to remove barriers and make long term investing a natural part of family life. Because the most meaningful gifts aren’t just enjoyed in the moment, they can have a lasting impact as your child grows. Learn more and get started: · Website:[***firstportfolio.com***](https://firstportfolio.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) · Download on the[***App Store***](https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/first-portfolio/id6753989646?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) · Get it on[***Google Play***](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.firstportfolio&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) With any investing, your capital is at risk. The value of investments can go down as well as up. *First Portfolio Limited (FRN: 1028933) is an appointed representative of WealthKernel Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN: 723719)* ### When the Clocks Change, Kids Feel it Most URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/when-the-clocks-change-kids-feel-it-most/ Last updated: 2026-03-27T19:00:27.000Z Child sleep expert Ilona Andrews reveals how parents can handle the clocks going forward without bedtime battles, early wakeups and overtired children - and says most parents make the same mistake every year when the clocks change. _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Discover a community beyond the classroom URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/discover-a-community-beyond-the-classroom/ Last updated: 2026-03-30T06:59:54.000Z Pastoral care, community and kindness run through everything we do, creating an environment where young people are known, understood and celebrated for who they are. [**St Chris**](https://www.stchris.co.uk/about-us?utm%5Fsource=newsletter&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcampaign=aboutus&utm%5Fterm=greenparent) is, and has always been, more than a school. Since our founding in 1915, we have been a community, one that values integrity, trust, respect and service to others. Here, students learn from their very first day that kindness matters, that responsibility is shared, and that their voices are heard. These lessons extend beyond the classroom: whether through fundraising for local and international charities, pioneering environmental projects, or volunteering in the wider community, students are encouraged to make a genuine difference. [Discover More Here](https://www.stchris.co.uk/about-us?utm%5Fsource=newsletter&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcampaign=aboutus&utm%5Fterm=greenparent) ### **A Progressive Heritage** From its earliest days, St Chris has been progressive in outlook. **Where others demanded silence, we listened. Where others focused only on outcomes, we valued the journey of learning itself.** That is why our approach continues to emphasise creativity, curiosity and collaboration alongside academic achievement. We believe that excellence should be relevant, not excellence measured against outdated standards, but excellence that prepares our students for the modern world. This means developing resilience, empathy, problem-solving, and the courage to innovate. It also means giving young people time: time to learn, time to grow, and time to flourish. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/03/1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/03/3.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/03/4.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/03/5.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/03/6.jpg) > ***'What matters is not the activity itself, but the confidence, joy and sense of achievement it brings'*** ### **More Than the Classroom** Life at St Chris extends far beyond lessons. Students are encouraged to discover the richness of the human experience through sport, drama, music, art, science, technology and more. What matters is not the activity itself, but the confidence, joy and sense of achievement it brings. We want our young people to be adventurous, to try, to fail, to try again – and to keep learning throughout their lives. ### **A Caring, Inclusive Community** St Chris is proudly diverse, welcoming families from Hertfordshire, London, across the UK and around the world. This breadth of experience enriches our community, helping students to see different perspectives and develop a deep understanding of the world they will help to shape. Every student is supported by an Adviser, a trusted adult who walks alongside them throughout their school journey. Advisers are there to listen, to advocate, to challenge and to guide, ensuring each child has someone to turn to, both in times of celebration and in times of need. Excellent pastoral care is at the heart of St Chris, enabling our young people to be ambitious and adventurous, while feeling safe and supported. ## Sign up for The Green Parent Bringing more joy and connection to your family life Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. We also take barriers away where they are unnecessary. Students and staff are known by their first names, uniforms are replaced by comfortable dress, and relationships are built on honesty and mutual respect. These things may seem small, but they matter, they signal that everyone is free to be themselves. ### **See for Yourself** The best way to understand [**St Chris**](https://www.stchris.co.uk/about-us?utm%5Fsource=newsletter&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcampaign=aboutus&utm%5Fterm=greenparent) is to experience it. We warmly invite you to join us at one of our forthcoming Open Events: - **Nursery & Junior School Open Events:** 21 April, 21 May, 16 June - **Senior School Open Day:** 28 April You will have the opportunity to meet our Head, speak with staff and students, and see first-hand the warmth and care that define our community. To book your place at an Open Event, please click [***here***](https://www.stchris.co.uk/upcoming-open-events?utm%5Fsource=newsletter&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcampaign=upcomingopenevents&utm%5Fterm=greenparent) For Admissions Information click [***here***](https://www.stchris.co.uk/admissions-process?utm%5Fsource=newsletter&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcampaign=admissionsprocess&utm%5Fterm=greenparent) ### Wonders of Wild Garlic URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/wonders-of-wild-garlic/ Last updated: 2026-03-29T21:39:56.000Z In a world increasingly dominated by screens, schedules, and structured learning, parents and educators alike are seeking ways to reconnect children with nature, nurture curiosity, and instill valuable life skills. One such method is foraging - an ancient practice that not only teaches self-sufficiency but also deepens our connection with the natural world. And as spring emerges, bringing with it a bounty of wild foods, there is no better time to introduce children to one of the season’s most delightful offerings: wild garlic. Foraging for wild garlic has become a special tradition for my daughter and I. For the past three wild garlic seasons, it’s become a cherished ritual for my daughter, Frida, and me. This time of year always feels a little magical—the moment we step outside, the unmistakable scent of garlic drifts through the air before we even glimpse those glossy green leaves. It grows abundantly where we live, pushing up through the earth along the lake banks and even through cracks in the concrete path, as if nature is reminding us of its quiet resilience. Each spring, I take Frida’s hand and lead her into the woods, showing her how to recognise the tender young leaves before the flowers appear. Her small fingers carefully pluck a seed pod, rolling it between her fingertips before holding it up to her nose. She inhales deeply, eyes wide with delight, then looks up at me with the biggest smile - it’s a winner, I think! We take only what we need, just a handful, as I teach her the importance of foraging with care and gratitude. Back home, Frida sits absorbed in our harvest, turning the leaves over in her hands, feeling their texture, studying their shape. When she is ready, she hands them to me to add to our meal. Sometimes we make wild garlic pesto, other times we simply stir it into pasta, but whatever the dish, the process itself - gathering, touching, smelling, and tasting - feels deeply meaningful. In those moments, we are not just cooking; we are connecting. To the land, to each other, and to the generations who have foraged before us. ### **Engage Your Senses** Wild garlic (Allium ursinum), also known as ramsons, is one of the most exciting plants for young foragers to discover. It grows in shaded woodland areas, often carpeting the forest floor with vibrant green leaves and delicate white flowers. It has a distinctive garlicky aroma that makes it easy to identify, reducing the risk of confusion with non-edible plants. The season typically begins in early spring, peaking in April and May. Foraging for wild garlic is an engaging, sensory-rich experience that allows children to use their senses - sight, smell, and touch - to identify plants correctly. Unlike traditional classroom learning, where information is often absorbed passively, foraging is a hands-on activity that fosters deeper engagement and retention. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/03/Jess_Petrie_Wild_Garlic.8jpg.png) ## ****‘As wild garlic season arrives, there is no better time to step into the woods, breathe in the fresh air, and embark on a foraging adventure with your children’** ## **How to Get Started** **1 Choose the Right Spot** Wild garlic thrives in damp, shaded woodlands, particularly near streams and rivers. Parks and nature reserves often have plentiful patches, but always ensure you are foraging legally and responsibly. **2 Teach Ethical Harvesting** Encourage children to pick only a few leaves from each plant, leaving the roots intact so the plant can continue to thrive. Show them how to gather leaves gently without disturbing the surrounding environment. **3 Use the ‘Look, Smell, Feel’ Method** To build confidence in plant identification, teach children to: - Look at the shape and colour of the leaves. - Smell the distinct garlic scent. - Feel the smooth, slightly waxy texture of the leaves. **4 Create a Foraging Journal** Encourage children to document their finds with drawings, pressed leaves, or notes on the location and season. This helps reinforce learning and allows them to track their foraging adventures over time. **5 Cook with Your Foraged Garlic** The best part of foraging is enjoying the harvest! Wild garlic can be used in a variety of simple, child-friendly recipes, such as: - **Pesto –** Blend wild garlic leaves with nuts, parmesan, and olive oil for a delicious pesto. - **Garlic Butter –** Mix finely chopped leaves into softened butter to spread on bread. - **Wild Garlic Frittata –** Add chopped wild garlic to an egg-based dish for a nutritious meal. ## Sign up for The Green Parent Bringing more joy and connection to your family life Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### **Take Care** While foraging is a wonderful way to engage with nature, it is essential to do so with care. Some plants can be toxic, and it is crucial to correctly identify what you are picking. Always use multiple sources - such as field guides, foraging apps, or expert guidance - to verify your finds before consuming them. If in doubt, do not pick or eat a plant. Teaching children about responsible foraging ensures they develop a cautious and respectful approach to nature. Foraging is more than just an enjoyable activity; it is a stepping stone toward a more sustainable future. By teaching children to recognise and responsibly harvest food from the wild, we empower them with knowledge that challenges the modern culture of convenience and consumerism. Understanding the natural world and how it provides for us fosters a mindset of conservation and appreciation. Additionally, foraging opens the door to discussions about food miles, biodiversity, and self-sufficiency. As children grow, this awareness can influence their choices, from supporting local and seasonal produce to reducing food waste. Including Frida in my foraging journey is something I hold close to my heart. I want her to grow up knowing that food isn’t just something bought in a shop, but something gifted by the land. That nature provides for us when we treat it with respect. If I could leave her with anything, long after I am gone, I hope it is this - a deep love for the wild, an appreciation for the abundance that surrounds us, and the simple, timeless joy of gathering food with her own hands. As wild garlic season arrives, there is no better time to step into the woods, breathe in the fresh air, and embark on a foraging adventure with your children. The lessons learned among the green leaves will stay with them for a lifetime, shaping the way they see and interact with the world around them. So, grab a basket, follow the scent of garlic, and let nature be your child’s greatest teacher. ***Jess is a nature photographer, forager, and educator passionate about connecting families with the wild. She lives in Sheffield, close to the Peak District with her child, where she explores sustainable living through foraging, gardening, and photography. With years of experience leading nature workshops, she inspires others to embrace the wonders of the natural world.*** **MORE INSPIRATION** **ENJOY** More of Jess’ photography at[***jesspetrie.com***](https://www.jesspetrie.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **FOLLOW** [***@her.wildness***](https://www.instagram.com/her.wildness/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **EXTRAS** We love this video from [**The Forager Within**](https://theforagerwithin.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) on how to prepare wild garlic and it's health benefits. ### The Power of Storytelling in Shaping Children’s Values URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/the-power-of-storytelling-in-shaping-childrens-values/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:15.000Z Stories are one of the very first ways children begin to understand the world around them. Long before they can fully articulate their thoughts or explain their feelings, they are listening, absorbing and interpreting the messages woven into the stories they hear. Through simple narratives about animals, adventures, friendships and faraway places, children begin forming ideas about kindness, empathy, courage and how we treat the world, and one another. From an early age, storytelling becomes a quiet teacher. When a child listens to a story, they are not just following a plot, they are placing themselves inside it. They imagine how the character feels when they are left out. They feel the excitement of bravery. They sense the warmth of belonging. Stories allow children to safely explore emotions and experiences before they encounter them in real life. In doing so, books help build emotional intelligence, and the ability to recognise feelings, understand perspectives and respond with compassion. That is why children’s books are so powerful. The stories we return to at bedtime, the ones requested again and again, quietly shape how children see themselves and others. A character who learns to celebrate differences can help a child embrace diversity in their classroom. A storyline about helping a friend can reinforce the importance of generosity and loyalty. A gentle narrative about caring for nature can nurture respect for the planet long before a child understands climate change or sustainability. These messages do not need to be loud to be impactful. In fact, it is often the subtle, consistent themes that stay with children the longest. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/03/pexels-rdne-10566111.jpg) ## 'The stories we return to at bedtime, the ones requested again and again, quietly shape how children see themselves and others' Storytelling also plays a crucial role in identity. When children see characters who reflect different backgrounds, personalities and abilities, it broadens their understanding of what is possible. Representation tells a child, “You belong.” It shows them that their voice matters and that their uniqueness is something to celebrate. At the same time, exposure to stories about lives different from their own builds curiosity rather than fear. It creates openness instead of judgement. When life can often feel fast paced and overwhelming, the ritual of reading together creates something deeply grounding. Sitting down with a book is not only about literacy; it is about connection. It is a pause. A shared moment. A safe space where questions can be asked and conversations can begin. Often, the most meaningful discussions about feelings, fairness or friendship emerge from the pages of a story. When I became a mother, storytelling took on an even deeper significance. I felt a strong pull to create something with real purpose, something that would last beyond the busyness of daily life. I began to think more intentionally about the messages my children were absorbing, not just from the world around them, but from the books on their shelves. Through storytelling, I wanted to create stories that spark imagination while also planting small, meaningful seeds. Seeds that encourage children to be kind even when it is not easy. To be curious about people who are different from them. To be compassionate when someone is struggling. To be mindful of the environment and their place within it. Children do not need heavy lessons. They need relatable characters, engaging adventures and gentle guidance. They need stories that show them that mistakes are part of learning, that bravery can be quiet, and that even small acts of kindness matter. When these themes are woven naturally into imaginative tales, they become part of a child’s inner framework - shaping how they think, act and respond as they grow. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. The stories we share today help shape the generation who will care for tomorrow. Every book opened at bedtime is more than just words on a page. It is an opportunity to nurture empathy, resilience and responsibility. It is a chance to model the kind of world we hope our children will create, one built on understanding, respect and care. And when we choose stories with intention, we are quietly helping to shape thoughtful, kind and conscious human beings, one page at a time. --- **About**[***Yasmine Anane***](https://www.yasmineanane.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/03/0E885466-F854-41ED-8364-0B6B20F11041-1.jpeg) ***Yasmine Anane from West London is the Best Selling Children’s Author of*** [***The Family Tree***](https://amzn.to/40LErbe?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ***and new book Whitney the Wasteater and the Wrong Bite. She has two young children ages 3 and 1, and has quickly established herself as a rising voice in children’s fiction. The Family Tree achieved Amazon bestseller status in children’s fiction categories, was shortlisted for the Spark Book Awards, and is now used in multiple schools as part of early years learning schemes. The book was also named Tiny Trees’ bestselling book of 2025 and is stocked in Waterstones, Trotters, and a number of independent bookshops. Yasmine recently partnered with Trotters over Christmas, with an additional storytelling session taking place on 6 March, and will be judging a Dukes Education book competition on 13 March, further cementing her growing presence within the children’s literary space.*** [**www.yasmineanane.com**](https://www.yasmineanane.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### Things To Do With Your Family In March URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/things-to-do-with-your-family-in-march/ Last updated: 2026-02-28T19:39:23.000Z ## **New Issue** Our spring issue of *The Green Parent* magazine is out next week! There’s so much packed into this edition. We explore how parents can help their children develop a healthy relationship with food; understand the dynamics of multiples; and discover forest bathing and forest gardening with children. We take a peek inside an eco house in the woods, dive deep into pesticides in food and how to avoid them, and look at ways to reduce travel anxiety with children. You’ll also find 15 things for families to do in the Lake District, bluebell woodland walks, tasty spring recipe ideas, seeds by post, herbal remedies for children with UTIs, and a wonderful personal story of maternal love. With World Book Day coming up, we feature articles on how reading raises tomorrow’s changemakers, plus interviews with Corinne Bailey Rae and Cariad Lloyd about their new titles, alongside heaps of reader reviews. All this, plus competitions, real-life stories, and so much more. Pre-order your copy below. [Pre-order the Spring Issue here 🌼](https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/P6QS5RVLQQQQG?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ## **Whuppity Doo!** Welcome the spring Lanark-style with a game of Whuppity Scoorie. Every year on the 1st of March a large group of children gather at the foot of the town’s steeple. Each has a ball of paper on the end of a piece of string, and they run three times clockwise around the church swinging the balls above their heads. Why not create your own tradition and try it at home? Scrunch up a paper ball and thread a piece of string around it and go for a run around the block! Find out more[**here**](https://www.lanark.co.uk/history/ancient-traditions/whuppity-scoorie?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Hidden Dyslexia URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/hidden-dyslexia/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:16.000Z Dyslexia has always been a hidden part of me that, until recently, I didn’t tell others about. As I read to my children, my mask is starting to reveal itself and the invisible challenge is starting to become visible. I was a latecomer to the discovery that my brain was different. I became a master at cover-up tactics in my early years; no-one knew that I had low self-esteem about how hard and boring some things were at school. Words would float off pages with completely different sounds to the way others understood them. When it wasn’t embarrassing, it was almost theatrical how I could twist words into something unique. ‘You belong on a stage,’ teachers would say. When I read aloud, my palms would sweat and my mouth would go dry at the impending embarrassment. My story would be a jumble to the listener, much like it was in my head. Entire subjects were beyond my grasp because the teaching methods didn’t allow for the way I retain information. ### **Celebrating Strengths** It wasn’t until I went to university to study photography that I found my kinfolk. But these people knew who they were and had the tools and resources to help themselves. They didn’t seem to be stuck on their differences or covering up. They celebrated their strengths in creativity, problem-solving and communication skills. Traditional learning methods were replaced with conversation, drawing, visual learning and expression. Suddenly learning became a whole lot more interesting and I was thirsty for it like never before. I drank it all in and along the way I took a dyslexic test. I was no longer the outcast. My anxious, acting-out younger self was replaced with a sense of peace and playfulness. That feeling didn’t last too long. When I got a job for a prestigious magazine I ended up repeating history. I had worked hard to get this opportunity, yet the stress meant I was constantly looking at the clock for my escape, with a sense of rigidity and timidity. I couldn’t see my ocean of strengths, only a feeling of being stuck somewhere uncomfortable. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **Playfulness and Humour** My husband and I have chosen an alternative education for our children that focuses learning through play and storytelling. With a strong focus on being in nature, their learning doesn’t rely on rewards to drive motivation. A wise teacher at my children’s school said classrooms are a ‘microcosm of the world; there’s always edge dwellers who go on to do really interesting things.’ I wish she’d been my teacher! Tonight felt like the perfect time to highlight the success of a fellow dyslexic, Roald Dahl, whilst reading the BFG to my son. In his school report, Dahl’s teacher wrote: *‘I have never met anybody who so persistently writes words meaning the exact opposite of what is intended’*. I wonder how many times Dahl was mocked before he used his imagination and writing to create something exceptional. Bringing playfulness and humour to language, rather than conformity. I said to my son that all our brains are different, that I have a dyslexic brain like Roald Dahl. I knew in that moment that these conversations will normalise it with my children, and more broadly, will help them to understand and embrace the neurodiversity in us all, whether they are dyslexic or not. ***Lydia lives with her husband and two small children in Waitakere Ranges, in West Auckland, New Zealand.*** --- ***This article was first published in issue 117 of The Green Parent magazine. Purchase a download of this edition*** [***here***](https://subs.thegreenparent.co.uk/products/issue-117-digital-download?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)***.*** ### Five practical tips for outdoor play and embracing wet weather URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/five-practical-tips-for-outdoor-play-and-embracing-wet-weather/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:16.000Z With February half-term often bringing cold, wet weather and shorter days, it can be tempting to retreat indoors and rely more heavily on screens to help keep kids entertained. While staying inside may feel easier in the moment, enabling children, regardless of their age, to spend time outside plays a significant role in their education and psycho-social development. Exposure to nature and the freedom to play are shown to improve children’s learning, particularly on tasks requiring attention, working memory, and collaboration with others. It also improves physical fitness, regulates sleep patterns, and helps them to appreciate and care for natural spaces. Adults who spent time outside as children are said to retain their love of nature into adulthood, developing a thirst for knowledge of the wider world. For parents looking to encourage outdoor play this half term, here are some practical tips to make the challenges of outdoor learning more manageable and enjoyable. **1\.** If you view rainy, cold conditions negatively, then your kids are more likely to feel the same and may be more resistant to going outside. Instead, try reframing rainy weather as an exciting opportunity for adventure and outdoor exploration. It is the unpredictability of nature and adventure that provides the foundation for real-life learning that is both memorable and meaningful. It helps to encourage your children to notice how wet weather changes the environment, whether that’s puddles forming, surfaces becoming slippery, or the landscape looking and feeling different. This is an ideal breeding ground for children to develop the fundamental skills of questioning how, what, who, when, and why. Curiosity and inquisitiveness empower children to be creative, coming up with effective solutions and adapting to the world around them. Also, adjust your expectations around mess and encourage your kids to do the same. Muddy feet and damp clothes are commonplace at this time of year, so try to embrace it. Children need to know they won’t be in trouble for getting dirty so they can fully engage in unrestricted outdoor play. **2\.** Children often respond well to purpose-driven activities. Setting simple missions, such as collecting or clearing leaves, building small shelters with sticks, or creating short obstacle courses, makes outdoor time more engaging. This type of activity also encourages creativity and independent thinking. What's more, thanks to the collaborative nature of playing outside, children learn to become more empathetic and self-aware, work as part of a team, and ultimately, make meaningful connections with other children. **3\.** As well as increasing fitness, building bone strength, and even reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression in children, outdoor physical activity improves their motor skills for better coordination, balance, and agility. To support health and well-being, young people aged 5 to 17 need at least 60 minutes of moderate or vigorous physical activity every day, so it’s helpful for them to build a positive association with outdoor play from an early age. This will increase the likelihood that they will seek opportunities to be active independently while helping to build positive habits that extend into adulthood. You can support this by encouraging them to reflect on any changes they feel in their mood, sleep, or energy levels after spending time outdoors. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. **4\.** Outdoor play does not need to involve long excursions or complex planning. A short walk, or just ten minutes playing in the garden or local park, can make all the difference. Try to establish a routine of small, regular periods of outdoor time, rather than introducing sudden or enforced changes. Over time, you'll help to establish consistent, manageable habits that support their independence, resilience, and greater enjoyment of being outdoors – whatever the weather. **5\.** While screens can offer entertainment and educational benefits, they often reduce everyday social interactions - essential for helping kids develop important interpersonal skills. Create regular opportunities for face-to-face interaction, whether that’s walks with friends or visiting family, to help children practice their communication and active listening skills. Setting small tasks or problems for them to solve with friends also exercises their negotiation skills and emotional awareness, both of which are essential in childhood and later life. --- ***Dr John Allan, Head of Impact and Breakthrough Learning at*** [***PGL Beyond***](https://pglbeyond.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### English Heritage launches ‘bonding benches’ to tackle parental isolation URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/english-heritage-launches-bonding-benches-to-tackle-parental-isolation/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:16.000Z English Heritage has today announced plans to tackle the growing issue of parental isolation, by developing a range of initiatives at its castles and historic houses to help new parents develop their support networks. The charity is introducing “bonding benches” to all its properties to help visitors start up conversations, launching communal activities for young families, and hosting NCT (National Childbirth Trust) volunteer-led sling and buggy walks at selected sites. New research from the NCT\* shows that 62% of new parents feel lonely or isolated at least some of the time, and 87% feel overwhelmed. Almost a quarter (23%) of new parents said that they didn’t have a strong support network around them. With families representing 35% of all English Heritage visits, and over 400 sites in its care right across England, the charity is uniquely placed to help support and bring like-minded parents together in a fun, informal setting. With this in mind, English Heritage is installing “bonding benches” at its historic sites across the country ahead of the half-term holidays. Located in areas where families tend to gravitate, such as near playgrounds or open grassland, the benches will feature sliders which can be moved between ‘up for a chat’ and ‘craving quiet’, depending on your mood. The charity hopes that this will help parents take the first step to starting up conversations with new people and making new connections whilst their children play. Leading parenting charity the NCT will also bring their popular[**NCT Walk and Talks**](https://www.nct.org.uk/local-activities-meet-ups/nct-walk-and-talk?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)to selected English Heritage sites. Suitable for buggies, slings and little legs, these free, volunteer-led walks enable new, pre-school and expectant parents to meet up in the fresh air and share experiences, building a community and supporting each other through early parenthood. These walks will be held at Audley End in Essex, Kenwood in North London, Marble Hill in South West London, Wrest Park in Bedfordshire and Kenilworth Castle in Warwickshire, with more volunteers being sought to lead walks at other English Heritage sites. Emma Fernandes Lopes, Assistant Operations Director at English Heritage, said, *“As parents, we are hardwired to prioritise our children’s wellbeing. We bring them out to wonderful places like English Heritage sites to explore the outdoors and expand their horizons. But we often forget that the key to children’s wellbeing is actually found in whether their parents feel happy and supported. Modern parenthood can be a really isolating experience. Many parents live a long way away from their extended families and have no support network to lean back on, and it’s often a real challenge to make friends who hold the same values and interests. With families making up more than a third of all English Heritage visits, we want to use our sites to help parents make those essential connections.”* Family visitors to English Heritage sites can also pick up an[**Adventurer’s Checklist**](chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https:/www.english-heritage.org.uk/siteassets/home/visit/inspire-me/stop-hibernating.-start-exploring/adventurers-checklist-monochrome.pdf), full of fun things for young children to do. The list of 25 tasks, which include finding signs of animal life, splashing in puddles and making silly sounds in echoey places, have been designed by the charity to encourage interaction between different families. Other activities vary by site but include playgroups, chatty cafés and children's crafting. English Heritage’s plans have been informed by the government’s[**Five Ways to Mental Wellbeing**](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/five-ways-to-mental-wellbeing?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)guidance, which encourages people to connect, be active, take notice, keep learning and give. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. **To find out more or to discover your nearest English Heritage site, visit** [**www.english-heritage.org.uk/inspire-me**](https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/inspire-me?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **To volunteer as an NCT Walk & Talk leader at your local English Heritage site, visit** [**www.nct.org.uk/get-involved/volunteering/nct-walk-talk-volunteer**](http://www.nct.org.uk/get-involved/volunteering/nct-walk-talk-volunteer?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **or email** [**press@english-heritage.org.uk**](mailto:press@english-heritage.org.uk) ### How performing arts can help young people manage stress and pressure URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/how-performing-arts-can-help-young-people-manage-stress-and-pressure/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:16.000Z **By Kayleigh-Paige Rees, Actress, Film Producer and Principal at PQA -** [**Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts**](https://www.pqacademy.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) School life brings a constant stream of challenges for young people, from the daunting transition from primary to secondary school, through the pressures of SATs and GCSEs, to the stress of A-Levels. Combined with the ever-present influence of social media and digital devices, children face more pressure today than ever before. It's no wonder that mental health concerns among young people continue to rise. This is where extracurricular activities such as performing arts can play a vital role. By offering young people a creative outlet, a supportive community, and space away from academic pressure, performing arts provide exactly the kind of holistic support they need to support their mental wellbeing. ### **Leaning into creativeness and away from digital** [**Research from Ofcom**](https://www.ofcom.org.uk/media-use-and-attitudes/online-habits/from-apps-to-ai-search-how-the-uk-goes-online-in-2025?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) shows that children aged 8-13 now spend an average of three hours a day on their phones, with much of this time consumed by social media. Studies have repeatedly linked excessive screen time to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and poor sleep in young people. Performing arts classes offer something increasingly rare: a complete break from the digital world. Children put their phones away and engage in face-to-face creative work – learning choreography, improvising scenes, creating comedy sketches. This kind of creative engagement exercises the brain differently from passive scrolling, keeping minds genuinely stimulated and focused in the moment. When children lean into creativity rather than digital distraction, they develop healthier coping mechanisms. Instead of reaching for their phone when anxious about an upcoming test, they have tools to process those feelings through movement, expression, and imagination. ### **Support during the big moments** Every young person's school journey has moments that can trigger worry and stress. The move from primary to secondary school is well known as one of childhood's most anxiety-inducing experiences. Then come the tests: SATs, GCSEs, A-Levels, each can feel overwhelming. Regular performing arts classes offer an escape from the pressure of these big moments. When a Year 6 student arrives at PQA feeling anxious about secondary school, they enter a space where that transition simply doesn't matter. For those few hours, they're not "the new kid" or "the student facing exams" – they're a performer and a creator. ### **Finding your own people** One of the most protective factors for mental health is having strong friendships, but forming these can be challenging. Moving to secondary school often means separation from primary school friends and exam years can strain friendships as stress levels rise. Hobbies and shared interests have always been the foundation of lasting friendships. They're surrounded by other young people who share their passions. They're not grouped by academic ability or postcode, they're connected by a love of performance and creativity.These friendships, built around shared creative experiences often prove resilient, due to this shared bond. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **Encouraging laughter** Laughter is proven to reduce stress hormones, boost immune function, and release endorphins. For young people's mental health, regular laughter is genuinely therapeutic. This is where performing arts, especially programmes like PQA that incorporate comedy classes, becomes invaluable. Comedy exercises require children to be playful, to take creative risks, to embrace the ridiculous. When a child who's had a difficult week at school – perhaps they struggled with a test or felt overwhelmed by homework – arrives at their comedy class, they can let go completely. ### **Learning to fail forward** Here's something schools rarely teach: how to fail well. In classrooms, mistakes often feel permanent – a wrong answer in front of peers, a disappointing test grade, a fumbled presentation. These moments can shake confidence precisely when young people need it most. Performing arts flips this entirely. In drama improvisation, there are no wrong choices – only interesting ones. A forgotten line becomes an opportunity to think on your feet. A dance step that goes differently than planned might create something better. Film takes can be repeated until they feel right. Children learn that failure isn't final; it's just part of the creative process. This mindset is transformative for young people. A child who has spent months experimenting, adjusting, and trying again in their performing arts classes approaches their first day at secondary school differently. They know that awkward moments pass, that they can recover from mistakes, that not getting it perfect the first time is completely normal. ### **A creative lifeline** As we mark Children's Mental Health Week 2026, it's clear that young people need more than academic support to thrive. They need breaks from digital pressures, escapes from the stress of big school moments, communities where they can find genuine friendships, spaces where laughter is abundant, and opportunities to build resilience through creative risk-taking. Performing arts classes provide all of this. PQA helps young people build the confidence, perspective, and joy they need to navigate whatever school and life throws at them. ### The present but absent parent: How our after hours work impacts our teens URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/the-present-but-absent-parent-how-our-after-hours-work-impacts-our-teens/ Last updated: 2026-02-13T07:40:52.000Z For the last decade, we have worried intensely about what screens are doing to our children. But a new feature from [***The Inquisitive Parent***](https://www.theinquisitiveparent.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) reveals the latest research indicates we need to turn the lens around. ***We need to look at what our screen use is doing to them.*** It is a scene that plays out in living rooms across the world every evening. The dinner dishes are cleared. The television is perhaps on, or homework is being done at the kitchen table. You are sitting on the sofa, physically present, perhaps even within arm’s reach of your teenager. But your phone is in your hand. You are not scrolling social media; you are replying to a “quick” email from a colleague or approving a document that came in late. You are being responsible. You are providing for your family. To you, this moment is a necessary compromise - a way to manage adult responsibilities while still being home. _This post is for subscribers only._ ### 21 Fun Things To Do With Your Family This February URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/21-fun-things-to-do-with-your-family-this-february/ Last updated: 2026-02-03T09:39:35.000Z ## **Random Acts of Kindness** A little smile at a stranger. Picking up three pieces of rubbish. Sending a pretty postcard to a relative. Leaving a picture book in a public place for another family. The world might seem pretty bleak, but adding a little colour to your corner of it feels like a radically positive move. Random Acts of Kindness Day falls on February 17, so start planning your lovely deeds. Find ideas for micro-goodness or become a RAKtivist[**here**](https://www.randomactsofkindness.org/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). _This post is for subscribers only._ ### The Green Parent Book Club URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/the-green-parent-book-club/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:16.000Z ### **Would you like to join our Book Club?** We are always looking to send out brand new books to our readers for you and your family to review.. is this you? Use [**this sign up form**](https://form.jotform.com/greenparent/book-club?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) and we'll send a pile of the latest reads suited to your children's ages. We are particularly looking for younger readers this month. Find all the details [**here**](https://form.jotform.com/greenparent/book-club?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). --- **Our reviewers and their children this month are:** **Louise Dewsbury** – Dylan (6) and Robyn (4) **Jane Frodsham** – Cherry (7) **Emily Aldridge** – Cassia (4), Elowyn (2) and Arbor (10 months) **Helen Hewitt** – Evie (8) and Hattie (5) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/01/image.jpeg)](https://amzn.to/49R6Twr?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### [**A Poem for Every Question**](https://amzn.to/49R6Twr?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **Brian Bilston, Joe Berger, £16.99 Red Shed** Bright, fun and endearing illustrations. Funny and factual answers to the many questions presented throughout the book. We loved ‘How does a honeybee build a hive?’ and ‘Do elephants really hold each others tails?’ Gave lots of opportunity for laughing, further discussion and own questions. Good to read together with your child. My daughter loved this book. Recommend from age 7 to adult. Additional information is provided under each of the poems providing a non-fiction element to the book. ***Jane*** --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/01/image-1.jpeg)](https://amzn.to/4qBTkbp?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### [**Everything Under The Sun: All Around the World**](https://amzn.to/4qBTkbp?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **Molly Oldfield £25 Penguin** Molly Oldfield is presenter of the award-winning podcast, Everything Under The Sun, where she answers questions from children about life on earth. She also writes the weekly Kids' Quiz in the Guardian. This is her second book in the Everything Under The Sun series and it offers answers to another 366 questions submitted by children from around the world. Covering a vast array of topics, this is a treasure trove of trivia for children aged between 7-11, although we all learned something new from it! Why do pigs have snouts? Why are snails slimy? Who invented the milkshake? Molly answers all of these things and more, with a diverse list of guest contributors that includes Sir Stephen Fry, forensic anthropologist Prof Sue Black, and footballer Tony Adams. The book is bright and colourful, with a different artist illustrating each of the 12 months. Our only issue was that the book is quite large and pretty heavy, which made it rather unwieldy for small hands. Nevertheless, it would make a great gift for a curious kids. ***Helen*** --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/01/image-2.jpeg)](https://amzn.to/49SHmDc?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### [**How to catch an idea**](https://amzn.to/49SHmDc?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **Forest Xiao £12.99 Hachette Childrens** Where do ideas come from? This story follows a girl who wants to catch an idea, but isn’t sure how to go about it. We follow her as she explores whether ideas grow from the ground like a seed, need to be baked like bread or caught like a fish in the sea. The book is colourfully illustrated by the author and we enjoyed spotting what the girl’s squirrel companion was up to in each spread. It also sparked a conversation about how our ideas don’t have to be big to be valuable. However, being completely honest, the premise - trying to physically catch an idea - was a bit abstract for us. Hattie (5) was underwhelmed with the lack of a proper story. Not a lot happens and, whilst the pictures are nice and the concept original, it didn’t make for the most exciting bedtime read. ***Helen*** --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/01/image-3.jpeg)](https://amzn.to/3M6gkAi?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### [**Thank You, Old Oak**](https://amzn.to/3M6gkAi?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **Britt Crow-Miller and Amy Schimler-Safford £12.99** Colourful and collaged information telling the story of a 400 year old oak tree in a simple and captivating read. The story mourns the death of the oak tree and provides a learning opportunity about life cycles and the contribution of trees to our environment/eco-system from the factual information at the end of the book. Within the tale, there is mention of many of the birds and animals who benefit from the tree providing them with homes and shelter and the gratification they have towards her. Some of the animals are not native to the UK so this provoked discussion about other countries. Would say it’s an engaging book for slightly younger readers around 6 years. ***Jane*** --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/01/image-4.jpeg) ### [**Seeds: Nature’s Intrepid Miracles**](https://amzn.to/4t0ah0G?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **Cruschiform £22.50 Prestel** Beautiful and simple art work throughout the book. Lovely little stories with each illustration filled with detail and facts. The index at the back makes it easy to find specifics. A shortcuts section provides interesting figures and short summaries making it easier to find what you are looking for. Encouraged lots of reflection on our own experiences in nature which was a real positive. We both loved reading the book together. Suitable for children 7 years plus to adult. ***Jane*** --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/01/image-5.jpeg)](https://amzn.to/3Zvtg5N?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### [**Piet Cools Off**](https://amzn.to/3Zvtg5N?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **Peter Wohlleben, Carina Wohlleben and Rachel Qiuqi, £12.99 Greystone Kids** Peter Wohlleben is the German forester and author, whose book, The Hidden Life of Trees, introduced readers to the concept of the Wood-Wide Web, the network of mycorrhizal fungi joining with plant roots, through which nutrition and signals are exchanged among trees. In this book, he has collaborated with his daughter to introduce young children to the importance of forests in hot weather. On a very warm day, Piet the squirrel is trying to cool down. In the forest, he encounters a range of other animals and discovers the ways that they cool off, including frogs hopping into water and a family of wild pigs rolling in mud. With bright and colourful illustrations, this really captured Hattie’s (5) attention. She loves animals and nature, and this is a really good introduction to an increasingly important topic. This would be great for young nature lovers, aged 3-6, although there are a number of side bars alongside the main text, which are relevant for older readers. We both learned lots and the story and pictures are both really engaging. We hope there may be more books about Piet and his friends to come. I will also be adding this to my list of great books to read to forest school groups. ***Helen*** --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/01/image-6.jpeg)](https://amzn.to/4bXKoIO?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### [**The Ocean at Night (Nature at Night)**](https://amzn.to/4bXKoIO?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **Isabelle Simler, £12.99** A lovely simple book that is almost in between a fiction and nonfiction book. It has beautiful, intricate images of various parts of the ocean around the world at night. These are paired with a sentence or two clearly and concisely explaining what is happening. The descriptions are beautifully written and capture the imaginations of the children - we had lots of lovely conversations about the nature, animals and plants discussed. A perfect book for two year olds and up, I think even much older children would enjoy looking through this book and learning from it. We would definitely buy this as a present for our friends! ***Emily*** --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/01/image-7.jpeg)](https://amzn.to/49Qavik?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### [**Super Great Kids’ Stories: From storytellers around the world**](https://amzn.to/49Qavik?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **Kim Normanton, £14.99 Bloomsbury** This book would make a lovely gift. My daughter was drawn to the front cover of the book with its cut out design representing a tree with colourful illustrations. She was keen to read the stories herself, but was put off by the very small text so lost interest quickly which was very disappointing. Therefore, it was one to read to her. The group of expert storytellers, including podcast favourites British-Guyanese storyteller Tuup, Kenyan storyteller Wangari Grace and Irish Katie Corkery, represent tales from countries from five continents around the world including: England, Scotland, Ireland, Germany, India, China, Japan, Nigeria, Ghana, Mexico, Australia and the USA. The stories are very engaging and some funny some that will make you cry. The book is correct in summarising that it is filled with magic, mischief and merriment providing children with learning opportunities regarding culture and also sparking their own imagination. Would recommend this book from the very young to the very old. ***Jane*** --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/01/image-8.jpeg)](https://amzn.to/4a6pKp6?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### [**Letters to a Monster**](https://amzn.to/4a6pKp6?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **Patricia Forde, Sarah Warburton, £7.99 Bloomsbury** Letters to a Monster has become a real favourite in our bedtime story pile. It’s such a sweet and clever book — the story is told through letters between a little child and a monster, which my four-year-old absolutely loves. The idea of writing to a monster instead of being scared of it is so creative and helps children think differently about their fears. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. I really appreciate how the book gently teaches about facing fears and understanding that sometimes the things we’re scared of aren’t so frightening after all. It’s both comforting and fun, and it’s sparked lots of little chats about bravery at bedtime. ***Louise*** --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2026/01/image-9.jpeg)](https://amzn.to/4iida8o?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### [**Head to Toe: An Introduction to the Human Body**](https://amzn.to/4iida8o?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **Pui Lee, £16.99 Post Wave** We loved exploring this book together. Engaging, clear and bright pictures paired with interesting and informative text. Cassia was able to ‘read’ the book just by looking at the pictures and diagrams and then when I read parts to her, we had some really interesting discussions. This will definitely be a favourite we will come back to time and time again. I’d recommend this to anyone looking for a good quality engaging nonfiction text to add to their bookshelves. Older children would also benefit from this as the explanations are clear and easy to understand and it will provide a springboard for further exploration of the human body. ***Emily*** ### The Green Parent Natural Beauty Awards 2026 entry now open! URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/the-green-parent-natural-beauty-awards-2025-launch/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:16.000Z The Green Parent is proud to announce the Natural Beauty Awards 2026\. These awards recognise the most outstanding ethical products and brands in the beauty industry. Now in their 14th year, The Green Parent Natural Beauty Awards celebrate sustainability and excellence in beauty. Find out more [**here**](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/natural-beauty-awards). Established in 2013, the awards highlight the best products, brands, and individuals that are pushing the boundaries of beauty and setting new standards for quality and innovation. The rigorous judging process, which involves a panel made up of beauty editors, influencers and parents rates each product in terms of company ethics, sustainable packaging and effectiveness. To celebrate the achievements of the winning entries we will showcase all the winners inside the hotly awaited Beauty Bible, which will be out alongside issue 131 of the Green Parent magazine, on 15th July. For more information, head to our dedicated [**awards section**](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/natural-beauty-awards) of the website. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. To enter your products, please click on the button below. [Yes! I want to enter our products](https://form.jotform.com/greenparent/nba-2026-entry?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) To find out more about the Beauty Testers' Club and how to get involved in the testing process, sign up to our newsletter [**here**](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/#/portal/signup), and you'll be the first to hear about entry to the Club. ### 12 Things To Do With Your Family in January URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/12-things-to-do-with-your-family-in-january/ Last updated: 2026-01-30T17:47:22.000Z Baby, it's cold outside. But let's get out regardless. Make beautiful ice scenes, discover snowdrops, spend 1000 hours outside, and join in wintry folk traditions. Plus cosy ideas for dark afternoons, hack Veganuary, grow microgreens, and plan your cultural 2026. _This post is for subscribers only._ ### The Connected Holidays: Presence Over Perfection URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/the-connected-holidays-presence-over-perfection/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:16.000Z You're managing gift lists, coordinating family schedules, keeping everyone fed and happy, and trying, somehow, to make it all feel magical instead of exhausting. We talk a lot about creating memories for our children. Less about the parents' nervous system that's supposed to hold it all together. That's where intentional connection comes in. Not perfection. Just the ability to stay present when everything around you is pulling you into reaction mode. Below are five shifts you can make before and during the holiday period. They're not about doing more, they're about choosing differently. **1) Claim Your Space First** Everything we try to create for our families - calm, joy, presence - starts with us. And most of us arrive at the holidays already running on empty. We feel guilty taking time for ourselves. So we push through, but you cannot create connection from depletion. So before the holidays begin, claim actual space for yourself. Not stolen moments. Not bathroom breaks. Real time that's clearly communicated and guilt-free. **Here's how:** - Decide what you need: whatever restores you. - Communicate it clearly to your partner. - Don't apologise for it, offer to return the favour. *Last year, a mother told me she spent every holiday resentful. Always cooking, hosting, managing everyone, and by Boxing Day she wanted to disappear. When I asked if she'd ever just asked for time off, she looked shocked. "Can you do that?" We worked through it. She told her husband: "On Boxing Day I'm sleeping in, going to the gym, having coffee alone." He agreed. She came back energised. Actually present with her children instead of resenting them.* **The principle:** Your capacity for connection starts with protecting your own nervous system. If you're depleted, everything you give feels like an obligation. **2) Set Expectations Before It Starts** True connection requires intentionality. And that starts before anyone arrives. Most holiday tension doesn't come from actual conflict; it comes from unspoken expectations colliding. You think you're leaving after lunch. Your mother-in-law thinks you're staying for dinner. Your child thinks they're opening presents at breakfast. You've planned it for after lunch. Nobody's said any of this out loud. Then everyone's disappointed and no one knows why. Here's what to do instead: **With your children:** Tell them the rhythm of the coming days. Children need structure; they relax into it. Knowing what's coming helps them feel secure. **With the adults:** Set clear boundaries early. It might feel awkward. Do it anyway. *A father I know well used to arrive at his parents' house already tense. His mother expected them to stay all day. His kids were overstimulated within an hour. He spent the whole time trying to keep everyone happy while wishing it would all be over soon. So we reframed it. He set the tone early: "We're coming at midday, staying for lunch, leaving by three." His mother pushed back. He held the line. By the second year, she'd adjusted. She even thanked him, saying knowing the plan helped her prepare differently.* **The principle:** Clarity makes room for joy. Clear boundaries now, prevent the tension that corrodes connections later. **3) Don’t be afraid of meltdowns** Small children experience the holidays with every sense switched on - lights, smells, sugar, noise, excitement. It's overwhelming. When they unravel, it's not because they're ungrateful or badly behaved. It's because their nervous system is flooded. Overstimulation looks like defiance. But it's really exhaustion in disguise. So help them before they hit the wall. **How to do this:** - Build breaks into the day; - Keep snacks nearby; - Watch for the signs; - Intervene with care, not discipline. *Imagine a five-year-old bursting into tears halfway through Christmas lunch. "He'd been so happy all morning, then suddenly it was like a switch flipped.” What was happening right before the tears? “Everyone was talking loudly, passing dishes, Grandma was taking photos - it was a lot.” Exactly. When you see the signs, step in: "It's been such a big day, hasn't it? Let's go somewhere quiet."* **The principle:** Connection at that age is about presence, not explanation. Your calm voice and open arms teach safety better than any lecture (or shouting). **4) Give Teenagers Recognition** Teenagers arrive at family gatherings caught between two worlds. They love their family, but they're also desperate for independence. Family events can make them feel trapped: too old for the kids' table, too young for the real conversations. And when they feel invisible or infantilised, they react, sometimes by withdrawing, sometimes by causing disruption. **What you can do:** - Give them real roles, not token tasks: "You're in charge of music today" or "Can you help me with the main course?" - Communicate the plan with built-in autonomy: "Lunch is at two. After that, you're free - walk, friends, whatever you need." - Ask their opinion like you would an adult: "What do you think about timing for tomorrow?" *A mother I worked with was baffled by her 15-year-old daughter's behaviour at every family gathering. "She's sulky from the moment we arrive. Makes snide comments, stays glued to her phone, and once she made her little cousin cry." When we explored what might be driving it, the mother realised: "Actually, now that I think about it, everyone does talk about her like she's not there. 'Oh she's at that difficult age,' 'Remember when she used to love dressing up?'" We shifted the approach. So this time she suggested: "This year, I need your help. Can you organise the gift exchange and keep an eye on the timing for dinner? And after lunch, you can leave if you want." The daughter said yes. Christmas Day, she ran the gift exchange beautifully. She was funny, engaged, helped her mum in the kitchen. After lunch, she stayed. By choice.* **The principle:** Teenagers want to be seen as who they're becoming, not managed as who they were. Give them space within structure, and they'll lean in instead of pulling away. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. **5) Repair After Conflict** Sibling tension during the holidays is inevitable: too much togetherness, too little space, too many opinions. But conflict doesn't mean failure. It's how children test fairness, express needs, and learn boundaries. The connection doesn't happen in the absence of conflict. It happens in how you repair it. **How to do this:** - Don't get involved unless they need to be kept physically safe; - If you do step in, keep your tone neutral: don't emotionally charge the situation; - Notice the repair later. *Two brothers fighting over the TV remote. Both had been fine all day, but now they're screaming. The father walks in, sees the chaos. His instinct is to demand they stop, fix it immediately. Instead, he takes a breath. Keeps his voice level. "I can see you're both really upset about this. Take a moment. When you're ready to talk about it, I'm here." He doesn't force it. Just leaves the door open. Ten minutes later, they've sorted it themselves. They worked out turns. That evening, the father notices the older one offering his brother first choice of dessert. Says nothing in the moment. Later, privately: "I noticed how you let him choose first at dessert. That was generous."* **The principle:** Those quiet acknowledgements are where connection actually grows, not in perfect behaviour, but in the repair that follows conflict. **What Really Matters** Before the holidays begin, ask yourself: what do I want this to feel like? Not what it should look like. Or what everyone expects. What do you want to feel? Maybe it's quiet. Maybe it's laughter. Maybe it's a perfectly set table, and that's fine too. The point is, it's yours to define. Intentional parenting isn't about getting it right. It's about choosing with awareness. You can decide what joy looks like. You can create your own rhythm. You can say no to what drains you and yes to what restores you. The magic of the holidays isn't in the wrapping or the rules or the rituals. It's in the moments when you stop trying to hold it all together and realise: you already have what matters. ***Giulia Galli is a parental coach and author of When a Parent is Born. She helps parents build confidence, calm, and connection through intentional parenting.*** **Follow** [***@reegal\_coaching***](https://www.instagram.com/reegal%5Fcoaching?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Substack** [***giuliagalli.substack.com***](https://giuliagalli.substack.com/) **Visit** [***www.reegal.co.uk*** ](https://reegal.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### Download our Christmas Gift Guide here 🎄🎁 URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/download-our-christmas-gift-guide/ Last updated: 2025-12-01T18:38:26.000Z **We know how tricky it can be to find the perfect Christmas present, especially when you want to choose something truly sustainable. This collection of our favourite finds is here to help. From babies to teens, beauty to food and home, every item has been sourced from companies we love and trust for their ethics, sustainability, and long-lasting quality. If you find this guide helpful, please share it, as supporting small businesses and the people behind these products makes a real difference.** [Xmas Gift Guide 2025Xmas Gift Guide 2025.pdf35 MBdownload-circle](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/content/files/2025/12/Xmas-Gift-Guide-2025-1.pdf "Download") This guide is interactive! Click on the product and it will take you straight to the store to buy. You can find this guide inside our winter edition of The Green Parent magazine, out now. [Buy our winter issue here](https://subs.thegreenparent.co.uk/products/issue-128-print?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **The Green Parent team wishes you a very happy, green festive season.** ### 19 cheap and free things to do with your family in December URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/19-cheap-and-free-things-to-do-with-your-family-in-december/ Last updated: 2025-11-28T20:03:45.000Z ## 24 Days Advent starts on Monday, marking the start of the countdown to Christmas. But, this year, rather than a calendar stuffed with plastic toys or sugary chocolate, why not try something different? Our [**Natural Advent Challenge**](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/make-a-natural-advent-calendar/) will fill your days with wonder and respect for the world around us, or why not try spending some time on a craft project every day, timed to finish in 24 days? Or split a jigsaw into 24 bags, finishing up on Christmas Eve. We also love this[**mindful candle advent**](https://the-gingerbread-house.co.uk/our-mindful-advent-candle-kit/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk); it’s easy to make your own jar of numbered candles to help you calm during the hectic run-up to the big day. Alternatively, give something back. Be inspired by [**The Mad House’s**](https://www.muminthemadhouse.com/acts-of-kindness-for-advent-an-alternative-advent-calendar/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) selection of ideas for generous advent acts and design your own kindness calendar. Or why not start a [**reverse advent calendar**](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-42069381?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) and put aside a donation to a food bank every day – find a bank near you and what's needed [**here**](https://www.trussell.org.uk/support-us/donate-food?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). _This post is for subscribers only._ ### A Childhood Rooted in Nature URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/a-childhood-rooted-in-nature/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:17.000Z Founded in 1925, it is the UK’s oldest and largest Waldorf school, dedicated to helping children grow into confident, capable, and compassionate young people. At a time when childhood can feel rushed and over-scheduled, Michael Hall provides space for curiosity and imagination to unfold naturally. Learning is purposeful, grounded, and deeply human — shaped by rhythm, nature, and creativity rather than screens or standardisation. ### **Learning at a Human Pace** Waldorf education recognises that children learn best when the curriculum matches their stage of development. In the early years, imaginative play, rhythm, and outdoor exploration form the foundation for healthy growth. As pupils move into the Lower and Middle School, academic subjects are introduced through storytelling, art, movement, and practical work that engage both heart and mind. Instead of memorising information for tests, children learn through experience — painting letters before writing them, exploring maths through rhythm and pattern, or discovering science through observation and experiment. This approach cultivates curiosity and confidence, allowing children to find meaning in what they learn. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/11/GK1_1176.jpg) ### **Early Childhood (Ages 0–6): Warmth, Play and Nature** In the Early Childhood — home to Parent & Child groups, Saplings, Kindergarten, and Forest Kindergarten — learning begins through imitation, rhythm, and play. The children experience a gentle daily rhythm that mirrors home life: bread baking, stories, crafts, play with natural materials, and spending long, unhurried time outdoors. This warm, nurturing environment lays the foundation for emotional security, imagination, and social confidence — all essential for later academic learning. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/11/IMG_5067.jpg) ### **Lower and Middle School (Ages 6–14): Curiosity and Connection** From Class 1 onwards, children stay with their class teacher for up to 8 years, allowing deep understanding and connection to grow. Lessons are brought alive through storytelling, music, drama, and art, helping students engage with the material on an emotional and creative level. Subjects such as maths, geography, and history are interwoven with painting, poetry, and movement in main lesson each morning, ensuring that intellectual learning is balanced by artistic expression. These years develop curiosity, empathy, and a love of learning that lasts well beyond school. ### **Upper School (Ages 15–18): Purpose and Independence** In the Upper School, students are encouraged to think critically, express themselves creatively, and prepare for the world beyond school. Alongside GCSEs and A Levels, Michael Hall offers Integrated Education (IE) qualifications through Crossfields Institute which meet the needs of today’s young people — recognising different learning styles, neurodiversity, and the academic brilliance of every student. The aim is to equip them not only for further study, but for a purposeful, balanced life in an ever-changing world. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/11/DSC_0595.jpg) ### **Nature as a Teacher** Set within 100 acres of Sussex parkland, the school’s grounds are alive with learning. From the forest kindergarten to Upper School sports, students spend time outdoors in all weathers — studying the living world, planting and harvesting vegetables, or exploring in the woods. This relationship with nature builds resilience and respect. It helps children understand sustainability not as a lesson, but as a way of life. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **A Strong Sense of Community** Michael Hall’s community is central to its ethos. Parents, teachers, and pupils come together to celebrate seasonal festivals, theatre performances, and shared work days. These traditions create a deep sense of belonging and continuity — a feeling that everyone is part of something larger than themselves. Families often describe the school as warm and inclusive, a place where their children are known and supported. Many alumni return to enrol their own children, continuing a connection that spans generations. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/11/DSC_0379-1.jpg) ## **“Receive the children in reverence, educate them in love, and send them forth in freedom.”* Rudolf Steiner, founder of Waldorf Education ### **A Century of Waldorf Education** As Michael Hall marks its 100th year, its founding principles feel more relevant than ever. In a world of constant change, it offers an education grounded in purpose, rhythm, and respect for individuality. Waldorf education aims to nurture not only academic ability, but the human qualities that help young people thrive — empathy, curiosity, and integrity. At Michael Hall, learning is not about keeping pace with others but about discovering one’s own path — with confidence, creativity, and care for the world. --- ### **Discover Michael Hall** If you’d like to experience Michael Hall for yourself, we’d love to welcome you. 🌿 Visit:[**www.michaelhall.co.uk**](https://www.michaelhall.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) 📧 Email:[**admissions@michaelhall.co.uk**](mailto:admissions@michaelhall.co.uk) 🎟️ Join us for an Open Day:[**Book your place here →**](https://www.michaelhall.co.uk/open-day-booking-form?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) 📷 Follow our journey:[**Instagram**](https://www.instagram.com/michaelhallschool/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) |[**Facebook**](https://www.facebook.com/michaelhallsteinerschool) ### The BIG Freeze URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/the-big-freeze/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:17.000Z I am Lou, I’m a professional chef, and a proud wife to Mike, my tall Scottish rock of support, and mum to Meabh, aged ten, who is sharp, witty and so kind, and Hamish, aged seven, who is strong-willed, constantly curious and so funny. They are my whole world. When my Meabh was one, I remember cooking for her and thinking how fortunate I was to have trained as a chef and to have learned the skills needed to feed her real, wholesome homemade food. I made all her purées, finger foods, sauces and weaning dinners from scratch right from the start. I clearly remember feeling the urge to help other parents find the confidence to do the same. When we cook food from scratch for our families, we are in control of the ingredients. In a world of convenience and processed foods that’s a powerful thing. When the pandemic happened, I found myself at home, cooking for my family, and I adapted all the skills I’d learned in the professional kitchen to my home kitchen. Wanting to share these skills with others, I started giving online cooking classes to adults and kids, and set up my business, Little Lou Cooks, in 2021\. I also began sharing recipes and meal-prepping tips on my social media pages and the momentum grew, as more and more parents were interested in swapping shop-bought meals for healthier homemade food that could be made in advance. In November 2023 I shared a video of me doing what I do – batch-making homemade snacks suitable for freezing for my kids’ school lunches – and it went viral! That snowballed and now I have over 1 million followers across my social media platforms. I love that I have a global community of followers who are so supportive and encouraging. Most are parents, who send me the loveliest comments, photos and messages daily. I get to work from home and really feel I am helping parents to add more homemade food to their weekly menus. I always encourage everyone to make use of their freezer, to cook extra and save some for another day, for when you’re under pressure but still want your family to eat good homemade food. --- ### **Nut-free energy balls** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/11/Energy-Balls.jpg) **PREP TIME:** 20 mins **MAKES:** 12 • 115g pitted dates • 40g rolled oats • 60g mixed seeds • 20g desiccated coconut, plus 20g extra to finish • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder **STORAGE:** Keep these in the fridge for up to 7 days. **TO FREEZE:** Freeze in a labelled ziplock bag for up to 3 months. **TO DEFROST:** Defrost in an airtight container on the worktop overnight. **TIP:** To change up the flavour, add ½ teaspoon of orange zest to the blended mix. **There are some of my recipes that were stepping-stones to get to where I am today! In November 2023 I shared a montage reel of me making snacks for the lunchbox. That reel was a viral hit and brought me a huge number of new followers. These energy balls played a starring role, and they have been made for thousands of kids’ lunchboxes across the world! So cool to see.** **1** Put the dates into a bowl, cover with boiling water, leave to soften for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, blend the oats, seeds, coconut and cocoa powder in a processor – the texture should be coarse and not too fine. **2** Drain the dates and add them to the blender, then blend until it looks like a thick paste. If it looks dry and won’t clump, add a dash of boiled water and blend again. **3** Roll the mixture into balls, big or small – whichever you prefer. **4** To finish, pour the extra desiccated coconut into a wide bowl. Lightly wet your hands to help the coconut stick, then roll the balls again and toss them in the coconut. Put the balls into a container and pop them into the fridge to firm up. --- ### **Pesto & cheese pastry scrolls** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/11/Pesto-Scrolls.jpg) **MAKES:** 12 **PREP TIME:** 15 mins **COOK TIME:** 25–30 mins • 1 x 375g pack of ready-rolled puff pastry • 60g cream cheese • 60g green pesto • 60g carrots, grated • 60g Cheddar cheese, grated **STORAGE:** Once cooled, these will keep in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. **TO FREEZE:** Freeze flat on a tray, then transfer to labelled ziplock bags, freeze for up to 3 months. **TO DEFROST:** Defrost in the fridge overnight and pop into lunchboxes in the morning. **TIP:** Leave the pastry out of the fridge for 20 minutes to warm up before using, so it’s easier to work with. **There are certain foods that kids seem to enjoy without fuss, and pesto is one of them. It’s a great way to add flavour and green goodness. You can absolutely make your own, but there are some great fresh pestos in the shops too. I love to bake these scrolls on Sunday evenings, as they only take 10 minutes or so to make. They make great finger food for parties too - just remember to put your spare hand under your chin to catch the flaky crumbs!** **1** Preheat the oven to 180ºC fan and line a large baking tray with baking parchment. **2** Unroll the puff pastry. Using a butter knife, spread an even layer of the cream cheese all over the pastry. Top with an even layer of pesto, followed by the grated carrot and Cheddar cheese. **3** Starting at the long edge, roll the pastry carefully into a log. Using a fork, gently press down and seal the pastry along the seam. **4** Cut the log into 12 equal pieces. Place them flat on the baking tray and bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden and cooked through. **5** These can be eaten warm or cold. --- ### **Black bean and chocolate chip cookies** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/11/Black-Bean-and-Choc-Chip-Cookies.jpg) **MAKES:** 12 **PREP TIME:** 15 mins **COOK TIME:** 15 mins • 250g oats • 1 x 400g tin of black beans, drained well • 125ml maple syrup or honey • 2 heaped tablespoons cocoa powder • 40g butter, soft, at room temperature • 80g chocolate chips **STORAGE:** These cookies will keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days. **TO FREEZE:** Freeze in labelled ziplock bags for up to 3 months. **TO DEFROST:** Defrost in an airtight container overnight. **It’s safe to say that cookies are always welcome in our house. These are soft and fudgy and delicious as a snack. Last summer we headed out on a beach adventure for the day. We packed a big picnic with sandwiches, fruit, a flask for tea and these cookies. Eating them on a picnic blanket with your family is highly recommended.** ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. **1** Preheat the oven to 180ºC fan, and line two baking trays with baking parchment. **2** Put half the oats into a blender. Add the drained black beans, maple syrup, cocoa powder and butter in a blender and process until fairly smooth. **3** Scoop the mix into a mixing bowl, and stir through the other half of the oats and the chocolate chips. **4** Divide the mix into 12 balls. Place on the baking trays and push down to flatten. If you have a cookie cutter, use it to mould them into nice round shapes, if not, do your best to shape them with your hands. Bake for 15 minutes. Let them cool on the trays for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. --- ### **Sweet potato & goat’s cheese hand pies** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/11/Hand-Pies.jpg) **MAKES:** 6 **PREP TIME:** 20 mins **COOK TIME:** 30 mins • 1½ tablespoons oil • 1 medium onion, finely diced • 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped • 1 teaspoon ground cumin • 1 teaspoon paprika • a small pinch of salt and pepper • 100g sweet potato cubes, cooked • 100g goat’s cheese • 1 x 375g pack of ready-rolled puff pastry • 1 egg, beaten with a dash of milk to make egg wash **STORAGE:** The pies can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. **TO FREEZE:** Freeze in labelled ziplock bags for up to 3 months. **TO DEFROST:** Defrost in the fridge over-night. **TIP:** You can make these with puff or shortcrust pastry. I like to peel, dice, steam and freeze sweet potatoes so as to have them on hand for this recipe. **Hand pies are just filled pastries you can hold in your hand. They are flaky and just delicious. I’m a huge fan of salty-and-sweet savoury food. Salty goat’s cheese and sweet potato are a fabulous combination with the addition of the mildly spiced onions.** **1** Warm a frying pan on a medium heat, then add the oil and onion and cook for 5–10 minutes, until soft. Add the garlic, cumin, paprika and salt and pepper, and cook for a further few minutes. Transfer to a plate to cool. **2** Preheat the oven to 180ºC fan. Line a large baking tray with baking parchment. Put the cooked sweet potatoes into a mixing bowl with the goat’s cheese and cooked onions and mix, but leave small lumps of cheese and sweet potato – it’s better if it’s not a smooth paste. **3** Unroll the pastry and cut it into 6 equal squares. Brush the edge of each square with the egg wash. Add a generous tablespoon of the filling to each square, then fold the pastry over to make a triangle, sealing the edge with a fork. Brush the pies with the egg wash. **4** Bake in the oven for 30 minutes, until golden and cooked through. --- ## **MORE INSPIRATION** **READ:** [**MAKE & FREEZE - The ultimate guide to family-friendly meal prep by Lou Robbie**](https://amzn.to/47mcCdM?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **£22 Penguin Books** **FOLLOW:** [***@littleloucookslittleloucooks***](https://www.instagram.com/littleloucooks/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### Green Parent Book Club URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/green-parent-book-club/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:17.000Z ### **Would you like to join our Book Club?** We are always looking to send out brand new books to our readers for you and your family to review.. is this you? Use [**this sign up form**](https://form.jotform.com/greenparent/book-club?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) and we'll send a pile of the latest goodies and Christmas reads suited to your children's ages. We are particularly looking for younger readers this month. Find all the details [**here**](https://form.jotform.com/greenparent/book-club?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). Our reviewers and their children this month are: **Abbie C** – Lowen, 6 **Helen E** – Rowan, 7 and Maisy, 3 **Nicola M** – Gwen, 10 **Filiz T** – Oya, 7. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/11/91j39zgKQDL._SL1500_-1.jpg)](https://amzn.to/4njNx8P?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### [**Meet the Mubbles**](https://amzn.to/4njNx8P?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Liz Pichon, £9.99 Macmillan** Although this isn’t a book I’d naturally be drawn to, Lowen grabbed it from the pile straight away and thoroughly enjoyed it. In fact, he read it several times, and I’m sure it will be revisited again and again. He loved the characters (particularly the oddball), the colourful illustrations, and the songs. His dad and I felt the same—it was clearly a really fun book, but we were hoping for a stronger story to go with the engaging pictures. ***Abbie*** --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/11/71PtBDK-F9L._SL1226_.jpg)](https://amzn.to/41XCARR?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### [**Unicorns in Uniform**](https://amzn.to/41XCARR?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Tracy Curran, £7.99 Uclan Publishing** “Although Mum wouldn’t buy this, I love it and really enjoyed it.” – ***Lowen*** Lowen read this one independently and really enjoyed it—particularly the characters and vehicles (even the witches and wizards). This book would suit any child who enjoys stories about rescues and adventure. We especially liked the section at the back about what’s inside a real fire engine and the quiz, which we did together. ***Abbie*** --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/11/71iX34qs3uL._SL1250_.jpg)](https://amzn.to/42E3ka7?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### [**Mythical Tales**](https://amzn.to/42E3ka7?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Laura Sampson, illustrated by Lilla Bölecz, £16.99 Templar Books** This was the book that I was drawn to straight away—the cover and overall feel are beautiful, and I know it’s one we will treasure. Lowen really enjoyed it, sitting curled up until he had finished the whole thing! It’s a great mix of stories from all over the world, including some darker ones (which so often appeal to small boys!). I especially loved the introductions to each story and the author’s note about the importance of myths. This would also make a truly beautiful gift. ***Abbie*** --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/11/71d3LUdfwML._SL1500_-1.jpg) ### [**University of Cambridge: Nature Heroes**](https://amzn.to/42BvAKq?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Lily Dyu & Jackie Lay, £12.99 Nosy Crow** This informative book tells the stories of 20 amazing people working to save nature all over the world. Gwen has already read it twice, cover to cover, and as a result has done some further independent research on some of the inspirational people featured—Jane Goodall and Sylvia Earle, to name just a few. The book has an eye-catching, colourful cover, and Gwen particularly likes the funky style of the black-and-white illustrations and photographs. It carries a brilliant and uplifting message for young people: it only takes one person to stand up for their beliefs and inspire others to join them, and when we work together, we can make a difference. This is a timely book that I know will be read again and again, sparking discussion and further study. It would also make a great gift for a child aged 9–12 who is passionate about nature. ***Nicola*** --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/11/91n1JwfslkL._SL1500_.jpg)](https://amzn.to/47Jdz0l?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### [**Whole Whale**](https://amzn.to/47Jdz0l?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Karen Yin, Illustrated by Nelleke Verhoeff, £14.99 Barefoot Books** This bright, funny book packed with animals was a hit with both my children. It begins with an almost empty page featuring a single spider, then gradually fills with cheerful cartoon animals as you turn the pages. The rhyming text lists each new arrival and playfully asks if the book can also fit a whole blue whale: “A croc, a hawk, a shark, a snail … But can we fit a WHOLE BLUE WHALE?” The answer is yes—after a little squeezing, the final fold-out reveals the giant mammal surrounded by a menagerie of partying friends.My children loved spotting the antics: a monkey hanging from an elephant’s trunk, a bear playing a trumpet, a sheep sliding down a rainbow. One to enjoy when you need to shift the mood with something light hearted. ***Helen*** --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/11/714QwsdBY-L._SL1250_.jpg)](https://amzn.to/4gArPeo?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### [**Where the Dead Live**](https://amzn.to/4gArPeo?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Sam Fern, illustrated by Rômolo D’Hipólito, £14.99 Templar Books** This beautifully illustrated book explores how the dead are celebrated and remembered, from ancient times to modern traditions, folklore, and mythology. It opens with a striking world map showing the origins of each festival, which Gwen loved referring back to. The book is divided into three sections: soulful celebrations such as Samhain, All Souls’ Day, and Día de los Muertos; crypts, tombs, and catacombs from Paris to Rome; and ancestral afterlives like the Greek underworld and Norse mythology. Although the subject could feel heavy, the tone is light-hearted and engaging. Gwen (age 10) enjoyed most of it, though some parts felt “a little eerie and scary.” We found it a fantastic book to read and discuss together, best suited to ages 9–10+. ***Nicola*** --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/11/91wKqN00QCL._SL1500_.jpg)](https://amzn.to/4gqLPQk?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### [**YOU Decide YOUR Adventure: Join Bear Grylls on the Ultimate Expedition**](https://amzn.to/4gqLPQk?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Bear Grylls £14.99 DK** "If you go camping, it would be very useful." – ***Oya*** ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. Go on an adventure through mountains, grasslands, cliffs, forests, and water rapids with this guidebook. It’s ideal for children who love the outdoors, scout trips, camping, and expeditions. The author, Bear Grylls, the UK’s former Chief Scout, shares practical tips on climbing, building shelters, mountain biking, and asking for help. I especially liked that children can influence the outcome of the story by making decisions at the end of each chapter. The interactive book is also packed with fascinating nature facts. Reading age: 7+ ***Filiz*** --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/11/713ZSB9ek-L._SL1250_.jpg)](https://amzn.to/46azFYn?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### [**Nature's Journeys: by sea and sky**](https://amzn.to/46azFYn?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Lela Nargi, illustrated by Xuan Le, £12.99 Templar Books** This is an absolute gem of a book. We knew we’d love it from the moment we opened the first page — it’s brilliantly written, and the illustrations are rich and beautiful. We both found it completely fascinating. Lowen was reeling off fact after fact from this book for days after first picking it up, and I know it’s one he will return to again and again. It would make a truly special gift for any child interested in the natural world — perfect for parents to read with younger children, as well as for kids who are already reading independently — and it has pride of place on our nature bookshelf at home. 5/5 stars ***Abbie*** --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/11/813HXQa3hUL._AC_SL1500_.jpg)](https://amzn.to/4guDriF?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### [**Mycelia**](https://amzn.to/4guDriF?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **£27.99 Ravensburger** The aim of this strategic game is to move your dew drops off your board and into the Shrine of Life, a lovely 3D cardboard centrepiece. This is done by playing your deck of mushroom cards. Since receiving it, we’ve played the game several times and enjoyed it as a family — myself, my husband, our 21-year-old, and our 10-year-old. This well-designed game has plenty of elements, with a mix of luck and strategy to keep everyone happy. Gwen, age 10, particularly loved the charming artwork and quirky anecdotes on each mushroom card. The shiny dew drops also added to the magical feel. Setup takes a little time initially, but a bonus is that the 3D board fits back inside the box fully assembled, ready for next time. The game is aimed at ages 9+, which feels accurate. Gwen found the rules straightforward, and I think a slightly younger player could join in if teamed with an adult. The game can even be played solo — a big bonus, though we haven’t tested that mode yet. We would definitely recommend this, especially for nature-loving families who enjoy board games with a little bit of magic. ***Nicola*** --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/11/71nQUF9NWdL._SL1250_.jpg)](https://amzn.to/3W13Yux?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### [**Where Did They Go?**](https://amzn.to/3W13Yux?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Emily Bornoff, £8.99 Big Picture Press** This is a really lovely book. I really liked the overall theme and messaging - it was a really clever way of highlighting the issue of extinction. We did find it a very speedy read (as the creatures are easy to find compared to some similar books in the genre) and sadly, once you know where the creatures are, there's not as much information to then draw you back into the book again - I feel like there was a trick missed there. I would definitely buy it for a slightly younger child as a gift. ***Abbie*** --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/11/71D303XBHoL._SL1250_.jpg)](https://amzn.to/4guOqIX?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### [**The Wild Robot on the Island**](https://amzn.to/4guOqIX?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Peter Brown, £12.99 Piccadilly Press** Although we are spending less time reading picture books now in favour of longer form stories, this book caught both of our eyes straight away - the cover and the illustrations are gorgeous. We haven't seen the film or come across the other wild robot books as yet so this was a great introduction. We pored over the pages, picking out all the lovely detail in the pictures. We both loved the story too - I defy any parent not to feel touched when Roz's baby gosling flies the nest. I felt quite teary at the pictures of her waiting for him to come back! We are already planning on exploring some of the others in the series. It would make a lovely gift for those who are starting to read independently. ***Abbie*** --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/11/71E4b3E9isL._SL1250_.jpg)](https://amzn.to/4n9LCU8?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### [**Dadbot**](https://amzn.to/4n9LCU8?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Jack Noel, £8.99 Piccadilly Press** "The best book in the world, because it has action, adventure, thunderbolts, and robots." – ***Oya*** This was by far Oya's favourite book among all the books sent to us, because she's a fan of children's comics. I liked the book's message, emphasising the value of spending quality time with your children. I read one chapter with her, it's really funny. I also loved the illustrations so much, they are cartoon-style, much softer and pleasing to the eye than some other children's comics, which are much darker in style. I definitely recommend this book to other children who are comics fans! I believe that comics can also grow a love of reading. Reading age: 6+ ***Filiz*** [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/11/8102BkFz4eL._SL1500_.jpg)](https://amzn.to/46sgMPs?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### [**Little Seed**](https://amzn.to/46sgMPs?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Hector Dexet, £16.99 Post Wave Publishing** My first impression on picking up this delightful book was that it was absolutely beautiful — and it did not disappoint. Little Seed tells the story of a sunflower seed: dropping to the ground in autumn, lying through the seasons, then growing into a huge sunflower the following summer. My two-year-old adored exploring the vibrant pages, happily shouting “seed!” as I read the story. The book is filled with big fold-out pages revealing different creatures and nature scenes, alongside tiny flaps hiding bees, bugs, and flowers. It’s an ideal introduction to the life cycle of a seed, perfectly capturing the beauty and wonder of this process as the little seed grows into a tall, radiant sunflower. The text is simple and short, told in the seed’s own voice: “I unfold my tender green leaves. I am turning into something new.” But it’s the vibrancy and interactivity of the illustrations that truly bring the story to life for young readers. With its colourful artwork, lift-the-flap surprises, and peek-through pages, this book is utterly captivating for toddlers. I’ll be recommending it to friends, as it makes a wonderful gift for children aged one to four. ***Helen*** ### Discover Wildwood Nature School: A New Kind of Primary Education URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/discover-wildwood-nature-school-a-new-kind-of-primary-education/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:17.000Z Head Teacher and founder ***Tara Royle*** gives us an insight into daily life at the school and shares their core values. ### **Learning That Thrives in Nature** At Wildwood, at least half of every week is spent outside — under trees, on Hampstead Heath, exploring, creating and discovering. We believe the natural world is not just a learning environment, but a partner in learning. With a tiny school of just 20 children and high staff-to-pupil ratios (no more than 1:6), every child is seen and valued. They are free to move, follow their curiosity, and grow in their own time. At Wildwood, childhood is valued and protected: children are encouraged to be themselves, take risks, and engage with the world around them in a safe, supportive environment where learning, play, and self-expression go hand in hand. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/10/Magpie-Eye_Wildwood-0169-1.webp) ### **Emotional Well-being at the Core** We understand that academic success is deeply connected to emotional health. That’s why our bespoke curriculum places emotional literacy, mindfulness and well-being on equal footing with reading, writing and maths. From grounding exercises in the morning, to our dedicated “My Time” after lunch — quiet moments for reading, meditation or mindful colouring — children learn how to understand and support their own inner world. This gives them resilience, empathy and calm, forming the bedrock for everything else they do. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **A Child-Centred Community** Wildwood is more than a school — it’s a community. Our teachers model the behaviours we ask of children: they start each day with mindfulness and mindful presence, showing children how to pause, notice, and engage. Every child is paired with a key person who knows them deeply: their interests, strengths, challenges and hopes. This allows each child to flourish in their own way, be it through story-telling, den-building, woodwork or quiet reflection. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/10/Magpie-Eye_Wildwood-6365-1.webp) ## The bespoke curriculum places emotional literacy, mindfulness and well-being on equal footing with reading, writing and maths ### **Why Parents Are Choosing Wildwood** Parents choose Wildwood because they want something different: a school where their child’s curiosity isn’t constrained; where play, risk-taking and nature are part of everyday learning; and where time spent outdoors and inner life are just as important as the academics. It’s a place where each child’s voice is heard, each idea is valued, and each day is a step towards wholeness and growth. If you’re a parent seeking an education that honours nature, nurtures the whole child and builds vibrant, grounded learners for the future — Wildwood Nature School may be the right fit for your family. For more information [**do get in touch**](mailto:contact@wildwoodnatureschool.org.uk) — we'd love to hear from you. Admissions for September 2026 admissions are now open. ### **Useful Links** **Email:** [***contact@wildwoodnatureschool.org.uk***](mailto:contact@wildwoodnatureschool.org.uk) **Website:** [**https://www.wildwoodnatureschool.org.uk/**](https://www.wildwoodnatureschool.org.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Admissions page:** [**https://www.wildwoodnatureschool.org.uk/admissions**](https://www.wildwoodnatureschool.org.uk/admissions?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Application form:** [**https://form.jotform.com/233543998257370**](https://form.jotform.com/233543998257370?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Contact page:** [**https://www.wildwoodnatureschool.org.uk/contact**](https://www.wildwoodnatureschool.org.uk/contact?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### Spiders, bonfires and kikimora: A little autumn folklore URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/spiders-bonfires-and-kikimora-a-little-autumn-folklore/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:17.000Z Spiders and bagpipes may not be your first thought when thinking about autumn folklore, but you would be wise to take heed should you or a member of your family not be overly keen on these eight-legged legends. It was once written (and then observed several times since) that spiders are particularly fond of bagpipe music. Bagpipes, mandolin and indeed a gentle classical melody. So, in this moment when spiders are coming in and hanging out in your home, you might want to forgo the traditional wisdom of deterring them with conkers in the corners of your windowsills, or a spritz of water with a few drops of peppermint oil on your woodwork, and concentrate your energies on turning up some hardcore techno music whenever one appears, almost guaranteeing their quick exit. Of course, spiders and bagpipes may not be crossing your mind at all when it comes to the folklore of the season. You may instead be wondering when the first frost of autumn will arrive, after which you can pick your sloes to make gin, or whether you’ve gathered all your ingredients from the garden to apply a love salve on St Luke’s Day on 18 October (marigold, marjoram, wormwood and thyme, if you’re wondering). But as autumn fills the trees and hedgerows with golds and reds, and the evenings draw in, a shiver haunts the air and the pumpkins are ripening, it is not unreasonable to suggest that many a folklore focus turns instead to the highlight of the season, Halloween (or Samhain, Crack Nut Night, Mischief Night and the start of Hallowtide, 31 October – 2 November, amongst other names). The evening of 31 October is one of those moments within the ritual year where our world and that of the supernatural become uncomfortably close. However, when it comes to folklore of the home and ghostly goings on, there is plenty you can do to ensure that you are properly protected against any malevolent forces that might break through. Firstly, having a rowan tree by the entrance to your home is always a good idea. In terms of traditional countermeasures against evil, fairies, demons, witches and the like, rowan has the reputation of repelling anything that approaches with bad intent. However, if having a full-sized tree in your vicinity is an issue, don’t despair, hanging a branch across the top of your front door or even popping a rowan twig in your keyhole will still have the desired effect. If you and your children leave the protection of your home to trick or treat, wearing a necklace of rowan berries should help deter any supernatural unpleasantness as witches are said to detest the colour red. Although do note, rowan berries shouldn’t be eaten without proper preparation, so a circlet of woven rowan twigs and leaves might be a better solution for tinier humans. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-30-at-20.47.31.png) ## ‘A squeaky door hinge is an open invitation to a tricksome spirit looking for a place to hide' Secondly, look to your hinges. A squeaky door hinge is an open invitation to a tricksome spirit looking for a place to hide. While remedying any creaks and groans with some coconut oil (coconuts are also thought to have protective qualities), why not double up and rub a few cloves of garlic over your hinges to keep the vampires at bay as well (this also works should you have a fireplace, just rub a clove or two underneath your mantelpiece so they can’t enter via the chimney). And thirdly, but by no means lastly, demons are particularly sensitive to the smell of St John’s wort. If you’ve not managed to pick any blooms over the summer months, find yourself some dried St John’s wort and scatter it over your front doorstep, your windowsills and if you can reach it, your roof. This should drive away any nefarious presences from your home. • Food folklore also plays a large part in Hallowtide, whether it’s repurposing your Jack o’ lantern innards into a Mash o’ Nine Sorts, toasting in the Samhain New Year with a glass of lambswool, leaving a small offering of food on your doorstep to nudge any visiting ghosts into a happier mood, or, for any single readers, secreting a cabbage leaf under your pillow on the 31st to dream of your one true love. Many cultures make specific traditional foods to celebrate the spooky season. In Mexico, no respectable Day of the Dead would be complete without pan de muertos, a sweet bun-like bread baked to honour the dead, while in Italy, fave dei morti, the almond or pine-nut biscuit baked in the shape of a broad bean, as eating broad beans was considered a good way to communicate with the spirits. In the UK, there is the tradition of making soul cakes, soulmass loaves, or harcakes (and many other names besides). Despite having ‘cake’ in their title, soul cakes are really biscuits (or sometimes very flat parkin), baked on 2 November, All Souls’ Day. The recipe is simple and something tiny humans can easily manage, just remind them to always stir the ingredients clockwise to stir in the luck. Much like with all the name variations, the recipe is unfixed and changes depending on where you live, as does the shape of the cake or whether they have currants baked into the top. So if you want to start your own soul cake tradition, you have a little license to make them how you want them. Soul cakes were baked to give to children who’d knock on your door on All Souls’ Night and every biscuit given represented a soul released from Purgatory. Another popular custom was to keep a soul cake back to bring the household good luck and replace it each year with a freshly baked one (although some believe in preserving the lucky one and handing it down from generation to generation instead). However, whatever you create over Halloween, or indeed should you make plot-toffee or gingerbread for Bonfire Night on 5 November, do ensure you always leave your kitchen spotless afterwards. To do otherwise might incur the wrath of your kitchen spirits, especially should you have a kikimora living behind your oven. Kikimora are household spirits from Eastern European folklore and often present as old women, sometimes with a beak and nearly always with curious feet, and they have a penchant for knitting and plucking chickens (although not at the same time). They are said to come out at night to inspect their surroundings, and should the kikimora find them wanting, expect your sleep to be disturbed, your crockery smashed, and your pickles hidden by the time you come to make your morning cuppa. Do note that most, if not all, kitchen spirits can be placated with a saucer of milk and a biscuit. Finally, a few folklore thoughts on bonfires, or ‘bone-fires’ as they were originally called (and yes, the origin is exactly as unappealing as it sounds). Fire is used throughout the ritual year to cleanse the soul and chase away evil spirits but there is something quite special about a bonfire made of crisp fallen leaves and wood pruned from around the garden. After checking for hedgehogs before setting it alight, should you have a wish you’d like granted, just rest a pebble in your pocket and walk clockwise three times around your bonfire. Once done, tell the fire your desire before lobbing the pebble into the flames, and it’s said your wish will come true. If you don’t have the space for a bonfire, find a quiet place in your home, light a candle, write your wish on a slip of paper, then burn it in the flame, which should do just as well. Before blowing out your candle, you might instead want to place it next to a windowpane, as it’s said that the light will help guide any lost or wandering spirits back to their homes to rest. ***Liza Frank is a folklorist and writer. In 2023, her book Everyday Folklore: An almanac for the ritual year was published by Murdoch. She has also written extensively about folklore for The Everyday Lore Project and for a Masters in Folklore Studies from University of Hertfordshire. She currently writes as The Folklore Agony Aunt, solving both supernatural and mundane dilemmas using folklore. Out of the many traditions she’s tried, her favourite was re-creating a Gruel Thursday ritual off the beach in Brighton. That and competitive mince pie eating. In 2007, her slightly wild photographic exhibition was published by Bloomsbury as the book My Celebrity Boyfriend. You can connect with her on Bluesky and Instagram @lilithepunk or via her website www.liza-frank.com.*** ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **LEARN MORE** **Household Lore: Folklore, Traditions and Remedies for Every Room in Your Home** ***by Liza Frank*** publishes on 11.5.25 with Watkins. Discount code: **GREENPARENT20HH** at [***watkinspublishing.com/books/household-lore/***](https://watkinspublishing.com/books/household-lore/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/10/Household-lorejpeg.jpeg)](https://amzn.to/42ONHwI?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) This article appears in issue 127 of The Green Parent magazine. Sign up [***here***](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/#/portal/signup) for ***free*** account to download the whole magazine[***here***](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/our-autumn-issue-is-here/). ### 11 Cheap and Free Things To Do With Your Family In November URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/11-cheap-and-free-things-to-do-with-your-family-in-november/ Last updated: 2025-10-29T19:27:49.000Z As days grow darker, you might need more impetus to get outside. Try making a journey stick, hunt for chestnuts, watch the sun rise or search for majestic seals. Or stay inside to make a Day of the Dead altar, watch films with a message, or buy nothing! _This post is for subscribers only._ ### “We’re building a whole new life from scratch” URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/were-building-a-whole-new-life-from-scratch/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:18.000Z After we had Alex, we realised that buying our own home or land in the UK was never going to be financially possible. Moving into a van unlocked this dream — it gave us the freedom to take a leap and move to Bulgaria. A friend recommended the area to us, and when we came to look around, it felt right. Strangely, we realised afterwards that we’d actually driven through this region on our trip across Europe in 2015 — almost like it was always meant to be. It’s a small, quiet village, but we’re twenty minutes from a bigger town with a proper supermarket. Day-to-day we prefer using the smaller local shops and market, which has become part of our weekly rhythm. We get four distinct seasons here — winters can drop to –10°C, while summers climb up to 40°C — so the landscape and the way of life shift quite a lot throughout the year. It feels both remote and connected at the same time. This piece of land sits on the edge of the village, just under two acres, and it used to be a vineyard and small farm. When we found it, it had been abandoned for about ten years. When it went up for sale, everything came with it — the barns, the house, even the old furniture and belongings. The total price came to £6000 when we bought it four years ago. People call it “cheap,” but for us it was everything we had. We could never have afforded our own home in England, so we saved hard, sold most of our belongings, and put it all into this dream. The land includes a house — which unfortunately has subsidence and is structurally unsafe — along with three barns. It sits on a sloping hillside, surrounded by beautiful rock formations. Even though it was derelict and unloved when we arrived, we could see the potential straight away. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/10/PXL_20250827_105000186.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/10/P1043543.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/10/PXL_20250815_112902013.jpg) Spending time with our children is central to why we’re doing this ### **Tread Lightly** We wanted to be more self-reliant, not tied to rising bills or an unreliable system. But we also wanted to tread more lightly on the earth, to raise our children in a way that connects them to the land, and to challenge ourselves as a family to be resourceful. In the UK, we’d slipped into a cycle of convenience — takeaways, consumerism, keeping up with the Joneses — and it didn’t feel fulfilling. We were so inspired by stories of others who had made bold moves to kickstart a life change, and we realised that’s what we wanted, too. Van life gave us the first taste of that freedom. It showed us how little we actually needed to be happy, and that minimalist mindset still shapes how we live now. We’ve put in raised beds using the hugelkultur method, planted vegetables, and started a little fruit orchard that we’re excited to see grow over the years. For the kids, we’ve created a play area using salvaged materials, so they’ve got their own space to climb, bounce, and explore. To make life a bit more comfortable, we built a covered decking area in front of the caravan — it’s become our outdoor living room and the heart of family life in the warmer months. We created a pool area, which was no small job, and Phil built a beautiful stone wall around it. It’s practical, but it also gives that part of the land a feeling of being finished and cared for. We’ve designed and built our own 5000w tilting solar array, using wood and a lot of trial and error. It gives us reliable off-grid electricity and there’s a real sense of pride in knowing it was entirely our own design and build. One of our favourite projects so far has been a wooden geodesic dome — right now it’s a striking feature on the land, but soon we’ll be turning it into a greenhouse to extend our growing season. And we’re about to begin our biggest project yet: building our straw bale tiny home. That’s the one we’ve been dreaming of since the very beginning. It should be finished by early 2026. ### **Slowly Does It** Everything takes longer than you think — but we knew that from the start. This isn’t a quick renovation or a flip; we’re building a whole new life from scratch. When we first arrived on the land, we literally had nothing. Spending time with our children is central to why we’re doing this, so the process — slow, hands-on, sometimes messy — is the most exciting part for us. Life happens, and we’re very restricted with finances, living pay cheque to pay cheque with no savings, so each step has to be considered, creative, and intentional. Up until recently I was working full-time remotely, and Phil also works online for a solar battery company. Our outgoings are much lower, so we can make our money stretch further — but we still have to be very careful and frugal. We’ve been documenting our journey on YouTube ever since we bought the land, and over time that’s grown into a really close and supportive community. We never set out to do it as a business, but it has started bringing in some income. It’s a long game, but the slow pace is part of the joy — it’s shaping our home, our land, and our life together, bit by bit. We used to live in a self-converted Sprinter van, so moving into a 6-berth caravan was an upgrade in space for us. Before we moved to Bulgaria, we adapted the caravan so that everyone had their own sleeping space, a separate bathroom with a composting toilet, and a little wardrobe area. Storage and organisation are key — as long as everything has a place and gets put back, it works surprisingly well. It’s cosy and sometimes chaotic with two young children, but that’s part of the process. It isn’t for everybody, but we’re a close family and we know this is just a short-term living arrangement. Living like this has taught us so much about simplicity, making do, and really appreciating the space and comfort we’re working towards. Alex loves helping in the garden and building things with Phil, taking a real interest in how things work. Ember, even though she’s still small, is incredibly physically capable — walking and climbing around the land as if it’s second nature, exploring every nook and cranny. Including them does make processes slower, and sometimes we have to stop and remind ourselves why we’re here. We didn’t come to just build structures or tick off projects — we came to live a fuller, richer life together. Watching our children learn patience, resilience, problem-solving, and the joy of creating with their own hands is part of that life. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **Wintering Well** We’ve done two winters here in the caravan, and hopefully this will be our last one. It’s been manageable though, especially since we built the deck area. We’ve carpeted it, added clear conservatory-style plastic sides, and installed a wood burner last year, which made a huge difference. Inside the caravan we’ve got a diesel heater, and it actually stays toasty. We spend a lot of our time outdoors, so it really comes down to dressing properly for the conditions. Living off-grid in any season teaches you to always have back-ups and to think in terms of “what if” or “worst-case scenario.” That mindset has helped us massively in coping with the challenges of winter here. Alex is in the local school. He was the only non-Bulgarian child there, which was a big adjustment, but he’s just about to start grade two now and he’s really flourished. He picked up the language quickly and has made some special friends, which has been lovely to see. We don’t know yet whether he’ll continue in the Bulgarian system long term. Our approach has always been to make the right decision for our children when the time comes. We see education as a lifelong journey, not something confined to a classroom. We feel really lucky with our neighbours — they’ve been wonderful since the start. We’ve also got to know some friends from other countries living in nearby villages, which makes for a nice mix of community. We’re very busy most of the time, so we don’t get out to socialise as often as we’d like, but when we do, we make the effort. We believe strongly that if you live in a country, you should learn the language. Neither of us are natural language learners, so it hasn’t been easy, but we’re getting by. We’ve been using apps, picking up phrases here and there, and Alex has actually taught us a lot too. It will come with time. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/10/PXL_20250725_180008484-Edit.jpg) ## ****“One of my favourite spots is at the top of our land. We often sit up there and watch the swallows darting around at sunset”** ### **Kindness is All** One thing that really stands out is the kindness in our village. Community is so important here. For example, during a recent fire, Phil spent the day helping a neighbour protect their orchard and farmland, and afterwards they helped us source the bales we needed for our tiny home build. That kind of mutual support means everything. Our neighbours know we’re here to stay, that we work hard, and that we’re doing our best — and that’s built a lot of respect and trust both ways. We have a small but very close group of friends back in the UK who we miss so much, and being away from family is probably the toughest part of living here. This year has been especially difficult as my dad was diagnosed with cancer, which made the distance feel even heavier. Technology does help but of course it’s not the same as being in the same room. Once the barn is ready, it will give us space to host family and friends here in Bulgaria, and those reunions will mean even more. One of my favourite spots is at the top of our land. From there you can see the Rhodope mountains in the distance and look out over all of our plot. We often sit up there and watch the swallows darting around at sunset — it feels really special. Progress doesn’t always look like big leaps — most days it’s a slow trickle of small wins that add up over time. Life is full of challenges, of course, but the difference now is that we’re facing challenges that feel purposeful and rewarding. We work so much harder here than we ever did back in England. It’s taught us to let go of perfection, embrace the messy, real version of life, and focus on what truly matters: family, connection, and creating something meaningful together. We’ve learned to be resourceful, to work with what we have, and to celebrate even the smallest victories.” ### **MORE INSPIRATION** **WATCH** [***www.youtube.com/offgridwiththeudens***](https://www.youtube.com/offgridwiththeudens?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **FOLLOW** [***www.instagram.com/offgridwiththeudens***](https://www.instagram.com/offgridwiththeudens/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) This article appears in issue 127 of The Green Parent magazine. Sign up [***here***](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/#/portal/signup) for ***free*** account to download the whole magazine[***here***](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/our-autumn-issue-is-here/). ### What if the parenting manual we all want - is waiting inside of us? URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/what-if-the-parenting-manual-we-all-want-is-waiting-inside-of-us/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:18.000Z When I became pregnant with my first child at 29, I knew exactly how I didn't want to be. As an adoptee and a social worker, I was determined to get it 'right'. I read every magazine (yes, including The Green Parent!), devoured every book, and listened to every podcast I could. I was desperate to feed him right, clothe him right, but above all, 'love' him right. With all the conflicting advice swirling around my head, I was struggling. My own instincts were telling me one thing, but the experts frequently seemed to say another. So often, parents are told to ignore those deep, intuitive feelings, resigning themselves to the idea that it's because of their own attachment needs that they refuse to allow their child to gain resilience by acting too permissively and loving them too much. But over the sleepless months, and as I added to my brood from one, to two, to eventually three, I had a profound realisation. My intuition wasn't a flaw to be managed; it was my greatest strength. Part of the therapeutic work I do with children and families is to help them to understand their own stories; to provide context, reduce blame, and understand how their past has shaped them but does not define them, so they can formulate a future full of promise and confidence. This work has made me so passionate about providing support to those of us who have experienced early adversity to break the cycle and forge a new path. It’s about finding the strength to truly trust our intuition, even when our history and role models have told us otherwise. It takes immense courage to challenge that narrative, but for the sake of our children, it's a task we must embrace. By truly listening to the advice I was giving the families I worked with, I realised I needed to offer that same compassion to myself. For me, this meant I had to learn to nurture myself. To give myself a break in the tough moments and to let go of the impossible standards I had set. I began to understand that 'perfect' parenting is not only unachievable, but it isn't even healthy. The research of developmental psychologist Ed Tronick, for example, shows that the foundation of a secure attachment isn't about being perfectly in-sync with our children all the time, but in our ability to 'repair' the connection after a moment of disconnect. It is in these messy, imperfect moments of rupture and repair that true, resilient connection is built. It was a revelation that gave me permission to finally embrace the chaos. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. I realised that the most important work I could do for my children was not to follow another set of rules, but to gently tend to my own garden. It was about nurturing my own roots. This meant looking inward with compassion, understanding my own story, and learning to be the calm, supportive parent to myself that I so desperately wanted to be for them. It turns out, the secret that I was so desperately searching for was not a secret at all. The definitive, perfect parenting manual doesn't exist on a shelf, because it can't. It can only be written from the beautiful, messy interplay of knowing your child, and knowing yourself. And it's a story that never truly ends; each chapter is full of unanswered questions that we will continue to write, until the day our own story becomes the start of our children's. ***Sarah Vermeire is a social worker and founder of Nurtured Roots. Drawing on nearly two decades of experience supporting families, she created the ‘Nurtured Roots’ guided journal to help parents heal their own story. She lives in Leicestershire with her husband, three incredible children and with her loving parents nearby. Find her at*** [***www.nurturedroots.uk***](https://www.nurturedroots.online/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ***and*** [***@nur.turedroots***](https://www.instagram.com/nur.turedroots/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) This article appears in issue 127 of The Green Parent magazine. Sign up [***here***](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/#/portal/signup) for ***free*** account to download the whole magazine[***here***](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/our-autumn-issue-is-here/). ### Becoming Real URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/becoming-real/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:18.000Z Before I had children, I lived with a quiet, subtle longing for a life wrapped in perfection. I didn't think of it that way, of course—not consciously, anyway—but I built my days around tidy ideals. I wanted a home where everything fit neatly into its place, a smooth rhythm that guided each hour of the day, a life that hummed along like a song in perfect pitch. I dreamed of family life as a kind of idyllic portrait, the kind you might see framed on a magazine cover—a beautiful scene, serene and certain, unblemished by disorder. But parenthood, like life itself, has a way of dissolving these illusions. Children arrive not as the carefully shaped figures we might imagine, but as wild and wondrous beings who scatter pieces of themselves everywhere. They arrive with their own rhythms, their own desires, and their own ways of seeing the world. And, as they grow, they show us—sometimes gently, sometimes with great force—that life was never meant to be perfect. It is in this space between expectation and reality that I began to understand the paradoxes of parenthood—the way it can break you open, leave you bare and vulnerable, yet fill you with a strength and love so deep it defies all logic. It is a journey of disillusionment, yes, but not the kind that leaves you empty. It is a disillusionment that offers a gift: the chance to let go of your preconceptions, to surrender the idea of what life should be, and to embrace the imperfect beauty of what it truly is. ### **Becoming Real Through Love** There’s a line from The Velveteen Rabbit that has stuck with me: “Real isn't how you are made. It's a thing that happens to you.” I think of this often when I look at my home now, when I see the worn edges of furniture once pristine, the floors marked with the trace of little feet, the stains on the carpet that tell the story of spilled juice and dropped art supplies, the chipped mug or a plate that has barely survived a birthday party. In the story, the Velveteen Rabbit starts out shiny and perfect, untouched by the world. But it is through being loved—being held and carried, dragged through the dirt and slept with every night—that he becomes real. And isn’t that what happens to us, too? As parents, we come into this experience with ideas about how it will look, how we will behave, how we will carry ourselves. But slowly, as our children pull us into the mess and wonder of their world, we are reshaped by love. At first, I resisted this transformation. I wanted the polished version of motherhood, the version where I still held onto some resemblance of order, where I could keep things neat and predictable. But life with children is anything but predictable. They upend our routines, scatter our carefully curated plans, and teach us that the things we once held dear—the spotless counters, the quiet, uninterrupted hours—don’t matter in the way we thought they did. Instead, we begin to see that the things we truly love are those that carry the marks of time, of memory, of relationship. They are the things that have become real through use, through love, through the everyday acts of living. My home is far from perfect, and yet, in its imperfections, it feels more alive than it ever did when I was striving for that unattainable ideal. These are not signs of failure or neglect; they are signs of life. And it is in this lived-in space that I find a sense of peace, of belonging, of authenticity. Motherhood is full of paradoxes. It is, at once, the most exhausting and the most exhilarating experience I have ever known. My children are testing the limit of my patience, yet they also expand the boundaries of my heart. They have brought chaos into my carefully ordered world, but within that chaos, they have created moments of pure, unfiltered joy which I wouldn't trade for the world. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/10/20240425_175637--1--2.jpg) ## **ʻChildren arrive not as the carefully shaped figures we might imagine, but as wild and wondrous beings who scatter pieces of themselves everywhereʼ* ### **What Really Matters** I remember being an arrogant 20 year old, thinking how I would never compromise my polished look (manicure, pedicure, elaborate skin care, daily makeup and hair styling, high heels and lingerie, the list is really endless…) I was so judgemental of the women, the mothers I'd see who looked different. Now after becoming the mother myself…I get it. Not only do I get it but I've actually become one of them! I wear what's comfortable and what I don't mind getting dirty whilst playing mud pies with my toddler, I don't go to a salon to save family budget and can skip leg shaving for weeks at a time. And here's the truth…I've never been happier. Children, in their infinite wisdom, have a way of showing us what really matters. They strip away the layers of pretense, leaving us with only what is true. I remember one particular evening, a few months into my second child’s life, when I found myself sitting on the floor of the living room, surrounded by toys and laundry. The house was a mess, the dinner I had planned had yet to be cooked, and I felt utterly exhausted. But then, in the midst of my frustration, my older child crawled into my lap, pressing his face against my cheek. “I want cuddle,” he said, and in that moment, the mess didn’t matter. The dinner didn’t matter. All that mattered was the warmth of his small body against mine, the softness of his voice, the overwhelming love that filled the room. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. Parenthood has a way of stripping us bare, of making us confront our limitations and our imperfections. But it is in these moments of vulnerability that we find our greatest strength. It is in letting go of the need for control, for perfection, that we open ourselves to the possibility of real connection. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/10/20250306_080850--1-.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/10/20240620_142246--1-.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/10/20241023_122538--1-.jpg) **ʻParenthood has a way of stripping us bare, of making us confront our limitations and our imperfectionsʼ* ### **The Gift of Imperfection** As I sit here now in the moment of solitude, I see that my life is full of paradoxes. My house, once carefully curated, now bears the marks of a family that lives and breathes within its walls. The fingerprints on the windows, the scuffed floors, the toys strewn about—these are not signs of disorder, but of life unfolding. My children, wild and unpredictable, have taught me that home is not a place of perfection, but a place where we are free to be ourselves, fully and without pretense. A perfect home, I’ve come to realize, is not one filled with the latest trends or polished to a shine. It is a home that feels lived in, loved, and real. It is a space where we can show up, in all our messiness and imperfection, and know that we belong. It is a home where laughter mixes with tears, where the mundane becomes sacred, where the daily rhythms of life—the meals, the conversations, the bedtime stories—create a sense of meaning and connection. This is the gift of imperfection, the gift of disillusionment. It is not a loss, but a deepening—a way of seeing the world as it truly is, flawed and messy and full of wonder. And it is through this lens that I have come to understand that the life I am living, with all its paradoxes, is more beautiful than anything I could have imagined. Like the Velveteen Rabbit, I have been worn down by love, by use, by the everyday acts of parenting. I am no longer the polished version of myself I once thought I needed to be. I have been made real through the tears, the laughter, the late nights and early mornings, the moments of joy and frustration that define this journey. And in becoming real, I have found a deeper sense of peace, a fuller understanding of what it means to live authentically. Life is not meant to be perfect; it is meant to be lived. It is meant to be full of contradictions, of moments that break us open and moments that heal us. And in this beautiful mess, we find ourselves—imperfect, but real. ***Maria Rogers is an award-winning musician and a mother of two children (age 3, and 1), living near Windsor. Passionate about magical storytelling she created Inside A Fairytale project, aimed to add enchantment into the everyday life.*** [***insideafairytale.co.uk***](https://insideafairytale.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) This article appears in issue 127 of The Green Parent magazine. Sign up [***here***](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/#/portal/signup) for ***free*** account to download the whole magazine[***here***](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/our-autumn-issue-is-here/). ### 24 Cheap and Free Things To Do With Your Family in October URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/24-cheap-and-free-things-to-do-with-your-family-in-october/ Last updated: 2025-09-27T10:05:04.000Z ## Samhain is Here [**Samhain**](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/8-magical-ideas-for-halloween/)is just around the corner; the ancient Celtic festival that honoured the ancestors that came before us. Harvest has been gathered, and we are preparing for the stark winter. In Edinburgh, the[**Fire Festival**](https://beltane.org/about-samhuinn/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)lights up the streets of the city, while[**Glastonbury celebrates**](https://glastonburyinformationcentre.co.uk/events/samhain/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)with dragons, drummers and the Border morris. Find out more about the festival here. _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Adventure-ready? The new WonderFold wagons that offer it all! URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/adventure-ready-the-new-wonderfold-wagons-that-offer-it-all/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:18.000Z Adventures don’t stop when you have kids, but they can get more creative! Whether it’s a muddy music festival, a walk through the woods, a day at the beach or the daily pre-school run, having the right gear can make all the difference. Introducing WonderFold’s new [**L-Series**](https://www.wonderfoldwagon.co.uk/collections/l-series?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) and **Pro-Series** (available from January 2026) stroller wagons. Built for real-life family adventures, designed with eco-conscious, on-the-go parents in mind. Combining comfort, durability, and clever design, they make exploring with little ones easier, lighter, and a lot more fun. ### **A Fresh Take on Family Travel** WonderFold already has a loyal following among UK families who value practicality and style. These premium stroller wagons are loved by parents juggling multiple children and are especially helpful for children with additional needs. They offer one spacious, adaptable transport solution with generous storage and thoughtful, safety-first design. Now, with the arrival of the L and Pro Series, WonderFold is offering even more flexibility, more features, and more comfort for families with two to four children aged six months to approximately five years. ### **Introducing the Pro Series - For Big Days Out:** Designed for days that call for more. More room, more flexibility, more adventures, the **Pro Series** (available in two and four seater Luxe and Elite models for children aged 6-months+) is ready for anything. These high-capacity wagons are built with a lightweight aluminium frame, removable front and back panels, and multi-position seating, you can reconfigure as your needs evolve. Whether it’s a festival field, coastal trail, or market day, the Pro’s all-terrain-ready wheels (swivel or fixed) and adjustable handle deliver a smooth, steady ride. And for extra outdoor ease? There’s a built-in cooler basket and adjustable sun canopy, perfect for picnic breaks in the sun. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/08/W4LUXP-GRY-021425-042.jpg) ## More features and more comfort for families with two to four children aged six months to approximately five years ****What you’ll love about the WonderFold Pro:** - Removable front/back panels for easy access - Reclinable seats with 5-point safety harnesses - Adjustable handle for a comfier push - Smooth swivel or fixed wheels - Large canopy for sun protection - Rear cooler basket for drinks and snacks - Built for a varied terrain ### **The L Series – For everyday adventures** Lightweight, agile, and beautifully designed, the **L-Series** is your go-to for daily outings. From the pre-school run to the park, the farmers’ market or a forest trail, it combines sleek looks with real-life practicality. Key features include side-door access for easy hoping in and out, reclinable and removable seats that convert into bench-style seating for snack stops, and sporty wheels for wherever the day takes you. It’s the little things, like adjustable harnesses and a parent-friendly handle, that make all the difference when you're juggling little ones and bags. And just in case you need more convincing, the L-Series recently won the 2025 iF Design Award, recognising its smart design, accessibility, and all-round excellence. ****What makes the L series special:** - Lightweight frame with sleek, modern design - Side-door access for easy entry - Converts to bench seating for rest stops - Reclinable, removable seats - 5-point harnesses for peace of mind - Swivel or fixed sporty wheels - Adjustable sun canopy - Generous storage ### **Why WonderFold?** WonderFold isn’t just a stroller and not simply a ‘wagon’: it’s a lifestyle choice for modern families who want more freedom, more function, and fewer compromises. Whether you’re packing for a weekend in the woods, heading to your favourite family festival, or just doing the nursery drop-off, these wagons give you the freedom to explore without compromise. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. Designed with safety, comfort, and sustainability in mind, and crafted from premium materials with smart engineering, WonderFold wagons are made to last and made to move. Give your next adventure an upgrade ***#JoinTheFold*** Website:[**www.wonderfoldwagon.co.uk**](https://www.wonderfoldwagon.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Instagram:[**wonderfold.uk/**](https://www.instagram.com/wonderfold.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ![A black background with blue letters AI-generated content may be incorrect.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/08/data-src-image-5cf7bb5b-20de-4b2e-af4f-803a34a379f6.png) ### 10 Things to do with Conkers URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/10-things-to-so-with-conkers/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:18.000Z ## Nothing reminds me of childhood autumns like conkers says Leanne Patrick Every year we would go out, scour the local park and collect the strongest looking bunch we could fine, steal a shoelace from an old shoe and get stuck in to elaborate contests that could last from days to weeks... As you can imagine, I’ve been excited to revive this much loved tradition for my own children. But, I’m either a lot softer now that I’m older or I’ve been crafting with my littles for a bit too long… I just can’t seem to leave the weaklings of the conker pile. Their misshapen little bodies are just bursting with potential and I’ve been determined to put them to good use. ### **Here’s my list of 10 things you can do with conkers that also doesn’t involve aggressively swinging them at each other. Enjoy!** 1\. Decorate them and hang them on your Christmas tree. You can paint them, sprinkle them with glitter… maybe even add some sequins! Make a hole, add some string and voila! 2\. Keep spiders away. Conkers release a handy chemical that spiders seem to hate. A few strategically placed bowls should do the trick now that they’re attempting to make their way in for the winter. They’ll just have to try next door! 3\. Science experiments. If you throw conkers into a bonfire, they’ll explode. This is due to a build-up of steam. If you pierce them, the steam is released more easily. 4\. Make a friendship bracelet. Decorate and string them before offering to your very best friends. 5\. Make a good luck charm. Wearing a conker on a necklace is said to bring good luck to the wearer. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. 6\. Play boules. Mark your boules with acrylic paint, go outside and set up some boundary lines and get bowling. They don’t roll straight, which adds to the fun! 7\. Learn all about them. Conkers are also knows as Horse Chestnuts and were brought to the UK from south east Europe a few hundred years ago! 8\. Make them a feature. Fill a tall glass with them and leave them on a windowsill or dinner table for an instant autumn injection. 9\. Use them to paint. Place a piece of paper inside a tray, dip the conker in paint and roll it around the tray for an interesting paint effect. 10\. Weave around them. Create a spider’s web by attaching matchsticks all around them and weaving yarn around the matchsticks. Ironic, but very pretty! ### **MORE INSPIRATION** **READ** The Seed Sistas on the medicinal properties of conkers [**here**](https://seedsistas.co.uk/2023/10/01/the-medicinal-marvels-of-conkers/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). ### Change Makers URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/change-makers/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:19.000Z In 2022, the owner of Refilled Chichester, Esther and I embarked on a journey to build a community around gut health and saving the planet. We decided to join forces and offer a range of workshops and talks. As I sit and write this, just over two years later, our fermenting and gut microbiome-based workshops overflow onto waiting lists and our wellness community grows daily via our social media channels and newsletter subscribers. Yet despite our growth and relentless drive, Esther is struggling to make ends meet and we don’t seem to be the only earth conscious shop suffering the same fate. Esther started Refilled six years ago after returning home from travelling around New Zealand with her husband, Harry. ‘Earth conscious stores are everywhere out there. It’s a normal way to shop. When we came back, we were full of inspiration and buzzing to re-create that same warmth and inspiration in our home city, but it isn’t the same here. There are so many barriers for people to overcome. Our little shop has become dependent on a small core of diehard supporters which simply isn’t enough.’ Unfortunately, she’s right. The issues are not just one or two but a melting pot of political, environmental and personal threads that stitch together to form a tapestry of ecological disaster. I’m not entirely sure where to start as there’s so much to unpick but seeing as my passion is diet, perhaps we should begin there. A large proportion of stock in the shop is dried pulses, grains, pasta, lentils, nuts and seeds; all essential ingredients for maintaining healthy and diverse gut microbiomes but they are estranged these days from the average westerner’s diet who no longer possesses the culinary skills needed to prepare and cook them. Gone are the days when our children stood by our side in the kitchen podding peas fresh from the garden, when we bonded over cooking, spending precious time and energy creating food together. People say they don’t have time to cook from scratch. To my mind there is no more valuable way to spend precious hours with our families than teaching and sharing life skills in a space unhindered by screens. ### **Food From Scratch** Our gut health workshops were in part inspired by Bessel Van Der Kolk’s book, ‘The Body Keeps the Score’; we wanted to empower children with the confidence and skills to prepare food from scratch in a fun, interactive way. Perhaps if we can upskill and inspire a new generation into cooking again, time will become less of a hurdle. We look to convenience in the sense of both easy, ready-made food and in the ability to shop for pretty much anything under the same sprawling out-of-town supermarket. Don’t get me wrong, there are definitely times when I’m swayed by their convenience but these huge retailers, despite their big splashy, colourful campaigns make little positive choice for our world. In one breath they offer soft plastic recycling and in another cover every item in several layers of packaging and, although I can opt for loose fruit and vegetables, it seems I can’t purchase both plastic free and organic ingredients at the same time. It’s rarely in their best interest for supermarkets to make such issues obvious, in fact, clever marketing and premeditated wording on strategically placed merchandise provide a calculated emotional barrier between the consumer and the origins of the product. Whether that refers to the life an animal has led or the environmental cost of transporting unseasonal food from the other side of the world, it’s all too often a story we can choose to ignore. Food is the very building blocks of humanity on both nutritional and social grounding and yet it is something that, in our intentional blindness, we are not challenged to care about. ### **What is Your Legacy?** Perhaps it comes down to our legacy; who we want to be, what we want to leave behind and how we want to be remembered. Would you rather be known as a nurturer of life and soil or a contributor to the destruction of our ecosystems… a person that thinks beyond the packet or someone that shrugs their guardianship with total disregard… a person who takes their responsibility seriously for the sake of our children or someone who chooses not to look beyond their own future? I know what I want to be and Refilled makes it easy for me. I don’t have to stand for hours reading the backs of packets trying to fathom the difference between one company’s ‘green’ policies compared with another or attempting to work out whether driving all the way across town to a different supermarket who boast slightly better ethics but costs me significantly more emissions is better or worse. Eco shops do all the groundwork for us, carefully researching, sourcing and investing with local choice and environmental sustainability at their very core. All we have to do, as consumers, is make the choice to spend our money with them instead. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/09/GettyImages-2151904754.png) ## “Eco shops do all the groundwork for us, carefully researching, sourcing and investing with local choice and environmental sustainability at their very core” And there we have the next hurdle, money. There’s a common misconception that refill shops are expensive but I’m not really sure where that notion came from as, in most cases, prices really aren’t dissimilar to the supermarkets. In fact, by removing the need for packaging and reducing transport costs by using local suppliers, the price considerably decreases and the best thing about refilling our own containers is we can choose exactly how much to buy. Whether we are after small amounts of an ingredient to try out a new recipe or we’re on a tight budget, we can tailor our shopping baskets to suit our exact needs. I wonder if part of the issues around cost, though, is more accurately due to the fact that we are surrounded by unsustainable prices that simply don’t reflect the true price of manufacturing, growing and producing. Grain that’s been planted, (organically) grown and harvested, flour that’s been milled and transported should have a price tag that actually reflects the hard work and energy gone into it. Cost should consider the entire chain of events needed to grow, make or raise a product from start to finish including energy consumption, time, initial investments, transport and staff wages not to mention any natural disasters or adverse weather. Farmers and growers should be our heroes. The food they produce is what enables us to grow, work, exercise, sleep and function with vitality, yet we carry on choosing to ignore the issues because someone’s waving a brighter coloured, cheaper alternative in our faces. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/09/Refilled-North-Street-15.png) Harry Darrah and his wife, Esther at Refilled in Chichester #### 3 ZERO WASTE STORES TO TRY ****Brixton Wholefoods:** This independent business in London has been around for over 40 years and offers refill options for washing liquids, loose herbs and spices, and other items. [***brixtonwholefoods.com**](https://brixtonwholefoods.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ****The Refilling Station:** This shop focuses on reducing packaging waste by offering refill stations for various products, and they source locally as much as possible. They have locations in Leeds and Harrogate. [***refillingstation.co.uk**](https://refillingstation.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ****Refilled:** A wholefoods, cleaning liquids, and fresh produce store on Chichester High Street, that also sells oil and vinegar refills. Bring your own clean glass or plastic containers or use paper bags from the shop. [***refilledchichester.com**](https://refilledchichester.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **A Healthier Path** One of the most worrying things is that there’s now a proven link between these cheaper, brightly coloured alternatives (or UPF’s as they’ve recently been crowned) with an increased risk of several severe health conditions including cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s and some cancers as outlined by Dr Chris Val Tulleken in his brilliant book ‘Ultra Processed People.’ A recent article published by the Guardian discussing the issues of fast-food chains targeting our children, reports that ‘the proliferation of fast food outlets, chain cafes and coffee shops near schools has been so great that one in seven primary or secondary schools in the UK has at least one within 400 metres.’ The impact of this on our children’s mental health, increased levels of obesity and the formation of poor food habits through addiction to chemically enhanced foods is profound but with the knowledge of our ancestors forgotten and a medical profession who’s training doesn’t prioritise nutrition, we are vulnerable. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. The saving grace is that we do have the power to change all this, to help our children, to reset ourselves and to walk happier healthier paths. In my experience, lifestyle adjustments such as these are always more permanent and achievable when we’re able to share the experience in a safe, combined, positive community. Community allows us to embrace change, to scaffold and support each other’s vulnerabilities, to encourage each other in maintaining life-transformations until a point where they become normalised. We thrive together and, in a world that threatens collapse through the selfishness of modern-day society, we need community from independent shops and hubs more than ever before. We can’t enforce revolution on our own, we need to work together to make a difference. We are the change makers. ***Harriet is a home educating mum of one who became passionate about gut health after looking at the impact it has on her family.*** ## **MORE INSPIRATION** **READ** [**Ultra Processed People by Chris van Tulleken**](https://amzn.to/3K52FrQ?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **EXPLORE** [***besselvanderkolk.com***](https://www.besselvanderkolk.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) for more on the link between brain and body **FOLLOW** [***@foraged\_hope***](https://www.instagram.com/foraged%5Fhope/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) on Instagram – Harriet’s account ### A Place Where Every Child is Known: Education at St Chris URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/a-place-where-every-child-is-known-education-at-st-chris/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:19.000Z At St Chris, they believe in the importance of the individual. They take time to know and understand each student – their strengths, their ambitions, their quirks, and the things that make them who they are. This personalised approach helps children grow in confidence, knowing that they are supported by a community which believes in them. ### **A Progressive Attitude to Excellence** Excellence at St Chris isn’t about outdated measures of success; it’s about preparing young people for the world they will live in. From Nursery to Sixth Form, the curriculum combines academic rigour with creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Students achieve excellent outcomes in exams, but more importantly, they leave with the skills, resilience, and adaptability they need for life. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/09/Art---Early-Years.jpg) ## Students describe St Chris as a place where they feel free to be themselves ### **A School Community Like No Other** The school is a close-knit, inclusive community of students, parents, and staff. The relationships built there last a lifetime. Students describe St Chris as a place where they feel free to be themselves, where kindness is celebrated, and where learning happens in partnership. The day-to-day school life is enriched by music, drama, sport, and outdoor education with Forest School, animal care and environmental studies included in the curriculum at different age groups alongside subjects such as critical thinking and philosophy. Whether performing on stage, taking part in community projects, or playing for one of our many school teams, children are encouraged to try new things, find their passions, and celebrate each other’s achievements. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/09/Junior---Outdoor-Learning2.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/09/Music---Junior2.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/09/St-Chris-E-Group-Class-Topic-Lesson-032.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/09/Swimming2.jpg) ### **Preparing for the Future** St Chris Sixth Formers go on to top universities, exciting apprenticeships, and creative industries. What they share is a sense of integrity, independence, and curiosity that stays with them long after they leave. The alumni often say that St Chris gave them the freedom to explore, the confidence to lead, and the support to thrive. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. If you’d like to see what makes St Chris so special, they warmly invite you to visit. Book a personal tour or join them at one of the [**Open Events**](https://www.stchris.co.uk/upcoming-open-events?utm%5Fsource=newsletter&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcampaign=openevent&utm%5Fterm=greenparent) to experience the school community for yourself. [Click HERE for Upcoming Open Days](https://www.stchris.co.uk/upcoming-open-events?utm%5Fsource=newsletter&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcampaign=openevent&utm%5Fterm=greenparent) [Click HERE for Admissions Information](https://www.stchris.co.uk/admissions-process?utm%5Fsource=newsletter&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcampaign=admissionsprocess&utm%5Fterm=greenparent) ### Green Man URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/green-man/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:19.000Z Perhaps the most appropriately named festival in the UK, Green Man is all about the lushness. Its site is nestled amongst the Brecon Beacons, and their stentorian verdancy backdrops the event. Perhaps it’s due to their ever-present guardianship that the festival is so unassumingly eco-conscious; there’s barely a cup to be seen on the floor, and every camper conscientiously sorts their recycling, while Einstein’s Garden, packed with keen Phd students running fun research projects and experiments is thronged. This year, the sun is — unusually — gloriously full-on, and the dust is rising. We’re here with teenagers, festival first-timers, overawed at the scale of the event, the upbeat audience and the sheer volume of Things To Do. The beauty of Green Man is in its variety; yes, there’s lots of music, but also films, comedy, talks, dance and circus, workshops and healing. This spread means that families can very much do their own stuff, but reconvene for the blockbuster shows. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/09/DS0A4901.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/09/DS0A5741.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/09/DS0A5751.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/09/DS0A5761.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/09/DS0A5787.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/09/DS0A6377.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/09/DS0A6383.jpg) In practice, this looks like one teenager heading to a painting workshop, while another curls up in front of a screening of Dr Strangelove live, while the adults take in the dreamy drones of Daisy Rickman in the intimate walled garden or MJ Lenderman and the Wind’s loping indie pop on the main stage. Then it’s together again, to commune and groove. A down-the-front, high-octane performance by Kneecap in the Far Out tent, fired-up and political, but not so hardened that they can’t welcome 'Helen from Wales'; the cafe-owner who live-streamed their Glastonbury Show when the BBC refused to give the band airtime, and give her a big hug. And we’re together for Wet Leg, who, at their most powerful, stand confident and tall, gleefully extolling the virtues of comfortable furniture, for the grand, funny, country pop of the magnificent CMAT, and her star-is-born performance, and for Yard Act, with their wonky, abrasive, indie diatribes that cause a mosh-pit dust-storm There’s another gathering, for the Broadside Hacks collective’s spellbinding tribute to Bob Dylan on the main Mountain Stage. Post biopic, Dylan’s music has taken centre stage on teenage Spotify playlists, so is comfortably familiar, but, beneath these mountains and reworked by fresh-faced folk artists Clara Mann and Dan MacDonald songs such as Masters of War feel fiercely political. And when The New Eves’ Nina Winder-Lind dons her Dylan drag to front a rowdier electric set, it’s clear this is one of the festival’s high points. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/09/DS0A6161.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/09/DS0A5274.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/09/DS0A5520.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/09/DS0A5973.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/09/DS0A5133.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/09/DS0A4840.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/09/DS0A5446.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/09/DS0A7155.jpg) But it’s really not all about the music. The fun at this festival, as at all, lies in unexpected corners. A screening of The Warriors with live DJ accompaniment is a revelation in cool, there’s a near-triumph at Sunday afternoon’s film quiz, we try our hand at dry stone walling to general hilarity, and stay up way past midnight to join in a live comedy game show. The talking tents provide shade and inspiration; the kids are introduced to the genius of Lawrence from Go Kart Mozart, but not before we learn more about the social history of Merthyr Tydfil than we ever knew we needed to. And there are the happened-upon treats; dancing to brass bands at Chai Wallahs, watching a giant horse skull in a surprisingly graceful aerial dance and discovering a robot made of bin bags and crab legs propped up against a fence. Fresh homemade Welsh cakes sold from a stall run by a school PTA. Happening upon Kate Humble working unnanounced behind the book shop counter. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. We poke our heads into the Little Folk area and end up staying; there’s a shady outdoor library, dancing and singing, and the wonderful Flying Seagulls kicking up a storm on their beautifully painted stage. It’s tempting to spend the whole weekend in this cheery little corner of the festival. We meet up with friends who’ve done more than that; their Settlements tickets have meant a week in the Welsh countryside, with BBQs, silent discos, foraging trips and morning yoga sessions; a festival rolled into a proper summer holiday. It sounds pretty dreamy. As we watch the Green Man himself explode into sparks and flames we all make a silent vow to be back. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/09/DS0A4854-2-3.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/09/DS0A5112.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/09/DS0A5070-2.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/09/DS0A4938-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/09/DS0A4873-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/09/DS0A4893-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/09/DS0A5463.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/09/DS0A5744.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/09/DS0A5789.jpg) **Festivals with Teenagers: What we Learned** • Let everyone do their own thing; teenagers — and parents — will relish the freedom. • Even if that own thing is hanging out at the tent. Everyone has a different pace, right? • Don’t plan too much — you happen upon the truly magical events unexpectedly. • Travel light — food, water, shelter. Everything else is a bonus. • Take multi-tasking products; Badger Balm acts as salve, a moisturiser and, dabbed under your noses, an anti-allergy wonder. • Embrace the big crowds and get down the front; trust your fellow audience members to keep an eye out for smaller fans. • Grab some paper maps and timetables and turn off your phones; the lack of internet coverage at Green Man means there’s barely a screen to be seen, and it’s a total dream. • Don’t sweat the dinners. Teenagers can survive surprisingly well on pasta and chocolate. • Don’t have a bedtime. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/09/DS0A5661.jpg) Down the front for Broadside Hacks. ### Mama Massage URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/mama-massage/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:20.000Z We are all unique in our beautiful, natural shapes and sizes, yet many of us shy away from discussing our tummies particularly post-partum. The general trend is to eat when we can, sleep when we can, cover up with a large floaty top and pretend the midriff doesn’t exist, which is creating a silent pandemic amongst new mothers. Less women than ever are being checked thoroughly by the GP on their 6 week check-up, or seeking help for abdominal separation and scar tissue relief. This can lead to pelvic floor issues, back pain and even the delayed processing of childbirth trauma. It's time to change that. Embrace your tummy! Rub your ribs and celebrate your scars! ### **Why celebrate our abdomen?** Why should we embrace our bellies? Because working on the abdomen benefits all body systems - digestion, respiration, nervous, lymphatic, endocrine, urinary, reproductive, skeletal, muscular, energetic and even emotional. For the 18 million women each year (20% of all births) who undergo a C-section, tummy massage can be transformative. As a massage therapist and pilates teacher that specialises in postnatal pilates and abdominal massage it still shocks me how little this therapy is offered to new mothers and how effective the treatment can be in offering relief, healing and helping to move through childbirth trauma. I myself had a profound abdominal massage session where parts of my body started to vibrate and sing, I saw vivid colours and had a dreamlike vision. Then out of nowhere the tears flowed. I felt for the first time my body was given space and I was able to move through the emotions I had been holding for so long. Afterwards I felt like a cloud had lifted. I could walk pain free! My lower abdomen started to feel alive again. The niggling back pain, GONE! Still to this day I utilise the practice regularly on myself and support hundreds of women who are walking the same path massaging our way through motherhood. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/08/belly2-1.png) ## "For the 18 million women each year (20% of all births) who undergo a C-section, tummy massage can be transformative" ### **DIY Massage** For as little as 5 minutes a day you could massage yourself back to wellness. Massage increases scar tissue mobility and elasticity, reduces muscle restriction and numbness, improves sensation around the scar, enhances the healing process and its appearance, and reduces pain. Not only that, it’s a fantastic way to help new mothers move through the trauma of childbirth. #### ***3 Healing Practices** ****1 PROTEIN POWER** Your body uses protein to build and repair skin tissue. We can generally digest and break down between 20-30 grams per sitting. So, a regular eating schedule including protein right foods can aid healing and also balances blood sugar levels. It’s easy to just focus on feeding the kids and pick while we cook but this can cause havoc to our gut. Skipping meals can lead to ghrelin spikes and overeating later which then have an effect on your body's natural sleep cycle and ability to heal and repair. Yes we need to rest to heal, but good nutrition and protein are also key. ****TRY THIS -** Try adding a high protein and fibre snack around the time of your afternoon energy dip. Mix this up with a mushroom latte instead of your coffee and not only will you be lowering ghrelin levels, you’ll be lowering cortisol too! ****2 SOUND HEALING** Sound is a strong epigenetic modifier. It has been proven that a mantra aimed at balancing chakras has the same scientific validity for altering the expressions of certain genes and correcting mutations that would alter the cause of an illness. Yes, that's right. Sound can actually switch genes on and off! So what does this have to do with your feminine cycles? Well, our sweet little organs have a HUGE role to play in the complex chemical dance our bodies do every month. In particular, the liver. This organ is responsible for the regulation of sex hormones, cortisone and other adrenal hormones. If the liver is unhealthy or sluggish, it cannot effectively regulate and remove hormones like oestrogen. Which can lead to symptoms like, bloating, digestive issues and is directly linked via the lymphatic system to the pelvic area. ****TRY THIS -** Now that we understand the connection and the principle here is where the magic happens. Every cell and molecule within us vibrates to its own frequency. We can be entrained by other frequencies and we can create frequencies. If you can replicate the liver’s natural resting tone and frequency you can give it a jump start. Here’s how to do it: lie down. Place your hands on the right side of your ribs and hum a low ‘HAAAAAW!” sound. Play around with tone and pitch and notice when the liver starts to vibrate back. Do this for 2-3 minutes. ****3 MASSAGE** If you struggle to fully release your hip flexors this is a great way of getting them to release. This technique can also stop scar tissue from forming and draw tension and swelling away from the ovaries and groin. If you are a person that struggles to ‘feel’ your lower abdominals kicking in then this is a great go-to exercise. ****TRY THIS -** Start lying down with knees bent. Find the ridge of your hip bowl - the diagonal line from hip bone to pubic bone. Then, placing fingertips parallel to the ribs slowly glide upper layers of skin away from your leg while you stretch out your leg and straighten it. Repeat this three times working from hip to pubic bone. Repeat exercise, but this time with the leg turned out and drawing fingertips diagonally across towards the belly button. ***Maiwenn is mother to one boisterous boy, a pilates teacher and holistic massage therapist with online self massage courses. When she is not roaming the French countryside trying to find her next wheel of cheese you can find her online or on a yoga mat.*** ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **MORE INSPIRATION** **LEARN** Get a free pdf workbook at[***courses.kulaspiritwellness.com/beatthatbloat***](https://courses.kulaspiritwellness.com/beatthatbloat?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **FOLLOW** [***@kulaspirit\_wellness***](https://www.instagram.com/kulaspirit%5Fwellness?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### Fifteen Fun and Cheap Things To Do With Your Family in September URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/fifteen-fun-and-cheap-things-to-do-with-your-family-in-september/ Last updated: 2025-08-21T17:30:50.000Z ## Mabon And On The Autumn Equinox or Mabon falls on Sunday 23rd September. It’s a gentle opportunity to mark the turn of the wheel and update your [**seasonal table**](https://www.bellalunatoys.com/blogs/moon-child-blog-sarah-baldwin/creating-a-fall-seasonal-table?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). Discover more facts, traditions, folklore and more about the Autumn Equinox [**here**](https://www.almanac.com/content/first-day-fall-autumnal-equinox?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk); is it really true that you can only balance an egg on its end on this day? We’re going to try! To celebrate, why not try some Mabon-themed leaf crafts? We love these[**Green Man portraits**](https://theseasonalsoul.com/autumn-craft/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk); as the leaves dry, his face will change and morph - a great representation of the wheel of the year turning, and this[**leaf-and-nut wind catcher mobile**](https://funfamilycrafts.com/leaf-and-nut-wind-catcher-mobile/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) is super-sweet and makes a lovely, seasonal decoration. _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Book Club Wednesday URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/book-club-wednesday-2/ Last updated: 2025-08-13T19:27:56.000Z Every week we round up a selection of books with reviews by our readers. Let us know your favourites in the comments _This post is for subscribers only._ ### And Breathe... URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/and-breathe/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:20.000Z **We spoke to Carolyn about her book Breathing For Pregnancy; much more than a handbook, it’s a lyrical journey through pregnancy and beyond that's not afraid to discuss the tougher aspects of carrying a child, while giving kind, practical, optimistic support** ### **Can you tell us a little about your background?** “I used to work in the film industry, but in the 90s became a portrait photographer. I was fascinated by the archetypes and iconography of pregnancy. I was told I’d never have children, but I got sober, I met my husband and got married, then I discovered I was pregnant. I had a miscarriage at an airport in India which was not a pleasant experience, but that led me to train as a doula, and an active birth teacher. Along with two midwives, I started The Mother’s Journey; pregnancy yoga training and teaching. I then became a psychotherapist specialising in trauma and addiction anxiety. I’ve always held a place in my heart for pregnant women and what we go through. I’ve been a single parent for 13 years.” ### **Your book is unflinching and addresses some of the anxieties pregnant women might have. Was that intentional from the beginning of the writing process?** “Yes. I have two children, and had multiple pregnancies. It’s a funny thing, writing a book that addresses 81% of the population (those who are parents), yet no-one is really talking about what those people go through. On a religious, cultural and social level, we just have to get on with it because it’s our job.” ### **How did you begin your breathwork practice?** “I was in India and a yoga teacher climbed into my truck! She came back to London and started a class in my house. I hated it. But bit by bit I tried it and found it was changing me. It involved an enormous amount of breathwork, which I used during my first successful pregnancy. As an ex drug addict and alcoholic, my brain never liked meditation, it wasn’t good at being still, but breathwork just takes you there. It’s a very powerful and under-estimated alternative.” ### **How does breathwork fit with yoga?** “If you go to a normal yoga class, you expect to be relaxed at the end. But I teach that your body needs to be relaxed before you start the posture, because postures are magical. Just three minutes of breathwork will completely transform your system back to neutral.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/08/GettyImages-1695672492-1.jpg) ## **“Just three minutes of breathwork will completely transform your system back to neutral”* ### **Can you start it at any point in your pregnancy?** “I’ve seen women coming to yoga at 42 weeks pregnant for that last class! And tests are so good, that women also know early on that they’re pregnant. You can start at any point; at six months, or because you’ve had a bad scan. My intention was always that the book carried you through to the other side. Through the fourth trimester, which I extend.” ### **And you advocate others around you should try out breathwork too** “Anyone can do this. There are so many ways in which you can breathe, and every single one of those breaths will have a different effect. Over time you fall in love with the breath because of how it makes you feel. You know that it’s your friend. I wanted to give readers a sense of agency, that they can change how they feel, even if it’s only for five minutes. I include a personal mantra in my book, ‘Step away, beautiful person, and give yourself and everyone around you a break.’” ### **Is there one breath you’d recommend to people to try first?** “There’s a breath to manage the mind. You inhale through your mouth, then exhale totally silently through your nose. That, for me, is a go-to breath. It all goes quiet, you release your stress system. Everything stops, your mind stops and body functions optimally. And you can do that for yourself.” ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **Yes; the thread that this is universal, accessible and low-cost runs through the book.** “Yes. You can do it on the bus. On the tube. Or go to the bathroom. In an ideal world you will sit beautifully and make it a very sacred breath, but, for example, the breath above; no-one needs to know you’re doing it. And when your kids see you doing it, they want to do it too. They love how you change because you do it. You become a safer person to be with. When the parent starts to change, to regulate, so do the children.” ### **You run online breathwork classes…** “I run a class at 6am every Monday, and over time, thousands of people have joined and done it. I come online, we stretch, then I teach four breaths over half an hour. All these people, breathing together. It’s amazing.” ### **You describe your incredible births, how you loved labour and the entire process.** “Yes. The breaths in the book are not for actual birth, because the midwives or doulas will take you through a different process and I don’t teach hypnobirthing. But you’ll be good enough at breath by that point to able to do those breaths easily. It will help. My son’s labour was at home, and my incredible midwives, The Albany Midwives, let me push for three hours, which is unusual. My daughter’s labour was two hours. I had a friend making peace mandalas on the floor while I gave birth. Each time I loved it. I love endorphins, and breathwork can help you trust your body and to bear the discomfort of labour. I was in such an altered state; giving birth was one of the most powerful things I’ve ever done in my life, and each time I wanted to get up and do it again!” --- ## **MORE RESOURCES** **READ** [**Breathing For Pregnancy**](https://amzn.to/45sHVRN?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) *(published by Vermilion on November 16th)* [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/08/81RCeF2p24L._SL1500_.jpg)](https://amzn.to/45sHVRN?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### Book Club Wednesday URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/book-club-wednesday/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:20.000Z ### **Would you like to join our Book Club?** We are always looking to send out brand new books to our readers for you and your family to review.. is this you? Use [**this sign up form**](https://form.jotform.com/greenparent/book-club?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) and we'll send a pile of the latest goodies suited to your children's ages. Find all the details [**here**](https://form.jotform.com/greenparent/book-club?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). We would love to know what your childs favourite book is at the moment and why they have chosen it, use the comments section at the bottom of this page 👇 ([**sign in**](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/signin/) or [**sign up**](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/#/portal/signup) for a free account to do this) and we'll publish the best ones in the magazine. --- ### [**Why do we need worms?**](https://amzn.to/4mlfs7i?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Katie Daynes and Moesha Kellaway £9.99 *Usborne Publishing*** [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/08/81k50AFek-L._SL1500_.jpg)](https://amzn.to/4mlfs7i?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Worms are so much more than wiggly minibeasts. This bold, bright and brilliant book delves underground, discovering what worms do all day (and night), exploring a wonderful world of microbes, plant roots and creepy crawlies, and revealing the crucial role they all play in making soil just right for plants to grow. ### **TGP Book Club Review** **Amy N** \- Amelie, 8 and Arthur, 5 This is a lift-the-flap question and answer factual book in the style that Usborne is known for. It’s a board book, suitable for younger readers from age 2 upwards. It has a focus question on each page, such as 'Do farms need worms?' and 'Why is healthy soil so important?' with additional questions related to the theme throughout the two-page spread. Arthur enjoyed this a lot. The drawings on each page are also very interesting and colourful, and provide more context to the text on the flaps. ***Amy N*** --- ### [**Find Your Calm**](https://amzn.to/4fmVG9t?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Catherine Veitch and Sarah Davis £12.99 *Welbeck Children's Books*** [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/08/71NwpxbbOML._SL1500_.jpg)](https://amzn.to/4fmVG9t?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) *Find Your Calm* is a stylish fill-in journal that helps kids to keep track of their daily life and their dreams for the future, as well as providing advice to increase their sense of calm. Featuring inspirational quotes and fun activities, as well as tips and tricks for staying calm under pressure, this journal is a great way to understand stress triggers and anxiety. Exploring topics of mental health, this book has a strong focus on mindfulness, creating healthy habits and self-expression. ### **TGP Book Club Review** **Amy N** \- Amelie, 8 and Arthur, 5 This is a colourful journal that supports children and young people in developing a better understanding of their emotions and how to regulate them. One of the great things about this journal is that it teaches young people about some of the physical aspects of emotions, including the nervous system and what is going on in their bodies and brains during different emotional situations. Amelie did enjoy this journal, and enjoyed doing some of the activities such as the yoga positions and the mindful colouring. However, I would probably save it until she is a bit older, probably age 10+. ***Amy N*** --- ### [**Fly, Butterfly, Fly!**](https://amzn.to/41uRSgm?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Dom Conlon and Anastasia Izlesou £7.99 *Graffeg Books*** [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/08/butt.png)](https://amzn.to/4m67XBG?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) From the single beat of stain-glass wings, Butterfly emerges from his cocoon to explore a many-patterned world of climates, snakes, birds and frogs. Complete with a list of fascinating facts about different species of butterfly, this charming poetic picture book combines fiction and non-fiction to make a perfect educational resource for children whether at home or in the classroom. ### **TGP Book Club Review** **Emma B** \- Charles, 12, Bessie, 10 and Albert 7 As a family who awaits the arrival of butterflies in our garden when they lay their eggs on our nasturtiums every year, this story was right up our street. The main butterfly in this book is the Cabbage White, and they are the ones we observe every year. The interesting and engaging story teaches and delights as you go through and it is definitely a book you'd want on your shelves. We loved the informational aspects of the story and the facts in the back. It's a keeper for sure. ***Emma B*** --- ### [**My Wheel of the Year: A Celebration of Nature’s Magic**](https://amzn.to/4frqBkP?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Nikki Van De Car and Kiki Kita** [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/08/91jcWgPj24L._SL1500_.jpg)](https://amzn.to/4frqBkP?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) From Samhain and Yule to Ostara and Mabon, there are eight pagan festivals that make up the year, known in witchy culture as Sabbats. With detailed information about the history of each holiday and a corresponding ritual to help families celebrate the magic of the seasons, this book is a perfect introduction to the pagan calendar for the mini mystic in your life. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **TGP Book Club Review** **Emma M** – Sophie, 6 and Shona, 3 Sophie and Shona loved this wonderful book so much! It’s like a journey through the year, looking at each of the Celtic festivals, like Yule and Imbolc. We all loved looking at each page of detailed illustration and learnt lots too. I like the suggested rituals for each season – they are simple and easy to fit into family life. We’ll be using this to support our home education plan through the year and I’d definitely buy this book as a gift. ***Emma M*** --- ### [**The Wild Outside**](https://amzn.to/4foPhKR?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Rachel Ip and Katie Hickey £8.99 Hodder Children's Books** [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/08/image.jpeg)](https://amzn.to/4foPhKR?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Tulip loves being outside. She loves puddles and pinecones, flowers and feathers, and her pockets are full of nature's treasure. But Tulip is desperate to know more about the things she sees and finds on her daily walk ... ### **TGP Book Club Review** **Maria S** – Aelfred, 3 and Minerva, 4 months I absolutely loved this book. It’s gorgeous, the illustrations are so detailed, beautiful and pleasing, the hardback cover features metallic elements which adds a high quality finish. There's quite a lot of text but not much action, this book is more like an encyclopedia of plants, flowers and trees with a bit of story in between. I would absolutely buy it as a gift for a child (perhaps age 5+) who is into exploring the outdoors. ***Maria S*** --- ### [**An Arctic Story**](https://amzn.to/3HmcCQD?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Jane Burnard and Kendra Binney £8.99 Macmillan** [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/08/image-1.jpeg)](https://amzn.to/3HmcCQD?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) This beautiful book, *An Arctic Story*, brings together a spellbinding narrative, breathtaking illustrations and fascinating facts about one of our planet’s most precious environments. On a journey to the North Pole and back, and from autumn to spring, the story begins and ends with the extraordinary wood frog, a tiny creature that freezes for the long Arctic winter. On the way we meet polar bears, an Arctic fox, narwhals and many other animals, discovering how each one is perfectly adapted for life on the tundra, in the ocean and on the ice. ### **TGP Book Club Review** **Emma M** – Sophie, 6 and Shona, 3 A lovely story that introduced us to the animals who live in the polar regions. Sophie took this book off straight away to begin drawing the animals inside. The illustrations are certainly inspiring and the text is light and informative, so it appealed to both my daughters. I’ve taken a look at the other books in this series (Coral Reefs and Rainforest) as I think they’ll make a great addition to our family bookshelf. ***Emma M*** --- We would love to know what your childs favourite book is at the moment and why they have chosen it, use the comments section below ([**sign in**](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/signin/) or [**sign up**](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/#/portal/signup) for a free account to do this) and we'll publish the best ones in the magazine. ### Investing in a Fairer Future URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/investing-in-a-fairer-future/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:20.000Z Living in rural Ivory Coast, Alice has faced many challenges as a mother and cocoa farmer. Through support from her local co-operative and the ethical finance provided by Shared Interest, she is building a more secure livelihood and ensuring her children have opportunities she never had. “I’ve been working with the cooperative for 4 years,” she said. “They teach us how to work in the field. They teach us everything about growing cocoa.” For many parents in cocoa-growing communities, the Fairtrade Premium makes a vital difference — helping keep children in school, covering medical costs and giving families the financial freedom to make their own decisions. Alice said: “With the \[Fairtrade\] bonus money I received, I used to build my new house. I say thank you to the cooperative, because they made me happy.” But stable income alone is not enough. For many cocoa farmers, accessing finance remains a major barrier. Shared Interest exists to change that. As a community benefit society, it uses investment from UK members to provide low-interest loans and credit to fair trade businesses across the globe. In Alice’s case, it provides finance to ECOOKIM, a network of cocoa co-operatives that supports over 30,000 producers in Ivory Coast. This finance enables ECOOKIM to pay farmers on time and at a fair price — allowing families to plan ahead, invest in their farms, and live with greater stability. Farming is physically demanding, especially for women who are often managing both agricultural work and household responsibilities. “As a woman, I do my own work,” said Alice. “There are days when, if I earn a little \[more\], I hire people to come and help me.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/08/22-1-1.jpg) ## “My field is 2 hectares and everything’s going well. Apart from cocoa, I produce cashews, okra, eggplant, chilli, bananas and cassava too.” She is also diversifying to support her family’s needs. “My field is 2 hectares and everything’s going well. Apart from cocoa, I produce cashews, okra, eggplant, chilli, bananas and cassava too.” She added: “Everything I sell, the money helps me \[and supplements my income\]. I spend on myself and my children.” Choosing ethically traded products means choosing a system that prioritises fairness, sustainability and community wellbeing. But if we want trade to work for everyone — not just those at the top — we need to go further. That is where Shared Interest comes in. We are not a bank. We are a co-operative-style community of over 11,000 people across the UK, investing their money to help create a fairer world. Our investors do not seek profit; they seek impact — knowing that their money is helping farmers like Alice build brighter futures for their families. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. If you believe trade should put people before profit, you can be part of that change. Join us as a member or investor and help us extend opportunity where it is needed most. Together, we can ensure that women like Alice have the tools they need not only to survive — but to thrive. [Learn more and join the Shared Interest community](https://www.shared-interest.com/gb/invest?utm%5Fsource=greenparent&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcampaign=summer2025) ## **Resources:** [What is Fair Trade - Shared InterestWith Fair trade you have the power to change the world every day. With simple shopping choices you can get farmers a better deal. And that means they can make their own decisions, control their futures and lead the dignified life everyone deserves. Open and ethical investment account with Shared Interest and invest in fair trade cooperatives with Shared Interest.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon.png)Shared InterestShared Interest![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/thumbnail/social-media-logo.png)](https://www.shared-interest.com/gb/what-we-do/fair-trade?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Meet other female producers** ### Making Green Space URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/making-green-space/ Last updated: 2025-07-31T10:58:12.000Z **Eight years later, she’s the driving force behind OutLET, a project based in Hamilton, Scotland, that supports children who struggle with relationships, emotional regulation or resilience to get outside and reap the benefits of outdoor play** “My mum was a countryside ranger and when I was a kid, we’d go for walks. She’d point out all the flowers and trees, and I’d be wandering off. I wasn’t what you’d call outdoorsy! I joined the Royal Navy in my late teens and loved it. I ended up on a survey ship and travelled around the Indian Ocean. But when I became pregnant with my daughter I had to leave; my partner was civilian, so once I’d done my maternity leave, I would have been expected to go back on duty and leave her. Unsurprisingly, I wasn’t willing or able to do that. I struggled with my mental health and moved back home to my family in Scotland, which is something I had never expected to do. _This post is for subscribers only._ ### My Last Newsletter URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/my-last-newsletter/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:21.000Z Hello beautiful you! Hope you're having a magical week. A big thank you to all of you who took the time to write to me after I shared the news that I'm leaving The Green Parent. I'm so blown away by all your words of love and gratitude. Many of you have written to tell me how long you've been reading the magazine. Or to say how the ethos of the magazine has influenced your own parenting journey. I'm deeply grateful to hear how it's touched you. I want to thank YOU for reading my weekly newsletters, and the magazine. It's been so much fun and I've loved every moment! So on with the last newsletter... We got back from [**Buddhafield Festival**](https://buddhafield.com/buddhafield-festival-2025?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) early this week, via Bristol, for my older daughter's graduation. It was such a joy to watch her shine in her gown and mortar board, as she graduated. I'm so proud of the brilliant young woman she's grown into. She achieved a degree in Fashion Textiles at UWE, after being home educated all the way up to sixth form. After her graduation ceremony I had a complete treat of an evening with my two older kids - we went out for curry and cocktails together; reminiscing and also talking about their futures. Felt so blessed to be in their radiant company. Buddhafield was an absolute bliss field, too. Iris made a firm friend last year and this year we camped together, sharing food, shelter and lots of laughter. What a delight to have found such wonderful people and to have nurtured our friendships over the year. Literally can't wait for next year! Today's beautiful illustration is by [**Tijana**](https://www.tijanadraws.com/shop/under-the-tree-print-20-x-20-cm-24hcr-x3dep-5cnhs-w3646-8tzgh-8xbxk-lkwcy?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)[ **Luković**](https://www.instagram.com/tijanadraws/?hl=en&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), made to celebrate Lammas (next week on 1 August - more below). ## **Here's What We've Been Up to This Week** ### **Musing on Lessons From a Field** The theme at this year's Buddhafield Festival was Uncovering the Jewel and the offerings were magical. I happened upon an elemental sauna ritual with the brilliant [**Gerda Skrickiene**](https://www.instagram.com/saunaturespa/?hl=en&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), during a women's sauna session. She led us through a process of releasing and opening our hearts, which was a great way to 'arrive' at the festival. I spent most of my time at the Kids' Area, which was fantastic, and also, in the Glade (a fairytale wooded area with hammocks, slack lines and soft, mossy grass growing beneath the trees). During the daily craft sessions, Iris made screen printed bags, needle felted animals and mandala paintings. The people running the workshops were so welcoming and inclusive. It felt like a real treat to have so much going on, in addition to all the circus skills, geodesic domes to climb on and chess sets laid out ready for games. I did make it to a few talks - one of the best was with [**Tugba Kirhan**](https://www.tugbakirhan.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), a transformational coach, and [**Mac MacCartney**](https://macmacartney.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), founder of [**Embercombe**](https://www.embercombe.org/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) \- a 50 acre rewilding project in Devon. Their session was about living in service to self, community and future generations. Tugba spoke about the importance of boundaries when living in service. She explained that what we can hold in our outstretched arms is our personal capability, a stretch of our arms is our generosity space and beyond that is burnout. My partner and I have been using this as a useful visual tool to talk about how capacity we each have. Mac asked us to consider what it would look like to live in reverence. In every moment. This really landed for me, that I could choose to live in reverence to the trees, the plants, the people around me, the animals. I love this. And he also shared that he believes the trees are our teachers. Anything we need to know, we can turn to the trees for our answers. Try it! ### **Going on an Archeological Dig** There's loads of cool events happening around the UK during the [**Festival of Archeology**](https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/whats-on/festival-of-archaeology?type=event&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) this month. Iris and I went to [**Highdown Hill**](https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/cissbury-ring/events/dd90b58f-d8a4-4d39-8518-284a6843bb7a?origin=search&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), near Worthing to observe an excavation of a site with Iron Age, Saxon and Roman relics. When we visited they'd found a finger, and a toe bone. After our last experience at a dig, Iris was super keen to actually get in to the site and to have a go. Unfortunately this wasn't possible, but it's made me realise that we need to look for more opportunities to get involved with archeology. There's a [**local archaeology club**](https://www.yac-uk.org/clubs/brighton?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) that she can join when she's a bit older. And we're off to [**Fishbourne Roman Palace**](https://sussexpast.co.uk/event/sandpit-searchers-festival-of-archaeology/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) later in the summer where we can do some digging for history. It's also made me search for more living history experiences, for Iris' home education programme. Here's some [**cool ideas for places to visit**](https://britainexplained.com/britains-best-living-history-museums/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). ### **Visiting Butterfly Gardens** We went to the local [**Butterfly Gardens**](https://www.sussexbutterflygardens.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) with friends this week and spotted some amazing butterflies (and caterpillars). We managed to snag one of the people who worked there to answer our questions, in typical home ed style! We learned that most butterflies in the UK live for 6-9 months (far longer than I imagined), and that a male moth can detect the scent of a female from ten miles away?! Iris was so entranced by the butterflies; we spent some time drawing our favourites when we got home. One of the lepidoptera we spotted was an Atlas moth. This got us talking about setting up a moth area, one evening next month to observe the ones that come to our garden. Check out this guide on [**how to start mothing**](https://butterfly-conservation.org/sites/default/files/moths-count-factsheet-1-how-to-start-mothing.pdf?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) or [**how to attract moths**](https://www.lancswt.org.uk/blog/moth-trapping-beginners?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) from Lancashire Wildlife Trusts. Check out your local [**Wildlife Trusts**](https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) for moth evenings happening in the next month or so. It's a great time to spot them! ### **Making Blackberry Jam** The [**blackberry and apple cake**](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/why-its-time-for-me-to-say-goodbye/) that we made last week was good, but we needed to find a way of preserving some of our glut through the winter. Blackberry jam is always a good idea! I used this recipe from [**Good Food**](https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/blackberry%5Fjam%5F47084?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) \- it's easy and super quick. All you need is a pile of blackberries (we're gathering nearly a bowl full a day from the bush outside our house), some sugar, a lemon and some glass jars. **Here's how to make blackberry jam:** Place a couple of saucers in the freezer. Heat 1.2kg blackberries in a heavy bottomed pan on a medium heat, until they've broken down and the remaining berries are submerged in juice (takes about 8 minutes). Add 700g of sugar (you could probably get away with using a bit less) and the juice of a lemon. Bring to the boil and then keep at a gentle rolling boil for around 10-15 minutes. After 10 mins, take a plate out of the freezer, place a teaspoon on the plate and allow to cool slightly. Push your finger through the liquid and if it separates and wrinkles a little, it's ready to jar up. I took the jam off the heat earlier this time - it didn't quite feel set, but the result is much better than I achieved last time. Then I waited for a definite wrinkling of the fruit, and made jars of solid blackberry jelly, which was very tricky to spread. The result this time is super good! When it's ready, pour into sterilised jam jars and seal. Can last for up to 12 months stored in a cool, dark place. Seriously good on crumpets! ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **Going to a Pick Your Own Farm** Going to a PYO reminds me so much of my Mum - she used to take my sister, brother and I, and a load of our friends, when we were little; we'd fill our bellies as much as the punnets. Mum would make wonderful cakes and pies with all the fruit she'd bring back. An important part of my childhood summers, it's something I always try and do at least once or twice a year with my kids. Iris and I picked a whole heap of plums earlier in the week (the trees were properly groaning with them), and some tasty green beans. We're going back with my niece for raspberries next week. Anyway, I did have plans for the plums... ... and they got eaten! I'll pick some more next week, 'cos I want to preserve some in honey. **Here's how to do it:** First they need to be dried out. The best way to do this is in a dehydrator, but I don't have one, so I do this in a low oven. Cut them in half and place on baking parchment in the oven at around 130ºC for several hours. Once they're dried out, shrunken in size, but still flexible, I stuff them into wide mouthed jars and pour honey over to cover. This makes a super delicious drizzle for porridge, puddings and more. The honey is all plum-flavoured, and the plums are sticky, sweet and mouth watering! ### **Thinking About Our Lammas Celebration** Next week marks the first harvest, on 1 August. Called Lammas (loaf mass) or Lughnasadh (named after the Sun god, Lugh), it's a celebration of community, gratitude and the first seeds. We're off to celebrate with the [**Children's Forest**](https://childrensforest.earth/course/lammas-community-celebration/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), where we'll sing tree songs, do crafts and learn ancestral skills. I also love the idea of making a blessing bracelet as a group. You need a big bowl full of beads and some golden thread. Everyone takes a length of thread and selects a bead to start. With each bead you add speak the blessing you're grateful for. It's a way to share your gratitudes with your friends and family and each hear what everyone else is thankful for. Thanks to [**Glennie Kindred**](http://www.glenniekindred.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) for this lovely idea. [**Here's some ideas**](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/4-ways-to-celebrate-lammas-with-kids/) for ways to mark Lammas with your family. And with that turning of the wheel, I'm saying goodbye and wishing you every joy and happiness in your parenting journey. I feel so grateful to you for allowing me to pop into your in box every week, and I'll miss writing to you. A loving goodbye from my hearth to yours, Melissa ### 19 Free and Cheap Things To Do With Your Family In August URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/thingstodo-august2025/ Last updated: 2025-08-05T07:50:43.000Z ## And experience the Perseids meteor shower, join worldwide breastfeeding celebrations, revel at fun and colourful free festivals and try out fun days and workshops across the UK says **Kate Hodges!** ## Cat Power Shhhhh, the puss is sleeping. Manchester Museum's The Cat Who Slept for 1000 Years is a 10m, inflatable model of a moggy. Huggable. Tickleable. Hangoutable with. Watch as it projects its dreams. Choose to relax on a bean bag near the cat, or to give it a stroke.[**Bookable tickets**](https://www.museum.manchester.ac.uk/event/thecat/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)are free and the Museum is hosting a series of[**puss-themed events**](https://www.museum.manchester.ac.uk/event/a-purr-fect-summer/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) including cat costume-making and shadow-play workshops. ![A 10m, inflatable, lit cat lies sleeping. ](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/07/0_DBR_MEN_180725Cats_02-1.webp) The Cat That Slept for a Thousand Years//Manchester Museum ## Harvest Home The pagan festival of Lammas, or Lughnasadh is almost upon us. It’s a time to celebrate the last hurrah of summer, the harvest and abundance, and a final wave to the sun before it starts to dip into winter. Traditionally, corn dollies were made from the last few stalks of corn in the fields and kept over the winter, ready to be thrown into the first furrow ploughed in the following spring. Making your own is as straightforward or elaborate as you’d like it to be. Find instructions[**here**](https://folkonthefarm.co.uk/folk-articles/how-to-make-a-corn-dolly/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), or follow the video below. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Why it's Time For Me to Say Goodbye URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/why-its-time-for-me-to-say-goodbye/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:21.000Z Hello wonderful you! I've some big news to share today. It's coming to you from the heart of [**Buddhafield Festival**](https://buddhafield.com/buddhafield-festival-2025?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) (pictured!), which is gorgeous and heart-opening and all the good stuff. Sadly though, it's time for me to say goodbye. I've decided to step down as editor of The Green Parent. Which brings me so much grief, and anticipation for the next stage. I started this magazine over 21 years ago, when my eldest two were tiny. It's been a brilliant journey and I've had the best job in the world. And you've been such a wonderful motivator to keep the magazine fresh and interesting every issue. Thank you for all your support. The magazine will continue under the careful stewardship of Director Jez Harris, who I’ve worked alongside for the last 21 years. You'll hear from us soon on what to expect in the coming months, The Green Parent team have lots of exciting plans ahead for you. It's been a really hard decision for me to take. I was talking to a friend last week about how our businesses are our babies. It feels like such a big step to take to move onto to something new. And yet, the timing is ripe. I'm beginning my approach to menopause - [**Alexander Pope and Sjanie Wurlitzer Hugo**](https://www.redschool.net/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) call it the Quickening - and starting to feel the pull inwards and downwards. My memory is no longer as sharp, my brain more foggy and my drive has bottomed out. Mainly I want to hang out with my family in the woods, watching the sunlight play in the leaves. I want to swim in the sea with friends in the moonlight and talk about the big stuff. I want to really tune into what's going on for my kids, and be present for them. I want to go for long walks with my partner and hear what's in his heart. Of course, it's possible to do these things and work too, but my capacity is definitely less than it once was. I have finite energy, attention and time. And I want to spend more of it with the people I love. The latest edition of the magazine - my final issue - is out next week. It's our Simplicity special edition, and there's so much juicy reading in there. Get your copy [**here**](https://link.thegreenparent.co.uk/buy126?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). ## **Here's What Else We've Been Doing This Week** ### **Picking Blackberries** We've a prolific blackberry bush outside the house. I love making crumbles and pies, smoothies and sprinkling on top of porridge. And we're planning some [**blackberry ice cream**](https://tastebotanical.com/blackberry-ice-cream/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). And cake! We often find ourselves at the chai tent in the evening at festivals with mugs of spicy tea and sweet treats. This year, I decided to bake some treats to take with us. Here's the recipe for the blackberry and apple cake I made in advance (thanks previous me!): **Ingredients** - 2 medium apples, peeled, cored and chopped into small chunks - 150g blackberries (fresh or frozen) - 200g self-raising flour - 1 tsp baking powder - 1 tsp ground cinnamon - 150g light brown sugar - 150g unsalted butter, softened - 2 large eggs - 1 tsp vanilla extract - 2 tbsp milk - A tbsp of brown sugar (optional, makes a crunchy topping!) #### **Instructions** 1. Preheat your oven to 180°C. Grease and line a rectangular cake tin. 2. Cream together the butter and sugar in a bowl until light and fluffy. 3. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, adding a spoonful of flour if the mixture starts to split. Stir in the vanilla extract. 4. Fold in the flour, baking powder, and cinnamon gently, then add milk to loosen the batter slightly. 5. Stir in the apples and most of the blackberries, reserving a few to press on top. 6. Spoon the batter into the tin and smooth the top. Dot with remaining blackberries and sprinkle with demerara sugar if using. 7. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until golden and a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean. 8. Cool in the tin for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Yum! ### **Reading Novels** I've got another pile of lucky picks from the main library in the city - and brought a whole bag of books with me to the festival. Probably won't get round to reading more than one, but... just in case! Anyway, here's a few I've enjoyed this week. [**The Best of Everything by Kit de Waal**](https://www.londonreviewbookshop.co.uk/stock/the-best-of-everything-a-heartwarming-story-of-kindness-and-found-family-from-the-author-of-my-name-is-leon-kit-de-waal?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) I love Kit de Waal's writing - have you read [**My Name is Leon**](https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/285161/my-name-is-leon-by-waal-kit-de/9781405977920?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)? Get your hands on a copy of that, and this wonderful new novel, fresh off the presses. The protagonist, Paulette is the kind of woman who likes the future all mapped out - the wedding to Denton, the Caribbean honeymoon, the gingham quilt on the baby's crib. Until one morning Garfield, Denton's friend, arrives at her door with news that Denton won't be coming around anymore, that there won't be time for her to say goodbye. Somehow Garfield finds his way into her bed, and sooner than anyone can believe there is a baby, and suddenly giving Bird, her son, the best of everything is what gives Paulette's life meaning. So why is it another little boy, Nellie, who keeps Paulette awake at night? Nellie who is being raised a few streets away with no sign of a mum, with a grandfather who is obviously struggling. Surely Paulette is the last person who should be getting tangled up in any of that? This is a novel about what it means to care, to learn to live in the aftermath of loss, and the love that can steal into our lives - in spite of the best laid plans. Kit was born in Birmingham to an Irish mother, who was a childminder and foster carer, and a Caribbean father. She still lives in the West Midlands and has two children. She worked in criminal and family law, and used to advise Social Services on the care of foster children. Her writing about family reflects the depth of her experience. I couldn't put this book down. [**Whale Fall by Elizabeth O'Connor**](https://www.londonreviewbookshop.co.uk/stock/whale-fall-one-of-the-observer-s-top-ten-debuts-of-2024-elizabeth-o-connor?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) This was a delicious inhale of a book - I read it in one long (hot!) evening. In 1938, a dead whale washes up on the shores of remote Welsh island. For Manod, who has spent her whole life on the island, it feels like both a portent of doom and a symbol of what may lie beyond the island's shores. A young woman living with her father and her sister (to whom she has reluctantly but devotedly become a mother following the death of their own mother years prior), Manod can't shake her welling desire to explore life beyond the beautiful yet blisteringly harsh islands that her hardscrabble family has called home for generations. Elizabeth lives in Birmingham and she was the 2020 winner of the White Review Short Story Prize. Whale Fall was chosen as one of the Observer's ten best debut novels of the year. [**Speak to Me of Home by Jeanine Cummins**](https://www.welbooks.co.uk/shop/p/speak-to-me-of-home-by-jeanine-cummins?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Another book about family dynamics - particularly the matriarchal line. It's a story of mothers and daughters that asks: how can three women who share geography and genetics have such wildly different ideas of where it is they come from? And more importantly, can they discover the common language to find their way home? A wonderful exploration of Puerto Rican culture and the bonds between women. Jeanine has written four other books and she lives in New York with her husband and two children. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **Playing on the Beach** We've decided to have a weekly play on the beach with some of our home ed friends this summer. Usually the kids can play happily for hours on end, without any need for adult input. But, just in case we need some inspiration for beach play, I found these ideas in the brilliant [**The Beach Book**](https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/beach-book-book-jo-schofield-9780711235779?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) by Fiona Danks and Jo Schofield. **1\. Beachcombing Treasure Hunt** Wander along the tide line collecting natural treasures - look out for shells, sea glass, driftwood, interesting stones. You could chose themes like “roundest pebble” or “most colourful shell.” **2\. Rock Pool Safari** We live on the South coast, where the rockpools are epic - there's great swathes of the coastline that form a chalky, rockpool heaven. Explore tidal pools and look for crabs, anemones, little fish, or sea snails. Take a small notebook to record what you find. Be gentle and leave everything as you found it. **3\. Make Beach Art with Found Objects** This is one of my favourite things to do in nature. Create land art using only natural materials—spirals of shells, sand mandalas, seaweed sculptures, or driftwood patterns. It's calming, creative, and a beautiful way to connect with the environment. Iris loves being made into a mermaid. If there's a sandy patch large enough, scoop out a seat and space for legs stretched out. Heap the sand over the mermaids legs, sculpt into a tail and decorate with seaweed and shells! **4\. Nature-Based Games** Play games with natural elements: - "Seaweed tag" using floating seaweed pieces - Footprint races on wet sand - Build a maze in the sand for shells or pebbles **5\. Tide Watching** Sit quietly and watch the tide roll in or out. Try beach yoga or breathing exercises while listening to the waves. You can also look for patterns in the clouds or watch seabirds dive and feed - perfect for mindful nature time. **6\. Drift Messages** Find pieces of driftwood or smooth stones and write messages or do drawings on them using chalk or charcoal. You could leave them for others to find, creating a trail of kindness and wonder along the beach! **7\. Sand Habitat Building** Get creative by building little “homes” for imaginary beach creatures using sand, seaweed, stones, and shells. You could design crab castles, mermaid coves, or dens for blennies. Have fun! Sending lots of love, Melissa ps: I'll be back next Friday, with my last newsletter. Hope you have a lush week. ### How I Plan Our Summer Holidays URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/how-i-plan-our-summer-holidays/ Last updated: 2025-07-11T18:01:09.000Z Hello, A very toasty welcome to this week's newsletter from the sunny South coast. We're just home from a magical birthday celebration for Iris at a local nature reserve, surrounded by majestic oak trees, with all her brilliant friends. There were so many moments of joy; she had a wonderful time. I loved the wild, freerange kids playing for hours on end. So grateful for our supportive, uplifting home ed community! We've mainly spent the week cooling off in the paddling pool, between trips to hang out with friends, go trampolining and swim in the sea. At work we've just finished our 126th issue, which marks 21 years of making the magazine! It'll be out the week after next and the theme is Simplicity. Get your copy delivered to your door [**here**](https://link.thegreenparent.co.uk/buy126?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). Oh, I just heard that the WWF have announced 17 [**Feel Good Forests Trails**](https://www.wwf.org.uk/act/trails?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), which will launch next week. You can download a forest activity pack [**here**](https://www.forestryengland.uk/feel-good-forest-activity-pack?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). Today's photograph is of the brilliant book [**Snail Mail**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFjAp%5FKLSg4&t=9s&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) by Michelle Mackintosh - find out why Iris and I love sending letters below. ## **Here's What We've Been up to This Week** ### **Celebrating Birthdays** It's three of our kids' birthdays this week - so lots of celebrations, and cake! Iris chose a lemon drizzle cake (here's my [**fave recipe**](https://www.yeovalley.co.uk/recipes/lemon-drizzle-cake?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) for a moist, light cake), made by her Dad and he also whipped up some gluten-free vegan cupcakes too. **Here's the recipe, created by Rhian at** [**Rhian's Recipes**](https://www.rhiansrecipes.com/gluten-free-vegan-lemon-cupcakes?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)**.** Preheat oven to 180ºC. Place 60g coconut oil in a large bowl and melt over a saucepan of boiling water. Once melted, add 180ml almond milk to the same bowl along with 8 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp lemon zest, 12 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tsp vanilla extract and 150g ground almonds. Sift in 150g gluten-free flour (we use the Doves Farm one), 2 tsp baking powder (make sure it's gluten-free) and 1/4 tsp bicarbonate of soda. Mix well, adding a tiny splash more milk if it’s looking too dry Divide mixture between 12 cupcake cases in a cupcake tray. Bake in oven for around 15 minutes until risen and an inserted skewer comes out clean. Once out the oven, transfer cupcakes onto a wire rack to cool completely. You can add frosting or just sieve over some icing sugar and lemon zest. Enjoy! _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Make This Anti-Anxiety Tea for Calmer Days URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/make-this-anti-anxiety-tea-for-calmer-days/ Last updated: 2025-07-04T17:50:00.000Z Hello, A big, warm welcome to this week's newsletter. What a week! We released the winners in our Natural Beauty Awards 2025, find your new bathroom heroes [**here**](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/the-green-parent-natural-beauty-award-winners-2025/)! My uncle came to visit from the States with his family and we had some wonderful cousin time in London and on the Sussex coast. Iris has already started creating cards and letters to send to her cousin, filled with declarations of love. I also got my bleed and had a day of lying in the sun, watching butterflies and reading books - yay! Also sea swimming, hanging out with friends in the delicious shade of big trees, digging for history and more lovely stuff... ## Here's What Else We've Been Up To: ### **Harvesting Borage Flowers** My dad's grown a bumper crop of borage (*borago officianlis*) this year and we've been harvesting the flowers to make tea. You can eat the flowers straight off the plant and they have a almost cucumber taste - pop them into ice cube trays for the prettiest drinks! Also decorate salads and desserts with their beautiful blue starry shapes. As a medicine, I think of them mainly for their ability to ease stress and anxiety. Their mucilaginous properties can be calming and soothing for our bodily systems. They support adrenal health and can be used as a tea to soothe fevers and inflammations. The flowers, being blue, are extremely attractive to bees, they're one of the best pollinator plants. And the flowers regenerate daily during the season, so they just keep on producing nectar! Plus they self seed so once you have established a plant in your garden, they'll keep giving year after year. Read on for how I use the flowers in a tea to calm anxiety... _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### 9 Ways to Keep Baby Cool at Night (and Get Better Sleep!) URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/9-ways-to-keep-baby-cool-at-night-and-get-better-sleep/ Last updated: 2025-07-14T11:36:35.000Z ## Struggling to get your kids to sleep in the heat? Here are our top tips for a stress-free heat wave says **Lucy Corkhill** ## Babies and children are especially vulnerable to extremes of temperature and many parents I’ve spoken to are finding it hard to get their kids to sleep when it’s so hot at night. 1. **Cool a towel in the freezer and drape over the back of the neck.** I was amazed at how effective this was for cooling down. Also try cold flannels on pressure points like the wrists and temples. 2. **Place feet in a bowl of cool water.** 3. **Let your child sleep in as little clothes as possible.** If your baby sleeps in a Grobag, try using a pillowcase instead. You could try a hot water bottle filled with cold water before bed and/or a cool bath. Avoid cold baths as they encourage the body to warm itself up. 4. **Wear cool loose clothes** – follow the example of people who live in hot countries and cover up in loose, flowing layers that let the air move. If you’re literally burning up, soak clothes in water, wring out and let the water evaporate whilst wearing them – this is very cooling. Better yet, if you’re home for the day, go naked! 5. **Eat spicy food**. Hot spicy foods like curries containing onions, ginger and chilli encourage your body to sweat. Sweating is the body’s natural way to cool down. 6. **Keep the blinds drawn during the day** – metallic and dark-coloured curtains can make the room hotter so opt for light coloured blinds or curtains. Failing that, try a sarong or large piece of pale material pinned to the window. When the day has cooled off, open the windows for ventilation. Aim for air circulation, so open windows/doors in opposite areas or top and bottom windows. 7. **Stay out of the main heat of the day** – between 11am and 3pm. It might be worth adjusting your family’s body clock just a bit by getting up earlier when the day is cooler, and all taking a nap or a rest after lunch. 8. **Keep hydrated**. Dehydration is the most common cause of health problems relating to the heat. Tea and coffee are diuretics so opt for lots of water. For a refreshing drink, add slices of cucumber and mint; the menthol in mint is very cooling. Keep your baby’s bottle topped up with water and encourage regular sips throughout the day. 9. **Check on vulnerable people in your neighbourhood** – elderly people, and those with disabilities and illness are most at risk. Pop in and make sure they’re keeping cool and hydrated. ### **BONUS EXTRA TIP!** Freeze bottles of water and put them on plates in your child’s bedroom – as they defrost they will cool the air. Also, place a fan near a window to circulate cool air rather than hot air from elsewhere in the room. **Image:** With thanks to[**Izabelly Marques**](https://www.instagram.com/izamarques?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### The Green Parent Natural Beauty Award Winners 2025 URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/the-green-parent-natural-beauty-award-winners-2025/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:21.000Z ## I’m so excited to announce the Green Parent Natural Beauty Awards 2025 winners Here you’ll find all the outstanding, award-winning products across a wide range of categories from mascara to menstrual care, nappy cream to night moisturiser Our panel of testers has spent the last few months trying out hundreds of products, and reviewing and rating each product against a strict set of criteria. Using the ratings and comments provided by our testers we then choose the finest in each category, in terms of effectiveness, sustainability and company ethics. Now you can use their research to help you choose the very best for your family with complete peace of mind. Get started now and select yourself a super ethical treat or two from the winners - read on to find out more. ## **The Green Parent Natural Beauty Awards - Winners 2025** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-30-at-11.14.05.png) Skincare Winners ## **BEST SKINCARE** ### **BEST CLEANSER** **GOLD** Peppermint Cleanser, £26 [**seilich.co.uk**](https://www.seilich.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) “A brilliant way to start my day - I've been feeling a bit groggy in the mornings recently, and this gentle, refreshing peppermint cleanser wakes me up and leaves me feeling revived after my morning shower. I'll definitely be buying this one again (even my partner has started using it during his morning shower, too!).” Charlotte H **SILVER** Eucalyptus & Lavender Cleansing Balm, £32.99 [**whiterabbitskincare.co.uk**](https://whiterabbitskincare.co.uk/?srsltid=AfmBOoqMmpQIclNTBLkv04rDxmymRDflME-wCkPVRqve36ibxUmo1h7E&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Gentle Cleanser & Make-up Remover - Oil to Milk, £25 [**annefortin.co.uk**](https://annefortin.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **BEST DAY MOISTURISER** **GOLD** Age Defying Multi Peptide Cream, £40 [**evolvebeauty.com**](http://evolvebeauty.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) “I am really enjoying using this cream. At first I thought it was slightly heavy for daytime but the richer texture is good for ageing skin and I have continued to use it both day and night. My skin felt very soft. There was an improvement in the appearance of my skin. It has a gorgeous smell of mandarin. I prefer this type of dispenser as you can easily see how much you have left and simply take the required amount from the jar without wastage. The packaging is environmentally friendly.” Pat L **SILVER** Rejuvenate Vitamin C & Hyaluronic Acid Cream, $86 [**naturalzestskincare.com**](https://www.naturalzestskincare.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Nourishing Light Moisturising Day Cream, £28.99 [**22skincare.com**](https://22skincare.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **BEST EYE CREAM** **GOLD** Simply Refine Overnight Super Serum, £34.67 [**justbenatural.co.uk**](http://justbenatural.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) “I try to incorporate some face massage and yoga into my daily routine and this serum is great for that. It's like an oil and makes massaging around my eyes so easy and relaxing. A little goes a long way. I love using it. It doesn't have a scent, or at least hardly noticeable.” Hester VH **SILVER** Hyaluronic Eye Serum, £19 [**evolvebeauty.com**](https://www.evolvebeauty.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Pure Eye Cream, $41 [**zenzorganicshop.com**](https://www.zenzorganicshop.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **BEST FACE MASK** **GOLD** SICILIA - Green Clay & Lemon Mask & Scrub, £29 [**casamencarelli.co.uk**](http://casamencarelli.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) “This is a dry powder type mask that you can mix either with water, floral water or, as the brand suggests, honey. Once it is all mixed up, you can use it as a mask or scrub. When I used it as a scrub I found that it worked really well to remove any dry skin cells and excess oils. My face felt smooth and fresh after use, ready for a mask or moisturiser. After the use as a mask my skin felt very clean and pores minimised without feeling any tightness as that can sometimes happen after using clay masks. Really pleased with the result using it either way.” Laura L **SILVER** Rose & Shine Face Mask, £8 [**elstreesoaps.com**](https://elstreesoaps.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Dead Sea Mineral Mask & Brush, £40 [**thedeadseaco.com**](https://www.thedeadseaco.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **BEST FACIAL OIL** **GOLD** Rose and Sandalwood Facial Serum, £14.95 [**shaloahskincare.co.uk**](http://shaloahskincare.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) “Oh my goodness! I fell in love with this product from first sniff! And it really is super special. It left my face feeling gorgeously soft, my skin just drank it up. I started using it every morning before I put my make-up on and the moisture lasted all day. The smell is absolutely heavenly. It feels like a very decadent treat but is an amazingly affordable oil. I will definitely be purchasing from this company once this one has run out and am looking forward to trying their other oils.” Lucy C **SILVER** Meadow Face Oil, £52 [**seilich.co.uk**](https://www.seilich.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Multivitamin Clarifying and Brightening Facial Oil, £35 [**mybemora.com** ](https://www.mybemora.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **BEST FACIAL SCRUB** **GOLD** Divine Facial Polish, $46 [**naturalzestskincare.com**](http://naturalzestskincare.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) “This is a lovely polish and unlike any other scrubs I have tried in the past, truly an option for those amongst us with sensitive skin. The polish itself is made out of finely ground rosehip seeds and deeply hydrating organic plant oils. It gently sweeps away dull, dead skin cells and I genuinely felt my skin loving it, with the oils nourishing the skin at the same time so after rinsing off, I simply dabbed the water away and felt my skin more polished.” Evelyn K **SILVER** Flower Petal Deep Cleanser + Mask, £35 [**theorganciapharmacy.com**](https://www.theorganicpharmacy.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Face Smooth Nourishing Polish, £22 [**tropicskincare.com**](https://tropicskincare.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **BEST NIGHT MOISTURISER** **GOLD** Green Tea and Avocado Radiance Night Cream, £21.50 [**shaloahskincare.co.uk**](http://shaloahskincare.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) “This is a nice, thick feeling cream and it feels very gentle on the skin. My skin felt moisturised after using it, and I would estimate this is may be a great one for sensitive or oily skin because while it feels thick at the time, once rubbed in it feels surprisingly light. I really enjoyed using this cream and appreciating the thick creamy texture. I used it in the day under makeup for this reason and it sat really nicely. I think it's also a good price for a lovely night cream.” Hannah V **SILVER** Moon Cream – Waterless Botanical Overnight Treatment, £54 [**starseednatural.com**](https://www.starseednatural.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Wonder Balm, £45 [**franchineyoung.com**](https://franchineyoung.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **BEST SERUM** **GOLD** Virajati Illuminate Facial Serum, £39 [**moksa.co.uk**](http://moksa.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) “I adore the smell of this product, it has a real spa like smell to it. I used a few drops in my hands to apply to my face and so meant my hands feel the benefit too. My skin felt instantly hydrated and glowing and continued to feel moisturised. The glass bottle is really pretty and I enjoy using a dropper to dispense the product.” Stacey T **SILVER** Pure Face Serum, $67 [**zenzorganicshop.com**](https://www.zenzorganicshop.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** 3B Blue Elixir Bio-Retinol Face Oil Serum, £23.99 [**beautycleanseskincare.com**](https://beautycleanseskincare.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **BEST TONER** **GOLD** Rose Floral Facial Toner, £15 [**luvmyoil.co.uk**](http://luvmyoil.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) “This was a firm favourite! I looked forward to splashing this on each morning and feeling instantly refreshed. The smell was gorgeously rich and I felt thoroughly hydrated whenever I used it. Over multiple uses my skin felt brighter and plumper. A real crowd pleaser of a toner and a great price. Lovely sleek bottle and fun pink label. The wooden top was a great addition.” Catriona G **SILVER** Floral Tonic, £42 [**inlightbeauty.co.uk**](http://inlightbeauty.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Age Defying Hydrating Face Mist, £30 [**evolvebeauty.com**](http://evolvebeauty.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-30-at-11.19.10.png) Skincare Winners ## **SKINCARE BEST BUYS** Rejuvenating Face Wash, £16.50 [**nakinskincare.com**](http://nakinskincare.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Happy Days Cleansing Balm, £24[**nevesbees.co.uk**](http://nevesbees.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Gentle Manuka Face Wash, £13.99 [**farmsteadnaturals.co.uk**](http://farmsteadnaturals.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) myAuthentic Skincare Cleansing Foam, £18.99 [**my-authentic.com**](http://my-authentic.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Beira's Charm - Oil to Milk Cleanser, £18 [**nana-kats-apothecary.co.uk**](http://nana-kats-apothecary.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Restore Face & Body Elixir, £15 [**elstreesoaps.com**](http://elstreesoaps.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Calendula Cream, £11.99 [**lyonsleaf.co.uk**](https://lyonsleaf.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-30-at-11.43.55.png) Pregnancy Winners ## **PREGNANCY PRODUCTS** ### **BEST PREGNANCY BATH PRODUCT** **GOLD** Rinse & Retreat Sensitive Body Wash, £10 [**tropicskincare.com**](http://tropicskincare.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) “I really like this body wash which is specially formulated for use during pregnancy. I am being cautious of what products I use while pregnant so it's been great to use a product that I can trust won't irritate my skin in any way. The smell is lovely and fresh and so nice in my morning shower, and my skin feels really soft and nourished afterwards and stays that way throughout the day.” Abby R ### **BEST BREAST CARE** **GOLD** Kit & Kin Breast Balm, £11.99 [**kitandkin.com**](http://kitandkin.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) “This product is an absolute must for any new mum. It's labelled as a nipple balm but can be used for use on baby or any area with dry skin. Really soothing balm, that is gentle on the skin but does the trick and I won't be without it on my coming breastfeeding journey. I love that you can keep it on after application, no need to have to think about wiping it off before feeding again.” Abby R **SILVER** Nipple Treasure - Post Nursing Moisturiser, $19.99 [**bellytreasures.com**](https://www.bellytreasures.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **BEST PREGNANCY MASSAGE OIL** **GOLD** Balmonds Scar & Stretch Mark Oil, £20 [**balmonds.co.uk**](http://balmonds.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) “This is a great multipurpose scar oil that has a heap of lovely botanical ingredients included. I love the versatility of this oil and have been using it on my growing pregnant bump, as well as some dry patches of skin I have on my hands. The smell is lovely and it soaks in easily and keeps the skin nourished for a while. It doesn't feel greasy after applying which is great.” Abby R **SILVER** Elixir Radiance-Boosting Omega Oil, £30 [**tropicskincare.com**](https://tropicskincare.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** NausyBelly- First Trimester Soothing Blend With Bracelet, $35.99 [**bellytreasures.com**](https://www.bellytreasures.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-30-at-11.22.05.png) Make Up Winners ## **BEST MAKE UP** ### **BEST BLUSHER** **GOLD** Mineral Blusher, £9 [**honeypieminerals.com**](http://honeypieminerals.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) “I loved using this product. It's a really flattering colour and looked great on, it gave me a fresh glow and even my children noticed when I was wearing it and said I looked a bit less old! It's very easy to use and a little goes along way so it's good value for money, it's a lose powder so it's easy to build and blend and the colour worked well for day and night time. I felt confident wearing it and it didn't irritate my skin at all.” Amy M ### **BEST CONCEALER** **GOLD** Mineral Concealer, £9 [**honeypieminerals.com**](http://honeypieminerals.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) “This is really lightweight and blends in beautifully, and it’s not chalky or cakey at all. I dusted the tiniest bit over my red patches on my cheeks post-cleanse. Before using my foundation, it genuinely took the edge off without making me look weirdly green or ghostly. It just tones things down in a really natural way. Also, it doesn’t irritate my skin at all which is a massive win, because my face gets a bit dramatic over anything too harsh. Plus, the ingredients are super clean, which is always a plus. It’s great to know that it’s another brand using reusable, recyclable and refillable packaging too. Basically—if you’re on the fence about green correctors, this is a great one to try. Subtle but effective.” Emma S **SILVER** Undercover Skin-Enhancing Concealer, £22 [**tropicskincare.com**](https://tropicskincare.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **BEST EYE SHADOW** **GOLD** Golden Goddess Eye Shadow Palette, $55 [**domebeauty.com**](http://domebeauty.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) “This is such a fun product for nights out or parties! It has a great selection of shades, from more natural tones to brilliant sparkles. The shades can be quite subtle if just applied by finger or deep if using a brush. They are lovely and luminous and feel soft on my skin. They last well and wouldn't need reapplying.” Elizabeth C **SILVER** Natural Mineral Children’s Play Makeup Kit, £25.95 [**thenaturalplaymakeupcompany.co.uk**](https://www.thenaturalplaymakeupcompany.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **BEST FOUNDATION** **GOLD** Liquid Radiance Adaptogen Serum Foundation, £38 [**tropicskincare.com**](http://tropicskincare.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) “This is a beautiful soft, slinky foundation that looked great on. It glided on effortlessly. I tried it with a brush to build layers but preferred applying it with my fingers. It’s quite subtle and not at all heavy, it covered my skin evenly and my skin felt soft and smooth after using it. It's has a nice scent and so easy to use and apply. It was easy to remove at the end of the day and didn't clog my pores like my regular foundation does. I was really impressed that it had so many natural ingredients in it too.” Amy M **SILVER** Mineral Foundation, £15 [**honeypieminerals.com**](https://honeypieminerals.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Classic Foundation, £49 [**englishmineralmakeup.co.uk**](https://englishmineralmakeup.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **BEST LIPBALM** **GOLD** Lemon & Lime Lip Balm - Lemonade, $18.99 NZD [**yesorganics.nz**](http://yesorganics.nz/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) “Sunny, happy, light, bright, beautiful lip balm. The colours, the feel, the everything. Love it. Same quality of goodness as the rose hip one that they make and it’s silky, smooth and deeply moisturising. Such a great product. This is a great company. ‘Made with love and care in NZ’ it says, and I can really feel that. A product that exudes love and goodness.” Lila R **SILVER** Nature's Lip Balm Eucalyptus, £8 [**gemsnaturalskincare.com**](https://www.gemsnaturalskincare.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Nourishing Lip Oil, £15 [**luvmyoil.co.uk**](https://www.luvmyoil.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **BEST LIPGLOSS** **GOLD** Lip Saviour - Colour Enhancing Lip Oil, £30 [**delilahcosmetics.com**](http://delilahcosmetics.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) “It’s not often that you find a beauty lip product that uses a zamac tip. It glides effortlessly over the lips and gives a soothing application that's both functional and indulgent. Not only does it bring out your lips’ natural colour, but can also be paired over your favourite lipstick or balm for a glossy look. The formula itself has lots of nourishing ingredients like argan oil, jojoba oil, shea butter, and castor seed oil, which left my lips feeling soft and hydrated. This is a luxurious, eco-conscious addition to any beauty routine. It’s costly, but goes the extra mile to provide a touch of hydration and colour if you need it.” Emma S ### **BEST LIP STICK** **GOLD** Velvet Tint Stick, £9 [**nirvananatural.co.uk**](http://nirvananatural.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) “This certainly feels velvety and applies smoothly and evenly. The tint is light enough to give my cheeks a lovely glow and makes my lips look noticeably deeper - it accentuates the natural tone. It has gentle fragrance that reminds me of chapstick! The cardboard tube is small, convenient to use and totally recyclable.” Elizabeth C ### **BEST MASCARA** **GOLD** Mesmerise Mascara, £22 [**love-ethicalbeauty.co.uk**](https://love-ethicalbeauty.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) “What a delightful find - this mascara has truly impressed me and has become a standout in my makeup routine. Made in the UK and formulated with clean ingredients, it allows for a guilt-free beauty experience. The wand features fine bristles, making application effortless and precise, with minimal clumping or mess. What I appreciate most is how easily it washes off at the end of the day - no excessive rubbing or harsh removers required. My eyelashes also seem to genuinely respond well to it; I’ve experienced no stinging, dryness, or irritation, which can be an issue with many conventional mascaras.” Evelyn K ### **BEST TINTED MOISTURISER** **GOLD** Natural BB Cream + SPF15, £20 [**love-ethicalbeauty.co.uk**](https://love-ethicalbeauty.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) “A great BB cream for when you don't want to use a moisturiser. It offers a good coverage which is buildable and keeps skin moisturised. Bonus points as it has SPF! A little goes a long way.” Jo C ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-30-at-11.23.51.png) Make Up Winners --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-03-at-15.49.37.png) Haircare Winners ## **BEST HAIRCARE** ### **BEST CONDITIONER** **GOLD** Rosemary Revitalising Conditioner, £11.95 [**weleda.co.uk**](http://weleda.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) “I love using hair conditioner, and I apply it to my ends after every wash. I love the smell of this conditioner. This conditioner makes my curly hair feel soft, but not limp, and it gets any knots and tangles out, which is important for me, because I don't actually brush or comb my hair.” Hester VH **SILVER** Rose Geranium & May Chang Solid Conditioner Bar, £8 [**elstreesoaps.com**](https://elstreesoaps.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Caffeine + Rosemary Conditioner, £27.99 [**awakeorganics.co.uk**](https://awakeorganics.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **BEST HAIR TREAT** **GOLD** Treatment Conditioner, £16 [**hairyjaynehandmade.co.uk**](http://hairyjaynehandmade.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) “This conditioner smells lovely and is a light cream, which does not leave the hair heavy. A little goes a long way which is promising. It smells lovely too. It is recommended to use on the ends of the hair and can be left overnight as well. My hair has felt healthy and clean since using this product, reducing frizz and dryness and is good value for money.” Cath S **SILVER** Drops of Thirst, £17.99 [**droughtsecret.com**](https://droughtsecret.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Let's Bond Leave-in Treatment, £14.99 [**lovenoughty.com**](https://lovenoughty.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **BEST SHAMPOO** **GOLD** Strength and Shine Shampoo cream, £16.49 [**nylahsnaturals.com**](http://nylahsnaturals.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) “The shampoo cream smells of a tropical punch and is very creamy. It lathers really well and definitely tamed my wild curly hair. It’s very moisturising as my hair has got dryer as I've aged. My hair is softer after drying my hair. This has been a great find, will be buying this again.” Shahida A **SILVER** Eco Warrior Nourishing Shampoo Bar, £5.50 [**littlesoapcompany.com**](https://www.littlesoapcompany.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Shampoo bar for sensitive scalp, £11.60 [**mollia.ro**](https://www.mollia.ro/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **BEST STYLING PRODUCT** **GOLD** Mane Tamer, £13.99 [**lyonsleaf.co.uk**](http://lyonsleaf.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) “The wax melted easily in my palms and didn’t feel sticky or greasy. It was very easy to work it through my dry frizzy curls and I was really impressed with the results – defined, bouncy and hydrated curls that lasted much longer between washes than usual. I've used Lyonsleaf skincare products before so was excited to try a hair product. The jar is a handy size and perfect for popping in my bag to smooth my curls if they get frizzy. The neck of the jar is plenty big enough to allow your fingers to scoop out some of the wax. The jar is easily recycled.” Catherine J **SILVER** Plant Based Hair Paste, £11.50 [**nonastieskids.co.uk**](https://nonastieskids.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Plant Based Hair Gel, £11.50 [**nonastieskids.co.uk**](http://nonastieskids.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ## **HAIRCARE BEST BUYS** Hair Detangling Spray in Strawberry, £11.99 [**nonastieskids.co.uk**](http://nonastieskids.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Super Botanicals Conditioner, £16.49 [**nylahsnaturals.com**](http://nylahsnaturals.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Fragrance Free Sensitive Scalp Conditioner, £6.35 [**urtekram.co.uk**](http://urtekram.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Light Conditioner, £16 [**hairyjaynehandmade.co.uk**](http://hairyjaynehandmade.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Anti Dandruff Scalp & Hair Oil, £15.99 [**ayumi.co.uk**](http://ayumi.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) SUK. Black Cube, £18 [**suk.boutir.com**](http://suk.boutir.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Nettle & Jasmine Shampoo, £16 [**nirvananatural.co.uk**](http://nirvananatural.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Rose Geranium & May Chang Solid Shampoo Bar, £8 [**elstreesoaps.com**](https://elstreesoaps.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-30-at-11.51.50.png) Body & Bath Winners ## **BODY AND BATH AWARD WINNERS 2025** ### **BEST BATH TREAT** **GOLD** Bath Soak, £29 [**inlightbeauty.co.uk**](http://inlightbeauty.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) “Deep, nourishment, rich, earthy… Such a wholesome creation, beautiful herb constellation and general feel, it looks beautiful, and oh my, the scent. Quiets the mind, settles the emotions and nervous system, balances the inner world. Each time I use this beautiful product I receive such a healing. It feels like an ancient concoction, created by the wise women… nurturing from the earth. More than a ‘product,’ this is beautiful Medicine.” Lila R **SILVER** Arnica Muscle Soak Bath Milk, £17.50 [**weleda.co.uk**](https://www.weleda.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Harmony Bath Salt, £28 [**sesnara-rituals.com**](https://sensara-rituals.com/products/forest-green-bath-salts?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **BEST BODY CREAM** **GOLD** MotherSage Body Butter, £23.99 [**mothersage.com**](http://mothersage.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) “I absolutely love the smell, look and feel of this body butter. I find that some body butters can be quite greasy and they don't absorb very easily. This one feels very nourishing and buttery, but it spreads easily and gets absorbed by the skin very well. It also doesn't leave my hands sticky. After using some body butters, I find that I need to wash my hands before I can continue with the rest of my day, but not with this one! It’s pink in colour and I love a bit of pink. It just adds a little spark of joy to my morning routine. It makes my skin feel very soft.” Hester VH **SILVER** Foot Balm, £15.99 [**lyonsleaf.co.uk**](https://lyonsleaf.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Calming Butter, 317.99 [**droughtsecret.com**](https://droughtsecret.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **BEST BODY OIL** **GOLD** Nourishing Body Oil, £14 [**todburnsoaps.co.uk**](http://todburnsoaps.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) “This body oil was a pleasure to use, it smells of lemons and herbs. For some reason it reminds me of Athens. The oil is so silky and soft and my skin loves it. My body feels so moisturised and smooth after using it. The effects are long lasting, the fragrance lingers on my body. I really love this and will be buying it again.” Shahida A **SILVER** Aromatherapy Calming Body Oil, £48 [**therosetree.co.uk**](https://www.therosetree.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Replenish Face & Body Elixir, £15 [**elstreesoaps.com**](https://elstreesoaps.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **BEST BODY SCRUB** **GOLD** Body Smooth Refreshing Polish, £28 [**tropicskincare.com**](http://tropicskincare.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) “This body polish smells sweet and a little bit citrusy, reminding me of lemon meringue pie - mmm! It contains exfoliating sea salts, making it a good body scrub. It's also a bit oily, which makes it feel very nourishing.” Hester VH **SILVER** The Ritual of Sakura Sugar Body Polish, £18.90 [**rituals.com**](https://www.rituals.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **BEST DEODORANT** **GOLD** Natural Deodorant - Orange & Patchouli, £7.25 [**kutis-skincare.co.uk**](http://kutis-skincare.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) “The smell is amazing and lasts all day. Goes on very smooth and silky. Packaging easy to use. Really effective and I love it! Great paper packaging and is sturdy and easy to use. Love the logo and branding, too.” Jennifer R **SILVER** Fragrance Free Crystal Deo, £5.20 [**urtekram.com**](https://www.urtekrambeauty.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Eucalyptus & Peppermint Solid Deodorant Stick, £8.95 [**weleda.co.uk**](https://www.weleda.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **BEST HANDCREAM** **GOLD** Chamomile Hand Rescue Balm, £10 [**soapfolk.com**](http://soapfolk.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) “This solid balm melts with the warmth of my hands, feeling slightly greasy at first, but it’s perfect for my very dry skin. I use it as an overnight moisture treatment, and it’s worked wonders. My hands feel nourished, and my dry, ragged cuticles are now much softer and healthier. I liked the different packaging, a folded over piece of cardboard, tied with twine, with a circular cut out where the tin sits. The tin and minimal cardboard packaging can be easily recycled.” Catherine J **SILVER** Gem's Dry Skin Balm, £16 [**gemsnaturalskincare.com**](https://www.gemsnaturalskincare.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Calendula and Marshmallow Balm, £11.99 [**lyonsleaf.co.uk**](https://lyonsleaf.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **BEST MENSTRUAL CARE** **GOLD** Eco Femme Organic Day Pad, £8.50[](https://www.thenappylady.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)[**thenappylady.co.uk**](https://www.thenappylady.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) “Love, love, love this pad!!! It's bright pink on one side for starters - my favourite colour! With a gorgeous stripy pink side too. So already feels like a fabulous treat to wear. It's also incredibly soft and velvety which is obviously super comfortable. The wings secure easily with a popper and it doesn't feel bulky. I wore it for a medium flow day and it was very absorbent. What's more it washed and dried really well too. This would make a great gift for a girl who had just started her periods, it's so pretty. I love the values behind this product too and the fact it's handcrafted in India with organic cotton. I would 100% buy from this company in future.” Lucy C **SILVER** Stretch Super Heavy Period Pants, £21.99 [**wuka.co.uk**](https://wuka.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** WUKA Care Gummies Range, from £19.99 [**wuka.co.uk**](https://wuka.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **BEST SHOWER GEL** **GOLD** Body Wash, £10 [**tropicskincare.com**](http://tropicskincare.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) “This is a really lovely creamy body wash. It’s a joy to use. I left my shower feeling clean and moisturised. It looks beautiful, fresh yellow and bright, I would pick it up from the shelf in a shop to have a closer look. The body wash dispenses easily and is easy to use. It is recyclable through the Tropic Recycle Reward scheme.” Katy H **SILVER** The Ritual of Sakura Foaming Shower Gel, £10.90 [**rituals.com**](https://www.rituals.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Fragrance Free Body Wash, £7.40 [**urtekram.com**](https://www.urtekrambeauty.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **BEST SOAP** **GOLD** Travel Bar, £2.99 [**friendlysoap.co.uk**](http://friendlysoap.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) “This is a nice smelling bar of soap. It is a bit of a multi-tasker - can be used as a hand and body soap, shampoo or even for clothes! It has a light zesty smell that has been created using lemongrass, lavender, tea tree and peppermint essential oils. Some of them work as insect repellent so might protect you from mozzies too, not just keep you clean! Great for travelling as it will save space in the 'liquids bag'. Really liked that it foams up so nicely and that feels like a proper squeaky clean.” Laura L **SILVER** Eco Warrior Hand & Body Bar, £3.75 [**littlesoapcompany.co.uk**](https://www.littlesoapcompany.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Rose Geranium Spa Bar, £8 [**blissandmagic.co.uk**](http://blissandmagic.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-30-at-11.53.19.png) Body& Bath Winners ## **BODY AND BATH BEST BUYS** Magic Potion, £5 [**bombvivant.com**](http://bombvivant.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Lavender Salt Bath Cube, £5 [**soapfolk.com**](http://soapfolk.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) MotherSage Bath Salts, £16.99 [**mothersage.com**](http://mothersage.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) B Organic Soothing Body Balm, £15 [**b-organic.co.uk**](http://b-organic.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Rescue Butter, £17.99 [**droughtsecret.com**](http://droughtsecret.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Natural Vegan Deodorant - Bergamot & Sage, £7.25 [**kutis-skincare.co.uk**](http://kutis-skincare.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Baby-Mild - All-One Magic Soap, £9.99 [**drbronner.co.uk**](http://drbronner.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Eco Warrior All Over Body Bar, £3.75 [**littlesoapcompany.co.uk**](http://littlesoapcompany.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Wee Bairns - Newborn Baby Fragrance Free Natural Soap, £7 [**castleapothecaryscotland.com**](https://castleapothecaryscotland.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-04-at-09.17.58.png) Essentials Winners ## **ESSENTIALS & EXTRAS AWARDS WINNERS 2025** ### **BEST SUPPLEMENT** **GOLD** Organic Boswellia Serrata, £24.97 [**trueveda.com**](https://www.trueveda.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) “I was looking forward to trying these capsules as I have struggled with my joints for the last couple of months since I started peri menopause. I work in a primary school so I’m always on my feet and it was becoming very painful. After only a few days of using these capsules I started noticing a considerable difference to my joints - some days there was no aching at all. My joints feel more supple and I have better movement. This product has got me interested in trying other capsules in the range. I love that it’s completely natural and I’m now no longer having to use unnecessary painkillers. I will be purchasing more as soon as these run out.” Lyn S **SILVER** Multi-Collagen Capsules, £18.99 [**inspiriko.co.uk**](https://inspiriko.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Arella Vegan Collagen, £32.99 [**arella.co.uk**](https://arella-beauty.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **BEST TOOTHPASTE** **GOLD** Mint Whitening Toothpaste - Fluoride-Free, £3.99 [**urtekram.co.uk**](http://urtekram.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) “As a family we all like this toothpaste which is great as we can all use the same one. It has a whitening effect, a fresh mint flavour and scent and is effective for cleaning teeth. Will buy in the future.” Katie C **SILVER** Charcoal Toothpaste for Allergy Sufferers, £6.95 [**monkeyandmoon.com**](https://www.monkeyandmoon.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **BEST PERFUME** **GOLD** Rêve de Hanami, £52 [**rituals.com**](http://rituals.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) “This is a beautiful perfume! It gave me Sakura straight away, and when I read the fragrance notes I thought they were spot on. It smells absolutely beautiful and lasts pretty well too. The packaging is really beautiful and felt luxurious but it is also recyclable without unnecessary plastic accents so it ticked all the boxes for me.” Hannah V ### **BEST SUN PROTECTION** **GOLD** Baby & Kids Natural Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30, £24.99 [**suntribesunscreen.com**](https://suntribesunscreen.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) “I love this easy-to-use suncream that comes in a sugar-cane tube. It has no nasties, provides great sun protection and has been created specifically for the skin of sensitive children. My daughter is happy to wear this – the sweet scent helps! Oh, and it doesn’t sting and lasts well during water play. It leaves a slight white sheen, which makes it easy to spot any areas you’ve missed.” Lucy C **SILVER** Shade All-Natural Sunscreen, £12.75 [**shadecream.com**](https://shadecream.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ## **ESSENTIALS BEST BUYS** Beautiful, £15.99 [**togetherhealth.co.uk**](http://togetherhealth.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) True Veda Organic Triphala, £24.97 [**trueveda.com**](http://trueveda.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) HRI Teen Skin, £13.49 [**hriherbalmedicine.co.uk**](https://hriherbalmedicine.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-30-at-11.54.55.png) Baby & Child Winners ## **BABY AND CHILD AWARD WINNERS 2025** ### **BEST BABY BALM** **GOLD** Baby Balm, £12.99 [**balmnatural.com**](http://balmnatural.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) “I used this balm as a hand cream. It is very moisturizing and helped my dry hands. My son has eczema, this helped his dry sore patches. The effects are lasting as you only need to put some on after washing hands. I will be buying this for my son. The packaging is all recyclable. The glass jar is 50g and will last about a month with regular use.” Shahida A **SILVER** Skin Salvation, £15 [**balmonds.co.uk**](https://balmonds.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Wee Bairns - Moisturising Fragrance Free Lip Balm, £4.50 [**castleapothecaryscotland.com**](https://castleapothecaryscotland.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **BEST BABY LOTION** **GOLD** All Day Fun Kids Protection Face Cream, £28 [**littlebutterflylondon.com**](http://littlebutterflylondon.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) “It's been so great to see my two-year-old genuinely excited about a skincare product - the Little Butterfly London face cream for kids has become a delightful and fun part of our daily routine.​ It has an easy airless pump dispenser which only needs to be pressed down and a little bit is dispensed, so nothing goes to waste. It is perfectly designed for little hands, making it easy for her to use independently. The cream itself is light and fruity-fresh, and has nourishing ingredients like rosehip, marula, and flaxseed oils. I appreciate that it's 100% natural, organic-certified, and clinically tested to be gentle on sensitive and eczema-prone skin such as mine and my daughter’s.” Emma S **SILVER** Cream Come True, £16.50 [**skin-genius.co.uk**](https://skin-genius.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Wakeberry Cocoa Berry, £18.50 [**etsy.com**](https://www.facebook.com/WakeBerrySkin/about) ### **BEST BABY OIL** **GOLD** Kit & Kin Baby Oil, £9.99 [**kitandkin.com**](http://kitandkin.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) “Very pleasant natural aromas with lavender and floral notes. Easy to apply oil, left minimal oil on skin and next day skin was noticeably softer. Simple streamlined look. Easy to open and use. Lid is very effective so no worry about spillage. Easily recyclable.” Amy MM **SILVER** Little Roary Baby Oil, £18 [**tropicskincare.com**](https://tropicskincare.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Oil Day Long, £22.50 [**skin-genius.co.uk** ](https://skin-genius.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **BEST BUBBLE BATH** **GOLD** Kit & Kin Baby Bubble Bath, £9.99 [**kitandkin.com**](http://kitandkin.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) “This stuff is so lovely! I've been using it on the kids (super gentle on their skin) but also using it myself and it's perfect for a chill bath AND even works great as a shaving alternative. It bubbles up nicely without being full of harsh ingredients, it smells really gentle and clean, and leaves skin feeling soft, not stripped. It's one of those products that just feels nice to use – no dryness, no irritation, just happy skin all round. My little one has super sensitive skin (and I struggle with eczema myself), so I’m always a bit paranoid when it comes to bath products. So many of them are packed with stuff that causes flare-ups or leaves skin feeling dry and tight, but thankfully not this one. This stuff is super gentle. Honestly, I even sneak some into my own baths sometimes when my skin is acting up.” Emma S **SILVER** Mini U Raspberry Bubblegum Bubble Bath, £5.75 [**miniu.co.uk**](https://www.miniu.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Free to Foam KIDS Bath Bubbles, £24 [**littlebutterflylondon.com**](https://littlebutterflylondon.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **BEST CHILDREN’S SHAMPOO** **GOLD** Mini U Tropical Berries Hair & Bodywash, £5.49 [**miniu.co.uk**](http://miniu.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) “We loved this hair and body wash, it has a gorgeous tropical scent that lasted throughout the day. Bath times can be hit and miss so having a product that can do hair and body in one is super useful. My daughter’s skin and hair felt lovely and soft afterwards. It's also suitable for newborns so we will be using for our new baby when she arrives, perfect for joint bath times.” Abby R **SILVER** Balmonds Body, Hand & Hair Wash, £22 [**balmonds.co.uk**](https://balmonds.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Hair to Dream KIDS Conditioning Shampoo, £24 [**littlebutterflylondon.com**](https://littlebutterflylondon.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **BEST NAPPY CREAM** **GOLD** Zinc and Calendula Cream, £11.99 [**lyonsleaf.co.uk**](http://lyonsleaf.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) “Almost scentless. Easy to apply and non greasy. Quickly heals broken/raw skin particularly around nose. Simple glass pot in a handy 30ml size. Great for on the go. 15 out of 15” **SILVER** Little Emy Nappy Cream, £16 [**tropicskincare.com**](https://tropicskincare.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Magic Salve, £9.99 [**kitandkin.com**](http://kitandkin.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-30-at-11.56.39.png) Baby & Child Winners ## **BABY AND CHILD BEST BUYS** Calm Balm - 100% Natural Skin-Relief Treatment, £20 [**wildmintcosmetics.com**](http://wildmintcosmetics.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Baby Butter, £18.99 [**podorganics.co.uk**](https://podorganics.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Face the Day Stick, £14.99 [**mumandyou.com**](http://mumandyou.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-30-at-11.59.47.png) Editor's Picks Winners ## EDITOR’S PICKS **Brilliant Body Oil**, £34.95 [**kinvaraskincare.com**](http://kinvaraskincare.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) A silky and absorbent body oil enriched with cold-pressed organic oils that helps to soothe, soften and hydrate your skin, leaving it feeling revitalised and nourished. **Glowing All Over**, £35 [**nuzest.co.uk**](http://nuzest.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) This pea protein supplement is packed with vitamins, minerals, berries, and Dermaval – a complex scientifically shown to help protect against collagen and elastin degradation. **Wild Rose & White Tea Smoothing Day Cream**, £22.95 [**weleda.co.uk**](http://weleda.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Luxurious daily formula, which provides an immediate moisture that lasts all day. Expect luminous complexion and visibly smoother, healthier-looking skin. **Rose and Sandalwood Facial Serum**, £14.95 [**shaloahskincare.co.uk**](http://shaloahskincare.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Formulated with rosehip, jojoba, apricot and almond plant oils and enriched with rose and sandalwood essential oils, this face serum delivers vitamins and minerals deep into the skin. **Intensive Balm with Marshmallow and Frangipani**, £49 [**therosetree.co.uk**](http://therosetree.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) A decadently scented waterless balm, perfect to nourish, moisturise and repair skin. Rich but with a fast absorbing, velvety texture. **Cocoa & Hempseed Lip Balm - Chocolicious**, $18.99 NZD [**yesorganics.com**](http://yesorganics.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) This delicious lip balm is full of goodness, packed with antioxidants, omega fatty acids, anti-ageing, moisturising and rejuvenating oils and butters. Has the taste and smell of delicious dark chocolate **Hair & Scalp Super Oil**, £28.99 [**awakeorganics.com**](http://awakeorganics.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) A stimulating blend that nourishes your hair and balances your scalp. The organic oils are specifically chosen for their high-nutrient density and ability to encourage healthy hair growth and overall scalp health. **Shampoo Concentrate**, £16 [**hairyjaynehandmade.co.uk**](http://hairyjaynehandmade.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Love the idea of sustainable shampoo bars but struggle with them? Here’s a sulfate-free shampoo with to gently invigorate and cleanse. The oil-free formula leaves hair super soft without weighing it down. **Comfrey and Calendula Rub**, £21.99 [**lyonsleaf.co.uk**](http://lyonsleaf.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) The essential oils in this product have been selected for their known benefits to the muscles and joints and to make the rub warming, soothing and relaxing. **Gem's Dry Skin Balm for Babies**, £15 [**gemsnaturalskincare.com**](https://www.gemsnaturalskincare.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Melts beautifully on the skin. This product hydrates and restores dry, sore, itchy skin and is also suitable for skin prone to baby eczema. This doesn’t sting at all; it’s calming and soothing. ### What Age Should a Child Get Their First Phone? URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/what-age-should-a-child-get-their-first-phone/ Last updated: 2025-06-27T18:00:33.000Z Hello, Happy Friday to you. How’s your week been? We’ve been having fun in the sun, and rain, playing with friends and reading piles of books. A favourite of Iris’ this week is [**Put on Your Owl Eyes**](https://flyingdeernaturecenter.org/programs/owl-eyes-book/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) by Devin Franklin - it's an invitation to explore the natural world through all your senses. You're called to get to know a tree, put on your deer ears and learn a fox' habits. I got [**The Reading Adventure: 100 Books to Check out Before You're 12**](https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/collections/author-books-by-we-need-diverse-books?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), curated by [**We Need Diverse Books**](https://www.diversebooks.org/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) out of the library this week - inside there are author interviews, recommendations and reviews to help you find your next read with your kids. It's brilliant! I just heard about a new exhibition opening in London this week World of Wasps, and their importance for pollination. It's at the Grant Museum for Zoology and you can look inside wasp's nests, learn about the social skills and experience a wasp's eye view. Did you know that wasps purr? Or that they wag their bodies and tap their antennae to communicate? Find out more [**here**](https://www.instagram.com/grantmuseumucl/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). ## **Here’s What We’ve Been Up To:** ### **Learning About Screens and Kids** I went to a talk about [**Smartfree Phone Free Childhood**](https://www.smartphonefreechildhood.org/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) this week and it was brilliant, and shocking. Iris doesn’t have much screen-time – once a week she watches an episode of a show (usually Brambly Hedge or Charlie and Lola, as everything else is “too scary”). But she’s wanted a phone since she could talk. She’s made tablets and phones out of wood, carries a dead Nokia around in a handbag and often ‘chats’ to her cousin for ages, ear pressed against a stone! Attending this talk gave me so much to think about. My main takeaway was that I have to change up my relationship with my phone. Now! Here are some other tidbits from the talk (if you can get to one in your area, I REALLY recommend). I remarked to a friend before I went that it was probably a bit early to be worrying (Iris is not yet six), and yet, the message at the talk is that it’s never too early. Screen are insidious and it’s pretty tricky to escape them. ### **So here’s some of my notes for further research on smart phones and kids:** No-one else is coming to sort this out for us - we have to do it for the sake of our children's childhoods. Recommendation is to delay smart phones until at least 14 years old, 16 for social media. Choose a brick phone to be used as a communication device, definitely for our children, perhaps also ourselves! Watch Channel 4 documentary - [**Swiped**](https://www.channel4.com/programmes/swiped-the-school-that-banned-smartphones?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)**.** Find out more about [**Smart-Phone Free Childhood**](https://www.smartphonefreechildhood.org/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)**.** Read [**The Anxious Generation**](https://www.anxiousgeneration.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) \- Jonathan Haidt says that we've given children "a portal in their pockets that calls them away from people into an alternative universe that is exciting, addictive and unsuitable for children and adolescents." Watch - [**It Was the Damn Phones by Kori Jane**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ouxed-5uxDM&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). Remove phones in at least 3 places at home - the dinner table, the bedroom and the bathroom! Have screen free Sundays. If you want your kids to get off social media, get off it yourself! Screens may give us what we need in the short-term - [**what's the long term impact**](https://repository.eduhk.hk/en/publications/how-early-digital-experience-shapes-young-brains-during-0-12-year?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)? Carla, a parent on the panel of speakers shared her experiences after her seven year old son saw a disturbing video at a sleepover - she recommended teaching kids the 3 Ts. **If children see something that scares them, teach them to:** • Turn away • Turn it OFF • Tell Someone Carla also recommended the books by Kristen A Jensen - [**Good Pictures, Bad Pictures**](https://www.abebooks.co.uk/Good-Pictures-Bad-Porn-Proofing-Todays-Young/32226619242/bd?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) and the [**junior version for younger kids**](https://www.abebooks.co.uk/Good-Pictures-Bad-Simple-Plan-Protect/32087395372/bd?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), aged 3-6 years. She spoke about how the internet is like a big city - we wouldn't let our children wander around unsupervised in a city, so we need to have firmer boundaries online. She suggests telling your kids to only speak to real-life friends online. And to help children learn to trust and listen to their bodies - your tummy/gut will tell you if something isn't right. She also said to set playdate expectations before the event. Explain to the parents of your children's friends that you have a no phone policy in your house. A basket at the door to collect devices sounds like a good idea! Go to [**internetmatters.org**](https://www.internetmatters.org/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) to get info on internet security. If your kids have phones, consider installing parental control app [**Bark**](https://www.bark.us/?srsltid=AfmBOoq1qX1fL4q3Rip%5FEjzEOvPiQf5PcvIqCz6%5FaACJvyiGo-tNNQzC&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). Sign the [**Parent Pact**](https://parentpact.smartphonefreechildhood.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) \- there are loads of other families out there who are choosing a low-tech or screen-free childhood. Ping me a message if this resonates for you... I'd love to hear your thoughts. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### 14 Things to do in July URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/14-things-to-do-in-july/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:22.000Z ## High summer is here, the weather forecast is fine, and the holidays lie ahead. Pull on your hats and sandals, it's going to be a wild month says **Kate Hodges** ### **On the Seventh Day** This year’s [**Manchester International Festival**](https://factoryinternational.org/whats-on/manchester-international-festival-2025/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) invites audiences to 'dream differently', and this year’s programming is focussing on indigenous artists and creators from the Global South, as well as local artists and communities in the North West of England. The opening weekend sees [**The Herds**](https://factoryinternational.org/whats-on/the-herds/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) animals join hundreds of participants in a huge parade, followed by a schools takeover of Festival Square, where children will help create The Inheritance, a treasure trove of knowledge, advice, objects and jokes (4 July-2 November). We’re also pulling on our silky shorts for [**Football City, Art United**](https://factoryinternational.org/whats-on/football-city-art-united/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), an exhibition featuring work created by 11 legendary footballers and 11 artists. Many events free, £10 tickets available. Full line-up [**here**](https://factoryinternational.org/whats-on/manchester-international-festival-2025/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). ### **Wow and Flutter** Butterfly Conservation have declared a butterfly emergency and need your help more than ever before. The [**Big Butterfly Count**](http://bigbutterflycount.org/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) is simple enough for even tiny children to join in, and is a fun introduction to nature spotting. Bring purpose to a picnic – the Count happens in high summer – July 18–August 10\. Download and print an identifying chart or use their free app to record which butterflies you spot. ### **Big Fun** The big holidays are upon us! Now’s the time to choose a little (or large) garden, balcony, community allotment or front-step summer project. Planting your own medicinal herb plot is fun, and useful; these botanics can form the basis of well-being, beauty and health creations. [**This plan**](https://www.allotment-garden.org/herbs/plan-create-medicinal-herb-garden/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) is inspired by physic gardens cultivated by apothecaries and botanists. Alternatively, try making a budget garden crawl tunnel ([**Dawn Isaac’s** ](https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/gardening-blog/2009/mar/10/children?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)was created for less than a tenner), or a [**micro-pond** ](https://www.rspb.org.uk/helping-nature/what-you-can-do/activities/making-a-minipond?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)from an old sink or washing bowl. Find a secluded spot, and transform an [**old bathtub into a wood-fired hot bath**](https://pipmagazine.com.au/build-fire-bath/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). Scatter candles, take a book or your kids and soak under the stars. Or collect up bits and bobs (skip diving is always your friend) and build your own cooling water wall. ### **Park Life!** It’s BST Hyde Park time: Sabrina Carpenter, Neil Young and ELO might be strutting their stuff on the stage at night, but during the day, the central London arena opens for free to everyone. Watch film and Wimbledon screenings, or play community cricket games, listen to samba music, join huge dance sessions, revel in the mixing genius of DJ Yoda, or enjoy the brilliance of performances by Chickenshed Theatre. Until July 10th. Find out more [**here**](https://www.bst-hydepark.com/open-house/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). SPONSORED [![CTA Image](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/06/outdoors-play.jpg)](https://buytickets.at/waldorfuk/1738903?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ****Elevate your skills, enrich young lives and shape the future** Are you interested in pursuing a unique, creative and rewarding career that makes a real difference to children’s lives? Are you an imaginative home educator looking for inspiring ideas and an opportunity to connect with like-minded people? Are you a fully qualified early years educator looking for a change? If you are passionate about holistic early childhood education and care that truly nurtures potential, giving children the time and space to play, to flourish and to develop resilience, then join one of our free 45 minute online information sessions to find out more about Waldorf Early Childhood training. These will be held on **July 2 & 7, and Sept 9**. [Register here ](https://buytickets.at/waldorfuk/1738903?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **Animal Magic** We always have a pocket full of pretty shells and stones collected from beach walks. These [**super-cute animal plaques**](https://www.womensoutdoornews.com/2020/09/shell-art-craft-create-whimsical-animals-to-hang-on-your-wall/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) are a great way to use them. We've been inspired to start designing our own creations! ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/06/Owl-Turtle-Elephant-Sea-Shell-Art.jpg) ### **The Wiggles** One of the weirdest - and wriggliest - British sports, worm charming events take place over the summer; the [**Willaston World Worm Charming Championship**](https://calendarcustoms.com/articles/worm-charming/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) being the largest. It’s an easy activity to try at home, on holiday or in a park near you. Mark out 3m by 3m plots and use whatever techniques you like (bar digging or importing your own invertebrates) to extract the maximum number of critters. Some play music, others water the soil, some pat the soil. Give prizes for the largest amount of worms and the biggest, and be sure to release them all back afterwards. **Be inspired here:** ### **Run Wild** A reminder of the importance and joys of grass, wildflowers and the creatures that live in fields, [**National Meadows Day**](https://www.plantlife.org.uk/events/national-meadows-day-2025/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) takes place on Saturday 5th July. Celebrate formally at [**Morden Hall Park in London**](https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/london/morden-hall-park/events/4912c348-d3d4-4acc-a2c4-39d74ee56323?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), [**Hazel Brow Farm in Yorkshire**](https://www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/whats-on/national-meadows-day-2025/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), or just find a wonderful, grassy spot near you, take your shoes off, and enjoy. **Find more about meadows here:** ### **Chock-a-Block** How will you celebrate **World Chocolate Day**? By whipping up a spectacular, rich vegan [**cake**](https://thebananadiaries.com/best-vegan-chocolate-cake-ever/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)? By attempting to be health-adjacent and dipping into a [**fruity fondue**](https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/fruity-fondue?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)? By enlisting the help of some willing little hands and making [**chocolate peanut butter oatmeal bars**](https://inquiringchef.com/4-ingredient-chocolate-peanut-butter-oat-bars/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)? Or perhaps by trying something different – we fancy making [**pomegranate crostini** ](https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/pomegranate-pistachio-crostini/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)or [**spicy chocolate milkshakes**](https://wonkywonderful.com/spicy-chocolate-milkshake-recipe/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) this year. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **Slowly Does It** ![brown snail on green moss during daytime](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1626247081382-666beb6bd837?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDEwfHxzbmFpbCUyMHJhY2V8ZW58MHx8fHwxNzUwOTM2NDAyfDA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Andriy Krolyk](https://unsplash.com/@uin84917798?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) The high-octane thrills of the [**World Snail Racing Championships**](https://snailracing.world/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) are the highlight of the annual Congham Fete, in Norfolk on 19th July. More than 200 snails battle it out for the fastest time over a 13-inch course. Bring your own racer or hire one from the organisers’ world renowned stables. Come on, Shelley! ### **Bristol Fashion** The[ **Bristol Harbour Festival**](https://thegreenparent.cmail19.com/t/r-i-jikthdlk-l-v/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) celebrates the city’s maritime past and present with a stunning line-up of music, dance, and family-friendly offerings, plus of course, water-based fun on the quayside. Circus Bijou take over College Green, with spectacular aerial shows, comedy, acrobatics, and workshops for children. There are high-octane rowing races and thrilling water shows at in the Harbour, music in every nook and cranny of the city, while Queen Square hosts Bristol Rising and the Dance Tent, with showcases of the best local talent! 18th-20th July. ### **Down by the Riverside** Ridiculously eclectic, Riverside free music festival in Charlbury is the largest in Oxfordshire. Loll in the sun and watch rising local stars as well as well-loved favourites play across four stages. This year’s acts include Kanadia and The Subtheory, plus there’s a kids area, willow weaving, stone carving, pole lathing and ironwork fun. Find more [**here**](https://charlburyriverside.org/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). 19-20 July. ### **Get Hip** The Greenwich Peninsula is set to swing on July 26th, as the [**Rhythm & Taste Jazz and Food Festival**](https://www.greenwichpeninsula.co.uk/whats-on/jazz-and-food-festival?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) rolls into town. Expect afro-punk blends from Steamdown and psychedelic soul courtesy of Shunaji. Plus a Queer Jazz strand, zine-making and dance workshops and a makers market. All free, but booking essential. While you’re there, why not make time for a quick putt on the eye-popping Wild Swing Mini Golf course (£3) and a boodle round Wayne Hemingway’s Charity Super.Mkt (first rummage is on July 10th). Find out more [**here**](https://www.greenwichpeninsula.co.uk/whats-on/peninsula-summer?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). ### **Berry Good** ![red round fruits on persons hand](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1595594541868-f7a0cad44aaa?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDV8fHdpbGQlMjBzdHJhd2JlcnJ5fGVufDB8fHx8MTc1MDkzNjMyN3ww&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Daniel Haaf](https://unsplash.com/@danielhaaf?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) Very few woodland walk pleasures beat the joy of discovering the tiny, ruby-like treasure that are wild strawberries. These tiny cousins of the hulking supermarket fruits are bursting with flavour. If you can possibly resist eating them until you get home, sprinkle them on cakes or [**make wild strawberry and thyme ice-cream**](https://www.discoverwildlife.com/how-to/make-things/how-to-make-wild-strawberry-and-thyme-ice-cream?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). ### **Shore Thing** [**National Marine Week**](https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/national-marine-week?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) (actually a fortnight) runs from July 26-August 10, and is a chance to help The Wildlife Trusts to find out more about and celebrate our gorgeous shore and seas. Join in with seaside, rockpool rambles, beach cleans and sea watches. **Enjoy your July! We'll be back next month with more ideas for summer fun...** ### Moreish Chocolate Fridge Cake with a Surprising Ingredient! URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/moreish-chocolate-fridge-cake-with-a-surprising-ingredient/ Last updated: 2025-06-20T19:17:09.000Z Hello, A warm, welcome to this Solstice special edition! What are you up to this weekend to celebrate? Drop me a line and let me know – I’d love to hear from you. We’ve been having fun in the sun this week, eating ice cream, drawing under the shade of giant oaks, swimming in the local open-air pool and making elderflower and rose cordial. I also got to spend the morning in London with my eight month old nephew; we hung out in the shade of the plane trees in Green Park, and went to rhyme time, which he loved. Tonight we’re camping with friends at a nature reserve near our home. We’ve planned a mini-ritual for the kids to celebrate their strengths now they’re a year older. They’ve made capes from old sheets and we’ve all written on each of their capes how we’ve seen each child grow in the last year. I love the reality we’ve created where Iris has a village of loving adults that she can turn to who all see different strengths in her (having a little cry thinking about it!). Today's illustration is by [**Helen Cann**](https://helencann.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), an illustrator who specialises in children's books. Read her ideas for celebrating the Solstice [**here**](https://helencannillustration.wordpress.com/2021/06/15/summer-inspired-illustration-and-10-ways-to-celebrate-the-solstice/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). I went to see a documentary with my sister last night called [**Small Boat**](https://smallboatsdocumentary.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)[**s**](https://smallboatsdocumentary.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), as part of the Refugee Week celebrations in Brighton. The theme for Refugee Week this year is Community is a Superpower - find what's going on near you [**here**](https://refugeeweek.org.uk/events/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). Here's a great [**reading list**](https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/jun/06/the-best-books-for-children-about-refugees?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) for kids' that centre the refugee experience. I'm reading (and loving) [**The Serviceberry**](https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/464622/the-serviceberry-by-kimmerer-robin-wall/9780241721308?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) by Robin Wall Kimmerer and it's got me thinking about gift economies - here are [**some ideas**](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/sacred-sunday-start-a-local-gift-economy/) of how to get started making one in your community. ## **Here’s What Else We’ve Been Up To** ### **Loving Oracle Cards** I’ve had some tricky, stressful stuff to deal with this week, and I’ve been leaning on my favourite oracle cards to help me see a path through. My sister gave me the [**Weaver's Oracle cards**](https://www.seventhwavemusic.co.uk/product/weavers-oracle/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) created by Carolyn Hillyer for my birthday this year. Featuring 30 years of Carolyn's paintings, the cards are absolutely mesmerising. And the words just perfect. I also LOVE the [**Seed Sistas Sensory Herbal Oracle cards**](https://seedsistas.co.uk/product/seed-sistas-sensory-oracle-deck/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) – they came out this year and the writing about each plant is next level – they are so rich in information and meaning. Have had some magical readings with these. Pictured above! Others I love are [**The Herbal Astrology Oracle Cards**](https://www.hayhouse.co.uk/the-herbal-astrology-pocket-oracle-card-deck?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) by Adriana Ayales, the [**Tree Ogham Card Deck from Children’s Forest**](https://shop.childrensforest.earth/products/tree-ogham-card-deck?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) (I use these with Iris) and the [**Druid Plant Oracle**](https://philipcarr-gomm.com/book/the-druid-plant-oracle/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). I tend to just pick one card to help me realise what I need to know or lay out a really simple spread of three cards in a row. The first (on the left) represents the past, the centre the present, and the one on the right the future. I often write notes down in a notebook to help me reflect back on what cards I’ve drawn in the past and what meanings I drew from them. I recommend this approach if you're struggling or feeling overwhelmed - a card reading can help you gain clarity. A lovely friend bought me some amazingly calming [**blue lotus flower tea**](https://starchild.co.uk/products/blue-lotus-flowers?srsltid=AfmBOoois9DkQLgYn1sQ1a5QH0-k1COFiSTinL9Ma1gZ5PQOwt8-LxI2&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) from Starchild, which really helped me find joy and peace too. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Education for the Whole of Life URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/education-for-the-whole-of-life/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:23.000Z Foundations for learning, behaviour, and health are built in the earliest years of life. Becoming an early childhood practitioner is not just about learning to teach; it’s about understanding how to nurture potential, foster creativity, and inspire a love for learning that will last a lifetime. Undertaking a Steiner Waldorf early childhood training goes even further. Students say that it involves personal and professional transformation at a profound level, that enriches their lives in many ways. Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925) was a philosopher and educator who taught a path of inner development, known as ‘anthroposophy’, exploring the wisdom of the human being (Nicol, 2024). His lectures and ideas inspired projects in the fields of agriculture, medicine, architecture, art and new social structures to name but a few. All these initiatives relate to caring for the planet as well as bringing positive human values into our institutions, and nurturing human potential. In 1919 Emil Molt, the owner of the Waldorf Astoria cigarette factory asked Steiner to support him to open a school for the children of his staff. Steiner had spent many years lecturing on and discussing the importance of age-appropriate learning and believed that a school curriculum should be practical and artistic as well as academic. In creating this new school, teachers worked on developing creative activities within all subject areas which would support children’s physical, social, cognitive and spiritual development, enabling each child to fulfil their potential. Within Waldorf schools teachers balance working with ‘head, heart and hands’ to provide a curriculum that is age-appropriate but also relevant to the social and cultural realities of their particular country and environment (Rawson, 2021). The aim is to provide an education empowering autonomy and freedom of thought which expands the possibilities for each person in finding their own rewarding and purposeful life (Suggate and Suggate, 2019). There are now Waldorf Schools and Kindergartens in 75 countries. ## ***‘We do not educate the child for the age of childhood; we educate him for his whole earthly existence.’** Rudolf Steiner. The Roots of Education, 1924 One of the distinct aspects of Waldorf education is that early childhood is seen as a significant phase from birth to six or seven years (Suggate and Suggate, 2019). This aligns with the traditional starting age for formal education in Europe and other parts of the world and corresponds with other educational theories such as Montessori (Miller and Pound, 2011). In UK Waldorf schools, children stay in Kindergarten until the September following their sixth birthday, when they move into Class 1 and formal education begins. In 2026, we will celebrate the centenary of the first Steiner Waldorf Kindergarten. Steiner Waldorf Early Childhood Education has evolved in the past 100 years but the principles that motivated Rudolf Steiner and his co-workers are just as relevant today. These principles are threaded through all of the Waldorf Early Childhood training pathways, providing the opportunity for students to learn through their own experience in a myriad of different ways, alongside and enlivening theoretical modules. Students study contemporary early childhood practice, current regulatory aspects as well as critically reflecting on wider educational theories. Kindergarten teacher training is long standing in the UK and currently there are two centres offering Level 4 and Level 5 courses – *LoSWEC*[**https://loswec.co.uk/**](https://loswec.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)(London) or *NESWEC*[**https://neswec.org.uk/**](https://neswec.org.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) (York and Stourbridge). Traditionally children joined Kindergarten at 3 or 4 years of age, but in recent years different Steiner Waldorf initiatives around the world have been developed to care for children under the age of three and meet the needs of families, including nurseries, childminding and groups specifically for 2- and 3-year-olds within Kindergartens and schools. The full and relevant Level 3 EYE *Holistic Baby and Childcare* course was established at Emerson College in 2015 to provide training for practitioners wishing to work with this younger age group. (Holistic Baby and Child Care[**https://emerson.org.uk/course/level-3-diploma-in-holistic-baby-and-child-care-early-years-educator/**](https://emerson.org.uk/course/level-3-diploma-in-holistic-baby-and-child-care-early-years-educator/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)) ### **Professional Love and Care** Professional love (Page, 2018) and a welcoming, warm atmosphere should be the basis of any early childhood setting, whether it is school, nursery or home based, and is an essential foundation for children’s healthy development. Children in Waldorf settings develop secure attachments with their caregivers, relying on a consistency of staffing and attitudes. Slowing down and giving children time and space to explore their own interests, to develop their capacities, enjoying friendship and connection is an important aspect of each day in a Waldorf setting. Rudolf Steiner emphasised the role of the child’s emerging sense of self (Rawson, 2024) and Waldorf Practitioners ensure that children have time to express their own views and perspectives. Emmi Pikler (1902-1984) developed an approach to the respectful care of young children (Pikler UK Association) which has influenced Steiner Waldorf practitioners working with children from birth to three. *The Holistic Baby and Childcare* course provides opportunities for students to practice the gestures and responses necessary to support a nurturing relationship between caregiver and children (Marlen, 2017). Students practice aspects of care with dolls and each other, recognising that the significance of these experiences goes well beyond simply meeting the daily physical needs of the child, encompassing their developing interoception and attachment to caregivers. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/06/photo-swsf-land-002.jpg) ### **Rhythm and Repetition** Providing a balanced rhythm of adult led activities, self-initiated play, time indoors and outside creates an environment that supports resilience and wellbeing and is an essential principle of Steiner Waldorf practice (Nicol and Taplin, 2012). Healthy repetition reinforces children’s sense of security and allows them to consolidate skills and develop new capacities. An example of this is the Waldorf Kindergarten tradition of telling the same story every day for a week or so, using simple props and puppets. This enables the children to relax: they can practice their developing literacy skills, including listening and creating imaginative pictures from their own lived experience (Taplin, 2025) as well as developing a deeper understanding of narrative conventions. In addition to hearing tutors give examples of stories they like to tell, the students on the *NESWEC* course write their own stories and work together on their puppetry skills. The principle of working with the rhythm of the day, week and the year is reflected in the training courses in a number of ways, particularly through working on the necessity of developing healthy work habits and finding a balance in our own lives. Students will also discuss a variety of ways of working with rhythm and repetition for different ages of children, considering their needs and the type of setting they attend. ### **Educating the Senses** The significance of sensory experiences in the first seven years of a child’s life cannot be underestimated (Oldfield, 2001) as these provide a foundation for neurodevelopment and later academic learning. Steiner Waldorf Practitioners provide a sensory-rich environment, offering play with open ended natural materials, domestic and artistic activities as well as time outdoors to explore and help with gardening tasks. Students on placement can observe children’s responses to age appropriate, meaningful sensory activities, for example baking bread, which offers opportunities to experience touch whilst kneading the dough, as well as taste, smell and other senses. *The Holistic Baby and Childcare* course includes experiential activities for students exploring the concept of sensory experience and discussing their own responses as well as reflecting on the feelings and reactions of young children. ### **Imagination and Play** Waldorf early childhood settings provide indoor and outdoor environments that stimulate children’s free play and imagination. Open ended resources such as cloths, blocks and planks provide limitless inspiration for all kinds of different sorts of play and games. The children are not bound by the learning objectives or interference of adults (Fisher, 2026) and can begin to solve their own problems, and develop social skills, creativity and their understanding of the world. They learn to negotiate and collaborate, which are essential skills for whatever possibilities their future may hold (Taplin, 2025). Students’ imagination is fostered on the training courses through the development of skills such as storytelling. Play is a subject studied in depth on all three courses and also through personal experience. The *Holistic Baby and Childcare* students explore different kinds of play and reflect on how the environment of the setting and attitudes of the adults can impact children’s opportunities for free play. ### **Creative arts – an integrative approach** A fundamental principle of Waldorf education is the integrated nature of the curriculum and in early childhood settings this is evident throughout the day. Activities are not divided into neat ‘subject’ boundaries but can provide many opportunities for learning. Artistic and creative activities are part of everyday life in these settings and can assist many aspects of a child’s development (Howard, 2019). Children and adults will sing, recite poems, play games, move and dance each day using carefully planned sequences that reflect children’s needs and interests as well as providing increasing challenge. Through songs and rhymes they might explore mathematical and scientific concepts as well as developing vocabulary and other essential literacy skills. Songs can help the flow of the day for children, moving from one activity to another almost seamlessly. Endorphins and oxytocin are released by the brain when we sing, lowering stress and anxiety levels. Movement and dance supports proprioception, and social competencies are enhanced through these activities as children learn to take turns to listen to each other and develop a healthy sense of belonging. On all three courses students spend time singing together, learning and sharing songs, rhymes and games that they might use with children in many different ways. Singing together has been shown to support wellbeing and provides a meaningful and joyful way of connecting with one another. Throughout the week artistic and craft activities will be provided in Waldorf Kindergartens. The children will draw, paint and may use modelling materials. Various craft projects will be organised which may involve sewing, felting as well as paper crafts. All of these activities will relate to the seasons, for example making paper butterflies or flowers in the summer. Craft activities enhance fine motor skills, children’s aesthetic sensibilities, knowledge of the world and self-esteem. Students on all three courses will have opportunities to draw and paint, exploring and discussing the qualities of colour and form. *NESWEC* and *LOSWEC* students each create a doll for their settings as a project and *Holistic Baby and Childcare* students also explore felting as well as designing and creating a story apron, enhancing their storytelling skills and resources. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/06/students-creating-storytelling-resources-1.jpg) Students creating storytelling resources ### **Connection to the natural world** In any Waldorf setting the children will spend part of every day outside. This allows them to connect to the natural world, developing an understanding of the world, the seasons, weather, flora and fauna through direct, personal experience, not simply through books or adult instruction. Children will work alongside adults with gardening tasks, taking joy in caring for the vegetable garden and then experiencing wonder as they are able to harvest, prepare, cook and eat what they have grown. On the training courses students also spend time outdoors, particularly during the longer residentials which are all held in venues with beautiful outside spaces. They might create a willow structure, outdoor craft or learn about foraging. All of the students work on creating seasonal nature tables which bring the natural world into the indoor environment and provide a focus of gratitude and wonder. Perhaps you are passionate about holistic early childhood education and care that truly nurtures potential, giving children the time and space to play, to flourish and to develop resilience? If so, then please join one of our free online information sessions to find out more about Waldorf Early Childhood training opportunities: **2 July 2025 – 7.00 pm** [**\- Register Here**](https://buytickets.at/waldorfuk/1738903?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **7 July 2025 – 4.30 pm**[ **\- Register Here**](https://buytickets.at/waldorfuk/1738903?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **9 September 2025 – 4.30 pm**[ **\- Register Here**](https://buytickets.at/waldorfuk/1738903?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Interest-free loans are available for the course fees for these courses. They are all part-time courses and can be completed alongside a full- or part-time job. **If you already have an early years qualification,** the above courses all offer a ‘quality mark’ pathway, where the course content is the same, but the assessment burden is significantly reduced. For further information, contact Sam at[**sam.greshoff@waldorfeducation.uk**](mailto:sam.greshoff@waldorfeducation.uk)or visit[](https://waldorfeducation.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)[**waldorfeducation.uk**](https://waldorfeducation.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **Course links:** **Crossfields Institute Level 3 Diploma in Integrative Early Childhood Pedagogy (Early Years Educator) Holistic Baby and Child Care:** [**https://emerson.org.uk/course/level-3-diploma-in-holistic-baby-and-child-care-early-years-educator/**](https://emerson.org.uk/course/level-3-diploma-in-holistic-baby-and-child-care-early-years-educator/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Crossfields Institute Level 4 Diploma in Integrative Early Childhood Pedagogy (Early Years Educator) Steiner Waldorf:** [**https://loswec.co.uk/**](https://loswec.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)(London) or[**https://neswec.org.uk/**](https://neswec.org.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)(York and Stourbridge) **References** Fisher, J (2016) *Interacting or Interfering? Improving interactions in the early years*. London: Open University Press. Howard, S (2019) ‘What Young Children Really Need: The Essentials of Waldorf Early Childhood Education’. *Kindling*, *Journal for Steiner Waldorf Early Childhood Care & Education*, Issue 46\. Available at https://kindlingjournal.org/ Marlen, D. (2017)’ EYFS Best Practice: All about…Pikler’. *Nursery World*. Available at:[**https://www.nurseryworld.co.uk/content/features/eyfs-best-practice-all-about-pikler/**](https://www.nurseryworld.co.uk/content/features/eyfs-best-practice-all-about-pikler/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)\[Accessed: 14/06/25\]. Miller, L. & Pound, L. (2011) *Theories and Approaches in Early Years*. London: Sage Publications. Nicol, J. (2024) ‘Tracing Steiner’. *Early Years Educator* December 2024 Supplement. Nicol, J. and Taplin, J.T. (2012) *Understanding the Steiner Waldorf Approach*. Abingdon: Routledge. Oldfield, L (2001) *Free to Learn*. Stroud: Hawthorn Press Page, J. (2018) ‘Characterising the principles of Professional Love in early childhood care and education’, *The International Journal of Early Years Education*, 26(2), pp. 125-141\. Available at:[**https://doi.org/10.1080/09669760.2018.1459508**](https://doi.org/10.1080/09669760.2018.1459508?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)\[Accessed: 13/06/25\]. Pikler UK Association[**https://pikler.co.uk/**](https://pikler.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Rawson, M. (2021) *Steiner Waldorf Pedagogy in Schools: A Critical Introduction*. Abingdon: Routledge. Suggate, S. and Suggate, T. (2019) *Reclaim Early Childhood: The Philosophy, Psychology and Practice of Steiner-Waldorf Early Years Education*. Stroud: Hawthorn Press. Taplin, J.T. (2025) ‘Preparing for the future’. *Early Years Educator* January 2025 Supplement. ### My New Fave Cookie Recipe - it's Vegan and Gluten Free Too! URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/my-new-fave-cookie-recipe-its-vegan-and-gluten-free-too/ Last updated: 2025-06-13T18:02:55.000Z Hello, Happy nearly weekend. I’m just back from London with Iris; we went up to the [**Natural History Museum**](https://www.nhm.ac.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) with a group of friends, as one of our friends, Michael Kennard was giving a talk about the magic and importance of soil. You can check out Michael’s events [**here**](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/july-compost-disneyland-tour-and-talk-tickets-1393736466289?aff=erelpanelorg&%5Fgl=1%2A1csimhp%2A%5Fup%2AMQ..%2A%5Fga%2AMTQ4OTUyNzg1NS4xNzQ5NTU2MTk1%2A%5Fga%5FTQVES5V6SH%2AczE3NDk1NTYxOTQkbzEkZzAkdDE3NDk1NTYxOTQkajYwJGwwJGgw&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)\- book on a Compost Disneyland tour! We've had some delicious days out with friends this week - one afternoon was spent hanging out amongst the hornbeam trees, with butterflies and dragonflies flitting through the dappled sunlight. The symbolism of [**hornbeam**](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/meet-the-tree-whisperer/) is confidence and open-heartedness. I went to see the film [**Lollipop**](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt22892942/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) with my sister earlier in the week, and it reminded me to seek joy everywhere. Oh, just a mo - pause reading and find out where you can see this film near you - it's the most mind-blowing, beautiful, heart-wrenching film about motherhood I think I've ever seen. I cried for days after watching it. And we were treated to a Q&A with the director afterwards. [**Daisy-Mae Hudson**](https://www.makingmagicwithdaisy-mayhudson.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) is a compassionate, fierce queen of a woman! All booked? Good, drop me a line and let me know your thoughts after you've seen it. ## **Here’s What Else We’ve Been Up To:** ### **Getting Inspired by Degree Students** I went to my middle daughter’s degree show last week and it was AMAZING. Her designs are eye-poppingly cool and her fellow fashion graduates had made awesome pieces, and textile collections too. We also explored the Illustration, Photography and Graphic Design shows. The final pieces by the graduates of Illustration were brilliant. Some of my favourites were: Izzy Poulter for her brilliant drawing of homes and daily life - with plenty of cats! Find her at [**@izzy.illustrates**](https://www.instagram.com/izzy.illustrates/?hl=en&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). She makes a zine about breakfast, too. [**Ripley Gosling**](https://www.instagram.com/art%5Fby%5Fripley/?hl=en&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), who paints dreamy watercolours, makes jewellery and has a children's book out called [**Adrift**](https://www.bristolillustrator.com/product-page/adrift-pre-order?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), about a tiny Columbus crab and who overcomes a great challenge. The story looks at the issue of plastic waste in the ocean and is completely pictorial, so you can narrate it how you choose. [**Amelia Dunham**](https://www.itsibitsi.co.uk/porfolio/illustration?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) for her portraits and botanical drawings - check out [**@itsybitsyamelia**](https://www.instagram.com/itsybitsyamelia/?hl=en&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). [**Katie Chadwick**](https://katiechadwickillustration.com/childrens-book-work?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) has also made a children's book as part of her final module - The Search for the Perfect Pet is illustrated with gorgeous snuggly animals. Find her at [**@katieechadwick**](https://www.instagram.com/katieechadwick/?hl=en&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) [**Kizzie-Mai Lightburn-Jones**](https://www.kizziemai.com/about?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) is a ceramicist and illustrator. We were so taken with their amazing [**queer ceramics**](https://www.instagram.com/p/DKWyzQsoHuS/?hl=en&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). Sooo cool! _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Celtic Tree Ogham: Oak (The Stabiliser) URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/celtic-tree-ogham-oak-the-stabiliser/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:22.000Z ## Oak is the Celtic Tree for the period from 10 June to 7 July. This month is a time of power, protection, and grounding Oak trees are an image of endurance, vigour and sturdiness. Picture your favourite oak tree – they’re so upright and strong, right?! Our ancestors associated it with the king of the Gods. In the Celtic Tree Calendar the Oak month is the midpoint of the year, which marks the highest point of the sun. Oaks also have a generous and compassionate side - the mighty trees provide a home for thousands of species, while their acorns not only provide food for wildlife, but also for livestock - and, with a little tinkering (soak in water for up to 10 days to remove tannins, then roast) even provide sustenance for people. Oak wood is one of the most valuable hardwoods. It is extremely dense, strong and durable and has thus been much used in building and construction. Ships were built with oak wood, and railway sleepers were made from it, not to mention heavy duty furniture. Even submerged in water it is virtually indestructible, which is why most of Britain's ancient oaks have been sacrificed to build the Navy and merchant fleets, back in the era of the great sea voyages. Sadly, ancient oaks, let alone ancient oak forest has become a rare sight indeed in Britain. All parts of the oak – wood, bark, leaves, acorns and gall nuts – have traditionally been used in medicine since ancient times. Oak bark is one of the most powerful astringents in the herbal *materia medica*, probably due to the high tannin content. An infusion can be used externally and internally to treat many ailments from digestive problems to rheumatism. In magical terms, acorns are a symbol of fertility and an amulet of Oak can be used for fairness and protection. ### **Attributes of Those Born Under the Celtic Tree Sign Oak** Those born under the Oak sign are enterprising with far-reaching vision. They are determined, self-motivated, enthusiastic and responsible. They make natural leaders with the ability to attract and inspire others. They remain calm during a crisis and are not easily swayed by opposition. Cheerful and optimistic by nature, they do not give up easily and are unafraid to speak the truth (often regardless of the consequences!). There are two Oak characters. Those born in the new moon phase - the first two weeks of a sign and those in the full moon phase - the last two weeks. Those born in the first two weeks are more likely to take financial risks and may make commitments that are hard to keep. New moon oaks possess strong natural powers of leadership and the ability to rise above greed. Full moon oaks are more flamboyant by nature and may be a little glory-seeking! However, here is a creative person with a generous spirit and a keen sense of survival. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **Animal Correspondences** Wren, Otter, White Horse ### **Keywords** Justice-seeking, confident, positive ### **Your Strengths** Nurturing, generous and helpful ### **Your Rune** The Celtic Ogham for Oak has the name 'Duir', which means 'door' and represents the threshold between the seasons. ### Meet the Tree Whisperer URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/meet-the-tree-whisperer/ Last updated: 2025-06-09T17:50:07.000Z ## Forester, writer, teacher, activist and lover of all things green, **Peter Wohlleben** is the kind of guy you’d love to accompany your family on a forest walk ## Sadly, he’s usually occupied at his Forest Academy in Germany, but his newest book, Be A Nature Explorer, which features 52 thoughtful, mischievous and fun things to do outdoors, is the next best thing. We caught up with Peter to talk chatty trees, family fun, and keeping hope for the future alive “I was the green sheep of the family; from a very early age I knew I wanted to become a conservationist. I was born in Bonn in Germany, but when I was four, we moved into a little village nearby. I spent my childhood outside, watching frogs and birds. After school I got an internship as a ranger at the German forest administration, where I thought I’d act as a tree keeper. However, it turned out they wanted someone to be more of a tree butcher. For years, my wife told me I should write books about my love of trees, using my guided tours as a basis. One day, I gave up resisting, tried writing, and look what happened! I simply wrote down what I was telling people. However, my first bestseller, The Hidden Life of Trees (which has sold more than three million copies worldwide) was actually my sixteenth book. It took a little time for my writing to warm up! It was my son who suggested I set up a forest academy. My family have a lot of good ideas, it seems. And that’s where I am sitting now, vegan coffee in hand. We now have several buildings with seminar rooms, offices and so on. We expanded as we founded an NGO which campaigns against illegal felling in protected areas of Germany. We have also recently initiated a new university course in social ecology on which I’ll teach. Our Forest Academy also hosts Junior Forester courses, where children can spend a week doing all the things that are in my new book; tracking animals and having fun in the forest. My favourite activity in the book is observing little rivers and ponds. You use a glass bowl, and you can take pictures through it with your phone or just watch everything that’s going on down there. I also love the activity where you close your eyes and nibble on young leaves and learn what each tree tastes like. You can make salad from beech leaves; it’s a little bit sour but perfectly fresh. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### 9 Ways to Take Action this Ocean Day URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/9-ways-to-take-action-this-ocean-day/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:22.000Z ## The vastness and power of the ocean has been well documented but we know very little about what lives at its depths Did you know that oceans cover nearly 71% of the Earth’s surface? This vast blue kingdom provides 99% of the Earth's living space - the largest space in our universe known to be inhabited by living organisms. More than 90% of this habitat exists in the deep sea known as the abyss and less than 10% of this living space has been explored by humans. Forget space travel, we have an enormous, almost unfathomable, undiscovered world all around us. There’s something so incredible about the oceans; something quite mindblowing about the vastness of them. Anyone who has swum out of their depth in the sea might well have encountered that feeling of awe mixed with a mild kind of panic – it is when bobbing in deep dark salty water that we come to know how minute we really are! Perhaps the effect of the salty water encasing us reminds us of our time in the womb, and there is something hugely transformative and powerful about the oceans, with their tides governed by the moon and their vast unknowable depths. Philosophers, poets, artists and boat-people have long mused on this great teeming life mass which has the power to give and take away life. Perhaps best likened to the Hindu goddess Kali, the oceans can be a place of restoration and relaxation, as in beach holidays and snorkelling trips, or of terror and destruction, with tsunamis and storms. --- ## **9 WAYS TO TAKE ACTION** World Oceans Day takes place annually on 8 June, and is a chance to celebrate and honour the oceans across the world. [**The Ocean Project**](https://theoceanproject.org/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) and [**The World Ocean Network**](https://www.worldoceannetwork.org/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) founded the day in 2002 as a way of promoting education and awareness. ### **GET INVOLVED - JOIN SURFERS AGAINST SEWAGE** In their latest campaign, SAS are working to raise awareness about plastic and to eliminate singleuse plastic bags. Find out how to support their work at [**sas.org.uk**](https://www.sas.org.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). ### **ORGANISE A BEACH CLEAN** Gather your local community together for a seasonal beach clean. ### **USE GREEN CLEANERS** Chemical based cleaning products can pollute the local water system and eventually end up in the ocean. Choose natural alternatives from your kitchen like vinegar, bicarbonate of soda and lemon juice. ### **USE LESS (OR NO) PLASTIC** Plastics that end up as ocean debris kill thousands of marine animals each year. Carry reusable bottles and cloth bags. Try a week or month long plastic-free challenge. ### **SWITCH UP FOOD STORAGE** Replace cling film with beeswax wraps or reusable containers. ### **SIMPLIFY THE BATHROOM** Choose bar soap, shampoo bars, and toothpaste tablets, instead of plastic bottled products. Avoid products with microbeads (check labels for “polyethylene” or “polypropylene”). Try bamboo toothbrushes instead of plastic ones. ### **WASH MINDFULLY** Synthetic fabrics (like polyester) shed microplastics in the wash, which end up in the ocean via water systems. Use a microplastic-catching laundry bag (e.g. [**Guppyfriend**](https://en.guppyfriend.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)) or filter. Wash clothes less often, on colder, shorter cycles. Choose clothing made from natural fabrics like cotton or wool when possible. ### **AVOID OVER-PACKAGING** Choose loose fruit and veg instead of pre-packaged. Bring your own containers to refill shops if available. Buy in bulk or larger sizes to reduce total packaging waste. ### **RECYCLE WITH CARE** Contaminated or incorrectly sorted recycling often ends up in landfill or incinerators - not actually recycled. Get clear on what your local council accepts in recycling. Rinse out containers before recycling them. Avoid “wishcycling” (putting things in the bin *hoping* they’ll be recycled). --- ## **WAYS TO CELEBRATE OCEAN DAY WITH KIDS** ### **Adopt a Sea Creature** Symbolically adopt a sea turtle or whale through organizations like [**WWF**](https://support.wwf.org.uk/adopt-a-turtle?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) or [**Oceana**](https://oceana.org/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). You get a certificate and can learn about "your" animal. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **Make a Sea Pledge** Create a pledge at home to protect the ocean and pin it on the fridge - choose simple actions like using reusable bottles or picking up litter. ### **Host an Ocean-Themed Movie Night** Make some snacks (popcorn with seaweed?!) and choose a film or TV show such as *My Octopus Teacher* (with guidance for older kids)*, The Blue Planet* (BBC clips) *or Finding Nemo* or *Moana* (fictional but ocean-celebratory). ### **Make a Poster** Grab some paper, pens and old magazines to make a poster collage. Everyone gets a chance to design a poster encouraging ocean protection. Add messages like “Say No to Plastic,” “Protect the Coral,” or “Keep It Blue.” Hang them in your window or display in school or at a community group. --- ## **BOOKS TO READ** [**The Storm Whale**](https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/storm-whale-book-benji-davies-9781471115684?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **by Benji Davies** A beautifully illustrated story about a boy who finds a whale washed up on the beach. A quiet, touching tale of care and connection. [**Ocean: A Children's Encyclopedia**](https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/ocean-a-children-s-encyclopedia-book-dk-9780241185520?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **by Britta Teckentrup** This is the ultimate children's visual encyclopedia about the awe-inspiring blue planet. Explore every aspect of ocean life from animals and habitats to ocean exploration and climate change. [**Earth’s Incredible Oceans**](https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/earth-s-incredible-oceans-book-jess-french-9780241459140?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **by Jess French** An engaging and accessible nonfiction book packed with fascinating facts, species profiles, and stunning visuals. [**This Book is Not Rubbish**](https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/this-book-is-not-rubbish-book-isabel-thomas-9781526361530?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **by Isabel Thomas** A fun and empowering guide to eco-action for kids, with sections about ocean pollution and what they can do to help. [**The Lost Whale**](https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/lost-whale-book-hannah-gold-9780008412944?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **by Hannah Gold** A companion novel to [***The Last Bear***](https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/last-bear-book-hannah-gold-9780008411312?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), this time focused on the Pacific Ocean and a child’s bond with a humpback whale. Deeply moving and hopeful. [**The Big Book of the Blue** ](https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/big-book-of-the-blue-book-yuval-zommer-9780500651193?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)**by Yuval Zommer** A large-format, visually rich non-fiction book with quirky facts and beautiful artwork covering all kinds of sea creatures. Fun and full of wonder. [**Manfish: A Story of Jacques Cousteau**](https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/manfish-book-jennifer-berne-9781452141237?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **by Jennifer Berne & Éric Puybaret** A poetic and inspiring biography of the legendary ocean explorer, ideal for sparking curiosity about the sea, diving, and marine life. ### How a Furry Friend Can Support Your Child's Wellbeing URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/how-a-furry-friend-can-support-your-childs-wellbeing/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:23.000Z ## **Claire Chamberlain** explores the benefits of pets There are so many brilliant reasons why you might be considering a new addition to your home in the form of a furry, four-legged family member. It’s true that a cherished pet can truly complete a family. But as well as offering the animal in question a loving home for life, your pet will undoubtedly offer you and your children a host of money-can’t-buy benefits in return. Families with pets may be more likely to be fitter and healthier! One 2023 study, published in the journal Frontiers in Public Health, found pet owners showed a higher frequency of physical activity than non-owners. OK, this might apply more if you own a dog as opposed to a goldfish, but a four-legged family member is certainly a great way to ensure you all get out and about together in the fresh air. It doesn’t end at physical health, either. A pet can be a wonderful mood-booster and help to soothe away anxiety – a 2019 study, published in the journal Animals, concluded that interacting with a pet dog considerably reduces anxiety and feelings of sadness, and also improves happiness scores. Child psychologist, Dr Alison McClymont ([**@alisonmcclymontinsta**](https://www.instagram.com/alisonmcclymontinsta/?hl=en&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)), agrees that a pet can provide wonderful emotional support for children. “Pets are commonly used in therapy spaces as emotional support animals – and with good reason,” she says. “Pets offer unfaltering love and friendship, and in their non-verbal way can help calm a child, while offering an uninterrupting ear to listen to problems.” ### **The best teacher** Pet ownership goes beyond emotional support, though. By opening your home to a pet, you are inviting a creature into your lives that can serve as your child’s greatest teacher, helping them to grow in emotional maturity. “A family pet offers a non-human attachment figure, and this wonderful relationship can teach a child about unconditional love, trust, empathy and loss,” says Dr McClymont. “A pet can be a companion, confidante and playmate. They also teach children responsibility – duty-caring for a pet can be a great way to encourage a child to take responsibility for something other than themselves.” ### **Pets and neurodivergent children** Of course, pets can be a wonderful addition to any family, but when you have a neurodivergent and/or chronically ill child, they can play an even more important role. “In families with neurodivergent and ill children, \[a pet’s presence\] is even more significant, because these children may often be socially isolated or lonely due to a variety of factors, including bullying or long periods of absence from school due to ill health,” says Jane Green MBE, chair and founder of SEDSConnective ([**sedsconnective.org**](https://www.sedsconnective.org/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)). “A pet can both give and receive unconditional love for children who might not have a connection with any or many other children or adults.” Jane goes on to explain just how vital a pet can be when it comes to communication. “Having a pet can help a neurodivergent child develop and improve effective communication, particularly as they start to learn their pet’s body language, which is much simpler to understand than complex and often confusing human body language,” she says. “It’s a great transferable skill, which they can apply to communicating with humans as they get older and start to develop better social cognition skills. But while in their safe space at home, their pet friend will not judge or reject them. “You may also find that while your autistic child avoids eye contact with you and the other humans in their life, they will often be able to make eye contact with their pet. Harvard researchers have found this is because, for autistic people, eye contact can overstimulate the part of their brain responsible for reading emotions in other people’s faces, causing a feeling of stress, unease and discomfort. But animal behaviours are much easier to interpret than confusing human social cues, and as long as your animal trusts your child, they won’t judge them for making eye contact for too long, either!” ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **Allergies and pet ownership** Jane says that while a pet can offer incredible support, it’s important to take potential allergies into account. However, that’s not to say your child can’t benefit from the support and presence of a pet: “Some children will be unable to have furry pets, due to atopic dermatitis, allergies linked to symptomatic hypermobility or immunodeficiency. In such cases, they might be able to have pets which have fewer allergens. Some cats and dogs are known for being less allergenic, due to the type of fur they have. Alternatively, there are pets that they don’t handle, such as fish.” --- ## **How to choose a pet** ### Looking to add a family pet to your household? **Alyson Jones**, director of rehoming and fostering services at Blue Cross has the following advice: ### • Do your research: you might have a particular animal or breed in mind, but just because you like the look of it, it doesn’t mean it’s the best fit for your family. Every pet has its own personality, and some breeds of dog, for example, have strong traits. Focus on looking for a friendly, confident pet, rather than a particular breed. • Small pet considerations: many people think all small pets are a good choice for children, but that’s not always the case. Some, like hamsters, are nocturnal, so won’t appreciate being woken when your child’s ready to play, while others, like gerbils, are quick and agile, and can be difficult for younger children to handle. Rats, on the other hand, often make great pets because they’re highly sociable. • Never impulse buy: your new pet could live for anything from two to 20 years, so really consider the responsibility before purchasing. • Think about your lifestyle: if you want a dog, but your family isn’t around during the day, who will look after it? If you want a cat, do you have safe outside space? It’s important to consider your future pet’s happiness and needs. • Consider costs: remember, a pet can be a big financial commitment – make sure you factor in food bills, insurance and vet bills before taking the plunge! • Why not adopt? There are thousands of animals in shelters like Blue Cross waiting for their forever home, so adopting is a wonderful option. An adult rescue pet is a great choice, as their personality is already established, so you can bring them home with greater confidence. For more information about finding the right pet, starting the adoption process or supporting the work of Blue Cross, please visit [**bluecross.org.uk**](https://www.bluecross.org.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). --- ### **Finley, 13 talks about his relationship with his cat** Finley, now 13, has autism and sensory processing disorder, so everyday life can be overwhelming. Coping with social anxiety, stress and isolation was a daily challenge and Finley was struggling to leave the family home. Desperate to help, Finley’s parents thought a cat might bring some comfort, so they brought rescue cat, Chi, into their son’s life. The effect was remarkable – the pair bonded instantly, and Finley got the unconditional love and non-judgemental friendship he needed to thrive. The mutual bond between Finley and Chi has been truly transformative. “Chi really is an ambassador for cats and helping more people understand what wonderful therapy they can be for children with autism spectrum disorder,” says Finley’s mum, Jo. Finley was a finalist in Cats Protection’s National Cat Awards in 2019\. Cats Protection is the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and holds the National Cat Awards every year. Check out [**cats.org.uk**](https://www.cats.org.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). ### Your Full Moon Ritual to Make Wild Magic! URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/your-full-moon-ritual-to-make-wild-magic/ Last updated: 2025-06-07T10:15:56.000Z Hello, A big, warm welcome to this week’s newsletter! We’ve had a super fun week out and about with friends and family in the woods, and on the beach. One afternoon we gathered with friends by the fire and made these gorgeous [**leaf watercolour paintings**](https://www.mudandbloom.com/blog/watercolour-leaf-paintings?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). I've been so into making things lately, and have my eye on making an epic animal with Iris. For some next level crafting, check out the [**wonderful resources**](https://www.theherds.org/events?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) available to tie in with climate-awareness, moving art installation, The Herds. Fancy making your own [**pangolin**](https://www.theherds.org/education?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)? Also, check out [**the diary**](https://www.theherds.org/events?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) and get along to an event in the next month to witness life-size puppet animals travelling a 20,000km route from the Congo Basin to the Arctic Circle. Also… proud mama moment - I’m sending this from Bristol where I’m hanging out with my two eldest kids. My middle daughter has her end of year show tonight. She’s just completed her degree in Fashion and Textiles at UWE, and her creations are AMAZING! ## **Here's What We've Been Up to This Week** ### **Making Our Own Daisy Balm** The grassy banks in our local park are filled with daisies right now. We’ve got a fair few in our garden too, which is what we used to make this super simple balm. Here’s a simple, natural recipe for making your own daisy bruise balm at home using common daisies (*Bellis perennis*), which have traditionally been used for soothing bruises, bumps, and sore muscles thanks to their anti-inflammatory and skin-healing properties. ### **Daisy Bruise Balm Recipe** ### **What you need:** - 1 cup fresh daisy flowers (unsprayed, picked on a dry day) - 1/2 cup olive oil (or other carrier oil like sweet almond or sunflower) - 1 tbsp beeswax (pellets or grated) - Optional: a few drops of lavender essential oil (for extra soothing) ### Instructions: **Make Daisy-Infused Oil** Gently rinse and dry the daisies (ensure no bugs remain). Place them in a clean jar and cover with the oil. Let them infuse for 2 weeks on a sunny windowsill, shaking daily. *Quick method:* gently warm the daisies and oil in a double boiler or slow cooker on low for 2–3 hours. Strain through cheesecloth or a fine sieve to remove the flowers. **Make the Balm** In a heatproof bowl or double boiler, gently melt the beeswax into the infused oil. Stir until fully melted and combined. Add optional essential oil (3–5 drops). Pour into small, clean tins or jars and let cool and harden. ### **How to Use:** - Apply gently to bruises, bumps, or sore muscles as needed. - Suitable for adults and kids (do a patch test first). Check out [**Becky O'Cole's recipe**](https://www.beckyocole.com/daisy-bruise-balm-recipe/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) for Daisy Balm, plus lots more recipes [**here**](https://www.beckyocole.com/daisy-bruise-balm-recipe/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). She took the beautiful photograph I've used for today's newsletter! _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### 61 Family Friendly Festivals in 2025 URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/61-family-friendly-festivals-in-2025/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:23.000Z ## Whether you’re looking for something small and intimate, a free party, or you want to see big names in a safe, secure environment, you’ll find your perfect experience here says **Kate Hodges**. Get that tent packed, put on your best floppy hat and let’s go! ## **If You Want an Event Geared Towards Families** ### **Trill On The Hill - East Devon, 26-31 July** [**trillonthehill.co.uk** ](https://www.trillonthehill.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Family Camp on the Jurassic Coast is the perfect escape from everyday life. Join up to 10 families for a special wild camping experience in rural East Devon. Cook on a campfire, gaze at the stars, run wild through the woods, track creatures of the night, make music, whittle, weave, wallow. Hosted by the founder of Neal’s Yard Remedies, this is a wild camp – there’s cold running water, compost loos and some ingenious hot bucket showers! You’ll prepare your own meals and share a communal feast on the last night. ### **Camp Bestival - Lulworth Castle, 31 July-3 August** [**campbestival.net** ](https://dorset.campbestival.net/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Designed by families especially for families, Camp Bestival combines all the fun of a fantastic family camping holiday with action-packed festival adventure. Activities include making huge dens in Tinkertown, bread making, workshops that will introduce you to new skills including printing and sashiko, and fields upon fields of rides, circus acts and sports. Music is stellar, with shows from Tom Jones, Basement Jaxx, Sugababes and Mr Tumble. ### **Wildwise Family Camp - South Devon, 1-6 August** [**wildwise.co.uk** ](https://wildwise.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Choose from a menu of immersive activity that will take your connection to the natural world to a whole new level. More of a holiday than a festival, this is about building community, forming new friendships and learning new skills. There’ll be scavenger hunts and green woodworking, nocturnal games, den-making and stories around the campfire. All main meals included. ### **Gloworm Festival - Thoresby Park Nottinghamshire, 8-10 August** [**glowormfestival.co.uk** ](https://glowormfestival.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) This festival has been especially created for grown ups and their little people aged up to 13 years old. It’s high-energy, silly and lots of fun. Now in its 9th year expect workshops and classes, lots of tribute bands, forest schools and medieval camps, wrestling workshops, over-sized arcade games and drumming. ### **On The Hill Summer Family Camp - Oxen Park Farm, South Devon, 13-18 August** [**onthehill.camp/familycamp** ](https://onthehill.camp/family-camp-on-the-hill-devon/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Now in their fifth year, these camps are held by a warm and creative hosting team, with diverse facilitators, and many families return every year. Each day starts with a morning circle followed by workshops in rural crafts, gardening and cooking, clay play, firebuilding, drumming, singing, yoga and treasure hunts. There’s also plenty of down time for reading a book by the wildlife ponds, swinging in the hammock or wandering up the hill at sunset. And a wood fired hot tub built by young people! ### **Camp Kindling - Sevenoaks, Kent, 15-18 August** [**campkindling.co.uk** ](https://campkindling.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) This event brings together adventure with a full festival experience in a truly magical setting; a forest full of tall, breathtaking trees. Choose from more than 100 activities by day, from hot air ballooning to axe skills and over 50 live bands, DJs, comedians and stories by night including Dick and Dom and The Cuban Brothers. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/06/greenbelt-festival-support-Tiny-Tea.jpg) #### Greenbelt Festival - Boughton House, Nr. Kettering, 21-24 August [****greenbelt.org.uk**](https://www.greenbelt.org.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) The theme at Greenbelt this year is Hope in the Making; a vibrant blend of music, arts, activism, and spirituality. The lineup features a diverse array of performers, including Adjoa Andoh, Brian Eno, Jordan Stephens and Kate Rusby. Families are at the heart of Greenbelt, with heaps of activities designed for children and young people. The festival boasts dedicated spaces like the Make & Create venue for arts and crafts, TaDah! for all-age performances, and The Lawn for outdoor games such as ultimate frisbee and Quidditch. Younger children can enjoy the Play Tent, filled with toys and ride-ons, while older kids can participate in the Late Night Village, offering evening entertainment. Go for the eclectic music lineup and extensive family-friendly offerings. ### **Summer Camp - Hawarden Estate, North East Wales, throughout the summer** [**thegoodlifesociety.co.uk** ](https://thegoodlifesociety.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) This is a series of intimate, luxurious events - an opportunity to reconnect with the outdoors whilst staying in one of the most beautiful places in the country. Each weekend is themed; family, wellness, and craft, while a guest chef will host a feast cooked over fire, while there’s a chance to learn new skills; robot building, floristry, collage, mending or kayaking. --- ## **If You Want to Find Your Folk** ### **Folk In A Field - Nr. Swaffham, Norfolk 3-6 July** [**folkinafield.co.uk** ](https://www.folkinafield.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Set in a remote woodland clearing, for ten years, Folk in a Field has brought together a diverse mix of folk and roots. This laid-back family friendly festival is headlined by 3 Daft Monkeys and Gaz Brookfield and the Company of Thieves, while for kids there’s an open mic stage, mud kitchen, circus workshops, clay play and Hercules, the giant rocking horse. ### **Into the Valley - Bromyard, 19 July** [**nozstock.com**](https://nozstock.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Formerly Nozstock, this down-scaled event is smaller, but perfectly formed. Now in its 27th year, and for one night only, come to hear ska, folk, drum n’ bass and classic roots and scrub-a-dub. No huge names, just lots of like-minded people. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/06/A-beautiful-summers-day-at-Folk-by-the-Oak.jpg) #### ****Folk By The Oak - Hatfield Park 20 July** [****folkbytheoak.com** ](https://www.folkbytheoak.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) This vibrant, family-friendly day of folk, roots, and acoustic music boasts a stellar lineup, including Bear’s Den, Kate Rusby, Fisherman’s Friends, and Orchestra Baobab on the Main Stage, while the Acorn Stage features rising talents like Project Smok and the London Youth Folk Ensemble. Families will find plenty to enjoy beyond the music. There’s circus skills, storytelling, singing workshops, climbing walls, archery, and fairy dancing. Many of these activities are free of charge. Additionally, the festival encourages attendees to bring their own picnics, and a variety of food stalls will be available, offering everything from world street food to traditional festival treats. ### **Stainsby Festival - Stainsby, North Yorks 18-20 July** [**stainsbyfestival.org.uk** ](http://stainsbyfestival.org.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) This not-for-profit event has, since the 1960s, been run entirely by unpaid volunteers and is all about live music and performance, featuring mainly folk and world - and no recorded - music; this year Kangaroo Moon and Keith Donnelly and Lauren South are playing. Situated on a lush, green site with views out to the National Trust's Hardwick Hall, the site returns to pasture after the festival. ### **Green Gathering - Chepstow 31 July-3 August** [**greengathering.org.uk**](https://www.greengathering.org.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Powered by wind, sun and people this original off-grid festival brings an eclectic array of artists to the stage; this year Billy Bragg, Beans on Toast and Martha Tilston top the bill. There’s also crafts, campaigns, permaculture, kids' area, green markets and more. The large, central Children’s Garden has shady trees and grassy lawns to run around in, surrounded by tents packed with activities and kids' hang-outs. The Teens Space has circus skills, crafts, music and games. ### **Harlequin Fayre - West Norfolk 1-3 August** [**harlequinfayre.co.uk** ](https://www.harlequinfayre.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Expect space, woodlands and calm with a fun, safe and thoughtfully designed children’s field powered by sun and people. Try cacaopowered ecstatic dance, bring your own instrument to Scrap Racketeers and lounge in the Red Tent. Or you might discover the world’s smallest natural history museum, woodland play sessions or the medieval village. ### **The Magpie’s Festival - Sutton Park, 8-9 August** [**themagpiesfestival.co.uk** ](https://www.themagpiesfestival.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Run by Yorkshire-based allfemale folk band, The Magpies, the local community is central to the festival's ethos. The super-relaxed festival focuses gender equality in the music industry, achieving gender parity in both line-up and staff, as well as providing a safe and comfortable environment for female musicians and festival goers and a gentle introduction to folk for younger festival-goers. ### **Rainbow Camp - Forest of Dean, 15-25 August** [**rainbowcamp.co.uk** ](https://rainbowcamp.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) This is an eclectic, joyous gathering which is all about living in community. A place to make life-long friends, where children can run free, festivalgoers camp in circles and you can take part in workshops, music, dancing, yoga and ritual. There’s nightly campfires and star gazing, plus woodfired showers and sauna. Don’t miss the central fire circle on the final evening, led by Senegalese master drummers. ### **Small World Summer Festival - Headcorn Kent, 21-25 August** [**smallworldsolarstage.org**](https://smallworldsolarstage.org/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) This weeny festival is powered by the wind and sun and is all about creative spirit and sustainable living. The kids’ area on the village green brings music, dressing up, science and craft workshops, while teens can hone their circus skills and take part in a fire show. There’s a speaker’s forum and campaign space, veggie food and herbal first aid. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/06/ballet.jpg) #### Found Festival Claydon Estate, Nr Buckingham 22-24 August [****foundfestival.uk** ](https://www.foundfestival.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) A place to discover Americana, folk, country, world and roots music, the first Found will be held in this relaxed space on a picturesque country estate. See Elles Bailey and Talisk on the main stage, dance, learn heritage crafts or join the festival choir. ### **Shrewsbury Folk Festival 22-25 August** [**shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk** ](https://shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) An event that’s really geared up to festival goers of all ages, with a powerhouse line-up including Judy Tzuke, Martha Wainwright, The Levellers and the last ever festival performance by the Oysterband! For children up to 11 years old, Pandemonium brings music, dance, crafts, storytelling, drama and lots more fun, while at Refolkus, 11-20 years olds can get creative through music, dance, circus skills, henna tattooing and more. --- ## **If You Want to Learn Something New** ### **Also Festival - Warwickshire, 11-13 July** [**also-festival.com** ](https://www.also-festival.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Also is where ideas run wild, and this year, the theme is the very juicy ‘love and horror’. Chat with Miranda Sawyer, Robin Ince and Gina Rippon, celebrate cheese with Emma Young, take a lantern-lit soundbath or recalibrate your senses with Juliet Russell’s Heart Songs. By night… dance, dance, dance. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/06/between-the-trees-featured.jpg) #### Between The Trees - Merthyr Mawr National Nature Reserve, South Wales, 22-25 August [****betweenthetrees.co.uk** ](https://betweenthetrees.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) The festival began as a vision shared by two passionate educators - Dr. Andrew Thomas and Dawn Wood. They wanted to create an event that would reignite curiosity and foster a love of learning through hands on, creative experiences rooted in nature. Now in its 8th year, the festival is a unique blend of nature, science, art, dance, and music. Held in a breathtaking 100acre forest nestled between two ancient castles this is a micro-festival, offering an intimate, community-focused atmosphere. No long lines, no overcrowding, just space to breathe, connect, and enjoy yourselves. The theme this year is Tradition. Wales (Cymru), a land rich in folklore and myth, provides the perfect backdrop to explore ancient stories through spoken word, dance, and song. For families, Sylvania is the heart of the festival—a vibrant woodland space offering forest school sessions, dance workshops by Ballet Cymru, hula hooping, puppetry, theatre, and mime. --- ## **If You Believe In Magic** ### **3 Wishes Fairy Festival - Glastonbury, 1-3 August** [**fairyfestival.co.uk** ](https://fairyfestival.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Close your eyes, wish very hard, and you might see a real-life faerie or three at this gathering of the Celtic clans. The Fairy School opens every day; make wands, watch circus acts, paint and take part in full-power cacao ceremonies. In the evening, there are magical shows and drum circles in the Big Top. This is a plant-based festival – all food is vegetarian and vegan. ### **New Forest Fairy Festival - New Forest, 9-10 August** [**newforestfairyfestival.com** ](https://newforestfairyfestival.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Meet real fairies, including The Tooth Fairy, the Unicorn Queen and the Mermaid Singing Siren, and enjoy theatre and puppet shows, potion and wand making, mediumship, tarot and sound baths. Plus, excellently, Hello Dolly, a Dolly Parton tribute show! --- ## **If You Love Crafts and Traditional Skills** ### **Summer Solstice Bushcraft Weekend - Peak District, 21–22 June** [**redoakbushcrafts.co.uk**](https://www.redoakbushcrafts.co.uk/events/p/6may-ml2ls-fe5t3-asgms-94cfd-jfx85-8mrcx-pw564-5fcbj-xyc8w-7nwar?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) An immersive weekend course covering core survival skills, such as fire-lighting, shelter-building, and navigation. While primarily aimed at adults, supervised older children are welcome to participate. ### **Wilderness Gathering - Hole Park, Rolvenden, Kent, 14-17 July** [**wildernessgathering.co.uk**](https://www.wildernessgathering.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) A unique UK festival that celebrates bushcraft, survival skills, and outdoor living. Set in a beautiful natural location, it brings together families, experts, and nature lovers for hands-on workshops, traditional crafts, wild food, and a deep connection to the land. ### **Woodland Festival - Thoresby Park Estate, 26-27 July** [**sherwoodforest.org.uk**](https://sherwoodforest.org.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) This is the 11th year of forestry fun in the beautiful grounds of the Walled Garden, in the heart of Robin Hood country. Expect a celebration of woodlands and traditional crafts, with kids eco art, coracle building, tree stories and – if you’re brave enough – a chance to meet the Wild Man of The Woods. ### **Growing Wild Family Festival - Dewslake Farm Campsite, Pembrokeshire, 30 August** [**dewslakecamping.co.uk**](https://www.dewslakecamping.co.uk/whats-on/the-growing-wild-family-festival-2025/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) A family-oriented festival celebrating nature with workshops on bushcraft, crafts, yoga, and music. Activities include flower crown making, beeswax wrap crafting, and drumming sessions, all set in the great outdoors. ### **A Weekend in the Woods - Stanford Hall Estate, Leicestershire, 11–12 October** [**stanfordhall.co.uk**](https://stanfordhall.co.uk/visit-us/a-weekend-in-the-woods-with-ray-mears-2025?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Organized by Bushcraft Magazine, this event offers a unique opportunity to learn from renowned survival expert Ray Mears. The weekend includes workshops on bushcraft skills, nature walks, and a communal meal, all set within the estate's ancient woodlands. --- ## **If You Love Storytelling** ### **Festival At The Edge - Hopton Court, Kidderminster, 18-20 July** [**festivalattheedge.org**](https://www.festivalattheedge.org/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) The oldest storytelling festival in the UK, Festival at the Edge brings you the very best in traditional, and contemporary storytelling from the British Isles and around the globe. Expect interactive kids sessions, virtuoso tall tales, intimate fireside sharing and lots of laughter and tears. And, of course, plenty of opportunities to learn how to share your own stories, laughter yoga and tai chi, live music, dance artists and morris troops. ### **Oxford Storytelling Festival - Waterperry House and Gardens, 5-7 September** [**oxfordstorytellingfestival.co.uk** ](https://www.oxfordstorytellingfestival.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) This intimate and inclusive weekend festival is about weaving magic with stories, spoken word, poetry and song, and is a true feast for the senses. A grand tipi, pitched in the graceful gardens of Waterperry house, takes centre stage, filled with stories and magic, musicians with songs collected over the ages, plus an open mic and areas for young people to explore and perform. --- ## **If You Love Food!** ### **Garlic Festival - Isle of Wight, 16-17 August** [**garlicfestival.co.uk** ](https://www.garlicfestival.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Chop chop! Time to get to this bite-sized party that celebrates all things pungently savoury. See star chefs using the versatile ingredient in the most creative of fashions, enjoy live music, dog shows and learn how to make the perfect garlic bread. Plus hail the Garlic Queen! As they say, ‘eat, drink, STINK!’ ### **The Big Feastival - Cotswolds, 22-24 August** [**thebigfeastival.com**](https://bigfeastival.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Taking place on Alex James' idyllic Cotswolds farm, Big Feastival brings together music from the UK’s biggest artists (this year Faithless, Travis and Sophie-Ellis Bextor all take to the stage), Michelin star chefs, awardwinning street food, great live comedy and family activities that include hip hop karaoke, wild play, talent shows and appearances from Justin Fletcher and Hey Duggee! --- ## **If You Want To Heal And Refresh** ### **Buddhafield Festival - Nr. Taunton 16-20 July** [**buddhafield.com**](https://buddhafield.com/buddhafield-festival-2025?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) A joyful gathering of people who come together to celebrate community, meditate and connect with the land. Sing, dance, join in with your instrument or voice, heal and play, all without alcoholic drinks or recreational drugs. There are workshops, Buddhist study sessions, storytelling and rituals, and the event is open and inclusive for everyone, regardless of their background or beliefs. The theme for 2025 is Uncovering the Jewel. ### **Sun And Moon Wellness Festival - Wolverstone, Suffolk 28 July-4 August** [**sunandmoonfestival.com**](https://sunandmoonfestival.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) A whole week of activities and courses for adults and children. For kids, there’s a forest school, swimming, football, ecstatic dance sessions, family nature exploration and rounders games. Creative classes include sound adventures, den building, qigong and graffiti workshops. Adults can explore trauma relief and breath work workshops or dance at soulshine sessions. ### **Soul Revolution - Weston Park, Staffordshire, 7-11 August** [**soulrevolutionfestival.com** ](https://soulrevolutionfestival.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) A transformational, alcohol-free gathering where holistic health, world music, and community come together to create a life-changing experience. The incredibly family-friendly, safe, and accepting party takes place in beautiful countryside; with music and mediation, ceremonies and yoga plus new ways to connect with nature. ### **Tribal Earth - Laughton, Sussex, 14-17 August** [**tribalearth.co.uk**](https://tribalearth.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Tribal Earth is a safe and friendly festival in a beautiful setting overlooking the South Downs. Join workshops, drum circles, yoga and meditation classes, and enjoy live music and fire shows. Profits from the events are donated to The Clock Tower Sanctuary supporting homeless young people in Brighton and Hove. ### **Into The Wild - Chiddinglye Estate, Sussex, 21-25 August** [**intothewildgathering.com** ](https://www.intothewildgathering.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Make friends for life, learn new skills, relax and be yourself with the whole family. Surrounded by meadows, forests and dark skies there are over 200 workshops and activities, brilliant world music, wild crafts, talks from nature writers and a wholesome kids area, all geared around connecting with the wild world. ### **Verve - Tisbury, Wilts, 13-14 Sept** [**feeltheverve.com** ](https://www.feeltheverve.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Dubbed, the ‘Woodstock of wellness” this festival offers 5 arenas of breathwork, meditation, yoga, drumming and fitness classes plus expert talks on everything from sober curiosity to sustainable eating. Experience gong baths, yoga, menopause chats and shamanic healing or unwind with a facial or restorative massage in the Woodland Spa. --- ## **If You Want to Be Active** ### **Love Trails Festival - South Wales, 10-13 July** [**lovetrailsfestival.co.uk**](https://www.lovetrailsfestival.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Is running your thing? Love hiking? Join thousands of others for an four-day celebration of movement, music and outdoor adventure on the wild coast of South Wales. Spend your days hoofing around some of the most glorious scenery in the UK, then dance under the stars. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **Dance Camp East - Nr Southwold, 19-27 July** [**dancecampeast.com**](https://dancecampeast.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) This is a place where you can express yourself freely, and explore the joy of coming together with a community to dance. Start the morning with energetic exercise, relax at a gong bath, shake a leg at an evening disco, learn Latin, or try chakra dancing or tree hugging. We guarantee you’ll come away bright-eyed and energised! Kids can try out trampolining, stilt walking, play games of volleyball or join the community band. ### **World Yoga Festival - Henley On Thames, 31 July-3 August** [**yogafestival.world**](https://www.yogafestival.world/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Founded in 2016, World Yoga Festival brings together the most revered and diverse collection of teachers every year. Somewhere between retreat and festival, you’ll find ample time to relax as well as practice many forms of yoga, make your own T-shirts, listen to inspiring live music, do drumming workshops and make South Indian floor art as well as much more. --- ## **If You Love Music and Want Bigger Names** ### **Glastonbury Festival - Somerset, 25-29 June** [**glastonburyfestivals.co.uk**](https://glastonburyfestivals.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) The Granddaddy of festivals! This year's festival boasts an impressive lineup, with headliners including The 1975, Neil Young, and Olivia Rodrigo. Over 3,000 performances across multiple stages, offering a diverse array of music, arts, and cultural experiences. As 2026 is designated as a fallow year to allow the land to recover, this edition of Glastonbury promises to be a particularly memorable event ### **Love Supreme - Glynde Place, Sussex, 4-6 July** [**lovesupremefestival.com**](https://lovesupremefestival.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) The Love Supreme Jazz Festival is the largest outdoor jazz festival in Europe. Held over three days on the first weekend of July, Love Supreme hosts a world-class line up of jazz, R&B, funk, soul and more in the stunning grounds of Glynde Place. This year Jacob Collier, Maxwell, En Vogue and Smokey Robinson are playing. ### **Latitude - Henham Park, Suffolk, 24-27 July** [**latitudefestival.com**](https://www.latitudefestival.com/index.php?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) One of the biggies, Latitude has always prided itself on its varied arts programming. Headlining the main stage this year are Sting, Basement Jaxx, Fatboy Slim and Snow Patrol. But the line-ups on the theatre stages, comedy, a podcasts and conversations tent are just as juicy; see Bridget Christie, Greg Davies, Mark Thomas and Bryony Kimmings’ Bog Witch. The Kids Area has a packed programme, more like a festival within a festival, while The Enchanted Garden is more chilled out, with activities including face-painting and archery. Camp Greenpeace offers nature-focused action and adventure, ushering families into a world of action and adventure amongst the trees. Best of all, all activities are free. ### **Deer Shed Festival - Baldersby Park, N. Yorks, 25-28 July** [**deershedfestival.com**](https://deershedfestival.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) There are no kids areas as such at Deer Shed. The whole site is accessible to everyone and designed to invoke wonder; this is a thoughtful, gentler festival. This year, run wild in the Nerf Gun Arena, take an ice bath, or settle down at the cleverly curated literary tent with Stuart Murdoch and Adelle Stripe. This year headliners include Idlewild, The Big Moon and Kae Tempest. ### **Kendal Calling - Nr. Penrith, Cumbria 31 July-3 August** [**kendalcalling.co.uk**](https://kendalcalling.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Brash, colourful and very, very fun, this is a full-on party packed with well-chosen names. On the main stage Fatboy Slip, The Prodigy, Travis and Kaiser Chiefs hold court, with big-hitters all the way down the bill. The kids’ area features activities for children of all ages, including yoga, theatre shows, inflatables, circus workshops face painting and more, or hang out with Charlatans icon Tim Burgess and unbilled musical friends at his Tim Peaks Diner. ### **Y Not Festival - Derbyshire, 31 July-3 August** [**ynotfestival.com**](https://ynotfestival.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) This promises to be an epic weekend away for families with headliners including Madness, The Last Dinner Party and Franz Ferdinand. Not only is it a chance for the whole family to catch some artfully chosen music acts, there’s plenty on offer in the daytime. The Circus brings a cast of talented performers ready to dazzle with their brilliant bendy acrobatic skills while Go Wild is the new adventure area with laser tag, archery and ‘axe’ throwing (wahoo!) ### **Boomtown - Matterley Estate, Hants, 6-10 August** [**boomtownfair.co.uk**](https://www.boomtownfair.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) The aim at Boomtown is that people of all backgrounds, beliefs, ages, gender identities, sexual orientations, abilities and races come together to share in the delight and playfulness of this huge festival. This is like an enormous parallel world where unique city districts come alive. With 12 main stages, over 50 hidden venues, thousands of performers, Boomtown is a place like no other. Headliners include the Sex Pistols, Sean Paul and Rudimental, but there’s always a slew of last-minute surprises. ### **Devafest - Cholmondeley Castle, Cheshire, 7-10 August** [**devafest.co.uk**](https://www.devafest.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) This year crowd-pleasing headliners include Gloria Gaynor, Happy Mondays and Dick and Dom, and the main stage is inside a huge big top, so you can enjoy them whatever the weather. There’s free fairground rides, on site watersports and water slides, circus shows and parades. ### **Green Man - Bannau Brycheiniog, 14-17 August** [**greenman.net**](https://www.greenman.net/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) One for the serious music heads; from Wet Leg through Underworld to Kneecap and Yard Act there’s plenty to get excited about. Green Man are really good at championing new music – check out the Rising stage. Little Folk caters for the tiniest of tots all the way through to the most intrepid 12-year-olds. It’s bursting with workshops, music and mischief. In the teen area there’s DJ workshops, fire shows, filmmaking fun and more. And all among the most gorgeous Welsh mountains. A settler’s pass will allow you to experience the community experience for a full week. ### **Beautiful Days - Escot Park, Devon, 16-18 August** [**beautifuldays.org**](https://www.beautifuldays.org/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Beautiful Days is the Levellers’ family music festival and this year brings The Sex Pistols, Frank Turner, John Grant and, of course, The Levellers to the stage. Proudly independent, with gallons of community spirit, Beautiful Days has no sponsorship. There’s a huge children’s area, walkabout theatre, family camping and Kanga Wellbeing with a range of therapies and classes. ### **Hardwick Festival - Stockton on Tees, 15-18 August** [**hardwickfestival.co.uk**](https://hardwickfestival.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) This is a Big Pop party! Headliners Scissor Sisters, Pet Shop Boys and Olly Murs, while there’s a healthy line-up of dance DJs including Jeremy Healy, Brandon Block and Horse Meat Disco. And there’s plenty of space for kids in the Kaos & Euphoria kids area and magic show tent. ### **Stowaway Festival - Buckingham, 15-17 August** [**stowawayfestival.co.uk**](https://stowawayfestival.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Stowaway is for dancers whose minds are as active as their feet. As well as sets from Fabio & Grooverider, Derrick Carter and The Wailers, and floor-fillers right to the lower reachers of the bill, there are bushcraft workshops, lake swimming, swap shops, banquets, tree climbing and a roller disco. ### **Shambala - Northamptonshire 21-24 August** [**shambalafestival.org**](http://shambalafestival.org/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Fiercely independent, with no sponsors, Shambala is also ethically cool; this is a meat-and-fish-and-plastic free event, as well as being renewably powered. It pulls off the trick of being family friendly, with one of the best family fields in the country - yet also a proper party. This year, expect mind-blowing sets from Digable Planets, Asian Dub Foundation and Queen Omega and The Royal Souls. ### **End of the Road Festival - Blandford Forum, Dorset 29 Aug – 1 Sept** [**endoftheroadfestival.com**](https://endoftheroadfestival.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) This last-gasp-of-summer festival makes the perfect end to the long holidays. They take music seriously, but with a knowing wink. Father John Misty, the wonderful Self Esteem, Sharon Etten and the hilarious Viagra Boys are headlining this year. There’s a forested wonderland, strewn with art installations and woodland workshops and a musical edge to almost everything on site. If you wander past the Piano Stage at the right time, you might stumble on a secret show by your favourite artist. --- ## **If You Want Free Entry** ### **So Festival - Skegness 13-14 June, Mablethorpe 15 June** [**sofestival.org**](https://www.sofestival.org/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Lincolnshire’s joyous, free international festival of the arts sees the pavements of Skegness and Mablethorpe spring into life. With a particular focus on street theatre, this is a lovely event to wander around, with lots of child-friendly, silly fun on offer. ### **First Light Festival - Lowestoft, 21-22 June** [**firstlightlowestoft.com**](https://firstlightlowestoft.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) With inclusivity and sustainability at its heart, and taking place from sunrise on the UK’s most easterly beach at midsummer, First Light this year includes performances from Brian Bilston, Nubiyan Twist and Jackie Kay. And it’s all free! ### **Leigh Folk Festival, 28-29 June** [**leighfolkfestival.com**](https://www.leighfolkfestival.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) The UK’s biggest free celebration of folk music returns this year. It has an unrivalled pastoral feeling, and the added bonus of the sea being close at hand – there’s a necklace of venues strung along the waterfront, the wharf and the Library gardens that include pubs, libraries and the sailing club. The musical line-up is always very strong, but there’s also a compelling comedy, theatre and dance roster too. Take a wander around the venues and see what gems you discover. ### **Riverside Festival - Charlbury, Oxfordshire, 19-20 July** [**visitleicester.info**](https://visitleicester.info/festival/riverside-festival/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Ridiculously eclectic, this free music festival is the largest in Oxfordshire. Loll in the sun and watch rising local stars as well as well-loved favourites. ### **Stockton International Riverside Festival, 1-3 August** [**sirf.co.uk**](https://sirf.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Spectacular street theatre and circus comes to Stockton-on-Tees every year at the town’s colourful, free outdoor festival. Expect eye-popping spectacle and extraordinary circus feats from world class artists. Saturday’s carnival procession brings rhythms and dance to the streets of the town. Magical stuff that’s worth travelling for. ### **Festival of Thrift - Billingham, County Durham, 20-21 September** [**festivalofthrift.co.uk**](https://www.festivalofthrift.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) This party makes low-cost living bright and fun. It’s a riot of workshops; make poetic pennants, hedgerow tea or hand salve, dance at a ceilidh, or join a kids hammering and sawing class. Take some unneeded bits to the swap shop, repair a much-loved item at the Fix It Cafe, learn about budgeting and get some make-do-and-mend tips. There’s lots of entertainment, art, storytelling and wild fun on offer too. Entry free, park and ride for a couple of pounds. ### How a Volunteering Holiday Gave Us Total Freedom URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/giving-back/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:24.000Z ## Volunteering in rural France gave us a very different holiday experience says **Sarah Vanstone-Howe** ## During the Summer of 2019 we took our three children abroad for the first time in about five years. Having done a lot of travelling in pre-child days and worked in luxury travel, my husband and I were both keen to show our children the world beyond the UK. However, these days our budget and our lifestyle means that holidays are less about luxury and city breaks and more about staying local, usually in a caravan or a tent. This suits us fine as we really enjoy being in nature and find that parenting becomes a lot easier when things are kept simple. I was itching to go somewhere abroad though, so I was trying to figure out an affordable, family friendly and ideally green way to do it. Cue Wwoofing (Or Willing Workers on Organic Farms!). I already knew about this volunteer style holiday from some friends who had done it in more exotic parts of the world, so I decided to see what the options were in Europe. ### **Less Commercial Holiday** Wwoofing is a worldwide network of farm and homestead owners, who advertise for volunteer labour on their land. This could be anything from mucking out stables, to lavender picking, to fence building or bee keeping. In return the volunteers receive food and accommodation for their stay. Exact hours and conditions are agreed between the farmer and volunteer in advance. I soon • found a small farm in Normandy that was family friendly and would be easy for us to drive to, via the car ferry from Dover. I liked this option for a working holiday as it offered our children a cultural exchange with a French family (they had four children who were about the same age), we would be working in the mornings and still have the afternoons free for exploring, the physical work offered a connection to the land that I craved, and it was definitely a less commercial kind of holiday. The eldest had been abroad only once before, to Mallorca when she was about 10 months old, where she sweated a lot and breastfed the whole time on the plane which was the only way to keep her quiet. This time we would be going by car and ship, with a six, four and one year old. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/05/IMG_2585.JPG) ### **Overland Travel** Our journey went smoothly enough, taking nine hours door-to-door. We took a morning ferry crossing from Dover to Calais. We packed a big travel picnic for the car, with toys and books to keep everyone happy. At that age they were all great at sleeping in the car, so we only needed to do a few toilet and breastfeeding stops. Once in France and navigating with a map, we got lost a few times, but the amazing scenery more than made up for it. It reminded me of Tuscany at times, with big open landscapes and tree lined avenues. We arrived in the pretty village of Beaurainville, about 30 minutes from the coastal town of Berck, just south of the Caps et Marais d'Opale Regional Nature Park, a protected area of dunes, estuaries and coastal grasslands. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/05/IMG_2606.JPG) Once on the farm we met our hosts, Francois and Elodie. Their four boys were playing archery in the yard, with chickens running around. My older two quickly got involved in the game and we left them to it. The language barrier didn’t seem to be a problem for them. Francois and Elodie gave us a tour of the farm, before having a welcome meal in their ramshackle kitchen. It was primarily a chicken farm, with a small herd of cows, while Elodie kept an impressive food garden that surrounded the house. Any food waste went to the chickens, while Francois would regularly dump cow manure and straw from the tractor for Elodie’s garden. They were renovating another wing of the house, so we were put in a bedroom under the eaves there. We had a lovely view of the garden. The composting toilet was across the farmyard from our room and at night we would be rewarded for the walk with a spectacular crystal starry sky. ## "Woofing gave us a chance to see a bit of France we would never have otherwise seen" ### **Freedom To Roam** My husband was doing most of the real work on the farm, since I was with the children. So while he and Francois did the smelly and heavy work, Elodie and I picked beans in the garden, dug up potatoes, prepared lunch, and generally stayed nice and clean. Our older girls were usually off playing with the boys, rampaging about the farm in their welly boots, while the youngest was content to either be worn in the sling, sleep in the hammock, or sit on a canvas bag on the ground and pick grass. Elodie soon became my guru in all things permaculture and I picked up lots of ideas for my allotment back home, such as her broad bean tunnel that you can walk through and pick the beans from the inside. The bathroom window looked out onto a sea of pumpkin plants, the back terrace had grape vines growing up past the windows and every spare bit of ground had something growing on it. Their living room was like a treasure trove of books on all things eco, it was just a shame they were all in French and I couldn’t read them. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **Idyllic Vs. Hardcore** Overall our time at the farm was split between idyllic and hardcore moments. The idyllic bits included hanging out the washing under a willow tree with the youngest in the sling, watching swallows swoop over the meadow in the morning mist, having a dinner party with lots of French friends on the terrace and the time we canoed up the river which ran through the farm. The eldest and middle one were perched regally at the rear, while I cradled the youngest at the front and my husband struggled with the oars. The middle one said idly at one point while he flayed about trying to get us past a bramble bush “Daddy, are you rubbish?” The hardcore bits included the composting toilet (one shared between 11 of us), the sense of there being a layer of grime everywhere and the constant mess indoors, all giving it a ‘cold comfort farm’ feel. On the flip side by the second week I’d adjusted to this and was quite enjoying the lack of fuss about cleaning that the English are so obsessed with. Our afternoons out included picnics in the local forests (we found lots of picnic tables thoughtfully placed in random spots across the woods and countryside), plus exploring the local villages such as Montreuil, which is beautiful and boasts a castle complete with city wall that you can walk along the top of. The older two chomped on their baguettes with creamy goat’s cheese and salami, before scampering off to find mushrooms and build dens against trees. The youngest sat on the picnic table and grabbed at everything in sight, she gets very excited about food. We found plenty of sandy beaches too - ginormous sandy beaches that stretched over the horizon. The ones at Berck, Le Touquet and Merlimont were the best, it is a beautiful stretch of coastline. ****How to WWOOF** ****1\. FIND THE FARM THAT SUITS YOU** ****Browse the list of hosts in the network using search filters.** ****2\. ORGANIZE YOUR STAY** ****Become a member of WWOOF United Kingdom and get in touch with the hosts in the network.** ****3\. LEARN, HELP AND SHARE** ****Share your host's lifestyle by helping them with their farm work and everyday tasks. Take the opportunity to discover a region and take a breath of fresh air.** ### **Slowing Down** Our favourite bit of the trip was the slower pace of life and the great food. Woofing in this way also gave us a chance to see a bit of France we would never have otherwise seen. We were definitely off the beaten track. The oldest and middle one’s favourite bit was the ice cream (so many flavours, lavender was a hit), plus the fact that the local organic food store had goats that you could milk. The eldest also lost her two front teeth while we were there, so she had a visit from the French tooth mouse (it’s a mouse and not a fairy in France). The youngest’s favourite bit was probably my boobs and maybe the plums from the orchard that she liked to smoosh into her face at breakfast time. My adventures into permaculture and food growing continue at home. I’ve begun mulching all the beds on our allotment with manure and straw, donated from my friend who keeps alpacas. I’ve also built a broad bean tunnel with fence panels to walk through, inspired by Elodie. So would we go Woofing again? I think so. It depends a lot on the host you end up with. But ours were lovely and living on a farm for two weeks was a real eye-opener on a different way of life, and maybe on a different future for ourselves. We might try another country next time. The oldest one would like to visit Italy and is already asking when we are going… ***Sarah is a freelance writer and middle school teacher, with a background in publishing and travel who lives in Bedfordshire with her husband, four children and dog Coco.*** ### **MORE RESOURCES** **EXPLORE** Find opportunities for you and your family at[***wwoof.net***](https://wwoof.net/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)or [***wwoof.org.uk***](https://wwoof.org.uk/en/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **READ** Find Sarah on X [***@vanstone\_howe***](https://x.com/vanstone%5Fhowe?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)*.* ### Try This: Two Ingredient Ice Cream! URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/try-this-two-ingredient-ice-cream/ Last updated: 2025-06-03T18:42:16.000Z Hello, Thanks for bearing with me while I took a bit of time for rest over the weekend. Sorry that you didn't get your usual newsletter from me. Anyway, hope you had a good weekend. Iris and I had such a fun half term and learned some cool new skills – read on for more… ## **What we Got Up To During Half Term** ### **Read Simplicity Parenting** I whizzed through [**Simplicity Parenting**](https://www.hawthornpress.com/books/family/parenting/simplicity-parenting/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) (the revised edition) by Kim John Payne last week (it was the second time I'd read it, but I found so much new gold). It was hard to put down. I've come away with pages of ideas to implement to create more ease in family life. **Here are some of my notes:** • Look for ways to increase the amount of rhythm in our lives – for example, light a candle at mealtimes, go out for a walk afterwards. • Create a breakfast ritual with soothing music, and a tray of foods that Iris can easily prepare, and then set the table. Make it so that she can be responsible for this meal. Switch up our breakfast time foods to bread, olives, fruit and feta – things she loves. • Take time to share our dreams over breakfast. • Create a tray of activities and a snack for our very early riser, so that she can do something on her own while we get the sleep we need! • Remember kids need around 11 hours of sleep. • Create a rest and settling home period every day to ease the transition back indoors. When we get home have an activity that we always do to mark our homecoming (for example: watering plants, sitting down with a cup of tea and a story, laying the table for dinner, picking flowers for dinnertable). • Allow time for Iris to sink into deep play every day. • Consider a Sabbath – a morning or afternoon of rest and reconnection at home • Remember that '*everyone in the family is distracted when one member is distracted'*. Sort out my phone usage when I'm with Iris – create stronger boundaries for myself around when I can look at it. Resist the urge to pick it up as soon as I come downstairs in the morning. We’re running a piece in the next edition, out in July, around Simplicity Parenting and how to get started. I'm excited to share with you next month! _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Why I'm Not Writing a Newsletter Tonight URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/why-im-not-writing-a-newsletter-tonight/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:23.000Z Hello, Welcome to NOT this week's newsletter! Hope you've had a good week. We've had a wonderful one, full of friends and family, celebrations, cake and nature. It's left me on the floor where energy levels are concerned though. I'm in the middle of an intense bleed too. So, I'm going to write a proper email for you early next week. And for now, I'm just going to share this manifesto, taken from [**Wise Power**](https://www.redschool.net/product/wisepower?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) by Alexandra Pope and Sjanie Hugo-Wurlitzer, for women in their 40s, moving towards menopause. I think could be a useful tool for moontime too! I've tweaked it a little and written it out to have on the fridge as a daily reminder. I'm leaning on points 1, 2, 3, 7 and 9 to postpone writing a newsletter tonight. When I've regained my mojo levels, I'll send you a proper newsy missive. Til then... ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. Happy, restful weekend and lots of love, Melissa ***pps:*** The main photo is taken from one of our adventures this week - skipping through the woods in search of fairies, with Iris and one of her friends. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/05/PXL_20250530_161840891.jpg) ### 16 Things To Do In June URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/16-things-to-do-in-june/ Last updated: 2025-05-28T17:55:55.000Z It's time to brew honeysuckle tea, make sun water at the solstice, have fun at free festivals, take close-up pictures of bugs, look across the capital from rooftop gardens, and go wild! _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### 7 Fun, Free Play Ideas to Make the Most of a Trip to the Woods! URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/7-fun-free-play-ideas-to-make-the-most-of-a-trip-to-the-woods/ Last updated: 2025-05-25T18:50:55.000Z Hello, Happy Friday to you! How’s your week been? We’ve had a fun one – it was my niece’s birthday this week, and we went to [**Sussex Butterfly Gardens**](https://www.sussexbutterflygardens.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)\- she's got an amazing affinity with all creatures. At one point she had at least four butterflies resting on her hands and arms! Last weekend we tapped into some of the cool stuff happening at [**Brighton Festival**](https://brightonfestival.org/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) and the [**Fringe**](https://www.brightonfringe.org/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) \- read on to find out more. Ooh, just a heads up that the Wildlife Trusts are holding a [**t-shirt design competition**](https://www.wildlifewatch.org.uk/t-shirt-design-competition-nature-connection?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) for kids at the moment. It closes over the weekend. And, you can sign up for heaps of ideas and activities for [**30 Days Wild**](https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/30dayswild?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), which spans the whole of June [**here**](https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/30dayswild?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). Every day offers a challenge to help you get closer to nature! The photograph this week is a nature mandala made by the brilliant arts educator, healer and mandala creator, [**Emma Tuzzio**](https://themuseinthemirror.com/gallery/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) \- check out more of her work [**here**](https://themuseinthemirror.com/gallery/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). And read on for lots of woodland play ideas - including making mandalas from natural treasures. ## **Here’s What We’ve Been Up To This Week:** ### **Loving Elderflowers** How lush are the frothy, cream-coloured elderflowers right now? Iris and I have been picking them straight from the plant and loving their delicate, floral taste. There are loads of easy ways that you can use them though. Here’s a recipe for [**Elderflower Shortbread**](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/recipe-elderflower-shortbread/)**.** Or perhaps some [**Elderflower Turkish Delight**](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/3-delicious-elderflower-recipes/)**?!** And for all the hayfever sufferers out there, here’s a quick, easy recipe to make your own hayfever tea. **Note:** you’ll need to plan a couple of days in advance as each of the herbs needs to dry out before use! **What you need (per cup):** 1 tsp dried plantain leaves 1 tsp dried elderflower 1 tsp dried nettle **How to make it:** Pick all the ingredients, in equal quantities - I tend to pick a bunch of each. Obvs take care when picking nettles – wear gloves! Hang everything upside down to dry out, or spread out on baking trays and place on a sunny windowsill. I often use the dashboard of the car for drying out herbs! Elderflowers are a known irritant for hayfever sufferers so take care and dry that away from the house if anyone is susceptible. The plants are ready to use when they crumble to the touch. Add a teaspoon of each of your dried plants into a teapot. Pour over hot water, just off the boil, and leave to steep for 5-10 minutes. Drink 3 cups through the day. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### 3 Delicious Elderflower Recipes URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/3-delicious-elderflower-recipes/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:24.000Z ## From elderflower cordial to tea, here are three ways to use these abundant, fragrant flowers at home ### **Kim Walker & Vicky Chown** are both trained medical herbalists who run the herbal educational company Handmade Apothecary The first of May signalled the official start of summer, but did you know that in folklore summer was marked by the opening of the first elderflower all the way until the last elderberry? The elderflowers are just about opening and their luxurious, creamy scent is recognisable from the popular drink many remember from their childhood. The elder tree has several old medicinal uses and was once such a popular medicine that a 17th Century German herbal dedicated to the elder contained hundreds of recipes. Unfortunately many of them are to do with purging the body by compelling the patient to vomit and are not recommended now! **However, a few folk remedies have remained popular and effective and it has been used as:** • An insect repellent (the pungent crushed leaves applied to the skin), • For helping hay fever symptoms (drink an infusion of the flowers mixed with nettle leaf), • As a remedy for treating sore throats, coughs, colds and ‘flu (the elderflower or elderberry syrup) • A facewash to even out skin tone (use a cooled infusion of the flowers) • A delicious summertime cordial. **Here's a recipe for you to try at home:** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/05/elderflower2.jpg) ### **Elderflower Cordial** This delicious cordial epitomises summer. Use in refreshing cold drinks or add to hot water to make a warming brew for winter ills. **What You Need:** · 1kg unrefined sugar (caster or granulated) · 20 heads of fresh elderflowers (or enough to fill a large colander) · 30g citric acid · finely grated zest and juice of 2 lemons **How to Make:** Pour 1.5 litres water into a large saucepan and bring to the boil, then add the sugar and stir until dissolved. Bring to the boil again, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, until thickened to a syrupy consistency. Remove from the heat. Remove the flowers from their stems with a fork, then add the flowers, citric acid, lemon zest and juice to the sugar syrup and stir to combine. Transfer the mix to a large jar or glass bowl and cover with a clean cloth. Leave for 1 day, stirring once or twice. Strain the mix through a muslin lined sieve into a bowl, and then pour into sterilised bottles, seal, label and date. **How to Use:** Mix 1 part cordial to 3–4 parts still or sparkling water. In the winter, try it with hot water. SHELF LIFE Keep (unopened) in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months. Once opened, keep in the fridge and use within 2 weeks. Alternatively, freeze the cordial in ice cube trays or plastic bottles for up to 1 year (defrost before serving). ## **MORE INSPIRATION** **READ** [**The Handmade Apothecary**](https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/handmade-apothecary-book-kim-walker-9780857833730?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) (Kyle Books) **DISCOVER** Recipes and more at [handmadeapothecary.co.uk](http://www.handmadeapothecary.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **FOLLOW** On [Instagram at @handmade\_apothecary](https://www.instagram.com/handmade%5Fapothecary/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/05/elderflower3.jpg) ## **Elderflower Turkish Delight** ### **Fern Freud** first tried elderflower Turkish delight after reading John Wright’s recipe and she hasn’t stopped making it since. My recipe is made in the traditional way, so doesn’t include any gelatine. It’s soft, squishy and delightfully summery! Once you’ve got the hang of it, why not try this recipe with lilacs or lavender flowers instead? **MAKES APPROX. 40 PIECES** **What You Need:** 20 elderflower heads 4 tbsp lemon juice 750g white sugar 100g cornflour plus 2 tbsp, for dusting Coconut oil, for greasing 2 tbsp icing sugar, for dusting **How to Make:** 1\. First, snip the flowers from the elderflower sprays from their stalks and put the loose flowers into the centre of a clean muslin cloth. Gather the sides of the cloth and tie with food safe string, so the flowers are contained. Make sure you leave a long piece of fabric or string to hold them while they’re suspended in the pan. Put to the side for later. 2\. In a large pan put 300ml water, the lemon juice and white sugar and heat gently and stir until the sugar has dissolved. Place a thermometer into the pan and bring the syrup to 250˚F/120˚C. This should take 15 – 30 minutes depending on your hob. 3\. In a slightly smaller pan, mix the cornflour with 100ml water and mix until smooth. Now, over a low heat, add your cornflour mixture to the lemon syrup little by little, mixing all the time until combined. 4\. Bring the mixture very slowly to the boil (slow simmering is key here, so use the smallest ring on your hob) and simmer for 10 minutes. Make sure you stir constantly. Now suspend the muslin bag with the flowers in the liquid and continue to simmer on a very low heat for another 20 minutes. Squeeze the bag with the back of your spoon to impart the most elderflower flavour possible. 5\. The mixture will become very thick and almost clear. You will know it’s ready when you can run your spoon through it, and the line drawn through the mixture holds its shape. When it’s done, leave to cool slightly, for 10 minutes. 6\. Line a square/rectangular cake tin with cling film and rub a little melted coconut oil over the film. Now pour in your Turkish delight mixture and leave to set overnight. In the morning put it in the fridge for a few hours before you cut it. When you’re ready, cover a chopping board with the two tablespoons of cornflour mixed with the icing sugar. Turn out your Turkish delight on to the powdered board, cut into cubes and roll in the powder. The Turkish delight will last up to a month in an airtight container. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ## **MORE INSPIRATION** **READ** [**Wild Magic**](https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/wild-magic-book-fern-freud-9781529198218?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) by Fern Freud --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/05/elderflower4.jpg) ## **Elderflower Tea and Other Hayfever Treatments** ### Editor, **Melissa Corkhill** uses the plants that grow around her home to make medicine for her family. Elderflower tea strengthens the immune system and helps to prevent hay fever. The flowers can also be eaten fresh to relieve symptoms. Elderflowers have been traditionally used to relieve upper respiratory symptoms such as runny noses, itchy eyes, and sneezing. They act as: - Natural antihistamines, reducing allergic responses. - Anti-inflammatories, helping to calm irritated sinuses and mucous membranes. You can also make a nasal wash to treat sinus problems. Make the tea as below, add a pinch of salt, allow to cool and then sniff the water through each nostril in turn to relieve discomfort. **What You Need:** 1 handful elderflower flowers Boiling water, as needed **How to Make:** Place elderflowers in a mug. Cover with water, just off the boil. Place a plate over the cup, or cover it, and leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Drink while still warm. Enjoy up to 3 cups a day. You can also make honey from elderflowers; it's a fragrant, soothing natural remedy that combines the anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties of elderflowers with the antimicrobial benefits of raw honey. Great for hay fever and other seasonal allergies. ## Elderflower Honey Recipe **What You Need:** - 5–6 fresh elderflower heads (picked away from roads, ideally early in the day when fragrant) - 500ml raw local honey (ideally unpasteurised for maximum health benefits) **Optional Additions:** - A slice of lemon or a few lemon zest strips - A small piece of ginger (for added warmth and immune support) **How to Make:** 1. Gently shake the elderflower heads to remove insects, but do *not* wash them — you’ll lose the natural pollen. 2. Trim most of the green stems (they can be mildly toxic in large amounts). 3. Place the elderflowers in a clean glass jar. 4. Pour the raw honey over the flowers until fully covered. 5. Use a clean spoon or chopstick to gently stir and remove air bubbles. 6. Seal the jar and place it in a sunny window for 1–2 weeks, turning or stirring daily. 7. After infusing, strain through a fine sieve or muslin into a clean jar. 8. Store in a cool, dark place for up to a year. **How to Use:** - Stir a spoonful into warm (not hot) water or herbal tea. - Drizzle over yoghurt or porridge. - Take a teaspoon daily during hay fever season as a preventative. - Mix with lemon juice and warm water for a homemade allergy tonic. ## **MORE INSPIRATION** **READ** [**Complete Guide to Natural Home Remedies**](https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/complete-guide-to-natural-home-remedies-book-melissa-corkhill-9781504801379?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) by Melissa Corkhill ### How to Make Heart Medicine from the Hawthorn Tree URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/how-to-make-heart-medicine-from-the-hawthorn-tree/ Last updated: 2025-05-16T18:46:52.000Z Hello! A warm welcome to this week’s newsletter. Iris and I have had a fun week in the sun. There’s been days of play with friends, cycling skills training, a trampoline lesson, swimming class and beach school. We’ve been making a set of flashcards of words that Iris can read. She creates the cards, a couple a day and we put them inside a treasure chest that she’s decorated. We’re building up to enough words that she can craft sentences from them. A favourite book this week is [**Choose Your Own Evolution by Jules Howard and Gordy Wright**](https://www.waterstones.com/book/choose-your-own-evolution-go-extinct-or-survive-you-decide/jules-howard/gordy-wright/9781839945533?gQT=2&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). It’s a clever pick-your-own-path adventure that leads you through the story of life on Earth. ## **Here's What We've Been Up To** ### **Putting the Finishing Touches to Issue 125!** The latest issue of The Green Parent magazine will be released next week. It’s our Joy special and its bursting with uplifting inspiration, focusing on the small but powerful ways you can embrace joy in daily life. From peaceful bedtime routines to wild teenage adventures, this issue is packed with articles designed to help you find balance, connection, and delight at every stage of family life. Inside, learn the nine vital things to know before starting out in home education, discover how to reframe children’s big emotions as signs of inner strength, read how to get a better night’s sleep starting tonight and get instructions on making your own nature fairy notebooks. Those of you navigating tricky questions will appreciate expert advice in our feature - How Much Screen Time is OK for My Child? For those craving adventure, the wild teen energy guide shares 10 epic summer activities to keep older kids engaged, while in our 2025 Family Festival Guide we round up the best camps, festivals and parties to help you plan your summer! Of course there’s heaps more too – easy first recipes, yoga in pregnancy, helping spicy kids navigate life and seasonal celebrations. [**Click here**](https://link.thegreenparent.co.uk/buy125?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) to get your copy delivered. ### **Loving the Hawthorn** I’ve been such a lover of hawthorn leaves and berries that I’ve overlooked the idea of using the flowers. I've always just loved them from afar as a wonderful, blousy show of early summer. They grow so prolifically round where I live, lining the downs with their delicate white flowers and sweet almond scent. This year I’ve decided to spend some time with them and make some medicine. They have a long history of culinary, medicinal, and cultural use. Oh, and while you're reading, check out Anna Richardson's beautiful Hawthorn song for [**Children's Forest**](https://childrensforest.earth/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). To start, you can make a delicious hawthorn flower tea by steeping fresh or dried hawthorn flowers in hot water for a calming herbal tea. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### 7 Surprising Lessons I've Learned Through Unschooling URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/7-surprising-lessons-ive-learned-through-unschooling/ Last updated: 2025-05-15T17:57:51.000Z ## We started home educating out of necessity: here’s why we now do it by choice (and what we learned in the process) says **Sarah Whiteside** When we started our home education journey the hardest thing was maths – my worst subject. I had no affinity with it, no confidence about what my five year old son needed to learn, or in what order. To help me teach him, I’d signed us up to an app that offered gamified lessons, voiced by cartoon characters, designed to make it all seem fun. It was still hard to persuade him. I tried everything. Maths was vital, I told him, not optional. He was the kind of kid who would make electrical circuits for fun. He was always building something, always asking why. For all I knew, he might want to go into robotics. Or surgery. Or rocket science. He would need some maths for that. If he had still been at school, there would be structure: a curriculum, tests. It’s not that I believed in those things exactly, but I had no model for what learning might look like without them. I felt the weight of responsibility. I needed help. I needed those jolly-voiced lessons. ### **No going back** We started home educating in a state of emergency and without a plan. My son, who we now know is autistic, had proved himself unable to function in a mainstream classroom. Every day the teacher’s report got worse. Though school did what they could – offering fidget toys and a quiet corner, time out in the deputy head’s office and, later, a reduced timetable – the day came that I went to collect him and he was so wild-eyed and distressed that at first he didn’t recognise me. That was when I knew: I couldn’t take him back there. We are not alone in this. Though some families choose home education from the start, many have a similar story to ours, coming to it out of necessity after a school placement breaks down. This can happen for a variety of reasons but, in my experience, neurodivergence is a common one. Coined by sociologist Judy Singer, the term neurodivergence covers autism and ADHD, as well as those with dyslexia, dyscalculia and certain chronic mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder and OCD. It’s a term that recognises the diversity of human experience and articulates the need to create systems that work for all. Current estimates suggest that 1 in 7 people are neurodivergent in some form. Although, these days, it is largely seen as a difference rather than a disability, predicting gifts as much as challenges, many schools have not caught up. Designed to teach a standardised curriculum to large groups of children, they are often a poor fit for neurodivergent minds. ### **No other model** For parents like us, who never intended to home educate, it’s no surprise the starting point is often to replicate school. Most of us have no other model of what education might look like. But, if school has not worked, it’s also no surprise that this approach is flawed. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### What I Did With a Child Free Afternoon! URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/what-i-did-with-a-child-free-afternoon/ Last updated: 2025-05-09T17:36:45.000Z Hello coconut! How are you today? Missed checking in last week, but it was soooo good to have a break. We soaked up ALL the sunshine in west Wales; went on some lush walks on the coast path, through banks of wild flowers, spent a day on a deserted beach exploring rockpools, explored a sun-dappled wood with stream and waterfalls, visited castles and scrambled up hills to watch the sunset. So refreshing! When we got back the garden had literally popped – everything is so green and alive. It’s a bit wild, but that’s how I love it. By the way, this gorgeous crocheted food is made by [**Kate Jenkins**](https://katejenkinsstudio.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) \- I've fallen in love with her work. Scroll down for more. ## **Here’s What We’ve Been Up To** ### **Joining the Kids’ Parade** Last Saturday, the [**Children’s Parade**](https://brightonfestival.org/whats-on/Xis-the-childrens-parade/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) kicked off [**Brighton Festival 2025**](https://brightonfestival.org/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). Iris and I joined the home educators (big thanks to my sister for making our papier maché lucky coins, while we were away, so that we had something to carry!). We’ve been part of this joyful procession for over 20 years now. It’s such a fun, colourful, creative community event. I remember making a pair of furry hobbit trousers for my middle daughter when she was about two or three. She looked the cutest! This year, over 5000 kids from over 65 schools and groups from around the city took part. The theme was New Dawn and our group had made a huge lucky cat, complete with waving arm! All the kids carried lucky coins that they'd made from willow and tissue paper. Each one was illustrated with a lucky symbol that they'd chosen. I love that the whole city comes to life fuelled by kids’ creativity – I’m always in tears, usually from the moment we step on the bus, on our way in to the centre. Seeing children proudly carrying their creations to the starting point is really emotional. ### **Harvesting Sorrel to Make Lemonade** We found so much sorrel (*Rumex acetosa*) out on the coastal path last week. I love its bright, lemony, tangy flavour – it has a high oxalic acid content. Usually Iris and I just eat it as we’re walking along. There was so much available, I thought I’d try a recipe with it. Here's a refreshing sorrel lemonade recipe. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Freya - Honouring the goddess of love to bring about powerful change URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/freya-honouring-the-goddess-of-love-to-bring-about-powerful-change/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:24.000Z The goddess who gave her name to the sixth day of the week, Freya often appears to her followers wearing a feathered cloak over her magical amber necklace as she rode through the sky in a chariot drawn by cats, or sometimes on a huge golden-bristled boar. Both a warrior and a lover, Freya is also the spirit of the earth’s fertility – in Norse traditions, her absence during autumn and winter caused the leaves to fall and the earth to wear a mourning cloak of snow. And Freya was the goddess of magic, the one who first brought the power of sorcery to the people of the north. She introduced the gods to seidr, a form of magic that allowed practitioners to know and change the future. Working with her can bring about powerful change in your life. ### **Here are some of our favourite ways to work with the goddess Freya** Create an altar and dedicate space for her and your own sensuality. An appropriate location for your Freya altar is in the bedroom – with red cloth as the base. Use candles, incense, offering bowls and cups. And maybe runes if you have some. Add a picture or statue to represent Freya as the focal point. She has many correspondences (sacred items) and you might also choose to add sculptures or images of cats, boars, birds, rabbits, and the moon. Adorn your space with fresh flowers. Freya is connected to the moon. You could use a moon calendar to tune into the phases of the moon. Honour the new and full moon. If you are menstruating chart your own moon cycle. As well as her animal correspondences, there are many plants considered sacred to her. Plant primrose, mugwort, holly, hemp and flax. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. Another way to honour Freya is to make Fridays special! The word Friday can be translated to Freya’s day. And especially when we get Friday the 13th, it will be a powerful time to connect and honour her. Freya’s sacred number is 13 for the 13 lunar cycles in a year. Reflect on your own inner queen – what do you need in order to feel more comfortable, more relaxed in your home. Carve out space for yourself and defend that time like a warrioress! Illustration by Lizzie Wheeler [***lizziewheeler.co.uk***](https://www.lizziewheeler.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). ### 15 Things To Do In May URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/15-things-to-do-in-may/ Last updated: 2025-07-03T14:42:13.000Z ## Half-Term Adventures **For many families, half-term week starts towards the end of May. There’s scads of fun to be had around the country!** In London, the city parks are coming to life. Enjoy the revival of Chestnut Sunday in Bushy Park on May 11th, a beginners’ nature walk in Regent’s Park, a Play Day in Greenwich Park and hidden histories (including the pet cemetery in Hyde Park) on guided walks. Full programme[**here**](https://thegreenparent.cmail19.com/t/r-l-tiuudhtd-hilikyyklj-dd/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). Over at the Southbank Centre, find[**Spring Family Fun**](https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/events/spring-family-fun/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), with a limitless recycled playground and a celebration of the Moomins at 80, where you can help build the iconic Moominhouse, discover the famous sights of Moominvalley and create art inspired by Afghanistan and the Moomins. The fun climaxes on June 1st with a huge[**Moominparty**](https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/moomin-80-everybody-is-welcome/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)in the Clore Ballroom! All free. English Heritage has a whizzy line-up of events that include Medieval May at Gainsborough Old Hall, Pirate adventures at Pendennis Castle and a trip following Hadrian’s Wall . Find something near you [**here**](https://thegreenparent.cmail19.com/t/r-l-tiuudhtd-hilikyyklj-ih/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). The National Trust has a series of fun events – many of them in the fresh air – ranging from spring trails, wandering wolves at Little Moreton Hall, a festival of blossom in Salisbury and butterfly spotting at Scotney Castle. Find one near you [**here**](https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/search?type=event&tagGroup=TAG000032&fromDate=2025-05-23&toDate=2025-05-31&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). In Wales,[**Family Pride**](https://museum.wales/swansea/whatson/12550/Family-Pride/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) takes place at the National Waterfront Museum on 18th May with a silent disco and facepainting, the National Museum in Cardiff’s new exhibition is about the history of iconic photography journal, Picture Post, while the National Roman Legion Museum celebrates[**Gods, Heroes and Monsters**](https://museum.wales/roman/whatson/12557/Gods-Heroes--Monsters--Become-a-Hero/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)! At St Fagans you can visit the newest addition to the brilliant (and free) St Fagans, The Vulcan Hotel pub. Or try[**yarn-based crafts**](https://museum.wales/wool/whatson/12133/Fun-Craft-with-Menter-Gorllewin-Sir-Gr/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) at the National Wool Museum. Find more [**here**](https://thegreenparent.cmail19.com/t/r-l-tiuudhtd-hilikyyklj-iu/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). The Hay Festival starts on May 22nd. As ever, there’s a packed programme of bookish events that include sessions with much-loved authors Robert Macfarlane, Andy Day, David and Yinka Olusoga and Chris Riddell, as well as kitchen garden pizza workshops, crafting and a bear hunt with Michael Rosen. Find out more about family friendly events [**here**](https://www.hayfestival.com/m-213-hay-festival-2025.aspx?GenreFilterID=122&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) and browse the full programme [**here**](https://www.hayfestival.com/m-213-hay-festival-2025.aspx?skinid=2¤cysetting=GBP&localesetting=en-GB&resetfilters=true&gridview=true&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). In Scotland, enjoy Woolly Weekend at the excellent[**National Museum of Rural Life**](https://www.nms.ac.uk/events/woolly-weekend?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) and meet alpacas, watch sheepshearing and try family crafts. The capital of Scotland is the place to be for fans of innovative family friendly theatre and dance. [**Edinburgh International Children’s Festival**](https://thegreenparent.cmail19.com/t/r-l-tiuudhtd-hilikyyklj-dj/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) (24th May- 1st June) celebrates the visceral thrills of live performance with sensory performances for toddlers including Beneath The Show, where a world of white tissue paper is transformed into beautiful creatures, Double You, which combines circus with acro-dance, parkour and Chinese pole. The festival starts with[**Festival Family Day**](https://www.imaginate.org.uk/festival/festival-family-encounters/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), a free day of pop-up performances and activities at the National Museum of Scotland. Download the full programme [**here**](https://www.imaginate.org.uk/f/67d9668d7be34?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). ## Jack is Back! May 1st is Beltane, or May Day. Hastings’[**Jack in the Green**](https://thegreenparent.cmail19.com/t/r-l-tiuudhtd-hilikyyklj-h/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Clun's[**Green Man**](https://thegreenparent.cmail19.com/t/r-l-tiuudhtd-hilikyyklj-k/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), Edinburgh's[**Beltane Fire**](https://thegreenparent.cmail19.com/t/r-l-tiuudhtd-hilikyyklj-u/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), Bristol’s[**Jack in the Green**](https://www.bristoljack.info/home?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), Rochester's[**Sweeps**](https://www.medway.gov.uk/sweepsfestival?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) festival and magic and music at Beltane at[**Thornborough Henge in North Yorkshire**](https://thegreenparent.cmail19.com/t/r-l-tiuudhtd-hilikyyklj-n/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) are wild ways to usher in the summer sun and happen across the week and weekend (find more events[**here**](https://thegreenparent.cmail19.com/t/r-l-tiuudhtd-hilikyyklj-p/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) and[**here**](https://thegreenparent.cmail19.com/t/r-l-tiuudhtd-hilikyyklj-x/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)), but this is an occasion perfect for celebrating at home too. Step into your garden, or visit a green space near you and watch the sun rise. Legend has it that if you wash your faces in the morning dew, you’ll all have flawless complexions for the whole year (find out more [**here**](https://thegreenparent.cmail19.com/t/r-l-tiuudhtd-hilikyyklj-m/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)). There's even an excuse to party hard the night before. [**Walpurgis Night**](https://thegreenparent.cmail19.com/t/r-l-tiuudhtd-hilikyyklj-yk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) is celebrated across northern Europe on the night of April 30 (Sunday) and the day of May 1\. In Germanic folklore, this was Hexennacht (Witches’ Night), the time when the magical women gathered on the Brocken, the highest peak in the Harz mountains. Consequently, fires are lit to ward off evil spirits. Why not hold your own celebration with bonfires, a straw figure and general witchiness? The decision to gather in your own coven or to attempt to ward off the broomstick bashers is entirely yours! ## Lock and Roll! Our hidden, green waterways are bursting with nature and have a vibrant community all of their own. London’s yearly[**Canalway Cavalcade**](https://waterways.org.uk/support/ways-to-get-involved/events/iwa-canalway-cavalcade-2025?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), which takes place over the May Day Bank Holiday, celebrates boating life with a three-day festival at Little Venice. There's always tons going on for families, with events such as kayaking lessons, puppet and theatre shows, pirate arts and crafts aboard a real pirate boat and lots of music. Also expect a Teddy Bears’ Picnic, boats to look at and explore, and an illuminated procession of barges at 9pm on the Sunday night. Time to mess about on the river (or, strictly speaking, the canal). ## Fun-Flowers Now is the time to plant your sunflowers and watch them grow, grow and grooooow! Why not try building your own sunflower house. The cutest of all dens! ## May at the Castle Head to[**Richmond Castle**](https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/richmond-castle-may-fest-3rd----5th-may/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) in Yorkshire for MayFest 2025 (3rd-5th May), a weekend of fun and festivities. This annual celebration has a vibrant mix of music, dance, drama, and hands-on activities. Walk around a Living History Camp, try on medieval armour, enjoy daily archery and combat displays or unleash your inner performer at a circus skills workshop! ## Let's Wrestle! Hastings has a reputation for the weird and the wild, and[**A Curious Town**](https://acurioustown.co.uk/events-2025/curious-kids?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) festival leans into the area’s oddness. Now in its third year, the party runs throughout May, with gaming sessions on double decker buses, a chance to sculpt tiny altars to the Wild Gods, a drag queen church service, a surreal wrestling smackdown where kids get to help design a wrestler to bring to colourful life and The Curious Kids day; an arts festival with events run by local artists where children can design festival memorabilia to take home. Ticketed, some events free/free for low income families. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/04/banner---1920-x-600-px-.png)](https://shop.musicoftheplants.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ## Check a Trade Step into history at the Weald & Downland Living Museum this weekend. On 4th-5th May 2025, visitors are invited to immerse themselves in[**two days of hands-on activities**](https://www.wealddown.co.uk/events/try-a-trade/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), especially designed to introduce a younger generation to the heritage trades and crafts that shaped our past. There’s an opportunity to experience carpentry, baking, pottery, milling, carding wool and more. Everyone who completes their activities will receive a special certificate in heritage crafts and skills. ## Wonder Web It’s Tate Modern’s 25th birthday, and they’re[**holding a party**](https://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-modern/birthday-weekender?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)! From the 9th-12th there are free celebrations with tarot readings in the Meschac Gaba room, a make studio inspired the The Shape of World display, coding demos, a mini museum, multigenerational dance sessions, and carnival-inspired DJ sets. Louise Bourgeois’ huge spider, Maman, will also be back into the huge, toddler-friendly cavern of the venue’s Turbine Hall. Sit under it and confront your arachnophobia! ## A Bloom With a View Perhaps it’s been a very grey and soggy winter, but this year’s displays of flowers look bigger and brighter than we can remember. Why not enjoy immersing yourself in spectacle and scent? Purple and blue blossom is having a moment with 'wisteria hysteria' hitting social media. Find it in London in Kynance Mews, Golders Hill Park or Peckham Rye Park, or search out the oldest known plant at[**Fuller’s Brewery**](https://www.genus.gs/blogs/magazine/exceptional-trees-britains-oldest-wisteria?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). Elsewhere in the country, you’ll find the flowers adorning several of Cambridge’s colleges, with Christ’s College perhaps the most spectacular, at Marwood Hill Gardens in Devon or Aberglasney Gardens in Carmarthenshire. The[**Isabella Plantation**](https://www.royalparks.org.uk/visit/parks/richmond-park/isabella-plantation?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) in Richmond is a dazzling blur of flowering azaleas right now, with pinks and reds as far as the eye can see. A woodland garden set within a Victorian plantation, and run on organic principles, you’ll also find rhododendrons, magnolias and camellias. Set in the heart of the Kent countryside,[**Little Budds Peony farm**](https://www.littlebuddspeonyfarm.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) is home to a display of over 6000 peony plants in 50 varieties. It’s open for a few weeks towards the end of May, sign up to get notice of exact dates. In June, head to the sensory, colour-and-scent-filled lavender fields. Many farms sell tickets for a picturesque wander or picnic; find some of the best in Britain [**here**](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/r/8769ae6d?m=d7f1d9ee-6bcd-466e-aaff-f12d18f9036d) or near London [**here**](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/r/909f3f5e?m=d7f1d9ee-6bcd-466e-aaff-f12d18f9036d). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/04/image.webp) Photograph: Kentish Lavender ## Keep the Peace 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day, so expect WWII-themed events across the country. Head to a procession and flypast along[**The Mall**](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/how-to-watch-the-2025-victory-in-europe-ve-day-celebrations/how-to-watch-the-ve-day-procession-and-flypast-5-may-2025?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk#:~:text=5-may-2025-,About%20the%20events,subject%20to%20weather%20and%20serviceability%29.), in London, or find celebrations at[**Bolsover, Walker and Dover**](https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) castles. On 8th May, as part of[**the official celebrations**](https://ve80.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), town criers will proclaim, church bells will ring, pipers will play from mountain tops and hundreds of beacons and lamp lights will be lit across the country, representing the 'light of peace'. Find an event near you[**here**](https://ve80.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk#events). Many people choose not to celebrate, but to reflect on the nature of peace and remembrance. Find out more at the[**Peace Pledge Union**](https://www.ppu.org.uk/remembrance-white-poppies?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk); their campaign to[**decolonise Remembrance Day**](https://www.ppu.org.uk/remembrance/decolonising-remembrance?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) is particularly resonant. SPONSORED [![CTA Image](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/04/Photo-market-place.jpg)](https://shop.musicoftheplants.com/en/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ****When plants sing: a magical way to reconnect your family with nature** Discover how listening to the secret songs of plants can nurture calm, curiosity, and a deeper bond with the natural world, for you and your children. In a world that seems to move faster every day, many of us are yearning to slow down, reconnect, and live more in harmony with the natural world.. what if we could just pause… and listen to a plant? This isn’t a whimsical thought experiment. Thanks to gentle, eco-conscious technology, it’s now possible to translate a plant’s electromagnetic activity into actual music. Yes, real, living melodies that change with the environment, human presence, even a gentle touch. Imagine a plant playing its own tune. For children, this can be a magical discovery. At a time when our connection to nature is often filtered through screens, listening to a “singing” plant offers a deeply engaging way to teach respect, wonder, and empathy for all living things. ****It’s science, play, and mindfulness rolled into one beautiful experience**. [Discover the devices ](https://shop.musicoftheplants.com/en/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ## Stepping Out Pull on your boots and kick out those legs, it’s the[**Greater Manchester Walking Festival**](https://gmwalking.co.uk/festival/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). With over 400 walks, including nature and wellbeing strolls, LGBTQ+ community celebrations, parent and child meet-ups, menopause support events, and dawn chorus birdsong rambles, you’ll find something with your name on. ## Hole in One! Love a game of crazy golf? Head to[**the most colourful course in the country**](https://canarywharf.com/whats-on/minigolf-by-craig-karl-4/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) at London’s Canary Wharf. And best of all - it’s free! Designed by artists Craig Redman and Karl Maier, this super-colourful, 9-hole course is designed for all ages and skill levels. And there are even out-of-hours SEN sessions. The space is also home to[**Summer Screens**](https://canarywharf.com/whats-on/summer-screens/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), a series of free sports, films and video-game sessions. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/04/heRBz9V9dCNGCRGfe72iaG.jpg) Image by Sean Pollock ## Oak It Up Oak Apple Day (Bank Holiday 26th May) marks the historic moment when King Charles II returned to the throne following the English Civil War.[**The Commandry at Worcester**](https://www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk/events/oak-apple-day-2025?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) chooses to mark the restoration of the monarchy with a day of historical reenactment, living camps, musket firing and history talks, while places including Grovelly in Wiltshire process down the high street banging pots and pans, then head to the woods to exercise their ancient rights to collect wood. At Castleton in the Peak District, it’s[**Garland Day**](http://castleton-garland.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), when the Garland King wears a head-dress, covered with wildflowers and greenery. There is a parade and dancing, and the Garland is hoisted up the church tower and impaled on the pinnacle. Many people still choose to wear an oak leaf spring to commemorate Oak Apple Day. If you’re not so bothered about commemorating the return of the monarchy, why not try making[**oak apple ink**](https://muddyfaces.co.uk/activities/art-creating/making-ink?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) over an open fire and using it in some radical art? ## On the Street With an international reputation for spectacle, pioneering street theatre and family-friendly circus performances, Great Yarmouth’s[**Out There Festival**](http://outtherearts.org.uk/out-there-festival?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) (29th-31st) is unmissable. See brand new, diverse, thoughtful and fun work. And if it all gets a little too much fun, the golden sands are a literal stone’s throw away. ![A woman hangs onto the back of a yellow bike](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/04/39784629-1232x693.jpg) Solarte Producciones – Miss Margarita **We'll have even more ideas next month; enough fun to see you through the summer and beyond. Have a great May!** ### ## Sign up for The Green Parent Bringing more joy and connection to your family life Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Connect With Your Wild Self This Beltane URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/connect-with-your-wild-self-this-beltane/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:24.000Z ## **Glennie Kindred** invites us to get playful and to find our connection to our wild self ## Beltane is one of the great fire festivals of our ancient past, when bonfires were lit on the hill tops and communities gathered together to feast, party, stay up all night and welcome in the dawn. Beltane, 1 May, is a celebration of the beginning of summer and the power of the life force. At this fertile time of the year dare to reach out for your wildest dreams. **What do you wish to grow in your life right now?** Gather outside with friends and family on the eve of the first of May or at the nearest full Moon (12 May). Ask everyone to bring food and firewood to share. Eat and tell stories together round the fire and enjoy the sense of community this brings. Celebrate this opportunity for everyone to be outside and experience the rich moment of transition between dusk and nightfall. Make headdresses and crowns of flowers and greenery and celebrate your connection to your wild self and the Earth. Begin with a circle of ivy that fits the head comfortably and weave and tie the rest in with raffia. Tie ribbons from your headdress, counting your blessings with each one. Have a basket of sticks ready and ask everyone to take two sticks; one to represent something they wish to fire up and make fertile and the other something to let go of to help this to happen. Take it in turns to put them in the fire with ceremony. Saying out loud what they are strengthens your intention and resolve and anchors them in your heart. Pass round a basket of ribbons and each take three. Tie your three ribbons on a tree with three wishes: one for the Earth, one for yourself and one for your family or community. [**Glennie Kindred**](https://glenniekindred.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **is a writer, author, grandmother and wisewoman of earth traditions** ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **HOW TO: work with Hawthorn** The Hawthorn or May tree is associated with Beltane, with fertility and with faerie and nature spirits, and even when growing in towns they still retain the spirit of the wild places. Hawthorns are long lived and some may be over 400 years old. Groups of old Hawthorn trees, especially if they grew in threes, were considered to be potent places where time and reality could shift and were treated with great respect. Lone Hawthorns were used to mark and protect the site of a spring or underground water and other places of significance. Hawthorn is a safe herbal remedy for children and the elderly alike, and will relieve tension and anxiety and bring a relaxing sleep. Another name for the Hawthorn is the Bread and Cheese Tree. This refers to the young leaves and leaf buds which can be eaten straight from the tree or added to salads, helping to lower cholesterol. Chop the young leaves up finely and add honey and a dash of vinegar (and garlic to taste). Good with potatoes. The blossom can be drunk as a tonic tea, which also has a beneficial effect on the heart and circulation. Flower buds and petals can be sprinkled over salads at the last minute or used to decorate puddings, cakes and drinks. Use the petals straight away as they deteriorate quickly. Don’t wash them, but shake out any insects first. Fill a jar with Hawthorn buds and cover with clear honey. Poke it well to release any air bubbles and let it stand for a week. Delicious on bread or over ice-cream or porridge. Pieces of Hawthorn are given as a protective charm, a talisman or a token of friendship and love. It is a beautiful wood and sands up to a lovely tactile smooth finish. ### Make This Super Cleansing Tea for Brighter Skin URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/make-this-super-cleansing-tea-for-brighter-skin/ Last updated: 2025-04-25T17:49:31.000Z Hello lovely folk! How are you today? I’m writing this from Pembrokeshire in Wales where we’ve just arrived for a family holiday. This place makes my heart sing – I’m a very happy being right now! We’ve had a great week of play and discovery. Iris’ beach school started back this week. More on this to follow. I finished off the contents for issue 125 – it’ll be out next month. I can’t wait to [**send you a copy**](https://link.thegreenparent.co.uk/buy125?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). It’s got so much joy and positivity inside! ## **Here’s what we’ve been up to this week:** ### **Reading** I’ve not been nearly as prolific on the reading front this week. I finished [**The Artist by Lucy Steeds**](https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/artist-book-lucy-steeds-9781399819565?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). It’s brilliant; rich and atmospheric. Set in 1920s Provence, it's Lucy's first novel and draws together themes of art, ambition, and female agency. The story follows Joseph Adelaide, a young English journalist who arrives at the secluded farmhouse of reclusive painter Edouard Tartuffe, only to discover he was invited not by the artist, but by Tartuffe's niece, Ettie. As Joseph becomes entangled in the household's dynamics, he uncovers layers of mystery surrounding Ettie's suppressed artistic aspirations and the family's complex past. Delicious! Find Lucy on Instagram at [@lucysteeds](https://www.instagram.com/lucysteeds/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). Also reading [**WildLives: 50 Extraordinary Animals That Made History by Ben Lerwill and Sarah Walsh**](https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/wildlives-50-extraordinary-animals-that-made-history-book-ben-lerwill-9781788005098?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) with Iris – this is a joyful celebration of courageous animals from around the world, who’ve made a difference, or done something amazing. Iris loves choosing an animal from the pictoral index at the back and then we read and talk about the animal. We’ve met Pickles the dog, who found the stolen World Cup trophy; Ning Nong, the elephant who carried a young girl to safety during the 2004 tsunami in Thailand and Cher Ami, the heroic pigeon who saved hundreds of lives during World War I. Each tale is accompanied by vibrant illustrations. Other titles in the series are [**HerStory**](https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/herstory-50-women-and-girls-who-shook-the-world-book-katherine-halligan-9781788001380?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) (we've just returned this to the library, it's fantastic!) and [**YouthQuake**](https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/youthquake-50-children-and-young-people-who-shook-the-world-book-tom-adams-9781788007634?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) (now on Iris' birthday list). Reading a book together has become a lovely morning ritual for us. She climbs into bed around 6:30am and snuggles in for a read and a chat. It’s a lovely, cosy connective time before we begin our days. ### **Going to Beach School** Iris, not me. This is a drop-off session run by the brilliant [**Bee in the Woods**](https://www.beeinthewoods.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), for home educated children. They spend time rockpooling (discovering creatures like crabs, starfish, and anemones, and once a seal!), beachcombing, storytelling and lots of free play – digging, jumping the waves and playing their imaginary games. Learning through play on the beach brings so much joy. I was intrigued by how much of an impact these sessions have on Iris and did a bit of research and thought I’d share some of the benefits here – the joy of blending learning, wellbeing, and nature in a rocky, splashy setting! _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Have You Tried these 3 Best Easter Chocolate Goodies? URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/have-you-tried-the-3-best-easter-chocolate-goodies/ Last updated: 2025-04-18T18:29:59.000Z Hello, Happy Easter weekend! Hope you’ve had a lush week. I’ve had so much fun out and about. This photo is from a sunrise walk I had yesterday with my sister, up Kingston Ridge. It’s one of my favourite views, looking out over Mount Caburn and Firle Beacon. Yesterday morning there was low lying mist in the valleys and a bright, buttery sun. Gorgeous! Iris and I have packed our days with activities – we’ve been swimming, trampolining, crafting in the woods, twitching and sliding down steep banks. We spotted an adder – more to follow, and went on a walking challenge with friends. Workwise, I’ve been putting the finishing touches to our Joy special edition, out next month - be one of the first to [**get this edition delivered**](https://link.thegreenparent.co.uk/buy125?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). ## **What We’ve Been Up To** ### **Playing in the Woods** Iris and I went to a Forest School session at [**Wilderness Woods**](https://www.wildernesswood.org/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) earlier in the week. The leader [**Heidi**](https://littleforestschool.com/team/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) had laid out so much great activities and crafts. Iris made a large family of ladybirds from air drying clay. There was fire-lighting, [**hapa zome**](https://sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/discover/go-wild-at-home/activity-films/how-to-do-hapa-zome?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), tools to experiment with, a painting station and mud kitchen. One of the other mamas there was a musician who I’ve long admired – [**Heloise Pilkington**](https://www.instagram.com/heloisepilkington/?hl=en&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). I felt a bit fan girly! Her song [**Lady of Avalon**](https://open.spotify.com/track/4RfizWDPf7FSbEPOrhKeML?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) was on my birth playlist – it feels magical to get the chance to share how someone’s art has touched me. We had both done the [**same training**](https://pathoflovemysteryschool.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) in Glastonbury and it was lovely to reconnect and remember that whole experience. One of the activities we did in the woods was make damper bread with dandelions (a tasty addition to a simple recipe). **Here’s how to make it:** Add 1 cup of flour, pinch of salt, 1 tsp sugar/honey, handful of dandelion petals and ½ cup of water to a bowl and mix until you have an easily kneadable dough (not too sticky). You can add more flour if it’s too sticky, or wet. And if it’s too dry, add a little more water. Divide into four portions. Take each portion and roll into a long sausage shape. Wrap it around the end of a stick, then hold over the fire, above the flames, until it’s cooked. This usually takes about 5-10 minutes. There’s no easy way to tell if it’s cooked, but it will have browned a little. Allow the bread to cool and eat straight from the stick! You can serve with butter or spread and jam, or just eat it as is. ### **Spotting an Adder** Iris, my niece and I spent the day at [**Pulborough Brooks**](https://www.rspb.org.uk/days-out/reserves/pulborough-brooks%3Fid%3Dtcm:9-236192?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) this week. An RSPB reserve that covers 160 hectares, it’s located in the Arun Valley within the South Downs National Park. There were lots of birdwatchers there and I wondered how we'd go down with the serious crew. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Celtic Tree Ogham: Willow (The Dreamer) URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/celtic-tree-ogham-willow-the-dreamer-2/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:24.000Z ## Willow is the Celtic Tree for the period from 15 April to 12 May. This month, allow inspiration to come in and practice going with the flow A tree of the otherworld, *Salix Alba* (white willow) is a builder of bridges between this world and the next. The willow is the conductor of relationships, the bringer of love, poetic inspiration, the element of water, of music, the moon and great goddess herself. The fourth letter in the tree alphabet stands for the female and lunar rhythms of life. She grows by the water, reaching roots deep into the earth and thrives on the damp margins of lakes and streams or in water meadows. This is an elegant tree with supple branches and dancing leaves of silver and green. She bends and moves with the wind. A tenacious plant, if you place a cut twig or branch in the ground, it will easily root and grow into a new tree. For this reason, the willow is strongly linked to new growth, regeneration and inspiration. Willow was used in the annual purification ritual of "beating the bounds" (defining the parish boundary) and the birch twigs of a witch's broom were traditionally bound with willow. It is also thought that placing a wand of willow under one's pillow, especially around the full moon, helps promote night visions. Willow teaches us the lesson of life in death. Endings are just beginnings - with new growth comes change. Willow helps us to integrate change into our lives and reminds us to allow inspiration to come in. Go with the flow and all will be well. ### **Attributes of Those Born Under the Celtic Tree Sign Willow** Those born under the sign of the willow are instinctive. You may find you react on gut instinct rather than what your head tells you to do. Watch the rhythm of your moods carefully and pay attention to your dreams. Their symbolism will help you navigate throughout life. You may find yourself drawn to beauty and love to travel. You are probably very empathic and do well to find anchoring partners and companions. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **Animal Correspondences** Hawk and Snowy Owl ### **Keywords** Growth, Expression, Dreaming ### **Your Strengths** Intuition and flexibility ### **Your Rune** The Willow Ogham is Saille, associated with divination and intuition. It has a sense of perfect timing and being connected to the flow of life. ### 9 Medicinal Herbs to Grow in Your Garden URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/9-herbs-to-grow-in-your-medicinal-garden/ Last updated: 2025-04-11T18:18:47.000Z Hello! A happy Easter holidays to you. The holidays aren't too much different from term time for us, but it's a good chance to see friends who're usually at school. And there's so much stuff happening too. We've had a busy week! This week we got to cuddle some sheep (read on for more), [**discovered 1000 years of history**](https://www.wealddown.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), met a [**snake called Pudding**](https://www.zoolabuk.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), listened to a brilliant retelling of Roald Dahl's [**The Twits**](https://www.kew.org/wakehurst/whats-on/the-twits?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) and painted rocks for an [**art installation**](https://stpetersbrighton.org/whos-your-rock/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). Oh, and had some lovely blossom-filled days - check out these crafts, meditation and recipe from the [**National Trust**](https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/discover/blossom?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). Workwise, I had to get creative to balance work and play/being with Iris. Managed to get a lot more content planned out for our [**Joy special edition**](https://link.thegreenparent.co.uk/buy125?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), out next month. ## **Here's what we've been up to** ### **Reading Fiction** I'm still working my way through the [**Women's Prize for Fiction**](https://womensprize.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) winners. This week I finished [**Tell me Everything by Elizabeth Strout**](https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/tell-me-everything-book-elizabeth-strout-9780241634356?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). I love Elizabeth's writing style - I thoroughly recommend all her books - this was a delicious, slowburn of a novel about Bob Burgess and Lucy Barton. Her characters are so well observed; they feel deeply real and relatable. She's known for the way she explores human relationships and the intricacies of small-town life. Here, Elizabeth delves into the deeply personal and often painful stories of her characters, examining the emotional complexity of their lives. Like much of her work, the novel highlights the universal struggles of love, loss, and the quest for self-understanding. Her novels often feature interconnected stories, offering a profound look at the ways people’s lives intersect and the secrets they keep hidden from one another. Order a copy from the library now! [**The Persians by Sanam Mahloudji** ](https://www.sanammahloudji.com/the-persians?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)explores the emotional and cultural complexities of the Persian diaspora. Through her rich prose and nuanced storytelling, Sanam captures the experience of individuals torn between the traditions of their Iranian heritage and the demands of contemporary Western life. The novel delves into themes of identity, family, belonging, and the impact of displacement, reflecting the complexities of navigating two cultures. Sanam’s characters are multifaceted, offering readers a window into the struggles and joys of embracing one's roots while adapting to new environments. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### 5 Steps to Endorphin-Rich Parenting URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/5-steps-to-endorphin-rich-parenting/ Last updated: 2025-04-09T18:03:00.000Z ## **Kate Orson** finds playful ways to foster connection in the teen years As a parent educator I learnt that laughter is queen when it comes to building connection with our children. Laughter releases feel-good endorphins and helps to lower stress. When children feel relaxed, happy and well-connected to us they are more likely to cooperate with us. When my daughter was a toddler and didn’t want to leave the house, I’d play a few silly games while getting her dressed, like putting items on the wrong body parts, and then ‘realise my mistake’ and try again. ‘This laughter released any tension she felt and soon she was happy to get dressed, have a bath, clean her teeth etc. As children get older they spend less and less time with us, there is school, (or homeschool activities) after school clubs, friendship meetups and lots of alone time in their bedrooms. ### **Creating A Safe Base** It can seem on the surface that a tween or teen might need a parent less, as they become more independent, however no matter how busy they get living life, they still need a safe base to return to, to talk and express emotions. Sometimes emotions don’t come out very clearly. There might be whining, snapping, or arguing. It can be very triggering for parents, who are suddenly challenged, not just with an angry ‘No’ from a toddler, but instead a whole stream of words. It can be easy to get caught up in arguments. Laughter and silliness is a wonderful way to diffuse the tension that builds up between parent and child, but it’s not always so easy to be playful with older children. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### How to Plan a Nature Party URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/how-to-plan-a-nature-party/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:24.000Z ## **Sally Jackson** shares her top tips for creating an eco-celebration, including her top tips on staying calm! If you're looking for a fun and memorable way to celebrate your child's birthday, a nature themed party is a great option. Not only is it a great way to get kids outside and exploring the world around them, but it's also a great opportunity to teach them about the importance of conservation and caring for our planet. Here are some tips for planning a nature themed birthday party that your child and their friends will love: ### **Choose a location** The first step in planning a nature themed birthday party is to choose a location. Look for a local park or nature reserve that has plenty of space for kids to run around and explore. If the weather is nice, you can even host the party in your own garden. ### **Create a nature scavenger hunt** A scavenger hunt is a fun and interactive way to get kids engaged in nature. Create a list of items that can be found nearby, such as leaves, flowers, rocks, and insects. Divide the kids into teams and see who can find all the items on the list first. You can even offer prizes for the winning team. ### **Use nature as decorations** For a nature themed party, you don't need to spend a lot of money on decorations. Instead, you can make your own decorations using natural materials. Collect branches, leaves, and flowers and use them to create a beautiful centrepiece for the party table. You can also create garlands and streamers using leaves and flowers. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/04/party2w-4.jpg) ## “My son Seth's most-loved party was a bug-tastic extravaganza in our garden. The little explorers crafted necklaces using tiny log slices and decorated them with bug drawings” ### **Plan nature-based activities** There are plenty of fun and educational activities you can plan for a nature themed birthday party. You can set up a station where kids can make bird feeders using pinecones, peanut butter, and birdseed. You can also have a planting station where kids can plant seeds in small pots to take home. Another idea is to set up a nature art station where kids can create their own nature-inspired masterpieces using leaves, bark rubbings, twig paintbrushes and other materials. ### **Serve nature-inspired snacks** When it comes to snacks for a nature themed birthday party, you can get creative. Serve fresh fruit skewers, vegetable cups with hummus, and trail mix. You can even make your own insect-shaped cookies using a cookie cutter. ### **How to stay calm when organising a party** If organising the party at home seems overwhelming, the increasing availability of forest schools across the country also offers a great choice for a nature-themed celebration - and the best part, you don’t have to clean up after! See opposite for a selection around the UK I always like to have a few activities planned to give the party some structure and bring everyone together. This could be anything from roasting marshmallows to collecting pine cones - simplicity is key. Set a clear end time for the party and weave in a closing activity like singing "Happy Birthday" or offering party bags. These gentle cues help everyone wind down, especially young ones who can tire easily. Keep the party to around 1.5-2 hours to maintain energy levels and avoid meltdowns. Planning a nature themed birthday party is a great way to get kids outside and exploring the world around them. With a little bit of planning and creativity, you can create a memorable experience for your child and their friends! *Sally Jackson is the founder of* [***sorenshouse.co.uk*** ](https://sorenshouse.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)*and lives in West Yorkshire with her two children, Seren and Seth, two dogs and 4 cats.* --- ## **Nature Themed Party Goodies** ### **Cotton Twist** As a mother of three, Cotton Twist’s founder Anne-Clare has a deep passion for fostering creativity and imagination in children, in a world that often feels overrun by gadgets and technology. Choose from personalised tin fillers and a variety of craft kits, which come in recyclable Kraft envelopes and will get kids making and creating with non-plastic materials. [***cottontwist.co.uk***](https://cottontwist.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) [](https://cottontwist.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **Eco Party Bag** Based in Taunton, Somerset Eco Party Bag produce a range of ready-made bags for you to choose from. Or you can build your own. All bags have been created with the environment in mind, by reducing the plastic and giving you and your loved ones something more meaningful and thought-provoking than the traditional party bags and gifts. There are many themes including woodland, nature, Space, Mermaid and more.[***ecopartybag.co.uk***](https://www.ecopartybag.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) --- ## **Party Organisers** ### **Communitree** There's no better way to welcome in another year than being surrounded by family and friends in nature. Lasting for two hours, the themed parties provided by Communitree, in Greater Manchester, include nature-based games and activities and plenty of time for tree climbing and unstructured play. Choose from Dragons and Knights, Outdoor Kitchen or Woodland Fairytale. [***communitree.co.uk***](https://www.communitree.co.uk/birthdays?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **Wild Minds** Do you have a love of nature and art? Have you ever created something beautiful with the things that the trees and flowers provide? Wild Minds in South Derbyshire host nature art parties for all age groups. Guests are invited to collect wonderful things in the woodland and then work on individual art projects and a final BIG NATURE display that will bring joy to those around you and those who follow. [***wildmindsnature.co.uk***](https://wildmindsnature.co.uk/birthday-parties/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **Fireflies** This Forest School site in Huntingdon, Cambs makes a magical setting for a party. They decorate the site with bunting, put up ropes, hammocks and swings and stock the mud kitchen with potions and more. There’s mini wheelbarrows, trolleys, cuddly toys, natural resources, and musical instruments and lots of tools available to use in the tool area. Optional extras include bananas baked on the fire, birthday cupcakes and plastic-free party bags. [***firefliesforestschool.co.uk***](https://firefliesforestschool.co.uk/birthday-parties?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) *Photos by* [***@madelinevphotography***](https://www.instagram.com/madelinevphotography/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) *for* [***wildlingsforestschool.com***](https://www.wildlingsforestschool.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)*.* ### Sacred Sunday: 9 Self-Care Exercises URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/sacred-sunday-9-self-care-exercises/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:24.000Z ## Nine self-care activities for parents that can be done in the 15 minutes before kids wake, suggests **Sarah Handley** ## If your mornings feel frantic, rushed and overwraught, here are some tried and tested ways of clawing back a brief moment for you, and you alone, amongst the chaos. We asked some mums to share real and practical advice for doing self-care in 15 minutes or less and this is what they said. ### **Mindful breathing** Bringing attention to only your breath is a great relaxation technique. [**Sesh Naidoo**](https://www.instagram.com/coach%5Fsesh/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), Mum, Science Teacher and coach recommends lying down with a single focus on mindfully controlling your breath. **Do it at home:** The most basic way to do mindful breathing is simply to focus your attention on your breath, then inhale and exhale. You can do this while standing, but ideally you’ll be sitting or even lying in a comfortable position. Your eyes may be open or closed, but you may find it easier to maintain your focus if you close your eyes. It can help to set aside a designated time for this exercise, but it can also help to practice it when you’re feeling particularly stressed or anxious. Experts believe a regular practice of mindful breathing can make it easier to do it in difficult situations. ### **Take an epsom salts bath** This isn't an original suggestion, but it's super effective. Many mums feel like their only sanctuary is their bathroom; sound familiar? Why not make the bathroom a regular safe-haven in the morning before little feet make an entrance, by running yourself a relaxing bath. Epsom salts optional. Lavender essential oil is also nice. ### **Make Running Easier** [**Maud Hodson**](https://www.instagram.com/maudhodson/?hl=en&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ran a marathon in her back garden during lockdown. “It is a small garden - about 8.5 metres long, and quite narrow,” she explained. “I managed to refine that into a figure-of-eight lap of 19 metres, moving the garden chairs into the middle so I can run behind them, so I just ran 2,221 laps of the garden!” [**Julie Creffield**](https://juliecreffield.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), transformational coach and plus size marathon runner says: “For women we find it hard enough to prioritise our wellbeing at the best of times, I just wanted to hold space for women to do movement and wellness activities in a perfectly imperfect way.” ### **Do namaskars or sun salutations** Grab your yoga mat and head out to the garden to greet the rising sun. [**Yoga Journal**](https://www.yogajournal.com/featured?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) suggests that the roots of modern sun salutation rituals can be traced back 3,500 years; Namaskars were first described in the Rig Veda, the oldest collection of sacred Indian scriptures. ### **Practice Quick EFT** EFT stands for Emotional Freedom Technique, and is also known as Tapping. Tapping is a fantastic stress reduction tool - simply stimulating the acupressure points on your face and upper body (much like acupuncture, but without the needles!) you send a signal to your brain that you're safe. And by talking about how you feel at the same time, you can dissolve any unwelcome feelings, simply by acknowledging them and then letting them go. Therapist [**Louisa Hussey**](https://louisahussey.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) says: “You can tap whenever and wherever you like. It's a fantastic tool to keep in your self-care arsenal. It might look a bit weird to start - but it's one of the best kept secrets for instant calm. I recommend you try a quick tapping sequence in the morning to set you up for the day.” ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **Make a mug of raspberry tea** For a quick-win, mood booster, herbal teas are really healthy and super easy to make; just add about 5 or 6 raspberry leaves to hot water and you’ll have a refreshing vitamin-boosting drink to enjoy. We also recommend a nettle tea as an iron boosting tonic; add a couple of nettle tops to a mug and top up with hot water – it deactivates the stinging properties. ### **Barefoot gardening** Eccentric? Absolutely! Helpful? Yes. Now the warmer and lighter mornings are here. Being out in the garden early in the morning when the dew is still on the grass is a great energy booster. By being barefoot, we have a direct connection to the earth and its magnetic field; it’s called Earthing. The science behind the benefits is based on the fact that the body absorbs negative ions from the earth through the sole of the foot. Our bodies are in need of negative ions as we are surrounded and flooded by positive ions in today's world (think of everything with a power source that emits a signal). ### **Make a gratitude list** When we are anxious or stressed or even just lost in our own negative thoughts, making a list of everything that we are thankful for in our lives helps to ground and calm us. The list can include people, “the love of family and friends”, to places “the oak tree in the park”. ### **Write it all out** Wrap yourself in a blanket and find a quiet spot where you can journal and set your intentions for the day; if specific things are bothering or giving you anxiety, just writing them out can help to clear away thought patterns that aren’t serving you in a positive way. ‘Morning pages’ is a journaling method that comes from Julia Cameron’s, the [**Artist's Way**](https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/artist-s-way-book-julia-cameron-9780330343589?price=7.30&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk); as soon as you wake three pages of longhand consciousness writing. Nicola Rae-Wickham of [**alifemoreinspired.com**](https://www.alifemoreinspired.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) says: “I recommend this as it is really great for uncovering those limiting and unconscious beliefs.” *Sarah is a mother and step-mother of two children. She runs a tech marketing start up.* ### 26 Microadventures you Could Take this Weekend URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/26-microadventures-you-could-take-this-weekend/ Last updated: 2025-04-04T18:38:53.000Z Hello! A big, sunshiney welcome to today’s newsletter. I’ve been working on issue 125, our joy edition, which will come with an extensive guide to a summer of fun, with a festival guide and your chance to win tickets! Bag your copy [**here**](https://link.thegreenparent.co.uk/buy125?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) (will be sent out next month!). Iris and I have been mainly outdoors in the sun this week. She’s very into sunscreen this year – we’ve found one that’s easy for her to apply herself, by [**Child’s Farm**](https://www.childsfarm.com/products/childs-farm-spf50-sun-spray-fragrance-free-100ml?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). I’m more of a cover-up when it’s really hot type person, seek shade in the middle of the day; a bit of sun exposure is good for you. But she loves wearing fewer clothes, and the whole ritual of applying sun lotion, so… Oh, we were at [**Nymans**](https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/nymans/visiting-nymans-garden?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) earlier in the week and the magnolias are amazing right now – we collected some petals to make pickles. It’s the first time I’ve eaten them – they have a bitter, sweet taste, a little like ginger. Here’s a recipe for [**pickled magnolia petals**](https://rootedfood.com/recipes/pickledmagnolia?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). It’s my sister’s birthday today and we’ve had some lush celebrations this week. Yesterday a women’s [**wild spa experience**](https://wowo.co.uk/wild-spa/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), and today a picnic on the rolling banks at [**Wakehurst Place**](https://www.kew.org/wakehurst?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), complete with two types of cake! Read on for more… ## **What We’ve Been Up To This Week** ### **Foraging for Wild Garlic** How delicious is the wild garlic right now? The young leaves are so potent! **Here’s how to make your own wild garlic bread:** Pick some leaves, give them a good wash and leave to dry. You want around 50g of leaves to a pat of butter. Place the butter in a warm pot to soften. Chop the wild garlic really finely. Beat into the butter. Add a pinch of salt (even if butter is salted I find I want a little extra saltiness, but I love salt). Taste and add more wild garlic if you want a stronger flavour. Thinly slice a baguette almost all the way through so that the loaf retains its shape and you have slits all the way along. Add a knob of butter inside each slit. Wrap in silver foil and pop in a hot oven for 15 minutes (around 200ºC). Pull out, unwrap and savour the delicious smell. Makes a yummy addition to pasta and salad dinner. Enjoy! Here’s what Fi and Kaz of the [**Seed Sistas**](https://seedsistas.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) have to say about Wild Garlic. “***Allium ursinum*** is packed with antimicrobial, antioxidant, and heart-supporting properties. Like its cultivated cousin, garlic, it contains allicin, a sulphur-rich compound known for boosting immunity, reducing blood pressure, and supporting circulation. But unlike regular garlic, it offers a milder, greener flavour.” Find their recipe for [**wild garlic pesto here**](https://www.instagram.com/seed%5Fsistas/p/DG0XpGJNuhu/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). Oh, and check out Paul Robinson’s wild garlic [**kimchi recipe here**](https://yorkshiregourmet.com/post/184038412178/wild-garlic-kimchi?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) \- so good! _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Our Children are Growing up with Nature as their Living Room URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/our-children-grow-up-with-nature-as-their-living-room/ Last updated: 2025-04-03T18:33:21.000Z ## **Manuk** (34) lives with **Marcel** (34), **Vayu** (4) and **Tara** (2) in a tiny house in the Black Forest in Germany ## When our youngest was born, we decided to build a tiny home to live in. Neither of us had built a house before. Marcel tore down an old wagon, completely primed the frame and built a 2.6m home on top. We had the old round roof lifted off with a tractor and reused it on the new house. The walls are made of chestnut, and so are the shingles that Marcel made himself. "Shingling" is a traditional craft here in the German Black Forest. ### **Open Hearted Living** I originally come from the Polish border in eastern Germany and Marcel from the northern lowlands. But the Black Forest with its lush meadows, deep forests, narrow valleys and magical nature simply appealed to us. There are also many like-minded people around Freiburg who go through life with an open heart and a smile on their face. We have visited many communities in Germany and on our travels and decided to found one ourselves. Four years ago, the time had come and we moved to a small farm with a wild stream, five hectares of land, woods and meadows. Sweat lodges and tipi ceremonies had been held here for 20 years. The place was literally jubilant when we arrived and lit the fire for the first sweat lodge. As a community, we invite everyone to nature rituals, breathwork seminars, singing circles, shamanic retreats, original crafts, men's and women's circles. Thirteen people live in the large farmhouse and many also live in their mobile structures, such as tiny homes or vans. So do we as a family. From April to October we are completely in our tiny home and in the cold season we use it as a room for working, doing yoga, meditating and sleeping. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### 5 Benefits to Barefoot Living URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/5-benefits-to-barefoot-living/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:24.000Z ## Remember those carefree, barefoot days as a child? The soft grass beneath your feet? The warm sand between your toes? And, yes, even the occasional stone or twig pricking the underside of your feet uncomfortably, asks **Melinda Bito** Recent research suggests going barefoot isn’t just about happy childhood memories, but a potentially health-changing practice we should all be implementing regularly – kids and adults alike. ## **Here are 5 benefits to barefoot living** 1. **Earthing: Tapping into the Earth’s natural energy** When we practice Earthing – connecting our skin directly with the Earth’s natural surfaces – negative electrons from the Earth are absorbed into our bodies. This offsets the mass of positive electrons we absorb every day from simply living in a world surrounded by electrical devices, wi-fi and mobile phones. Earthing allows us to help restore our natural balance. 1. **Neutralise free radicals… and sleep better!** Pain, fatigue, poor sleep, auto-immune disorders and chronic disease are all thought to be related to inflammation caused by free radicals. Boosting the number of negative electrons in our bodies is crucial to keeping free radicals under control, and the simplest way to do this is by earthing. Walking barefoot for a half-hour on the Earth’s natural surfaces gives our bodies time to absorb those necessary negative electrons – encouraging children to do this with you may just improve everyone’s quality of sleep! 1. **Stimulate pressure points and the nervous system** When children wear shoes, they are missing out on the most basic sensory experience of them all – the feeling of dirt, rocks, leaves and twigs beneath their feet. Our feet are hard-wired with multiple pressure points and nerve endings to convey messages to other parts of our bodies. Wearing shoes dulls the effectiveness of these nerve endings, while going barefoot stimulates them and, in turn, our entire nervous system. It’s perhaps the easiest and most cost-effective form of sensory play! 1. **Strengthen their joints & muscles** Walking barefoot strengthens the muscles in children’s feet and ankles, improving balance and posture. It engages the feet’s arches, strengthening them, and improves the alignment of muscles throughout the legs. This, in turn, helps prevent stability problems in joints such as the hips, knees and ankles, reducing the risks of injury later in life. 1. **Foster a connection with nature** Removing their shoes immediately requires children to become more aware of their surroundings – how does the ground feel? Is there a sharp rock ahead? What was that rustle in the bushes? Their senses are heightened – they’re paying attention. From that attention comes an appreciation of the natural world they are walking through. They feel the papery leaves crunching underfoot. The softness of the grass. The sharpness of prickles. When all five senses are fully engaged, they completely connect with nature and, after all, what better time than childhood to develop a love of being in the natural world? ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ## **More Resources** **LEARN** Get free online resources for forest school activities at [***ecoexplorers.com.au***](https://www.ecoexplorers.com.au/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **READ** [**Balanced and Barefoot**](https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/balanced-and-barefoot-book-angela-j-hanscom-9781626253735?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) by Paediatric Occupational therapist, Angela Hanscom all about barefoot play. SPONSORED [![CTA Image](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/04/75506_12.jpg.webp)](https://www.tickit.co.uk/collections/whizz-balance-bikes?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ****Time to get Whizzy** For parents raising mindful, active children, the [****tickit Whizz Bike**](https://www.tickit.co.uk/collections/whizz-balance-bikes?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) offers the perfect introduction to making educated, thoughtful purchases instead of fast-paced, easily outgrown products, for children who love outdoor, unstructured play, and tiny adventurers who seek independence. [Learn more ](https://www.tickit.co.uk/collections/whizz-balance-bikes?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### This One Thing Helped me be a More Joyful Mum This Week URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/this-one-thing-helped-me-be-a-more-joyful-mum-this-week/ Last updated: 2025-03-28T18:44:48.000Z Hello and a sunny, warm welcome to this week’s newsletter. The clocks go forward tomorrow night, so we get a whole extra hour of light in the evening – feels like it’s going to make a big difference. We've been walking for charity, playing in the woods, painting, making pottery and learning about teeth and how our eyes work. Workwise, we've been loving your feedback on our Creativity issue, out last week. Find out more [**here**](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/new-creativity-issue-out-today/). ## **Here’s What We’ve Been up to This Week** ### **Watching Unschooling Talks** The [**Unschooling Summit**](https://www.theunschoolingsummit.org/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), which took place last weekend, but is still available online (to purchase) was co-organised by [**Esther Jones**](https://www.esther-jones.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) and [**Melissa Crockett-Joyoue**](https://theunschoolspace.buzzsprout.com/1483420/episodes/15759879-68-unschooling-and-neurodiversity-the-power-of-community-and-keeping-our-own-balance-with-melissa-crockett-joyoue-in-new-zealand?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), and was a brilliant, three-day virtual event. My sister and I took some time out from family life to watch a few of the videos and talk through what we’d learnt. It was such a good way to absorb more information and get a deeper understanding. I came away with a notebook full of ideas. Each talk delved into self-directed education and unschooling practices. Some of my favourites were [**Melissa Crockett-Joyoue**](https://theunschoolspace.buzzsprout.com/1483420/episodes/15759879-68-unschooling-and-neurodiversity-the-power-of-community-and-keeping-our-own-balance-with-melissa-crockett-joyoue-in-new-zealand?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) talking about neurodiversity in unschooling, [**Erich Leidums**](https://www.instagram.com/thatmountainlife/?hl=en&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) on the importance of risky play, [**Pam Laricchia**](https://livingjoyfully.ca/about/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) talking about building a strong relationship based on trust and respect with your child, [**Chemay Morales-James**](https://my-reflection-matters.mn.co/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) on cultivating community and [**Iris Chen**](https://www.instagram.com/untigering/?hl=en&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) on decolonising education, and self-directed learning. Esther is a UK-based mindfulness teacher and deschooling coach who specializes in assisting parents and their neurodivergent children to thrive beyond traditional schooling systems. She hosts the bi-weekly podcast, [**The Unschool Space**](https://theunschoolspace.buzzsprout.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), well worth a listen! _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### 14 Things to Do in April URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/14-things-to-do-in-april/ Last updated: 2025-03-25T18:55:41.000Z ## Packed with ways to celebrate Easter, revolutionary calls to action, how to use the ghost nets that litter our coasts, radical and beautiful ways to mend, and folklore for your family, there's plenty to do this month! ### **Happy Trails** Immerse yourself in nature (and catch the start of the big bird migration) at an RSPB reserve – the society is celebrating a [**Big Wild Easter**](https://events.rspb.org.uk/Easter?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), including wild challenges, lino printing, spring trails and dinosaur egg-stravaganzas. Or go golden duck hunting, pond dipping, or join Aardman’s Lloyd of the Flies for a [**Wetland Bug Hunt** ](https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/whats-on/aardman-lloyd-of-the-flies-wetland-bug-hunt?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)at WWT sites across the country. It’s the most egg-citing time of the year for chocolate fans! Try blossom festivals, spring trails, and, of course, egg hunts at a National Trust property. Find fun near you [**here**](https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/whats-on/easter-egg-hunts?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). Or step into spring at an [**English Heritage site**](https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/easter/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk); head to a Lego brick build, or join an Easter Adventure Quest. You might not find a grail but - shhh - there’s chocolate! If you’re in Wales, you’ll find [**paint-alongs, egg trails, and chocolate detectives missions**](https://museum.wales/easter/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) at museums including St Fagans, the National Museum, and the National Waterfront Museum. The [**trails** ](https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/articles/easter-with-the-rhs?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)at RHS Wisley, Hyde, Harlow Carr, Rosemoor and Bridgewater wind around giant painted eggs, and - this year - families can turn detective to solve the egg-nigma code or follow the very sweet *Guess How Much I Love You* adventure trail! ![children in rabbit costumes play on a lawn in front of a stately home ](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/03/Easter_Greenbank_bunnies_house_0125-copy.png) Easter at Greenbank Garden, Glasgow (NTS Scotland) Meanwhile in Scotland, there are [**E**](https://www.nts.org.uk/stories/easter-egg-trails-2025?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)[**aster eggs to be found**](https://www.nts.org.uk/stories/easter-egg-trails-2025?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) at 22 venues across the country, from Brodie Castle in the Highlands to Greenbank Garden in Glasgow (from Friday 18th April). _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### My Favourite Sex Ed Books for Kids URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/my-favourite-sex-ed-books-for-kids/ Last updated: 2025-03-21T19:58:17.000Z Hello! A very happy Spring Equinox to you. Hope the sun has been shining on you today. I’ve had such a lush day – although officially the Equinox was yesterday – Iris and I celebrated today. Find out how below. We’ve just published our 124th edition of the magazine – get your hands on our Creativity special edition [**here**](https://link.thegreenparent.co.uk/buy124?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). Every edition has our 2025 Alternative Schools Guide tucked inside listing over 90 alternative learning spaces to help you make the right choice for your child. [**Get your copy delivered**](https://link.thegreenparent.co.uk/buy124?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). Home education-wise, we’ve been mainly outside again this week, with some times tables practice (at Iris’ request) over breakfast, and more Women’s Studies through reading the tales inside [**HerStory by Katherine Halligan**](https://nosycrow.com/product/herstory-50-women-and-girls-who-shook-the-world/?srsltid=AfmBOorACwUvhCFooCzGha8n36zWDwSsfztpPZG5y4gZkExQ%5F4O13DPb&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) and [**the ABCs of Women’s History by Rio Cortez**](https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/rio-cortez/the-abcs-of-womens-history/9781523523290/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk#:~:text=In%20a%20beautiful%20picture%20book,%2C%20brown%20women%2C%20transwomen%2C%20and). ## **What we’ve Been up to This Week:** ### **Making a Healing Balm** Iris and I had fun making a calendula and chamomile healing balm this week using infused olive oil, which we’d made earlier. It’s very simple to make and creates a lovely soothing, all-round balm, which nourishes the skin and reduces inflammation. Calendula is known for its skin-repairing properties, while chamomile is calming and anti-inflammatory. Want to make some at home? Here’s how to do it. #### **Here’s what you need:** - **120ml infused calendula oil** (we made this by infusing dried calendula flowers in extra virgin olive oil) - **2 tbsp beeswax pellets** - 1 tbsp honey - **15 drops chamomile essential oil** #### **Instructions:** 1. **Melt** – In a double boiler or heat-safe bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, melt the beeswax. 2. **Add Oil and Honey** – Once melted, stir in the infused calendula oil and honey until well combined. 3. **Cool Slightly** – Remove from heat and let it cool for 1-2 minutes before adding the chamomile essential oils. 4. **Pour & Set** – Pour the mixture into small tins or glass jars and allow it to solidify at room temperature. 5. **Store** – Keep in a cool, dark place. The balm should last **6-12 months**. This calendula and chamomile balm has so many uses – we carry a pot with us when we’re out and about. Iris gets into a lot of scrapes! And she loves having a pot of balm she’s made to treat the grazes that ensue. I used our new batch on a burn that I got whilst making roasted spicy chickpeas (check out [**this recipe**](https://thehealthyepicurean.com/spicy-roasted-chickpeas/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) for a novel, super-easy snack!), and it healed so quick. The balm is also good for treating dry skin, eczema, rashes, as a lip balm (yummy honey taste!) and also to soothe sunburnt skin. A great little all-rounder! This gorgeous image of handmade calendula lip balm is by [**Schisandra and Bergamot**](https://schisandraandbergamot.com/calendula-lip-balm/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### New Creativity Issue Out Today! URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/new-creativity-issue-out-today/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:25.000Z ## Introducing the latest edition of **The Green Parent magazine**, which is published today Parenting is an adventure - why not make it a creative one? The latest edition of The Green Parent is here, packed with fresh ideas, expert advice, and hands-on activities to help you nurture your child’s imagination and curiosity. ### **What’s Inside?** There's heaps to inspire and uplift you this Spring. Here's a taster of some of the features you can find inside. **• Creative Parenting** \- 6 ways to turn on your family’s creativity **• The Importance of Boredom** \- Why our kids need unstructured time **• DIY Projects** \- Seasonal family craft and get started with your own mud kitchen **• Expert Advice** \- tips for foraging with your kids this spring **• Real Parent Stories** \- my daughter inspired me to start a business and being a naturist mama! **• Rebel Mothering** \- tackling loneliness and burnout ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. Each edition has our **Alternative Schools Guide 2025** tucked inside, listing over 90 alternative learning spaces to help you make the right choice for your child. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/03/tgp_124_asg.jpg) This issue is a must-read for parents who want to raise confident, curious, and creative kids whilst nurturing a love for the natural world. Grab your copy today and let the creativity flow! [Yes! I want to get this edition in the post!](https://link.thegreenparent.co.uk/buy124?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Wishing you a joyful Spring! Love from Melissa ps: Are you a member and wanting to get stuck into this issue? Come on over to [**your membership space**](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/members-area/) where you can download and read straight away. ### Enjoy Years of Outdoor Play with the tickit Whizz Balance Bike URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/enjoy-years-of-outdoor-play-with-the-tickit-whizz-balance-bike/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:25.000Z ## At a time where screens have the potential to dominate childhood experiences, the classic balance bike stands as an example of traditional outdoor play, and the newly launched [**tickit Whizz Bike**](https://www.tickit.co.uk/collections/whizz-balance-bikes?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) exemplifies this philosophy perfectly! ## Crafted with sustainability and longevity at its core, this balance bike features a durable, rustproof frame designed to withstand the adventurers of enthusiastic young riders whilst minimising environmental impact from replacing outdoor equipment like this regularly as the child grows. "We believe products should be built to last," explains Honor Davidson, tickit's Head of Marketing. "The Whizz Bike embodies our commitment to creating products that grow and develop with the child rather than being quickly outgrown and discarded." Just to prove they are serious, this exceptional balance bike is backed by a five-year warranty, making the Whizz Bike ideal not only for families with multiple children but also for childminders and nursery settings. Available in three exciting and elegant colours, the bike's adjustable seat accommodates children from 24 months onwards, ensuring years of continuous use. ### **Thoughtful Design** The impressive features don't end here, the puncture-proof tyres eliminate the need for replacements, reducing waste whilst guaranteeing uninterrupted play regardless of terrain. This thoughtful design allows children to explore natural environments without parents and caregivers worrying about maintenance issues. Vicki, parent, home educator and early years influencer, stated, "The wheels are thick and great for different terrain, strong and robust. I can't wait for the girls to enjoy the bike more and seeing how they go from strength to strength!" While toy testers at a large childcare setting reported that "The children loved it, finding it sturdy and easy to manoeuvre. Made from reinforced nylon, the bike shows no signs of wear from outdoor play, while the solid rubber wheels eliminate puncture concerns. Its adjustable seat height caters perfectly to both toddlers and preschoolers." ### **Developing Balance and Core Strength** Introducing balance bikes in early childhood offers important developmental advantages that extend beyond learning to cycle. The tickit Whizz Bike helps children develop crucial physical skills including balance, coordination and core strength whilst building spatial awareness that prepares them for eventually riding pedal bikes, often without needing stabilisers. "Watching kids master their first bike is a milestone for any parent. The Whizz Balance Bike combines thoughtful design with features that adapt as your child grows, delivering a safe and enjoyable riding experience," said Andrea Storer, Head of Product Development & Research. Beyond physical benefits, balance bikes help improve confidence and independence as children learn to control their own movement and experience the satisfaction of mastering new skills. They also offer the opportunity to improve decision-making skills as children learn to assess risks, adjust their speed and navigate around obstacles. This practical problem-solving occurs naturally during play and transfers to other areas of development as the child grows. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/03/75502__17.jpg) ## The lightweight yet sturdy design makes it portable enough for trips to the park, countryside or even the beach ### **Years of Outdoor Play** The tickit Whizz Bike creates a compelling reason for families to venture outdoors. With an adjustable seat allowing the bike to grow with the child, the tickit Whizz Bike will ensure years of outdoor play and exploration. While the bike's lightweight yet sturdy design makes it easy to transport to different natural settings and locations, encouraging exploration of different environments and unstructured active play. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **Why choose the tickit Whizz Bike?** What truly sets this balance bike apart from others on the market is its perfect balance of durability, sustainability and developmental benefits. Its lightweight yet sturdy design makes it portable enough for trips to the park, countryside or even the beach, whilst its rustproof construction means it can be left outdoors without concern. It is a low maintenance but highly rewarding tool that will teach children key developmental skills through unstructured, open-ended outdoor play in any setting! For parents raising mindful, active children, the [**tickit Whizz Bike**](https://www.tickit.co.uk/collections/whizz-balance-bikes?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) offers the perfect introduction to making educated, thoughtful purchases instead of fast-paced, easily outgrown products, for children who love outdoor, unstructured play, and tiny adventurers who seek independence. ## **MORE INSPIRATION** **FIND OUT MORE** at [**tickit.co.uk/collections/whizz-balance-bikes**](https://www.tickit.co.uk/collections/whizz-balance-bikes?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### 15 Ways to Celebrate Spring Equinox URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/15-ways-to-celebrate-spring-equinox/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:25.000Z ## As we step into the active half of the year at the Spring Equinox (on 20th March), everything is coming alive and awakening. It is time to reach out for what we want for ourselves and the world says **Glennie Kindred** ## Day and night are of equal length all over the world. In the Northern Hemisphere we still celebrate it as the first day of Spring. The days are getting longer and warmer now and the nights are getting shorter. This is a festival of balance: the balance of light and dark, the balance of the Sun’s active energy in the day and the Moon’s receptive energy at night; the balance of the inner world and the outer world; the balance of the conscious Fire energy with the forces of the watery unconscious. Here at the Equinox we can look at and work towards this balance within ourselves. This will bring change and healing as we move into new understanding and new actions. Oestre, the Goddess of Light, brings fertility with the Spring. This is the root of the word ‘oestrus’, the time in an animals sexual cycle when it is fertile and oestrogen, the hormone that stimulates ovulation, is produced. The Church overlaid this festival with Easter and its theme of rebirth and resurrection from death. It’s timing is based on the old lunar calendar: the first Sunday after the first full Moon after the Spring Equinox, formerly the pregnant phase of Oestre passing into the fertile season. ### **Ancient Traditions of Ostara** The pagan tradition celebrates the spring maiden and the ardent young male at this time. Their union makes all of nature fertile. The sexually potent young woman of the spring equinox is balanced with the sexually potent young man. Here we can make contact with their archetypal energy within ourselves. We need to balance this energy within ourselves regardless of gender. It is the energy and power of the rational conscious mind when joined with the energy and power of the intuition and inner wisdom, which brings fertility and manifestation. This is the union, which brings forth new life on many levels As we step into the active phase of the year, remember to balance the rational, logical mind with instinct and intuition. We have laid such importance on our logical minds, that we have become used to ignoring our intuition. Learn to listen, to trust, and to act on your inner wisdom and bring your whole self back into balance. Everything in nature is coming alive and awakening. The Sun is gaining strength and the days are longer and warmer. Blossom and catkins are on the trees, buds are bursting, seeds are germinating, Spring flowers appear, eggs are hatching and all the animals are preparing to have their young. Everywhere is evidence of life’s ability to regenerate. ### **The Energy of the Spring Equinox** The energy is turning from the dark depths of Winter and the inner world, to an outward manifestation of the conscious world. It is time to throw off the restraints of Winter and the cold, and reach out for what it is we want for ourselves and the world. It is a time of rain and sunshine, the mingling of the Elements of Fire and Water, Spring gales, high tides, feelings of wildness and chaos. Run wild in the wind and celebrate life’s fertility. We are breaking out and moving forwards. We feel empowered to take risks, strike out on our own, make things happen. It is a time to begin new ventures, make plans and make journeys. An egg can be balanced on its end at the Equinox. The balance of the Earth’s energy is now blended: Light with Dark, conscious with unconscious, Fire with Water. Here is the union of power, which brings fertility and manifestation. This is the spark of the life-force. This is the Dance of Life - interdependent complementary parts of one energy system, which we can embrace on our journey to become whole. Be outside on the Equinox, wrap up warm if it’s cold, enjoy the Elements, the wind and the rain and the sunshine. Rejoice in them! Celebrate the end of Winter, be a Mad March hare, run wild and be expansive. Look for the arrival of Spring everywhere. ### **How to Celebrate the Spring Equinox with Your Kids** Choose a wild and powerful place to go today, somewhere where the Earth’s energy runs strong, where serpent or dragon paths can be felt. Experiment with your ability to dowse these energies. Share a special breakfast with family before setting out to spend the day outside together. Make a shrine to honour the awakening Earth. Place on it Spring flowers, bulbs growing in pots, blossom, catkins and pussy willow. Represent the 5 Elements in ways that reflects the Equinox. Burn lavender to welcome the Spring, hang cloths of yellow and green. Make time to meditate with the trees, especially if a particular tree draws you towards it. Put your back against its trunk, feel it’s life-force energy and be open to receiving impressions and inner understanding from the tree. Greet the Dryad, the spirit of the tree. Greet the nature spirits of flowers and herbs. Communication is greatly enhanced if you are open to their existence. Be open to communication from faerie and you may have a surprise. This ancient race far from the Victorian image of pretty winged nymphs, are a shape shifting people, rarely seen but sometimes felt, often near. Plant the seeds of yourself and look at where you’re going now. Affirm your most positive wishes. Connect to your life-force. Ask your spirit guides and helpers for direction and remain open to receiving these messages. Honour the Earth and the fertility of all life; the animals, the birds, the fish and the insect world, the great abundance of life and flowers, the herbs for medicine, and all the food growing for us to eat. Honour the balance of the Sun and the Moon, the male and the female and the power of their union. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. Begin new ventures now, enhance your understanding of fertility and balance. Break away from old outworn ideas. If you are a man find ways to embrace your inner woman. If you are a woman find ways to embrace your inner man. Positive affirmations are positive repetitive statements said in the present tense. They act like a meditative mantra and will break negative thought patterns that are no longer serving you. These may have been built up over the years and can actually begin to manifest as physical illnesses. Use the Equinox to look at areas of imbalance in yourself and use positive affirmations to help rebuild positive thought patterns for the future. Decorate eggs, either hard-boiled or blown. Hard-boiled eggs can be rolled down a hill or eaten for breakfast. Special decorated eggs can be given as gifts to each other. Plant seeds of herbs or flowers for medicine. There is a tradition of decorating hats with ribbons and spring flowers at the spring Equinox (Easter bonnets). Make all kinds of things to fly in the wind, using basket makers willow, streamers of crepe paper, wool and ribbons and run with them in the wind. Make prayer flags and prayer sticks, writing positive affirmations on to the material and ribbons and attaching them to sticks to stand in the wind, sending your prayers and messages out into the world. Fly dragon flags, dragon kites, make dragon masks, which can be attached to long sticks with streamers to fly from the mask. Have a dragon procession with a dragon you have made. Dance to celebrate the first day of Spring. ***Glennie Kindred is a writer, author, grandmother and wisewoman of the earth traditions*** [***glenniekindred.co.uk***](http://glenniekindred.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) --- ### **Try this Spring Equinox Meditation for renewal and self healing** Begin by imagining yourself curled up inside an egg or seed. You are your egg or seed space. This is your world in the dark; growing life; incubating your plans; waiting. Feel the life force growing within you. Feel the new you who is waiting to be born into the light, into action, who will become manifest. Feel your roots growing and reaching down into the earth, drinking all the nutrients. As you begin to move outwards and break out of your shell or seed case, take with you your most positive intent. Feel the shoot unfold into the air, your leaves, unfold soaking up the Sun's rays. Breathe new life into yourself as you break through into a new phase of your life. Celebrate and dance this power and energy. Celebrate being alive. Celebrate the balance of the world within and the world without. All that you need is given - for growing, for your wellbeing. You are in radiant health. ### Make a Whole Home Ed Plan in 2 Minutes! URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/make-a-whole-home-ed-plan-in-2-minutes/ Last updated: 2025-03-20T20:31:05.000Z Hello, Happy Friday! I’m dashing in with this newsletter at the last moment - 'scuse any mistakes. I’ve had such a fun and busy week. Today was the start of a new home ed gathering – more on that in a bit. Home-ed wise we’ve hung out with friends, taken multiple trips to the library, been swimming, cycling and trampolining and I’ve discovered a really simple, fun way to create project-based learning schedules based on Iris’ favourite books. Read on for more. Oh, and I wanted to give a plug for my nephew’s book, which he made with his friends, as part of Elder Bees home education group. I’ve ordered my copy of [**Bob the Circus Cat**](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bob-Circus-Cat-Elder-Children/dp/B0DXVFB5W9?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref%5F=fplfs&psc=1&smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE) – Iris and I are so excited to read it! It’s about a cat who discovers that no matter how far from home he is, he’s never alone with friends by his side. Sales of the book raise money for [**The Flying Seagull Project**](https://www.theflyingseagullproject.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), a charity that brings joy, laughter, and creative play to disadvantaged and vulnerable children around the world. Through clowning, music, circus performances, and play workshops, they help uplift children in refugee camps, hospitals, orphanages, and marginalised communities. Click on the link above (name of the book) to order a copy! ## **Here’s What We’ve Been Up to This Week** ### **Discovering a New Book** I found this book in the library this week called [**The Little Book of Parenting by Chinyelu Kunz**](https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/little-book-of-parenting-book-chinyelu-kunz-9781399811903?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). It’s a lovely, heartfelt guide to raising happy, resilient children from preschool to adulthood. Chinyelu is a parenting coach with over 28 years of experience in education. She has three grown-up kids who all went through the Waldorf system. Born and raised in Enugu, Nigeria, she moved to the United States as a young adult and is the founder of [**We Nurture Collective**](https://wenurturecollective.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). In this book Chinyelu emphasises the importance of parents' emotional well-being as a foundation for nurturing their children's development. There’s sections on self-regulation, establishing clear and loving boundaries, and creating solid routines within the family. It’s a great little book to have on your shelves for reassurance and support. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Building Community in the South of France URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/building-community-in-the-south-of-france/ Last updated: 2025-04-25T06:45:35.000Z ## Our first date was spent in a cosy pub in Brighton’s Kemptown talking about how we’d both love to move to France one day says **Nicky Chamier** Happy memories of childhood holidays and trips around Europe in our twenties fuelled our desires. We fantasied about speaking two languages, indulging in French food, even owning our own vineyard. Years later, in the midst of a pandemic and with Brexit looming, my partner Sam made a decision to leave his business and together we made our dash for France before the doors closed to Britons. We packed up life in our little cottage and then with our 1-year-old son, Felix, and cat, Ted in tow crossed the Channel to our ‘Promise Land’. Sam got a job in a biodynamic vineyard in the rolling hills of the Jurançon, Southwest France, so we headed there ready for our new lives to begin. Making the decision to leave hadn’t been easy; we had a life, a home and a community in England and I knew leaving all that behind would be difficult. There were a lot of tearful goodbyes. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Sacred Sunday: Cacao Helps me be a Better Mother URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/sacred-sunday-cacao-helps-me-be-a-better-mother/ Last updated: 2025-03-09T18:48:16.000Z ## Plant medicine helps me be a better mother explains **Hannah Thomas** Since going from one child to two, I’ve felt almost-perpetually overwhelmed. Meeting the needs of two littles ones, plus trying to care for myself and my home, has seemed like an impossible task. A few months ago, I discovered ceremonial cacao - and in Mama Cacao’s heart-opening medicine I have found a beautiful ally in my mothering journey. ### **Discovering my spiritual toolkit** Since working with a spiritual mentor during my second pregnancy, and learning how to support my holistic health - mind, body and spirit - I have been joyfully uncovering the spiritual, divinely and earthly-connected woman I’ve always been inside. Since childhood I felt very drawn to ‘hippy’ things; magic and witchcraft, but without any wise women or spiritual people in my life, I was never given the ‘vocabulary’ with which to describe (or trust) my experience and my intuition - or to learn the tools to practice a more spiritual and connected life. As a very sensitive child, who felt so much and didn’t get the guidance and support I needed, I have struggled with depression, anxiety, chronic people-pleasing and serious self-destructive behaviours all my life. So, finally discovering ways I can feel connected to the Universe and supported by divine energy - such as crystal healing, divination, and reiki energy healing - and ways to feel connected to Mother Earth such as herbalism, grounding, and plant medicine - have truly changed my life. My inner child feels gloriously happy that she now knows ‘how’ to be the person she’s always been. When I meet her in meditations, I have given her rainbow tie dye hippy clothes, her own set of oracle cards, crystals and magical herbs, and told her about how to use them to feel safe and connected. I’m being the grown up to her now that I wish I’d had when I was little. I felt called to ceremonial cacao for a while, but was unsure how to start, where to buy it, and how to ‘do it right’. But I happened to run into a lady at a local wellbeing fair who runs cacao ceremonies, and it felt divinely-guided. I bought a block of cacao and set an intention to welcome in the motherly, loving energy of Mama Cacao into my days with my daughters - but I wasn’t expecting it to be so profound. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Trouble with Communication? Try This Simple Tool URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/trouble-with-communication-try-this-simple-tool/ Last updated: 2025-03-07T19:12:01.000Z Hello, Happy Friday to you! How lush has the weather been this week?! Frosty mornings and bright, beautiful sunshine. My partner and I had an unexpected morning to ourselves and went for a walk on the downs in the sunshine. As we walked we used a check in process that we’ve made a few tweaks to. Read on to find out more. ## **What We've Been Up to This Week** ### **Developing Cycling Skills** A while back I heard about some free cycling training for home educated kids happening locally and I signed Iris up. Organised by [**Sustrans**](https://www.sustrans.org.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), the aim is to improve kids’ confidence on their bikes and/or get children cycling in the first place. They’re offering an hour and a half of training once a week for the whole of March and the first session was great. Iris came on leaps and bounds in the lesson. It was great to watch the children who were learning to ride find their groove and take off across the tennis courts on two wheels. Here's some advice for getting started [**learning to ride**](https://www.sustrans.org.uk/our-blog/get-active/teach-a-child-to-ride-a-bike-without-stabilisers-in-nine-steps/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). We joined [**The Bike Club**](https://bikeclub.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) a couple of years ago – we pay a monthly subscription for a reconditioned bike which we can exchange when Iris grows out of it. No more sheds full of rusty grown-out-of bikes! _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### “I’m tired of having my requests ignored by my teenage son!” URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/im-tired-of-having-my-requests-ignored-by-my-teenage-son/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:25.000Z ## **Dr. Laura Markham** shares 7 ways we can stop yelling and start connecting with our kids **Q** *"This weekend, I asked my 13 year old son (who does not like to shower) to shower on Sunday morning. He whinged and finally committed (after I expressed my frustration) to do so before bed. Then in the evening, he claimed he did not recall making a commitment and would not shower the same evening, but would do so Monday am (which he ultimately did).* *Besides this going against basic hygiene needs, it broke what I consider a promise and his obstinacy and lack of respect for me really got me worked up. This looks to be a deep laziness and unwillingness to put effort in to doing anything he doesn't care to do/ contribute to. I'm at my wits end and don't feel inclined to engage with him anymore until he "comes to the party."* \~ Frustrated dad **A** It's frustrating when we make an agreement with our child and they don't keep it. It's even more frustrating - and even scary - when we realise the limits of our power as parents. At some point, all children become too big to force them to do things physically. Intimidation stops working. But when our frustration gets the better of us and we resort to nagging, yelling, and giving them the cold shoulder by "not engaging," we just drive them further away. As that barrier grows between us, future cooperation becomes less likely. Managing the parent by lying becomes more likely. The young person begins to feel "My parents never understand." So we have a choice. We can develop a chip on our shoulder because our young person is so unreasonable, irresponsible, lazy or whatever. Or we can realise that the only power we have to influence our child is connection, and work like the dickens to stay connected to our young person, even when we get frustrated. Lots of emotional work on our part, but ultimately a much better outcome. And that leads to the next choice all parents have to make, especially as our children hit the teen years. We can assume we're right about all of our beliefs. Or we can realize that maybe what we take for granted is just an assumption. Can we allow our young person NOT to agree with us, without assuming that expresses a lack of respect? If every assertion of self is a lack of respect for the parent, the teen will need to become more defiant, for his own mental health. Our unwillingness to examine our own assumptions leads to more drama. Which brings us to yet another choice all parents have to make. We can go through their child and teen years taking everything personally, as in the very common response of "This is a lack of respect for me." Or we can choose not to take it personally and to see the situation from their perspective. Which in this case might be: Many boys in their early teens think bathing is a waste of time. They often don't have any interest in daily showers until they experience their first "crush" and realize that grooming plays a role in their attractiveness. Young people, like all people, like to be in charge of themselves. They automatically rebel against control that they consider unreasonable. Our bodies are our most basic "selves," so even before kids assert control in other ways, they will challenge (directly or indirectly) challenges to their body sovereignty. When we "express our frustration" until our child commits to do something, they usually see their agreement as a promise made under duress - not something they really committed to, but simply a way to get us to leave them alone. When we "express our frustration" in a self-righteous way, our child learns that this is how grown-ups work out difficulties – with raised voices instead of with calm appreciation for two different opinions. The young person's insistence on choosing what to do with his time and how to manage his body has nothing to do with laziness, or with his willingness to contribute to the family or greater good. The prefrontal cortex is still under construction until humans are in their mid-twenties. That means that it is entirely possible for a young person to "forget" to include showering in their evening plans despite a promise to do so, especially if they never saw it as necessary. "Hey, I showered eventually! I don't have to do it on your schedule!" So this is a depressing impasse, right? Hygiene is a perfect example of the conflict between the parent's assumption about what the child "should" do and the child's lack of interest in the task. Is there no way to influence our young person to do things we consider necessary, without provoking rebellion? I think this is like anything else we teach our children. We set limits with empathy and get in their face in a friendly way to enforce those limits, with humour and affection. We try to teach them behaviour that is in accordance with our values, but we don't try to control their attitudes or emotions. We understand that our only influence comes from connection. Here's how. ### **1 Connect.** This presupposes a relationship where connection is easy and warm. ### **2 Set an expectation.** When children are little, this is often an order ("No hitting!") but as they get older, this works better as an observation and question that cedes at least some control: "I notice you haven't showered in a few days and as you know, I think it's important to shower regularly. What's your plan to shower this weekend?" ### **3 Listen, Reflect and Empathise.** "It sounds like you really see showering as a waste of time. I hear you. You're a busy guy!" If you're like most parents who assume you're right and your child is being unreasonable, this may be where you feel entitled to express your frustration. But from your child's perspective, you're unreasonably asserting control over his body about something totally unimportant. Any time we use frustration or force to get our way, we provoke resistance. ### **4 Stick to your expectation and ask for cooperation.** That's if you still think it's important, of course. If your young person explains that a shower will wash the cool dye out of their hair, and they want to keep it for one more day so everyone in school will see it on Monday, you may well shift your expectation. But let's say you still want your kid to do what you're asking. You say, "I hear you. You hate showering and don't think it's important. That's because we humans don't really notice our own smell! But even though this isn't important to you, it's important to me, because it's good hygiene to shower regularly, just out of basic respect for others, so they don't have to smell you. When you're a grown-up, maybe you'll decide NEVER to shower, and you'll make it into the Guinness Book of World Records. But I would still like you to shower this weekend. When would be a good time for you to shower?" ### **5 Be specific about the agreement and shake on it.** "So you're committing to shower before bed, which means around 8:30pm, right? Thank you. I appreciate your willingness to do this for me, even though you don't yet share my feeling that it's important. Let's shake on it." From the time children are very young, it's a good idea to shake on agreements and say, "We always keep our promises." (Fair warning: they will recall every promise you ever break, even for good reason, and you will have to make repairs. But they WILL take promises seriously.) ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **6 Remind respectfully and with connection.** Approaching the issue with respect like this makes it more likely that your young person will agree to what you're asking, and will be willing to keep their commitment. But that doesn't mean you won't have to stay involved to hold your limit or be sure they meet your expectation. So at dinner, bring it up again. "What are your plans for the evening ? I'm delighted to hear that your homework is done, and I know you plan to shower around 8:30pm. Do you have time to play a quick game with me before that?" ### **7 Remind with humour.** When 8:30pm comes and goes and your young person is still on the sofa, plop down on top of him. "I wonder why this couch is so lumpy? It can't be Alex. It's past 8:30, so I know he's in the shower. Hmm.... what's going on here?....Oh, my goodness, that lump is you, Alex! I'm shocked, shocked to find you still on the couch at shower time!" As long as you're doing this with a sense of humour, you'll both be laughing, and he'll head to the shower. Does this seem like a lot of work? It is. But this is what the work of parenting is all about. You're teaching the important lessons. Look what your son learned! • Dad listens to me. • We don't always agree, but he understands. • Sometimes when I don't agree, I still do what he wants, because I like my dad and respect him. • When you get frustrated with someone, you can still see both sides. You can manage your frustration to work things out with each other. • I feel close to my dad. I think I can tell my dad anything. • Showering isn't so bad. Hard? Yes, because we have to work on ourselves. But this approach makes our children better people. It makes us better people. And it creates a home with a lot less drama - and a lot more love. --- ## **MORE INSPIRATION** **VISIT** [**peacefulparenthappykids.com**](https://www.peacefulparenthappykids.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) for articles and ideas on raising secure, confident kids **READ** [**Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids: How to Stop Yelling and Start Connecting**](https://www.peacefulparenthappykids.com/peaceful-parent-happy-kids?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) by Dr. Laura Markham ### Drum and Birth URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/drum-and-birth/ Last updated: 2025-03-06T11:03:05.000Z ## How drumming supports and empowers the birth journey by **Sophie Messager** Pregnancy, birth and the postpartum constitute a profound rite of passage. Expectant families are often guided to seek holistic approaches to enhance their birth experience. One such approach, which is gaining recognition, is the ancient practice of drumming. Almost every culture around the world has (or had) drumming traditions to support life transitions. Layne Redmond writes about the use of drumming to support birth in her book When the Drummers Were Women. “Priestesses of the Goddess were skilled technicians in its (the frame drum’s) uses,” she says. “They knew which rhythms quickened the life in freshly planted seeds; which facilitated childbirth; and which induced the ecstatic trance of spiritual transcendence.” Jane Hardwicke-Collings, women’s mysteries teacher and former midwife expands on this. “Drumming for women during pregnancy and labour is a skill and tool to be reclaimed; this is something women have been doing for much, much longer than they haven’t.” Drumming practices are often perceived as lacking evidence; yet a growing body of research demonstrates significant neurophysiological effects. Studies show that drumming can induce measurable changes in brain activity, hormonal levels, and physiological arousal, including modified states of consciousness, reduced pain, reduced anxiety, and other quantifiable responses of increased wellbeing. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Sleepless Nights? Ugh! How to Get a Better Night Tonight! URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/sleepless-nights-ugh-how-to-get-a-better-night-tonight/ Last updated: 2025-02-28T19:11:17.000Z Hello, How are you feeling today? There was a new moon in Pisces yesterday – it’s an introspective, transformative time. A great moment to set new intentions and manifest desires. Hit reply and let me know what you’re hoping to create in the next month! This week I’ve finished the Creativity special edition, which will come out next month and has our Alternative Schools Guide inside – a supplement that’ll help you make the right choice for your children’s education. Pre-order your copy [**here**](https//:link.thegreenparent.co.uk/buy124). ## **Here’s What Else We’ve Been Up To** ### **Visiting Kew Gardens** I love [**Kew**](https://www.kew.org/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) so much – I used to visit lots with my older two kids, and my mum. When we visited this week my mum kept popping into my thoughts. She loved the magnolias (they’re just coming into bud), the sweeping vistas and the glass houses. I learnt that there are over 50,000 plants in the 330 acres of gardens. So much inspiration. Iris and I do an annual trip to explore the glasshouses and play in the brilliant Children’s Garden. This year she was most captivated by the Treetop Walkway (18 metres above the ground, you get such great views up there; it’s a good place for bird spotting). And getting up high in the Palm House. I had my stomach in my mouth as she reached out to touch leaves overhanging the railings. I’m sure that my sensitivity to heights has increased as I’ve got older! We bought a copy of [**An Invitation to the Botanic Gardens**](https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/charlotte-guillain-2/an-invitation-to-the-botanic-gardens/9781803381060/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) by Charlotte Guillain and Helen Shoesmith, to read on the train home. It’s lovely with big fold out pages to show some of the buildings and areas at Kew, and more about how climate change affects plants, the importance of insects and the secrets of seeds. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### 13 Things To Do With Your Family in March URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/13-things-to-do-with-your-family-in-march/ Last updated: 2025-05-06T08:12:57.000Z ## March brings London's biggest new sculpture park, time to celebrate your favourite women, the chance to grow a micro-forest, cuddle lambs and even more spring-spiration! ### **Dropping Science** [**British Science Week**](https://www.britishscienceweek.org/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)is a ten-day celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths that takes place between 7-16 March 2025\. This year’s theme is ‘change and adapt’. Find[**events**](https://www.britishscienceweek.org/whats-on/?%5Fgl=1%2A1q0cue7%2A%5Fup%2AMQ..%2A%5Fga%2AMTczODU5ODU3LjE3NDA0MDc3NTk.%2A%5Fga%5FDVXQMTJLCS%2AMTc0MDQwNzc1OC4xLjEuMTc0MDQwNzgyOC4wLjAuMA..&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)across the country; a series of hands-on activities at[**Southampton Science and Engineering Festival**](https://www.sotsef.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), the inaugural[**Colliderfest**](https://colliderfest.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk); a ‘science and arts extravaganza’ in Hull,[**Lightfest**](https://player.sheffield.ac.uk/series/lightfest?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) in Sheffield - a free exhibition about light and the quantum world, and[**tinkering workshops**](https://wonderfulidea.co/events?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) in Hastings, London, Exeter and Cambridge. Plus online lessons, farm lives and BBC Teach Lives on CBBC and online. The site also has some great resources for learning – download a free activity pack [**here**](https://thegreenparent.cmail19.com/t/r-i-tihjlljk-l-q/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) (you’ll also find previous years’ packs via the same link) and find out more about the Smashing Stereotypes campaign[**here**](https://thegreenparent.cmail19.com/t/r-i-tihjlljk-l-a/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) (do you have a preconceived idea of what a scientist should look like?). It’s never to early to start boffin-ing; here are some brilliant ideas for eco-friendly[**science experiments for younger kids**](https://explorers.com.au/family/blog/7-eco-friendly-science-week-experiments-for-children/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)including making your own compass, an ocean in a jar and dancing sultanas! One more sciencey reminder! Want to go to Birmingham’s brilliant Big Bang Fair in June? Home edders and teachers should sign up[**here**](https://thegreenparent.cmail19.com/t/r-i-tihjlljk-l-yu/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) now… _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Sacred Sunday: Try Forest Bathing! URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/sacred-sunday-try-forest-bathing/ Last updated: 2025-02-23T19:09:53.000Z ## Shinrin-Yoku, or Forest Bathing therapy is the medicine of simply being in the forest. Developed in Japan in the 1980s, it’s now a cornerstone of preventive health care and healing in the country. We spoke to **Faith Douglas** who runs sessions in the UK 'I've always had a love of nature and the outdoors. Growing up we were often out in the woods walking and playing. I work as curator at Thorp Perrow Arboretum, in Yorkshire. I moved onto the estate four years ago and live in a house in the woods with my family! After working on a project in the Arboretum, with beneficiaries from Help for Heroes, I was offered a job at the local recovery centre in Catterick. I set up Forest Bathing UK seven years ago. Just being in our natural world has the most amazing effect on our bodies, our minds and our souls. It's free and it's all around us! A good natural woodland is an ideal spot to practise Forest Bathing. We gain a physical benefit from inhaling the lovely wood oils that trees give off, but I believe you can benefit from being mindful in any natural environment, be it the beach, a mountain, a meadow or even your local park! ### **How to Get Started Forest Bathing** To start, I encourage the literal ‘shaking’ off of the modern world and our worries and stresses. Animals that have been in captivity on release often give themselves a good shake before rushing off. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Try This Super Simple Stress Relief Tip URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/try-this-super-simple-stress-relief-tip/ Last updated: 2025-02-21T19:36:00.000Z Hello, Happy Friday to you. How’s your week been? We’ve had a fun half term. Although as home educators, school holidays don’t feel massively different to term-time, it was cool exploring all the activities on around here for half-term, and getting to meet up with some of Iris’ friends who are at school usually too. Find out more about what we’ve been up to below. My partner took Iris to [**Amberley Museum**](https://www.amberleymuseum.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) for the day so that I could work. It was so good to get a solid batch of work done; I managed to secure lots of great features for our Creativity special, which comes out next month. It's issue 124! ## **Here’s What We’ve Been Up to:** ### **Reading the Women’s Non Fiction Prize Winners** There were 16 titles longlisted for the [**Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction 2025**](https://www.womensprize.com/prizes/womens-prize-for-non-fiction/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). So far, I’ve read four of them. I read [**Raising Hare by Chloe Dalton**](https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/raising-hare-book-chloe-dalton-9781805302711?sku=NGR9781805302711&gad%5Fsource=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAwtu9BhC8ARIsAI9JHamyRGOThROCC-2dCV9DWHVEjokwHT4gF7jZXdOmYfbWLynKpGfbIcQaAiC4EALw%5FwcB&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), earlier in the year and loved it so much. Read my review [**here**](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/how-i-failed-at-a-challenge-and-what-i-learnt-from-it-2/). This week I read [**Agent Zo: The Untold Story of Fearless WW2 Resistance Fighter Elżbieta Zawacka by Clare Mulley**](https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/agent-zo-book-clare-mulley-9781399601061?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). This is a phenomenal book – I was transported to 1940s Poland where the majority of the book is set, and got so bound up in Elżbieta (or Zo’s) story. This is not a book that I would have chosen, but I loved it. I thoroughly recommend it for a gripping, page-turner of a book about the resilience and power of women. I learnt so much about Poland and the Polish resistance movement from reading this. Since finishing it I've dreamed of visiting Poland to explore the country Elżbieta loved so dearly, and discovering the places in the story. I finished [**Why Fish Don’t Exist: A Story of Loss, Love and the Hidden Order of Life by Lulu Miller**](https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/why-fish-don-t-exist-book-lulu-miller-9781805337591?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) in 24 hours. It’s a brilliant book about David Starr Jordan (19th-century taxonomist and fish specialist) and Lulu’s experience of loss and discovery of love in an unexpected place. This is a book that I might well have chosen from the library - I do love a good scientific biography. I love the way it’s written, the humour and fact-packed, yet light style. I learnt some shocking things about eugenics that I'm still getting my head around. I finished it feeling lit up and intrigued. [**Sister in Law: Fighting for Justice in a System Designed by Men by Harriet Wistrich**](https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/sister-in-law-book-harriet-wistrich-9781911709268?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) was another book that gave me pause for thought this week. Despite the potentially dry subject matter, this book is properly riveting. Told through a series of cases that Harriet took on in the last 30 years, this is a call to arms about the injustice of the judicial system for women. Harriet is a founder of the [**Centre for Women’s Justice**](https://www.centreforwomensjustice.org.uk/harriet-wistrich?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), which is working towards ending all male violence against women and girls. Again, this is probably not something that I would have read, but it’s awesome and I really recommend it! _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### How to Keep the Passion Alive After Babies URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/how-to-keep-the-passion-alive-after-babies/ Last updated: 2025-02-20T19:08:55.000Z Research shows that small actions practiced daily are the biggest predictor for keeping romance, intimacy, and connection alive during the transition to parenthood. Going the extra mile means everything with a new baby in the mix. As life with a little one begins, parents often find themselves sleep deprived, overwhelmed with a list of to-dos as long as their arm and the feeling that there’s never enough time in the day to do it all. New parents often believe that in order to meet the demanding needs of the baby, they have to sacrifice the needs of the relationship. There is a sense that “I can either be close to my spouse or my baby, but I can’t do both.” This leads to resentment and isolation. But studies have shown that couples can be engaged parents and protect their relationship without sacrificing the bond with their child. Here we speak with two experts to find out how to keep the spark alive alongside bringing up kids. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Try out the latest e-bikes for you and your family at the Cycling Electric Demo Day URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/try-out-the-latest-e-bikes-for-you-and-your-family-at-the-cycling-electric-demo-day-2/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:25.000Z [***Cycling Electric***](https://www.cyclingelectric.com/news/cycling-electric-demo-day-events-2025?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), is packed with advice on choosing the right e-bike, as well as tips and reviews of the latest models and accessories. As a parent, who may be interested in switching to a more sustainable and cost-effective means of transport, we have an exclusive offer for you below… *Cycling Electric* is hosting a series of[**Demo Day**](https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/cycling-electric-ebike-demo-days-2025-3307919?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) events in 2025 which give you the opportunity to test and compare electric bikes from the leading bike brands on a purpose-built cycling circuit, free from traffic. Whether you're curious about e-bikes or exploring different styles—commuter, folding, road, or cargo (perfect for carrying kids and groceries, and even replacing your car)—this event offers you the ideal chance to ride them all in a safe and controlled environment. [***Cycling Electric* Demo Days**](https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/cycling-electric-ebike-demo-days-2025-3307919?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) run from 10-4pm and is the perfect outing for you and your children. Here is a list of venues and dates to choose from at a location near you: - [**Sunday 27th April: Odd Down Cycle Track, Bath**](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bath-electric-bike-demo-day-try-out-the-latest-e-bikes-tickets-1093850228479?aff=demo25tgpbath&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) - [**Sunday 18th May: Lee Valley VeloPark, London**](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/london-east-electric-bike-demo-day-try-out-the-latest-e-bikes-tickets-1094348318279?aff=demo25tgplondon&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) - [**Sunday 8th June: The Brownlee Centre, Leeds**](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/leeds-electric-bike-demo-day-try-out-the-latest-e-bikes-tickets-1094351086559?aff=demo25tgpleeds&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) - [**Sunday 7th September: Herne Hill Velodrome, London**](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/london-south-electric-bike-demo-day-try-out-the-latest-e-bikes-tickets-1094360745449?aff=emo25tgpherne&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Brands at the event include Tenways, Jorvik, Dolan, Velo de Ville, Raleigh, ARCC, Riese and Muller, Estarli, Benno and many more. On the day, you will have the chance to speak with experts who can advise on the models best for you and discuss all things cycling. Don’t miss this opportunity to find the perfect e-bike to suit your lifestyle, the school run and let’s not forget those errands! ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/02/TGP-Banner-4---riese-muller-carrier-4-1.jpg) ## Electric cargo bikes are perfect for carrying kids and groceries, and even replacing your car **SPECIAL OFFER FOR THE GREEN PARENT - SAVE UP TO 50%:** As part of *The Green Parent* community,[***Cycling Electric* Demo Days**](https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/cycling-electric-ebike-demo-days-2025-3307919?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) is offering you the following discounts to the event and kids go free! simply use the codes below at the checkout. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. **TGP25** – Single Ticket (25% discount) **TGP50** – Couple Ticket (50% discount) [Get your exclusive tickets to CYCLING ELECTRIC DEMO DAY here](https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/cycling-electric-ebike-demo-days-2025-3307919?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) [](https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/cycling-electric-ebike-demo-days-2025-3307919?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### Sacred Sunday: How to Create Deeper Intimacy URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/sacred-sunday-how-to-create-deeper-intimacy/ Last updated: 2025-02-16T19:15:16.000Z ## **Bethan Mitchell** is working to cultivate a lifetime of love with her partner through a series of conversations Rewind three months… I could give you detailed descriptions of each of my sons’ social schedule for the week ahead but as to when my husband, Tom and I last had a passionate kiss or a meaningful conversation, my mind’s blank. With two children under five I’d come to accept that this is how life is, as parents. If we did get a moment together at the end of the day, we’d make time for the really important things. You know, I’d remind Tom to pick up toilet paper tomorrow at lunchtime, or he’d tell me about our youngest having a tricky time at playgroup. I often felt sad and disconnected but I didn’t know what to do about it. Worse was that I had no energy (or blush, inclination) to do anything about it. Tom seemed quite unaware and accepting of the situation that we’d walked ourselves into too. I didn’t want to bring it up because I had nothing in reserve to take any action. My energy levels were in the minus zone. Better to keep quiet and mourn the demise of our relationship in private rather than face a sticky conversation and potential fall-out. Perhaps things would get better. One late night, when I couldn’t sleep and I’d called a friend long distance for a chat I got a wake-up call. I was complaining (again) about how Tom and I had ‘lost the spark’ and musing whether it was over for us as lovers. Perhaps we’d be better off co-parenting. She’d heard me rehash this frustration and unease over and over and this time she called me on it. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### 25 Cool Things to do in 2025 URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/25-cool-things-to-do-in-2025/ Last updated: 2025-02-15T19:09:08.000Z ## This year is bursting with openings, relaunches and new places to visit. Here’s our pick of the best so that you can pack your year ahead with adventure ### **1\. Visit London Museums** Situated in London’s QE Olympic Park, [**V&A East**](https://www.vam.ac.uk/east?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) is part-museum, part-pathway to arts jobs for young people, and part-behind-the-scenes peek at the huge V&A collection; you’ll find vintage football kits, Glastonbury ephemera and samurai swords, as well as a huge David Bowie collection. The venue opens with new exhibition ‘The Music Is Black: A British Story’ [**vam.ac.uk**](https://www.vam.ac.uk/east?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). Other major exhibitions in the capital in 2025 include a deep dig into the magic of soil at [**Somerset House**](https://www.somersethouse.org.uk/whats-on/soil?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) and [**The Robot Zoo**](https://www.horniman.ac.uk/event/robot-zoo/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) at the Horniman Museum. ### **2\. Make Tracks** Did you know that it’s been 200 years since the modern railway was born this year? [**Railway 200**](https://railway200.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) marks this milestone with nationwide celebrations: County Durham’s Locomotion ([**locomotion.org.uk**](https://www.thisisdurham.com/things-to-do/locomotion-p25681?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)) museum opens its New Hall with 47 newly accessible locomotives and there are chances to jump aboard steam trains across the UK, including Severn Valley Railway’s [**Boogie Express**](https://svr.co.uk/event/boogie-lights/2025-03-07/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk); a sound and light, karaoke and silliness party on a train! ### **3\. Planet Ahead** Telescopes at the ready: the [**North York Moors**](https://www.northyorkmoors.org.uk/things-to-do/stargazing-and-dark-skies/festivals-events-and-activities?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) and [**Yorkshire Dales Dark Skies Festival**](https://www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/things-to-do/whats-on/shows/dark-skies-festival/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) is celebrating its 10th anniversary this spring with a typically inventive and experimental programme of glowing neon painting sessions, supernatural walks through Whitby and a disco at Boggle Hole with electronic experimentalists Long Dead Stars. From 14th February. There’s more stargazy fun to be had at Welsh Dark Skies Week ([**discoveryinthedark.wales**](https://www.discoveryinthedark.wales/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)) and the South Downs Dark Skies Festival ([**darkskiesnationalparks.org.uk**](https://www.darkskiesnationalparks.org.uk/south-down-events?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)). _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### New Adventure Edition Out Now! URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/new-adventure-edition-out-now/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:25.000Z All aboard! It’s time for an exciting journey of discovery with your Adventure special edition of The Green Parent magazine. This issue has been specially curated for you to ignite your family's sense of wonder and adventure! It’s packed with exciting, hands-on activities, travel tips, and expert advice to help you create unforgettable experiences with your little explorers. From roadschooling around Europe to creating mini expeditions with teenagers, from nature escapes to the best things to do in 2025\. ### **Time to Reconnect** This issue is a treasure trove of ideas to break free from the daily routine and reconnect with the world around you. Learn how to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary, making every day a new chapter in your family's adventure story. But that's not all – there’s also ideas for helping your toddler develop their social intelligence, sauna therapy, how to make your own medicine for painful periods, adventure gear, veggie family feasts, seasonal celebrations and heaps more. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **Unlock a World of Possibilities** Discover how other parents have overcome challenges, embraced the chaos, and created lifelong memories along the way. With exclusive interviews, travel guides, and expert strategies for family bonding through exploration, this issue will inspire you to step out of your comfort zone and unlock a world of possibilities. Whether you're planning a mini adventure or a roadschooling experience, this edition of The Green Parent is your ultimate companion for adventure-packed parenting. All our **Premium** and **Premium Plus Members** can download the new issue in the [**Members Area**](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/members-area/) today. Get your copy delivered by clicking the button below. [Yes, please send me my magazine!](https://link.thegreenparent.co.uk/buy123?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### Nature-Inspired, Future-Focused: The Bugaboo Fox 5 Renew URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/nature-inspired-future-focused-the-bugaboo-fox-5-renew/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:26.000Z In a world increasingly aware of its environmental footprint, parents are seeking ways to nurture their children and the planet, with over two-thirds of British parents being concerned about climate change and actively seeking ways to lower their carbon footprint.\* Bugaboo, the renowned B Corp certified pushchair brand, answers this call with the revolutionary [**Bugaboo Fox 5 Renew**](https://www.bugaboo.com/gb-en/pushchairs/bugaboo-fox-5-renew/bugaboo-fox-5-renew-bassinet-and-seat-pushchair-black-base-deep-indigo-fabrics-deep-indigo-sun-canopy-PV007583.html?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) – a pushchair designed to tread lightly on the earth while providing unparalleled comfort and style for your little one. More than just a mode of transport, the Bugaboo Fox 5 Renew is an invitation to reconnect with nature. Inspired by the restorative power of the outdoors, this pushchair encourages families to explore the world together, fostering a deeper appreciation for the environment. With climate anxiety on the rise, particularly amongst parents concerned about their children’s future, the Bugaboo Fox 5 Renew offers a tangible step towards a more sustainable lifestyle. Bugaboo understands that parents shouldn't have to compromise on quality, style, or convenience when choosing eco-friendly products. The Bugaboo Fox 5 Renew seamlessly blends sustainability with the brand’s signature design excellence. This isn't just a pushchair; it's a statement – a commitment to a greener future for the next generation. ### **Sustainability Woven into Every Fibre** The Bugaboo Fox 5 Renew has been meticulously crafted using recycled aluminium, recycled fabrics, and bio-based materials, achieving a remarkable 30% reduction in its environmental footprint. This commitment to eco-conscious manufacturing aligns with Bugaboo’s ambitious goal of a 47% footprint reduction by 2026\. Even the finer details reflect this dedication to sustainability, with vegan leather accents and PFAS-free fabrics ensuring a safer, healthier environment for your child. ### **Comfort and Safety: The Cornerstones of the Bugaboo Experience** While sustainability is at the heart of the Bugaboo Fox 5 Renew, Bugaboo hasn't compromised on the features that make their pushchairs so beloved. Effortless manoeuvrability is paramount, and the Bugaboo Fox 5 Renew glides smoothly over any terrain, thanks to its lightweight yet sturdy frame and all-terrain wheels. The spacious bassinet provides a cosy haven for newborns, while the innovative, eco-friendly PureBreeze™ mattress ensures optimal comfort and breathability during the summer months, and warmth in the winter. Safety is always a top priority for Bugaboo, and the Bugaboo Fox 5 Renew has undergone extensive testing, exceeding industry standards with over 1,500 safety checks. This unwavering commitment to safety provides parents with the peace of mind they deserve, knowing their child is secure and protected. ### **Style Inspired by Nature's Palette** The Bugaboo Fox 5 Renew is as beautiful as it is sustainable. Inspired by the calming tones and textures of the natural world, the pushchair is available in a sophisticated palette of five earthy hues: - **Deep Indigo:** Inspired by the rich hues of the Indigofera tinctoria botanical dying technique. - **Desert Taupe Mélange:** Evoking the soothing warmth of sun-kissed sands. - **Dark Cherry:** A rich and confident pop of colour. - **Moon Grey:** A nod to the serene beauty of the moon and its connection to Earth. - **Heritage Black:** Reflecting the enduring strength of volcanic rock. ![](https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXfB_l0P38-R_IYw3LDE0Me2wPnUjI_CYXYuTEE6A3bZM2NZp-CAad60sMHBws1XGXOGdWHe6QGHgXdLaLYn8c96zRJR_Yv1YwVTbpW-yxNOvqzNwAh1i4tsfb_Ro7RNulHDIvmiXQ?key=qjnMzI1iLwW_CxDXXMac0ihP) *Left to right: Deep Indigo, Desert Taupe Mélange, Dark Cherry, Moon Grey, Heritage Black* These carefully curated colours, combined with soft fabrics, debossed finishes, and durable textiles, create a pushchair that is both stylish and timeless. As Vera Magagnini, Styling Product Lead Designer at Bugaboo, explains, “This design is our tribute to the natural world, and we hope it inspires families to reconnect with it.” ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **A Legacy of Quality and Innovation** Bugaboo’s commitment to quality and innovation is evident in every aspect of the Bugaboo Fox 5 Renew. From its sleek, iconic silhouette to its intuitive design and meticulous attention to detail, this pushchair is built to last. It's an investment in your child's comfort and your family's future, designed to accompany you on countless adventures for years to come. In a world where conscious consumerism is more important than ever, the Bugaboo Fox 5 Renew offers parents a sustainable and stylish choice. It’s a pushchair that not only nurtures your child but also helps protect the planet they will inherit. Embrace nature's rhythm and embark on a greener parenting journey with the Bugaboo Fox 5 Renew. The Bugaboo Fox 5 Renew is available for pre-order from 13th February at £1,145, [**Bugaboo.co.uk**](https://www.bugaboo.com/gb-en/pushchairs/bugaboo-fox-5-renew/bugaboo-fox-5-renew-bassinet-and-seat-pushchair-black-base-deep-indigo-fabrics-deep-indigo-sun-canopy-PV007583.html?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ***\****[***Action Against Hunger Parent, Climate Change Survey***](https://www.actionagainsthunger.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Action-Against-Hunger-parent-climate-change-survey.pdf?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### This One Thing Will Change Your Life URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/this-one-thing-will-change-your-life/ Last updated: 2025-02-14T19:30:39.000Z Hello and a happy day of love to you! A friend sent a lovely photo of the Valentine’s Day breakfast that she cooked for her kids this morning. It feels like a lovely way to mark the day. I made and sent parcels for the eldest two earlier in the week, one is stuffed with vegan goodies, the other a cheeseboard. Inside I wrote a note telling them each what I love about them. A lil’ boost in a box! My middle daughter sent me a note saying it made her cry and that "to be loved is to be seen." Ahhh. Iris and I have had a social week filled with playdates and fun. It’s also been a week of birthdays, with mine at the beginning and two of my nieces in the middle. I’ll share the recipe for the delicious courgette and lime cake that my partner made for me inside today’s newsletter. (Since it's my birthday week I've chosen a pic of goats to illustrate today's newsletter - this is from [**NY Goat Yoga**](https://www.nygoatyoga.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), who organise regular classes and retreats in Gilbertsville in the US.) ## **Here’s What We’ve Been Up To** ### **Playing Games** My partner bought me the [**Pantheon expansion pack**](https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/202976/7-wonders-duel-pantheon?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) for [**7 Wonders Duel**](https://www.rprod.com/en/games/7-wonders-duel?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) and we’ve played that this week. The pack includes deities from several civilisations including Greek and Egyptian. Each god/goddess has the power to help you, or hinder your opponent. It certainly adds a new complexity, and a bit more depth to the core game. I also liked the dramatic effect it had on the final score. I felt fairly certain that I had it nailed, and was set to win. I’d focused on collecting the deities, and working their powers. But then my partner ended up wiping the floor with a points win. Looking forward to playing it more. We’ve recently cleared a bookshelf in the living room to store all our board games and it makes a real difference to have them all accessible and easy to see. It looks really pleasing. Iris has made a sign that reads: “If you get out a game, please put it away!”, which has worked *so far* as motivation to keep it tidy. Having our games displayed like this has meant that we’ve played some that were buried before. For example, we got out [**Block and Key**](https://insideupgames.com/our-games/block-and-key/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) the other day and had a fun game with this clever 3D game. You open the box to create a sort of ruined, 2-tier temple. Then you have to use the pleasingly-solid, Tetris-style pieces to make specific patterns on the board in front of you. It was fun and interesting; different from the games we usually play. We started out playing with Iris, but then she lost interest halfway through. One game does hold her attention at the moment is [**Eye Found It**](https://www.ravensburger.co.uk/en-GB/products/games/children-games/disney-eye-found-it-24839?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) by Ravensburger. It features 12 scenes from Disney movies and each player has a set of five cards in their hand. You then have to try and spot simple, everyday items like a bucket or an oar in your picture. The first one to spot the item gets to release their card. The object is to get rid of all of your cards as quickly as possible. It’s a fast and furious game that we’d definitely take on holiday or on a train journey, as it’s very easy to transport, and enjoyable for all ages to play. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### What to Spot on an Early Spring Nature Walk URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/what-to-spot-on-an-early-spring-nature-walk/ Last updated: 2025-02-11T19:11:00.000Z A small, gloved hand finds mine as we walk up the steep steps from our back garden, out onto the shared back lane. The sun might be low in the sky and part of me might be yearning to be back in front of the fire warming my soonto-be-sodden toes. But those thoughts are soon extinguished when I look down at my daughter. She is already in tracking mode, her head so much closer to the ground than mine, her eyesight not yet battered by a lifetime of reading. She makes a much better tracker at eight than I ever could. We’ve started a very rewarding little habit of taking nature walks. I’ve two children; my son is eleven and my daughter, eight. For almost a decade I’ve been pointing out some of the little things that have interested me as we walk. A passing beetle, a spider’s web, a plant with teeth marks on it, or one that we can eat. When they were very young I’d just put the occasional nontoxic plant in their hands, give them herbs to smell or let a woodlouse crawl across their tiny fists. Although once I did have to rescue a woodlouse as my son clenched his fist firmly shut around it, in order to “look after” it. Luckily these things all thrive all over the place; even along city streets, as long as they are not sprayed! Thanks to school, our ever increasing library of books and TV shows their interest, once ignited, can be nurtured even when we are not together. They often tell me new things that I’ve yet to learn. “Worms have five hearts,” I was informed at bedtime last night. The most important thing about nature walks is that my kids are never forced to go on them, that way they are always a treat! ### **Badger's Love Letter** We are lucky as we have at least two badger sets close to our garden. We often see their distinctive five-toed, clawed footprints left in the soft muddy remains of puddles. We even see them in the winter months as they don’t hibernate, but they do slow down during these colder days. Badger parents are busy underground looking after their new cubs (born between December and April, most litters are around two to three cubs) and there isn’t much activity to spot. In mid March, the badgers will be becoming more active. They’ll be getting friendly with those from neighbouring sets. If you want to see if there are badgers in your area, first look out for the paths that they leave and follow them. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### What Happened When I Trusted the Natural Learning Process URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/what-happened-when-i-trusted-the-natural-learning-process/ Last updated: 2025-02-07T19:44:08.000Z Hello, Welcome to this week’s newsletter. It suddenly feels like Spring has sprung here. We’ve had a lovely busy, social time over the last few days. Imbolc was magical - we received the most incredible box of goodies from some wonderful friends. There was a bridie doll made from rushes for Iris to decorate, a handwoven willow bird feeder, a beeswax candle and plenty more delicious treats inside. So blessed! At work, we’re deep into Natural Beauty Awards 2025 - gorgeous products are piling in. You can find out more [**here**](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/natural-beauty-awards-2025/). Next week we’ll launch our Beauty Testers’ Club, which I’ll post more about in next Friday’s newsletter and give you some more info in case you want to join us! Today we've been out on the cliffs to honour my mum - read more below. This amazing photo was taken by [**Miry Giramondo**](https://www.mirygiramondo.com/en/the-walk-to-the-seven-sisters-white-cliffs/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). ## **Here’s What We’ve Been Up to** ### **Late Night Reading!** I loved [**Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus**](https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/lessons-in-chemistry-book-bonnie-garmus-9781804990926?price=3.50&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), which I read in one night this week - I couldn’t put it down. The central character is a woman struggling to be taken seriously as a chemist in the heavily male-dominated world of 1950s America. She experiences sexual abuse, dismissal and theft of her work before rising out on top, carving out a space for herself, and challenging the status quo. There’s a great canine character too, called Six Thirty, who is super astute. The ending was a little too neat and sweet for me, but it’s an excellent read. Angela Harding’s [**Still Waters, Wild Waves**](https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/still-waters-wild-waves-book-angela-harding-9781408726815/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) is a gorgeous diary of a year on the water, illustrated with Angela’s lino prints and photographs. In it she shares observations of all the animals she spots from trips to Fair Isle in the Shetlands, to St. Martin’s in the Scilly Isles. It’s a lush book. My sister lent me [**The Burning by Laura Bates**](https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/burning-book-laura-bates-9781471170201?price=3.50&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk); it’s a young adult title about misogyny, bullying and the dangers of social media, especially for young women. It’s a clever book, which interweaves the story of Maggie, a young woman persecuted in Medieval Scotland, and a contemporary teen caught in a horrible sexting situation, for which she is blamed and shamed. Hard, but compelling read - another book I had to finish in one go! _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### 6 Magical Ways to Bring Creativity into Every Season URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/6-magical-ways-to-bring-creativity-into-every-season/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:26.000Z ## **Tara Ward** shares how to find joy through creativity in every season ## Your mood and wellbeing can be affected by the changing weather, either consciously or unconsciously. Reawakening your creativity through every season can help you to stay balanced and joyful. Each season tends to be associated with certain behaviours: spring with new awakenings; summer with sociable relaxation; autumn with harvesting and gathering in; winter with hibernating. Follow this plan that spans the whole year ahead to help you find moments of happiness and boost serotonin levels, in every season. ## **SPRING** Often considered the time of reawakening, nature in the spring shows us signs of new life: snowdrops and crocuses push their way through the still-cold earth, and leaves uncurl slowly on the trees. The greys and browns of winter mutate into countless shades of green, punctuated by bright splashes of colour. Swathes of yellow daffodils herald the warm sunshine to come. Perhaps you find this uplifting and welcoming and you can make the most of that energy and build on your happiness within it. It’s okay if you feel differently too. ### **Grow Your Own Plants from Seed** Choosing a creative activity to do during a season, especially one you can really enjoy, gives you a purpose and can also be a lot of fun. You might have your own ideas of what you’d like to do but if you are interested in gardening, try this. Plant a seed from something you have eaten. It can be anything: apple, avocado, pepper, melon. Why not try several different seeds at once and see which ones germinate? The joy from watching something grow that you have planted can be so satisfying. As you enjoy this activity, ask yourself what elements of yourself you would like to grow and build upon that would make you feel happier. Make a note of what you decide and put it somewhere you can see it frequently, to remind you. You might want to keep it next to your pot of seedlings. ## **SUMMER** Summer is very much associated with warmth, inducing pleasure and relaxation. Nature offers its abundance of flora for birds and animals, who bustle busily to collect its bounty. A myriad of delicious fruits and vegetables ripen for us to enjoy. We shed layers of clothes, feeling lighter in the process, and many families plan breaks away, looking forward to quality time together. Hormone levels can be affected; serotonin levels rise with more sunlight and warmth and oxytocin is released when we spend time relaxing with loved ones. How much of the above applies to you? Perhaps you have different feelings, so allow yourself time to explore. ### **Explore Your Artistic Side** Music and books can feature more during the summer too, as we are able to spend more time relaxing outdoors. What do you like most? You might love to withdraw and enjoy music alone or you might prefer to share it with others. Whilst most of us tend to read alone, what about reading a book out loud with someone else? The sense of social connection through sharing a common experience – discussing your beliefs and enjoying the story – can create happy, intimate moments, raising oxytocin levels. How about drawing or painting? Research has shown that social development and self-worth are increased through art and creativity. This ties in with raising serotonin and oxytocin levels. You don’t have to be good at something to enjoy it. Drawing isn’t about creating something ‘good’, it’s about enjoying the experience itself. Sitting somewhere warm and peaceful, creating art for pleasure without needing to be proficient, can be a happy, relaxing pastime. ## **AUTUMN** Autumn is a time of glorious colours as the air becomes crisp, and warmer clothes are dug out of cupboards. The intense summer sun fades to a weaker glow, which you try to catch with ever-decreasing opportunities. It is a time of harvesting crops, giving thanks for what the summer weather has created and preparing to stock up for winter. Traditionally seen as a transition season, because it is becoming colder and the daylight hours are shortening, some people can find autumn difficult. Often it is because they are anticipating the winter to come, meaning they are focusing on times ahead, rather than enjoying the here and now. Knowing that, it means that mindfulness is more important than ever during autumn, so that you can enjoy its gifts fully. ### **Challenge Your Taste Buds** Eating small quantities of dark chocolate can raise endorphins. To enjoy this – or at least experience it – in a completely different way, why not try dark chocolate that is flavoured with something unusual? For example, you can find lavender, wasabi, green tea and vegemite! There are even more unusual options such as pizza, soy sauce, potato chips and shiitake mushroom. Waking up your taste buds in a new way can be exhilarating, and if you choose to enjoy the tasting with others whose company you love (how about a chocolate tasting gathering or blind-folded competition of ‘guess the flavour’?) you can boost your oxytocin levels at the same time. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **Seek Out Beauty** Autumn is a time where there is so much to appreciate on the ground, in nature. What about taking a walk either alone or with someone and seeing who can find the most beautiful fallen leaf, nut or shell? Perhaps you could incorporate what you find into homemade art in some way. ### **Revisit Your Childhood** Another joy can be re-discovering a childhood game that you used to love playing. What do you have access to, that you could have fun with again? One of the benefits of doing this is that it may transport you back to a time when you were more carefree, with fewer responsibilities. Rekindling those feelings can induce a lovely sensation of relaxation and happiness. Explore some childhood games and see if this is true for you. If you opt for a game such as hopscotch or skipping with a rope, you get the added benefit of some endorphins kicking in, too. ## **WINTER** Winter is the time when you have the opportunity to draw in your energy and to reflect. Days become shorter, making many want to scurry back to the warmth and comfort of their own homes. Whilst there may not be so much colour and obvious beauty to be found in winter nature, there is much to enjoy about the pared back landscapes. It is the opportunity to see life in a clearer and less cluttered way; to go back to basics and to think about what matters most to you. It is a time to create cosy moments of warmth and comfort and take great joy in them. It is important to mention that some people struggle more with winter than any other season. If this is true for you, it is especially important to find ways to combat that by nurturing yourself. ### **Share Creative Pastimes** Why not do something fun for a loved one? There are many indoor activities, both mental and physical, that can uplift you during this season. A scavenger or treasure hunt might be enjoyable. You can link it to a theme they enjoy to increase the sense of fun. Making simple things, whether alone or with others, such as cutting out paper chains and painting them, can be a nice way to pass some time too. Book clubs are a positive pastime, especially in the winter, but if you don’t want to organise one, you could create an event where each person has to find the most uplifting piece of poetry, song or piece of art relating to winter that they can, and then share them with the group. Tara Ward is a best-selling author on personal development and spiritual wellbeing. She also runs workshops and gives talks on meditation and mindfulness. ## **MORE INSPIRATION** **READ** [**The Happiness Year**](https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/happiness-year-book-tara-ward-9781787138872?sku=NGR9781787138872&gad%5Fsource=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAtYy9BhBcEiwANWQQLxI8Jc6746oF33AwjvRG1HmLvsqH5F2TOvBNJaju8khOXwTDSDuaWBoClekQAvD%5FBwE&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) by Tara Ward (Quadrille, £12.99) ### How I Failed at a Challenge, and What I Learnt from It URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/how-i-failed-at-a-challenge-and-what-i-learnt-from-it-2/ Last updated: 2026-10-05T21:57:14.000Z Songs to honour Brigid, a woman who lives with hares, floating for relaxation and bringing history to life _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Sacred Sunday: Running as Meditation URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/sacred-sunday-run/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:27.000Z ## **Otje van der Lelij** shares her love of running as a meditation, and explains how it can be a relaxation practice! Running is often a very meditative activity, but you can consciously use it as a mindfulness practice with [**ChiRunning**](https://chiliving.com/chirunning/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), a method that is focused on pain-free posture, core strength, and relaxation. In “normal” running, the focus is often on building muscle power, gaining a competitive edge, and crossing the finish line as fast as you can. ChiRunning is about relaxation and body posture. It is a friendly and conscious way of running that tends to lead to fewer injuries and increased happiness. According to spiritual leader and marathon runner, [**Sakyong Mipham**](https://www.instagram.com/sakyongmiphamrinpoche/?hl=en-gb&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), who wrote the book [**Running with the Mind of Meditation**](https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/running-with-the-mind-of-meditation-book-sakyong-mipham-9780307888174?sku=GOR005105813&gad%5Fsource=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAwOe8BhCCARIsAGKeD55BsUAH5SUXb7WmQ0DwiawP5RrkCNWjrXmtr1QMwx37cEj0XFLVJZYaAtVGEALw%5FwcB&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), “body and mind are intrinsically connected to each other, so reducing stress through exercise has an immediate effect on your mind.” This has been the case for centuries. “Since ancient times, humans have been aware of the fact that they are happier if the mind is flexible and the body strong,” he writes. “In the modern world, we are living in conditions that threaten this mental and physical balance. We sleep less, which leaves us feeling tired a lot. We spend most of our time sitting down.” According to Mipham, we regularly take on too much, physically and mentally. Many people feel stressed out, busy, and unhappy. They have trouble concentrating, want to prove themselves, and are their own worst critics. Mindfulness and physical exercise—or better yet, a combination of the two—are good ways to deal with these problems. ### **How Your Mind Can Stop You** Still, it isn’t easy to lose yourself in running with your senses only. Mindfulness trainer, [**Kiki Nelissen-Kleipool**](https://leveninnu.nl/kiki-nelissen-kleipool/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) agrees that your thoughts may still have a tendency to fly all over the place. You might think about that argument you had at work, about an approaching deadline, or even about the running itself: “I’ve still got so far to go,” or “I can’t go on anymore,” or “I am in such terrible shape.” Nelissen-Kleipool says those kinds of thoughts typically put the brakes on your running. “If you are constantly thinking about how many miles you’ve already run or how many you still have to go, you get tired quicker,” she says, “but by focusing your attention on the here and now, you have more energy and you can run for longer.” What you also learn from the mindfulness viewpoint of ChiRunning is that thoughts are just thoughts and are not necessarily true. Convictions such as “I’m not a runner” and “running is not my thing” are also not true. Because it’s irrelevant: When you’re running, you are running, and that’s it. Once you’re free of those thoughts, running becomes easier. Even taking note of the fact that you are thinking can bring you back into the moment, says Nelissen-Kleipool. “You ‘wake up’ and can focus on the here and now again: on your breath, your surroundings, the length of your stride and your posture. “Of course there are moments when it’s harder or moments when your attention drifts,” she acknowledges. “But if you simply focus on the technique or on your breathing, the heaviness falls away again.” Even learning this technique centres you in the present. When you’re learning something new, your mind has less opportunity to drift. ### **Becoming Friendly Towards Yourself** ChiRunning is not a magic formula that will have you running a marathon in a week’s time. You have to build up your fitness level, and your muscles need time to get accustomed to the activity. Sore and stiff muscles and physical tension are going to be part of the process. Mipham says you have to accept these. “It’s good to pay attention,” he writes. “Mindfulness, for the most part, consists of becoming more conscious of how you feel. Take your stiff muscles or aches and pains and focus on them. By acknowledging them, you break the pattern of avoiding feeling uncomfortable, which is an important psychological step in learning to be present. Maybe you’ve actually been a bit stiff all day but didn’t realise it until you started running.” Another thing ChiRunning teaches you is to be friendly to yourself. We often use self-criticism for self-motivation, like “Lazybones, do something about your health.” We hope this will make us run farther. But research shows that self-criticism has the opposite effect and makes you lose confidence in yourself. It’s far more productive to talk to yourself as you would to a good friend. “A good friend wants what’s best for us,” Mipham writes. “They don’t yell: ‘You’re no good at this!’ They remind us why we started on this path. They encourage us to keep going.” Once you’ve learned the technique you can pay more attention to your surroundings. Then running becomes more than plowing your way from one milestone to the next. “When you’re running in the forest, you can hear the trees rustling, see green all around you, smell the fresh air, and feel the humidity,” Mipham writes. “When you’re in the city, you hear the sounds of traffic and can bob along in the stream of people.” ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **Focus on Your Posture** ChiRunning has yet to be studied formally, but there is plenty of research on the psychological effects of being in nature, running, and mindfulness. These three things are all said to lead to creativity, relaxation, happiness, and more headspace. A potent cocktail, in other words, that is bound to have a positive influence on your life. Juliette Baller from the Netherlands has benefited hugely from ChiRunning after taking courses in it for a few years. “For me, running is sheer joy,” she says. “In the beginning, it’s quite hard to relax while you’re running. But once you master that art, you also start feeling better mentally. When you can let go of all the physical tension, it’s easier to shake off mental tension too. That’s how it worked for me, in any case. I’m enjoying life much more now. Grateful that I’m able to do this, that I’m able to experience this. It really feels like a gift to me.” --- ## **How to Get Started with ChiRunning** **1 POSTURE** \- Keep your posture straight, from the top of your head to the soles of your feet. Stretch your body as long and straight as you can. When your spine is aligned, your weight is supported more evenly and you don’t rely entirely on your muscles. **2 LEAN** Lean slightly from your ankles, but do not bend from your waist. Keep your spine straight. You’ll feel like you’re falling and you’ll have to take a step to stop yourself from actually falling. Gravity will propel you forward. Each footstep falls lightly on the ground, at the base of your column (never ahead of it). **3 LOWER BODY** \- While you fall forward, raise your foot from the ground to stop yourself from falling. Don’t use your legs in any way to move forward—only for support while striding. Strike the ground with your midfoot, not with your heel. (When you strike the ground with your heel, your knees and shins suffer; when you strike with the middle of your foot, it cushions the impact on your body.) **4 UPPER BODY** \- Let your upper body lead the way. Work with gravity by allowing yourself to fall forward. By swinging your elbows backward, you form a counterbalance. This leads to a very natural and relaxed way of running. **5 PACE, ACCELERATION, AND LENGTH OF STRIDE** \- In ChiRunning, you keep your pace constant. What does change, however, is your stride: the length of your step. As your speed increases, your strides become longer (and vice versa). ## **MORE INSPIRATION** **READ** [**A Book That Takes its Time**](https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/book-that-takes-its-time-book-astrid-van-der-hulst-9780761193777?sku=GOR009710388&gad%5Fsource=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAwOe8BhCCARIsAGKeD57vzOnqJIL0AB8ZHOMYf75wngqQaNqpj6R-IErt2ijP7ahk1hWjlU0aAtQpEALw%5FwcB&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) (FLOW) ### 3 Ways to Prioritise Rest in Your Life URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/3-ways-to-prioritise-rest-in-your-life/ Last updated: 2025-01-30T19:03:04.000Z ## Wellbeing is our right – yet in our increasingly switched on and overly productive societies, its foundation – deep, intentional rest – can feel like a radical choice says **Emine Kali Rushton** A few months ago I began filming short reels for my scattergun shares on Instagram. They were captured in the moment - I was often depleted, still in my PJs, and keen to talk (rant) about how to-do lists were dominating my life, when I really needed to lie down and have a nap. Many sympathised, sharing how they too longed to close the door and have a snooze. Or dreamed of curling up with a book for one, glorious, golden, uninterrupted afternoon. The sad truth is that this simplest of choices has become unattainable. Combine a shaky postpandemic and post-Brexit economy with waves of global unrest, add in the cost of living crisis and we’re in ‘lack’ mentality (remember all that panicked stockpiling of loo rolls during Covid?). It’s hard to maintain a balanced approach when we are being told constantly, just how hard this year will be. How we’ll struggle to make ends meet. Well, I believe that that same fear-seeding is behind our relationship with our work and its essential antidote: rest. In times of crisis and conflict, the message is clear: dig deep. Do your bit (and so much more). Sacrifice. Go without. Take what you’re given and be grateful for it. But remain productive, efficient, reliable (or you’ll let the side down). _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Eight Things to do With Your Family in February URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/eight-things-to-do-with-your-family-in-february/ Last updated: 2025-01-29T19:00:37.000Z ## Green shoots are appearing, snowdrops are peeping and it's time to emerge. February is a time of new growth, of hope and to start to dip a toe in the outside world again says **Kate Hodges** Find half-term inspiration; gentle indoor festivals and history experiences. Celebrate Imbolc by searching for tadpoles and making hag stone necklaces. Or head out on a clear, dark night to dance under the stars. Plus lots more... ## **Find The Light** Imbolc is the most optimistic of pagan holidays; a time to start spotting snowdrops and crocuses, to see the first green shoots, the very earliest of lambs and to search hard for the first signs of spring. Why not take a trip to a pond to search for frogspawn? Don’t forget to any early signs of spring to the Woodland Trusts’ [**Nature Calendar**](https://naturescalendar.woodlandtrust.org.uk/add-a-record/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). Or plant some seeds - [**mustard and cress**](https://theunconventionalgardener.com/blog/how-to-grow-mustard-and-cress/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) can germinate in hours; perfect for those who like things to move swiftly! Perhaps you could [**make a hag stone necklace**](https://www.rockhounding.org/blog/hag-stones-everything-you-need-to-know/index.html?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) to honour the Cailleach; the divine woman of Celtic traditions, who was believed to gather her firewood at this time of year. Find more ideas to mark Imbolc with children (including some wand-spiration) [**here**](https://granihulda.com/blog/f/15-fun-ways-to-celebrate-imbolc-with-your-children?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). Find more ideas and joy to get through what can be a bleak month with the wonderful Witches Cookery. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### How to Celebrate Imbolc with Your Children URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/how-to-celebrate-imbolc-with-your-children/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:26.000Z ## **Glennie Kindred** invites us to transform old habits and patterns as spring awakens Imbolc is a celebration of the Earth’s re-awakening as the Sun’s warmth and light begins to return. Here at Imbolc (2 Feb) we ask ourselves what potential lies in the new growth cycle to come? What do we wish to set in motion and begin? We consciously fire up our intention for change, especially changes that propel us forwards and transform us from the inside. This is a great opportunity to reverse old habits and patterns and work towards enhancing our relationship with the natural world; to see our selves as part of nature and the great web of life, not separated from it. Ask yourself how you will help initiate this understanding both in yourself and in your children? Seek new thinking patterns and new lifestyles that will create a more sustainable and integrated future for our children and for the Earth. ### **Go on an Imbolc Walk** Meet other families for an Imbolc walk and look for signs of new life stirring in nature. Gather fresh windblown twigs, Birch bark, feathers and seed heads along the way and after your walk, sit together to make an Imbolc doll or Earth Spirit. Push a large bead on a twig to make the head or use curled Birch bark stuffed with wool. Pipe cleaners can be used to make arms and wrapped with wool. Keep them simple. As you wrap wool around your Imbolc spirit, weave in all the new things you wish to set in motion this year. Afterwards have a sharing circle to show your creations to each other. ### **Invite Flames of Change** Gather together around a fire, indoor or out and share homemade food. If you can’t have a fire then fill a bowl with soil or sand and have a bowl of candles. Light one candle at the centre with a blessing for Imbolc. Each lights a candle in turn and says what they are appreciating in their lives right now. ### **Take Time to Envision the Future** Spend some time visioning the future you would like to live in. Visualise your own community and how it could improve with community projects and care for nature. Vision the very best, the most wonderful, and the most heartwarming. Share your visions with each other. Anything is possible. As we vision these things they begin to have life. What will you do to support your vision? ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **Work with Silver Birch** The Birch is the first tree of the Celtic Tree Ogham. It is a great pioneer tree and is associated with boldness to begin and a new start. The Birch has the ability to change and transform a landscape by being the first tree to colonise new ground. This brings association with vitality and the will to survive. Known as a nurse tree, it sheds it twigs, branches and leaves readily, creating a fertile soil for other trees to grow in. Sit with this beautiful energy to find a sense of clarity and restored direction. Pick a bunch of Birch twigs (say thank you to the tree!) and place in a vase of water. The buds will swell and the catkins spill out, bringing a sense of spring on its way! Birch bark can be peeled from fallen Birch trees. It is easy to cut into shapes with scissors and drawn or written on with felt tips. What do you wish to make manifest and celebrate this coming year? Choose three things - one for yourself, one for your community or family and one for the Earth and decorate your Birch shapes with words or pictures for each. A hole can be made with an awl or large nail and they can be threaded and hung in the window or from your Birch twigs. ***Glennie Kindred is a writer, author, grandmother and wisewoman of the earth traditions glenniekindred.co.uk*** ### The Surprising Benefits of Wild Sauna URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/the-surprising-benefits-of-wild-sauna/ Last updated: 2025-01-25T09:38:56.000Z Hello, A warm, cosy welcome to this week’s newsletter. We finished issue 123 last week and it should be landing on your doorsteps this weekend. If you want to place an order, you can get your copy delivered by clicking [**here**](https://link.thegreenparent.co.uk/buy123?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). Iris and I have had some fun home education adventures this week. We went to our local museum, explored an ancient Sussex tradition and read a heap of books. We’ve been gathering books and resources to learn about the Chinese New Year – I'll post our favourites next week. ## **What else have we been doing?** ### **Blessing the Apple Trees** We went to the wassailing event at [**Weald and Downland**](https://www.wealddown.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) open air museum last weekend. We joined a procession through the old buildings and into the orchard, shaking tambourines and rattles. In the orchard there was a ceremony to dowse the trees with bread, cider and juice. We sang to them to ensure a good harvest. Wassailing the apple trees developed in the apple growing counties of the south-west and west of England, and also in Sussex and Kent. Wassail comes from the Saxon, ‘Waes Hael’, which means good health. In times when a good harvest and healthy animals were essential to survival, ceremonies were performed to ensure the health of the crops, animals and the people. Good health for all was especially important at this time of year, when the days were at their coldest and life hung in the balance. Here's some more information and ideas for [**hosting your own**](https://www.orchardlink.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/the-wassail-tradition.pdf?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) wassail. And some [**lovely wassail songs**](https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1111914575934398) from Alexandra Park Food Forest, sung by Clem and Rosa. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Celtic Tree Ogham: Rowan URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/celtic-tree-ogham-rowan/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:26.000Z ## Meet the trees of the Celtic Tree Ogham and discover more about each astrological sign. Those born under Rowan are philosophical Rowan is the tree for the period from 21 January - 17 February. Since ancient times people have been planting this vibrant tree beside their home as in Celtic mythology it’s known as the Tree of Life and symbolises courage, wisdom and protection. The delicate leaves, which turn a beautiful colour in autumn are perfectly symmetrical on either side of their stem. They unfurl their bright green plumage every spring, followed by delicate, creamywhite flowers, which are five petalled, and loved by bees, both honey and bumble. In autumn, garden birds feast on the ripe berries in autumn, and we can also use them to make rowan jelly, which is packed with vitamin C. Red is believed to be the most protective colour and is linked to the forces of creation and life. The power of the sacred Rowan tree is further enhanced by the pentagram, an ancient protective symbol, embedded in the bottom of every Rowan berry. The wood is strong and resilient, and has been used for carving rune staves, walking sticks, and was especially treasured for its divining properties. The rowan tree can help clear the mind and open up a person’s inspirations. The tree is used in vibrational medicine due to the belief that it is able to tune our bodies into nature. It can broaden and open our perspective and make room for a wider imagination. If you are planning to take a journey and wish to find enlightenment on your path then take a walking stick made traditionally of rowan wood. It is believed to protect travellers from becoming lost and will help clear the mind and open up perspectives. It will level out your vibration and your mind and body into that of nature and the surrounding universe. ### **The Attributes of People Born Under the Sign of Rowan** Rowan is the philosophical sign of the Celtic zodiac. People born under this sign tend to be keen-minded visionaries, with creative thoughts and high ideals. The red berries with their pentagram symbol are said to have magical properties. You too are considered a magical being with insight and understanding that can help you to protect others. You may be seen as unusual or unpredictable by others. A distortion of this is aloofness and a sense that other people don’t understand you. However, you’re full of energy and devotion and are passionate when it comes to persuasion! ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **Animal Correspondences** Blackbird, Cow ### **Keywords** Protection and inspiration ### **Your Rune** Luis is the second of the Ogham letters and symbolises insight, protection and blessings. ### How to Nourish Yourself this Winter Using Traditional Chinese Medicine URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/how-to-nourish-yourself-this-winter-using-traditional-chinese-medicine/ Last updated: 2025-01-21T19:20:57.000Z ## **Caroline Mellor** encourages us to find peace and stillness during the darker months of the year Winter is all about cosy, bracing outdoor walks, and nourishing ourselves with hearty soups and stews. It’s also the time of rebirth, transformation and renewal: nature appears to be frozen and dormant, but under the surface, the vital work of regeneration is taking place. If we surrender to the season, winter can be a wonderful time of receiving, listening and dreaming, rather than doing. But with busy modern lives, children to look after, depleted immune reserves and endless to-do lists, along with the stresses of the holiday season, for many of us the months of cold, dark weather can be a struggle. Traditional Chinese Medicine, which has evolved over thousands of years, can offer ways to align and flow with the cycles of nature in order to live a healthy, joyful life all year round. ### **Winter is Associated with the Element Water** According to Five Element Theory - a central tenet of Traditional Chinese Medicine, whereby all phenomena in the universe are understood in terms of five elemental energies – winter is associated with the element of Water. Water embodies the Yin qualities of being dark, damp, and cool. It is all about stillness, rest, and connecting with the wisdom of what's hidden under the surface, in the deep rivers, lakes and oceans of the unconscious mind. The positive emotional expression of Water is peacefulness, but it is also associated with the emotion of fear. Fear can be healthy and is a normal part of development: it alerts us to danger and the need to exercise caution. However, excessive fear can be an obstacle to movement. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Sacred Sunday: How to Make Meditation a Habit URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/sacred-sunday-how-to-make-meditation-a-habit/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:26.000Z ## How to cultivate greater presence and learn to make meditation a daily habit with **Hannah Barrett** Mindfulness is a practice that can occur in every aspect of our lives and involves cultivating a present moment awareness that has no judgement. Thoughts, sensations and feelings come and go and we can mindfully witness them all without allowing them to cloud and consume our thought processes. When you are practising mindfulness, you are paying attention to the world around you, to your thoughts, your feelings, the way you behave, the way you move and the effect you have on those around you. ### **Greater self-awareness** The person that you are today is shaped by the experiences of your past. These past experiences can have an unconscious influence over your thoughts, behaviour and emotions. Think about how much of your day happens automatically, almost like you’re on autopilot. Even conscious choices are shaped by the experiences of our past. By being able to observe ourselves regularly and more closely, with mindfulness we can have greater self-control and self-awareness. This will help us make better choices and take control of reactions and their consequences. I read a beautiful book on mindfulness by spiritual leader Thích Nhat Hanh called The Miracle of Mindfulness. The book talks about practising mindfulness every minute, every hour of every day. In reality, this is difficult, so it then goes on to talk about setting one day per week aside for mindfulness; say that every Sunday you know that this is your mindfulness day and you do every single activity keeping your attention focused, keeping anchored to the present moment. As you wake you are mindful of your morning routine, you take each part slowly, you pay full attention. Even as you wash your body you are doing so mindfully. I personally think this is a beautiful concept and I’m trying to bring it into my life – and know that over time this mindfulness day will slowly turn into a mindfulness week. ### **Can you bring mindfulness into each of your daily activities?** For example, when you’re washing your hair, take time to feel the water on your skin; notice the smell of the shampoo and enjoy the sensation of massaging your scalp. Harvard University psychologists Matthew A Killingsworth and Daniel T Gilbert undertook a study that found that people spend nearly 47 per cent of their waking hours thinking about something other than what they’re doing, and that this typically makes them unhappy. Killingsworth says, ‘Mind-wandering is an excellent predictor of people’s happiness. In fact, how often our minds leave the present and where they tend to go is a better predictor of our happiness than the activities in which we are engaged.’ So start to introduce more mindfulness into your day, whether that is through a full day of mindfulness or just bringing mindfulness into certain tasks. --- ## **Bring More Mindfulness into Everyday Life** ### **Try Being More Mindful When You're Doing These Things:** Brushing your teeth Getting kids dressed Washing your hair Eating meals with awareness Making lunch Drinking a cup of tea Giving kids your undivided attention Gardening Eating chocolate Mindful walking Listening to music Practicing meditation Flowing on your mat Questioning urges (e.g. social media scrolling or food binges) --- ## **How to Make Meditation a Habit** ### **Find a motive** Before you start on this journey of bringing meditation into your life, take a moment to jot down why you want to do it. Whether it’s to achieve enlightenment or just to have some added mental focus, what the final aim is doesn’t matter – have no judgement – but the motivation to get there does. A clear sense of purpose will help to keep you motivated and on track to stick with this new habit. ### **Try meditating first thing** When you rise, find some time to be still and tune in. It can be helpful to practise before anyone else wakes up. This was a game changer for me as I now simply set my alarm a little earlier and by the time my children are awake, I feel like I have found some nourishment to put me in a positive mindset to start the day. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **Switch it up** Changing location is really helpful to avoid getting too used to meditating in a quiet room. Try meditating on your morning commute or in the park before eating your lunch. ### **Try new things** Meditation can come in many forms and it may be that one isn’t right for you at that moment in time. Try different techniques, for example if sitting with your eyes closed isn’t right for you, try a walking meditation in nature instead. ### **Your mind will wander** Lots of people try meditation and conclude very quickly it isn’t for them as their minds are ‘too busy’ and forever wandering. However, if you notice that your mind is wandering during your meditation, this kind of means you’re doing it right! You’ve noticed that your mind is wandering and therefore can gently bring it back. The more we practise, the easier it becomes, but know that you will still have days where your mind wanders 10, 20, 100 times, and that’s okay, you’re not doing anything wrong. ### **Quick Meditation Break** If you don’t have a lot of time, a five-minute meditation break to hit pause and get a little mental recharge can be so valuable. ### **Get comfortable** For most of us, sitting on a hard floor in lotus pose isn’t going to be comfortable and will make meditation harder. Instead, find a comfortable seat; this can be a sofa or a chair with an upright back. Before you begin, make sure you are comfortable and supported, with the head, neck and back aligned, and shoulders relaxed. ### **Breathe naturally** Although meditation is often focused on the breath to help anchor you to the now, don’t try and change it in any way. Simply be its witness, noticing all sensations and its rhythm. ### **Know there will be discomfort** Uncomfortable feelings like frustration and anxiety can frequently appear during meditation. When we tune in and pay attention, truths can be uncovered that were previously buried. Sit with these feelings and sensations, don’t try and brush them aside. Simply breathe into them and give them awareness without judgement, allowing them to come and go. Know that you always have the choice to stop if it becomes too uncomfortable. ### **Check in** After each meditation jot down how you felt before and afterwards. Avoid labels such as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ and instead note how you are feeling physically, emotionally and mentally. *Hannah is a yoga practitioner and teacher. She is an author, wife and mother. After the traumatic birth of her daughter, yoga helped Hannah rediscover who she was and her purpose in life.* ## **MORE INSPIRATION** **FOLLOW** Hannah @hannahbarrettyoga **READ** Yoga Happy: Simple Tools and Practices for Everyday Calm & Strength by Hannah Barrett (Quadrille) ### How I Switch up Home Education on my Period URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/how-i-manage-home-education-when-im-on-my-period/ Last updated: 2025-01-17T19:02:18.000Z Hello lovely, How's your week been? Oh, and how did you find the full moon at the beginning of the week? [**Kirsty Gallagher**](https://www.kirstygallagher.com/blog/cancer-full-moon-13th-january-2025?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) writes about how the energies behind this were a powerful calling home to ourselves. Are you feeling that sense of homecoming? One of the ways of nurturing ourselves, Kirsty suggests, is to give ourselves regular hugs! This can be a great way of soothing our nervous system. I’m so happy that we’ve just sent issue 123 off to the printers and it’ll be landing on doorsteps and in stores in the next couple of weeks. It’s our adventure special – there’s so much exciting stuff inside, from a roadschooling, single mum, to how to go on microadventures with your kids, from kitchen witch medicine, to helping little ones develop their EQ. Get your copy early when you order [**here**](https://link.thegreenparent.co.uk/buy123?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). Iris and I have had another full week. We’ve been on some wonderful family walks (the photo above is of our family walk to an icy-sloped Iron Age hillfort last weekend). Iris tried out a new Spanish club, and we’ve been to visit The Museum of London. ## **Here's what we've been up to this week** ### **Reading Some Great Debut Novels** I got a great haul from the library recently. My partner had come into town with me so I filled his rucksack with books and he carried them all home for me – yay! I read [**They Dream in Gold by Mia Sennaar**](https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/they-dream-in-gold-book-diabou-mai-sennaar-9781035033706?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) \- a fun, colourful epic about a musician and his manager, spanning decades and continents. It’s an accomplished debut from an award-winning Senegalese writer. [**Delphi by Clare Pollard**](https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/delphi-book-clare-pollard-9780241558539?price=5.30&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) was another debut, from a poet and playwright. This is a clever and funny take on the effect of lockdown, a marriage in crisis and motherhood, overlaid with tales and prophecy from the classics. [**The Blue Maiden by Anna Noyes**](https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/blue-maiden-book-anna-noyes-9781786495815?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) was fascinating and beautifully written – a tale of sisterhood on an isolated Northern European island in the 1800s. There’s accusations of witchcraft, powerful female characters and plenty of myth and lore. Another debut novel! I also read [**On the Rooftop by Margaret Wilkerson-Sexton**](https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/on-the-rooftop-book-margaret-wilkerson-sexton-9780861546299?price=5.50&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), a quick inhale of a read about Black culture, motherhood, sisterhood. And, [**Nonfiction: A Novel by Julie Myerson**](https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/nonfiction-book-julie-myerson-9781472156785?price=5.10&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) – a painful novel about motherhood and addiction. This book had me crying and staying up late to finish it. I had so many questions about protecting our kids, and what to do in the face of addiction, after reading it. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### What are the Benefits of Playing Board Games as a Family? URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/what-are-the-benefits-of-playing-board-games-as-a-family-2/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:27.000Z ## Board games are a great way to spend time as a family and learn as you play, says **Kathryn Houldcroft** On the chilly, dark night of winter, playing board games together is a wonderful way to spend time with family and friends. It’s a way of connecting with each other that would have been familiar to our ancestors long before computer games. Research suggests that there are many social and emotional benefits to playing games together. For younger players, there is the chance to learn how to get along with others. When games are for all ages, younger players follow the examples shown to them by older players of taking turns, playing fair and being pleased for others. Esther Solis is mum to Avalon, six, Rhys, three, and Jay, one. They enjoy playing memory and matching games, and are learning card games together. Esther believes that playing games has taught the children many useful social and educational skills: ‘They experience lots of counting, patience with taking turns, learning the rules, not to cheat and that it’s okay if you don’t win every time as long as you’re having fun,’ she says. ### **Educational benefits** Playing board games can be educational too. Research in the US in 2008 showed that children’s numeracy skills improved after playing games such as Snakes and Ladders. Helen Fuggle is mum to Ellemi, nine, and Harry, six. She teaches maths to adults and says: ‘I think Top Trumps is great for reading and comparing numbers. I play it with my adult numeracy students.’ For her children, family games help encourage social skills. ‘Most games give them the opportunity to learn to play fair and be gracious in defeat (often these skills need a bit of prompting from us!).’ Playing games can also help to develop literacy skills as children learn to read instructions and identify words on the cards and board. Tamsin and Frazer Glendinning are parents to Fred, seven, and Tess, three. As a family they regularly play games. Tamsin says: ‘Fred’s spelling has definitely improved and also his general knowledge from the trivia games.’ ### **Happy memories** For most families, however, board games are more than just an educational tool. For many of us playing them brings back happy memories from childhood and can reflect our upbringing. Some games can even become family heirlooms. Tamsin says: ‘The Scrabble set we play on was my Mum’s and is nearly 40 years old complete with a hand knitted tile bag!’ To reflect her Mexican-American heritage, Esther also plays Spanish language games with her children. She says: ‘We recently received a Mexican bingo type game which we really enjoy playing together.’ Claire, mother to George, 15, and twins, Kitty and Lottie, 11, has always played games with her children, even now that they are older. ‘I think I try my best to keep things as old fashioned and quiet as they used to be when we were children and that is why we still try and play games,’ she explains. ‘When the children were small playing games kept them busy and happy whilst keeping them from watching too much TV.’ Simon Holdom, dad to Charlotte, six, likes the sense of connection that it brings.’It’s a cheap and easy thing to do together,’ he shares. ‘I work a lot during the week and so playing games at the weekend is our quality time when I can give Charlotte my undivided attention.’ ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **Creating traditions** Often parents try to play games on a certain day of the week, or at a set time. ‘We try to set aside half an hour on a Sunday afternoon to play games,’ says Helen. ‘It’s a way of bringing us closer together.’ Claire favours an end of the week ritual. ‘We went through a phase when the children were little of trying to set aside Friday nights. Now we share Friday night together when we can and it gives us the chance to be with each other when the rest of the time we are rushing around.’ There are also certain times of the year when families like to play games. Holidays give parents and children time to play and even learn new skills together. ‘Card games are great for travelling and taking on holiday,’ enthuses Helen. ‘This summer we were able to spend time teaching Harry how to play some simple games with a pack of cards.’ Simon agrees: ‘When we go on holiday next year we will be taking only board games to play as this is such a treat for all of us.’ Many families also have a tradition of getting out the board games over the Christmas period; an antidote to the screen time that can dominate the festive season. As a family we have a custom of buying a new game every year to play over the holidays. ‘On a winter’s night we sit on the floor in front of the fire and play board games together,’ Simon explains. ‘It creates a calm atmosphere and such a lovely cosy family feeling. This isn’t something you can get from a computer game.’ Playing games can create happy experiences where family and friends come together. It can reflect old traditions or make new ones and is something that includes everyone, whatever their age or ability. What’s more you don’t need a power source to shake a dice or move a counter. *Kathryn organizes successful clothes swaps, writes the Knee High guides and is an anti-waste campaigner* --- ## **Cooperative Games** While many of us have played games where we compete against one another, there are also a range of games which encourage players to work together. In a cooperative game there is a common goal that all players, regardless of age and ability, have to unite to achieve. As a family we have enjoyed playing games by [**Haba**](https://www.steamrocket.co.uk/collections/haba?srsltid=AfmBOoq3Hk%5FF29qsgbvtaUCbpSygwnvgmWHkCuI-efkRwEzPrG01b8DT&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) and US based [**Peaceable Kingdom**](https://www.thekidcollective.co.uk/peaceable-kingdom.html?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). ### Why We Need Deep Rest URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/why-we-need-deep-rest/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:27.000Z ## **Lisa Mabberley** lives in rural Herefordshire with her husband and two sons, aged 10 and 13 and runs retreats focused on deep rest I’m passionate about each of us finding the permission inside of us to do motherhood and life our way. Through coaching, circles, workshops and retreats, I hold safe spaces for mums to come as they are, supporting them to build a life they feel good inside of. I love the exhale the most. When mums come into my retreats I get to see them breathe all the way out. The realisation that settles into their body - ‘ah, I can put the mask down. It’s safe to just be how I am here’. It’s the whole reason I do what I do. Mums need more spaces where they can exhale, rest, feel heard and held. Where they’re not required to play society’s game of saying what they’re supposed to say when asked how they are. ### **Depletion In Motherhood** Ask mums if they’re getting enough rest and they’re likely to laugh darkly or cry on your shoulder. The vast majority are giving more than they’ve ever given and resting less than they ever have and it isn’t sustainable. Many new mums are experiencing exhaustion and lack of support whilst in the background weathering the physical, emotional and hormonal effects of Postnatal Depletion - the effects of which can last up to 10 years, according to functional medicine practitioner, Dr Oscar Sellerach. In a 2023 survey of 2000 UK mothers by the Peanut app, 81% reported having experienced burnout in motherhood. Many mums tell me they fear burnout is on the horizon but still they find it very hard to rest. Yet rest (alongside other support) is so needed. When I work with mums who want more rest and time for themselves the main barriers are time and guilt. They’re bone-tired and lacking a tangible sense of themselves but when they try to reach for what they need they meet resistance, over and over. We usually need to look under the surface to understand what’s driving that resistance. In a culture that prizes productivity and asks mums to be superhuman a lot of the time it’s understandable that our relationship with rest might be complicated. *What stories have we gathered over time about rest and how much we’re allowed of it?* *How was rest modelled to us growing up?* *What narratives have we unconsciously bought into around what’s required of us as mothers?* *What messages around perfectionism, selflessness and being ‘good’ do we, on some level, carry?* When we dig into these stories it begins to make a lot of sense why we’re pushing rest to the bottom of the list and how it’s not only about lack of time (real though that barrier may be). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2025/01/IMG_0277-scaled.jpg) ## We’re all worthy of the rest we need to feel good in ourselves and in our motherhood ### **Choose One Self-Supporting Action** The good news is, when we understand what’s driving our resistance, guilt and self doubt around rest, we can work with it. I use trauma-informed and evidence based coaching techniques to help build a new relationship with rest. The knock-on effect of one new self-supporting choice can be profound. We’re all worthy of the rest we need to feel good in ourselves and in our motherhood. For you that might mean quiet, stillness or solitude. Or something that involves movement, activity or your creativity. The ideal type of rest is whatever feels restorative for you. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ## **MORE INSPIRATION** **EXPLORE** A Year of You’. ‘Mother Wild’, the woodland retreat for mums, returns in 2025\. Find out more at [**mothernurtureandwild.co.uk**](https://mothernurtureandwild.co.uk/a-year-of-you/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **GET** A free workbook [**here**](https://mothernurtureandwild.co.uk/emailcommunity/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). **FOLLOW** [**@mother\_nurture\_and\_wild**](https://www.instagram.com/mother%5Fnurture%5Fand%5Fwild?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **PHOTOGRAPHY** Hannah Barnes from [**@pipandwolfphotography**](https://www.instagram.com/pipandwolfphotography/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### Raising Boys with Uju Asika URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/raising-boys-with-uju-asika/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:27.000Z ## Writer, blogger and speaker **Uju Asika**’s bestselling book Bringing up Race: How to Raise a Kind Child in a Prejudiced World shone an unflinching, but compassionate light on parenting in contemporary society Her new book, [**Raising Boys Who Do Better**](https://babesabouttown.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) shifts the focus to navigating the world of bringing up boys. Uju is a mum to two teenage sons and a stepson in his 20s. She lives in London, and she’s a sunny, insightful force for good “I grew up in Nigeria in a house surrounded by books, and have always loved writing. I came to the UK as a child, studied English literature and graduated thinking I was going to be a professional poet, then spent some time in the States studying journalism at graduate school, spent some time in Lagos, then moved back when I was pregnant. I’ve always written about culture, creativity, ideas and identity. I started my blog, Babes About Town after moving back here, had few friends and wanted to know what I could do with my baby. Without my knowing, one of my relatives sent out a query to agents, asking if they were interested in a book about raising black boys in Britain, and they wanted to see the proposal! And that’s how Bringing Up Race came about. It was 2021, Sarah Everard had been murdered and there were a lot of conversations around that. There was so much anger and frustration and a kind of cultural dissonance between men and women – even in conversations that I’d have with my husband, when he spoke about not really understanding how a woman might feel walking alone at night. – I knew I needed to write about it. ### **Changing Culture Begins at Home** For me, we always have to start at home, start small, with our children. If we want to change the culture of the next generation, we have to be able to start having better conversations with our kids about personal boundaries, safety and consent. On one level, now is an incredible time to be raising kids. There are so many conversations we’re having around what it means to be loved and to be a human. But it’s also a very confusing time, for boys in particular. They haven’t really been supported in the way that girls have. Of championing their identity, empowering them to feel like they can go into the world and be anything. It might feel as if men rule the world and can do anything, but traditional masculinity is quite restrictive. Paul Kivel originated the term ‘The Man Box’ which explains how traditional masculinity restricts men with a certain set of codes and rules about what it means to be male. So in the Man Box you are brave and stoic, self reliant, strong, powerful, charismatic, super-attractive to women based on a commanding presence and muscular physique. All quite superficial and limiting. There’s no space for softness, tenderness or emotions. No space for an inner world. It’s all about how men present themselves with a sort of steel, but it’s almost like a cage. My boys played a lot of football, and, if, say, they cried on the pitch, you’d hear that phrase, “Man up” on sports pitches, said by coaches. It’s damaging on so many levels to the individual. Paul Kivel draws the box, then writes all the negative labels that boys might be called if they don’t conform; ‘feminine’ or ‘weak’ and uses that as a conversation starter. ### **Listening to our Kids** I was writing the book before I’d even heard of Andrew Tate. I read an article and almost wrote about the conversation I had with my sons in real time. But he’s just the tip of what they call ‘the manosphere’. I think we just need to stay listening to our kids, and not launch into lecture mode. Acknowledge what they’re drawn to about Andrew Tate and people like him. That if you’re slightly confused about what it means to be a man and some guy shows up in a really confident way and makes misogyny seem empowering then that is attractive. All our kids are looking for validation and affirmation. I’ve always been interested in culture, and given my boys an immersive, cultural upbringing. We watch TV and films together, stay connected, use those stories to talk about topics in a more neutral, not too inflammatory way. My boys make fun of me, because I’ll pause a show and say, “It’s a teachable moment!” Pop culture is a really useful way for people to be able to engage across generations. There’s a quote in my book, ‘If raising boys is a challenge, then raising Black boys is an extreme sport.’ Even talking about raising boys, is loaded, let alone Black boys. They come with a whole set of ideas, expectations and biases. There’s the fear that comes around a young Black boy, backed up by the media, the fear of other. The constant narrative around Blackness and race, comparing Blackness to criminality. I spoke to someone the other day who told me how, in a nursery setting, a teacher had referred to three young Black boys as ‘a gang ’. And you have to unpack that. Did she mean it stereotypically? Or did she just not think about what it might mean. It’s a constant reinforcement of negative stereotypes when it comes to Black boys. I’ve written in my book about things like hip hop, which my boys and I both love. I’ll defend it to the death, but at the same time there has to be some accountability around some of its narratives; how to treat women, how to be masculine, how to talk about yourself and protect yourself. It frames how boys see the world, what success means. It’s a big one. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **The Privilege Walk** When I was researching my book, I heard about a social experiment called The Privilege Walk. You get a diverse bunch of people and they hold hands or stand in a line. They’re asked a series of questions that explore various privileges and age, gender, racial and socio-economic differences and either step forward or back. For example, “If your parents worked nights or weekends to support your family, take one step back.” As one commenter on an online video said, “To see them slowly let go of each other’s hands is heartbreaking.” It’s a powerful statement about connection and opportunities. Sometimes when you talk about privilege, people get hyper-defensive or angry, but it’s really just about having some accountability and to think about using your power in a positive way. I did grapple with using my boys as examples in my book. But they are proud of me. After my book launch, when I’d read a passage that mentioned them, my eldest, Ezra, gave me a big hug and told me he was proud of me. But usually, they’re like, ‘Congratulations mum. What’s for dinner?’” ## **MORE INSPIRATION** FIND Uju at [**babesabouttown.com**](https://babesabouttown.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) READ [**Raising Boys Who Do Better:**](https://www.dk.com/uk/book/9780241608418-raising-boys-who-do-better/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) A Hopeful Guide For A New Generation is out on DK now. ### Sacred Sunday: How to Create a (Really) Mini Sanctuary URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/sacred-sunday-3/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:27.000Z ## **Sara Smyth** shares three ways to make more time for yourself ## It can sound like a ridiculous thing to suggest when life is busy and demanding and just generally overwhelming that you should make more time for yourself. But the truth is, making time for yourself as a parent doesn’t have to mean sending the kids off to their grandparents for the weekend. Or that you have to spend long hours indulging in baths and romance novels (although if that floats your boat, definitely do it!). The benefits of you-time can be harnessed and felt in just a short moment grabbed during a busy day by creating a mini sanctuary within yourself. And honestly, we think developing the skill to be able to drop in and find a moment of time to yourself in the middle of everyday life is going to pay off in the long run far more than sporadic, indulgent spa days will! Here are 3 ways you can create more time to yourself by going within and creating your own inner sanctuary: ### **1) TAKE A BREATH** One of the most immediate ways we can create space inside of ourselves is by using our breath. You can literally create more space in your body, which is then reflected in your mind, by taking a full, deep breath. Fill up into the bottoms of your lungs, into your upper back and chest, and into the sides of your rib cage. Do it now! Notice how your physical body actually expands and creates more space within you? Then you can use your exhalation, which is one of your body’s modes of detoxification, to let go not just of carbon dioxide, but to detox yourself of energies you no longer need to be holding onto: worry, resentment, thought loops, etc. Instant space! ### **2) LEARN THE PAUSE** It only takes a moment to bring yourself out of a reactionary, snappy, resentful state and into a space of more calm and clarity; nothing shifts you from one state to the other like The Pause. All you have to do is, pause! When you find yourself about to react to your children, partner, friends, or self in a way that doesn’t feel good, take a moment to pause. When you pause, you create a space just for you to settle into and come back to yourself. And in that space between the situation and your reaction, you’ll find that you actually have the ability to choose how you respond. You can ask yourself: ‘Is there a different way I can react to this?’ The way we respond to the things going on around us is a habit we’ve developed over time. The way to change a habit is to first bring awareness to the old one and interrupt the automatic response, which is exactly what we do when we take an intentional pause. The Pause is as simple as it sounds, but it’s not necessarily easy to remember, or to stick with. Perfecting it and really harnessing its benefits takes practice. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **3) STRAIGHTEN UP!** A simple adjustment to your posture can create dramatic results in how you feel mentally and emotionally, and when you feel good mentally and emotionally, you’re much more likely to want to create time for and spend time with yourself, because it’s a more peaceful place to be. Next time you’re feeling frazzled under the strain of the domestic mental load, try making a small adjustment to how you’re holding yourself physically. As Tony Robbins says, “feeling follows physiology,” meaning, the way we feel is directly and profoundly influenced by our physical state. This includes our posture. Our bodies take on the shape of our most predominant emotions over our lifetime. And the cool part is, we can reset that shape by consciously realigning our posture and moving in a way as if we were. Over time, we can embody a new way of feeling. How would you hold your body if you felt calm or confident, as opposed to stressed and overwhelmed? What changes can you feel in your energy, mind, and emotions if you draw your shoulders back and down, and open your chest, for example? ### **PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER** You can combine all three of these inner sanctuary tips into one practice. Here’s how. Pause, take a breath, adjust your posture - that will give you a precious moment to dip into your inner sanctuary when things outside of you feel chaotic. And if practiced over time, you’ll reshape yourself and your responses and embody a new way of feeling. *Sara is a mum of three children aged 24, eleven and nine. She lives in London and is the founder of Soma Rising Retreats.* ## **MORE INSPIRATION** **VISIT** [**somarisingretreats.com**](https://somarisingretreats.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) for details of the next retreat that Sara is running ### These 9 Resources Make Me a Better Parent URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/these-9-resources-make-me-a-better-parent/ Last updated: 2025-01-10T19:03:43.000Z Hello, A cosy, warm welcome to this week’s newsletter. We’ve spent the last couple of days playing in the snow – it’s been chilly this week, but we’ve spent most of our time outside. I was reflecting on the beginning of the [**1000 hours outside**](https://www.1000hoursoutside.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) challenge we did last year, and how I felt daunted. We’ve changed our days up a lot since then and it now seems normal to be outside as much as we possibly can! My daughter and I are both much happier outdoors. Of course, there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing! We are lucky to have some great outdoor stuff, mainly secondhand. My daughter has [**Didrikson waterproof dungarees**](https://www.didriksons.com/en/kids/rain-sets/lined-rain-set?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), [**Warm Wellies**](https://www.warmwellies.co.uk/kids-wellies?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) and [**padded gloves**](https://www.polarnopyret.co.uk/collections/all-gloves-mittens/products/kids-padded-winter-gloves-purple-60601637-6004?variant=42609101996171&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), made with recycled materials, by PO.P. I have a couple of merino base layers, recycled [**cashmere hand warmers**](https://www.turtle-doves.co.uk/shop-by-product/accessories/wrist-warmers?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) and some [**Spray Way waterproof trousers**](https://www.sprayway.com/products/berbak-rainpant?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). We’re snug as bugs! We always take a flask of tea, or cacao out with us too. And plenty of spares in case things get wet. (Stuff always get wet. Yay, puddles! Sheets of ice! A stream!) At work, I’ve been finishing up issue 123, with the theme Adventure, which will be out in a couple of weeks – very excited! [**Get your copy delivered**](https://link.thegreenparent.co.uk/buy123?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) as soon as it's out. At home, I’ve been reflecting on being well resourced as a parent. My partner and I do a regular walk to check in with each other, using a framework he learnt through [**Man Kind P**](https://mankindprojectuki.org/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)[**roject**](https://mankindprojectuki.org/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). It’s called P.I.E.S. (physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual). We each get about 15 minutes to talk about how we’re doing in each of those areas (no interruptions). It’s a really good, clear way to get in touch with what's going on in each of our lives. One of the things we realised last week was that our ability to hold space for our daughter’s emotions was dependent on how well resourced we were. So we got to talking about what resources we each need. Here’s what I need to make sure I can show up (mostly) as the parent I want to be: _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Winter Babywearing: Staying Snug in a Sling URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/winter-babywearing-staying-snug-in-a-sling/ Last updated: 2025-01-06T19:34:54.000Z ## **Sophie Lovett** encourages babywearing during the winter months to ease anxiety and boost positivity ## When the mercury begins to drop, and it’s cosy and warm inside, it can be a challenge to motivate yourself to go outdoors with little ones, particularly if the rain’s lashing against the windows. In many ways though it is even more important to get outside in the winter months, and with a little bit of preparation there’s no reason why you can’t continue to wear your baby and keep both of you dry and snug. ### **Community connection** Getting outdoors generally has a myriad of health benefits, especially with regards to your mental wellbeing. It helps ease anxiety – both the physical exercise and the winter sunlight are a boost to serotonin levels and help keep you calm and positive. It also helps you feel more connected to your local community and reduces feelings of isolation. Studies have shown that spending time in a green outdoors space can help improve your focus and self-esteem, and give your problem solving and creativity a boost. The natural light can even help improve your sleep by helping set your body clock. And of course these benefits apply to children just as much as adults – perhaps even more so. Whether snuggled up in the sling or walking alongside you an outdoors adventure can help to break up the day, burn off some energy and make everyone feel just a little bit happier about the world. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Sacred Sunday: 6 Ways to Quieten an Overactive Mind URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/sacred-sunday-6-ways-to-quieten-an-overactive-mind/ Last updated: 2025-01-05T19:21:54.000Z ## Struggling to sleep? Here's six ways to ensure a more restorative night’s sleep using time tested yoga techniques by **Lisa Hassan Scott** Have you ever struggled to get to sleep? As parents we’re used to being up in the night for a baby, an ill toddler, or perhaps for a worrying pre-teen. But sometimes it’s not our children keeping us awake. We’ve all experienced it. You’re exhausted after a long day of parenting, housework, working and school runs or home educating. It’s a relief to slip under the covers and you’re ready for sleep. But… sleep doesn’t appear to be ready for you. As a yoga teacher, students often say to me, “I am struggling to get to sleep at night. Is there anything I can do?” Sometimes they might complain that even though their children were sound asleep, they can’t seem to drop off to sleep or they wake at 4am and are unable to get back to sleep, finally giving up when the rest of the household stirs. ### **Bringing yoga to daily life** I am passionate about bringing yoga into daily life. At my weekly class and in my workshops I often suggest ways students can allow yoga to filter into their day to day activities. If you’re struggling to get to sleep, there are several ways you can use this ancient practice to help you drop off a little easier. In my personal experience, and from speaking to my students and colleagues, it seems to me that the root cause of the inability to fall asleep is a busy mind. We all know the feeling of lying down to sleep after a long day, and instead of dropping off to sleep, it’s as though a flood gate has opened in the mind. Thoughts arise, arise, arise. Many people report that it’s the unwelcome thoughts that keep them awake. It might be a worry about tomorrow. Or it’s an anxiety about the past. Perhaps it’s something they forgot to do today, or something they didn’t get quite right. Maybe it’s a rehearsal of a dissatisfying interaction or the exploration of a fear as yet unrealised. The ancients referred to the mind as a chariot of wild horses. Sometimes it seems as though the mind is racing to and fro like those strong, untamed animals, bucking and rearing when any sort of control is exerted over them, frothing at the lips and tossing their rider from his place in the chariot. You are the rider, not the mind. With practice it is possible to be in charge of the mind. The result is a still, calm consciousness and this is the aim of yoga practice. The more control we gain over our thoughts, the more we discover power over our bodies, particularly the nervous system. We can calm the mind, triggering the parasympathetic nervous system which allows us to “rest and digest”, rather than respond with “fight or flight”. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### What Our Home Education Plan Looks Like for 2025 URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/what-our-home-education-plan-looks-like-for-2025-2/ Last updated: 2025-01-03T18:49:04.000Z Hello, Happy 2025 – hope it brings all you dream of! I’ve yet to make a vision board for the year ahead, but there’s some words or themes coming up around ease and pleasure. A friend and I shared all the things we’d like to draw in this year when we did the Burning the Clock procession for Winter Solstice; there was a heavy focus on sensuality and pleasure! It's a pleasure to be back today, writing this newsletter, sending love and a hope for deep rest from my nest to yours! I had a wonderful festive season – there were pockets of lush connection with all the kids, some silliness, dancing and even a numbing sea swim on Boxing Day with my older daughter. ## **Here’s What I’ve Been Up To:** ### **Planning 12th Night** It’s Epiphany on 6th Jan and we usually make a Galette des Rois to celebrate. We take all the Christmas decorations down on 5th - I still feel a bit superstitious about this! I hunt around the house and make sure that every festive reference is removed. Often we'll have a fire on this night so I can put bits in the fire too, to make way for the new. Then we celebrate the end of the festive period with some sticky puff pastry! Here’s a recipe for a vegan version of the traditional Galette des Rois (or 3 Kings cake). Take a sheet of vegan puff pastry and divide it in half. Roll each piece out to make a 25cm circle. Lay one of the circles on a piece of baking parchment on a baking tray and spread with 2 tbsp apricot jam. Leave 2cm uncovered, around the edge of the circle. Beat 100g vegan butter and 100g caster sugar together to make a paste. Add 100g ground almonds. Smooth this paste over the jam. Brush the edge of the puff with water and add the second circle on top. Brush the top of the pie with oat milk, and decorate with a herringbone pattern. You can scallop the edges too, using a knife held upright and pushed a little way in towards the centre all the way around the circle. Bake for 25 minutes at 200ºC, until golden and delicious! Sometimes we'll insert a pound coin into the pie. Whoever gets the slice of pie with the coin becomes sovereign for the day! To clean the coin you can pop it in a small dish of ketchup or use some bicarbonate of soda an an old toothbrush. Find out more about the history of the Galette des Rois and a chocolate/pear version [**here**](https://www.frenchasyoulikeit.com/galette-des-rois-a-sweet-french-tradition/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). The lovely picture above is Mary Berry's version for [**Good Food**](https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/marys%5Fgalette%5F38999?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). ### **Working out our Home Ed Plan** I'm on a mission to keep things simple this term. I have a tendency to create a home education plan that encompasses everything and leaves very little free time and space. My older two kids would attest to this! What happens then is that we end up following it for a couple of weeks, and then abandon the whole plan because it’s unwieldy and overwhelming. This year I'm approaching things differently. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### 5 Ways to Get Active with Kids URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/5-ways-to-get-active-with-kids-2/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:27.000Z ## Want to kick start your new year with some activity to shake off those cobwebs? **Lucy Corkhill** has compiled five fun ways to get active and engage with the world around you – not a treadmill in sight! January can get a little wearing when every shop you go in has diet books and fitness equipment hanging from the shelves, and magazines screaming that it’s time for the ‘new you’. It’s hard not to get caught up in the frenzy of self-improvement and let January become a month of self-flagellation, full of ‘shoulds’: Should exercise more; should eat less of this and more of that; should make more of an effort. Keeping fit can become another thing we feel we have to do in an already busy schedule. Let’s face it, ‘keeping fit’ is a bit of a ridiculous phrase anyway. Separating out time to go to the gym just shows how compartmentalised our lives have become, when keeping fit and active is far better integrated into our daily activities. Walking our children to school, or taking a stroll through nature, is a far better use of our time than a 'bums and tums' class. A healthy and active lifestyle is one that engages all our senses and makes us feel energised and bursting with life. Rather than slogging away on a treadmill, keeping the mind active when you’re exercising makes it about one hundred times more interesting, as does being outdoors connecting with the elements and world around us. ## **Here are five interesting and fun activities to get you out and about and feeling ALIVE!** ### **CLIMB TREES** Remember those days of scrambling up trees as a youngster? Nothing beats the sense of achievement and thrill of sitting high up in the branches of a majestic tree, and the views are a major plus too. Find out more about tree climbing at the [Global Organisation of Tree Climbers](http://www.gotreeclimbing.org/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), or get expert help and advice from tree climbers [Goodleaf](https://www.goodleaf.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). ### **THE GREEN GYM** The Conservation Volunteers Green Gym is a scheme which inspires you to improve both your health and the environment at the same time. Experienced leaders guide you through a range of practical projects, giving you the opportunity to tackle physical jobs in the outdoors - improving your strength and stamina, boosting your practical skills and confidence and benefiting your local green spaces. Find out more [here](http://www.tcv.org.uk/greengym?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **ORIENTEERING** [Orienteering](http://www.britishorienteering.org.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) is a challenging outdoor adventure sport that exercises both the mind and the body. The aim is to navigate in sequence between control points marked on a unique orienteering map and decide the best route to complete the course in the quickest time. It can take place anywhere from remote forest and countryside to urban parks and school playgrounds. It’s a great sport for runners, joggers and walkers who want to improve their navigation skills or for anyone who loves the outdoors. You can either join an [orienteering group](http://www.britishorienteering.org.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), or you could set your own orienteering course with your family as a fun way to keep fit and find out about navigation! ### **COASTEERING** Seeing as we live on an island with some of the most diverse and breath-taking coastline, if you live anywhere near the sea coasteering could be the fun - and adrenalin-packed activity for you. Teenagers will delight in this new activity too! Coasteering is a mixture of swimming, climbing, scrambling, and traversing the coastline. When it is safe to do so coasteering also allows you to jump into the sea from height. Not only will you get to explore areas of the coast that you would never normally see, you’ll grow in confidence and strength. Check out [coasteering.org](http://www.coasteering.org/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) for more information, or try it out with experts in dramatic [Pembrokeshire](http://www.tyf.com/coasteering/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk#.UOlxUK5oAkE). ### **WILD SWIMMING** Okay, maybe it's a little chilly for wild swimming, but there are people who swim year round! If you're not ready to brave the icy waters, you might like to start looking for places in your locality where you can take the plunge when it’s a little warmer… Robert MacFarlane’s book Waterlog: A Swimmer’s Journey Through Britain is an inspiring place to get started and will have you dusting off your swimming costume in no time. The Outdoor Swimming Society’s [website](http://www.outdoorswimmingsociety.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) has lots of tips and advice, and you can get further inspired at [wildswimming.co.uk](http://www.wildswimming.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) where you can also get copies of Daniel Start’s book Wild Swimming: 150 Hidden Dips in the Rivers, Lakes and Waterfalls of Britain. ### 8 Ways to Put Joy into January! URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/8-ways-to-put-joy-into-january/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:27.000Z ## This time of the year can leave us feeling a little deflated after all the excitement of Christmas, and still only halfway through winter. Here are some ideas from **Lucy Corkhill** on making January more fun ### **Have a spend-free month** After the excesses of December, our bank balance can be a little bleak in January. It’s liberating, then, to call time on spending. To step off the consumer wheel for a month and focus on home and hearth. January sales can tempt us to keep on buying just to snap up that incredible bargain. But removing the temptation by avoiding shops, including online ones, reminds us that the best things in life are free: laughter, love, family, beautiful landscapes etc. So why not try avoiding all unnecessary spending – even setting a family food budget to keep to – and see how much better you feel for not splurging. ### **Make Movement Part of Your Routine** Sometimes the last thing we feel like doing in the dark winter months is actually moving! But getting exercise truly makes a difference to our overall wellbeing. Not only do we feel fitter, but research shows it makes us happier and less liable to catch winter bugs. Stick a record on and have a dance, go for a bracing walk outside, or do some restorative yoga. Whatever floats your boat, make exercise part of your daily routine in January and you’ll not only beat the blues but feel better in other areas too. ### **Eat Nourishing, Seasonal Food** Many people launch into a detoxification programme in January. Whilst it’s a good idea to cut down on the excesses of the festive period, forcing the body into extreme detoxification at this time of year is not always wise. We need nourishing foods to keep our immune systems strong and to warm us from the inside out. But you can be super healthy at the same time by favouring soups and stews with lots of fresh vegetables. The vegetables that are in season in winter, such as leafy greens and root veg, point us towards the kinds of foods that are most nourishing for us at this time. ### **Supplement your Diet** Many of us are deficient in vitamin D, especially in winter when we aren’t able to access it through exposure to the sun. As it helps with immune function among other things, it’s a good idea to take a supplement during the darker months. Vitamin B is recommended to help balance moods and beat symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder. Vitamin C, zinc and magnesium help to fight infections, as does Echinacea. See a qualified nutritionist if you feel below par for individualised advice on what you might be lacking. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **Have a Laugh** Laughter is one of the best ways to boost your mood. If you are a bit short of things to find funny, a good comedy is a perfect bit of winter escapism. Cosy up on the sofa with your loved ones and watch a comedy classic together. Throw in some mood-enhancing hot chocolate made with raw cacao, and snacks like toasted seeds and you’ve got a lovely evening right there! ### **Follow the Seasons** In the dark days of winter, tiny crocuses or snowdrops poking through the soil can really lift the spirits. Engaging with the seasons helps us to see the incremental changes each day, such as where the sun rises and sets, and how the daylight lasts a little longer. Taking a photo of a favourite part of nature once a week – such as a tree or area of wilderness - is a good way to record these changes. Looking back at these pictures enables us to see that even if it is raining and cold again, the cycle of the year is moving towards spring and light. ### **Take Control** All of us have areas in our lives that need a little tweaking, and that we avoid facing. But breaking that insurmountable task down into manageable chunks makes it less scary. Research shows that beginning a task is the hardest part; once we’ve tackled even the tiniest part of it we start to feel better immediately. Write down each part of the task on your calendar or diary and tick it off as you complete it – recording your achievements helps to boost feelings of pleasure associated with tackling a problem. ### **Clear your Space** Getting rid of unwanted clutter invites new, fresh energy into the home. As the old adage goes “a clear space is a clear mind”. Freecycle it, donate it to charity, bestow it on people who will actually use it – just get it out the door! You’ll feel better when you can close that drawer that is usually overflowing with stuff. When your space is clear, write down the energies and experiences you want to bring into the home in 2018 and either use them to decorate candle holders or prop up pieces of card with words on near a candle. As you light each candle, invite that experience/feeling into your new clear space. ### 10 Ways to Celebrate New Year with Your Family URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/10-ways-to-celebrate-new-year-with-your-family/ Last updated: 2024-12-31T19:34:06.000Z ## Kids naturally pick up on the excitement of a new year, and whether you celebrate new year as the beginning of January or in March (Iranians) or October (Pagans) etc., this time of year naturally lends itself to both celebration and reflection says **Lucy Corkhill** ## **Here are ten ways to celebrate with your family:** ### **Get a big piece of sketch paper and draw your dreams!** Get as big a piece of paper as you can – sugar paper taped together or a roll of paper from an art shop – and place it on the living room floor, kitchen table, or wherever you have the most space. Arm all your artists with pens, pencils, glitter, even scissors and magazines/coloured paper if you’re feeling super crafty. Set the question: what are your dreams for 2025? Then enjoy creating something beautiful together, writing the words that resonate, drawing your dreams, and sticking pictures of things that make you feel good. When everyone is finished you will hopefully have a huge piece of art that reflects your family’s dreams for 2025. ### **Cook a family meal** Make it special with a tablecloth, proper cutlery and crockery, even a menu. Designate different courses/components of the meal to each member of the family. You might like to go out a few days before to source ingredients, or you might still be using up leftovers from Christmas! Leave plenty of time in the day to cook and bake together, decorate the table and room. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Sacred Sunday: The Art of Stillness URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/sacred-sunday-2/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:27.000Z ## Sometimes just to sit in silence and do nothing is one of the wisest things a person can do in these times in which we live says Magnus Fridh High up on a shelf in my grandparents’ kitchen there was a large white seashell. When I put my ear to its opening, I could hear a loud noise, as if the sea had come ashore and etched itself into the walls of the shell. Every time I visited them in southern Skåne, I would stand on tip­toe to reach the shell on the shelf. Ready to listen. It was always a surprising experience. The rushing sound inside created an image of a horizonless and stormy sea with waves so intense that the dynamics of them merged into a consistently full­ bodied roar. An almost deafening constancy of sound welled into my ear canals anwd made my hearing bones vibrate. Despite the fact that I eventually had the phenomenon explained to me – well, this is how it works – I was spellbound; I remained lost in wonder on many occasions at the experience of everything being still and silent. The silence was also to be found in the loudness, and for someone restless perhaps it was easier to hear it right there. A child needs no next step; rather, everything happens when it happens and what is available comes to life and never requires meaning. But then play becomes a more serious game, and the child’s capacity to be here and now is quickly lost. In a time when we are constantly connected, we are instead tugged ever more intensely away from the now. It feels very much more like we’re actually on the way to being completely disconnected. ### **How Free are We?** This became clear to me a year or so ago, when I decided to make some minor changes that had a surprising and major impact. Just like everyone else, I’m often connected, which is both rewarding and entertaining in various ways. But increased knowledge of how digital operators exploit various triggers in the brain’s reward system in order to actively get us to act in a certain way means I have become more cautious. The digital world offers a chimera of free choice, but in fact our brains are being kidnapped and we don’t even know it is happening. The combination of an intelligent interface and smart behavioural scientists transforms our actions in some of the biggest digital arenas into something that is largely predetermined. The seemingly free choice becomes a limitation. But it’s not just that: We are not always satisfied with the choices that we make for ourselves. According to American studies, we use our mobiles for 4.7 hours per day, of which several hours are spent on the major social media platforms. Another study conducted by the Centre for Humane Technology that looked at 200,000 participants identified that more than half stated they were dissatisfied with how they spent this freely chosen time on digital platforms. Your own choice has created a type of behaviour that is hard to break and, what is even worse, leads to self­-reproach. We continue to consume even though we are no longer hungry. Doped by smart design. Increasingly disconnected. Increasingly absent. ### **A Media Fast** I decided to create interfaces and time zones in my home. A media fast in order to rest my brain muscles. The first thing that happened was that I became more attentive to the transition between doing and being. The transition between the outer environment and the inner. When I came home, I wanted to create a clear boundary and stop for a while, to enable me to put things that might distract me to one side. I began to engage in a do-nothing-activity, like sitting down for a bit in a comfy armchair and just reflecting on things. Quite simply, a place to set down the day that had passed. Perhaps a final thought about something that was lingering on and needed to be brought to a conclusion. But also in order to be present with my family. There is an incredible difference between this and coming home while leaving half of yourself in the outer world. Your kids will notice the difference in the way you listen. Even more importantly, I began to switch off my phone and computer earlier in the evenings, turn them on later in the mornings, and I never took any form of electronics into the bedroom. In order to enable the last of these initiatives, I bought an analogue alarm clock. Yes – they still exist, and they work perfectly. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **The Impact on my Mental Wellness** The impact was immediate and verging on amazing. When I left my digital devices, vast swathes of time were freed up – more than it was possible to efficiently measure. I didn’t realise how much free time screen time had robbed me of, but also how much mental time it had taken up afterwards that was focused on what I had experienced during the time at my screen. When someone called after me, I no longer had to ask them to wait or even feel a degree of irritation. In the early days, those impulses were still noticeably there. A hand reaching for a phone without any idea at all what I was going to do with it. When I went to bed in the evening, the desire to read books returned to me. Reading a book can be an occupation, but it is completely different from endlessly scrolling through the Internet. A book has a final chapter; a book only has a finite number of pages. The Internet never ends. The wonderful feeling of finishing something now gave me a blessed, stress-free end to the day. Screen time was replaced with intervals in which creativity once again had room to blossom. When I no longer had anything to do during longer, continuous periods of time, more and more ideas began to come to me. Like on all those days when I was little and there was nothing to do. Just like many mothers of that era, my mum had an unassailable confidence in the benefits of being outside as soon as the clouds dispersed. I remember many occasions where I wandered up and down the street we lived on, sat down or hung around on the pavement and hoped a friend would turn up. Being bored was one of the best things I could experience. Being bored is a springboard to creativity. But it’s not only that. How can we ever know who we are if we never completely stop and fall silent? How are we even supposed to be able to hear our own thoughts? *Magnus Fridh grew up in southern Sweden. He discovered meditation in his teenage years, and now teaches Ashtanga yoga, mindfulness and meditation classes* ## **MORE INSPIRATION** **READ** The Art of Stillness in a Noisy World by Magnus Fridh, translated by Ian Giles (Hardie Grant) **FIND** Magnus on Instagram at [**magnusfridh.com**](https://www.instagram.com/magnus%5Ffridh/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### 17 Things To Do With Your Family In January URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/17-things-to-do-with-your-family-in-january/ Last updated: 2024-12-27T18:21:19.000Z ## This month, watch a retelling of Mowgli in Bradford, help your family go screen-free, celebrate the year of the wood snake, go winter camping and take a matchbox hike suggests **Kate Hodges** ## Here's our round up of fab, fun things you can do with your family in the month ahead: ### **Phones Down** Children’s use of smart phones and screens is firmly on the agenda. Kickstart your digital detox by joining in on January 18th with National No Phones at Home Day, organised by a group that works with local councils and schools to educate teachers and carers about the impact of device use on psychological development and mental health. The focus is on encouraging all parents to consciously turn their phones off, switch off iPads and devices, to engage in activities to connect with their children. Find out more about the day [**here**](https://nophonesathome.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). And find our conversation about teens and screen time with tech ethicist and writer Tanya Goodin [**here**](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/your-guide-to-digital-wellbeing-for-teenagers/). ### **Snakes Alive** Lunar New Year begins on 29th January. This year, in China, the celestial dragon makes way for the earthly Wood Snake. In China, wood is associated with the colour green. In Chinese culture the snake symbolises wisdom and agility, while the wood element brings growth, flexibility and tolerance, and welcomes fire, which represents change. Why not try making your own snake? These wooden [**spoon-shaped critters**](https://www.gluedtomycraftsblog.com/2016/06/wooden-spoon-snakes-kid-craft.html?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) are easy for even very little fingers to decorate, or perhaps you might make a [**paper-chain slitherer**](https://raisinglittlesuperheroes.com/paper-chain-snake/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). These [**puff pastry snake-shaped snacks**](https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/pastry-snakes?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) are super-easy too. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### 5 Tools for Peaceful Parenting URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/5-tools-for-peaceful-parenting/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:28.000Z ## **Kat Barton** considers how we can bring more peace into our family lives with five essential take-aways for toddler conflict resolution! Despite its seeming simplicity, “peace” as an enacted, everyday concept can be difficult to grasp. Associations with tranquillity and wellbeing, whilst entirely valid, run the risk of reducing peace to something passive. Perhaps for the politicians arguing over security policy, peace can be conveniently defined as the absence of war, but real peace, sustainable peace is much more than that. Peace to me is active, a conscious way of interacting with the world, one that requires awareness, thoughtful consideration and staying power. It requires me to look at things from others’ perspectives and be open to change. It requires that I engage with – rather than steer clear of – conflict. After all, people are different, we don’t always agree, and conflict is a natural and inevitable aspect of human interaction. For many of us, conflict is a dirty word, something to be avoided at all costs. But as anyone who has entered into a conflict with a spirit of love and cooperation knows, the process of resolving a conflict, without resorting to violence, coercion or force, can be hugely empowering and beneficial to both parties. As a parent, my relationship with peace is twofold: firstly, I seek “everyday peace” – a peaceful home life and a sense of personal security and personal freedom; and secondly I endeavour to practice for myself and engender in my children, peaceful – or nonviolent – ways of interacting with the world. In its simplest form, nonviolence can be characterised as the practice of fostering understanding among those who are different from you, opposing injustice and seeking loving solutions. So on a very basic level, practising nonviolence and supporting children to interact nonviolently means cultivating empathy, compassion and connection. Being a parent who has worked as a peace and disarmament advocate and a nonviolence trainer for campaigning groups, I have been exploring different parenting approaches and feel drawn to those that resonate with my understanding of peace and nonviolence. Like most parents I pick and choose the aspects of different parenting models that work for me and my family, and in terms of bringing my commitment to peace into my parenting I have found there are certain key themes that fit particularly well. ### **Peaceful Parenting Tool 1: Connection** According to the Peaceful Parenting Institute, connection is the biggest contributing factor towards a child’s behaviour, so it stands to reason that making sure our children feel loved and valued is a great place to start in terms of bringing peace into our lives. But children need a lot of attention and because most of us live very busy lives, we can’t always give our children the love and time they need – and I dare say we’ve all experienced the emotional outbursts that arise when this most basic need is not met. One tool I’ve found especially useful in this regard is “special time” which involves setting aside time to focus entirely on engaging one-on-one with your child. Hand in Hand Parenting recommends setting a timer for an agreed length of time (even 15 minutes a day per child can make a difference), then simply pouring your love into your child and delighting in whatever they do. No putting out the washing, no answering your mobile phone or keeping an eye on the dinner. This is a time to follow your child’s lead, say “yes!” to their requests and muster all the enthusiasm, patience and flexibility you’d like them to be able to show the other twenty-three and three-quarter hours of the day! ### **Peaceful Parenting Tool 2: Recognition** Every one of us, adult and child alike, seeks recognition and acknowledgement. The simple practice of acknowledging and honouring a child’s feelings can help them – and us as parents – to develop empathy, which is essential for cultivating the compassion, understanding and respect for others that forms the basis of sustainable peace. By helping a child to connect with and express their feelings we can begin to create a culture of openness and understanding in the home. Oftentimes though, in an attempt to shield our children from the pain and heartache of seemingly negative feelings, we rely instead on distraction tactics. I’ve certainly found myself doing this! To help me better support my child’s emotional literacy, I’ve drawn on a well-worn Nonviolent Communication (NVC) tool, also described as “sportscasting”, which involves stating in simple, non-judgmental terms, what it is that I’m observing – that is the facts of the situation and the feelings it seems to have generated. For example, “Sam’s got the toy you wanted and you seem annoyed. Is that right?” But “sportscasting” needn’t necessarily be restricted to your child’s feelings. If you observe someone you come into contact with demonstrating particular feelings, you can use it as an opportunity to get your child thinking about what that person is experiencing. For example, ‘That lady on the checkout seemed short with us. Do you think she’s having a bad day?’ And ‘What do you think could have happened to make her have a bad day/be short?’ Drawing attention to feelings in this way and encouraging consideration of what might be happening for other people, can also help our children to connect with a sense of injustice and can pave the way for more mature approaches to dealing with conflict. ### **Peaceful Parenting Tool 3: Trust & Autonomy** Approaches that encourage us to recognise our children’s feelings – and importantly to respond to those rather than the behaviour exhibited – require a certain degree of trust in our children. We must, in the words of Unconditional Parenting author, Alfie Kohn, “attribute to children the best possible motive consistent with the facts”. But the idea that we should trust a child to act in accordance with their needs runs contrary to traditional approaches to discipline and sometimes also with the way we ourselves were parented. And to be fair, without seeking out the feeling beneath the behaviour, it is easy to assume that a child is merely being difficult or manipulative. But in terms of bringing peace into our family lives and developing empathy and compassion in our relationships, trust is an important component. One way to build trust in our family relationships is to adopt a democratic, mutual problemsolving approach to parenting. Asking for a child’s help or opinion is a great way to make them feel valued, and demonstrating that you don’t have all the answers lets a child know that it’s OK not to know everything. It also places the emphasis on the process of working through things, rather than on the end result, and can remove the tendency towards power struggles by injecting some equality into the parent-child relationship. Children have an innate need to feel valued, understood, powerful, and loved, and when these needs are met, there is less need to 'misbehave'. Alongside trust comes respect for a child’s personal autonomy which again is not a notion that is popular amongst those who advocate a top-down, “respect must be earned” approach. But for me, respecting my child’s autonomy by listening to his requests, offering as many opportunities as I can for him to chose things for himself, by honouring his “no’s” (particularly where his body is concerned) and by involving him in routine activities, feels like the best way to develop his selfreliance as well as show him what respectful interaction looks like in practice. ### **Peaceful Parenting Tool 4: Modelling** Of course, one of the most profound ways children learn is by observing and mirroring our behaviour. From a nonviolence perspective, modelling the behaviour we would like to see others enact is fundamental, as is treating everyone, ourselves included, with love and respect. For many parents, modelling is the hardest part of being the parent we want to be – it seems we have first to be the person we want to be, and virtually none of us are. Rather than give ourselves a hard time though, it’s important that we model the compassion and self-care we hope to teach our children. If we are forever negating our own needs in favour of others’ (our children included), they learn to behave similarly. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **Peaceful Parenting Tool 5: Communication** At its heart, conflict resolution is about communication, so it should come as no surprise that the most powerful, and simple, tool I have found thus far in my peaceful parenting journey is speaking clearly and respectfully to my child. It sounds obvious and its efficacy may well be because he’s still a toddler (and not yet talking himself!), but I find that by informing my son of what we’re doing well in advance, and by listening to and acknowledging his response, he seems to feel included and valued. And because none of us are at our best when rushed, I also endeavour to allow plenty of time, particularly if I know he’s likely to resist whatever it is that’s happening. Naturally, there are times when parent and child disagree on what to do and although my first port of call is always to ask myself whether I really need to do that thing, when I judge that I do, I try to use clear and patient communication to get across my expectations. Whilst the concept of boundaries is an accepted one in traditional parenting circles, coming from the more permissive end of the spectrum where limiting of a child’s self-expression is kept to a minimum, I have struggled to find a way of establishing boundaries which does not impose stifling limits on my child but that respects my own needs and enables me to guide my child appropriately. On the back of some trial and much error, and after seeking advice from people who’ve been in the parenting game longer than I have, I discovered a method that for now seems to yield positive results. By coming down to my son’s level, making soft, kind, physical contact to get his attention, and by communicating my expectations calmly, clearly and with confidence, I have felt able to offer parental leadership in a loving but firm manner. Unsurprisingly, I don’t always get it right. In fact my interactions with my son frequently lack the connection, recognition and trust that I aspire to. But my commitment to peaceful parenting is not diminished, because I am reminded that nonviolence is not about lying down and passively accepting what is thrown at us. It is about stepping up and actively engaging in the relationship, being clear about our own needs, seeking to understand the needs of others, and finding loving solutions that work for everyone. And I hope that by applying some of this to my parenting, I might contribute in my small way to creating the more peaceful world we all seek. ## **MORE INSPIRATION** **EXPLORE** Aware Parenting Institute [www.awareparenting.com](https://thegreenparent.createsend1.com/t/r-i-jhltgkt-l-tl/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **VISIT** Peaceful Parenting Institute [www.peacefulparent.com](https://thegreenparent.createsend1.com/t/r-i-jhltgkt-l-tr/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **READ** Unconditional Parenting Alfie Kohn [amzn.to/2cz7b1B](https://thegreenparent.createsend1.com/t/r-i-jhltgkt-l-ty/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### Sacred Sunday: Start a Local Gift Economy URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/sacred-sunday-start-a-local-gift-economy/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:28.000Z ## Sharing is a way to deepen connections and go longer without buying, while also giving back to the community in meaningful ways say **Liesl Clark** and **Rebecca Rockefeller** There are so many methods of sharing, and diverse forms of the following ideas exist around the world. Can you create your own spin on them and introduce some of these ideas in your communities? ## **Here are some ways to get you started:** ### **Host a clothing share** Have people bring any clothes they’re done with and lay them all out on a table. You can separate them by kind or just let people look through the piles. It’s fun to do it in someone’s home, or try it on a dry sunny day in a public park. You’ll be impressed with all the cool new togs you’ll come home with. Some groups have a point person who then takes all of the clothing that is left over and turns it into a round-robin for those who missed the event (see #3). ### **Start a meal club** Get a group of culinary minded friends together and start a meal club. This takes batch cooking to a new level and varies your meals while you use only one recipe in your own kitchen. So, if there are five of you, then you make five lasagnas, for example, and get four other homemade meals in return for your family! If people in your group have freezer space, it’s great to do this monthly and choose foods that freeze well. Everyone cooks on the same day (Sunday seems to be the most popular choice), then meets up to swap finished food all at once. It can also be done with fresh foods. Just assign a day to each person for their bulk cooking. Who doesn’t want a break from cooking some nights? ### **Launch a round-robin** Round-robins are a collection of items that you send into your community for people to pass around, take what they want, and add to. We often create a collection for specific sizes of children’s clothing, for example. But round-robins can be created for women’s and men’s clothing, makeup, kitchen supplies, and toys. ### **Create a garden share group** When Liesl first moved to Bainbridge Island, she started a group called Island Garden Share, where she invited people to come to her house once a month and bring with them perennials, cuttings, and veggie starts from their gardens to share with the group. Each participant would go home with new plants and veggies to put in their gardens. It was a garden plant potluck of sorts and saved everyone so much money in starting new perennial beds. Another added benefit? It was the best way to meet others who shared a passion for growing perennials and vegetables. ### **Go gleaning** When it’s harvest time, find apple trees, blackberry bushes, grapevines, pear trees, any fruits or vegetables growing on public land that would otherwise go to waste, pick the produce, and share it with everyone. At this time of year, you might harvest mushrooms, wild greens and sloes, for example. ### **Create a “Buy Nothing, Share Freely Holiday Shop”** We’ve run a free Christmas shop for years, a party where people bring items that are gift-worthy and both children and adults can take any item they’d like to give to family members and friends. Everyone goes home with armloads of gifts for the holidays. ### **Build a Little Free Library** Little Free Libraries have been a thing for years and they’re such a cool gift to give the world. Build a little weatherproof box that can hold books, and put it out at the end of your driveway or other safe location accessible to your neighbours (apartment hallways are perfect, with permission from your building manager). People will come and take what they like and add to the collection. Visit [**littlefreelibrary.org**](https://littlefreelibrary.org/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) for all of the details, including building plans and a global map of Little Free Libraries. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **Start a library of things** Lending libraries are not only for books! We’ve seen libraries for tools, seeds, housewares, and fancy clothes, all started up as innovative local re-sources for neighbours to share. Choose an item or items you’d like to steward, like cloth napkins for events (this saves so much on paper waste), metal cutlery, wineglasses, plates, camping gear, snowshoes, carpet steamer, etc., and your neighbours will thank you. Choose the item you’d like to loan to people, let everyone know, and be the go-to person for that much-needed thing. ### **Create a fleet of “free bikes” and set them free for people to ride from place to place** We did it, and spray-painted the bikes with a “ride me” sign on them. ### **Start a Fix-It Fair** These are so essential! Assembling local engineers, electricians, carpenters, seamstresses, and MacGyvers for a Fix-It Fair can go a long way to prevent things from going into the landfill. You may already have one nearby, so just type “Repair Café” or “Fix-it Fair + \[your county or region\]” into your browser and see what pops up. ### **Start a monthly “Really Really Free Market”** Minneapolis has a successful free market that has benefited many families. You could start one in your city or town, too. Minneapolis’s Market is very popular. People contribute what they no longer need and pick up what they do. Here’s what they put out in the local newspaper to spread the word: “Everything here is FREE: offer what you’d like to give and take what you would like to receive. Food, music, and company are as welcome as objects. Please treat everything as a gift, and please take back with you any things that you have brought that nobody has taken.” ### **Garden communally and share produce** If you have growing space, turn it into a neighbourhood garden. Sharing the land and work will increase yields, bringing food and joy to more people. You can also contribute your excess produce to a Grow Free cart, a beautiful movement of colourful carts started in Australia where people share their excess produce and take what they need from the carts. Why not start a cart for your community? This idea from Down Under deserves to take root around the world. ## **MORE INSPIRATION** **READ** The Buy Nothing, Get Everything Plan by Liesl Clark and Rebecca Rockefeller **EXPLORE** Start your own Buy Nothing group in your neighbourhood with guidancefrom [**buynothingproject.org**](http://www.buynothingproject.org/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### What Happened When we Met Father Christmas URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/what-happened-when-we-met-father-christmas/ Last updated: 2024-12-20T19:34:40.000Z Hello! Welcome to this Solstice newsletter. How are you? How are you feeling in the lead up to Christmas? I often feel pretty frenetic by this time of year, trying to wrap up work projects, and create magic for the family. But, this year I feel fairly balanced and calm. One of the things that really helped was the Solstice celebration that my daughter and I went to, held by [**Children’s Forest**](https://childrensforest.earth/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) in the grounds of [**Emerson College**](https://emerson.edu/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). We had such a wonderful day, seeing old, and making new friends, crafting, singing and listening to stories around the sacred fire. The fire was a work of art; I’m a real lover of fire and building them, and this one was exceptional. Built by 13 year old Luca, it had 4 gateways, one for each direction. As we called in the circle, he ignited some thistledown with flint and steel, and lit each gateway. The day ended with a lantern procession to greet the trees. We sang to each tree, and Iris and I were delighted to add some new songs to our tree repertoire. There’s a link below to our new favourite – the holly tree! It grounded me and filled me with so much joy that life has felt sweet and (mostly!) peaceful ever since. The beautiful illustration for today’s newsletter is by [**Tijana Lukovic**](https://www.tijanadraws.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)*.* You can buy a print [**here**](https://www.tijanadraws.com/shop?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). ## **Here’s what else we’ve been up to** ### **Planning Our Festive Feast** There'll be 12 of us around my Dad's kitchen table for Christmas lunch this year, a combination of meat eaters, veggies and vegans. My partner and I are excited about doing the food for everyone - of course we've got a spreadsheet! We’ve decided on a [**beetroot and rocket tarte tatin**](https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/beetroot-red-onion-tarte-tatin?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) for the veggie main. I’m loving browsing through Gaz Oakley’s Plant Based Holidays for inspiration. He has a [**Sexy Sprouts recipe**](https://recipes.oregonlive.com/recipes/sexy-sprouts?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) that’s definitely making it onto our Christmas table. He pan fries the sprouts with chestnuts, fennel seeds and lemon zest. Yotam Ottolenghi has a delicious [**roasties recipe with za’atar**](https://ottolenghi.co.uk/pages/recipes/crispy-roast-potatoes-rosemary-zaatar-salsa-verde?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), which look like next level potatoes! On the topic of food, I’ve also been salivating over Bryan Ford’s [**Pan Y Dulce**](https://artisanbryan.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) – so many amazing bakes from Latin America. Most of the breads have a sourdough starter, which I really want to get back into next year, and there’s a whole chapter on Savoury and Gluten Free goodies. Yummm! _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### How to Celebrate Solstice with Your Family URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/how-to-celebrate-solstice-with-your-family/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:28.000Z ## **Glennie Kindred** helps us mark the winter solstice with our families ## The Winter Solstice falls in the heart of the winter on the shortest day and the longest night of the year. This special festival is an opportunity in our busy lives to put aside some time to pause, to appreciate the stillness and rest that is the gift of midwinter, to reflect on the old year that is finishing and to look forward with hope for the new year about to begin. It is a time of coming together, of sharing, and appreciation of all we have. It is also a celebration of our connectedness - to our family and friends, and to the Earth and her cycles. Create your own family traditions as you explore the traditions from our ancient past. ✽ The eve of Winter Solstice is a special time for a dusk walk with the family – especially good if you see the sun go down in the South West (around 3.45pm). Experience the gathering dark, away from street lighting but make sure that as the light fades it is an easy route to return home or to your car. ✽ Alternatively get the family up before dawn on Solstice morning. Make it exciting and special, with special candles of their own to light at the breakfast table and a bowl of coloured ribbons. Each chooses three to take with them. Go somewhere that faces the South East to watch the Solstice sunrise, or the lightening of the sky if it is cloudy. (Sunrise is around 8am.) Tie your ribbons onto a tree – each one a new intention for the new year: one for the Earth; one for your family; and one for yourself. ✽ Invite everyone to gather for a Solstice celebration. All bring food to share, drums, instruments and percussion, and a story to tell. This brings an exciting sense of a tribal gathering as you all drum, entertain and eat together. ✽ Light a fire (inside or out) and pass round a basket of sticks, to represent something you wish to let go of from the old year. Saying this out loud gives it strength as each throws their stick in the fire. ✽ Lighting candles for the ‘Return of the Sun’ is an old tradition at this time, as is making resolutions to begin the new cycle. All sit around a single candle in a large bowl of sand, with all lights off. Each lights a candle and pushes it in the sand, and names their new intentions. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ## **The Evergreens of the Winter Solstice** Traditionally evergreens are brought into the house at the Solstice. Garden bushes can be pruned, or sensitive guerilla pruning undertaken. Always remember to cut with respect for the plant and the land and to leave berries for the birds. ✽ THE SOLSTICE BUSH Our family has much enjoyment on Solstice morning, going out to gather greenery to make a Solstice bush. You will need a few sturdy branches (either evergreens or bare twigs) to give it form, anchoring them into a pot of wet soil or large jug of water and rocks. This creates a counter balance to the weight of the twigs. Wrapped homemade sweets and small natural decorations can be created and hung from it. ✽ WREATHS There is an old tradition of making wheels of evergreens, within which you anchor your hopes and dreams for the new cycle. It may take the form of a wreath to hang on the door, or it may be laid horizontally with places for candles. Add sparkly beads to catch the light and hold a wish. ## **MORE INSPIRATION** For more detailed information about the Earth festivals, craft activities and celebration ideas, see Glennie’s book: Sacred Earth Celebrations [**glenniekindred.co.uk**](http://glenniekindred.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) *Glennie is a writer, author, grandmother and wisewoman of earth traditions* ### Get Witchy this Christmas URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/get-witchy-this-christmas/ Last updated: 2024-12-19T19:11:45.000Z ## We’ve all got a bit of witchery in us. Christmas is a time when lots of us practice plant spirit medicine without even being aware of it says **Fiona Heckels** The persecution of village wise women during the Middle Ages led to the demise of much of our folk medicine and connection to the earth, but this knowledge is being reclaimed. The seasonal celebrations of old were about celebrating the passing of the seasons and recognising the farming calendar. The rise of industrial farming and mass production of food separated us from the natural world around us. We know instinctively that we should be connecting with the earth but where do we start? The more time we spend in nature and learning from her, the more comfortable we’ll feel. Finding local herb walks, fungi forays, talks and workshops is the best way to learn to recognise different plants and mushrooms. Arming yourself with several good field guides and a sketch book and making your own nature diary is an excellent way to build up a harmonious relationship with your locality too. In this way we can offer our children the great gift of growing up feeling comfortable in, and knowledgeable about, the natural environment around them. ### **What is the winter solstice?** The winter solstice is when the earth’s tilt is at the maximum point away from the sun and marks the shortest day and longest night of the year. It is traditionally called Yuletide. This year in the northern hemisphere winter solstice falls on Saturday 21st December. It is the moment ‘between’ – the point between death and rebirth – and represents hidden potential. Life will start to draw upwards again from this point forward so winter solstice is about celebrating the birth of new life. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Build Your Village URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/build-your-village/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:29.000Z ## When my son was born, my husband and I were 3,000 miles away from our families and the first in our group of friends to become parents says **Jacqui Castle** ## No one could offer the type of support that I needed quite like another mother. If you are home with a new baby and are having a difficult time making connections, I hope some of these suggestions lead you to find a few new friendships. ### **1\. Library Story Time** Check out your local library and see if they have a weekly story time. Most libraries will offer "story hour" tailored to different age groups; the baby story time is a terrific place to meet new parents (and is an excuse to get out of the house). Look around and see if there is anyone you feel you might click with. When the story time wraps up, start up a conversation and ask if they would like to walk down the street for a cup of coffee. I met one of my closest friends at a library story time. Don't be shy! Chances are they are feeling just as lonely as you are. ### **2\. Join La Leche League** Visit the La Leche League website and find out if they have a meeting in your town. LLL is a great place to connect with other breastfeeding mums who are going through the same things that you are. Make sure that you get any breastfeeding concerns answered while you are there. LLL typically only meets once a month; so if you make a new friend, offer to host a play-date at your house next week! ### **3\. Seek Out Individual Friends** If you are still having difficulty, or if there are no parent groups in your area, you may have to take matters into your own hands. Don't be discouraged; there are other new mums in your area, you just have to find them. ### **4\. Post an Ad** Put up an ad on your area’s facebook page stating that you are looking to start a parents group. You could suggest a weekly park meet up. Or a walk in the woods. See what responses you get, you might be surprised! ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **5\. Try Other Parent Groups** Ask around to see if there are any other parent groups in the area. Call the local hospital to see if they host a group for new parents; many do. The owner of your local toy store might be a good resource for finding the groups in the area. Search meetup.com for local groups; enter "natural parenting", "attachment parenting", or "breastfeeding" in the search field, if you feel this will help you find like-minded friends. Check to see if there is an Attachment Parenting International group near you. If there is no group near you then consider starting one! ### **6\. Find Your Village** Set an intention that you will meet a group of powerful, inspiring and uplifting friends to support you in your parenting journey. You might like to write down exactly what you need from such a group. How frequently would you like to meet up? What sort of friendships would you like to cultivate? What would you particularly like support with? For example, we’ve seen successful parent groups that look after each others’ kids while one or two parents get a break. Or crafting groups where parents get together to create while the children play. Or even groups where each week the group meets in a different member’s house and helps to clean, do the laundry and cook supper for everyone. Craft your ideal situation in your mind and then take action to make it happen. ### **7\. Take Time to Talk to Strangers** The first time approaching another new parent is always the hardest. But, what do you have to lose? Strike up conversations with parents at the park, the library, even line at the supermarket. Practice practice practice and it’ll get easier and easier to make the first move. Tell parents you meet that you are looking to start a group and ask for their email. Email them later, let them know it was great to meet them, and ask when would be a good day to have them over for breakfast/lunch/tea. Once you have made that first emotional leap and put yourself out there, you will probably find yourself making friends with every new parent that you see. Good luck! ### How Horse Magic Transformed My Daughter's Fears URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/how-horse-magic-transformed-my-daughters-fears/ Last updated: 2024-12-13T19:06:31.000Z Hello! I’m so happy to be here in your inbox today. I've had a fun horsey day and experienced some proper magic take place - read on for more! I love the preparation for the festive season. Iris and I have been very busy crafting and making this week. We also went to our local National Trust property, where the theme this year is The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Iris is captivated by the story – I’m going to try and find an illustrated version this weekend at our lovely independent bookshop, [**The Book Nook**](https://booknookuk.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). I also managed to squeeze in a whistlestop trip to Bristol to see my middle daughter. At work I’ve been creating the next issue – the theme is Adventure and I’ve had the pleasure of speaking to some brilliant people this week, doing really powerful things. Watch this space! ## **Here's what we've been up to this week** ### **Reading** I’ve read some storming books recently. My sister gave me a copy of [**26a by Diana Evans**](https://uk.bookshop.org/a/6690/9780099479048?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) and [**Without Warning and Only Sometimes**](https://uk.bookshop.org/a/6690/9781472284853?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) by Kit de Waal. 26a won many awards, including The Orange Award for New Writers. The story is about identical twins, Georgia and Bessi Hunter, who live in the loft of 26 Waifer Avenue (which they’ve called 26a). With their Nigerian mother longing for home and their angry, inebriated father wandering the streets of London, life is full of challenges for the twins and their two sisters. The characters have a lot of depth, and to be able to tell the story of the twins from birth to adulthood in only 230 pages is so deft. Thoroughly recommend, but be prepared for hard ending. Without Warning and Only Sometimes is Kit de Waal’s memoir about growing up in a household of opposites. Her mother was a Jehovah’s Witness, rarely cooked and forbade Christmas and birthdays, while her father stuffed barrels full of goodies for his relatives in the Caribbean and cooked elaborate meals at random. Caught between three worlds, Irish, Caribbean and British in 1960s Birmingham, Kit and her brothers and sisters knew all the words to the best songs, caught sticklebacks in jam jars and braved hunger and hellfire until they could all escape. Sometimes heart-breaking, but also funny and vibrant. I finished [**Storm Pegs: A Life Made in Shetland**](https://uk.bookshop.org/a/6690/9781529038026?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) by Jen Hadfield, which is a love letter to the islands, about one poet’s journey to put down roots and make a place for herself in this ‘remote’ corner of the earth. Heartwarming and lilting, the perfect winter read. I have to admit to stretching it out as I didn't want it to finish - it's a very calming read. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### 9 Ways to Celebrate Winter Solstice URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/9-ways-to-celebrate-winter-solstice/ Last updated: 2024-12-12T19:09:28.000Z ## Winter Solstice on 21st December, is a magical moment in our seasonal calendar. The world seems to stand still for just a moment, and the solstice offers us and our families a chance to step off the merry-go-round of the festive period and enjoy being together says **Lucy Corkhill** It’s an opportunity to appreciate the natural world around us, to fill our homes with candles, friends, laughter, food and warm fires. Or maybe you’ll opt for a quieter solstice – a chance to take a breath in the whirlwind and just be still and peaceful and at one with the world. Here are some ideas for celebrating the winter solstice with your family: _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Respectful Parenting Lights Up My World! URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/respectful-parenting-lights-up-my-world/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:28.000Z ## When **Filiz Taylan Yusak** became a mother 6 years ago, she started to read about parenting and changed my life and routines completely to fit around her child’s needs ## It was important for me to be there when she needed me. Sometime later, I came across the term \`respectful parenting\`, also referred to as gentle parenting. Always believing that children should choose their own destiny, I was hooked on the idea that the child is at the centre of this parenting style. I am particularly influenced by a book titled Raising Our Children, Raising Ourselves by Naomi Aldort in my respectful parenting journey. Her S.A.L.V.E method is consisted of practical steps to be a respectful parent. It all starts with **separating your own emotional reaction** from your child’s need at a particular time. I accept this is hard and I cannot always remember this rule. But when I practice it, I see that I am guided by the love of my child, and she feels this too. The next steps are directing your **attention** and **listening** to your children, then **validating** their feelings. Aldort also says: 'If your child resists you, it is a sign that you have exercised control in relating to her; you have been resisting her.' This quote was my a-ha moment. We mostly think that our child resists us. But as parents, we resist our children by controlling them. If we can keep our compassionate, tender, and kind manner instead of control, this would bring peace and calm to both our parent-child relationship and to our life in general. ### **Using Respectful Parenting in Everyday Life** There are so many areas we can practice respectful parenting that it is easy to make it work in daily life. Setting our children as free as possible in what they choose to eat, wear, listen or watch all counts. Even my child’s fussy eating improved with my respectful parenting, because I don’t insist her to try a new food or to finish her plate. I trust her that she knows her body and recognises her needs better than me. Now she sometimes even asks to try a new food, because there is no pressure on her about eating. Another area to practice this parenting style is deeply related to personal boundaries: is not forcing them to kiss, hug or talk to anyone unless they want too. Yes, even grandparents! Respectful parenting also fits into my simple, minimalist and mindful lifestyle. I don’t see my child as a 'project' carting her to clubs and activities every day. I don’t force her to attend clubs or activities that she doesn’t like. I know she gets tired at school, so I don’t over plan her schedule or our weekends. ### **Living by the Motto: Every Child is Different** I try not to compare my child with other children, especially in terms of milestones, going by the motto 'every child is different'. I believe that she will do things in her own time, when she’s ready. It is much easier to trust the flow, and not worry about milestones or age ranges. This is also about accepting your child as she is, with her personality, likes, dislikes, strengths and weaknesses. Although at 6, she is still a younger child, she deserves my respect, as she is an individual, and has her own thoughts and feelings about oh so many things!I always try to take into account what she thinks, and I must confess her perspective is refreshing sometimes! ### **Understanding my Child's Needs** At the same time, I try to always remember that she is just a child, not an adult, and she deserves my empathy. I feel obliged to do this as I brought her into this world, and I want her to be content with her life. This brings a greater understanding about her needs and wants. As Sarah Ockwell-Smith (who came up with the term \`gentle parenting\` back in 2005) mentions, respect that I started to feel for her, brings along my child’s respect towards me too. She knows that I will listen to her, and she can share everything with me, that I will have open arms for her no matter what. I don’t believe that punishment (including consequences) or reward is effective. I try to praise the effort, not the outcome, but I need more practice when it comes to this! I give 'descriptive praise' and 'reflective listening' as suggested by Noël Janis-Norton in her book titled Calmer Easier Happier Parenting, especially when I need her to get ready on time for school! This is still about the outcome some of the time, but at least it is about seeing one specific step that the child takes towards a goal (such as being on time for school in the morning), rather than being a blunt and shallow praise, not serving a purpose. And it works! Because it motivates the child, and she notices that you recognise her littlest effort in reaching a goal. This parenting style doesn’t mean “never saying ‘no’ or raising your voice” as claimed by Polly Dunbar. We have boundaries and limits, especially when her safety or well-being is concerned. I am trying to be consistent around here, but also choose my battles and try to say 'yes' as much as I can! As a result, my 'no' is always a firm no and has meaning. But I always explain why I didn’t say yes. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **Self Care to Help me be the Best Version of Myself** I am well-aware that other areas of my life also impact my parenting and perception of events. So, I turn to self-care, even maybe 5-10 minutes every day. I need to practice self-care, to be the best version of myself as a mum, more patient and capable to deal with what the day brings. But we also rightly need that because we deserve it as human beings. It is so interesting that being a parent brings you back to your own childhood memories, so I keep in touch with my inner child. As parents, we must regulate our own emotions to model this to our children. But this is only possible by making peace with our past, opening our hearts completely and honestly, to accept, respect and love ourselves just as we are. This would bring along self-confidence. Only then, we can model our child towards self-acceptance, self-love and self-confidence. ### **The Difference that Respectful Parenting Makes** I can see so clearly the difference respectful parenting brings. My child is confident that I respect her choices, decisions, and preferences. The genuine connection between us is nurtured by my parenting style and this made our relationship even better. As a result, she trusts me and feels safe with me, so turns to me when she needs support. That’s priceless. She is mostly calm and collected, and I believe that respectful parenting plays a part in this as well as personality. Aldort states in her book that there are five basic emotional needs: love, freedom of self-expression, autonomy and power, emotional safety, self-esteem. It is easy to observe how these needs can be met by only practicing respectful parenting. My child taught me to go with the flow, but this doesn’t mean permissiveness, inaction or laziness. This rather means to witness and be part of her budding life, and life flowering around her, while being there for her as much as I can, and guide her when she needs, but otherwise watch and let her lead the way in perceiving and living life, as beautiful and simple as it is. Filiz is an experienced content creator and social media specialist who loves to write about culture, music, food & drink, parenthood, and nature. She lives in Hampshire with her husband and 6 year old child. Find her on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/filiztaylanyuzak](https://www.linkedin.com/in/filiztaylanyuzak/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/filiztaylanyuzak](https://www.instagram.com/filiztaylanyuzak/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### Presence, not Presents! URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/presence-not-presents-2/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:28.000Z ## **Pam Leo** shares how to create connection with your child at this busy time of year Whether you observe Yule, Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa, the holidays have become more stressful for many parents, and less happy for many children. By the time we add shopping, wrapping, baking, decorating, and holiday events to our already busy schedules, we have less time than ever to spend with our children. When children don't get enough attention from the people they love, their love cup gets empty and they feel disconnected and unhappy. If adults try to make children happy by buying them more presents to compensate for spending less time with them, we teach children that things are supposed to make them happy. When gifts become a substitute for love instead of a symbol of love, children begin to measure how much they are loved, by how many gifts they receive. The emptier their love cup, the more "things" children ask for, to try to fill the longing they feel. The saying, "You can never get enough of what you don't really need," is especially true for children. No matter how many gifts we buy for children or how much money we spend, if their love cup is empty, there will never be enough gifts to make them happy. When children with an empty love cup have unwrapped all their gifts, they are still looking for something more. The "something more" that children are looking for is something money can't buy. ### **The Gift of Love** The present every child really wants is the gift of feeling connected, loved, and valued. Those feelings can't be found in any present or in any amount of gifts. Children want to be with us and to do what we do. Feeling connected, loved, and valued comes from spending time with the people they love and from doing things with and for the people they love. One of the best gifts we can give to children is the experience of the joy of giving. We can encourage children to make an "*I want to give*" list as well as an "*I want to get*" list. Children delight in giving their own gifts. When children are allowed and invited to fully participate in the holiday making, wrapping, baking, and decorating, they become more focused on what they want to give than on what they want to get. Children who feel connected, loved, and valued don't need lots of gifts to fill their love cup. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/12/xmas1.jpg) ## Put the happy back into the holidays by filling children with connection instead of consumerism ### **Creating Meaningful Traditions** We can break the "presents instead of presence" cycle by doing the holidays with our children instead of for them. Whether our children are still very young and we have a fresh beginning to create meaningful holiday traditions and rituals, or we have older children who have been accustomed to receiving lots of presents, we can put the "happy" back into the holidays by filling our children's love cup with connection instead of consumerism. Most of all, we can stop trying to "do it all." The people who really love us will still do so no matter what gifts we do, or do not, give them and whether or not we send greeting cards. We can tell family and friends that we are changing how we do the holidays and that we have decided to spend more time connecting with our children. When we slow down the pace and stop doing and buying so much, our children are happier, we are happier, and our lives are happier. --- ## **WHAT IS CONNECTION PARENTING?** This approach is based on the parenting series Pam Leo has taught for nearly 20 years. Pam’s premise is that every child’s greatest emotional need is to have a strong emotional bond with at least one adult. When we have a bond with a child we have influence with a child. Pam teaches us that when we strengthen our parent child bond we meet the child’s need for connection and our need for influence. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ## **MORE INSPIRATION** **READ** [**Connection Parenting:**](https://uk.bookshop.org/a/6690/9781932279764?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Parenting through Connection instead of Coercion, through Love instead of Fear --- ## **Create a Less-Stress, More-Joy Festive Season for Your Family** 1. Make the decision that presents will not be, or will no longer be, the main focus of the holidays. 2. Invite children to join in creating a list of fun and meaningful holiday activities the family can do together, and a list of kindnesses your family can do for others. 3. Request that family and friends honour your fewer-gifts decision by asking them to show their love for your children in other ways. A one-on-one "holiday date" is a welcome gift and a wonderful way for family members to form closer bonds with children. 4. Give children the means to give a few special gifts. Take a friend's or a relative's child shopping or help the child make a gift for his or her parents. 5. Ask your children what one gift they want most and a second choice if that one is not possible. When children with a full love cup get one gift they really want, they hardly notice what else they do or do not get. Receiving one gift they really want satisfies more than opening ten gifts they don't really care about. 6. Try giving children their most special gift first instead of last. The reason children tear through opening presents and keep asking for another is that they are looking for that special one they've been hoping for. When they get their special one first, they enjoy the rest more. 7. Slow down the pace of the holidays and reduce post-holiday let-down by spreading out family and friend gatherings throughout December into January. *Pam is a mother and the founder of* [***connectionparenting.com***](https://connectionparenting.com/recommended-books?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)*, where you can find more of her writing and her recommended reading list for connected parenting – it’s thorough!* ### Don’t Hunker Down for Winter URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/dont-hunker-down-for-winter/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:28.000Z ## Why it's so important that children play outdoors, all year round, says **Anja ffrench**. And fun ideas for encouraging kids outside in winter! In the short, grey days of winter, it can be tempting to design indoor activities for our children, and leave walks and nature until the spring. British children are among the most housebound in the world – spending on average of 56% more time on technology than playing outside, and, according to the National Trust, about half as much time, overall, as their parents. The amount of time our children spend outdoors dramatically falls in the winter months. Let’s face it: the British winter is not as it is presented in Christmas cards – it’s cold, wet, often grey, and muddy – not exactly tempting! But I believe time spent outdoors should be given the same level of priority when caring for children, as their academic education. Needing just a bit of preparation, and the right kit, it is good for them, good for us and good for the world. And here’s why. ### **It's good for our children** Studies show that children who regularly access green spaces are fitter and healthier, have enhanced brain development, improved concentration and better mental health and wellbeing, The Northern Irish government’s research found that children who are used to playing outdoors, are more likely to try new activities, engage with others, solve problems, make friends, show resilience and explore the natural environment. The UK government’s Children’s People and Nature Survey for England (2021) found that 85% of children said being outdoors made them happier. It reported that “those spending time outside at least once a week were more likely to report ‘very high’ levels of happiness, as were those who reported ‘high’ connection to nature.” Type of play matters. Research from the World Economic Forum shows that children who have regular ‘free play’ outdoors are more likely to do better at school. Free play allows children to develop self-confidence, independence and self-esteem. They also become aware of limits, boundaries and challenge in their play. ### **It’s good for us** Eleven years of my own ‘practical research’ into this subject – I have been that parent who can’t get their children outside on a morning – backs the above up. After dealing with too much cabin fever I’ve decided my three children and I HAVE to go out every day – for all of our sanity! Even if it’s just a walk or cycle to the local shops, spending time outdoors calms all of us and puts us in a better frame of mind. My children are so much happier, more open to new ideas and fight less, when they’ve spent time outdoors. ### **It's good for the world** As a parent trying to raise my children to care for the natural world around them, it has always felt intuitive to me that they first need to love and derive pleasure from nature. If we make a connection to nature as children, and have happy memories of it, we are far more likely to make green choices and act to protect the environment as adults, and the evidence for this is stacking up: The Children’s People and Nature Survey for England found that children who “spent time outdoors and noticing nature ‘every day’ or ‘most days’, were more likely to agree that looking after the environment was important to them”. From my work with educators and teachers with Mud & Bloom, we know that young children learn best in ways that engage all their senses. A 2D image on a screen has less impact than the whole body experience of climbing a tree, going for a walk or collecting leaves and sticks. Moreover, nature connects us to place and community – children make friends more easily and readily outdoors than indoors – turning us into more engaged citizens on a range of social, as well as environmental, issues. --- ## **HOW TO GET KIDS OUTSIDE IN THE WINTER** So how do we get our children and ourselves away from the TV, games console and warm fire and out and about for the next few months? ### **Talk it up** How much children WANT to play outside has a lot to do with how we, their parents, perceive the natural world and the interest we take in it: if children are taken on family outings to forests or parks they will start to see nature as something you value. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **Mind your weather language** Talking the weather down, which we all do, in front of our children affects how they perceive it. If it’s raining and freezing for example, try something like “it’s a dressing up warm day today! Let’s bring a flask of hot chocolate with us” – this portrays the weather in a more positive light and makes us feel more positive about it too! ### **Dress for the weather and slow down** Investing in some sturdy full-body waterproofs and warm clothes for your children during the winter months will help them feel more comfortable. But, just as importantly, get some for yourself as well – investing in a warm down jacket means you can spend a lot longer standing in the park or move at your children’s own pace! ### **Have a list of things to do!** Your time outdoors could involve anything from bike riding, gardening, getting out to local woods and parks, playing ball games, going for a hike, playing in a playground, or just deciding to walk somewhere instead of driving or getting public transport. My work with children aged three to eight shows that involving nature in craft activities and doing gardening with them, encourages a regular engagement and fascination with nature. Using found items in craft activities, in particular, is a way of slowing down and noticing the natural beauty all around us. Finally, going outdoors doesn’t have to mean doing more: it can just mean approaching your schedule differently. Keep a list of activities on your fridge door so you always have some ideas on a Saturday morning! --- *Anja is a mother of three and founder of Mud & Bloom, which she started from her kitchen table three years ago. She saw first hand when she took her own children out the improvements to their mental and physical health and concentration which scientists talk about all the time.* ## **MORE INSPIRATION** **LEARN** Find plenty of seasonal inspiration at [**mudandbloom.com/blog**](https://www.mudandbloom.com/blog?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) and sign up for the newsletter for regular ideas. **SHOP** Get the Mud and Bloom box, created by Anja, delivered to your door at [**mudandbloom.com**](https://www.mudandbloom.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### When was the Last Time you Deeply Rested? URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/when-was-the-last-time-you-deeply-rested/ Last updated: 2024-12-06T18:54:58.000Z Hello and a very warm welcome to this week’s newsletter. We’ve had a fun week making festive crafts and connecting with friends and family. Lots of magical, outdoor play. We just got home from a day in the woods with my dad, brother, sister-in-law and nephew, who's nine weeks old. He seems to love being outdoors, mesmerised by the skies and giant oaks. At work, I've been in my happy place researching and planning the next edition, which comes out in January – the theme is Adventure. We've got features from a road-schooling family, a revolutionary mama, and the [**Seedsistas** ](https://seedsistas.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)writing about supporting your moontime with herbs. You can pre-order a copy [**here**](https://link.thegreenparent.co.uk/buy123?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). ## **What have we been doing:** ### **Having a Clear Out** My daughter’s forest school are collecting for [**Pelican Parcels**](https://www.pelicanparcels.org.uk/christmas/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) this festive season - a charity that supports disadvantaged families in Brighton. We’ve had a clear out of books and toys to donate towards their Secret Santa boxes. Last year the charity provided presents for over 3000 children in the city. If you’re looking for somewhere to donate toys, and equipment, [**Little Village**](https://littlevillagehq.org/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) runs a network of baby banks in London, providing essential items including toys to families all year round – including a little extra festive cheer at Christmas. Donations will be doubled this week in their Big Give Week. Iris and I joined Circle of Toys – here you can donate a toy to a child or family impacted by war. To get involved, visit their [**website**](https://circleoftoys.online/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), register and select a request that you’d like to fulfill. We’ve also donated to [**Centrepoint**](https://centrepoint.org.uk/virtual-gifts?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), which is working to end youth homelessness. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### 5 Simple Rituals to Tap into Your Innate Power URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/5-simple-rituals-to-tap-into-your-innate-power/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:28.000Z ## **Alison Davies** offers a way to honour the earth and tap into your innate power this December There's simplicity in the starkness of winter, an elegance to a snow-kissed landscape that inspires you to look within and find comfort. All is quiet as the earth restores itself, and so the themes this season match this reflective mood. Protection, strength and self-care, are first and foremost, followed by a wave of creative energy to help you implement ideas you’ve been germinating during the winter months. ## **Here are some highlights to mark the season:** ### **Full Moon Name: Cold Moon - 15 Dec** In the thick darkness of winter, the Cold Moon rises, a glowing orb casting an eerie light on the earth below. Aptly named after the drop in temperature at this time of year, the Cold Moon is also known as the Long Night’s Moon, because of the lengthy period it appears above the horizon, and the Moon before Yule, the festival celebrating the Winter Solstice. The Cold Moon illuminates the soul and brings emotions to the surface. If you’ve been avoiding an issue or bottling up your feelings, you could find that everything comes to a head. Likewise, if you’ve been feeling confused and indecisive, the Cold Moon could clear the path and help you find the answers you seek. ### **TRY THIS Cold Moon Spell for Wellbeing** On the night of the Cold Moon (15 Dec), spend some time in quiet reflection. Burn geranium essential oil to balance the emotions. Find a comfortable place to sit, close your eyes and recreate the shape of the moon in your mind. Imagine you are sitting gazing up at it. Let thoughts and feelings come and go, without fixating on them. Simply breathe and let the lunar energy flow over you. If problems arise in your mind, just relax and turn your attention back to the shining circle of the moon. Repeat this practice every evening for at least 5 minutes, for 3 nights to promote health, well-being and inner peace. --- ### **Festival Focus: Winter Solstice - 21 Dec** Also known as the pagan festival Yule, the Winter Solstice has been celebrated throughout the world since Ancient times. It marks the longest night and the shortest day, and the return of the sun, as the mother goddess, once again gives birth to the sun king. A fire festival, Yule is linked to fertility and the cycles of life. The Romans celebrated Saturnalia at this time, by feasting and decorating the home with evergreen trees. The return of the sun was marked by the lighting of the Yule log, which was re-kindled using a piece of oak from the previous year’s log. Left to burn, sometimes for several days, the Yule log was never left to die out completely, but deliberately extinguished so the remains could be kept for the following year. ### **TRY THIS Yule Spell for Good Fortune** Make your own mini Yule log, as a symbol of abundance. For your decoration, you will need a small oak log, some strong glue, bundles of mistletoe, holly and ivy to decorate, a selection of pine cones and cinnamon sticks. Make sure one side of the log is flat so that you can set it on a table evenly. Dot the glue along the top of the log and spread out the mistletoe and holly. Once the glue has hardened, position and glue the pine cones and cinnamon sticks in place. Make sure they are evenly distributed along the log. Leave to dry, then position it somewhere central and prominent so that everyone can be reminded of the blessings of the solstice. --- ### **Crystal Of The Month: Turquoise** The stone of warriors, shamans and mystics, turquoise is a powerful magical aid, thought to help the wearer connect to the power of the universe. Known for its protective energy, it was used in amulets and talismans in many different cultures. The Native Americans decorated their burial sites with it, while the Ancient Egyptians prized it as a symbol of immortality and wisdom. Connected to the throat chakra, the energy centre which governs communication and self- expression, turquoise is thought to boost creativity and help those who wear it turn up the charm. ### **TRY THIS Turquoise Spell for Protection** Turquoise can give you protection and boost your creativity. Place a piece of turquoise on a window ledge beneath the light of the moon and leave it overnight so that the stone is infused with the moon’s mystical energy. In the morning, retrieve the stone and pop it in a black velvet charm bag, along with a pinch of pepper. Keep in your handbag, purse or pocket, as a protective amulet. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/11/pexels-teona-swift-6913084.jpg) It is said that rosemary only flourishes in the garden of a powerful woman ### **Herb Of The Month: Rosemary** Sacred to the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite, rosemary is associated with romance, and was often woven into wedding wreaths and given as a gift to the bride as a token of love. Faeries are said to love this aromatic herb, and wherever it grows, you’ll find fey enchantment! A highly magical ingredient, rosemary is used for protection, strength and clarity. It is thought that it only flourishes in the garden of a powerful woman, which goes some way to explain the link between rosemary and witches! Carry a sprig to protect you from the evil influences. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **TRY THIS Rosemary Spell for Vitality** Give yourself a power boost with this invigorating hair rinse, which also clears and focuses the mind. You will need about eight large sprigs of rosemary and a jug. Pop the rosemary in the jug and cover with boiling water, then leave to infuse overnight. In the morning, pluck out the sprigs so you are left with the solution. Pour into a cup and add a drop of apple cider vinegar (about one-tenth of the rosemary solution). Mix well and then pour over your head as a final rinse after you’ve washed your hair. Massage into the scalp for a few minutes until it tingles. Your head should feel clear, and you’ll feel revitalised too. Comb out and style as you would normally. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/11/pexels-pixabay-35803.jpg) The robin reminds us to follow our passions and forge ahead ### **Bird Of The Month: Robin** With a song in his heart and a spring in his step, the robin is a popular and welcome sight during the winter months. His rosy red breast adds colour and joy to the landscape, and his tenacity and spirit remind us to follow our passions and forge ahead. It may be cold outside but that doesn’t stop the feisty robin from having fun. Laughter is free and the best medicine, and it is part of this bird’s special message. A symbol of hope and renewal, the robin reminds us to smile. Don’t sweat the small stuff; instead focus on the things that make you happy. ### **TRY THIS Robin Spell to Refresh the Spirit** Pull on those layers and do a bit of robin spotting this month. Feel the nip in the air, and how it brings colour to your cheeks. Breathe in the freeze and let it refresh your spirit. Say hello to every robin you encounter and re-ignite your sense of fun! --- *Alison Davies is a professional storyteller and runs workshops at universities throughout the UK, showing academics, students and early years practitioners how stories can be used as tools for teaching and learning.* ## **MORE INSPIRATION** **READ** [**The Mystical Year**](https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/mystical-year-book-alison-davies-9781787136083?price=10.00&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) by Alison Davies (Quadrille) ### Raising Teens to Thrive URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/raising-teens-to-thrive/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:29.000Z ## The day my eldest two, then aged 16 and 14, paddle-boarded around the headland and out of my sight, was the day I realised that my role as a mother was changing and that my babies were no longer babies but well on their way to becoming independent ‘almost adults’ I think there are 5 phases of the childhood/ parenthood relationship. ### **5 Stages of Parent/Child Relationship** **· THE BABY STAGE:** when your child is completely dependent on you for everything. **· THE TODDLER STAGE:** when they are becoming independent, wanting to find out and do things for themselves, test boundaries, explore and experiment. **· THE MIDDLE YEARS:** where they still want to be with you – happily including you in their world, and where they still need reassurance, cuddles and bedtime stories. **· THE TEEN YEARS:** basically a repeat of the toddler years - except where you can’t just step in and snatch them back to safety. Instead, you have to stand back and hope they put into practise all those things you have taught them over the years: but sometimes offering a gentle nudge in the right direction when they begin to sway off the path. **· THE YOUNG ADULT YEARS:** This is when they are on the cusp of flying the nest – ready to make their way into the world on their own. Perhaps they are at university – returning home during the holidays, or perhaps they are negotiating the world of work and adult responsibilities and relationships. This is when child-parent relationships can either become strained or strengthened. As parents, our main aim is most likely to bring up our children so that they are happy, healthy and safe, equipped with the skills to live independently as a valued part of society. ### **Giving Our Children Strong Foundations** Throughout their childhood we can, in the main, have a good level of positive control over this aspiration. We are with them every day and so we get to see what makes them happy and sad, anxious or angry, and can cultivate moments that will bring them the greatest happiness and the least stress. We get to monitor or control what they eat: we can shop for healthy food and prepare nutritious meals, and we can choose to prevent or limit the amount of unhealthy snacks our children consume. We can keep our children safe by not exposing them to dangerous situations, and by giving them guidance and support when they are engaged in risk-taking activities such as learning to ride a bike or climb a tree. We can regulate screen time, instigate bed times so that they don’t get over-tired and make sure they get enough outdoor time and exercise. Through a nurturing environment, grounded in love, we can give them strong foundations where they will grow deep roots, develop core values and feel anchored and secure, and in time blossom and flourish. Apart from a few parenting wobbles, the inevitable toddler tantrums and life’s ups and downs, life in the main is okay and we manage to cope. ### **Everything Changes in the Teen Years** Then the teen/ young adult years sneak up on us and life throws us a curve ball. Some struggle through teen attitude and rebellion, but for me, I struggle with the loss. Knowing that the middle-of the-night feeds will never happen again, excited squeals of delight and wonder at everyday things we take for granted are now just echoes in my heart; and tiny socks on the line, bedtime stories and splashing in puddles are becoming just memories. It almost feels like a form of grieving – grieving for person and for a time that no longer exists. But as much as I desperately do not want to say goodbye to their childhood, I know that I have no choice. Life moves on and some of my tiny babies are now almost fully grown into the person they are destined to be, and they are now ready to stretch their wings and fly. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **Why We Have to Let Go of Our Teenagers** Letting go is hard when all you want to do is hold on, but if we truly want our children to flourish then let go we must. Just like in the toddler years, there will be wobbles – on their part as they fall down, and on ours as we bravely let them get up and try again without interfering. It can be so difficult to just stand by and watch them struggle – but we know that if we constantly leap in uninvited, they will not learn for themselves, and could feel judged and undermined, and our relationship with them could then suffer as a result. But that does not mean that we should do nothing. Instead, we should use the teen/ young adult years to nurture relationship. ### **Ways We Can Nurture the Relationship with Our Teenagers** We need to spend quality time with our young people so that we understand what makes them tick: so that we don’t just *know*, but that we actually *understand*, what their passions are, what their hopes and fears are, what their world looks like and why they make particular choices. We need to move from judgement to empathy. We need to let them know that we will love them through everything – even through their mistakes and through the things we may not agree with. We need to welcome their friends, let them play their music loud, experiment with personal style and forge their own identity. We need to invest time in listening to them and making them feel loved and valued. Our words, and our actions can help to give gentle reminders that we are there for them: making their favourite hot drink or snack when they are studying, lowering expectations for help with chores, a head massage or a hug when they are stressed or tired, or a thoughtful gift for no reason other than we thought they might like it. It is in these later years that our roles change. Rather than carer we can become friend, confidant and supporter. By growing and nurturing this relationship, we will build mutual trust and respect, and it is this bond that they will be able to fall back on when times are challenging or tough for them in years to come. We will not need to watch them struggle and feel helpless that we can’t step in and help - instead we will be invited in. By building a strong relationship with our teens now we will build a lasting relationship for the future. Yes, we will still grieve for the child that no longer is, but we can now celebrate all that the child has become, and together we can make many, many more special memories together as we will both be part of each other’s world. *Nettie has been home educating her 5 children since they were tiny, with her eldest now at university. She strives to give her children a childhood where good books, play, time together as a family and time in nature are all valued. She is passionate about home education and helping other home educating families. You can follow her on Instagram at* [***instagram.com/ontheblossomtrail***](http://www.instagram.com/ontheblossomtrail?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) *where you can also find links to her home education blog and home education printable resources store.* ### How to do Christmas on a Budget URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/how-to-do-christmas-on-a-budget/ Last updated: 2024-12-03T19:37:41.000Z ## Excited about Christmas but worried about spending? There are loads of ways you can enjoy your celebrations without breaking the bank says **Lucy Corkhill** Christmas on a budget doesn’t have to be austere: with a little imagination and creativity it can actually help you focus on what matters to you and your family and let go of mad shopping that you don’t want to do anyway! **Set up a treasure trail** – A fun way to prolong the present excitement is to lay a treasure trail around the house with clues that lead to the main present. If you make it a long trail, you could break it up with little treats like chocolates along the route. By the time the kids find their main present, there will have been a wonderfully exciting build-up! If you have more than one child, consider doing several different trails that cross past each other in the house. If you make this a really fun event, it should mean that the focus is on the big present and you can have less little presents. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### 'Tis the Season to Gift Consciously URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/tis-the-season-to-gift-consciously-2/ Last updated: 2024-12-02T19:04:48.000Z ## You can find the best ethical gifts this festive season inside our Gift Guide. Each item has been carefully chosen for its positive impact on the world. We've chosen our top 12 favourite gifts here. You can download your interactive PDF guide at the bottom of the page. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/12/FamileoPackshot2.jpg) #### 1\. Famileo Family Newspaper We love this idea for sharing those moments in life with family members. Famileo is a monthly personalised newspaper that is sent directly to grandparents' postbox. It's a simple way to keep them connected to the family, and to preserve precious memories. Using the Famileo app or website, the whole family independently share messages and photos in just a few clicks. Famileo takes care of the rest. From £5.99 a month [****famileo.com**](https://www.famileo.com/famileo/en-GB/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) [Subscribe to Famileo here](https://www.famileo.com/web-family/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk#/register-independent?formulaId=13&step=1) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/12/Screenshot-2024-12-02-at-15.48.52.png) #### 2\. Sheepskin Baby Rugs A lovely gift for babies, luxuriously soft and crafted with care. Made from high-grade merino lambskin, these rugs are a cosy addition to any nursery, perfect for playtime, nap time, or any time. From £89 [****baababy.co.uk**](https://www.baababy.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) [Shop sheepskin rugs here](https://www.baababy.co.uk/collections/sheepskin-rugs?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/12/61tb0B1PRkL._AC_UF894-1000_QL80_.jpg) #### ****3\.** 2025 Children’s Almanac The perfect gift for children to enjoy the whole year round! A beautifully illustrated month-by-month guide on everything from nature and astronomy, to sports, science, technology, the world and more. Discover fascinating facts, try out activities, and celebrate festivals, world holidays and other special events. £12.99 [****harpercollins.co.uk**](https://harpercollins.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) [Buy the book here](https://harpercollins.co.uk/products/childrens-almanac-2025?variant=40801666170958&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/12/125_christmas_eve_box_box_1000.jpg) #### 4\. Orchard Toys Christmas Eve Box Christmas fun boxed up in one lovely package. The Reindeer Race game gets you racing to help reindeer on the way from the North Pole. There's also a 25-piece festive jigsaw puzzle and a 12-page activity book set. The perfect advent or Christmas Eve gift! £14.00 [****orchardtoys.com**](https://www.orchardtoys.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) [Buy the box here](https://www.orchardtoys.com/buy/christmas-eve-box%5F689.htm?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/12/VOX-BLOX-61sKyTOWHWL.jpg) #### 5\. Voxblock Screen Free Audio Player Voxblock is a screen-free audiobook player that gives children full control. With no wifi or downloads needed, the audiobooks just snap into place. Just press play and go! With hundreds of books to choose a starter pack with player and a book for £59.99 [****voxblock.co.uk**](https://voxblock.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) [Check out audio books here](https://voxblock.co.uk/collections/audiobooks?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/12/32009_1.jpg.webp) #### 6\. FSC® Certified Activity Cube Little ones will be entertained for hours with this FSC® Certified Wooden Activity Cube. Each of the four sides is packed full of different activities to help babies learn through educational play. Activities include: a shape sorter, a bead coaster, wooden cogs and much more. This toy is from the new Simply Scandi Range. £64.99 [****bigjigstoy.co.uk**](https://www.bigjigstoys.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) [Shop the Simply Scandi Range here](https://www.bigjigstoys.co.uk/collections/simply-scandi-range?srsltid=AfmBOop6q5B7GIUqeMta1BnNxnihz4vGQPyNDm1%5FgKyFl5cQZ-V478uA&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/12/9781547616008_il_1_61ea6.png.webp) #### 7\. Tales from Muggleswick Wood Get ready to discover the timeless magic of Muggleswick Wood in this beautiful treasury of five interlinked bedtime stories. From fairy revels and mysterious kelpies, to troublesome moles and wishing beetles, the wood is a place of magic, humour and adventure – all brought to life in flawless rhyme that celebrates the ancient beauty of the English countryside. This collection of five classic, heartfelt stories by Vicky Cowie, with stunning illustrations by Charlie Mackesy, can be treasured for generations to come. This beautiful hardback treasury of classic stories is the perfect gift, ideal for anyone, young or old, to read at bedtime. £14 **bloomsbury.com** [Buy the book here](https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/tales-from-muggleswick-wood-9781526671356/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/12/81buE08sZrL.jpg) #### 8\. Osborne Big Book of Facts Be the ultimate know-it-all with this book containing more than 5,000 facts! A must-have for any curious mind, this book is packed with fascinating facts, and will take you on a thrilling journey through the world of science, history, geography and so much more. Read from cover to cover, or dip in and out at random, to find out about the human body, animals, the environment and technology, and discover mind-expanding facts on every page. Brilliant, bold design makes complex and wide-ranging information easy to understand and absorb. £15.99[ **usborne.com**](https://usborne.com/gb/big-book-of-facts-9781805071174?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) [Buy the book here](https://usborne.com/gb/big-book-of-facts-9781805071174?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/12/FROG-BIKES-44-pink.jpg) #### 9\. First Pedal Bike A bike is not just for Christmas, it's a gateway for a lifetime of freedom, adventure and fun. We love the first pedal bikes from Frog Bikes, they are high-quality, lightweight, durable and built sustainably. £310 [****frogbikes.com**](https://www.frogbikes.com/en%5FGB/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) [Shop first pedal bikes here](https://www.frogbikes.com/en%5FGB/bike-range/first-pedal-bikes.html?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/12/TickItWoodlandTrailTreehous.jpg) #### 10\. Woodland Trail Treehouse An ideal toy to enhance your child's imaginative small world play. This 3 storey Woodland Trail Tree House will allow your child to unlock their creativity and innovation. Included with the set are small wooden ladders and a small wooden bird to allow your child to create an endless amount of creative stories. Easy to assemble, the deeply lasered foliage layers provide an interesting tactile element, and the ladders can be used to link each layer through holes and gaps. £31.99 [****tickit.co.uk**](https://www.tickit.co.uk/products/woodland-trail-treehouse?%5Fpos=1&%5Fsid=ad0c70c4c&%5Fss=r&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) [Shop the Tickit range here](https://www.tickit.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/12/KLEAN-KANTEEN-71ga6ZVh-6L.jpg) #### 11\. Klean Kanteen Kid’s Bottle This spill-proof sippy cap with dust cover has a handy swivel metal loop so it can be easily attached to a bag. Designed to play hard, these bottles are durable and safe for people and planet. The narrow design means it's easy to grip and fits little hands perfectly. This has interchangeable caps for easy transition as kids grow up, providing a lifetime of use, from baby bottle to sippy to sports bottle at school. 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[Subscribe to the print edition here](https://subs.thegreenparent.co.uk/products/print-subscription-1-year-6-issues?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) [giftguide2024Download our Christmas Gift Guide 2024 heregiftguide2024.pdf49 MBdownload-circle](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/content/files/2024/12/giftguide2024.pdf "Download") ### Sacred Sunday: Sharing a Bed Means More Sleep URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/sacred-sunday-sharing-a-bed-means-more-sleep/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:29.000Z ## Gentle perspectives on sharing a bed and breastsleeping by **Sarah Buckley** As a GP, writer and mother of four, I have concerns about information that parents are being given about young children and sleep. Many parents are advised to leave children alone to cry for increasing periods (so-called “controlled crying” or “crying it out”.) These sources suggest that the best solution is to shut crying children in their bedrooms for prolonged periods so that they “learn to go to sleep alone”. Advising parents to ignore the cries of a distressed child, for however long, may be counterproductive to developing the loving and trusting parent-child relationship that will endure over time. I wonder how many of us would want our partners or friends to treat us this way if we were alone at night, and feeling upset and frightened? But it is not only the potential impact of these methods on parent-child relationships that concerns me. Scientific and anthropological research recognises that our babies need constant care and attention because of their extreme immaturity. Unlike other mammals, they cannot keep themselves warm, move about or feed themselves until relatively late in life, which makes dedicated maternal care crucial to our offspring’s survival. ### **The Safest Place for a Baby is in Arms** Therefore, our children have developed behaviours and expectations, to ensure that they get the care and protection that they need in infancy and beyond. For example, for a baby the safest place is in arms - and this is still practiced today in many parts of the world. This applies equally at night, when sleeping right next to the mother, also called bed-sharing, gives the baby protection, temperature regulation, emotional reassurance and breast milk. It’s a perfect system, and what babies have become hard-wired to expect, over millions of years of human evolution. For our ancestors in the wild, carrying infants kept them safe from hazards and predators, and attending quickly to infant cries kept everyone safe from the attention of predators. Similarly, sleeping with babies was critical to ensure that the baby would survive to the morning. ### **Co-sleeping Means Less Disturbed Sleep** This system of care–sometimes called “proximity seeking”–generates significant parental rewards and efficiencies. Bedsharing gives us less disturbed sleep because mother and baby both get into the same cycles, and our babies will wake to feed when we are both in light sleep. We can do more breastfeeding for less effort and therefore maximise the benefits. We will benefit from the extra doses of two breastfeeding hormones. Oxytocin, the hormone of love, is stimulated by both breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact, and keeps mother and baby soft and loving with each other. Endorphins are the hormones of pleasure, making mother and baby relaxed and sleepy - just right for night feeding. No wonder bed-sharing mothers and babies wake up with a smile. Worldwide research confirms the safety of bed-sharing, as long as parents are not smokers, very overweight, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and attention is given to avoiding the hazards that go with our soft Western bedding. Bed-sharing, where adults and children share the same surface, is one form of co-sleeping, which is a wider term that includes children sleeping in the same room in variety of configurations. Infant sleep researcher, James McKenna, defines co-sleeping, which includes sleeping in the same room, as mother and infant being within range of two senses, eg. hearing and sight. ### **What is Breastsleeping?** The combination of breastfeeding with bed-sharing, also known as “breastsleeping”, has a specific repertoire of behaviours that may be particularly adaptive - and safe - for mothers and babies. Breastsleeping babies are usually protected from common bedding hazards by the mother’s position, and babies are more likely to sleep facing the mother than on their stomachs, which may also be protective against Sudden Unexplained Death in Infancy (SUDI). Experts in SUDI and bed-sharing note, “For mothers who breastfeed, do not smoke or drink alcohol, and do not use recreational drugs, the evidence of an increased risk from bedsharing is very limited.” Breastsleeping mothers and babies are more likely to breastfeed for longer (likely because of the ease of night-time feeding), which offers further protection against SUDI. Standard advice around infant sleep is based on a cultural belief that children will not become independent unless we force them. Research suggests that the opposite may be true. According to one expert, “Research… confirms that indulgence of early dependency needs leads to independence” and “A mother’s reliability and receptivity promote trust and emotional stability in her child”. In other words, when we treat our children with love and respect for their needs, we can plant the seeds for a lifetime of happiness—and relaxed sleep. ### **Co-sleeping with Older Kids** For me, the benefits of bed-sharing do not end with babyhood. My older children have been equally sweet and cuddly at night, and sharing sleep into the preschool years has its own rewards. For example, sleep becomes a time to share intimacy and loving feelings, especially when the day has been gruelling or conflict has arisen. For me, there is nothing as sweet as lying next to my child as he or she drops into dreams (and often we do this at the same time). Our family has avoided the bedtime battles or night terrors that are considered normal in our culture - and remember that our culture is out of step, in global and historical terms, in not sharing sleep between family members. Every co-sleeping family that I have met has their own unique arrangement that can change and adapt over time. At the time of writing, our middle two children were sleeping together in a double bed, and our eldest Emma, 10, had graduated, in her own time, to her own bed. We continued to lie down to settle Zoe, 8, although she says she can put herself to sleep now. Jacob, 5, often joined us in the wee hours. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **Creating a Family Bed** We have had a king-sized bed that we turned around to make it 6’6” wide and 6’ long—a real family bed for many years. These three older children are very confident and sociable, and have no problems with different routines when they sleep over with their friends. Why would they, when sleep has always been easy and pleasurable for them? My youngest, Maia, who is 15 months as I write this, continues to fall asleep most nights with Mother Nature’s best sleep tonic - breast milk. Since my first baby, I have gained more confidence and experience with co-sleeping, and honestly, some of the things that are said to discourage co-sleeping strike me as crazy. For example, I have read in many places that if we cuddle or nurse our baby to sleep, they may awaken later and “…may not be able to go back to sleep because their environment has changed.” As an adult waking up, I don’t remember how I got to sleep. It seems to me that our babies simply want to be held and nursed to sleep because it is pleasurable, biologically adaptive, and it works. ### **We've Evolved to Co-Sleep** A family bed might not suit everyone, but we can consider that co-sleeping is what we as humans have evolved to do with our young, and it is what our babies and small children expect. When we ask our children to sleep alone all night, we are stretching their biological capabilities and there is a good chance they will protest. If this happens, we can choose to take their feedback seriously and work to find loving, gentle and co-operative solutions. There are many different possibilities, and families can choose what works for them and their children. For example, some families have invited an older child back into their bedroom and found that a “dose” of co-sleeping, or even sleeping on the floor (in what Emma calls a “nest”) is all that is needed, especially during stressful transitions. In many families, as in ours, one parent lies down with a child or children until they fall asleep, giving reassurance at the time when it is most needed. Sitting quietly or meditating also work well at this time, and I am less likely to fall asleep myself. When one of our children wake in the dark hours, we have often gone into the child’s bed - double beds work best for obvious reasons - and fallen asleep until morning. Currently, this is my partner Nicholas’ specialty, and it is very sweet to find him relaxed and tangled up beside the children in the morning. When a child is sick or needs extra care, having him or her in our bed, only an arm’s length away, feels good. Needing an extra dose of Mama or Daddy is a good enough reason most of the time, and I notice that sleeping together promotes harmony in a subtle and beautiful way. As parents, we are in it for the long haul. “Controlled crying,” and “crying it out” are short-term solutions that may not promote the connectedness and trust that we want for our children and families in the longer-term. Our children will outgrow their dependency needs - including the need for company at sleep time - in their own time. Providing love, reassurance and guidance when it is most needed will help to maximise growth and happiness in the short and long terms. As one !Kung mother from the African desert responded upon hearing that Dr. Spock advocated ignoring our children’s cries, “Doesn’t he understand that he’s only a baby and that’s why he cries? You pick him up and comfort him. When he’s older, he will have sense and he won’t cry anymore.” ## **MORE INSPIRATION** **VISIT** [**drsarahbuckley.com** ](https://sarahbuckley.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **READ** [**Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering**](https://sarahbuckley.com/gentle-birth-gentle-mothering/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) by Dr. S. Buckley ### New Festive Edition Out Now URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/new-festive-edition-out-this-week/ Last updated: 2025-02-15T09:55:36.000Z I'm so excited to introduce the mid-winter edition of The Green Parent. The theme is stillness and slowing down. It was such a tonic to slow down, and get mindful while preparing this issue. We've also created a jam-packed ethical Christmas Gift Guide, which is tucked inside every issue. Want a paper copy delivered? [Yes! Please send me this edition!](https://link.thegreenparent.co.uk/buy122?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **Inside you can read about:** • A magical, slow birthday ritual • How to create a vision board • The family who moved to Lapland for a greater sense of peace • Going screen-free • The game plan for peaceful parenting teenagers • The power of art journalling for new mums • How to beat stress and anxiety • Stay healthy with medicine you can make at home • Create your own chill-out corner • How to nourish neurodivergent minds • The most magical places in the UK For all our Premium and Premium Plus members you can download your copy below. Click on the link below to download your copy _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### My 52 Favourite Books of 2024 URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/my-favourite-books-of-2024/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:30.000Z ## I love reading; my daughter would tell you that I've often got my nose in a book! Here, I've cherry picked my absolute best reads from this year Of the 200 hundred or so books I've read in 2024, here's a favourite for every week of the year. It spans everything from kids' non-fiction to memoirs, parenting books to adult fiction. I hope this list helps you decide what to read next, or what to pop on your Christmas wish list! Here's a list of my 52 best reads of 2024: ## **CHILDREN’S NON FICTION** ### [**Foraging: The Complete Guide for Kids and Families by Stella and Dane De Luca Mulandiee**](https://uk.bookshop.org/a/6690/9780241654569?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) (2024 Penguin Children’s) I love Stella and Dane’s books (check out [**Knowledge to Forage**](https://www.knowledge-to-forage.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)) and this latest book, especially designed for families is a delight. After reading this book, you'll be able to 'find the best berries and plants for making tasty foods, tell incredible stories that are hidden in the flowers, plants and trees you see every day (and some you might never have spotted) and impress friends and family with your knowledge of the natural world'. Wonderful illustrations and packed with handy tips and fun missions to help kids connect with nature. ### [**Patience by Rachel Williams and Leonie Lord** ](https://uk.bookshop.org/a/6690/9781915569387?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)(2024 Magic Cat Publishing) I can’t recommend this book enough! It’s beautifully presented and so packed with information we always discover something new. The concept of time is hard to grasp, but here it’s explained in such a unique and clever way. This book takes 18 different periods of time - from a single minute; to an hour; to over a century - to show the process of life, looking at biology in all its forms, from plants, animals and human biology too. In one minute, learn that your heart beats over 100 times. In one day, learn how a dragonfly unfurls a pair of wings. In a season, watch a bear hibernate for winter. In over 80 years, see a human live a lifetime. Packed with real science but rooted in the deeper things in life, this is a mesmerising read, which prompts lots of discussion. A perfect antidote to our modern world of instant gratification. ### [**Hike It by Iron Tazz and Martin Stanev**](https://uk.bookshop.org/a/6690/9781915569660?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) (2024 Magic Cat Publishing) Discover camping, trekking and backpacking in this inspirational book about enjoying the great outdoors. Explore 30 diverse terrains, from snow-capped mountains to coastal trails to ancient forests, and discover the majesty of nature with glorious artwork throughout. Young adventurers will learn about navigating - and what to do if you get lost, essential hiking equipment and fire safety and setting up camp. My daughter loved the section on elimination in the woods! Iron Tazz has years of experience hiking every kind of trail and shares his knowledge from adventures with his own little boy. Love this book. ### [**Live Like a Hunter Gatherer**](https://uk.bookshop.org/a/6690/9781787081208?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) by [**Naomi Walmsley**](https://outback2basics.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) (2022 Button Books) I can't recommend this book enough - it's brilliant! Debunks the myth that all Stone Age people lived in caves and were not very clever or clean, once and for all! I love the fact that the end of the Stone Age was just 71 grandparents ago! This book is packed full of amazing facts, information, crafts, storytelling and projects to encourage you to live as a hunter gatherer. There’s step-by-step craft activities and recipes, plus projects to build skills, like making a Mesolithic shelter, fat lamps, creating cave art and making a bow and arrow. Naomi runs Outback2Basics with her husband from their patch of woodland in Shropshire. She believes that every child should be able to safely light a fire and have at least ten uses for a stick by the age of ten! ### [**When the Stars Come Out**](https://uk.bookshop.org/a/6690/9781838915124?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)by Nicola Edwards and Lucy Cartwright (2023 Little Tiger Press) My daughter and I love this book. We found it in the library, but promptly bought our own copy. Discover everything from moonbows to shooting stars. Experience how different habitats from the city to the ocean, come alive when the sun sets. Meet animals that make their own elaborate beds and others that sleep while swimming or flying. ### [**Musical World by Jeffrey Boakye**](https://www.jeffreyboakye.com/musical-truth?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) (2023 Faber & Faber) This book is a new soundtrack to pivotal historical moments from around the world and has formed a loose music history curriculum for our home education journey. From Billie Holliday to Aretha Franklin, Fela Kuti to Donna Summer, Elton John to Michael Jackson - it turns out that 38 classic tunes reflect and encapsulate the key historical moments of the 20th and 21st century. This book is both clever and enlightening. Jeffrey is a teacher, historian and broadcaster, and here he explores the roots and wider impact of each of these musical genres from jazz to hiphop, touching on why they were celebrated or seen as problematic, their political and cultural impact, and their ongoing legacy today. ### [**Handbook of Forgotten Skills by Natalie Crowley**](https://uk.bookshop.org/a/6690/9781913520847?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), Elaine Batiste and Chris Duriez (2023 Magic Cat Publishing) Gorgeous book! Open it up and turn back the clock to a simpler time... cold lemonade in summer, evenings by a campfire, a warm blanket in winter. Fully-illustrated chapters feature the history and story behind more than thirty skills for you to discover and learn with your kids. Skills include how to grow your own tomatoes, how to sew on a button, how to use a compass and how to mend a sock. I love the simple to follow step-by-step instructions and how it promotes sustainability while encouraging creativity and fun. ## **CHILDREN’S FICTION** ### [**Leila, The Perfect Witch by Flavia Z. Drago**](https://uk.bookshop.org/a/6690/9781529515077?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) (2023 Walker Books) A firm favourite! Mainly for the illustrations – my daughter and I could spend ages pouring over each page. It's one of those books that makes me want do an about turn, and retrain as a book illustrator. Author and illustrator, Flavia was born in Mexico City and wanted to be a mermaid when she grew up. When that didn’t happen, she began a career as a graphic designer and a children’s book illustrator, luckily for us! Check out her other books Gustavo the Shy Ghost and Vlad the Fabulous Vampire too. ### [**Pippi by Astrid Lindgren and Lauren Child** ](https://uk.bookshop.org/a/6690/9780192788542?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)(2023 Oxford University Press) This book is so uplifting and funny. My daughter and I love reading about Pippi's unconventional life and superhuman strength. She's unpredictable and my daughter loves that she has NO rules! We've laughed a lot at the antics of Pippi and her pet monkey, Mr. Nilsson. And had lots of discussion about life with no-one telling you what to do. This version of Astrid’s famous book is charmingly illustrated with Laren’s inemitable style. ### [**When I’m Gone by Marguerite Mclaren**](https://uk.bookshop.org/a/6690/9780241528631?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) (2023 Penguin Children’s) When someone you love has died there will be sad days and angry days, but also happy days and fun days. This sensitively-written picture book will help children grieve, celebrate and learn how to live and love life when a parent is gone. Marguerite writes so directly about the subject of loss – this is a love letter to her daughters, since discovering that her breast cancer has returned and is incurable. There’s so much love packed into this book. At the back there’s expert advice from the charity, Child Bereavement UK. ### [**Beti and the Little Round House**](https://uk.bookshop.org/a/6690/9781406382433?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) by Atinuke and Emily Hughes (2024 Walker Books) Forgive me for the amount I’ve mentioned this book this year – my daughter and I are so in love with it! It’s a book of four seasons, each telling a simple tale of Beti and her family, in their handbuilt roundhouse, with no TV or phones, just goats, chickens and lots of vegetables. My daughter wants to live in the story. Author, Atinuke lived in a roundhouse with her toddler son in Wales, after she moved to the UK, from Lagos. The illustrations by Emily Hughes are bewitching. It’s just such a heartwarming book – the type that I want to buy for everyone as gifts. ## **PARENTING** ### [**How the World is Making our Kids Mad**](https://uk.bookshop.org/a/6690/9781785043802?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) by Louis Weinstock (2024 Ebury Publishing) This is the best parenting book I’ve read in ages! It’s a guide to raising kids in a turbulent world, and it’s so thoughtful and inspiring - my copy now has markers on every other page. Louis speaks with compassion about the climate disaster, and offers hope in the face of the children’s mental health crisis we’re facing. It's an antidote to the chaos in today's society. Some of it makes for bleak reading, but each section is threaded through with awareness exercises, and case studies. It offers a way of embodying and moving through the information, rather than it all being heady and knowledge based. I didn’t want it to end and yet, after I’d finished, I felt lighter and more hopeful than I have in a long time. More empowered too, and definitely kinder and more patient with my youngest. I thoroughly recommend it. ### [**The Montessori Child**](https://uk.bookshop.org/a/6690/9781523512416?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)by Simone Davies and Junifa Uzodike (2024 Workman Publishing) I used Simone’s The Montessori Baby and The Montessori Toddler to help me organise our living space, and inform some of my parenting decisions, when my youngest was small. Here, authors, Simone and [**Junnifa Uzodike**](https://www.instagram.com/montessori%5Fnduoma/?hl=en&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) pick up where the last book left off. This is all about raising capable, creative children, from aged 3 to 12 years old. I love how this approach goes the extra mile, beyond gentle parenting. With respectful parenting at its heart, Montessori teaching also places importance on the beauty and layout of the environment, and parental observation skills. ### [**Wildlings by Steve Backshall and Helen Glover**](https://uk.bookshop.org/a/6690/9781399802888?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) (2023 John Murray Press) Adventurer and explorer, Steve and his wife, professional rower, Helen Glover have created this handbook for raising wilder, happier, muddier, more resilient kids. Includes a section from Caroline Lucas on protecting the planet, Chris Hoy on riding bikes and Judy Murray on rainy day kitchen games. There so many ideas for getting out and about with your family. It feels welcoming and also inspirational. ## **HEALTH** ### [**A Working Herbal Dispensary: Respecting Herbs as Individuals**](https://uk.bookshop.org/a/6690/9781801520423?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) by Lucy Jones (2023 Aeon Books) This book was a recommendation from a friend, and it’s brilliant. It’s packed with knowledge. I like to open it at random and learn more about a plant; layering new information on top of what I already know. I feel like Lucy sees plants in a whole new way. I love how there’s an energetics section for each entry. Roses, for example, help us gently open our hearts and process trauma. A full time medical herbalist, Lucy shares the characters and medicinal virtues of 108 herbs that she works with in her practice. She writes about each herb as an individual that she knows and respects, rather than simply a list of conditions it treats or the constituents it contains. There’s history and plenty of recipes too, in this, Lucy’s second book. ### [**The Inner Clock:**](https://uk.bookshop.org/a/6690/9781526649096?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)Living in Sync with Our Circadian Rhythms by Lynne Peeples (2024 Bloomsbury) I’ve been inspired by this book to seek out as much daylight as possible - to benefit my mood, productivity and ability to sleep well at night. Apparently the optimal dose is 30 minutes of light that is 10,000 lux in intensity. Because the skies are often cloudy at this time of year (giving off light of around 5,000 lux), we’re encouraged to lengthen our time spent outdoors. I've switched up my morning responsibilities as inspired by this book so that I can get outside and spend mornings soaking up light and it's had a powerful effect on my mood, and sleep. Lynne also writes about how looking at our phones, laptops etc. in the hours before bed can really mess up our inner clocks. A fascinating read, especially for science fiends! ### [**Wild Creature Mind by Steve Biddulph**](https://uk.bookshop.org/a/6690/9781529076486?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) (2024 Bluebird) Bestselling psychologist Steve Biddulph reveals a groundbreaking insight: we possess not just one, but two minds. While our familiar, analytical mind dominates in today's busy, modern world, our primal, instinctual 'wild creature' mind lies dormant, waiting to guide us with its innate intuition and compassion. This book really got me thinking and has had a profound impact on the way that I approach challenges in my daily life. It's aimed at young people (though adults can benefit too), and Steve hopes to alleviate some of the anxiety and stress endemic in our society. In our new edition of The Green Parent, Steve shares his motivation for writing the book and a couple of his favourite exercises for getting in touch with your wild creature mind - get your copy [**here**](https://link.thegreenparent.co.uk/buy122?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). ## **OUTDOORS** ### [**The Wilderness Cure by Mo Wilde**](https://uk.bookshop.org/a/6690/9781398508651?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) (2023 Simon & Schuster) I love a diary style memoir about wild challenges. This book by Mo Wilde exceeds expectations. And in fact she won the John Avery Award at the Andre Simon Awards 2022\. Here Mo writes about her pledge to live only off free, foraged food for an entire year. In a world disconnected from its roots, eating wild food is both culinary and healing, social and political. Using her expert knowledge of botany and mycology, Mo follows the seasons to find nutritious food from hundreds of species of plants, fungi and seaweeds, and in the process learns not just how to survive, but how to thrive. Nourishing her body and mind deepens her connection with the earth and her ancestors. Thoroughly recommend! ### [**Wild Service: Why Nature Needs You**](https://uk.bookshop.org/a/6690/9781526673312?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), edited by Nick Hayes (2024 Bloomsbury) This is such a great book – everyone’s getting a copy for their Christmas pressie! Inspired by the rare wild service tree (*Sorbus torminalis*), it’s all about re-wilding and an invitation to discover the power in participation. It features many different people writing about our connection with nature, and offers a realistic and yet, positive take on the situation we find ourselves in now. It’s given me so much hope; I feel uplifted and excited. A heady blend of science, nature writing and indigenous philosophy, this book calls for mass reconnection to the land and asks that we all commit to its restoration. It’s rocked my world! ### [**On This Holy Island: A Modern Pilgrimage Across Britain**](https://uk.bookshop.org/a/6690/9781399409032?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) by Oliver Smith (2024 Bloomsbury) What a great read! This shimmery gold covered book is filled with wonderful tales of spiritual travel. I wanted to savour every word. Oliver embarks on an epic adventure across sacred British landscapes – climbing into remote sea caves, sleeping inside Neolithic tombs, scaling forgotten holy mountains and once marooning himself at sea. Following holy roads to churches, cathedrals and standing stones, this travelogue explores places prehistoric, pagan and Christian and the routes he walks are ancient. The book centres around a timeless truth that making journeys has always been a way of making meaning. So often, Oliver finds, “the unravelling of a path goes in tandem with the unravelling of the soul.” ### [**52 Ways to Walk**](https://uk.bookshop.org/a/6690/9781526656445?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) by Annabel Streets (2023 Bloomsbury) Delightful book packed with ideas, and cool statistics. For example, research shows that 12 minutes of walking can have a positive impact on our longevity, and that our spirits remain lifted 4 hours after hearing bird song. I found lots of inspiration inside these pages and loved the easy to dip into nature. Each section is only a couple of hundred words long, so perfect to stash in a bag and read in those short snatches of time we often get as parents! ### [**Where The Wild Things Grow by David Hamilton**](https://uk.bookshop.org/a/6690/9781529351071?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) (2023 Hodder & Stoughton) Nestled by the roadside, peeking through the hedgerows, hidden in the woods and even in city streets and parks, wild food is all around us - if you know where to look. From woodland mushrooms and riverbank redcurrants to garden weeds and urban cherry blossoms, Where the Wild Things Grow takes us on a journey through the forager's landscape. Drawing on 25 years of foraging experience, David shows us how food is hidden all around us. You'll discover where to find mallows, mustards and pennywort, as well as sumac, figs and mulberries. You'll learn how to pick the sweetest berries, preserve mushrooms using only a radiator and prepare salads, risottos and puddings all with wild food. This book is beautifully illustrated and with plenty of rich extra detail about each plant. A valuable resource. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/11/Screenshot-2024-11-30-at-18.48.14.png) ## **MEMOIRS** ### [**Did I Ever Tell You?**](https://uk.bookshop.org/a/6690/9781529424102?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) by Genevieve Kingston (2024 Quercus Publishing) This is such a wonderful read. I loved the idea of the gifts and letters left by Genevieve’s mother. Before she died she thought of every occasion she’d miss, from graduation to every birthday up to the age of thirty, and wrote a letter and wrapped a gift to be opened at the right time. She wrote a letter for her daughter’s menarche that had me curled up messy crying – it’s so beautiful. ### [**Letters From Brenda by Emma Kennedy**](https://uk.bookshop.org/a/6690/9781529372007?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) (2023 Hodder & Stoughton) After her mother, Brenda, died, broadcaster and writer Emma Kennedy found herself unable to make peace with the complex, charismatic woman who had been her mum. And then she found some letters written by Brenda hidden in the family attic. This is a heartbreakingly funny book about the impact of discovering lost letters; I dream of finding something similar from my mum! I’m always hunting out evidence of her life now that she’s gone; reading her appointment diaries and notebooks seeking more information about what she was thinking and feeling when my siblings and I were growing up. I love the mother/daughter theme explored in this book, though it does make for uncomfortable reading, uncovering the lies and mental illness that shaped Brenda’s life. ### [**All My Wild Mothers**](https://uk.bookshop.org/a/6690/9781529398618?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) by Victoria Bennett (2024 John Murray Press) A wonderful book about one woman’s struggle to come to terms with the death of her sister. She writes about the garden that she plants with her son, an apothecary garden emerging from the rubble in the backyard to help her navigate her grief. She plants borage to bring hope in dark times, dandelion for strength and daisy for resilience. A magical read. ### [**The View From Down Here: Life as a Young Disabled Woman by Lucy Webster** ](https://uk.bookshop.org/a/6690/9780241612767?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)(2023 Dorling Kindersley) This book is a powerful, honest memoir about the struggles of a being a disabled woman, living at the intersection of sexism and ableism. I've learnt so much, and there's so much to think about. Some of it makes for hard reading, but it’s so important. ### [**A Matter of Death and Life by Irvin D. Yalom and Marilyn Yalom**](https://uk.bookshop.org/a/6690/9780349428550?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) (2022 Little, Brown) I loved this heartwarming account, written by a wife and husband team about Marilyn’s impending death. It investigates how to have a good death, what happens to the spouse left behind and how to live meaningfully in the last days of life. It’s so poignant and deeply thought-provoking, written as it is by two professors, and much more hopeful than you might think a book in this genre might be. ### [**A Girlhood by Carolyn Hays** ](https://uk.bookshop.org/a/6690/9781529064506?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)(2023 Pan Macmillan) I bought this book as the mother of a non-binary person and spent much of it in tears. This is a parent's deeply moving love letter to a daughter who has always known exactly who she is. Carolyn Hays’s child made clear to their family that he was not a boy, but, in fact, a girl; the Hays shifted pronouns, adopted a nickname and encouraged her to dress as she felt comfortable. And then one ordinary day, a caseworker from the Department of Children and Families knocked on their door to investigate an anonymous complaint about the upbringing of their transgender child. It was this threat that instilled in them a deep-seated fear for their child’s safety in the Republican state they called home. And so they uprooted their lives to the more trans-accepting Northeast United States. Hays asks us all to love better, for children everywhere enduring injustice and prejudice just as they begin to understand themselves. This book is about a child who has always known herself and is waiting for the rest of the world to catch up. ## **FICTION** ### [**Absolution by Alice Mcdermott**](https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/absolution-book-alice-mcdermott-9781526673596?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) (2023 Bloomsbury) A riveting account of women’s lives on the margins of the Vietnam War. In Saigon in 1963, two young American wives form a wary alliance. Tricia is a starry-eyed newlywed, married to a rising oil engineer “on loan” to US Navy Intelligence. Charlene is a practiced corporate spouse and mother of three, a talented hostess and determined altruist, on a mission to relieve the “wretchedness” she sees all around her. With a deft hand Alice confronts the unresolved mysteries and ironies of America’s tragic interference in Southeast Asia. Clever and mesmerising. ### [**The Bee Sting by Paul Murray**](https://uk.bookshop.org/a/6690/9780241984406?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) (2024 Penguin Books) How good is this rangy novel? It won Irish Book of the Year and was short-listed for the Booker Prize last year. I loved it; it tracks the lives of the Barnes family, each member carefully crafted and filled out as the novel unfolds. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### [**Bewilderment by Richard Powers**](https://uk.bookshop.org/a/6690/9781804951668?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) (2024 Vintage Publishing) A beautiful, painful read. It’s a story about fatherhood and nature connection, and is often almost poetic, especially in its descriptions of celestial bodies. Shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 2021, there are some gorgeous passages here: “Life is something we need to stop correcting. My boy was a pocket universe I could never hope to fathom.” And “I wanted to tell the man that life itself is a spectrum disorder, where each of us vibrated at some unique frequency in the continuous rainbow.” I wholeheartedly recommend it, although buckle in – it’s emotional. ### [**The Familiars by Stacey Halls**](https://uk.bookshop.org/a/6690/9781786584151?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) (2024 Bonnier Books) A wonderful page-turner of a novel about two young women in 17th century Lancashire. This historical fiction centres on the witch hunts in the area, and many of the characters can actually be found in historical records. ### [**Free Love by Tessa Hadley**](https://uk.bookshop.org/a/6690/9781529115239?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) (2023 Vintage Publishing) This is a delicious novel, which promises everything you’d expect from Tessa Hadley. There’s depth and subtlety and yet, it’s very captivating and east to read. It's 1967 and London is alive with the new youth revolution. In the suburbs, meanwhile, Phyllis Fischer inhabits a world of conventional stability. Married with two children, her life is both comfortable and predictable. But when Nicky - a twenty-something friend of the family - visits one hot summer evening and kisses Phyllis in the dark of the garden, something in her catches fire. ### [](https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/room-called-earth-book-madeleine-ryan-9781914484063?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### [**Great Circle by Maggie Shipstead**](https://uk.bookshop.org/a/6690/9781529176643?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) (2022 Transworld Publishers) I was so convinced that this was a real story that it took me a while to register that this is a made-up memoir, but no less compelling for it. It spans the 20th century and offers almost cinematic visuals in the images Maggie creates with her words. It’s very well crafted and a pleasure to read. I loved every one of the 600 pages! Shortlisted for the Women's Prize for Fiction in 2023. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/11/Screenshot-2024-11-30-at-18.57.29.png) ### [**Haven by Emma Donoghue**](https://uk.bookshop.org/a/6690/9781529091168?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) (2023 Pan Macmillan) This novel is dark and unsettling, and super captivating. A story of survival set in 600 AD Ireland; it covers patriarchy, destruction and religion at sea. Written by Emma Donoghue, the bestselling author of Room. The story follows three men who find an impossibly steep, barren island inhabited by tens of thousands of birds, and claim it for God. But in such a place, far from all other humanity, what will survival mean? This is eerie storytelling at its best! ### [**The Heart in Winter**](https://uk.bookshop.org/a/6690/9781805302117?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) by Kevin Barry (2024 Canongate Books) I just couldn't put this book down. It's such a rich tale and the writing is mesmerising. It’s an edible book - I needed to inhale it! Named as a Guardian Book to Look Out for in 2024, this wild west love story follows Tom and Polly as they strike out West on a stolen horse during the winter of 1891, traveling through Montana and Idaho. Delicious! ### [**The Island of Missing Trees** ](https://uk.bookshop.org/a/6690/9780241988725?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)by Elif Sharak (2023 Bloomsbury) Mesmerising story about a family and a fig tree that watches over them. [**Elif Sharak**](https://www.elifsafak.com.tr/home?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) is a British-Turkish novelist, who’s published 19 books. I love her writing and how with great deftness she packs so much history and research into her books. I come away feeling that I've gained a deeper understanding of a culture or place. This story in particular is a powerful love story. ### [**Julia by Sandra Newman**](https://uk.bookshop.org/a/6690/9781783789160?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) (2024 Granta Books) A dystopian feminist companion novel to George Orwell’s 1984\. It’s a while since I read Orwell’s book and I don’t think you need to have read it to thoroughly enjoy this. If dark, provocative, sometimes troubling writing is your thing. It’s so brilliant that I took it to the park a couple of times this week, in the hopes that I might sneak in a couple of minutes extra reading time! Thoroughly recommend. ### [**Liars**](https://uk.bookshop.org/a/6690/9781529062762?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) by Sarah Manguso (2024 Pan Macmillan) I read Liars in 24 hours - it's sooo good; a novel about being a wife, mother and artist within a toxic relationship. I actually woke up in the middle of the night to read Sarah's book - the story was so compelling! Throughout the upheavals of family life, the wife in this story - Jane - tries to hold it all together. That is, until her husband John leaves her. Packed with wit and rage, telling the blistering story of a marriage as it burns to the ground, and of a woman rising inexorably from its ashes. ### [**Little Prisons by Llona Bannister**](https://uk.bookshop.org/a/6690/9781529353921?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) (2023 John Murray Press) This is not my usual sort of reading choice, but I picked it up randomly and it’s really good (thanks to my local library for their fun colour-themed book displays!). A pacy page turner about the lives of four women who live in a block of flats and how their lives come to be interlinked. I liked how it demonstrated that small acts of compassion can transform an existence. It’s a redemptive novel with a big heart. ### [**Music in the Dark**](https://uk.bookshop.org/a/6690/9781529345957?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) by Sally Magnussen (2024 John Murray Press) This book is about the Highland Clearances and what happened to women who stood up for their communities. Sally’s own great grandmother was evicted from her home on the Isle of Mull and she draws on some of her own family history to write this book, which was released last Spring. ### [**My Name is Leon by Kit de Waal**](https://uk.bookshop.org/a/6690/9781382048576?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) (2024 Oxford University Press) A reprint of this brilliant novel by Kit de Waal, which is an incredible story of a boy surviving a childhood in care. I wasn't able to put it down - Leon's voice is so powerful and I shed a load of tears whilst reading. Go and find a copy now! ### [**Nightbitch by Rachel Yoder**](https://uk.bookshop.org/a/6690/9781529113990?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) (2022 Vintage Publishing) This was a gift from my eldest and it’s brilliant, power packed novel about a mother turning into a wild beast! At home full-time with her two-year-old son, an artist finds she is struggling. She is lonely and exhausted. Her husband, always travelling for his work, calls her from faraway hotel rooms. One more toddler bedtime, and she fears she might lose her mind. Instead, she starts gaining things, surprising things that happen one night when her child will not sleep. New appetites, new instincts. And from deep within herself, a new voice... A funny, uplifting, surprising read. ### [**North Woods by Daniel Mason**](https://uk.bookshop.org/a/6690/9781399809306?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) (2024 John Murray Press) I loved this book so much. It’s really clever! It traverses cycles of history, nature, and even literature as it tells the story of an apple tree throughout history from the 1760s to present day in western Massachusetts. The characters (and there’s a wealth of them!) are rich and spellbinding and the stories are cleverly interwoven through the centuries. Wonderfully written. ### [**The Power by Naomi Alderman**](https://uk.bookshop.org/a/6690/9780241547953?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) (2023 Penguin) This is a brilliantly dark science fiction tale where women discover that they have ALL the power and can kill men with a single touch - it's thought-provoking and spellbinding. Winner of the Women’s Prize for Fiction in 2017\. Now also a TV series starring Toni Collette. ### [**A Room Called Earth by Madeleine Ryan**](https://uk.bookshop.org/a/6690/9781914484063?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) (2022 Scribe Publications) I enjoyed this debut novel. It's written by a neurodiverse author and explores the challenges of social interaction and relating to others, in real depth. It's slow and considered, not a pacy page-turner. It takes place over 24 hours and explores the protagonists inner world in depth. ### [**The Startup Wife by Tahmina Anam**](https://uk.bookshop.org/a/6690/9781838852528?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) (2022 Canongate Books) When Asha starts work on a revolutionary app together with her new husband Cyrus, she's thrilled. But while she creates an ingenious algorithm, Cyrus' charismatic appeal throws him into the spotlight. What happens when the app explodes into the next big thing? This novel is about big ambitions, speaking out and standing up for what you believe in. It’s poignant, funny and smart, exploring the intricacies of sexism and racism. ### [**This Other Eden by Paul Harding**](https://uk.bookshop.org/a/6690/9781804940853?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)(2024 Cornerstone) A beautifully written tale of an island off the East coast of the US in the late eighteenth century. When a missionary lands on the shores the islanders' lives are uprooted and the community broken up. It was shocking to read that this book was based on a true story. Brutal and powerful. ### [**Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi**](https://uk.bookshop.org/a/6690/9780241988657?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) (2022 Penguin Books) Shortlisted for The Women's Prize For Fiction 2021, this gorgeous novel follows a family’s history across continents and generations. It’s powerful storytelling with race and religion at its heart. ### [**Unsettled Ground by Claire Fuller**](https://uk.bookshop.org/a/6690/9780241457467?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)(2022 Penguin Books) Twins Jeanie and Julius are 51 years old and still live with their mother, Dot, in rural isolation and poverty. Inside the walls of their old cottage they make music, and in the garden they grow (and sometimes kill) everything they need for sustenance. But when Dot dies suddenly, threats to their livelihood start raining down. Jeanie and Julius would do anything to preserve their small sanctuary against the perils of the outside world, even as their mother's secrets begin to unravel, putting everything they thought they knew about their lives at stake. This is a powerful novel about love and survival. A portrait of life on the fringes of society that is also about spinning light from darkness. ### [**The Wren, The Wren**](https://uk.bookshop.org/a/6690/9781529922905?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) by Anne Enright (2024 Vintage Publishing) A beautiful tale of family, motherhood birds and poetry. Enright’s eighth novel, it won the Women’s Prize for Fiction this year. Poems are scattered throughout this multigenerational story – I particularly loved the poignant scenes between mother and grown daughter. Reminded me of my aching to spend more time with my older kids. ### [**Yellowface**](https://uk.bookshop.org/a/6690/9780008532819?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) by Rebecca K. Kuang (2024 Harper Collins) Brilliant dark humoured book, which explores racism and cultural appropriation in a clever, un-put-down-able style. It came out last Spring and Time included it in their list of 100 Must Reads of 2023\. I inhaled it in 24 hours and would thoroughly recommend. **PLEASE NOTE:** The links in this post are to [**Bookshop.org**](https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/my-favourite-books-of-2024-green-parent?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), which supports independent bookshops. What are your favourite reads from 2024? Hit reply and let me know! ### The Ultimate Healing Soup Recipe - Stay Well this Winter URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/the-ultimate-healing-soup-recipe-stay-well-this-winter/ Last updated: 2024-11-29T19:08:40.000Z Hello, A warm welcome to this week’s newsletter. The little one and I have had a niggly cold this week – nothing serious, just feeling a bit under the weather. We’ve been relying on lots of homemade remedies, like [**herbal oxymel**](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/what-areas-of-your-life-do-you-need-a-boost/) and [**elderberry syrup**](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/how-i-unlocked-an-extra-hour-a-day-2/). We made some onion honey earlier in the year and Iris instinctively chose this to soothe her cough and cold. Here’s how to make some of your own… Slice an onion thinly and place in a glass jar. Top up with raw honey to cover the onion. (If your honey is solid, gently warm to make it liquid.) You could also add thyme, sage, ginger, garlic, turmeric and marshmallow root. We kept ours basic. It’s ready to use after a week or so and we’ve kept ours in the fridge for nearly a year, so it lasts for ages! This image shows the version created by the wonderful Sarah Coleman of [**The Kitchen Apothecary**](https://thekitchenapothecary.com/about-2/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). Want something even more potent? Check out Luise Vindahl's [**Ginger & Turmeric Honey Bomb**](https://greenkitchenstories.com/ginger-turmeric-honey-bomb/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). Anyway, I was really happy that my daughter chose to dose herself up with onion honey. I love when that happens; intuitive medicine. I find that even from a really early age, kids can choose their ideal remedy. ## **What We’ve Been Up to** ### **Learning Celtic Tree Ogham Songs** I went to a talk about the Celtic Tree Ogham with Yannick Dubois and the Children’s Forest the other night. It was really interesting, I learnt lots, including a new tree song! Scroll to the bottom to find a link to the ivy song, which is a celebration of the union between divine masculine and feminine (holly and ivy). Anna Richardson spoke about how we weave them together at this time of year and bring that harmony into our homes, in the form of wreaths. A warming thought! Yannick talked about the Ogham and how it’s the oldest written language of these lands. He explained that whilst it was used for writing, it was also used for divination. He explained that there are around 50 different Oghams, including plant, animals, crystals and colour, offering a multi-layered divination tool. For example, crow is connected to hawthorn, lapis lazuli, the element air, and the colour deep purple. Yannick has worked with [**Children’s Forest**](https://www.instagram.com/childrensforest.earth/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) to craft a set of Tree Ogham cards that can be used like Top Trumps! You can pre-order a set on their [**crowdfunder**](https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/treecards?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) page, and your pledge will help the charity to plant more trees, with more children. Iris and I went to a multi-generational tree-planting session with them a while back, and helped plant an area of hazel across a steep Sussex hillside - it was magical. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Make a Natural Advent Calendar URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/make-a-natural-advent-calendar/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:29.000Z ## Advent calendars are such a delight for children says **Lucy Corkhill** Opening the little windows to discover a new picture inside is always exciting, the prospect of doing so each day until Christmas builds up to the big event in a magical way. However some of the simplicity of advent calendars has been lost along the way. One way to make sure your advent calendar is really special is to make it yourself. That way you’re in charge of what goes in it. The choices we make at this time of year set a precedent for our children. By starting a unique family tradition, we can hopefully create something our youngsters will go on to share with the next generation. We don’t need to buy treasures for our children – they are there in abundance all around us. I remember having a little box of treasures as a child which included special stones, crystals, bones and feathers. What about an advent calendar that celebrates the natural world and all its miniature wonders? Each treasure holds a story and invites further play, research or discovery. A seed can be planted, a leaf stuck in a scrapbook, a piece of chalk used to draw on the ground, sheep’s wool made into an elf’s beard, wood whittled into a figure. Another approach to a natural advent calendar is to add items that can then be placed on a seasonal table, used to create a nativity scene, or made into something such as a fairy or elf. Below, in the list of suggested natural items, I have made number 24 a spotter’s guide as older children might be inspired to either put names to the things in their calendar or go off and find more for their natural collection! Younger children will simply enjoy the excitement of discovering something hidden in a little pocket, and exploring the item with all their senses. Finding items for your calendar can be an adventure in itself. I hope that creating a natural advent calendar will help us appreciate all the many wonders and treasures around us. Here are some ideas for your own natural advent calendar: Acorn Conker Crystal Shell Leaf Coloured stone Apple seed Pumpkin seed Sunflower seed Piece of chalk Feather ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. Piece of wood Rosehips Piece of sheep’s wool Flint Snail’s shell Bird’s egg shell (if you’ve saved one back from springtime!) Dried flower or seed head Fossil Dried herbs Hazelnut Animal tooth or bone Apple A spotter’s guide ### 13 Ways to Stay Warm URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/13-ways-to-stay-warm/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:29.000Z It's pretty chilly right now and instead of having the heating on constantly, I started thinking about alternative ways to stay warm. I did some research and came up with a list of things we can do fairly easily to keep the house cosy in winter. Here are thirteen money-saving ways to boost inner warmth, in both your home and body! ### **Layer Up** We love [**merino base layers**](https://mamaowl.net/collections/womens-wool-base-layers?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) for their cosiness. Wool has a high warmth to weight ratio, which means that you can add a couple of layers without adding bulk, and making it difficult to move around! You'll need to add a jumper too, as base layers themselves don't provide enough warmth. The downside is cost, but a good merino wool base layer should last you for years. Buy a size bigger for kids. You can find secondhand base layers on [**Vinted**](https://www.vinted.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) too. ### **Make a Door Snake** Do you remember having a cotton snake that acted as a draught excluder as a kid? We had a few in our drafty, old house growing up. I think my mum probably made them, maybe from Clothkits kits?! Door snakes are great for insulating a room and stopping cold draughts from coming in under the door. Here's a tutorial on [**making your own**](https://www.17apart.com/2013/11/how-to-diy-door-snake-draft-stopper.html?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) to prevent heat loss. ### **Wear Woolly Socks and Slippers** You can save on the heating bill by making one simple tweak and investing in a pair of slippers. Of course they keep your feet warm and toasty, but they can also make you feel warmer. Heating the extremities such as hands and feet is one of the simplest ways to boost your internal temperature. Our youngest has a pair of sheepskin house boots from [**Shepherd's of Sweden**](https://www.shepherdofsweden.com/uk/kids?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). Woolly socks are also a no-brainer - here's a [**pattern**](https://nimble-needles.com/tutorials/how-to-knit-socks-for-beginners-the-easy-way/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) for knitting your own. ### **Eat Warming Foods** If possible, make sure that at least one of your meals a day is a hot one. And add fire-boosting foods like chillis, leeks, onions and garlic. All of these increase blood flow and therefore boost body heat. [**Kirsten Chick**](https://connectwithnutrition.co.uk/comfortable-food-like-comfort-food-but-kinder/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), nutritionist, suggests eating warming, hydrating foods, like casseroles, soups, porridge, well cooked brown rice risottos, sauce-rich bakes etc. ### **Close Curtains and Blinds Before Sunset** Open the windows to air rooms for the first hour or so, after you wake up. Then close windows, and during the day let south facing rooms warm up - use solar energy to naturally heat your space. Keep curtains drawn in north facing rooms where possible. Close all curtains and blinds before the sun sets, to retain heat. One [**suggestion**](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-24757144?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) I read today from a money saving expert is to hang a shower curtain behind your actual curtains to add an extra layer of insulation. Or add a quilt - see below. ### **Carry a Hot Water Bottle** A hot warm bottle strapped to your body, or tucked into trousers will give you situational warmth, so that you can wander around with a warm glow! Also use to ease aches and pains, or pop one between the covers 15 minutes before you go to bed to warm up your sleeping space. Here's a [**guide**](https://www.hotwaterbottleshop.co.uk/pages/the-essential-guide-to-keeping-warm-with-a-hot-water-bottle?srsltid=AfmBOopUi6ryL4CiET4M3QOSfix-oggJgdUVQvHeigBJrz3-3sQMcYKM&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) on what size to opt for and how to use a hot water bottle to ease pain. ### **Move Your Body** This is one of the best ways to increase your internal temperature. Even light physical activity elevates your body temperature. Go for a brisk walk, head to the park to go on the swings, chop wood, have a kitchen disco - choose something that makes you feel joyful too, for added mood boosting hormones! ### **Double Down on Insulation** Carpets and rugs keep our houses warmer. Bare floorboards can account for [**10% of heat loss**](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-24757144?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) from a room. You can also add window film, which is where most buildings lose most heat. This film reflects heat back into your house and significantly reduces heat loss through the glazing. ### **Exclude Draughts** Go round your house and test with your hands to see where your house leaks energy. Check around door and window seals. Anywhere you can feel a cold draught is an area where you could improve on insulation. Think door snakes (see above), window film, duvet as an extra layer over windows and doors, etc. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **Get Some Fingerless Gloves** In the same vein as wearing slippers, fingerless gloves stop your extrematies from getting too cold. We love the recycled cashmere wrist warmers from [**Turtle Doves**](https://www.turtle-doves.co.uk/shop-by-product/accessories/wrist-warmers?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) \- I'm wearing some right now, which were a gift from my sister and niece! Here's a [**tutorial**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqUJ9Haarm4&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) on crocheting your own fingerless gloves. ### **Move Furniture** If you can, move furniture away from radiators so that the warmth from your central heating can circulate around your space. Position sofas and chairs away from external walls, if possible, as these are the coldest spaces in your house. You might choose to just heat one room. ### **Add a Quilt** As well as adding quilts, blankets and eiderdowns to your bed to create a snuggly nest, quilts can also be pinned up against external doors to reduce heat loss. Hanging a quilt up at the window after dark is said to reduce heat loss by 80%! I like this idea from [**Tiny House blog**](https://tinyhouseblog.com/heaters/using-quilts-historical-heat/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) that suggests crafting simple button fastenings to keep quilts up in daylight and allows them to be easily let down once darkness falls. ### **Get Social** One of the most fun ways to get warmer is to add more people! The more people and animals in your living space, the warmer you'll be. Sharing body heat is an effective and connective way to stay warm. Got more ideas? Drop us a line and let us know your staying warm hacks! ### Creating a Curriculum Exactly Suited to Your Child URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/creating-a-curriculum-exactly-suited-to-your-child/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:29.000Z ## Your child’s education doesn’t have to look like everyone else’s says **Jennifer Robertson** "Let me explain. Our 11-year-old son Fergus, born in Bangkok to an American mother and a Scottish father, has been in brick-and-mortar private schools in five countries (Thailand, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Cyprus and the UK), but has also been home educated in three of those countries (Saudi Arabia, Cyprus and the UK). His education has varied from spending hours on tedious homework worksheets after a long school day, to mountain biking on a weekday morning through a foggy Highland forest. If variety is the spice of life, he’s the equivalent of a spice souk in Oman (which we toured through when he was only three). ### **The Start of our Home Education Journey** Our home education journey officially began when he was four years old and we moved to Saudi Arabia. I had been toying with the idea of teaching him at home, and that itch, combined with the private schools for foreigners being full, with very long waiting lists, catapulted us into home learning. We did themed unit studies and followed up with trips to immerse ourselves in first-hand knowledge. A month of learning about bees ended up with a ‘bee-keeper for a day’ trip to the rural hills of the island of Cyprus. Our block about ancient Egypt featured mummifying apples in our kitchen, and then trekking to Egypt to view real mummies in Cairo (which unfortunately ended up with all three of us admitted to the hospital due to pneumonia – the occasional pitfalls of travel). ### **Experiential Learning** Although Fergus did eventually attend school for a year in Saudi, it felt very underwhelming, and so we moved to Cyprus in search of new adventures, cooler weather and the opportunity to expand our horizons. When private English schools fell short of our expectations, we picked back up on our world schooling adventure and continued with our thirst for knowledge and experiential learning. Catechism class online from America was topped off with roaming the streets of the Old Town of Jerusalem on New Year’s Day, visiting the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and following in the footsteps of the apostles. We studied history and wandered through the ruins of Salamis, an ancient city established by the Greeks in 1180 BCE and later taken over by the Persians, Alexander the Great, the Romans and the Byzantines. We harvested olives by hand, learned how to make village bread, sampled rose water in a distillery and watched as silversmiths demonstrated their craft in cosy village workshops made from hand-laid stone walls. In Scotland, Fergus attended a beautiful Steiner school surrounded by pine and conker trees, where we he learned to appreciate a daily rhythm, watercolour painting, woodworking, storytelling and Maypole dancing. When the school underwent changes this summer, we once again embarked on a home education journey, travelling to the Antonine and Hadrian walls as part of Roman history lessons, and visited the British Museum in London to see the exact ancient stone lion statues from the palace at Nimrud in Assyria that we saw drawings of in our encyclopaedia at home. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **Poetry Teatime and Themed Book Parties!** Although travel and first-hand experience is the jewel of our educational journey as a family, there are plenty of days where we are slogging it out at home, working on more mundane topics like decimals, writing prompts and the intricacies of diagramming a sentence. But these moments can also be made more enchanting, in small but tangible ways. Poetry tea times, themed book parties, and conducting lessons at the beach are all simple things you can implement to sprinkle more magic into your school day. And what I always remind myself of is this - just because you are doing something one way *right now*, doesn’t mean you have to keep doing it that way *forever*. Your family’s educational journey can ebb and flow just like the tides, be adjusted to suit your needs, and take shape in any way that you want or need it to. You might even find that you, as parents, rekindle your spark as life-long learners along the way!" **Jennifer M.S. Robertson* is a Polish-American wife, mother and 17-year expatriate and immigrant who has lived in seven countries. She is a trained raw foods chef and holds both Master's and Ph.D. degrees in fisheries science. Check out her recipes and tips for healthy eating around the world at* [***therawexpat.com***](http://therawexpat.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)*.* ### 11 Books that Centre Indigenous People URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/11-books-that-centre-indigenous-people/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:29.000Z ## Stories told about the first Thanksgiving often perpetuate harmful stereotypes and erase the true history of the early encounters between Indigenous communities and colonisers Since 1970, participants have created an annual protest called the National Day of Mourning to honour their ancestors. ### **History of the National Day of Mourning** While the story of Thanksgiving tells about a mutual benefit between the Pilgrims and Indigenous People, the truth is brutal racism and oppression. The United American Indians of New England created this holiday to publicise the democide and misrepresentation of Native Americans. ## **Here are some books we've chosen to honour Indigenous people:** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/11/Keepunumuk-book-cover.jpg) ### [**Keepunumuk**](https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/Keepunumuk-by-Danielle-Greendeer-author-Anthony-Perry-author-Alexis-C-Bunten-author-Garry-Meeches-illustrator/9781623542900?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)**: *Weeâchumun's Thanksgiving Story*** ***by Danielle Greenbank, Anthony Perry, Alexia Bunten and Garry Meeches*** A beautifully illustrated, and more complete story, of Keepunumuk, the time of harvest for the Wampanoag people from the regions around Plymouth. Written and illustrated by Native people, including Danielle Greendeer of the Mashpee Wampanoag Nation, the story centres on the Wampanoag experience as told by a grandmother to her grandchildren. The book introduces the “three sisters” of corn, beans, and squash which were so important to the survival of those early tribes and settlers. The glossary of words and pronunciation, recipes, activities and additional historical information makes this as much a teaching tool as a story book. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/11/s-l1200.jpg) ### [**The Indian Way: Learning to Communicate with Mother Earth**](https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/indian-way-book-gary-mclain-9780945465737?price=3.50&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ***by Gary McLain and Michael Taylor*** I've had this book since my older two children were small and am just starting to explore it with Iris. It's a rich resource! The book is divided into 13 moons and charts a journey through the year, with stories, recipes, crafts and ideas as told by Grandpa Iron, a Northern Arapahoe medicine man to his grandchildren on the eve of each full moon. It shows us how we can live in harmony with our environment, which includes the Earth, plants, animals and our families. Gary is an Irish/Choctaw artist and writer. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/11/Giving-Thanks-A-Native-American-Good-Morning-Message-ABCLibrary.png) ### [**Giving Thanks: A Native American Good Morning Message**](https://www.abebooks.co.uk/9781880000151/Giving-Thanks-Native-American-Good-1880000156/plp?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **by Chief Jake Swamp (Mohawk)** This has been a beloved children’s book for more than 25 years. Though not specifically about Thanksgiving, it has a message of gratitude, of appreciating the earth and all it provides. Grounded in themes of love, spirituality and gratitude and written by the late Mohawk Nation diplomat and Tree of of Peace Society founder, the prose comes to life with gorgeously illustrated pages by Erwin Printup Jr. It’s a great reminder that all year long, we should be giving thanks for the wind, the rain, the green grasses, and the stars, which work together to bring us what we have. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/11/5cc40746-08f7-4446-b49f-8b277c114f2a_2892x3241.jpg) ### [**Thanks to the Animals**](https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/Thanks-to-the-Animals-by-Allen-J-Sockabasin-author-Rebekah-Raye-artist/9780884489801?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ***by Allen Sockabasin and Rebecca Raye*** Alone, cold, and frightened, Zoo Sap cries, and his cries attract the forest animals. Beginning with beaver and ending with the great bald eagle, the animals rush to protect the baby and shelter him from the cold until his father returns for him. Allen is a Passamaquoddy who devotes much of his time to teaching and preserving the Passamaquoddy language. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/11/919nSHBpbrL.jpg) ### [**Home to Medicine Mountain**](https://www.abebooks.co.uk/9780892391554/Home-Medicine-Mountain-Santiago-Chiori-0892391553/plp?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ***by Chiori Santiago and Judith Lowry*** Two young brothers are separated from their family and sent to live in a government-run Indian residential school in the 1930s - an experience shared by generations of Indigenous children throughout North America. At these schools, children were forbidden to speak their languages and made to unlearn their culture. And often, they weren't able to go home to their families for holidays. Indigenous artist Judith Lowry based this story on the experiences of her father and her Uncle Stanley. Judith and author Chiori Santiago tenderly relate how Stanley and Benny Len found their way home by train one summer. Inspired by their dreams of home and the memories of their grandmother’s stories, the boys embark on an adventurous journey from the harsh residential school to their triumphant welcome home at Susanville, California, in the shadow of Yo-Tim Yamne (Medicine Mountain). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/11/51FgEclk-yL._AC_UF1000-1000_QL80_.jpg) ### [**Kiki's Journey**](https://www.abebooks.co.uk/9780892392148/Kikis-Journey-Orona-Ramirez-Kristy-0892392142/plp?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ***by Kristy Orona-Ramirez and Jonathan Warm Day*** Kiki is a city girl who calls Los Angeles home. But home is also a place filled with expressions of her family’s Tiwa Indian heritage. Her parents left the Taos Pueblo reservation long ago, and Kiki hasn’t been back since she was a baby. She hardly even remembers what the Pueblo is like, until she returns with her parents during spring break. Suddenly, Kiki feels like a tourist in a place that should feel like home. Kristy Orona-Ramirez’s tender story sensitively portrays the rewards and challenges of contemporary life for Indigenous People, and Jonathan Warm Day’s vivid illustrations glow with the Southwestern sun. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/11/916yBWHHfcL._AC_UF894-1000_QL80_.jpg) ### [**Brother Eagle, Sister Sky**](https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/brother-eagle-sister-sky-book-susan-jeffers-9780140545142?price=4.30&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ***by Chief Seattle and Susan Jeffers*** "The Earth does not belong to us. We belong to the Earth." Chief Seattle, a leader of the Duwamish and Suquamish people spoke these words over a hundred and fifty years ago. His remarkably relevant message of respect for the Earth and every creature on it has endured the test of time and is imbued with passion born of love of the land and the environment. Illustrated by award-winning artist, Susan Jeffers, the pen-and-colour drawings capture the splendour of nature and the land. My daughter and I both love the poignant message and beautiful illustrations. The details of Chief Seattle's speech dated around mid-1850s are complicated, and accounts of it might not be completely accurate, and there is a note in the back of the book that addresses that. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/11/81D-e-5-98L._AC_UF894-1000_QL80_.jpg) ### [**Still This Love Goes On**](https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/still-this-love-goes-on-book-buffy-sainte-marie-9781771648073?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ***by Buffy Sainte-Marie and Julie Flett*** The breathtaking art by Julie Flett brings Buffy's vivid lyrics to life, crafting a stunning portrait of a Cree worldview. At the heart of this picture book is a gentle message about missing our loved ones, and the promise of seeing each other again. Julie Flett is a Cree–Métis author, illustrator, and artist who has received numerous awards for her work. We love the simplicity and space in this book - it's a great end of the day read! ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### [**The Song of the Trees**](https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-song-of-the-trees/kenneth-c-steven/lily-moon/9781854307903?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ***by Kenneth Steven and Lily Moon*** A long time ago, before the first white man set foot in the New World, an Indigenous girl called Lalita awoke from a frightening dream. Her dream became reality as she watched her beloved trees being cut down. Lalita refused to leave with the rest of her tribe. She wept for seven days and for seven nights for the beautiful land she thought she had lost forever... This book tells a tale of endurance and the power of love. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/11/71foJGw2MzL._AC_UF1000-1000_QL80_.jpg) ### [**Ten Little Rabbits**](https://www.abebooks.co.uk/9780811810579/Ten-Little-Rabbits-Virginia-Grossman-0811810577/plp?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ***by Virginia Grossman and Sylvia Long*** Writer Virginia Grossman and artist Sylvia Long, a Dakota Indian, have created this counting book, which depicts rabbits weaving, fishing and storytelling alongside other Indigenous traditions. We have the board book version and love the illustrations. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/11/51Y91cHYBgL._AC_UF1000-1000_QL80_.jpg) ### [**The Way to Start a Day**](https://www.abebooks.co.uk/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=31810936202&searchurl=an%3Dbaylor%2Bbyrd%26ds%3D30%26rollup%3Don%26sortby%3D20&cm%5Fsp=snippet-%5F-srp0-%5F-title7&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ***by Byrd Baylor and Peter Parnell*** Whilst Byrd was not an Indigenous person she worked as a counsellor on the Tohono O’odham Reservation and set up Byrd Camp to house displaced people, alongside her grandson, Jesse Stanley. She grew up with great respect for the natural world of the deserts and canyons around her and this inspired her writing. We have several of her books: The Way to Start a Day,[**I'm in Charge of Celebrations**](https://www.abebooks.co.uk/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=31449219682&searchurl=an%3Dbaylor%2Bbyrd%26ds%3D30%26rollup%3Don%26sortby%3D20&cm%5Fsp=snippet-%5F-srp0-%5F-title16&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)and[**The Other Way to Listen**](https://www.abebooks.co.uk/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=31263423148&searchurl=an%3Dbaylor%2Bbyrd%26ds%3D30%26rollup%3Don%26sortby%3D20&cm%5Fsp=snippet-%5F-srp0-%5F-title13&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). The illustrations are gorgeous (and quite different from most children's picture books). There's a page that shows Indigenous people lifting their baby to greet the sun; it says, "And high on a mesa ledge in Arizona they were holding a baby toward the sun. They were speaking the child's new name so that the sun would hear and know that child. It had to be sunrise. And it had to be that first sudden moment. That's when all power of life is in the sky." Truly beautiful books! ## **MORE INSPIRATION** **EXPLORE** A critical analysis of Indigenous people in children's literature [**here**](https://americanindiansinchildrensliterature.blogspot.com/p/best-books.html?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### Celtic Tree Ogham: Elder (The Seeker) URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/celtic-tree-ogham-elder-the-seeker/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:29.000Z ## Elder is the Celtic Tree for the period from 25 November to 22 December. This month, be open to hope and change Every part of the elder (*Sambucus nigra*) has medicinal properties; its bark, leaves, flowers and berries can be used for bruises, wounds, colds, hayfever, respiratory illness and fevers. The purplish berries, which appear in late August are particularly potent and the Druids regarded any that remained on the tree in December as a gift from the Earth Goddess. The flowers can be used as a skin cleanser and also made into a potent hay fever remedy, when steeped in local honey. Whistles or flutes were often made from elder and are said to help in contacting the fae folk! In Ireland the witches' broom had a shaft made of elder as opposed to the more traditional ash. In the Celtic Tree Calendar, the elder, which rules the thirteenth moon comes at the darkest time of year. Therefore the tree is associated with death and the Crone aspect of the triple Goddess. It is thought to house the spirit of the Elder Mother who will both harm and protect those around her. Use the tree without permission and you will be met with bad omens. Conversely, plant a tree by your home or hang the branches by your door to ensure good fortune and ward away evil spirits. The deep link to regeneration comes from how broken branches can easily take root and regrow. The rebirth of a new tree. A symbol of the end that takes us back to the beginning in a cycle of life and death. The month of Elder is perfect for trying something new and challenging, something you may never have done before. It is the darkest time of the year but be ready for the new and be open to change that may come your way. ### **Attributes of Those Born Under Celtic Tree Sign Elder** The elder is a very adaptable tree, quite able to regenerate itself in many ways. Born under the elder sign, you are able to live and prosper under any conditions. You will live many "lives" during your time here, and will carry those memories into every new venture. Think of yourself as a traveller and a student, collecting experience and knowledge. Those born under the elder tree are thoughtful and empathetic with a philosophical mind. They have a caring persona and are considerate of others but will be brutally honest if the situation calls for it. They have a wild and extroverted personality and tend to seek out adventure wherever they can. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **Animal Correspondences** Pheasant, Raven and Rook ### **Keywords** Transformation, Death, Queen ### **Your Rune** Ruis is a single downwards stroke and four diagonal lines. It symbolizes consciousness and maturity. ### Sacred Sunday: Making a Nurturing Home for Our Kids URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/sacred-sunday-making-a-nurturing-home-for-our-kids/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:30.000Z ## For the first seven years of life children need their home and family to be their most nurturing environment. Since many young children now spend more of their waking hours away from home they need a nurturing home environment to return to more than ever says **Pam Leo** Our lives today are often so hectic that many homes feel more like a home base where the family sleeps, showers, does laundry, stores their belongings, sometimes cooks and eats meals, and watches television. ### **Nature and Nurture** Creating nurturing environments for our children means more than meeting their physical survival needs of food, shelter and protection. Maintaining a space in which children can thrive means consciously creating warm, loving, sensory rich environments where their physical, emotional and spiritual needs are recognised, honoured, and met by their family and their community. It is true that children “live what they learn” and they learn what they experience. Children absorb and imitate what they experience in their environment. Their exterior environment molds their interior environment. Just as area is a product of length times width, human beings are a product of nature times nurture. ### **Centre of the Home** In a nurturing environment, the family spends more time gathered around the table than around a screen. The family table is where the family is both nourished and nurtured. Working on projects and school work, drinking hot cocoa, playing board games, learning to peel carrots and roll out biscuit dough, having tea parties and eating birthday cake together turns the family table into a nurturing “centre” where many of the most important and interesting things happen in the home. ### **Soothing Stories** A rocking chair is a wonderful piece of furniture. Whether we are soothing a baby or reading stories, rocking is nurturing to both the adult and the child. Children rarely refuse an invitation be rocked, especially if it also means hearing a story or a song. The rocking chair should be in the room where it will get the most use. We love rocking chairs so much we have one (or two) in almost every room. Outside (or in), a hammock creates another nurturing place to cuddle, read, sing, tell stories and rock. ### **Welcome Warmth** Gathering around a fire has always been symbolic of not just physical but emotional warmth. Children love gathering around a campfire or fireplace. Simply lighting a candle at the dinner table can create the warm feeling of gathering around the fire. Imagine how good it feels to get out of a bath and be wrapped in a warm bath towel and dressed in warm pyjamas that have been hung by the fire. Being in or near water is soothing to children and adults. Just filling a plastic tub with water and some empty containers provides hours of contentment for young ones. Whenever we take children to the ocean, river, pool or put them in the bath we provide a nurturing environment. ### **Sowing Seedlings** When we garden with children they feel connected to the earth and nature. Children need to touch the earth and feel connected to living things. They love to dig in the dirt, plant seeds and seedlings and watch them grow. Even if we don’t have space for a garden, or know the first thing about it, we can still give our children the nurturing experience of gardening. We can put a seed in a jar of soil, transplant marigolds into a window box, plant a tree on a child’s birthday or measure and record the amazing daily growth of an amaryllis during the holidays. ### **Caring for Creatures** Most children dream of having a pet to love and care for. I once read; “it is a good thing for children to have animals to care for. It reminds them that they are not the only living creatures on the earth.” It is not necessary to have a pet though, children love to feed the ducks, the birds and squirrels in the park. Hanging a birdfeeder where children can watch it through the window is a great way to give children a connection to nature. And if our living situation does not allow pets, we can provide children with access to animals through friends, relatives, neighbours and animal charities in your local community. Part of creating nurturing environments is spending time with our children in nurturing places. With everyone in the family so often going in different directions, it is important that families have places to go together. The local library provides the family with more than books. When we go to the library and attend story hours and special activities, it becomes a nurturing environment for our children. For many families their place of worship provides a nurturing environment. One of my favourite places to go is the Family Dance in Yarmouth, Massachusetts, USA. The dances are taught and parents and children can learn them together. There is live music and children dance with their parents and siblings and other families. Later, there is a pot-luck dinner for all the hungry dancers. Parents have as much fun as the children do; it’s great exercise, and provides a wonderful opportunity to experience community. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **Creating Community** As children get older they have a greater need for the nurturing of community. Parenting never used to be, and was never intended to be, a one or two person job. It does take a village to raise a child. Since the majority of us no longer live in villages providing a community for our children is vital to creating a nurturing environment. When we create opportunities for children to spend time with people who play musical instruments, tell stories, dance, sing, paint, garden, cook, sew, knit and build things, we provide space for their imagination, creativity, and self-esteem. ### **Reviving Ritual** Another important aspect of family life is ritual. If we grew up in an environment where rituals were upheld and respected we are more likely to perpetuate rituals in our own family. However, even if we don’t recall many rituals we can create new ones. You might like to light a candle at the dinner table, read at bedtime, enjoy pizza and games on Friday night, pick apples in autumn and carve pumpkins at Halloween. Daily, weekly and seasonal rituals give children a sense of security, stability, and belonging. These family rituals become an anchor for children as they navigate their way through a world filled with inconsistency and uncertainty. One of the reasons children love Christmas so much is all the nurturing rituals that accompany it. The things we do with our children give them more than anything we can ever buy for them. Decorating our home, preparing special foods, making gifts of love, and attending special services, gatherings, and performances together are all affirming activities. When we learn to incorporate all the nurturing elements of the festive season into our daily lives we can keep the spirit of the holidays alive in our hearts and our homes all year. ## **MORE INSPIRATION** [**Seven Times the Sun:**](https://www.abebooks.co.uk/book-search/title/seven-times-the-sun-guiding-your-child-through-the-rhythms-of-the-day/author/darian-shea/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Guiding Your Child Through the Rhythms of the Day by Shea Darian [**Beyond the Rainbow Bridge**](https://www.abebooks.co.uk/book-search/author/barbara-patterson-pamela-bradley/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk): Nurturing Our Children from Birth to Seven by Pamela Bradley and Barbara Patterson [**The Children’s Forest**](https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/children-s-forest-book-dawn-casey-9781907359910?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) by Dawn Casey, Anna Richardson and Helen D'Ascoli [**Connection Parenting**](https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/connection-parenting-book-pam-leo-9781932279764?price=8.20&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) by Pam Leo [**Roots Shoots Buckets & Boots**](https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/roots-shoots-buckets-boots-book-sharon-lovejoy-9780761110569?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) by Sharon Lovejoy ### Eight Things to Do With Your Family In December URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/eight-things-to-do-with-your-family-in-december-2/ Last updated: 2024-11-26T15:32:31.000Z ## It's time to snuggle up under blankets, to crunch through frosty fields and to gather green holly and red berries to decorate homes for winter celebrations says **Kate Hodges** We're making presents, and baking sweet biscuits to fill our homes with seasonal and spicy smells. Find things to do as the days darken. ## **DIY Gifts** We can always do with some home-made gifts inspiration; it’s easy to get stuck in a rut! Why not spend December’s cosy family table time creating presents for friends and family? ### **Foodie gifts** [**Citrus salt**](https://www.platingsandpairings.com/easy-citrus-salts-2-2/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) is simple to create and looks stylish in a glass jar. Great for foodie friends! Deeply indulgent, and better fresh, [**Florentines**](https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/wordofmouth/2014/oct/09/how-to-bake-perfect-florentines-recipe?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) pop in a colourful box. That’s if you can resist scoffing as you bake. Spicy, warming chai tea lattes are always welcome. [**Create your own blend**](https://wholefully.com/homemade-chai-tea-recipe/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), package it with a tea ball and give to your grateful recipients! _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### How I Honour the Goddess of the Hearth URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/how-i-honour-the-goddess-of-the-hearth/ Last updated: 2024-11-22T19:13:45.000Z Hello! A cosy, warm welcome to this week's newsletter. It's suddenly turned so chilly here in Sussex. We had a flurry of snow yesterday, and Iris went off to forest school delighted to play with her friends in the icy, white patches. Our new edition was published today - get your copy delivered to your door [**here**](https://link.thegreenparent.co.uk/buy122?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). The theme is stillness and slowing down and it makes for a great read snuggled by the fire, or under a duvet! We've had an outdoorsy week - I had a coastal stroll with a friend accompanied by wild waves, some beautiful early morning walks through crunchy golden beech leaves, and a big family ramble through a rewilding project. My brother took the photo above, which shows my daughter, niece and I strolling through the rewilded landscape. It's my nephew's 13th birthday today, so we've a weekend of celebrations ahead - I'm a proper, proud auntie - he's such a bright, funny, insightful young man. ## **Here's what we've been up to this week:** ### **Learning about Swifts** Inspired by a chat at last weekend's [**Lewes STEM festival**](https://curiositysussex.github.io/lewes/24.html?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), I've joined Brighton and Hove Swift Group. The swifts in Brighton and Hove fly from Mozambique and can be spotted around the city from May to August. One of the biggest challenges, they face is the decline in flying insects, which is why pesticide-free gardening, and lobbying the council to stop pesticide use in parks and green spaces, is vital. Suitable nesting sites are also important. Swifts are “site faithful”, they return to the same nest each year where they are joined by their life-long partner. [**Swift bricks**](https://www.swift-conservation.org/swift%5Fbricks.htm?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) or [**boxes**](https://www.birdfood.co.uk/swift-nest-box-woodstoner?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) can ensure that these birds continue to be able to find places to build nests. I'm going to put one up on the north facing wall of our house before next spring. Here are some swift facts and a book that Iris and I love! • Swifts are the fastest bird on the planet in level flight. • They are in constant flight for 9 months of the year! • They eat, sleep and mate on the wing. • They are one of the last migrating birds to arrive in the UK and one of the first to leave. • Unlike most birds, they rely solely on urban developments for nesting. We've been reading [**Swift: An Epic Story of a Small Bird's Courage**](https://www.waterstones.com/book/swift/lorna-hill/9781526365255?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) by Lorna Hill - it's a gorgeously illustrated, heartwarming tale of friendship and survival. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Unschooling On the Road URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/unschooling-on-the-road/ Last updated: 2024-11-21T19:46:57.000Z ## **Kirsty Starmer** shares tales of her family adventures around the UK in a big yellow school bus ## I’ve just asked my daughter for the tenth time to make the bedroom space travel-safe. "Alright, alright! I know! I'm doing it!" comes the exasperated reply. A short while later, when I ask her how she feels about travelling in the bus and unschooling, she’s effervescent, "I LOVE EVERYTHING!" Punctuated by wild eyes and animated arm swings. The day before, she’d sat sullenly on board a boat to a remote Loch, trying to build up the courage to speak to the only other child aboard. And then, 30 minutes later, she was marvelling at the 205 jellyfish she'd counted along the way. I can just about remember being eight years old. I lived surrounded by fields and woodland. I would bury time capsules, climb trees, and make flower petal "perfume". I could get lost in a book for hours, and there was an almost constant battle over the tidiness of my bedroom. My daughter could say very similar things. The most significant difference is that I certainly didn't live and learn in an 11-metre-long American school bus travelling the length and breadth of the UK and beyond. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Make Your Own Postpartum Care URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/sacred-sunday-make-your-own-postpartum-care/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:30.000Z ## **Hélène Boyé,** natural-care midwife shares her favourite homemade recipes for the postpartum period and beyond Newborns have fragile and reactive skin. Most products designed for them contain high percentages of synthetic materials. Ensuring the purity and quality of the products you use for them also means protecting them. Here I share some of my favourite homemade recipes for babycare products (that you can also use on the whole family!). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/11/Baby-Blues-Massage-Oil.jpg) ## **BABY BLUES AND POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION MASSAGE OIL** The baby blues is a shortlived slump and is milder than what is known as postpartum depression, which develops and worsens over time. Crying for no reason, being sad, and feeling overwhelmed or worthless are among the main symptoms. Hormonal changes, lack of family and social support, and fatigue can contribute to postpartum depression. The risk increases if the mother has previously suffered from depression. Here is a recipe that may help you, though it should not be used as a substitute for medical advice. In all cases, don’t hesitate to talk about it with your doctor. **Preparation time**: 10 min **Storage**: 12 months **Materials**: scale **Packaging**: 10 ml tinted glass bottle with dropper or pipette cap ### **INGREDIENTS** • 8 g hazelnut (or jojoba) oil • 10 drops Roman chamomile essential oil (*Chamaemelum nobile*) • 10 drops marjoram essential oil • 10 drops small grain bitter orange essential oil (*Citrus aurantium ssp. aurantium*) ### **PREPARATION** Pour the ingredients one by one into the bottle. Close it, then shake it gently to mix the oils well. Wait 48 hours before use so that the active ingredients can synergize and intensify. ### **DIRECTIONS FOR USE** Massage immediately after breastfeeding. Apply 4 drops of oil on the solar plexus and 2 drops on the inner side of each wrist. Repeat applications twice a day until symptoms improve. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/11/Solid-Oatmeal-Shampoo.jpg) ## **SOLID OATMEAL SHAMPOO WITH GROWTH ACTIVATOR** Some women get beautiful, shiny, strong hair thanks to the effects of hormones; others find that their hair becomes short, dull, and brittle. A few months after giving birth, the hair often loses its volume and falls out, sometimes by the handful. Don’t worry, this is completely natural! Castor and avocado oils are known to activate blood flow to the scalp to boost hair growth, while oatmeal softens sensitive, irritated scalps. **Preparation time**: 20 min **Storage**: 9 months **Materials**: scale, bowl, pan, spatula, silicone mold (with 100g capacity) **Packaging**: none ### **INGREDIENTS** • 60 g SCI surfactant (a mild, vegetable-derived surfactant) • 10 g colloidal oat powder • 10 g castor oil • 10 g avocado oil • 5 g vegetable glycerin • 5 g spring water (or nettle hydrosol) ### **PREPARATION** Pour all the ingredients into a heat-resistant bowl and melt them in a water bath: fill a saucepan with water, set over low heat, and place the bowl on top of the saucepan. Once the paste is thick but uniform, remove from the heat, mix gently, and pour the mixture into a silicone mold. Press firmly. Let it harden overnight at room temperature, then remove from the mold. Leave the shampoo to air-dry for 3 days before using it for the first time. ### **DIRECTIONS FOR USE** Wet your hair thoroughly, then rub the solid shampoo on your scalp for several seconds until you get a dense lather. Massage your scalp with your fingertips to distribute the product evenly. Rinse thoroughly. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/11/SOS-All-Purpose-Balm2.jpg) ## **SOS ALLPURPOSE BALM FOR NEWBORNS** This rich balm is an optimal treatment for sensitive, dry, or damaged skin. Enriched with calendula macerated oil, it nourishes, soothes, repairs, regenerates, and heals. Its natural formula is vegan and very gentle, and it is suitable for the whole family, especially newborns. Preparation time: 15 min Storage: 12 months Materials: scale, bowl, pan, spatula Packaging: 50 ml jar ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **INGREDIENTS** • 5 g candelilla wax • 15 g shea butter • 10 g calendula macerated oil • 10 g oat oil • 10 g avocado oil • 2 drops natural vitamin E ### **PREPARATION** Combine all the ingredients in a heatresistant bowl and melt in a water bath: fill a saucepan with water, set over very low heat, and place the bowl on top of the saucepan. Remove from the heat, mix for a few seconds with a spatula, and then transfer to the jar. Leave in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to set, then let stand for 12 hours before use. ### **DIRECTIONS FOR USE** Scoop out some of the balm and let it melt on your fingers. Apply to the affected areas. **TIP** Newborns secrete endorphins (pain-relieving substances) while sucking. Put your baby to your breast for a few minutes to soothe, calm, or lull them to sleep. --- ## **How to Care for Yourself After Birth** After the birth comes the time for new habits and a new lifestyle. It’s a time to take care of your baby and integrate your child into the family, but without forgetting to take care of yourself and your body. It’s also a time for physical recovery and emotional adjustment. According to traditional Chinese medicine, the pregnant woman and the young mother should enjoy themselves, look at beautiful things, listen to beautiful music, and breathe in pleasant smells. In order to properly give and provide, the mother herself needs to be well. Be attentive to your breastfeeding. Get support and advice from professionals who will be up on the latest findings and know how to talk to you about you and your baby. Breastfeeding is a natural process, but that doesn’t mean that it’s easy in practice. Sometimes new mothers need support to help them make this connection to the baby. Don’t forget that physical, skin-to-skin contact with baby promotes the production of milk—so there’s no limit to how much you can cuddle your baby! Newborns don’t have any habits or throw tantrums. It’s a good idea to practice babywearing - that way, you’re in physical contact as often as possible. Babywearing creates a feeling of protection and security. You can adapt your system so it makes your daily activities easier. It’s important to keep your baby in the right physiological position: the baby should be carried vertically, with the knees higher than the pelvis, and carried relatively high, with the head in line with the spine. Take care of yourself by drinking plenty of water or herbal tea. The body and tissues need to be hydrated, especially while breastfeeding. Fennel seed, lemon balm, and anise herbal tea promote milk production and digestive comfort for the baby. The body needs to be replenished with energy. Keep having what you want, but without overdoing it. Drink a lot of fluids, such as fresh fruit juices, in between meals. Opt for sweet flavours like beetroot, fennel, sweet potato, and carrot. Aubergine is subtle and fresh, nourishes the skin, and stimulates physical strength. It is particularly recommended during breastfeeding. Season your salads or cooked vegetables with cold-pressed plant oils such as sunflower, olive, and rapeseed. ## **MORE INSPIRATION** **READ** [**Mother and Baby Natural Care**](https://www.abebooks.co.uk/9781948062886/Mother-Baby-Natural-Care-French-1948062887/plp?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk): French Wellness Secrets and Recipes for New and Expectant Mothers and their Little Ones by Émilie Hébert and Hélène Boyé (Apollo Publishers) ### Going Back to Nature - Living in a Yurt URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/going-back-to-nature-living-in-a-yurt/ Last updated: 2024-11-19T19:43:35.000Z ## **Bex Bird** lives in a yurt in West Cornwall with her two children, Senned (10) and Eidothea (9). Her older children are Matty (29), Ben (28), Caleb (25), Nelly (23) and Bryn (17) We moved in in 2017\. I’d always wanted to build my own eco home, live more lightly on the planet and get back to nature. As it happened, I got divorced and my financial circumstances weren’t as good as they should have been. I had bought the yurt to use as a place to run workshops, and I thought, ‘I could live in this’. We could begin my dream of getting back to nature and living with a very small footprint. I found a community in Cornwall where I could put it up. We call it ‘the unintentional community’. The landowner rented little plots of land for people to live sustainably on, and we began as neighbours. But then over lockdown we formed into a proper community; started projects like polytunnels and ponds and shared and created together. I set my sights high and wanted to be fully off-grid. We had mains water on the site, which I could bring to my pitch, but also an alternative supply that used the natural water source on the hill. That’s an ongoing project, which needs filters and so on. I had solar panels, two wood-burning ranges; one to heat and one to cook on, and a central heating system with radiators and running hot water. I did off-grid in style! _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Sacred Sunday: The Art of Mindful Walking URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/sacred-sunday-the-art-of-mindful-walking/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:30.000Z When you’re walking outside in cold weather, it can feel counterintuitive to slow down and be present. Mindfulness, or any sort of attention or meditation practice, can really help with this. Kinhin is more than bringing meditation into the world; it is about experiencing the world and meditation with no separation. All walking is a meditation of sorts, but kinhin follows a specific path. As meditation teacher Jan Chozen Bays wrote in [**How to Train a Wild Elephant**](https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/how-to-train-a-wild-elephant-book-jan-chozen-bays-9781590308172?price=4.30&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), “Silent walking is a bridge between one side of meditation—silent sitting in pure awareness - and the other side—speaking and moving about.” ## **How to Go on a Mindful Walk** Kinhin is, of course, about attention, but it is also about slowing down—truly slowing down, which is not as easy as you might think. Here is how to do it: 1. Find a location to walk without distractions. It should be a place where you will not draw attention to yourself, especially if you are outdoors. Make sure the path you have chosen is fairly easy, so that you can focus on just walking, not navigation. 2. Lower your gaze, but do not be inattentive, especially when you are walking outdoors. 3. Become conscious of your breath (but do not control it) as you begin walking slowly—very slowly—and deliberately. Notice the rise and fall of your chest, and the feeling of the air as it enters and leaves your lungs. Perhaps it slows to the point of synchronizing with your steps. 4. Feel the entire motion of your footfall, from heel touching ground to toe rising, as your weight shifts. Then the next step, and the next. 5. Your pace should be slow enough that you can remain aware of each step and breath. Now, move even more slowly... 6. Be aware of your body. As you walk, pay attention to your posture and your body’s alignment. Keep your back straight and your shoulders relaxed. All the while, notice the sensations in your feet as they contact the ground and your breath in unison. 7. Let go of thoughts. Use the process of walking and breathing to keep you connected to the present moment. 8. Be compassionate and patient with yourself. Your mind will wander, and when it does, gently bring it back to your breath or your body. There is no need to judge yourself or get frustrated. You will find that this practice will allow you to gradually develop the ability to stay in the present moment for longer periods of time. 9. After walking for a while at the slowest pace possible, you can adjust your speed to fi t your level of comfort. Zen kinhin usually begins almost impossibly slowly (especially if you are a city dweller who is used to walking fast) and then can pick up to a comfortable, brisk, or even fast pace. 10. There is no set time for kinhin, which is another reason why it is easy adapt to walking outdoors, even in winter. You can practice for as long as you like. ### **Finding Stillness** When practicing this walking meditation, do not swing your arms or put your hands in your pockets. There is a reason why Zen Buddhist monks walk with their hands clasped in front of them in gassho (prayer position) or in shashu (right hand over left fist) - it helps to create stillness of the body, which offers stillness of the mind. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ## **MORE INSPIRATION** **READ** [***Winter Wellbeing***](https://rylandpeters.com/products/winter-wellbeing?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) published by CICO Books (£16.99) [Winter WellbeingEmbrace the colder months with this beautifully illustrated self-care guide to not just surviving the winter, but also thriving through the season. Make the most of the change in the weather and learn the benefits of being active outside even if it’s chilly, with a calming walking meditation and a stargazing stroll to![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/icon/square_logo_40757fce-e919-4c91-9bd6-b55863787a6d_32x32.jpg)rylandpeters![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/thumbnail/35a161efeca7c129b1e5a0d64a0b1e6e_1024x1024.jpg)](https://rylandpeters.com/products/winter-wellbeing?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### Get My Ultimate Fire Cider Recipe! URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/get-my-ultimate-fire-cider-recipe/ Last updated: 2024-11-18T11:20:25.000Z Hello A very warm, cosy welcome to this week's newsletter. I've just got home from a day spent in the woods, playing Swallows and Amazons! My friend's son and I built a pretty impressive den - I'm looking forward to going back soon to fill in the gaps with bracken, and maybe make some shelves. #mydreamden It's been a really good, outdoorsy week, since we arrived back from our weekend in the North East (photo above was taken by my sister on the beach at Nose's Point, just south of Seaham). We had a wonderful time with our extended family - lots of hilarious reminiscing and restorative aunty cuddles (for me and Iris)! Workwise, I'm in the blissful stage of planning and plotting out the next edition - this may be my favourite part of making a magazine. Our home education this week has been centred around science; natural history and making medicine. ## **Here's What We've Been up to This Week:** ### **Learning About Leaves** Recently, my brother-in-law and I were wondering about why leaves change colour. Iris and I decided to look it up and discovered that it's to do with chlorophyll levels. There are 3 types of leaf pigments: chlorophyll (green), carotenes (yellow) and anthocyanins (reds and pinks). As the days get cooler in autumn, the leaves start to receive less sunlight. Less sunlight triggers chlorophyll to break down (the tree does not replenish chlorophyll levels) revealing the colourful pigments underneath - that's when we get the stunning orange and red displays. The catalyst for the change in colour is down to hormone levels, day length and night temperature. Here's a cool experiment you can do at home, which explores different leaf colours. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Eat Wild in November URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/eat-wild-in-november/ Last updated: 2024-11-14T19:01:57.000Z ## **Andy Hamilton** gets excited about the rich, comfort food available in trees and in the ground autumn months ## The world starts to slow down in November, the trees are losing their leaves, many plants rot back into the earth, the birds fly off to enjoy time in their second homes taking with them their song, humans retreat from the local parks favouring indoor pursuits and it seem that only the local tawny owl stalks the night. For me it’s also a time to start eating. I’ve stopped beating myself up about it and just accepted that salads no longer cut it in the months of the lower sun. All my winter trousers are all a touch wider around the waist and far more comfortable than my summer shorts. Of course this is a natural state for humans; food is scarcer during the winter months and so we need to put on a few pounds to see us through – and it appears that I’m not alone. Countless studies suggest an increase of a kilo or two in the winter isn’t uncommon for most. If you have squirrels living near you, then you might notice them gaining the pounds too – their physique now a far cry from the bounding, muscular, thin summer squirrels that skimp across the woodland floor. My daughter loves them at this stage and we often stop to watch them stuffing their faces with acorns. It’s not just us humans and the squirrels that put on weight, plants do the same too. They store energy to see themselves through the colder months. You might not see the plants switching salad for pies or stuffing themselves with pizza; instead their roots will have swollen up and are therefore ripe for the plucking. ## **What to Forage for in November** ### **CHESTNUTS** These beautiful trees, introduced by the Romans, are often found growing in parks and gardens across the country, occasionally wild from a rogue nut. Our two favourite trees are just a couple of miles from our home, on a common near to where we lived when we first moved to Bristol. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Let Nature be Your Guide when Raising Children URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/let-nature-be-your-guide-when-raising-children/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:30.000Z ## **Kirsty Meese** writes about the powerful impact of spending conscious time in nature and reconnecting with ourselves. This beautiful piece received Highly Commended in our 2024 Writing Competition ## It was the beginning of May, and I could feel the rising energy of Beltane, full of promise and new beginnings, as my partner Robin and I set out on our favourite type of trip. To immerse in nature. We were to hire a canoe and paddle the lakes of Sweden, just the two of us. This was our first significant canoe trip. I was conscious I would be stretching my comfort zone, and I buzzed with a wonderful mixture of excitement and nerves. I recognised these to be some of the key ingredients for a life-changing experience. We rose early each morning, slowly - the sun and birdsong inviting us to wake. Swimming in the pure cool waters of the refreshing lake before breakfast would get our blood flowing. Then we’d warm ourselves on coffees, brewed on the campfire, before setting out to paddle the next stretch of the lake. Some days the lake was calm and still. Broken only by the hypnotic lapping of our paddles, as we stroked at the milky reflections of clouds in the water. Those were dreamy days and we could take our time, pausing frequently to rest, and dipping our caps in the water to cool our heads. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/11/pexels-alina-rossoshanska-338724645-25225797.jpg) ## Knowing that you love the earth changes you, activates you to defend and protect and celebrate. But when you feel that the earth loves you in return, that feeling transforms the relationship from a one-way street into a sacred bond Robin Wall Kimmerer ### **A Surprise at Sunset** Other days the lake was almost tidal - the wind pushing against us fiercely, as we cut our way through the waves. A close synchronisation between Robin and I became essential in our paddling and together we would read the messages of the water, to gain efficiency from our efforts. It took a keen determination to press on. Pausing even briefly would swiftly render our endeavours undone. These were alert and gritty days that brought a different kind of satisfaction to those when the weather and lake were still. Spent, from our hours on the water, we camped wild under the stars, held by the mulchy earth and cosy in our sleeping bags. The cool night-time air soothing our sun-kissed cheeks. We slept deeply, finding shelter amongst the families of Birch and Pine huddled tightly within the islands that greeted us along the lake. A welcome place to recharge, following a long day of paddling. It was here, on one of those small green islands, watching the sun melt into the silvery lake, wrapped in one another’s tingling arms from the exertion of the day, that I felt a sense of the new life within me. It was a subtle sense of knowing which arose from deep within this moment of complete connection. Perhaps there was a message encoded in that sunset. Maybe, cradled in the quiet of the tangerine sky, I’d somehow sensed a shift in nuance. That first tiny vibration, which they say can begin from as early as four weeks. Not quite a heartbeat. More a gentle thrumming. Could I have somehow recognised this new rhythm within, as it first burst into being? Several days later we arrived in Gothenburg - the city from which we’d fly back to Manchester and on to our home in Yorkshire. The test confirmed what I’d intuited! It took a small age to interpret the words on the screen of the stick, which were of course in Swedish! In somewhat stark contrast to our days in the wilderness, we were now studying a digital screen on a pregnancy test in a busy train station, using a translator app on my phone, which sung back to me what I’d already known. We were having a baby! ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/11/pexels-carolina-roepers-156867-612408.jpg) ## “Nature is the silent witness to intuition and without nature, we cannot revive our intuition” Malidoma Patrice Somé ### The Arrival of Freya Eight months later, on an icy day at Imbolc, Freya arrived gently, in a warm pool in our living room. Those days on the lake and amongst the trees had set something in motion that would play out through our lives thereafter. It seems inevitable now that we would go on to birth and raise our daughter in a natural way. Like herbs in an oil on a sunny windowsill, the essence of our time in nature (recognising we too are nature) becomes potently infused in our lives. It becomes interwoven through the way we birth and parent, through our children, how we engage with others, and in the unique service we bring to the world. When Freya was a baby, I would walk most days, sometimes barefoot, with her snug to my chest in a sling, as I traversed the soft tracks that pick through our local Yorkshire countryside. Perhaps it was a combination of the fresh air, the visceral peace as I walk, and the rhythm of my heart and feet, which would contribute to Freya’s relaxed nature on those walks. She’d often snooze for a while, then peer out towards the changing sky and landscape, as we moved through it gently together. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/11/pexels-tatianasyrikova-3933989-1.jpg) ## “Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair” Khalil Gibran ### **Spending Time Together Outside in Nature** I feel deep gratitude for the privilege of motherhood and to share in this time together outside. I’d often stop to gather herbs, or to taste the fruit of the season, singing the name of each in turn as I invited these into Freya’s line of vision. Sometimes I would pause, for no other reason than to stay a while and be still. I’d bring her to my breast to feed. The world seemed to slow right down. I became attuned to the pace of the softly swaying plants and would drink in those glowing precious moments of pure presence. That kind of delicious presence where all margins disappear. These were times of deep bonding for Freya and me. Though I didn’t know it then, these were times of deep healing for me. ### **A homecoming** I became more profoundly engaged in the natural world. I craved the realness of the wilderness. The more that I responded to that calling, I felt myself further invited in. I could lay myself bare here and reconnect with what truly matters. It was a kind of homecoming, back to myself. I foraged herbs and made these into balms and teas. We built veg beds in the garden and began to grow our own food. I started swimming in a local lake at sunrise, or by the glow of the full moon. Like a parched plant, finally watered, I felt myself rooting down and unfurling new leaves. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/11/pexels-flodahm-534642.jpg) ## “This is really why I made my daughters learn to garden - so they would always have a mother to love them, long after I am gone” Robin Wall Kimmerer ### **Nature as my Mother** In becoming a mother, I too gained a Mother, within this unfolding attunement with the natural world. I was becoming more acutely aware of the powerful and nurturing energy of the earth. I felt myself held and mentored on this journey through motherhood. Amongst the lessons I received, perhaps the most significant one, was of realignment. During my maternity leave, I finally stopped for long enough to hear it. My soul had been whispering to me for a while now, to slow down, so that I might. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/11/pexels-christina99999-29049205.jpg) ## “Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished” Lao Tzu ### **Letting Go** Within those still moments in nature, with Freya wrapped close to my heart, an initiation was taking place beneath the surface. I began to let go of the ways of being and thinking I’d inherited along the way that were no longer serving me. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. There were the masks and misplaced notions of success. All that busyness and rushing around I’d been doing. The short-lived joy of the shallow pacifiers I’d been chasing. The stories I told myself about myself, that were holding me back. Over time I released it all. At first this felt like a huge open wound, as I let these fall away. I battled with my mental health as I processed what this meant and what remained of who I was. I recognise this to have been an essential part of the process, but those times were some of the toughest. As with those challenging days on the lake in Sweden, I was reminded of a tenacity and resilience I had within, to keep on keeping on. I knew that in time an inner calmness would follow, and I would ultimately be strengthened by this experience. I recognise now that something had to be uprooted to allow for something new to grow. My time in nature gave me the resources to navigate this and realign with what that would be. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/11/pexels-stijn-dijkstra-1306815-16747822.jpg) ## "A woman in harmony with her spirit is like a river flowing. She goes where she will without pretense and arrives at her destination prepared to be herself" Maya Angelou ### **A Life Rooted in Nature** I steadily came to know that true fulfilment would only be possible through a life deep-rooted in nature and sharing this understanding with others. My parenting journey so far since has been shaped and coloured by this knowing. Nature is therapeutic. Not only does she heal, but she also strengthens. A tonic for the soul, inspiring a firing of the imagination and all senses. If we’re present and open, there’s a creative awakening for all of us, richly condensed within each exquisite meeting with the more than human world. I recognise this in our daughter as I observe her light up at a day in the woods with a confidence and unmatched joy. I see her whirling and running full pelt through wildflower meadows, with our Collie, Shadow, at her side. Or arranging leaves and petals into mandalas on the stump of an old Oak, paying tribute. I notice her quietly listening to the rain, or a chorus of birdsong, as she rocks in the hammock next to mine, on a woodland camp. There’s a natural ease and groundedness. I love to hear her sing to the trees or her sweet berry-stained lips, thanking the bramble for her jammy treats. I catch Freya’s wild hazel eyes, wide, as she studies a plant or fresh mushroom up-close with delight, purposefully taking in their earthy perfume. There’s a grace in the way she turns over a Beech nut in her tiny fingers at the foot of the mighty roots of a Grandmother tree. When we pause to notice the playfulness and awe, that bright vitality and intoxicating curiosity of children’s conversations with nature, we’re renewed of it within ourselves. We’re witnessing the natural symbiosis and glowing reciprocity, in a relationship that’s as old as time. Through conscious connections in nature, we restore our connection with something deep within ourselves, and from here, we reconnect with something greater still. Something instinctive and expansive is remembered. A kind of knowing and oneness that’s lit up. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/11/pexels-ekamelev-757292.jpg) ## “A walk in nature walks the soul back home” Mary Davis ### **Nature is our Friend** I hope that within these joyful moments we spend together in nature, we’re also developing a blueprint for our children. That no matter the path in life they choose to take, they’ll always be able to return home to the knowing of this feeling and that nature will always be a familiar friend. *Kirsty lives with her partner, daughter, two step sons, their dog Shadow and eight happy hens, in a small rural village near Leeds. Her connection with nature has been strengthened through her journey into motherhood and vice versa. You can share in her experiences through her writing and photography* [***@*heartsandbramble**](https://www.instagram.com/heartsandbramble?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### Babywearing isn't Just for Babies URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/babywearing-isnt-just-for-babies/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:30.000Z ## **Hannah Thomas** talks about why she still wears her 4 year old My four-year-old daughter, Maggie, had a very difficult start in life. The healthy physiological home birth we had carefully prepared for didn't go as we hoped, and I couldn't hold her until she was three days old. And I wasn’t able to breastfeed her for five days, after she aspirated meconium just before her forceps assisted delivery. After the trauma of our separation in NICU, once we brought her home on her 11th day, I followed my instincts to always keep her close to give her body and her spirit the safety and co-regulation that she needed to recover, and the connection we both needed to heal. Babywearing in a sling was the perfect way to be close at all times. ### **We are a carrying species** Learning about the benefits of attachment parenting and having an understanding that our infants expect - on a primal level - to be held (all the time!) strengthened our desire to responsively breastfeed, bedshare and babywear. I knew that was the best thing I could do to help us heal - as well as making mothering so much easier! As Dr Rosie Knowles, author of [**Why Baby Wearing Matters**](https://pinterandmartin.com/products/why-babywearing-matters?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) explains "Carrying your baby is essential to their normal physical, psychological and neurological development. Human bodies are adapted to be a carrying species, it is part of our evolutionary history." So many of the benefits Maggie received from being carried when she was newborn still apply now she is four. ### **Here are some of the benefits:** • Helps me to feel close to her physically now that she doesn't breastfeed, or want me to cuddle her very often • Supports her need for security and attachment to me • Helps to regulate her body, particularly when she's unwell • Helps her to feel calm and relaxed when she's feeling agitated and disconnected • Allows her a space to retreat from an often-overwhelming world • Allows her to engage with situations where she feels nervous from a position of safety • Makes it possible to be close to her whilst keeping my hands free for other jobs, and helping my other child • Keeps her out of harm's way if necessary: for example, on a walk near a busy road or deep water, I can relax and just enjoy being close with her. ### **Pregnancy interrupted our connection** Maggie was two-years-old when I became pregnant with our second daughter. I continued baby wearing her on my back, knowing that it would help maintain our connection and ease her anxieties about the big changes coming. This was especially important as pain and aversion during pregnancy limited how we were able to connect through breastfeeding. I grieve the loss of the enjoyable, easy breastfeeding connection we had before that time. After Rosalie was born, I felt Maggie's sadness that I couldn't carry her anymore and could see in her eyes that she felt she'd been replaced. Although my husband was careful to give her chances to still be 'the baby' in the carrier, I knew it wasn't the same. So as soon as I was out of the fourth trimester, I started wearing her in the carrier again. I managed to persevere with tandem nursing until Maggie was three. Once our breastfeeding journey came to an end (earlier than I had hoped), I knew having physical closeness, and connection, in the carrier, was even more important for both of us. ### **A chance to 'be the baby' again** Maggie has taken Rosalie's arrival hard - and I keenly empathise with the insecurity and instability she feels in our family, and the outside world, after such a big change. Our relationship has changed since her sister arrived, and she now resists being close to me or comforted by me, because (in her own words) "when you hug me it makes me feel more," but one thing she never refuses is a 'cuddle carry.' When I can see and sense her physical overwhelm, agitation in her spirit, disregulation in her nervous system, and emotional disconnection between us - when she is being provocative, lashing out at her sister, trying to suppress her feelings - I know she will benefit from coming up in the carrier. When she is on my back, I feel her body and her energy settle in a way she rarely does otherwise. Sometimes I'll just put her in for ten minutes while I do the washing up, or longer while we walk to the shops. Whenever I do, I can immediately feel the relief it brings her - she softens, relaxes and nestles into me. I can tell it gives her some space to emotionally reset, gives her animal body the womb-like squeeze, close contact and rhythmic movement to feel deepdown safe. It also allows my energy body to help co-regulate her energy (I think of it like giving her an energetic refresh - soothing away what she doesn't need, and boosting what she needs more of ). We recently bought a preschool carrier that is suitable until around age 7, and I am proud to say I will keep wearing her for as long as I can. It is a gift to our children that benefits them body, mind and soul. In our family, babywearing definitely isn't just for babies. --- ## **Childwearing Carriers** Zoë Woodman from [**The Sling Consultancy**](https://theslingconsultancy.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) talks to us about babywearing an older child. "Most standard carriers will fit well until around two years, depending on the model. A ‘toddler’ or ‘preschool’ carrier is designed specifically to fit older children, offering support that is generally higher and wider than standardsized carriers, which is more comfortable when you are carrying 15+kg. Not all carriers are created equal - different ones may be labelled toddler but can vary in width and height between brands, and the amount of padding to the shoulders and waistband. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/11/easyfeelproducts11_600x600@2x.jpg.jpg) ### **Carriers for older children range from less structured designs such as:** Integra (Size 3 fits around 3 - 5 years) [**integrababy.co.uk**](https://integrababy.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) KahuBaby (Toddler fits 18 months - 4 years) [**kahubaby.com**](https://www.kahubaby.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Izmi (Toddler fits 9 months - 3 years) [**izmibaby.co.uk**](https://izmibaby.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **to more structured carriers such as:** Lenny Lamb Toddler (fits 12 months - 3 years) and Preschool carrier (fits 18 months - 7 years up to 30kg) [**en.lennylamb.com**](https://en.lennylamb.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Tula Toddler (fits 2 years+) and Preschool (from 3 years up to 32kg) [**babytula.co.uk**](https://babytula.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Easy Feel Extend Plus (pictured above, suitable up to 29kg) [**easyfeelproducts.com**](https://easyfeelproducts.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) --- ### **YOUR CHILD CARRYING CHECKLIST** When carrying a heavier child, it is important to ensure a good fit: • well-tightened • waistband level not tilting down when the child is in • shoulder straps fitting well and not too loose • fabric going from child’s knee to knee Seek support from a trained consultant or sling library if you’re finding carrying isn’t comfortable as often small tweaks make a huge difference. Find your local sling library at [**carryingmatters.co.uk**](https://carryingmatters.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) --- ## **Q&A with Maggie** ### **What do you like about being in the carrier?** "It feels nice like a piggyback but better 'cos I don't have to hold on. I like walking in the carrier so if I'm tired, I can just fall asleep. The carrier squeezes me, and I feel cosy. In the daytime I feel safest in the carrier and at nighttime I feel safest under the covers next to mummy." ### **What was it like when mummy couldn't have you in the carrier when Rosalie was born?** "It felt like I had to ask daddy to pick me up all the time 'cos I know you couldn't do it. I kept thinking "when is mummy going to be able to carry me again?" ### **What would you say if someone thought carriers were just for tiny babies?** "I'd say, actually they're not. You can just get a bigger carrier! I hope mummy and daddy will keep wearing me in the carrier until I'm a grown up, as long as we can." --- ### 11 Tips for Staying Healthy This Winter URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/how-to-stay-healthy-this-winter/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:31.000Z ## Winter can often leave us feeling run down and tired out but it needn’t be this way. To protect your health during the colder months try these natural remedies and preventatives **Make space for yourself** – regular rest and relaxation during the week will help boost your immune system. If you find ‘me-time’ impossible to organise, then try a session with a good hypnotherapist, who can help you reorder your priorities in more beneficial ways. **Get more sleep** – go to bed earlier, or make time for lie-ins at the weekend. As animals, our natural response to winter is hibernation. Small wonder that our desire to work hard and play hard all year round can take its toll on our energy levels. **Keep hydrated** – remember, your body is not used to central heating, so when those radiators come on in the winter make sure your body doesn’t dry out. The recommended two litres of water a day still holds true for the colder months. **Take a supplement** – consider taking a supplement such as Zinc, Vitamin C, high quality Bee Pollen and definitely add lots of garlic, cayenne pepper and ginger to your diet. Ginger tea is a warming, tasty drink and a fantastic immune booster. Simply peel the roots and boil up for 10 minutes. Add some lemon or honey to taste. **Listen to your body** – if you get hit with a cold or the flu, listen to the message that your body is giving you. Look out for a white coating on the tongue which often means a cold is coming. On first sight, start taking immune boosting action to combat the effects: take homeopathic remedies, Echinacea supplements, eat Shiitake mushrooms, drink elderflower tea and REST. **Consider homeopathy** – keep these remedies handy for emergencies: *pulsatilla* for runny noses, catarrh and loose coughs; *gelsemium* for flu-like symptoms (heavy limbs, aching head); *aconite napellus* at the first sign of chills or a runny nose. Take two 30c tablets three to four times a day, and if the symptoms worsen, seek professional advice. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. **Boost your mood** – if winter gets you down, St John’s Wort can be a powerful mood stabiliser. It is frequently used by sufferers of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), as are Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D supplements. **Have a massage** – book a lymphatic drainage massage to get the lymph system moving after a cold/flu, helping your body to process and release toxins. **Relieve pain** – the pressure of blocked sinuses can be alleviated by a visit to a good cranial osteopath. **Repopulate good bacteria** – if you have taken antibiotics then top up your body’s natural bacterial levels with a course of *Acidophillus*. **Steam up** – hot baths and steam inhalations are an excellent way to warm up and detox over the winter months. Add Himalayan salts to a bath or foot soak. For steam inhalation, add two drops each of eucalyptus, thyme, pine and lavender to a bowl of hot water. Throw a towl over your head and breathe in deeply. A wonderful way of clearing the sinuses and helping you to breathe more easily. ### Why I Set Fire to a Painting URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/why-i-set-fire-to-a-painting/ Last updated: 2024-11-08T19:01:43.000Z Hello, How are you? I hope you’ve had a good week. We’ve just finished off a magazine – whoop whoop! It’s issue 122 and the theme is stillness and slowing down. It’s been such a pleasure to work on it and I can’t wait to see it all finished and IRL! You can be one of the first to get your hands on a copy by pre-ordering [**here**](https://link.thegreenparent.co.uk/buy122?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). Home education wise we’ve been doing a lot of writing. Iris has been writing letters for friends and making signs that she’s stuck up around the house. We’ve done a couple of road trips; she sits next to me with a massive 250 sheet pad of paper, copying out ‘Commonly Misspelt Words in the English Language’! Like mother, like daughter. ## **Here’s what we’ve been up to** ### **Planning a Mini Retreat** My partner took the kids away at the weekend so that I could have some space. This was lush. So good to spend time with my own thoughts and not be beholden to anyone. I really recommend it if you can make it happen in any way, shape or form. I’ve been known to fritter away alone time on admin and cleaning, so I really wanted to make sure I used my time intentionally. I decided to use some books as inspiration. I pulled out [**The Woman’s Comfort Book**](https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/woman-s-comfort-book-book-jennifer-louden-9780060776671?price=4.40&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) by Jennifer Louden (this is a great starting point if you're unsure of how to spend alone time), [**Sacred Motherhood**](https://www.northatlanticbooks.com/shop/sacred-motherhood/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) by Anni Daulter and Niki Dewart (this book is a gorgeous interactive journey through a year of mothering, with ideas and journal prompts), [**Sattva**](https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/sattva-book-emin-rushton-9781788172240?price=4.90&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) by Eminé Rushton (wonderful book about Ayurveda in daily life), [**Sacred Woman**](https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/sacred-woman-book-afua-queen-9780345434869?price=11.00&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) by Queen Afua (jam packed book of healing rituals for women) and [**Wild Feminine**](https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/wild-feminine-book-tami-lynn-kent-9781582702841?price=11.99&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) by Tami Lynn Kent, about the joy and power of our female bodies. I used ideas from each of these books to put together a plan. As an aside, having clear, clutter-free bookshelves is even better than I imagined. I felt so uplifted searching through my books - I've held every title in the shelves in the last couple of weeks, and established that I want to keep it. Around 50% of my books went to charity. Now the shelves are like a clearer representation of who I am, rather than holding onto books from long ago. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Raising Children on a Wild Homestead URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/raising-children-on-a-wild-homestead/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:30.000Z ## **Hadleigh Burch** hopes her daughters will learn skills for a lifetime and be able to pass them down to the next generation ## In the early days of Spring, little bare feet squish through mud, squelching between tiny toes and leaving a trail of footprints behind in the furrows of dirt. We break soil and prepare for the season ahead of us as we wake up the garden for another season. In small palms of excited hands the seed packets are emptied and each seed placed with love into the ground, even if in haphazard rows and patches, to sprout mid-season in the wrong place. The excitement of growing things as we watch for that first sprout, learning patience as we wait for the garden to begin growing. In the heat of summer days, when everything is at its peak, it’s where we spend the majority of our time. Knelt between rows, deciphering weeds from vegetable shoots. Teeny hands learning to look for prickly thistles and stinging nettle, plucking away invasive clover and chickweed. Snacks come from the garden, popping crunchy green peas into our mouths straight out of the pod. Stopping to fill a bowl for my little helpers to sit in the shade of the afternoon and munch away on. It’s warm tomatoes bursting with juice popping in mouths, trickling down dusty chins and leaving a line of dirt on red cheeks. We pause to admire a bumble bee tucked into the large yellow flower of a squash plant, watching it shake and shimmy around a pollen filled stamen. Covered in bright fuzz, we admire as it takes flight back to its home. Busy little honey bees flit between the flowers, stopping to drink from the bee waterers we made together and scattered around the garden. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/11/1000027061-1.jpg) ## May we teach our children to be soft with the world, stepping over earthworms and rescuing honey bees ### **Beekeeping as a Family** My little beekeeper is always asking questions, wondering where the queen bee is, pointing out the pollen pants the honey bee carries back to hive, and why the bees collect the nectar that they do. In the late summer months we collect the honey-filled supers from our little apiary, bringing them home to spin down for that beautiful golden honey. There isn’t one set of hands that’s not sticky, but one in particular sneaks tastes from the spouts of filled buckets as they pour through screens and into bottles. Jars for friends and family boast crooked labels and sticky fingerprints, because we cannot say no to the eagerness of wanting to help in every step of the process. We keep nothing from our little wild farm girls, involving them in all aspects of life on our farm. The broiler birds which we have fed and moved around the yard all summer in the chicken tractor must be processed for the freezer to feed our family. From day one, we are honest about the outcome of these birds and when butcher day arrives there are lots of questions but no tears or fear. The summer hogs who take up residence in our pasture, their snorts and antics becoming a part of our daily life, will also leave the farm. We load them onto the trailer and wave goodbye, thankful for another season of raising food for our family. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. We fill egg baskets in the afternoon sunshine, dropping pocketful’s of grain on the ground around our feet as thanks. We name our laying hens; Plain Jane and Big Momma, Cheeky Monkey and Bonnie, thankful for our feathered friends and the rainbow of eggs they give us daily. Little feet climb up the step ladder, carefully lifting the lid of the nesting boxes and reaching in to retrieve warm eggs from bedded hens. They will be placed carefully by the little hands that gathered them onto the rack on the counter for breakfast and baking and yummy treats made together in the kitchen. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/11/1000027048-1.jpg) ### **Life is Filled with Adventure** Ours is a simple life here on our little wild homestead, but it is filled with so much joy, adventure, love and lessons. It’s wild little girls with big imaginations, learning skills to carry with them a lifetime. Hopefully passing on to their daughters and their daughters after them. So, may we raise our girls in the garden, learning to sprout and flourish alongside the birds and the bees. May they bloom in all their glory, not ever wondering if their petals shine less than the flower beside them. May we teach them to be soft with the world, stepping over earthworms and rescuing honey bees from the water puddles. May they learn to share space with the weeds and wildflowers, knowing one is not better than the other, each playing their part in a larger ecosystem. May they one day grow to love Mother Nature as I have, spending their days frolicking between rows of green shoots and vegetables. Planting their own seeds for the future and perhaps, through it all, smiling thinking of me as they do so when I am long gone. *Hadleigh Burch is the face behind A Little Wild Farm, a family run homestead on 160 acres of field and forest in Alberta, Canada. Along with her husband and two daughters, Hadleigh is focused on creating a simpler and more sustainable way of life for her family. From gardening to baking, sewing to knitting, writing and photography, she shares a look into her family's daily life on their farm raising pigs, chickens and keeping honey bees on Instagram* [***@alittlewildfarm***](https://www.instagram.com/alittlewildfarm/?hl=en&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)*.* *Photography by Stephanie at* [***Rockwood Photography***](https://www.rockwoodphotography.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### 10 Ways to Encourage Kids to Write URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/10-ways-to-encourage-kids-to-write/ Last updated: 2024-11-04T19:06:02.000Z ## Create your own family friendly National Novel Writing Month experience at home with your kids. Here are our top ten ways for inspiring young writers. So, dig out those pens and get creative says **Lucy Corkhill** National Novel Writing Month, or[**NaNoWriMo**](http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/about?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) as it’s known, had humble beginnings back in 1993 in the San Francisco Bay area. 21 writers decided to set themselves the goal of ‘a novel in a month’. Since then, it’s gone from strength to strength and in 2011, 256,618 people participated, with 36,843 of them crossing the 50,000 word finish line by the midnight deadline on 30th November. Participants can log in to the website and offer support and advice on the forums, plus log their achievements. The idea behind NaNoWriMo is that everyone has a novel in them, they just lack the time, energy and commitment to get it down. With a deadline to work to, and the knowledge that there are thousands of other writers staying up late around the world to meet their word quota, it’s amazing what you can achieve! Even if you decide NaNoWriMo is a bridge too far for you this year, it offers an excellent opportunity to get children interested in writing. How about creating a smaller version for your family? Here’s our top ten ideas for a family-friendly NaNoWriMo: _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Letting Go as Children Grow URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/letting-go-as-children-grow/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:31.000Z ## I remember sobbing when our eldest son was a few weeks old, imagining the day that I would breastfeed him for the last time, says **Emma Foley** It seemed impossible that he wouldn’t always need that sustenance from me, and that this co-dependence between us would ever end. Hormones, anxiety and sheer sleep deprivation played a huge role, but the anticipatory grief of that moment was very real for a long time. A few months ago, I fed our youngest son for the final time – at four and a half, he self-weaned. A monumental journey came to an end that day, but it was almost a non-event. He was ready, I was ready – it happened naturally, on our own terms, with no fanfare. All I felt was gratitude for having been able to feed them both for as long as they wanted, and excitement at perhaps reclaiming my body in some way. This would have been unthinkable to me six years earlier, as I grappled with brand-new motherhood. Life – both externally and internally - had changed so profoundly between these two scenarios. As a first-time mum, I couldn’t fathom that the intensity of the newborn phase would ever end. I couldn’t yet account for the endless ways in which both mother and baby would change and grow, in ways big and small. ### **Constant Change** As a Buddhist, I reflect often on the teaching that all conditioned things are impermanent. Even things that are seemingly timeless – mountains, the ocean, the land– are in a state of constant change. Witnessing our sons’ growth has given real insight into this truth, matched only by the death of my dad. Without a doubt, impermanence is most evident at the beginning and end of our lives. Both have elements of pain and beauty. All things within nature wax and wane, are born and die, are subject to seasons – as humans we are no exception. Parenting young children is just one season of many in our lives, and within that are countless phases of varying intensity, each with their own joys and difficulties. ### **Meet Them Where They Are** You don’t have to be a Buddhist to notice that children are constantly growing and changing, along with their needs and your relationship with them. For me, reflection on this brings perspective during moments of potential overwhelm. It gives me a better chance of being the mum I want to be – respectful and gentle - and less chance of losing my temper when yet another cup of water gets spilled (or was it poured?) all over the bed. Everything is a phase – it’s trite, but it’s true. And keeping in mind the rate at which your child is growing and changing, whilst meeting them where they are, can make whatever you’re tackling seem that little bit easier. You have to deal with the child in front of you- and that child will be different in a few months. Thinking this way has helped us to pick our battles, and really lean into meeting their needs. Our sons are gradually transitioning to falling asleep without us in the room, and that feels ok. Even six months ago, they weren’t ready, and we’d have caused stress and upset by rushing this next step, rather than just enjoying the cuddles while they lasted. This spacious approach has taken away so much pressure, and our boys are secure and self-assured. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **A Bittersweet Truth** I know that I’ll miss having young children in the house - I already feel a pang when I think about our sons as froggy-legged, velvet-headed newborns. I also know that I struggled hugely with sleep deprivation and anxiety in the newborn days, and that life is easier now. Multiple truths can co-exist, and we can hold and honour those things simultaneously. This broader perspective can also be a catalyst for full acceptance of things as they actually are. Whether that’s idyllic and beautiful, or messy and stressful (or all of these, all before breakfast) – there’s untold power in accepting where you are right now. This moment won’t come again. For some moments, you’ll be glad that’s the case – and that’s ok. ‘They’re not little for long’ shouldn’t become a stick to beat yourself up with. In decades to come I might look back wistfully at entire plates of spaghetti being thrown on the floor – but I’m not there yet. ### **Empowerment In Change** Just like our children, we are constantly changing – in fact, we are nothing but change. This can be hugely empowering - nothing about us is truly permanent, even as adults. These changes arguably slow down beyond childhood, but think back to you at eighteen – which aspects of your personality are still the same, and which have shifted? I’m a completely different person, and I’ll be more different still as I grow older. For me, seeing life as a process in this way takes some of the pressure out of raising children. The way we are now will affect our children for the rest of their lives, hence the need to parent consciously. But vitally, there isn’t some pinnacle of adulthood that childhood is rigorous training for. Your child is as much ‘themselves’ at two, or six, or twelve, as they will be in any of their adult years – they will continue to grow and change, as will we. Childhood is a part of life - a transient and magical one. Embracing its unique wonder, as opposed to seeing it as a bootcamp to prepare for adulthood, frees up space for joy. ### **On Letting Go** ‘Don’t worry too far in advance’ is a lesson I’m continuing to learn, and one that I try and pass to our sons. I know that they won’t want to live with us forever, but at this moment in time that’s unfathomable to them – they’re fully confident that they never want to leave. I remember feeling the same as a child, and I reassure them that they’ll always be welcome, but that they’ll feel differently as they get older. In the meantime, letting go happens in tiny increments. Sometimes these tiny changes – the ones you don’t brace yourself for – can catch you off guard. The thinning out of pudgy little screw-on wrists, or donating a forgotten toy they were obsessed with as a toddler – there’s no shame in sentimentality. Even them ‘sleeping through’, which I’d desperately wanted for five years, seemed like a little loss, somehow. The emotions that come with these transitions, even when they seem irrational, are testament to the raw love we have for our children. In their own way, and in their own time, they will continue to change and grow in ways as yet unknown. The sheer need of early childhood will dissipate, and the cord between our hearts will endure yet lengthen as they eventually head out into the world as their own, ever-changing people. And what could be more beautiful? **Emma Foley* lives in the North of England with her husband and two young sons. She writes, answers a switchboard and volunteers at her local Buddhist Centre. As well as being featured in literary and parenting magazines, Emma has written a children's picture book and is actively seeking representation.* ### How My Daughter and I Worked Through Some Sticky Stuff (Involves Swords and Play!) URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/untitled-3/ Last updated: 2024-11-01T19:05:30.000Z Hello A very warm, cosy welcome to this week’s newsletter. Happy New Year (1st November is the start of the Celtic Wheel of the Year)! I can't believe it’s November already and the start of winter. It still feels very mild here in Sussex. I watched a bee bumbling about in a London park earlier in the week. Ever wondered what happens to bees over winter? They [**mostly hibernate**](https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/blog/2022/11/where-do-bees-go-in-winter/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). We’ve had a half term packed with fun and friends - it's been busy. I’m looking forward to going inwards this weekend, with a little mini at-home retreat to mark day 1 of my bleed. And breathe! ## **Here’s what we’ve been up to:** ### **Making Rose Petal Honey** This gorgeous floral honey was inspired by Lucy Jones' [**A Working Herbal Dispensary: Respecting Herbs as Individuals**](https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/working-herbal-dispensary-book-lucy-jones-9781801520423?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). This book was a recommendation from a friend, and it’s brilliant. It’s packed with knowledge. I like to open it at random and learn more about a plant; layering new information on top of what I already know. I feel like Lucy sees plants in a whole new way. I love how there’s an energetics section for each entry. Roses, for example, help us gently open our hearts and process trauma. Lucy says "Rose's action on the heart allows it to begin to loosen its grip on hidden experiences, and its action in supporting our livers and digestion helps us to better digest the emotions as they arise." Sounds nourishing, right? ### **Here’s how to make honey from rose petals:** We dried out some of the gorgeous roses from our garden, on a tray, in a sunny spot on the window sill. Then we ground the petals up in a blender. We stirred the rose petal powder into a jar of raw honey. Lucy suggests to aim for about 1 part rose petal powder to 3 parts honey. The honey is still curing, but apparently it will thicken and be fragranced with rose. I just had a sniff and it smells subtly gorgeous. A spoonful of this honey can be added to tea when in need of rose medicine. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### New Abundance Edition Out Now! URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/new-abundance-edition-out-now/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:31.000Z ## Autumn is in the air and we’re excited that the new edition of The Green Parent is out now and full of uplifting ideas for you This[**abundance special edition**](https://link.thegreenparent.co.uk/buy121?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) is packed with ideas for raising generous kids, how to encourage a growth mindset and cultivate wonder. There’s expert advice on staying calm mid-meltdown, teaching kids self-acceptance and a joyful home birth story. Plus ancient techniques for staying well through Autumn, 5 brilliant ways to celebrate Apple Day and how volunteering can change teens’ lives. [**Read about**](https://link.thegreenparent.co.uk/buy121?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)the mum who became more patient and present after she instigated solo adventures for herself, and meet Crow Woman, who says nature connection is vital for our children. All this, and heaps, heaps more! ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. **For every print order, we'll send you a digital download\* of this edition free - this means that you can quickly access all the links inside for research and shopping!** 0:00 /0:12 1× [Buy your autumn issue here](https://link.thegreenparent.co.uk/buy121?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) *\*The free interactive digital edition of our Oct/Nov 2024 issue is available on all print subscriptions and single print edition purchases, until 22nd November 2024\. Please check your order confirmation email for details on how to access your download.* ### Reduce Stress: Plug Into Nature URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/reduce-stress-plug-into-nature/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:31.000Z ## Highly Commended in our recent Writing Competition, read how and why we need to connect with nature ## As a child, I felt so at home in natural surroundings; I'd spend ages watching bees and bugs in the garden, I would look out of the playground window at the trees in the wind and the birds swooping around, and find a kind of peace in my busy mind. I loved to go for forest walks with my family, or to spend a day at the beach, where I would search for shells with an endless enthusiasm. Nature was my playground, where my imagination was able to run free and my body was able to run, jump and climb. I observed the sights, sounds and smells, I loved the season changes. The tree that blossomed in our garden would yearly be a sign that my birthday was coming, I’d catch the ‘autumn smell’ in the air or watch the twinkling constellations on winter nights from my back garden. As I got older, walking my dog as a teenager was a sanity saver during difficult times. I would go on 2 hour rambles with her and leave my worries behind. ### **Exploring Nature with a Toddler** When I became a parent, it was during a time in my life that had been difficult and challenging. I loved becoming a Mum but I was full of anxiety, physically in aches and pains, mentally fragile and on edge. Slowly, I rediscovered nature, through my daughter’s eyes. I took her on little picnics to parks and beaches, I showed her flowers, took her to the butterfly farm, collected sticks, stones, shells. Joy and peace crept back into my life and I became determined that she would get to experience much of what I had as a child, that joy of being outside and being in nature. At the same time, I began to retrain and change my career path. As I overcame my anxiety to become a better parent, I wanted to help other people do the same thing. It became important to me in a way nothing had really been before. I trained in baby massage and yoga and as a children’s yoga teacher. After teaching for a couple of years in different venues, I began to explore doing some classes outside, in a nearby forest and at a beach. A lot of my class themes focused on what was happening in nature and the seasons. During covid, when outdoors became more important for people, I retrained to offer welllbeing classes in the outdoors and have had some amazing experiences teaching in forests and on beaches for different organisations and am now branching into running family wellbeing days and retreats. ### **Health Benefits of Nature Connection** As most of us probably know and realise, connection with nature enhances our physical and mental wellbeing. There is so much research going on around this, the Japanese, for example, have embraced the benefits of forest bathing since the 1980s and it is now becoming so much more popular here with the growth in the number of forest schools and in the UK, following Scandinavian countries example. Trees provide us with oxygen, they also give off phytoncides, which can actually benefit our immune systems as they help us increase the amount of ‘natural killer’ cells that fight unwanted things in our body. The benefits also last longer than just the day you are out in the forest as well, going on for up to 30 days. ### **Nature Benefits Babies Too** Nature also provides the best sensory input for us all, including babies and children. Getting babies, toddlers and children out into nature and letting them interact with it is one of the best things for their development. Using our own senses, we can bring ourselves into a more mindful state, lowering stress when we are out in nature. You may also have heard of the term ‘blue mind’ about how being on, in or around water has so many mental health benefits. When you remember that most of the planet and our bodies are made up of water, and how we develop in the womb in water, it isn’t surprising that water is calming for us. We are very lucky in our part of the world that most of us can have access to coasts and forests or even parks and gardens and to have so much opportunity to connect with nature. Connecting with nature is mostly free and accessible to all in some way. Our children don’t need sterile, super safe environments, bright lights, soft play and technology to be happy and well developed, but to give them the opportunity to interact with nature is giving them so much more for their development, and can reduce stress and anxiety as well. There is a movement called 1000 Hours Outside, which is aiming to get families to reconnect with nature and each other. There are some children spending 4 to 7 hours on screens per day with only 15/20 minutes of outside time, compared to a generation ago when children could be outside for hours. As parents, we are the ones with the power to change this - it isn’t always the easy option, but small steps and changes now could make such a big difference to our children in the future. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **Small Ways to Connect with Nature** There are so many small ways that you can connect with nature, from planting flowers or herbs in a window-box, to going on a nature walk and letting children climb trees, putting some wellies on and splashing in puddles on a wet day, or taking a day trip to the nearest beach or forest or park. Maybe look up leaf identification or get a book on trees from a library, go on a birdwatching walk to see how many types you can notice or sit outside and look up at the stars with mugs of hot chocolate. A generation ago, people could have named and identified different trees from their leaves, or named the constellations; we are losing that kind of knowledge. As humans, we are a part of nature, when things get too much, getting out in nature can change our whole perspective. We get out of our busy mind and more in tune with our body and senses. By following the natural cycles and rhythms of nature, we understand that we too are part of those cycles. We also understand our responsibility to look after the natural world. The seasons, weather and the phases of the moon for example do affect our lives and continue to do so, even if we are not directly involved in farming or working with nature. By setting the intention of consciously connecting with nature and our children, we can boost health, reduce stress, and have a ripple effect that could even go beyond just our own family into the wider world and into the future. *Lindsay Murray is a wellbeing facilitator, who works with families and children in a range of ways and teaches them tools to help them to nurture, empower and connect in order to lead a calmer, happier life. Follow her on* [***Instagram***](https://www.instagram.com/riseandshinewellbeingni/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) *or* [***Facebook***](https://www.facebook.com/riseandshinewellbeing)*.* ## **MORE INSPIRATION** **LISTEN** To the 1000 Hours Outdoors podcast [Podcast — 1000 Hours Outsidepodcast, nature, 1000 hours outside, outside, parenting, kids and family, kids, family, apple, spotify, google![](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0097caead12b7ccccaac20/1594052162395-307ULP2IR1EB3IADAIYI/favicon.ico?format=100w)1000 Hours OutsideGinny Yurich![](http://static1.squarespace.com/static/5f0097caead12b7ccccaac20/t/65621c07e3203141d143601e/1700928531244/Screenshot+2023-11-25+at+11.08.28+AM.png?format=1500w)](https://www.1000hoursoutside.com/podcast?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### 6 Yummy Things to do with Leftover Pumpkin URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/6-yummy-things-to-do-with-leftover-pumpkin/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:31.000Z ## Lantern making means that there’s a lot of spare pumpkin flying about ahead of Halloween. Don’t waste its sweet goodness; keep the pulp and seeds to create delicious treats. Smaller, eating pumpkins will taste better, but the flesh of lantern-making veggies works too. ### **Make a Purée** Cut the pumpkin flesh into evenly sized cubes, and either steam for ten minutes or, for a deeper flavour, roast in the oven for 40-60 minutes. When the cubes are soft, use a fork or electric blender to mash and leave to cool. The sweet mush makes a great stand-alone lunch for tiny babies (make a big batch and freeze it in ice-cube trays), or use it as the basis for more exciting recipes. ### **Pumpkin Spice** Mix together four teaspoons ground cinnamon, one teaspoon ground cloves, 2 teaspoons of ground ginger, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg. Store in an airtight container. ### **Pumpkin Latte** Heat two mugfuls of your choice of milk, two tablespoons of pumpkin purée – or more if you like it pumpkin-heavy – and sugar or honey to taste in a pan until hot but not boiling. Remove from heat, and whisk in a teaspoon of vanilla extract, one teaspoon pumpkin spice mix. Pour into two mugs and top with whipped cream and sprinkle of the spices. ### **Super-easy Pumpkin Ice Cream** Mix 250g of puree with 75g brown sugar, and a teaspoon of pumpkin spice. Soften 1 litre of vanilla ice cream, and fold in the other ingredients. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/10/GettyImages-653633833.jpg) ## Don’t waste the sweet goodness; keep your pumpkin pulp and seeds to create delicious treats ### **Roasted Seeds** Don’t forget to roast your pumpkin seeds for a tasty snack. Wash and dry the seeds thoroughly, toss in olive or coconut oil, and whatever seasoning you fancy from salt, black pepper, curry powder, turmeric and garlic powder, then roast in the oven for 15 minutes. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **Whipped Pumpkin Ricotta** Whizz 250g ricotta cheese, 70g pumpkin purée, a pinch each of sea salt, cinnamon and lemon zest in a medium-high blender for two minutes. Top with black pepper, olive oil or pine nuts. Serve with crackers, crudités or apple slices. ### **Pumpkin Hummus** Put 500g pumpkin purée, two roasted garlic cloves, the juice of half a lemon, two tablespoons of tahini paste and 400g of canned chickpeas into an electric blender. Blend until smooth. Season, and add extra virgin olive oil until it’s your preferred consistency. ### 8 Magical Ideas for Halloween URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/8-magical-ideas-for-halloween/ Last updated: 2024-10-29T19:30:22.000Z # Samhain (pronounced sow’ain) is the precursor to today’s Halloween, an ancient Celtic festival honouring the ancestors that came before us It is believed that at this time of year the veil between this life and the Otherworld are at their thinnest, meaning that connection and communication with the dead is easier. To our modern ears, this may sound morbid – or downright scary – but Pagans respected death as a normal and natural part of our journey. The fact that Samhain became Halloween – a day for getting dressed up in our most frightening and ghoulish costumes – means we mostly forget to mark this time of year with a deep, intuitive respect for the cycles of life. ### **The Lore and Legend of Samhain** At the end of October, we can see the natural world dying back around us. The nights are drawing in, leaves are falling from the trees and decaying, animals are brought in from the fields and the harvest has been gathered. We are preparing for the stillness and reflection of Winter. Pagans understood that death was as necessary as birth. Today, we celebrate birth but shy away from thinking about or openly discussing death. Death takes place away from the community in hospitals and nursing homes, and rarely do we see ‘home death’ discussed in the same positive way as ‘home birth’. Our ancestors lived different lives and would have seen death on a daily basis, which naturally made them more conscious of its place in their lives. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Six Things To Do With Your Family in November URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/six-things-to-do-with-your-family-in-november/ Last updated: 2024-10-28T19:08:25.000Z ## Darker nights mean forests transformed into glittering light trails, building a marigold-decked altar and remembering precious moments with those we miss, and free film screenings and events for young people across the country ### **Remember, Remember** Traditionally celebrated on November 1st and 2nd, and most widely observed in Mexico, Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead festival is all about gathering to remember friends and family members who have died. It’s a joyous, upbeat celebration, as participants tell funny stories about those who have left this world. Mexibrit, with support from the Mexico Embassy have organised a huge,[**free celebration in Hackney**](https://hackneybridge.org/em%5Fevent/londons-day-of-the-dead-festival/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), with two days of culture, live music, workshops, arts, dance and street markets. Why not gather with your family to remember your most missed friends and relatives? You might like to[**make an altar**](https://artelexia.com/blogs/artelexia/how-to-make-day-of-the-dead-altar-diy?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) with marigolds, tissue paper ‘papel picado’ (find out how to make it[**here**](https://www.wahaca.co.uk/make-your-own-papel-picado-bunting/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)), candles, water, photographs and marigolds. Or create[**sugar skulls**](https://www.holajalapeno.com/super-easy-sugar-skulls-for-dia-de-los-muertos/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), an art that dates back to the 17th century when Catholic friars introduced gravestone art to the people of Mexico. Find out more about Day of the Dead here: _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### How to Create an Enchanted Childhood URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/how-to-create-an-enchanted-childhood/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:32.000Z ## Raising children is an immersive, life-changing experience, one that constantly challenges and inspires us says **Maria Rogers** ## As parents, we undoubtedly want to create a nurturing environment that fosters curiosity, wonder, and joy in our children’s hearts. Yet, in a world often clouded by cynicism, fear, and disillusionment, maintaining a sense of enchantment can seem like a courageous act of rebellion. How do we encourage our children to see the beauty in the world when we ourselves are aware of its darker sides? How do we cultivate curiosity and wonder in the face of a rapidly modernizing society that often overlooks the magic in everyday life? I find myself reflecting on these questions deeply, drawing on my own childhood experiences in Russia. In that context, where superstitions and remnants of pagan traditions still seep into everyday life, there was an ever-present sense of mystery surrounding the world. The belief in the unseen—the idea that life exists not just in what we can see and measure but in intangible forces—shaped my worldview, one where I felt connected to something greater than myself. I believed — and admittedly still do — in *domovoy* (a household spirit of the kin), in the ability of certain herbs to ward off evil, and in many other things that might seem odd or silly to someone from a different background. This perspective, I believe, holds incredible value for raising children, particularly in a time when information is at our fingertips but real knowledge—the kind that shapes our souls—seems to be slipping away. ### **The Courage to Stay Enchanted** Yes, it takes courage to remain enchanted, especially as we become more aware of the world’s troubles. From climate crises to social injustices, the weight of reality can often dim our sense of wonder. But raising children is the perfect reminder that the world is still full of magic, even in its imperfections. Children naturally see the world with fresh eyes, their minds not yet burdened with adult concerns. As parents, it is our responsibility to nurture and protect that curiosity, even as we guide them through the complexities of life and in inevitable disappointments. When my almost three-year-old son discovers a new bug or slug in the garden, I make sure to show my own curiosity instead of reacting with the learned disgust that many adults may have toward such creatures. This also goes for the discovery of a dead bird or a mouse, we’re not shying away, instead, we’re acknowledging that this too is a part of life. Children learn by example, and how we respond to the world around us informs their perspectives. By stripping exploration of judgment, we allow them to experience the essence of discovering something they haven’t seen or felt before. To them, that bug is as wondrous as the stars, and it’s our job to remind ourselves of that same wonder. Exploring the world with our children teaches them to embrace life’s mysteries, to marvel at what is before them, and to ask questions without needing all the answers. This mindset is essential not just for childhood but for life itself. In a way, it is an antidote to the cynicism or indifference that can sometimes take over as we grow older. One of the most powerful ways to stay enchanted with the world is through storytelling. Stories, especially those steeped in folklore and legends, connect us to something larger than ourselves. They are rooted in human experience, passed down through generations to teach, to guide, and to inspire. Folktales from my own culture have always been a source of fascination and comfort to me. These stories were rich with meaning, filled with creatures and spirits that walked the line between the seen and unseen *(Baba Yaga, The Firebird and Princess Vasilisa, Sivko-Burko etc.)* I like sharing these stories with my children, weaving them into our daily lives. It might be a tale about a magical forest, a talking animal, or a heroic figure who outwits evil, these stories help to widen their perspectives and enrich their minds. They provide context for the natural world, a reminder that we are part of an ancient, ongoing story. When we talk about plants, animals, food, or other things that surround us, there’s always a folktale or legend, or a memory shared, rooted in my own childhood experiences, that can add depth and wonder to those ordinary objects or moments. A simple walk through the woods can transform into an adventure where trees are guardians, streams carry messages, and animals have wisdom to share. In this way, our surroundings come alive, and our children learn that the world is not just a place to inhabit but a story in which they are active participants. ### **A Different Kind of Knowing** My own grandmother was an amazing storyteller. She knew things about things—knowledge that wasn’t found in books or, as we would now say, on the Internet. Growing up in a time without the instant access to information we have today, she embodied a different kind of knowing: a wisdom that came from observation, listening, and a deep connection with the rhythms of life. It was through her stories that I learned to appreciate the richness of the unseen world, to respect the mysteries of nature, and to trust in something greater than myself. Her stories were, in essence, a form of enchantment, a way of showing that life’s meaning wasn’t confined to the concrete facts we so often rely on today. Believing in the unseen is not about denying science or facts. Rather, it’s about expanding our understanding of reality to include the things we can’t quantify: wonder, connection, intuition, and spirit. It’s about acknowledging that there is more to life than what meets the eye, and teaching our children that they are part of a world that is full of magic and meaning. This belief can help them feel that they belong to something greater than themselves, and that caring for the world is not just an obligation but a joyful, intrinsic part of being alive. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **A Reverence for the Unseen** When we approach life with a sense of reverence for the unseen, we invite our children to do the same. Through rituals, celebrations, or even quiet moments of observation, we can help them feel connected to the larger world around them. This might mean taking time to appreciate the changing seasons, to marvel at the moon during different phases, or to notice the small wonders of daily life—like the intricate patterns on a leaf, the quiet rustle of wind through the trees, or a spiderweb appearing just overnight on a window sill. In many ways, this practice of wonder is also an antidote to the anxiety that can arise in children (and adults) as they navigate a fast-paced, unpredictable world. It gives them a sense of grounding, a reminder that they are part of a larger web of life, and that life, in all its complexity, is still full of beauty and meaning at any given moment. In our family, we have little traditions that help us feel connected to each other and to the world around us as well as to our multicultural heritage. Cooking traditional things like *borscht* with herbs from the garden, wearing my grandmother’s shawl made of red wool whilst reading stories to my children, sometimes it’s as simple as lighting a candle before dinner, or taking a moment to watch the sunset at the end of the day. These small acts of reverence remind us that we are part of something greater than ourselves, and they help to instill a sense of peace and gratitude in my children. ### **Bringing the Magic into Everyday** In a way, these rituals are too a form of enchantment—ways of turning the mundane into something magical. They help to slow down the pace of life and create space for reflection, wonder, and connection. And they remind us that even in a world that often feels chaotic, there are still moments of beauty and stillness to be found. In today’s world, there’s a growing temptation to outsource our thinking to technology, to rely on algorithms and artificial intelligence to tell us what to believe and how to live. While there’s no denying the usefulness of technology in many areas of life, I believe that it’s more important than ever to resist the pull of artificial intelligence when it comes to the deeper questions of life. As I mentioned earlier, my grandmother had a way of knowing things that didn’t come from books or the Internet. It came from experience, intuition, and a deep connection to the world around her. This kind of knowledge is becoming increasingly rare in a world that prioritizes convenience and speed over reflection and depth. But it’s precisely this kind of knowledge that we need to pass on to our children, if we want them to grow up with a sense of wonder, resilience, and a connection to this world, each other and whatever else lies beyond. We shouldn’t let our own intelligence become artificial. The knowledge that truly enriches our lives doesn’t come from a screen or a search engine. It comes from observing the world, listening to stories, and engaging with life on a deeper level. It comes from cultivating curiosity, wonder, and a sense of belonging to — and being a part of —the world that is full of mystery and magic. *Maria Rogers is an award-winning musician and a mother of two children (age almost 3, and 3 months), based near Windsor. Passionate about the magical storytelling she created Inside A Fairytale project* [***insideafairytale.co.uk***](https://insideafairytale.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) *aimed to add enchantment into the everyday life.* ### How I'm Struggling with Too Much Stuff! URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/how-im-struggling-with-too-much-stuff/ Last updated: 2024-10-25T17:57:17.000Z Hello, Happy weekend! Hope you’ve had a good week. I’ve had a busy time at work as I wanted to get ahead. It’s half-term next week and I’ll be with my daughter, so work will have to be squeezed into early mornings and evenings! I’m just putting the final touches to all the articles and features for issue 122 (out next month – you can pre-order your copy [**here**](https://link.thegreenparent.co.uk/buy122?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) and be one of the first to have it land on your doorstep). It’s been such a lovely edition to work on – the theme is stillness and there’s features on going screen-free, making a family vision board and how journaling can change your life. My daughter and I have had some blissful sun-filled days – she’s confused by how warm it is – “Isn’t it nearly Winter, Mum?” ### **Celebrating Samhain** Talking of Winter, Samhain is nearly here. It marks the Celtic New Year and the start of Winter. We’ve been making decorations and planning a Halloween party for this weekend. My partner is setting up a witch school, at the request of our littlest one. She wants to learn how to fly, and turn herself into a cat! You can read more about Samhain celebrations and ideas for families [**here**](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/4-ways-to-celebrate-samhain/) and on [**Instagram**](https://www.instagram.com/thegreenparentmag/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### 4 Ways to Celebrate Samhain URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/4-ways-to-celebrate-samhain/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:32.000Z ## Traditionally Samhain, or Halloween, is a time to honour our interconnected world, especially the unseen world of spirit; to welcome a time of rest and renewal; and to remember those who have died. **Glennie Kindred** celebrates the Celtic New Year at Samhain As the season begins to change, and the year’s outer growth cycle comes to an end, the autumn reveals many new possibilities. The festival of Samhain, at the end of October, marks the end of the old year’s cycle and the beginning of the Celtic New Year. ### **Give Thanks** Samhain is a time to give thanks for the year that is now finishing. Name all the good things as well as the challenges, and look for the hidden blessings that may be found within them. Nurturing new directions brings hope and purpose to your winter months. ### **Gather Together to Reflect** Gather your family together for a mini Samhain celebration. You could each bring a special stone. Everyone holds their stone as they contemplate and reviews the year that has ended. Each speaks from the heart and takes a wide overview as well as a personal perspective. Each names a new hope or new direction that has been revealed and embeds it in the stone, which can be decorated. ### **Craft Something to Honour The Year Gone** A Samhain tradition is to make a representation of the old year, using willow whips, ivy or old man’s beard as a base, and weaving in plants and natural things from the old year, such as herbs, sprays of berries, dried grasses, the last flowers. Alternatively invite everyone to make a Samhain head-dress using similar materials, or to pick a seasonal posy, to honour the passing year. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **Let Go of What No Longer Serves You** As the trees shed their leaves and bring their energy into their roots, ask yourself what do you wish to let go of from the old year? Let them go with thanks and appreciation of the lessons learnt. This makes space in your life for new things to begin. Ask yourself what will strengthen the roots of your being, and help you to grow strong on the inside? Write about this in your journal. ## **MORE INSPIRATION** **WATCH** Glennie talk about the importance of ceremony and ritual with editor of Permaculture Magazine, Maddy Harland. ### Why We Saved an Orchard URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/why-we-saved-an-orchard/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:32.000Z On our first visit to the orchard it felt like a lost world, our very own secret garden. Tangled and unpruned boughs framed the entrance so we had to bend over and almost crawl through. Inside felt like a deep dark wood from a story book. Hazelnuts crunched under our feet. Shoots of rose and blackberry roamed freely binding all the trees together. My two children wandered through, amazed at what happens when nature is left to her own devices, their imagination on fire. It was wild and beautiful but also in danger. The previous owners had cultivated the site from scratch planting an impressive ten apple trees, several hazels, lilac and many different roses. They had six different and unusual varieties from Ashmead’s Kernel (an old English dessert apple from the 1700s) to the enigmatic Blenheim Orange and Discovery (a delicious but relative youngster dating from 1940). After many years it had become unmanageable for the now elderly couple. The trees themselves were suffering from lack of pruning, some bigger boughs had broken and dangled precariously and they worried disease might soon set in. We had to do something. We wanted to honour the investment of time and energy they had made, but we knew we couldn’t do it on our own. ### **Calling in Community** A friend put out a call on the local allotment networks and soon we had a group of five enthusiastic volunteers ready to join a Community Orchard. They are a diverse group of passionate apple enthusiasts, like us, ranging from cider makers to those who just always wanted to own an orchard. We pooled our skills and knowledge and soon drew up a winter pruning plan to get ship shape for next harvest. We have so many plans for the orchard. The children are looking forward to the Apple Wassail and have a talk already planned for local home educated children. It’s a great opportunity to work with this kind of energised community and take part in preserving some ancient apple traditions. ### **Fruits of our Labour** We visit weekly, and every season has something new. From Winter pruning, cobwebs catching the dew to Earth Star fungi nestled near the rhubarb. In Spring the house is filled with roses. But I think Autumn has to be our favourite, when the fruits of our labour finally arrive. Windfalls line the orchard floor and sustain a myriad of creatures all delighted with the bounty from the skies. My son, who has Down Syndrome, is fascinated by the sheer variety of life which crawls and oozes from the bruised skins. He likes to speculate on the owners of the tiny mysterious bite marks. He loves picking season and happily demolishes the rosiest of our haul after proudly filling his bag to the brim. September sees us frantically researching apple recipes. Even the children agree to help peel and chop kilo after kilo for apple cake (the very easy Torta Di Mele is our favourite) and apple and blackberry compote to freeze and use over the winter on our porridge and ice cream. The dehydrator permanently humming in the corner of the kitchen drying apple chips. As grateful recipients of free roadside apples in our pre orchard lives we now leave apples by our gate for neighbours to help themselves. Friends know where to come if they're planning an apple pie! ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **Why We Need to Take Action** The argument for taking action is strong. 80% of apple orchards have vanished from England and Wales since the early 1900s. Supermarket demand for uniformity means we’re losing varieties and resilience in the face of a changing climate. As a family we feel it’s important to take action to protect this heritage but we get so much more than apples in return. It’s a great way to introduce topics of wildlife, habitat conservation, diversity, sustainability and local food not just to our kids but to the whole community. As with gardening, looking after the orchard is a very effective way of keeping climate anxiety at bay. Having a channel through which we can take practical action helps combat the helplessness which I find comes with climate disaster laden headlines plus we have some very tasty rewards. It’s also a chance to do a lot of Forest Bathing in the breaks between pruning and picking! Having a child with a learning disability in our family has led us to recognise and value a wider definition of ‘diversity’ in society as well as in the environment. As protecting diversity of apple varieties builds the resilience of our food system I believe it also builds resilience in the children. By watching our patient care and cultivation throughout the year pay off with tasty rewards in Autumn and the ‘experiential knowledge’ of taking part in the preparation of their own food the children come to see the merit in investing time and effort and waiting for rewards that are hard won. ### **When to Plant Apple Trees** Not everyone can get access to an orchard but if an apple tree in the garden is possible its best to plant between November and March. We’d recommend an easy to grow variety, like Ashmead’s kernel, which is disease resistant and good for eating, cooking and juicing from late September or Discovery, again disease resistant, and a good first time apple for eating and cooking with a slight strawberry taste, ready from mid-August. Enjoy! *Lisa lives sustainably(ish) in Wiltshire with her family and son who has Down Syndrome. She is passionate about veg growing, parenting, apples and wild meadows. She is a Family Support Consultant for Contact: the charity for families with disabled children.* ## **MORE INSPIRATION** **FOLLOW** on Instagram at [**@lisa.costley**](https://www.instagram.com/lisa.costley/?hl=en&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) and X at [**@lisa\_costley**](https://x.com/lisa%5Fcostley?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### Make Your Own Rosehip Tonic URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/make-your-own-rosehip-tonic/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:32.000Z Dog Rose (*Rosa canina*) is an indigenous herb to Europe, found in hedgerows, scrub, woods and wasteland. In autumn the arching stems with downy hooked thorns bear clusters of ‘flask-shaped’ scarlet fruit known as rose hips. These floral superfoods make eye-catching bait for birds, bursting with autumn and winter medicine for our homes. Be sure to share in this harvest with the local wildlife as they are rich in therapeutic uses! High in vitamin C, the therapeutic uses for rose hips are many, with a plethora of tonic and antioxidant properties that work in synergy with a variety of vitamins and minerals. They are anti-inflammatory, astringent (drying), stomachic (strengthening digestion), nervine (strengthening and nourishing the nervous system) and nutritive, with sour and cooling qualities. These actions make it a useful food and medicine for colder times of the year, used internally for natural relief of colds, sore throat, influenza, blocked chest and minor infectious diseases. Their long list of benefits includes easing chronic inflammation, offering pain relief, and helping cool the body to lower a fever. They can also help control diarrhoea and gastritis, and they act as a dietary supplement. They may help to eliminate waste, support the immune system, soothe nerves, relieve insomnia and lift depression, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). ### **How to Use Rose Hips** Culinary use of rose hips include wine making, vinegar, jam, jelly, syrup, soup and tea. They’re also used in a nutritional syrup supplement (especially for babies) which is sometimes added to cough mixtures, and used to flavour medicines. Extracts are added to vitamin C tablets, food supplements, herbal remedies and herb teas. As you can see, rose hips have a great deal to offer in our autumn and winter medicine cabinet. ### **Make Your Own Rose Hip Tonic** Here is a simple recipe you can make at home. It’s a fun project to do with children to help raise awareness of using nature to improve health, and it’s seasonally relevant between the Autumn Equinox and the Winter Solstice. Emma’s Recipe for Organic Rose Hip Apple Cider Vinegar ### **What you need:** • Bag or basket • Sharp knife • Metric measuring cup • Colander • 1L Pyrex jug • Muslin cloth • Conical measure • 100 ml or bigger [amber bottles](http://amzn.to/2cWlNXM?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) with plastic caps (vinegar tends to rust lids otherwise) • Labels Ingredients to yield approximately 600 ml: • Wild crafted, foraged rose hips (*Rosa canina*) • 1L organic apple cider vinegar (ACV) ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **How to Make Rosehip Tonic:** • Identify and pick the rose hips in late autumn when the hips are bright red, soft and fleshy. • Wash the rose hips, discard anything damaged and slice the skins using a sharp knife. • Measure 1 cup of slit rose hips to 2 cups of room temperature ACV. • Place the rose hips into a 1L sterilised pyrex jug and cover with ACV, leaving head room for the rose hips to swell. • Cover and label the project with: name of plant, plant part, menstruum (the liquid ingredient) e.g ACV and date. • Macerate (soak in a liquid) for two weeks to one month (you may like to follow the path and cycle of the new or full moon); locate in a dark place at room temperature and stir daily with a wooden spoon. • Strain the acetum (a preparation having vinegar as the solvent) through a muslin cloth to remove seeds and irritant hairs. Discard the marc (left over herbal material). • Return the crude acetum into a pyrex jug, cover and allow to settle overnight. • The next day, filter and decant ready for use into sterilised amber bottles, cap and label as previously done and store in a cool dark place (shelf life six months). The recommended dosage is 5 ml three times daily before a main meal (neat or in 30 ml of filtered water) to benefit from the ACV digestive tract tonic qualities. This recipe can be added to cooking e.g marinades and salad dressings, and is non-toxic and tolerated by most people including those who are alcohol sensitive. If you experience any adverse side effects such as loose stools which can be associated with excess vitamin C, stop taking the remedy for a day and reintroduce it at half the recommended amount. It is always good to consult a qualified herbalist before self-administering herbal medicine, especially if you are pregnant, breast feeding, have a diagnosis and/or taking prescription pharmaceutical drugs. For example, research indicates that rose hips have the potential to reduce blood glucose levels, which can be suitable for treating diabetes. However, large doses administered to those with hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) may cause side effects. The seeds also consist of short hairs which may irritate one internally. If you are susceptible to irritable bowel syndrome or irritable bowel disease please take care to strain the liquid sufficiently. Rose hips are generally considered safe for use with children, convalescents, and the elderly. If you miss harvest time, you can of course buy rose hip syrups, powders and tonics throughout the autumn and winter from your herbal supplier! ### **Foraging Tips** When foraging for wild food or medicine, please be sure to identify plant species correctly, harvest away from polluted areas such as busy roads and industry, or where they might have been sprayed. Remember to leave some autumn and winter food for wildlife! One of my favourite hedgerow medicine guides for wild food and herbal medicine identification is: • [**Hedgerow Medicine: Harvest and Make Your Own Herbal Remedies by Julie Bruton-Seal (Author, Illustrator), Matthew Seal (Author).**](https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/hedgerow-medicine-book-julie-bruton-seal-9781873674994?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) *Emma Schade-Stylli has always felt a deep connection to nature and the cycle of the seasons, with a passionate interest in exploring the science and healing art of plant based medicine. Having graduated in Naturopathy and Herbal Medicine from CNM, Emma practices as a naturopath, herbalist and holistic lifestyle coach. CNM (College of Naturopathic Medicine) offers Diploma Courses, Short Courses and Postgraduate Courses in a range of natural therapies, all based on a naturopathic approach to health. For the full range of courses, visit*[**www.naturopathy-uk.com**](http://www.naturopathy-uk.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### Announcing the Writing Competition 2024 Winners! URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/announcing-the-writing-competition-2024-winners/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:32.000Z ## WINNER ### **The Art of Nature Connection by Sarah Vaughan** Sarah Vaughan is a mother of three and a holistic eco therapist, based in rural East Kent. She can often be found out in nature running groups and retreats or giving holistic treatments to her clients. She may also be found barefoot in her garden talking to her quails or watching the bats! Follow Sarah on Instagram [**@rewild\_your\_soul**](https://www.instagram.com/rewild%5Fyour%5Fsoul/?hl=en&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). Read her winning piece about the Art of Nature Connection in our Dec/Jan 2025 edition, published on 22nd November. Pre-order your copy here - [**link.thegreenparent.co.uk/buy122**](https://link.thegreenparent.co.uk/buy122?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). ## **HIGHLY COMMENDED ENTRIES** ### **A Harvest Moon Adventure by Beccy Veel** Beccy Veel lives in Hampshire with her partner and two daughters, who are home educated. The family enjoy spending time in nature and being part of a vibrant and supportive home education community. She won Highly Commended for her magical article about an adventure to the coast to watch the harvest moon. Read more [**here**](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/our-harvest-moon-home-ed-adventure/). ### **Why We Saved an Orchard by Lisa Costley** Lisa Costley lives sustainably(ish) in Wiltshire with her family and son who has Down Syndrome. She is passionate about veg growing, parenting, apples and wild meadows. She is a Family Support Consultant for Contact: the charity for families with disabled children. Follow her on Instagram at [**@lisa.costley**](https://www.instagram.com/lisa.costley/?hl=en&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) and X at [**@lisa\_costley**](https://x.com/lisa%5Fcostley?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)**.** Lisa received Highly Commended for her evocative piece of writing on how she saved an orchard with her family. Read her work on our website on 23rd October. ### **Staying Enchanted by Maria Rogers** Maria Rogers is an award-winning musical storyteller of Russian heritage and a mother of two (aged 3 years, and 4 months), living near Windsor. She created the 'Inside A Fairytale' project, offering enchanting fantasy-themed stories, meditations, and music, all available for free. Discover more at [**insideafairytale.co.uk**](https://insideafairytale.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) or follow on Instagram [**@insideafairytale**](https://www.instagram.com/insideafairytale/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). Read her Highly Commended piece about how to cultivate a sense of wonder in childhood, which will be published on our website on 27th October. ### **Wellbeing in Nature by Lindsay Murray** Lindsay Murray is a wellbeing facilitator, working with families and children in a range of ways and teaching them tools to help them to nurture, empower and connect in order to lead a calmer, happier life. Follow her on Instagram [**@riseandshinewellbeing.ni**](https://www.instagram.com/riseandshinewellbeingni/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). Read her Highly Commended article on nature connection on 30th October. ### **Impermanence of Parenting by Emma Foley** Find yourself mourning the constant change of your children's childhoods? Emma Foley addressed this in her Highly Commended piece about how to parent with impermanence in mind. It will be published on 3rd November. Emma lives in the North of England with her husband and two young sons. She writes, answers a switchboard and volunteers at her local Buddhist Centre.As well as being featured in literary and parenting magazines, Emma has written a children's picture book and is actively seeking representation. ### **Raising Children in The Garden by Hadleigh Burch** Hadleigh Burch is the face behind A Little Wild Farm, a family run homestead on 160 acres of field and forest in Alberta, Canada. Along with her husband and two daughters, Hadleigh is focused on creating a simpler and more sustainable way of life for her family. From gardening to baking, sewing to knitting, writing and photography, she shares a look into her family's daily life on their farm raising pigs, chickens and keeping honey bees on Instagram [**@alittlewildfarm**](https://www.instagram.com/alittlewildfarm/?hl=en&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). Read Hadleigh's Highly Commended entry on 6th November. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **Let Nature be Thy Guide by Kirsty Meese** Kirsty Meese lives with her partner, daughter, two step sons, their dog Shadow and eight happy hens, in a small rural village near Leeds. Her connection with nature has been strengthened through her journey into motherhood and vice versa. You can share in her experiences through her writing and photography [**@instagram.com/heartsandbramble**](https://www.instagram.com/heartsandbramble?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). Read Kirsty's article about how spending time in nature can help us reconnect to ourselves on 13th November. ### **Travelling the World as a Family by Laura Helen** Laura Helen is a CEO and creative coach, leading a world-traveling family who embrace a nomadic lifestyle. She empowers individuals to discover their purpose and unlock true happiness through coaching, books, and creative adventures. The whole family are authors, sharing their unique journey to inspire others to live life on their own terms. Find her at [**foreverfamilyforeverfree.com**](https://foreverfamilyforeverfree.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) or on Instagram at **@**[**foreverfamilyforeverfree**](https://www.instagram.com/foreverfamilyforeverfree/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). Read Laura's Highly Commended entry about world travel, which will be published on 20th November. ### **Why We World School by Jennifer Robertson** Jennifer M.S. Robertson is a Polish-American wife, mother and 17-year expatriate and immigrant who has lived in seven countries. She is a trained raw foods chef and holds both Master's and Ph.D. degrees in fisheries science. Check out her recipes and tips for healthy eating around the world at [**therawexpat.com**](http://therawexpat.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). She won Highly Commended for her article on world schooling and why she chose an alternative education for her son. Her story, which won Highly Commended will be published on 27h November. ### **Raising Teenagers to Thrive by Nettie Gallagher** Nettie Gallagher has been home educating her 5 children since they were tiny, with her eldest now at university. She strives to give her children a childhood where good books, play, time together as a family and time in nature are all valued. She's passionate about home education and helping other home educating families. You can follow her on Instagram at [**instagram.com/ontheblossomtrail**](http://www.instagram.com/ontheblossomtrail?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) where you can also find links to her home education blog and home education printable resources store. Read Nettie's Highly Commended entry on how to raise thriving teens, which will be published here on 4th December. ### **Respectful Parenting by Filiz Taylan Yuzak** Filiz Taylan Yusak is an experienced content creator and social media specialist who loves to write about culture, music, food & drink, parenthood, and nature. She lives in Hampshire with her husband and 6 year old child. Find her on [**Linked In**](https://www.linkedin.com/in/filiztaylanyuzak/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) or [**Instagram**](https://www.instagram.com/filiztaylanyuzak/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). Read Filiz' Highly Commended article on why choosing respectful parenting lights up her world on 11th December. ### Our Harvest Moon Home Ed Adventure URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/our-harvest-moon-home-ed-adventure/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:32.000Z I’m stood on the beach, toes digging into the sand. To my right side, the sky is pink, streaked with candy floss wisps of cloud. To my left, the side my friends are facing, we are watching, waiting. The dark descends gradually as we stand there, expectantly. Then like switching on a light, it happens suddenly. So suddenly in fact that my friend has gone to fill up our water bottles and we shout her back, giddy with excitement. I turn to my left and in front of me now is the harvest moon. Huge and close, with a reddish glow, it’s what we were waiting to see, and I’m awestruck. Earlier today we’d taken the train down to Bournemouth. It’s just over an hour journey from our home. As a home educator, who doesn't drive I find ways to make all the time we spend on public transport fun. I’ve packed copious amounts of snacks for my children and some of our favourite sea themed books. We snuggle up, the three of us squeezed on to two seats in front of a table that’s now as messy as my living room floor. My daughters eat oranges and apples while I read to them about the wildlife of different seascapes. We’re transported around the world to the polar oceans, mangrove swamps and estuaries. When our train pulls into Bournemouth, we hop off and rush to the bus stop, knowing we’ve only got a few minutes to make our connection. Luckily, it’s running late, and I’ve got time to catch my breath before we board. The driver is friendly, smiles at my children’s excitement and doesn’t charge for my elder one, for whom I should in theory pay. My kids sit at the back of the bus, singing and laughing, while I keep an eye on the screen for our stop. My 4-year-old has been asking to go to the beach all summer. We’d gone a couple times on holiday in the Isle of Wight back in early June, but we tend to avoid the beach during summer holidays because we’re not used to the crowds, so we’ve not been since. We found an amazing secret paddle spot shaded by sycamores and featuring a rope swing just a short train ride from home and have practically lived there for the last few weeks. But I know my little one is missing the salt sea air and the feeling of freedom and possibility that can only be found by the sea. ### **Making Memories** Last year in early September we’d had one of those days the kids still talk about, at the beach with friends playing with our brand-new body boards. My plan was to repeat the same again this year, but the weather had other ideas. I know it’s almost a mantra for many nature loving parents that there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothes, but for me, without a car, rain means staying close to home and avoiding big adventures. So, when the idea of a beach trip is floated in our home ed WhatsApp group, I’m determined to go now the sun has returned. We’re the first of our group to arrive at the beach. We set up camp and almost straight away we’re in the sea, holding hands, jumping the waves and screeching as the cold water hits us. I love this time together just the three of us, feeling connected and laughing uproariously in unison. Then the body boards are out, and my children giggle as they glide over the waves that return them to shore, before racing back out into the sea to catch the next one. I know as they grow their lives will take them further and further away from me, but I hope I’m doing enough to keep them wanting to come back time after time. We get ice creams and have a mini poetry teatime, reading our favourite beachy poems about shells and whales. Our friends arrive, family by family, along with a new family who’ve recently started home educating. The children play together while us parents chat about motherhood, home ed, our children and our lives. Once the tide has gone out and the waves are calm, a friend and I swim out to sea, as our children build sandcastles on the beach. The water is freezing but it’s exhilarating – I feel so alive. I give myself a pep talk to dip my shoulders under and afterwards I acclimatise to the cold. Most waves buff me gently. An occasional one is slightly bigger, thrilling me as it approaches, and I float over it. I look out to sea and feel a world of possibility ahead, for me and my children. ### **The Community of Home Education** I look back to the coast and I’m overcome with a feeling I cannot name, that I’ve only ever experienced since home educating, when witnessing my children play with others at the beach or in the woods while I observe from a distance with fellow parents. It’s impossible to articulate fully but it’s a sense of rightness, of belonging, of being in community with nature and with fellow humans. I feel deep in my bones that this is what we are designed for, that this is what nature intended for us all. I let the peace wash over me as the tide washes over the shore, and I bathe in feeling like we’re right where we’re meant to be. We swim back to shore, and I chase my children round the beach then create a mermaid tail for each of them out of sand. They make one for me, delighting in burying my legs and then covering their creation with the beautiful shells they’ve discovered. My elder daughter writes our names in the sand, and I take pictures so she can see our names even after the waves wash them away. We don’t really have a sit-down lunch but they sporadically snack on fruit, veg and flatbreads, and eventually move on to the raspberry brownie I made the night before. ### **A 'Feral Mama Summer'!** I saw a meme a few weeks ago about having a ‘feral mama summer’ where your house is a mess but you’re outside all day, so you don’t mind, and instead of meals, your children snack as they please, in between making memories running around and jumping in any available water. I shared it with our home ed village as it sums up our lives – somewhat wild and feral, but full of adventure and love. Sometimes I wonder if my children will grow up to wish they had a more normal childhood, with school, routines and predictability, and a mother who is more organised, neater, polished around the edges. I wonder how they will fit into the boxes society has available for them – of 9-5 jobs and strict hierarchies, of institutions that lack compassion, and of days, weeks, months, of indoor office life, away from the song of the sea and the hum of the woods. Away from anywhere to paddle, or anything to climb other than a career ladder. The evening is approaching now, and my phone battery is running out. My friends plan to stay to see the harvest moon rise tonight, but I’m uncertain about what to do – whether to cut and run now while we’ve had a good day, or risk staying out later and potentially managing meltdowns on a long journey home. My phone battery dying seems like a sign that now is time to go – walking back to the bus stop in the dark with no google maps sounds like an adventure too far. Thankfully a friend has a portable charger. I plug my phone in, relax and decided to stay. We order delivery from a vegan cafe to the beach and grab the kids some chips. I grasp this comparatively quiet and still time as a chance to read to them – this time about bioluminescent plankton, and how coconuts travel miles across the sea. Later, once the temperature has dipped noticeably and the sky is starting to darken, I confess to my friend that I’m nervous about the journey home. I’m worried I’ve made the wrong call staying out so late and that my children will be on the train this evening exhausted and cold, and that we’ll all end up in tears. That their upset will make me doubt myself again, and wobble about how I’m raising them. My friend can empathise; we’ve all been there. But she passes on a tip – when her children are wet, cold, tired and grumpy, she asks them “was it worth it?”. We chat about how when they look back and remember this day, if it is worth it, they won’t remember a difficult journey home, but they will remember what mattered to them – playing with dogs on the beach, running wild and free with friends, paddling in the shallows as dusk falls. I know my daughters remember our day at the beach last September still, and I hope the memory of this day stays with them too, forms a part of their childhood, a part of their soul. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **Waiting for Moonrise** By now, the sun has set and moonrise is due soon, so I pack up our things and get my children changed into dry clothes. I have another spare set of clothes but tell them this is their last so not to get it wet. Despite agreeing, they soon run off to play and cannot resist the temptation to jump back into the waves with their friends, their laughter ringing out as I smile to myself, knowing this would happen. When I’m not watching my children, I’m scanning the sky, waiting for the harvest moon to rise. The moon nearest to the Autumn equinox, which is 4 days away, this one is also a supermoon, so it’ll be bigger and brighter than usual. Also known as the Corn moon or the Barley moon, the name comes from the extra light it gives which helped farmers harvest their crops for longer past sundown. It will be lower on the horizon so the light has to travel through more of the earth’s atmosphere and there’s a partial lunar eclipse taking place tonight, meaning the earth will block some of the sun’s light from reaching the moon, these factors combining to give it a reddish glow. When it appears, the children are oblivious, still playing their games together by the water’s edge. But us adults are transfixed, amazed, humbled. We call the children over and arrange them on the groynes in front of the harvest moon for pictures. Typically, we can’t photograph them all together, all smiling, all at once! But we’re not fussed really. The point is being here, the memory is enough. A photograph can’t capture how we’re feeling right now, but our minds will. I know every time I step on to this section of the beach for the rest of my life, I’ll remember this moment. It's fully dark now and we start to leave. I collect my phone from my friend and shoulder our packs. Adults and children alike wave goodbye – to each other, to our names in the sand, to the beach, to the sea and to the moon. I turn around for one last look at that glorious, bright, round moon, glowing like an orb in the sky. I imagine how my ancestors would have seen the harvest moons they witnessed. For how many of them was it a pure spectacle of nature, to rejoice in and revere? For how many of them was it as a symbol of extra work, extra toil? We’re approaching the toil part of our night – the long walk and long ride home. My children are chipper and so am I, until I go to switch on my phone and realise my battery is still dead: the portable charger hasn’t worked. It dawns on me that now night has descended, I’m walking through pitch black in a city I don’t really know, to a bus stop I can’t remember how to reach, with my two young children. Internally I’m panicking, but externally I keep it together. I remind myself that as a last resort, there are hotels nearby and while my bank balance wouldn’t be happy if I shelled out hundreds of pounds for a last-minute room, our safety is invaluable. ### **Kindness of Strangers** I think I know the way to the bus stop so I decide we’ll try to find it for 15 minutes and if we can’t, we’ll grab a hotel room for the night. We keep walking, chatting about our favourite parts of the day. A car pulls over and the window unwinds. Inside, a woman, a girl and a dog peer out at us. I joke that if they’re looking for directions, we don’t know the way anywhere! But they’re not asking for anything from us – the woman is offering a lift. The presence of a child and a dog, the study books and well used booster on the back seat, reassure me and I take up her offer. My relief is palpable, I breathe a huge sigh and settle us all in, strapping my 4-year-old on the booster. The woman drives us to the train station and when we get out, I try to express how thankful I am, but I can’t, not fully. Without her we’d be lost in the dark, trying to find a bus stop, with my panic mounting and my children struggling. I’m grateful beyond words for her kindness to a complete stranger. There’s a train leaving in two minutes, so we run for it. Out of the side of my eyes I catch my daughters’ faces set in determination, that we will make this train. I’m proud of their perseverance and resilience. We just about make it, almost sliding past the doors before they close and then collapsing on to the nearest seats. Once we’ve rested, we move to a table. A fellow passenger overhears me explain to my children that my phone is out of battery and lends me her charger. I thank her and thank fate for how many good deeds I’ve been the recipient of today. We cuddle in as best we can, and I read to them. My 4-year-old nods off. The journey I had been dreading turns out to pass pleasantly enough with my littlest asleep and my 7-year-old engrossed in our book. With a charged phone, I contact my partner who picks us up from the station and helps me settle them both in bed. I’m on a natural high as I journal about our harvest moon adventure at the beach - an amazing day filled with the love I have for my children, the brilliance of our home education community, the kindness of strangers and the wonder of nature. *Beccy lives in Hampshire with her partner and two daughters, who are home educated. The family enjoy spending time in nature and being part of a vibrant and supportive home education community* ### Play is Essential for Child Development URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/play-is-essential-for-child-development/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:33.000Z ## **Kat Soutar** lives in Lincoln with her three children aged 16, 13 and 8\. She is the founder of **Land and Leaf Collective** ## “When we moved to Lincoln there weren't really any outdoor or forest school sessions so I decided to do forest school leader training. Over the years it became so clear to me that the forest school approach has so many benefits for children and families. I wanted to increase access to forest school for children and families who couldn’t normally attend. Alongside fee paying forest school programmes we also run programmes that are fully funded for children receiving free school meals, inclusive sessions for children with SEND and additional needs, and free sessions in areas of socioeconomic disadvantage. ### **Give kids space** So much learning takes place through play. In early years settings, practitioners understand the importance of creating inviting environments, which offer children the opportunity to explore the world at their own pace. They feel, listen, taste, see and smell to build up a comprehensive understanding of the world around them. This is understood as schemas in the early years; children exploring a particular activity until they feel confident in how it works! Activities are laid out but not prescribed. Children are given the space to explore, imagine and recreate. As children grow and enter the education system they are expected to learn in more formal ways. Ensuring children have time to play, in its purest form, means they can continue to develop and expand their sensory experiences. As children grow the themes and emotions they explore through play tend to grow and develop with them. When children feel secure and supported this continues into early teen years. As children transition through these years of rapid change and development the freedom to play becomes more important than ever. Many children feel the pressure to be ‘more grown up’ and move away from toys and games that have supported their development throughout childhood. Using figures, imaginative games and team play really supports young teens to explore the changes they are experiencing whilst maintaining a strong link with the childhood they are often reluctant to leave behind. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **Facilitating play** Children need time with friends in various environments, but without structured activities. As they get older ‘play’ might be taking over the kitchen to bake. As a parent it can be difficult to step back and allow the children to create without stepping in, mopping up and even taking over certain steps in the process. Facilitate playtime with a light touch. Enjoy the time, celebrate play and create space to join them. Play is great for grown ups too! As a parent, I find it difficult when I am invited to play by my children… “Mummy, will you play (sylvanians / running away to the wild / lottie dolls) with me?” Often when my children play I use the time to catch up on work, on housework or chores. I find it incredibly difficult to let go of carrying the load of family and household and switch into an imaginative and playful mindset. AND, I know how good it is for me when I do! Family holidays, and days away, are perfect for letting go of the mundane and fully joining the children mentally and emotionally!" ## **MORE INSPIRATION** Follow Kat on instagram [**@land.and.leaf.collectiv**](https://www.instagram.com/land.and.leaf.collective/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)e or visit [**landandleafcollective.org**](https://landandleafcollective.org/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### Make UPF Free Bread, with 4 Ingredients, in a Snap! URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/make-upf-free-bread-with-4-ingredients-in-a-snap/ Last updated: 2024-10-18T17:21:17.000Z Hello and a very warm, cosy welcome to this week’s newsletter. How are you? Hope you’ve had a good week and that the sun has shone on you! We've had wonderful times in the sun, and I also got to spend more time with my newborn nephew too! At work, we finished judging our 2024 Writing Competition. The winners will be published on our website over the coming weeks. There were so many wonderful uplifting stories – it was really tough choosing the winners. **Here's what else I've been up to this week:** ### **Walking!** I set myself a challenge at the beginning of this year to walk 2024 miles. I just walked the 1600th mile; I’m over three quarters through. I’ve found it easier to motivate myself to get out in the early mornings again, now that autumn’s here. I thought that Spring and Summer would be the time when I really stepped out and clocked those miles, but it’s turned out to be the reverse. This week I’ve walked over the Downs, in ancient beech woodlands with a friend, along the coast in the rain and through water meadows at dawn with my sister. I get so many great ideas when walking. And find that movement creates really insightful communication too. I've had grab-a-notebook-I-need-to-write-this-down type conversations while walking this week. And only 400 miles to walk before the end of the year! _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### 13 of the Best Pumpkin Patches in the UK URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/13-of-the-best-pumpkin-patches-in-the-uk/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:33.000Z ### **Sunnyfields Farm, Hants** Pick your own pumpkin at this family-run organic farm on the south coast, plus farm-cooked food from The Garden Cafe. Runs until 31 October. [**sunnyfields.co.uk**](https://www.sunnyfields.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **Woodbridge Pumpkin Patch, Suffolk** Accredited by the Soil Association, this organic farm plays host to a pumpkin patch every autumn. There's face painting, ride on tractors, mud kitchen and much more. Runs to 31 October. [**jamesfoskettfarms.co.uk**](https://jamesfoskettfarms.co.uk/woodbridge-pumpkin-patch/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **Sarah Green's Organics, Essex** This PYO pumpkin patch is at the heart of the organic farm on the Essex Coast. Free entry and no booking required. Runs weekends and every day during half term. [**sarahgreensorganics.co.uk**](https://sarahgreensorganics.co.uk/pyo-pumpkin-patch?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **West Town Farm, Devon** There's a range of organic pumpkin and squash types to choose from at this farm in Exeter. Dates for 2024 are 27 and 28 October. [**westtownfarm.co.uk**](https://www.westtownfarm.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **Cammas Hall Farm, Herts** With over 58 varieties of pumpkin and squash, halloween tunnels, workshops and a GIANT Pumpcano! Runs until 31 October. [**cammashall.co.uk**](https://www.cammashall.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **Pencoed Fach Farm, Blackwood** Come and choose yourselves a pumpkin from this organic dairy farm. Also a sauna and ice bath available to treat yourself while the rest of the family are picking! [**pencoedfachfarm.com**](https://www.pencoedfachfarm.com/whoarewe?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **Farrington's Pumpkin Picking Patch, Somerset** Take your pick from classic orange ‘Cinderella’ pumpkins, white ‘ghost’ pumpkins, knobbly ‘knucklehead’ pumpkins, tasty crown prince and lots more varieties. Grab a wheelbarrow and head to the pumpkin patch! There's also a Straw Pool to play in and traditional fairground rides. [**farringtons.co.uk**](https://www.farringtons.co.uk/pumpkin-festival?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **Clearwell Farm, South Wales** Choose from over 20 varieties including multi-coloured gourds at this Halloween themed pumpkin festival on a family-run farm located between Cardiff and Newport. Runs until 31 October. [**clearwellfarm.co.uk**](https://www.clearwellfarm.co.uk/pumpkins?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### Balgone Estate, North Berwick Find your perfect pumpkin from over 27 varieties grown on this farm in North Berwick. Be sure to visit the Crooked Cauldron for toasted marshmallows! There's also a spooky trail through the woods. [**balgoneestate.co.uk**](https://balgoneestate.co.uk/pumpkin-patch?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **Cairnie Fruit Farm, Fife** Celebrating 25 years of pumpkin patches this fruit farm also have a maize maze and plenty of fun activities for kids of all ages. For Halloween week the maze can be explored by torchlight - recommended for older kids. [**cairniefruitfarm.co.uk**](https://www.cairniefruitfarm.co.uk/pumpkins?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **Streamvale Open Farm, Belfast** Enjoy a tractor or barrel ride, dance your socks off at the Broomtastic Disco and pick and carve your own pumpkin at this open farm. [**streamvale.com**](https://streamvale.com/halloween-pumpkin-patch?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **Humblebee Farm, Yorkshire** Head to Scarborough for this annual event where you can pick your own and then take it to the barn to carve it, go on a spooky trail and meet farm animals. [**humblebeefarm.co.uk**](https://humblebeefarm.co.uk/humble-bees-pumpkin-patch-halloween-trail/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **Crockford Bridge Farm, Surrey** They grow a wide range of pumpkins and squashes in a huge range of sizes and colours at Crockford Bridge Farm. Everything from the tiniest munchkins right up to the largest Atlantic Giant varieties. Their Pumpkin Festival takes place from Friday 25th Oct - Fri 1st Nov. There's storytellers, pumpkin carving and much more. [**crockfordbridgefarm.co.uk**](https://www.crockfordbridgefarm.co.uk/Pumpkin-Festival?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### 9 Best for Autumn Leaf Spotting in Wales URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/wales-is-a-vision-in-the-autumn-rolling-hills-awash-with-golden-colour-crisp-leaves-roaring-open-fires-in-cosy-inns-and-pubs-explore-these-lovely-leaf-peeping-spots-for-a-rejuvenating-d/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:33.000Z ## Bwlch Nant yr Arian, Mid Wales High in the Cambrian Mountains, [Bwlch Nant yr Arian](https://www.visitwales.com/product/915108?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) near Aberystwyth is a nature lover’s paradise, ideal for capturing spectacular autumnal views and exploring a number of walking and cycling routes. You can witness rare red kites eating at the daily feeds, either from a distance at the visitor centre or close-up down by the centre’s lake. For colourful panoramic views, take the uphill trail marked with a red footprint. ## Elan Valley, Mid Wales In the heart of Mid Wales, Elan Valley is a spectacular area abundant with wildlife and nature that comes alive with colour in the autumn months. Take a walk around one of the [dams and reservoirs of the Elan Valley](https://elan-valley.co.uk/history-and-the-elan-valley-dams/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) to admire the striking colours of the trees and watery vistas. The [Elan Valley Visitor Centre](https://www.visitwales.com/product/917601?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) has a wealth of information on local walks, seasonal activities, an exhibition space and a play area. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/10/Tintern-Abbey-1920x1080.jpg) ## The Wye Valley As an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the [Wye Valley](https://www.visitwales.com/node/3007?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) is awash with photo opportunities of autumn foliage and sweeping views. [Tintern Abbey’s](https://www.visitwales.com/product/527989?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) monastic ruins are a sight to behold in the autumn, with trees on the surrounding hills tinted red and orange. For an impressive lookout, head to [Kymin Tower](https://www.visitwales.com/product/1082649?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), an 18th century round house and naval tower where you can observe gorgeous views of Monmouth and the Wye Valley. Serious hiking buffs should consider walking a section of the 136-mile [Wye Valley Walk](http://www.wyevalleywalk.org/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) to explore the rich colours of the wooded ravines, limestone gorges and rugged moorland slopes. ## Betws-y-Coed, North Wales Start your day with a bracing walk to [Swallow Falls](http://www.betws-y-coed.co.uk/feature%5Fpages/item/1067/Swallow%5FFalls%5FBetws%5Fy%5FCoed.html?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) on the River Llugwy, near [Betws-y-Coed](https://www.visitwales.com/node/3568?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), for dramatic waterfalls and beautiful scenic viewpoints to enjoy the autumn colours. ## Coed y Brenin, North Wales If you’re looking for a crisp walk through crunchy leaves, [Coed y Brenin](https://www.visitwales.com/product/1971405?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) will let you do so amongst the sights and sounds of the woodland in autumn. Close to Dolgellau and Traswfynydd, this world-class mountain biking spot is a haven for soaking up the season with family walks, gentle cycling, waterfalls, an all-access trail and a visitor centre. The views from the café alone are worth a trip, with excellent vistas of the trees in a myriad of colours. ## Bodnant Gardens, North Wales A delight for foliage fans and families alike, the autumnal [Bodnant Gardens](https://www.visitwales.com/product/912830?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) feature a fiery show of Japanese acers and incredible views towards the Eryri (Snowdonia) mountains from the terraces, framed by the patchwork of colour and texture of surrounding plants and trees. The Dell at Bodnant is a tranquil little haven with peaceful walks and a waterfall, ideal for an autumn stroll. The shrub borders and Chapel Park are also great place to peep at the kaleidoscope of autumn colour. Finish off with a seasonal bowl of warming soup at one of the site’s [tearooms](https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/bodnant-garden/features/refreshments-at-bodnant-garden?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ## Aberglasney, West Wales A must-see for autumn in Carmarthenshire, [Aberglasney’s](https://www.visitwales.com/product/509478?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) gardens are a sea of colour, with bright red and orange Nissa and Cornus plants as well as the white-flowered bugbane. With woodland walks, ancient yew tree tunnels and a Tearoom showcasing local produce, it has all the ingredients for a bracing autumn day out. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/10/imageresizer.jpeg) ## Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons), Mid Wales When the mountains start to curl up for winter, the scenery of the [Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons)](https://www.visitwales.com/destinations/mid-wales/bannau-brycheiniog-brecon-beacons-national-park?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) can be at its most dramatic. There are a handful of great stops to admire the fall foliage. Take a hike and bag some memento snaps at Craig Cerrig Gleisiaid a Fan Frynach, Llyn y Fan Fach or [Llanthony Priory](https://www.visitwales.com/product/1443748?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) (which is sandwiched between the autumn-hued hills of Twmpa and Hay Bluff). For a peaceful autumn stroll, head to the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal to see migrating birds heading to warmer climes, sun-dappled leafy trails, chugging canal barges and cosy pubs. ## Powis Castle, Welshpool, Mid Wales Standing proudly above a terraced garden and rambling estate, the medieval fortress of [Powis Castle and Gardens](https://www.visitwales.com/product/528187?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) provides an arresting autumn scene for day-trippers and autumn visitors. The red hues of the castle echo the riot of autumn colour in the terraces and gardens beneath, with shrubby salvias, fuchsias, rambling red vines and maples bursting with red and gold. The surrounding woodland glows under the autumn sun, with crisp golden leaves carpeting the ground and dusky light offering great photo opportunities. ## **MORE INSPIRATION** **IMAGES** from [https://www.visitmonmouthshire.com](https://www.visitmonmouthshire.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### My Mum's Go To Apple Cake Recipe! URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/my-mums-go-to-apple-cake-recipe/ Last updated: 2024-10-11T18:12:49.000Z Hello, A big, warm welcome to this week’s newsletter. It’s been a funny old week here – the little one has had a fever and so we’ve spent a lot of time lying in bed together with a pile of books. And, I got to meet my new nephew! Workwise, it’s been all about collating the entries into our 2024 Writing Competition and working on our next edition, number 122, which comes out next month. ## **Here’s what I’ve been up to** ### **Reading Novels…** I just finished [**The Bee Sting by Paul Murray**](https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/bee-sting-book-paul-murray-9780241984406?price=7.10&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) – late to the party again! It won Irish Book of the Year and was short-listed for the Booker Prize last year. How good is this rangy novel? I loved it, but urgently need to discuss the ending. If you’ve read it, drop me a line! Also by another prize-winning Paul – I read [**This Other Eden by Paul Harding**](https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/this-other-eden-book-paul-harding-9781804940853https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/this-other-eden-book-paul-harding-9781804940853?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) this week. A beautifully written tale of an island off the East coast of the US in the late eighteenth century. When a missionary lands on the shores the islanders' lives are uprooted and the community broken up. It was shocking to read that this book was based on a true story. Hard, but mesmerising. ### **… And Children’s Fiction** _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### How to Cultivate Inner Peace URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/how-to-cultivate-inner-peace/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:33.000Z Mindfulness is a practice that can occur in every aspect of our lives and involves cultivating a present moment awareness that has no judgement. Thoughts, sensations and feelings come and go and we can mindfully witness them all without allowing them to cloud and consume our thought processes. When you are practising mindfulness, you are paying attention to the world around you, to your thoughts, your feelings, the way you behave, the way you move and the effect you have on those around you. ### **Greater self-awareness** The person that you are today is shaped by the experiences of your past. These past experiences can have an unconscious influence over your thoughts, behaviour and emotions. Think about how much of your day happens automatically, almost like you’re on autopilot. Even conscious choices are shaped by the experiences of our past. By being able to observe ourselves regularly and more closely, with mindfulness we can have greater self-control and self-awareness. This will help us make better choices and take control of reactions and their consequences. I read a beautiful book on mindfulness by spiritual leader Thích Nhat Hanh called [**The Miracle of Mindfulness**](https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/miracle-of-mindfulness-book-thich-nhat-hanh-9781846041068?price=4.60&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). The book talks about practising mindfulness every minute, every hour of every day. In reality, this is difficult, so it then goes on to talk about setting one day per week aside for mindfulness; say that every Sunday you know that this is your mindfulness day and you do every single activity keeping your attention focused, keeping anchored to the present moment. As you wake you are mindful of your morning routine, you take each part slowly, you pay full attention. Even as you wash your body you are doing so mindfully. I personally think this is a beautiful concept and I’m trying to bring it into my life – and know that over time this mindfulness day will slowly turn into a mindfulness week. Can you bring mindfulness into each of your daily activities? For example, when you’re washing your hair, take time to feel the water on your skin; notice the smell of the shampoo and enjoy the sensation of massaging your scalp. Harvard University psychologists Matthew A Killingsworth and Daniel T Gilbert undertook wellbeing a study that found that people spend nearly 47 per cent of their waking hours thinking about something other than what they’re doing, and that this typically makes them unhappy. Killingsworth says, ‘Mind-wandering is an excellent predictor of people’s happiness. In fact, how often our minds leave the present and where they tend to go is a better predictor of our happiness than the activities in which we are engaged.’ So start to introduce more mindfulness into your day, whether that is through a full day of mindfulness or just bringing mindfulness into certain tasks. *Hannah is a yoga practitioner and teacher. She is an author, wife and mother. After the traumatic birth of her daughter, yoga helped Hannah rediscover who she was and her purpose in life.* ## **MORE INSPIRATION** **FOLLOW** Hannah [**@hannahbarrettyoga**](https://www.instagram.com/hannahbarrettyoga/?hl=en&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **READ** [**Yoga Happy**](https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/yoga-happy-book-hannah-barrett-9781787137677?price=6.80&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk): Simple Tools and Practices for Everyday Calm & Strength by Hannah Barrett (Quadrille) **WATCH** Hannah's Feel Good Flow yoga routine below --- ## **How to Make Meditation a Habit** ### **Find a motive** Before you start on this journey of bringing meditation into your life, take a moment to jot down why you want to do it. Whether it’s to achieve enlightenment or just to have some added mental focus, what the final aim is doesn’t matter – have no judgement – but the motivation to get there does. A clear sense of purpose will help to keep you motivated and on track to stick with this new habit. ### **Try meditating first thing** When you rise, find some time to be still and tune in. It can be helpful to practise before anyone else wakes up. This was a game changer for me as I now simply set my alarm a little earlier and by the time my children are awake, I feel like I have found some nourishment to put me in a positive mindset to start the day. ### **Switch it up** Changing location is really helpful to avoid getting too used to meditating in a quiet room. Try meditating on your morning commute or in the park before eating your lunch. ### **Try new things** Meditation can come in many forms and it may be that one isn’t right for you at that moment in time. Try different techniques, for example if sitting with your eyes closed isn’t right for you, try a walking meditation in nature instead. ### **Your mind will wander** Lots of people try meditation and conclude very quickly it isn’t for them as their minds are ‘too busy’ and forever wandering. However, if you notice that your mind is wandering during your meditation, this kind of means you’re doing it right! You’ve noticed that your mind is wandering and therefore can gently bring it back. The more we practise, the easier it becomes, but know that you will still have days where your mind wanders 10, 20, 100 times, and that’s okay, you’re not doing anything wrong. ### **Quick Meditation Break** If you don’t have a lot of time, a five-minute meditation break to hit pause and get a little mental recharge can be so valuable. ### **Get comfortable** For most of us, sitting on a hard floor in lotus pose isn’t going to be comfortable and will make meditation harder. Instead, find a comfortable seat; this can be a sofa or a chair with an upright back. Before you begin, make sure you are comfortable and supported, with the head, neck and back aligned, and shoulders relaxed. ### **Breathe naturally** Although meditation is often focused on the breath to help anchor you to the now, don’t try and change it in any way. Simply be its witness, noticing all sensations and its rhythm. ### **Know there will be discomfort** Uncomfortable feelings like frustration and anxiety can frequently appear during meditation. When we tune in and pay attention, truths can be uncovered that were previously buried. Sit with these feelings and sensations, don’t try and brush them aside. Simply breathe into them and give them awareness without judgement, allowing them to come and go. Know that you always have the choice to stop if it becomes too uncomfortable. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **Check in** After each meditation jot down how you felt before and afterwards. Avoid labels such as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ and instead note how you are feeling physically, emotionally and mentally. --- ## **Bring more mindfulness into everyday life** Brushing your teeth Getting kids dressed Washing your hair Eating meals with awareness Making lunch Drinking a cup of tea Mindful interactions: giving kids your undivided attention Gardening Eating chocolate Mindful walking Listening to music Practicing meditation Flowing on your mat Questioning urges (e.g. social media scrolling or food binges) ### How Breathing Can Help Teens with Their Mental Health URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/how-breathing-can-help-teens-with-their-mental-health/ Last updated: 2024-10-07T18:11:24.000Z ## Help your teen take control of their emotions with Pranayama, encourages **Victoria Tso** ## Have you ever had a terrible day that completely turned around? When everything seemed to be going wrong and then suddenly, it all went right. Pranayama - or yogic breathing techniques - can give our teens (along with the rest of us) the power to transform their bad days into good ones. Empowering them with the knowledge that they can control their emotions rather than be controlled by them. The breath can energise us, calm us, help us manage anxiety and even relieve pain. What a great gift to give a young person! We have no conscious control over most of our automatic bodily functions, we can’t control whether or not we digest our dinner or when we break a sweat in a workout but we can control our breath – it’s what makes breathing techniques so powerful. Sadly, in recent months, I have seen an increase in messages from parents concerned about their teen’s anxiety. In my own classes and 1:1 sessions, teens have reported to me how pressured they feel by their schools, friends, and sometimes, parents to achieve in all areas. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Try This One Simple Shift to Revolutionise Your Life URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/try-this-one-simple-shift-to-revolutionise-your-life/ Last updated: 2024-10-04T18:09:42.000Z Hello! A very happy October to you. Hope that all is flowing well in your home. Lots of friends have shared how equinox season has left them feeling really wiped out. How's it affected you? I’ve definitely had more early nights recently. Work’s been fun this week – I’ve been busy working on the next issue, out in November – the theme is stillness. Ironic! And reading all the wonderful entries into our Writing Competition 2024\. Winners will be revealed in the next couple of weeks. I’ve got a new nephew, born a couple of days ago. I can’t wait to meet him. I'm so excited! Those tiny toes and soft, soft cheeks, mesmerising eyes and sweet smelling head. Swoon! What else I’ve been up to: ### **Visiting Stonehenge** The little one and I decided to bring our Stone Age research to life at [**Stonehenge**](https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/stonehenge/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) last weekend. We stayed in a cosy cottage, explored a local nature reserve and went to see the stones twice! It was a bit of a tourist trap but easy enough to escape the crowds and head off into the fields around to look for burial mounds. My daughter loved the audio tour and gathering new knowledge about how people lived 5 thousand years ago. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### 3 Ways to Encourage Play at Home URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/3-ways-to-encourage-play-at-home/ Last updated: 2024-10-03T17:11:55.000Z ## **Sian Thomas**, founder of **This Playful Home** is originally from the UK, but now lives with her husband and three children (aged 15, 8 and six) in Vienna, Austria This Playful Home started as a way for me to connect with like-minded parents. I started off by sharing simple play ideas that parents could easily recreate at home using everyday materials. After the birth of my third child, I had a few health issues which meant that I struggled to keep up with the demands of motherhood and I started to look at simplifying my days. The absence of a traditional 'village', and the nearest family member living 10,000 miles away, meant that I needed to put systems in place that would help me be a present, connected mother without draining myself in the process. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### 8 Steps to a Less Busy, More Balanced Life URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/8-steps-to-a-less-busy-more-balanced-life/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:33.000Z ## How many times have you replied to the question, “how are you?” with the answer "busy"? asks **Dr. Christiane Northrup** In today’s world almost everyone is busy. Busy is the new status quo. It has become almost like a competition in which being competitively busy means we are also obsessed with what we haven’t done. But, even if you love what you do, doing too much of anything without regular breaks can cause stress hormone levels to become and remain high, setting you up for a host of health concerns. We have all heard about people working themselves to death in stressful jobs. And doctors often warn patients that being too busy can cause serious health problems including anxiety, depression, headaches, insomnia and heart attack. In addition, when we are too busy, we don’t exercise enough, eat nutritious food, or get enough sleep. This fosters a vicious cycle of being too busy to be healthy. The less we are able to care for ourselves in healthy ways, the worse we feel. The worse we feel, the less productive we are, therefore increasing the amount of time it takes to accomplish the things we need to do. So why do so many people, women in particular, continue to burn the candle at both ends busying themselves to the point of exhaustion and worse? ### **The myth of productivity** Being busy is an addiction and it can be as challenging to stop as other addictions such as alcohol, shopping, or working because it is a way to escape or numb yourself. But, unlike other addictions, Western society puts a high value on being busy. We are conditioned to believe that being busy equates to being good, worthy, and successful. In addition, so much of our busyness is determined by how we were conditioned. For example, if your parents worked long hours during the week and then did endless chores or exercised to extremes on the weekends to make up for a week of sitting at a desk, then you may have been conditioned at an early age to believe that these patterns are what you need to follow as well. If this sounds familiar, the more you do, the better you probably feel about yourself. When you are not busy, you may fear being perceived as lazy, or a failure. And resting may make you feel guilty! But, for most of us, as we get older the demands we continue to place on ourselves are not in line with our changing values and needs, such as taking time to prepare healthy meals, walking in nature, or spending quality time with friends and family. While the toll that busyness takes on us is high, the challenge is, most of us don’t know how to stop being so busy! ## **My Tips For Learning to Relax and Creating Balance In Your Life** There is no single strategy that works for everyone when it comes to finding the healthy balance between busy versus enjoying relaxation. And, there are many people who need to work long hours or several jobs to support their families. Depending on your personal stamina and what you have going on in your life, there may be times that being busier is OK. That said, here are some tips that you can use, no matter your situation, to let go of the unnecessary busyness that may be wearing you down: ### **1\. Stop saying “I am so busy”** When we repeatedly say we are busy, we set ourselves up for being unable to slow down. As Mahatma Gandhi said, “Your words become your actions, your actions become your habits.” Break the habit of saying you are busy. By the same token, stop taking on everything asked of you. When someone asks you to do something, take a breath and listen to your inner voice. Is it necessary for you to take on what is being asked of you? Are you able to kindly but firmly say “no” without making up excuses or playing the “busy card.” ### **2\. Don’t wear a watch** I am not advocating that you be late for work, social commitments or events. But, when you don’t wear a watch you naturally slow down. You become more thoughtful and you begin to plan out your life better so the unnecessary things fall by the wayside. Plus, just about every biological process has a daily or seasonal rhythm. When you remove the artificial time filter, you become able to tap into your own body clock and your needs. And, by all means, don’t wear a “smart” watch. Research shows the average smart watch user checks it over 150 times per day! Smart watches have become as addictive as mobiles when it comes to checking email, apps, and playing mindless games! ### **3\. Cancel or don’t accept unnecessary meetings** It’s ok and even necessary to attend some meetings. But sometimes, especially in work cultures that centre around popular opinion and politics, wellbeing meeting objectives get lost and the same old issues just keep getting rehashed. Plan to attend meetings only if the agenda calls for making decisions and assigning tasks for follow-up. Be sure the agenda is set beforehand and use your time during a meeting to make decisions and assign actions items. Remove yourself from all other meetings. Your team will get the hint that you are not available for every conversation or detail and will become more productive as a result. ### **4\. Make to-do lists and prioritize** Making a successful to-do list can be a challenge. A good rule of thumb is to make sure your daily to-do’s don’t exceed ten items. That way you get the most important things accomplished. The rest can move to a weekly or a long-term list. For example, if you have a deadline where something is due tomorrow, but you have a long list of small things such as vacuuming, grocery shopping, and taking out the trash ahead of finishing your project, you will end up working longer hours and placing more stress on yourself than necessary. Be sure not to confuse goals with tasks. Prioritize what must get done today. ### **5\. Play, have fun, act like a child** You have heard the saying, “laughter is the best medicine.” Including more fun into your daily life can improve your health. But when people become overly stressed, they tend to give up the things they enjoy. Play is both an important source of relaxation, and stimulation. There is science that shows laughter, having fun and engaging in play can relieve stress, increase brain function and creativity, and improve your relationships. So making time for fun in your life will actually improve your ability to accomplish your work or tasks more efficiently so that you become less busy. Plus, having fun keeps you feeling young and vibrant. George Bernard Shaw said, “we don’t stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing.” ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **6\. Get better quality sleep** You don’t necessarily need more hours, unless you truly aren’t getting enough. But, most of us could use better quality sleep. Be sure to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day; turn off your TV, computer, phone and WiFi at least 15 minutes before you go to bed; and stop eating and drinking anything with sugar, caffeine, or alcohol at least 2 hours before bed. You will feel more alert, accomplish tasks more easily, be in a better mood and have energy for the things you love. ### **7\. Learn how to accept praise** A big part of breaking the busy cycle is allowing yourself to feel success or completion. When we practice receiving in this way, we are able to move away from the thoughts and feelings of “there is too much to do, I will never get it all done” and toward knowing that “I am enough.” Acknowledge your accomplishments regularly and your feelings of unworthiness will melt away. You can do this by placing your hands over your heart and offering yourself praise. And remember when it’s all said and done, you don’t want your tombstone to read “she never got it done.” ### **8\. Do Your Inner Work** Our bodies are permeated and nourished by spiritual energy and guidance. Learning to reconnect with our Source is not difficult. Just set aside some quiet time. 10 minutes is plenty to start. Take a few deep breaths. Set an intention to invite Spirit into your life and then visualize the outcome. Be sure to express gratitude for all you have and for what you are about to receive. Write down any guidance or inspiration that comes to you and detach from any fears or uncertainties that arise. Doing this every day will help you reconnect with your spirituality. If you feel anxious about not being busy, try doing something creative that helps you turn inward. For example, try gardening ( barefoot is best) or playing an instrument. Take a nature walk. Dance. When we are connected to our souls we become capable of freeing ourselves from the habits that lock us into stressful patterns and relationships. *Christiane Northrup is a visionary pioneer and a leading authority in the field of women’s health and wellness. She teaches women how to thrive at every stage of life. When she’s not traveling and teaching, Christiane loves dancing Argentine Tango, playing the harp, going to the movies, getting together with her daughters and friends and reading.* ## **MORE INSPIRATION** **READ** [**Making Life Easy**](https://amzn.to/3ZRzxu3?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) by Dr. Christiane Northrup **EXPLORE** Articles, videos and more health wisdom at [**drnorthrup.com**](https://www.drnorthrup.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### The Six Types of Play (and Why They're so Important) URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/the-six-types-of-play-and-why-theyre-so-important/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:33.000Z ## **Chelsea Elliott** lives in Ohio with her husband and two daughters (aged six and two). She is the creator of EQ Kids Crew card game "Play is essential at every stage of our lives! Many people—including doctors and educators - see play as something kids do outside of learning. It is actually the primary way we learn, as humans. • Creative play allows kids to use their imagination to explore their world or create a new one. • Dramatic play helps kids understand various perspectives as they role-play with others. • Social play lets kids practice self-regulation and rule-following skills by learning how to lose graciously and celebrate themselves and others. • Unstructured play helps with cognitive development as the brain builds new neuropathways as kids develop innovative ways to interact with the world. • Communication play allows kids to use new words they wouldn't typically use in everyday conversations. • Locomotor play gives kids the chance to move their bodies in fun and unique ways (this is how my husband and I discovered our oldest daughter is a natural gymnast). Play helps us learn about ourselves, each other, and the world around us in a unique way. Outside of the direct benefits of play for kids, it helps adults understand a child's unfiltered mind. Participating in play with our kids can give insight into things they know or have experienced that they may not have shared with us before. For example, playing with your child can highlight issues with friends at school, their thoughts on bullying, and how they perceive your parenting. It can also help you see how they truly feel about themselves and their abilities. It is vital to not just play along but to find out if there is a real-world meaning behind what they are playing out. Both my children and my own childhood were the inspirations behind creating my emotional learning tools. I experienced trauma that impacted my emotional and mental development as a child. I'm now on a mission to help parents and educators create emotionally healthy and safe environments for kids by supporting their emotional wellness. The card game uses play to help kids build their communication skills. They increase their emotional vocabulary by learning new words to express their feelings and learn new ways to manage their behaviours. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **Embrace boredom** My advice for parents wanting to encourage more space for play for their kids is to allow them time to be bored and to fill in the gaps in their own way. Some parents may be surprised by their kids' interests based on how they play when they have no instructions or guidance. ## **MORE INSPIRATION** **LEARN** Find out more at [**somocomlab.com**](https://www.somocomlab.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). Also follow on IG, FB, TikTok, and Twitter [**@somocomlab**](https://www.tiktok.com/@somocomlab?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). ### Six Things To Do With Your Family This October URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/six-things-to-do-with-your-family-this-october/ Last updated: 2024-09-28T18:01:38.000Z ## It's wet, dark and there are soggy leaves on the ground. Autumn is here. We're relishing the faint smell of spices in the air and damp earth underfoot, but still holding out for a few last days of sun. Here are some ideas to make the most of this magical time of year. ## Splish Splash It’s been a pretty wet year. We’re attempting to put aside broader worries about the reasons behind the ongoing deluge and trying to embrace it. Did you know that scientists have discovered that [**walking in the rain can improve your mental health**](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c51157ep524o?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) (spoiler alert: the negatively charged ions a downpour produces relieve stress and boost energy levels). So dress appropriately, and get out and have fun. You might: use junk to [**create a water wall**](https://happyhooligans.ca/water-wall/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) for your little ones. Or make tin foil [**rainy day rubbings**](https://creativestarlearning.co.uk/art-music-outdoors/rainy-day-rubbings-exploring-pattern-outside/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)**,** try [**rain painting**](http://www.housingaforest.com/rain-painting/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk#:~:text=Rain%20Painting%20with%20Powdered%20Tempera,textural%20look%20to%20the%20painting.) with watercolour crayons, markers and food colouring, spot [**snails, slugs and raindrops**](https://childsplayabc.wordpress.com/2019/06/07/rainy-day-puddle-splashing-and-saving-snails-day-7-of-30-days-wild/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) on plants or simply get into your swimming costumes and embrace the soggy! Why not, make mud angels, jump in puddles and roll on the wet grass. Make sure there’s plenty of hot water for baths afterwards. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### 3 Simple Changes That Have Had a Profound Effect URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/3-simple-changes-that-have-had-a-profound-effect/ Last updated: 2024-09-27T17:45:08.000Z Hello! How are you? Have you been rained on this week? We’ve had so much rain here in Brighton – apart from the wider implications, I guess it’s good for plants, puddle-jumping and snails - so many snails! I’m working on the winter edition of the Green Parent – having so much fun with the researching and gathering ideas stage. Although I LOVE every aspect of my job (even the spreadsheety bits) this is definitely my favourite. I'm also gathering entries in for our 2024 Writing Competition - there's still time to submit your entry - find out more about how to submit, prizes etc. [**here**](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/enter-the-2024-green-parent-writing-competition/). Here’s what else I’ve been doing… ### **Reading my new favourite book!** I boshed [**Wild Service: Why Nature Needs You**](https://www.wob.com/en-gb/books/nick-hayes/wild-service/9781526673312?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), edited by Nick Hayes in a day or so. It’s such a great book – everyone’s getting a copy for their Christmas pressie! Inspired by the rare wild service tree (*Sorbus torminalis*), it’s all about re-wilding and an invitation to discover the power in participation. It features many different people writing about our connection with nature, and offers a realistic and yet, positive take on the situation we find ourselves in now. It’s given me so much hope; I feel uplifted and excited. A heady blend of science, nature writing and indigenous philosophy, this book calls for mass reconnection to the land and asks that we all commit to its restoration. It’s rocked my world! Watch Nadia Shaikh, who writes powerfully in the book on the connection between colonialism and the exclusionary mindset of mainstream conservation, talking about re-commoning (reclaiming the land for everyone) below. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### The Art of Baking Bread with Children URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/the-art-of-baking-bread-with-childrne/ Last updated: 2024-09-27T15:30:02.000Z ## It is autumn, sunlight glances in at the windows as I walk into the kitchen, recipe in hand. My heart filled with anticipation as my small son races ahead of me to gather the essential ingredients; we are going to make bread says **Alison Jones** First, we search for a vessel big enough to hold our experiences and workings, it will need to be a large container as we are messy workers and don’t always get it right. We settle on the cool ceramic of the mason cash bowl, alike to the one my mother has; I think my grandmother had one too; it is a kitchen classic and our cauldron of sorts for today. Hands cleansed of the everyday presences of paint, unidentifiable sticky residues and general dust and dirt, sanctified by soap and water, we call the ingredients together. My small son rummages hopefully in the cupboard and the spirits of what we need come to us, bringing their gifts. I glance at the clock, being thankful for the spirit of time and the gift of this moment for us to be here, now, in the sunlit kitchen having this experience. The moments of our births have constellated to allow this to be, and for this I am grateful. We will use the gift of time in another way as we combine water and yeast, and allow the magic to begin. We feel the spirit of place too, we are focused being present, here in the process of what we are doing, rooted in the hearth of our home, in our street, in our community, in our city; the particular part of the surface of the earth which we call home. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### 15 Children's Books to Read This Autumn URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/15-childrens-books-to-read-this-autumn/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:34.000Z My daughter and I LOVE reading! I try and rotate the books that she has on her bookshelves in her bedroom every 4 weeks or so. This week it was time to dig out some of our favourite autumnal reads. I thought I'd share them here with you. [**Brambly Hedge Autumn Story by Jill Barklem**](https://amzn.to/3XoLg0o?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) I'm sure most of you have discovered this series of books featuring the lives of a community of mice who live self-sufficiently in the hedgerow. My daughter and I love all of the tales but particularly, Autumn. The mice have to harvest everything before the rains come, and the mouse Primrose gets herself into a pickle. The illustrations have my daughter and I pouring over the pages – how about the harvest mice with their woven grass house and its thistledown carpets?! [**Little Witch Hazel by Phoebe Wahl**](https://amzn.to/3B61B2q?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) An earthy collection of four stories that celebrate the seasons, nature, and life, from award-winning author-illustrator Phoebe Wahl. Little Witch Hazel is a tiny witch who lives in the forest, helping creatures big and small. She's a midwife, an intrepid explorer, a hard worker and a kind friend. We love the illustrations from this brilliant unschooled creative! [**Humongous Fungus by Lynne Boddy and Wenjia Tang**](https://amzn.to/3TAM4ya?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Fungi can be found in every ecosystem. They carpet the forest floor, decompose matter, feed plants, and even change animals' behaviour. Mushrooms come in all colours, shapes, and sizes. Did you know that there are over 1.5 million known fungus species? This book really opens our eyes to the wonder of fungi! [**Little Country Cottage: An Autumn Treasury of Recipes, Crafts and Wisdom by Angela Ferraro Fanning and Annelies Draws**](https://amzn.to/3ZpdURI?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) A gorgeous collection of bakes, gardening projects and craft ideas to celebrate the turning of the seasons in a traditional way. We love the gratitude tree, and the apple chip recipe is super easy and very tasty! [**Sweep by Louise Greig and Julia Sarda**](https://amzn.to/3MVcQ0c?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) A fun lyrical story about sweeping away bad feelings. We love looking at the illustrations and chatting about how to work through big emotions. [**A Poem for Every Autumn Day, edited by Allie Esiri**](https://amzn.to/4eesakY?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) This is a gorgeous seasonal collection of brilliant poetry about my favourite time of year. My daughter and I have discovered plenty of new poems from poets such as John Agard, Patience Agbabi and Shakespeare! [**Autumn Feast by Sean Taylor and Alex Morss**](https://amzn.to/4ees2Sj?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) This enchanting tale takes the reader on a journey through autumn as the leaves fall from the trees and the animals collect their winter stores. We have a couple of others in this series of seasonal celebrations and enjoy the gentle story and lovely illustrations. [**Shirley Hughes Out and About A First Book of Poems**](https://amzn.to/4db5sc6?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) I love Shirley Hughes’ illustrations – there’s so much life in each drawing. These poems are organised by season, and my daughter and I enjoy revisiting this book every few months to read the ‘new’ verses. In Autumn, there’s poems about feasts and rain and mists. Gorgeous! [**The Circles in the Sky by Karl James Mountford**](https://amzn.to/4db7bOu?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) This beautiful picture book, which deals with death in a very natural and matter-or-fact way, has a very autumnal feel to it, so it's made it onto the seasonal bookshelf, although not traditionally about autumn. My daughter loves the illustrations and the way that Fox tries to get Bird to play with him, until Moth steps in and quietly explains that Bird is dead. [**The Curious Nature Guide: Explore the Natural Wonders all Around You by Clare Walker Leslie**](https://amzn.to/3MOoSZo?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) I’ve had this book for a while – this year my daughter is old enough to really benefit from the fun projects inside; we’ve been talking about the changing light and migration using the prompts in this gorgeous guide. [**Beti and the Little Round House by Atinuke and Emily Hughes**](https://amzn.to/3MPH1WD?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. I love this book so much! It tells the tale of Beti and her family in their handbuilt roundhouse over the course of four seasons. In Autumn she gets lost in a storm and her homecoming is so warm and heartening. I thoroughly recommend this book. [**The Queen in the Cave by Júlia Sarda**](https://amzn.to/4eaj9sV?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) This beautiful adventure story is about three sisters and one of them coming of age and leaving childhood behind. It's a great ways to introduce the concept of change in family life within a fairytale setting. Each page is brimming with delicious imagery. My daughter and I absolutely love spotting the magical autumn creatures in the borders and within the pictures. It’s maybe more of a Samhain treat, but I love it so we’re getting it out early! [**A Year with Findus: Seasonal Crafts and Nature Activities by Sven Nordqvist, Eva-Lena Larsson and Kennert Danielson**](https://amzn.to/4erqtjv?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) This book is stuffed full of seasonal ideas – we’ve made a rowan berry necklace and a creamy vegetable soup already from the September pages. There’s instructions for drying mushrooms and a recipe for a rosehip soup too. In October, it’s all about the study of wind and how to make your own wind sock and rain gauge. Lovely, funny illustrations dotted throughout and the fact that it's guided by Findus the cat, make this really appealing. [**Harvest Days: Giving Thanks Around the World by Kate DePalma and Martina Peluso**](https://amzn.to/3zrP8Wu?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) This book is a joyful invitation to explore harvest festivals from around the globe! The text is lyrical and rhyming and the illustrations rich and colourful. We love the pages at the back, which dive deeper into the 12 cultures highlighted in the book. The information has prompted lots of discussion about food; how it’s produced, by whom and why we practice gratitude. [**The Autumn Equinox: Celebrating the Harvest by Ellen Jackson and Jan Davey Ellis**](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/alternative-schools-guide-2025/) We have most of Ellen’s seasonal celebration books and love this book about harvest celebrations around the world. It includes a read-aloud harvest tale, recipes, and craft activities. Like baked cinnamon apples, moon cakes and gratitude notes. Lovely! Do you have a favourite autumn or harvest book? I’d love to hear your recommendations. Drop me a line to [letters@thegreenparent.co.uk](mailto:letters@thegreenparent.co.uk) ### Autumn is My Goddess Time URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/autumn-is-my-goddess-time/ Last updated: 2024-09-23T06:24:07.000Z ## How to tap into the healing powers of this time of year by **Josie Cremore** It is far too easy to become wrapped up in life. To allow yourself to be distracted by everything that isn’t important and to forget to be mindful and present with the things that mean the most to you. The things you know will make you happiest. Autumn is my Goddess time. It is my time of empowerment, where I feel most connected to the world around us. Perhaps it is because of how thin the walls are between this world and others at this time of year, or perhaps it is due to the way the landscape suddenly reveals the most bountiful treasures, reminding me how amazing nature is. Whatever it might be, I always find myself profoundly comfortable and completely at peace during this season. I feel more like me than at any other time of the year. A few years back, however, the feeling was slow to root. The long sticky summer was reluctant to make way for crisper mornings and cosy layers were often completely shed by lunchtime. I was wrapped up in my thoughts, plagued by the stresses of a house move (taking far too long) and consumed by the daily demands of life. I was distracted; buried in paperwork and emails and household chores and barely noticed the leaves turning their stunning hues of orange and gold. I wasn't mindful and I wasn't present. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Celebrate Car Free Day URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/celebrate-car-free-day/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:33.000Z ## Imagine a world free of roaring engines, exhaust fumes, and streets filled with children playing, communities growing crops and art. For one day a year, that dream can come true says **Kate Hodges** Car Free Day, which takes place on 22 September every year, is a global event when cities and towns close their roads to traffic and let the people take over. Fancy setting one up yourself? We spoke to **Sarah Macbeth**, design researcher and activist, who, with Transition Town Hastings, organised an event as part of the day last year about the practical side of holding a huge block party. “Car Free Days have been in existence for many years; car drivers are encouraged to leave their cars at home allowing citizens to reclaim streets from the dominant use of road vehicles, a major source of pollutants in urban areas. Hastings’ first ever Car Free Day celebration took place on a stretch of the seafront road, and was a community run event. We wanted to challenge the ‘normal’ of a busy seafront road. Car Free Day is an important way to promote sustainable forms of transport and reclaim space for communities to come together in mutual enjoyment, to celebrate being together and imagining possible futures for the community. Air pollution is known to shorten lives and reduce the quality of life for tens of thousands of people. The event created positive emotions amongst the attendees and participants, a transformative environment, and fostered collaborative working. There was genuine enthusiasm and hard work from those involved. When we asked visitors what they liked most about our Car Free Day event, they told us that it was the simple act of being able to be on the road without noise or pollution.” ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ## **MORE INSPIRATION** Explore car-free in your area: [livingstreets.org.uk](http://livingstreets.org.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Get more from Sarah: [transitiontownhastings.org.uk](http://transitiontownhastings.org.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) This photograph shows children playing on a car-free street as part of [**Living Streets Cymru**](https://www.livingstreets.org.uk/about-us/living-streets-cymru/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). ### I Learnt a New Skill which is in Danger of Dying Out URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/i-learnt-a-new-skill-which-is-in-danger-of-dying-out/ Last updated: 2026-10-05T21:57:15.000Z Hello! A big warm welcome to this week’s newsletter. We got back from the Isle of Wight on Monday – it was such a good long weekend, filled with family and laughter. We even spent a whole day on the beach, swimming in the sea, gathering sea glass, walking along the coastal path and lying in the sunshine! Autumn Equinox is nearly here; the leaves are starting to change and we’ve found a few conkers. I’m like a squirrel at this time of year, gathering handfuls of berries, seeds and nuts everywhere we go. I was given a happy gift this week - so grateful to receive a personalised foraging bag from [**Man and Bear**](https://manandbear.co.uk/products/canvas-foraging-bag-with-personalised-leather-casing?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) to keep my finds in. What a beautiful pressie! Here’s what I’ve been up to: ### **GETTING EXCITED ABOUT ISSUE 121** _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### 6 Free Things to do in the Woods in Autumn URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/6-free-things-to-do-in-the-woods-in-autumn/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:34.000Z ## We head to the woods to play in the leaves, make natural paints and find some food for free ### **LEAF CATCHING** Did you know that if you catch a leaf as it floats down from the trees you are granted a wish by the woodland fairy folk? Autumn is a wonderful time to play leaf games as the trees are shedding their leaves leaving a crunchy carpet underfoot. You could try hunting for leaves using different criteria – the biggest, smallest, most colourful or most unusual leaf. Creating a leaf blanket is a surprisingly fun and moving activity. Lie down on the ground and cover yourself in leaves (or get someone to do it for you), stay there for a while, immerse yourself in the feeling of connectedness with the earth. ### **MAKE MOBILES** Natural mobiles look beautiful and will last long into the season. Gather treasures such as acorns, conkers, colourful leaves, sycamore seeds, rosehips and seed heads when out on a walk. You will also need a long stick and a piece of string. When you get home, make holes in each of the items gathered – some of the tougher nuts and seeds will need to be tackled by an adult – using a skewer or a bradawl. Knot a length of string and using a tapestry needle start to thread the items onto the string. Complete another two or three strings and then tie these onto the main stick. Attach a long piece of string to each end of the stick and this can be used as a handle to hang it up with. ### **MAKE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS** Seed heads and pieces of bark can be put to good use creating natural music. To make your own panpipes, take a piece of bamboo about 1.5 metres long. The first stages of this project will require adult assistance. Saw the bamboo into about six pieces – the first piece should be about 5 cm and the others ascending in length with a joint at one end of each piece – the instrument needs an open and a closed end to make sound. Remove any soft matter inside the tubes with a metal rod. Sand down the outsides and tie together in order of length. Blow over the open ends to make sound. Seed heads from plants such as poppy or dried fruits such as gourds can be used as rattles. A stick and a large piece of bark make a fun impromptu drum. ### **TRY NATURAL PAINTING** Ancient cave paintings were created using natural materials such as plants and berries. We can use these techniques today to create our very own paint in a variety of autumnal hues. Whilst proper natural paint has fixatives and other ingredients added to make it colour fast, these homemade colours don’t and will eventually fade but often the fun is in the creation anyway. Try elderberries, rose hips, blackberries and sloes. Mash in a pestle and mortar (or with bare hands) and add a little water to get a good consistency. You can sieve the paint to get a smooth liquid. Be sure to wear old clothes as berry juice can stain. Add paper and a thick paintbrush and you are ready to go. These natural paints can also be used as body paints. ### **GO BLACKBERRY PICKING** Our hedgerows offer up a cornucopia of edible treats in the autumn months. None quite so tasty and accessible as the blackberry. They are easy to graze straight from the bush and if it’s possible to save a few these can be put to good use in an apple and blackberry pie. Choose bushes well away from roadsides, to avoid pollution. Other things to look out for are crab apples, wild damsons, sloes and sweet chestnuts, nestled inside their spiky shells. Dana Connell, mother of four, lives in Cambridge and relives her childhood experiences of foraging with her own children. “I love returning home from a day spent in the open air, collecting food for free, the kids hands and faces sticky with juice. By the time we reach the front door, I never have enough fruit to do anything useful but we have such great fun, it doesn’t really seem to matter!” ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **CREATE A CROWN** Collect a pile of colourful leaves and they can be turned into crowns for princes and princesses of the woods. You will also need a strip of cardboard and a little glue for each crown. Place the cardboard on the ground and stick leaves to it. A stapler might be useful for larger leaves. Other items can be made to adorn the woodland folk, such as bracelets or necklaces using seeds threaded onto string or masks using a decorated cardboard cut-out. Experiment to create a magical memento of an autumn walk. John Piper, father of two who lives in London tried this activity with a group of seven year olds at his daughter’s birthday party. “It was a really successful activity – lots of us adults got into making them too. Then we played silly games in the woods for ages afterwards.” --- ## **MORE INSPIRATION** **READ:** [**Forest School Adventure**](https://amzn.to/3Xv7YnE?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) by Dan Westall and Naomi Walmsley [**The Children's Forest**](https://amzn.to/3Xv7YnE?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) by Dawn Casey, Anna Richardson and Helen D'Ascoli ### ### What Areas of Your Life do you Need a Boost? URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/what-areas-of-your-life-do-you-need-a-boost/ Last updated: 2024-09-13T18:00:56.000Z Hello, A big warm welcome to this week’s newsletter. I'm sending this from the Isle of Wight, where we're having a weekend break. I can't believe we’re nearly halfway through September already – that’s whizzed by, right?! Anyway, here's what I’ve been up to this week: ### **Taking a Mini-Break** We’ve just arrived on the Isle of Wight to celebrate my older daughter's and my brother-in-law’s birthdays. My daughter and I reckon we last went there 11 years ago. I’m hopeful that it hasn’t changed at all! We’re going to head to [**Osborne House**](https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/osborne/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) (Queen Victoria’s country home) with paints and sketchbooks and while away an afternoon, painting. I love the little private beach and view over the Solent there. My partner is a castle fiend and so we’ll most likely head over to [**Carisbrooke Castle**](https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/carisbrooke-castle/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) too. I remember there being donkeys and a lovely Edwardian garden to explore last time we visited. I want to explore [**Ventnor Botanic Garden**](https://www.botanic.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) again over the weekend – it’s apparently the hottest garden in the UK! There’s a great walk along the coastal path to get there. And [**Black Gang Chine**](https://blackgangchine.com/plan-your-visit/times-prices/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), of course, for nostalgia reasons! _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Harness the Abundance of the Natural World this Autumn URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/harness-the-abundance-of-the-natural-world-with-yogic-techniques/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:34.000Z ## It's a time of year when everything is in transition, when our focus starts to turn inwards. Some of us can find the ride a little bumpy and many of us suffer from colds and respiratory problems around the Autumn Equinox says yoga teacher, **Jane Clapham** “I’ve found that it’s easy to believe in the abundance of the universe when I’m picking blackberries. This September, bushes are laden with warm, fragrant fruit which yield easily to eager fingers. Keats lyrically called autumn the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness. For me, the abundance of wild fare symbolises the bounty and mellow fruitfulness of the abundant universe. In these autumn months, including the Hindu festival of Diwali, it’s important to create a healthy relationship with the supportive universe, using some powerful yoga techniques. The concept of attracting the abundance we deserve can be foreign for many of us. Some of us have been brought up with the notion money is always short, and that it’s somehow more virtuous to be poor. However, I believe that the world around us is naturally abundant, and that we may have to change our attitude to money in order to take advantage of this abundance. We can still live by core values of compassion, generosity and responsibility. Can we change our attitude towards money, and attract the abundance that we need, in order to take care of our material needs, and help others to make the world a better place? How do we work with the energy of abundance, to bring the energy of Lakshmi, which is naturally present in the autumn, into the rest of the year? ### **Give generously** In India, generosity is a keystone of the culture. Guests are seen as God and are treated with reverence, offered the best food and drink, no matter how poor people are. It is traditional to give donations to the poor and to feed holy people and sadhus. Today, give something away. Give a donation to charity (even a small one), feed someone, or give something away that’s precious to you. Observe that warm feeling in your heart and notice how abundance starts to come back to you. ### **Connect with the Earth** Autumn energy is abundant, and is a time for celebration of the earth with harvest festivals. It’s a great time to practise the flowing Earth Salutation, which develops an affinity and respect for the bounty of the earth. At the Dru Yoga centre in North Wales, we often teach this sequence outdoors during our yoga training courses, overlooking the stunning Snowdonia mountains. It helps us tune into the changing seasons and offer gratitude to the earth for nurturing us all year round. ### **Use affirmations** We often talk about the power of words and you can use techniques to give words power through the use of mantra. Practise this by being mindful of how you talk about money. Keep your words very positive, affirming the abundance around you. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **Sentences to try are:** ‘I attract the abundance I deserve’ ‘I have enough for my needs and to help others’ ‘Money flows easily to me’ ‘I am grateful to the abundant universe’ Be careful of saying things like ‘I never have any money’ as what you say, you attract! ### **Use resources wisely** The Hindu goddess, Lakshmi has eight forms, including nature, family and health. Take time to think how fortune manifests in your life – and try to honour them. Include time, money, health, family, skills and your self-development. Invest your time in them and be careful not to waste them. See them as treasures; practical reminders of the abundant universe, which is always supporting you, whether you realise it or not! As the Desiderata says, ‘You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.’ ## **MORE INSPIRATION** For more about Dru Yoga check out [www.druworldwide.com](http://www.druworldwide.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). **WATCH** ### 5 Ways to Boost Water Confidence for Kids URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/5-ways-to-boost-water-confidence-for-kids/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:34.000Z ## **Helen Hughes** explains why she uses a child-led approach to teaching children to swim I am passionate about alternative educational methods which involve child-led learning as opposed to strict, rigid adult-led options that the majority of us seem to have available to us. I formed Mini Water Adventurers to give parents an alternative choice to the way their children can learn to swim. There are many children who struggle with the tick box culture or highly structured lessons, which is why I aim to create an inspiring, fun and free environment which encourages our children to learn in a safe and engaging way. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. This is a place where they get to choose what they do and when they are ready to do it. I have been teaching swimming for 30 years and I absolutely love planning creative lessons to engage children during their time in the water. I also provide tips for parents that are not quite sure about what they can offer when they go to the pool during family time. ![Photo shows a baby in a swimming pool, taken from underwater](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/08/23.jpg) When learning to swim, go at the speed of your child ## **5 tips to build water confidence** 1. **Go at the speed of your child.** Start slow and steady. Children naturally have an inner curiosity about water from a very young age. Some children, however, can take a little longer to warm up to the idea of putting their face in the water, or moving around the pool without you holding them. If they don’t want to do something then roll with that rather than forcing it because you think it's the right thing to do. Learning to swim and having confidence in the water is vital for the safety of your child, but if you push your child too soon it will be a hindrance and the process potentially will take a lot longer. Practising in the bath will build on the foundation of water confidence. My advice is to allow water splashes; don’t worry about wiping away droplets with a towel or flannel. Don’t use a hair washing cap and never forcefully wash their hair (there are positive ways to do this). Above all though, don’t rush bath time. When a child is ready to give things a go, follow their lead; they are showing you the signs of readiness rather than you making those decisions for them. 2. **Be mindful that children live in the present.** How your child responded and what your child did in the water last week may not be the way they behave this week. Most likely the experience will be different next time too. Be prepared for all eventualities. They may cry after being splashed this time or they may not want to swim with you to the deep end this week OR they may want to jump this time or want to swim underwater on your back. Being adaptable and thinking on your feet is really helpful as this will really boost their confidence levels. 3. **Get consistent**. The more exposure your child has to the water on a regular basis, the better. This is why children progress and gain so much confidence so quickly when they go on holiday and use the swimming pool every day for extended periods of time. Going to the pool all year round is highly recommended, rather than just seasonally (for example only going in the summer because it’s warmer). Practice makes permanent and your child will learn quicker with confidence if going swimming is a weekly occurrence rather than on an ad hoc basis. 4. **Use training aids.** Ultimately the goal is for your child to be confidently swimming independently without using any aids. However, the process and journey to get to this stage can be helped along by using a flotation device and other training aids. I have designed a flotation device, called the Orca swim trainer that helps build your child’s confidence when learning to swim. It’s an all in one suit with added buoyancy. It is designed to keep the buoyancy around your child’s torso and allows the arms to remain free to develop the correct swimming stroke. It also provides your child time and freedom to explore and play in a safe way. It is not a lifesaving device therefore an adult must be within arms’ reach of your child at all times. I also recommend a noodle with a connector to use in the water which is fun to use when playing games. 5. **Have fun.** Being in and around the water can be a great family experience. Play games and take toys to encourage your child to swim and move in the water independently. If you get involved as well, as their role model, they’ll mirror you. If you are enjoying yourself and are comfortable splashing and moving around, playing games they’ll gain confidence, seeing you having fun. Put your goggles on and be prepared to go underwater, splash, kick, paddle, blow bubbles with them. Even if you are a little wobbly yourself, stay in the shallow end and mix up the games so that you can feel comfortable and confident. A starter toy kit to take to the pool would be perfect. Singing songs and adding actions to them really helps build courage in the water in a fun way too. For example, you could try singing Humpty Dumpty. When he has a big fall, you could jump your child off the side or take them underwater in the shallow end. ### **What to take with you to the pool to help build water confidence** Try a bag with: sprinkle cups, a favourite selection of bath toy objects (animals, cars, dinosaurs etc), sinkable toys (dive sticks or hoops etc.) and some sensory balls (perhaps these flash or make a noise when you shake them etc.). --- ## **MORE INSPIRATION** **READ** For more tips about how to build confidence in the water and gain more ideas for when you do go to the pool, go to [**miniwateradventurers.com**](https://www.miniwateradventurers.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### Our Son Has Never Slept Through! URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/our-son-has-never-slept-through/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:34.000Z ## And that’s OK. Read about how **Emma Foley's** radical acceptance of wakefulness transformed her experience of motherhood ## Like many parents, early motherhood for me was synonymous with sleep deprivation. I was delirious at times, anxious as the night stretched ahead with no guarantee of sleep. The question of when my son might ‘sleep through’ was at the forefront of my mind – and the subject of regular late-night internet searches. By the time this long-awaited night arrived, he was two and I was already heavily pregnant, with the associated insomnia dashing any hopes of me being able to sleep all night. My youngest is now almost three, and has yet to achieve this ‘milestone’ of a solid night’s sleep. It sounds bleak – I haven’t had an undisturbed night’s sleep since becoming a mother five years ago. Knowing this in advance, in the early days, might have pushed me over the edge. But the thing is – I’m fine. More than fine, actually. I’m relatively well-rested most days, I function well at work and I’m more than happy with our parenting choices. For all the tips, methods, and opinions out there about sleep, only one thing worked for our family – radical acceptance. First of all, we started co-sleeping. It felt natural to have my baby (and later, babies) next to me all night, but in the early days I was terrified by what I’d read about the risks. This propaganda – I don’t think that’s too strong a word here – was backed by my health visitor, who advised sleep training instead. Her advice didn’t account for my instincts - the thought of leaving my son to cry for any length of time physically pained me. ### **Why I love bedsharing** So, we began to bedshare. I obsessively researched how to do this safely and woke the next morning feeling more rested than I had for months. Of course, my son had still woken, but I had fed him back to sleep each time, without even needing to sit up. It made a huge difference, and he was so toddler content being next to me all night. I loved it, I still love it and I cherish these nights. In the early days, I’d check the time at each wakeup. I’d calculate how long it was until my alarm went off, or tally up how many times I’d been up so far. These statistics would then be relayed in the morning to my husband, my mum, even other mums at baby groups for comparison. Once we started co-sleeping, I stopped counting. My son’s needs were being met, and his sleep was biologically normal – tracking it served no purpose. My husband and I parent equally in the day, and in the night we do the same. Our eldest is no longer breastfed, so my husband will go and settle him if he wakes up, usually getting in his bed and sleeping there with him. He now has a double bed, so there’s plenty of space – we did more than our fair share of squeezing into a cotbed with him! The youngest comes straight in with me when he wakes up and stays there, feeding as much or as little as he needs. It works for us. ### **Parenting doesn't stop when the sun goes down** We lay with them while they go to sleep, and we respond if they wake in the night – it’s simple. The need for comfort and connection doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. Some might see it as martyrdom, some might bristle at the thought of us changing our sleeping arrangements to suit our children. But it’s no sacrifice – it’s joyful, actually. Adjusting our expectations and embracing responsiveness has changed everything, in a way that has nothing to do with how much or little they wake up. Their sleep was never the problem, and working around it rather than trying to ‘fix’ them has been the best parenting choice we’ve made. Emma is based in South Yorkshire, where she lives with her husband and two young sons. Through her writing and mindfulness sessions for mothers, Emma empowers parents to lean into their instincts and drown out the noise of modern parenting. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ## **MORE INSPIRATION** **FOLLOW** For Emma’s writing work **@**[**emma\_foley\_writer/**](https://www.instagram.com/emma%5Ffoley%5Fwriter/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **READ** [**The Baby Sleep Book**](https://www.wob.com/en-gb/books/william-sears/baby-sleep-book/9780007198221?gad%5Fsource=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwoJa2BhBPEiwA0l0ImHkuR%5FdSehhCdkgOAaYw1UvtwaEjZapH1FkhGVaoyaIv4PVzc2EYTxoCAisQAvD%5FBwE&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) --- ![Photograph of a mother and her child in bed, asleep](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/08/32.jpg) Co-sleeping mothers and babies share what we call “nighttime harmony” ## **Nine Benefits of Co-Sleeping** ### **Martha Sears** of [**askdrsears.com**](https://www.askdrsears.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) writes about the ways that bedsharing can benefit your family 1. Babies sleep better. The presence of a parent can ease baby through the transitions from light sleep to deep sleep which happen in the sleep cycles several times throughout the night. 2. Mothers sleep better. Many co-sleeping mothers and babies share what we call “nighttime harmony” – their sleep cycles are in sync. Mothers are seldom awakened from a deep sleep to attend to baby. 3. Babies grow better. Instead of wasting energy crying at night, baby can use that energy to grow. Extra touch co-sleeping babies get stimulates brain growth. Babies who sleep with their mothers get more milk at night. 4. Mothers “grow” better. The extra nursing helps mother thrive and grow as a mum. Mums and babies are “in touch” for more hours, so mums enjoy higher levels of prolactin. They learn to know their babies very well. 5. Fathers “grow” better. Many fathers do not have a lot of time with their children during the day. Co-sleeping gives them extra hours of closeness at night. 6. Night feedings are easier. Because breast milk is digested more rapidly than formula, breastfed babies need more frequent feedings. With sleep cycles in sync, mum can partially awaken just in time for a feeding and easily drift back to sleep. Co-sleeping often helps breastfeeding work better – milk seems to flow better. 7. Co-sleeping is valuable for mums who work outside the home. Breastfeeding at night helps to perk up a mum’s milk supply, which can dwindle if she is pumping rather than nursing during the workday. 8. Co-sleeping babies tend to be better behaved. We have noticed, and long-term studies have confirmed, that co-sleeping babies tend to be easier to discipline. There is a lot more to say about this, check out The Baby Sleep Book! 9. Co-sleeping is safer. There is also a lot to say about this sometimes controversial point. Again, read the book above! Consider this. Co-sleeping occurs at the peak stage of brain growth – the first two years. Co-sleeping babies are less stressed at night. Babies forced to sleep alone against their desire are likely to have high levels of stress hormones at night. There is actually a term for stressed-out babies: glucocorticoid neurotoxicity. This is not something you want for your baby’s brain. Our colleague, Dr. James McKenna, Director of Mother-Baby Sleep Lab at Notre Dame University, has published eye- opening research on the psychological benefits of co-sleeping. Above all: Mother Knows Best. If your mother’s intuition tells you this is right for your baby, lie back and enjoy the long-term benefits of this warm relationship. ### 8 Natural Ingredients and How They Benefit Your Skin URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/8-natural-ingredients-and-how-they-benefit-your-skin-2/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:34.000Z ## Nourish and rejuvenate your beauty regime with ingredients derived from nature! In a world where sustainability is key, consumers are becoming more conscious of what they apply to their skin The shift to natural products brings benefits for both our health, and the environment. Explore the advantages of natural ingredients and incorporate nature into your daily beauty routine. ### **The Benefits of Natural Cosmetics** One of the primary benefits of natural cosmetics is that they do not contain synthetic chemicals, artificial fragrances, and substances like parabens and sulfates that can be potentially harmful to people with sensitive skin. Skin-friendly natural ingredients such as aloe vera, chamomile, argan oil and many more provide our skin with essential nutrients helping it maintain natural balance and radiance. By choosing natural cosmetics made of sustainable and organic ingredients we also support eco-friendly practices that do not harm our planet. ### **8 of Nature's Finest Ingredients** Ingredients derived from nature can be found in a wide range of products for daily use – from [**natural organic body wash**](https://www.notino.co.uk/organic-cosmetics/organic-shower-gel/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) and hair products, facial and body creams to beauty products such as foundations, mascaras and lipsticks. Here are some exceptional ingredients and their beauty benefits. • **Aloe vera** – A highly valued ingredient that has unique soothing, moisturising, acne-fighting and anti-ageing properties. This versatile ingredient can be found in face moisturisers, sunscreens and after-sun gels, serums and facial masks. • **Olive oil** – Whether used on skin, hair or nails, olive oil offers deep hydration and nourishment. This natural ingredient rich in vitamin E helps protect the skin from free radical damage caused by environmental factors such as pollution and UV radiation that cause premature ageing, wrinkles and dark spots on the skin. Thanks to its ability to create a protective barrier that locks in moisture, [**soap with olive oil**](https://www.notino.co.uk/soap/olive-oil-soap/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) is a great choice for frequent hand washing that tends to dry our skin. • **Shea Butter** – Ingredient rich in vitamins A and E with outstanding anti-inflammatory and anti-ageing properties. It is also beneficial for hair as it reduces frizz, provides moisture and promotes healthy hair growth. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. • **Jojoba Oil** – A natural ingredient that closely resembles the skin's natural sebum and helps to regulate and balance oil production, soothes irritation and reduces redness while not clogging pores. Jojoba oil is a great option for healing acne scars and other skin issues on both dry and oily skin types. • **Green Tea Extract** – This ingredient packed with antioxidants is beneficial for its ability to reduce and prevent signs of ageing, reducing inflammation and reducing puffiness and dark circles around the eyes. • **Argan Oil** – Often referred to as liquid gold, argan oil contains high levels of vitamin E, fatty acids and antioxidants that help improve skin elasticity, treat eczema and psoriasis and fight against premature skin ageing, wrinkles and fine lines. • **Chamomile** – Another calming and soothing ingredient full of antioxidants that is especially beneficial for sensitive skin prone to irritation and redness. It can be found in eye creams and gels that help reduce puffiness and dark circles, facial cleansers and face and body moisturisers that gently hydrate the skin. • **Coconut Oil** – Well known for its hydrating properties, coconut oil protects the skin barrier and promotes healing of wounds and scars, leaving the skin silky soft and smooth. You can find it in a wide range of moisturisers, facial creams, hair leave-in treatments, serums, lipsticks, and glosses. Enhance your natural beauty and provide your skin and hair with the best care from Mother Nature. ### I've Got a New Theme for September URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/ive-got-a-new-theme-for-september/ Last updated: 2024-08-30T18:03:46.000Z Hello, Happy Friday! How are you? How's your week been? I’ve had a fun last few days of August and am feeling super stoked ‘cos I’m spending the weekend at [**Heart of the Rose**](https://www.heartoftherosefestival.com/line-up-2024?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) – whoop whoop! This is the third year of this delicious women’s gathering and every year, my sister and I have taken time out from family life to go and indulge in a weekend of lush feminine vibes, learnings and connections. This year, these are some of the things I’m excited about: a workshop with [**Clare Dubois**](https://www.instagram.com/clare%5Fdubois%5Ftreesister/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) on the alchemical power of sistering, learning about menopause with [**Alexandra Pope and Sjanie Hugo Wurlitzer**](https://www.redschool.net/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), getting wisdom on psychological birth with [**Kemi**](https://www.instagram.com/kemibirthjoyjohnson/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) and [**Samsara**](https://www.instagram.com/grandmother%5Fbirthkeeper/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) and doing a Singing Ourselves Home workshop with [**Sophia Efthimiou**](https://www.singingourselveshome.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). I’ll let you know more about the delights next week… ## **What I've Been up to This Week** ### **Home Education Plans** I get so excited in September; planning a new term of home education content. Often, after the initial flurry of activity we settle right back into our unschooling groove! But this year five-year-old Iris and I created a list of discoveries that we’d like to make. Some of the subjects that Iris wants to explore are: • How balance works, and how to do a cartwheel on a tree branch • How to climb on a roof • How snails get their slime • Who are the world’s famous gymnasts and what they can do • How creatures survive during the winter • How to drive a car _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### The Benefits of Extended Breastfeeding URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/the-benefits-of-extended-breastfeeding/ Last updated: 2024-09-09T12:15:57.000Z ## **Kate Graham** thought breastfeeding was just for nutritional purposes until she had her children I had always planned to breastfeed for six months, as that appeared to be the ‘norm’. Everyone around me, including all of the marketing for baby formula, was insistent that six months was enough, and then we should move onto formula or cow’s milk. Prior to the birth of my daughter, Olivia, I attended breastfeeding classes, and I discovered some fascinating facts that really sparked my desire to learn more over the coming years. --- ## **Here are some of the benefits of long-term breastfeeding, for both mother and child** ### **Breastmilk composition changes based on your child’s age and needs** When baby latches, the saliva and milk exchange begin. It’s thanks to the chemical message within that saliva that our body instinctively knows what baby needs, and thus changes the composition of the milk! Nature is truly amazing. So, whether they’re in a stage of infancy where they require more or less of certain vitamins or minerals, or whether they’re fighting off a virus, the milk will adapt. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### 6 Lessons we can Learn from the Paralympics URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/6-lessons-we-can-learn-from-the-paralympics/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:35.000Z ## Resilience, determination and coping with failure, from four-time Paralympian **Stef Reid MBE** ## Within the excitement of this summer’s Paralympic Games, we can find important life lessons. Following the Olympics, we can expect more demonstrations of grit and determination from world-class athletes as the Paralympic events commence. Learning from a Paralympian is something over 400,000 children recently experienced during Picture News’ Biggest Assembly. Children heard from four-time Paralympic long jumper, Stef Reid, who told her story and shared reflections from her athletic career. Here are six life lessons from Stef Reid to shed light on the Games you watch this summer. ### **Value fun** Enjoyment drives many Paralympic career aspirations. Stef reiterated this in the Picture News assembly – fun is essential. ‘Sport is for everyone’, she said. ‘It doesn’t matter if you’re not very good at it the first time… It’s about challenging yourself and having fun. I always did my best performances when I was having fun.’ Encouraging kids to base interests and hobbies on how they make them feel is something to consider following the Paralympics. Helping children ignite a passion, with fulfilment at its core, is vital – and is something all of us could learn from. ### **Perseverance is key** The Paralympic medallist started long distance running recently, which makes her feel like she’s ‘going to die’. To cope, Stef spoke of the need to ‘break it down into smaller goals.’ At the one-kilometre mark, ‘ten kilometres seems way too much. So I just focus on that next half a kilometre.’ Deconstructing goals is something we can all try. From training for a sports match to practising scales, guiding children to set bite-sized targets is a productive way to persevere and build confidence during challenging times. ### **Believe in yourself** Some children can experience self-esteem issues as they grapple with who they are. Searching for self-confidence is familiar territory for Stef too. She recalled how believing in herself was necessary to facilitate her athletic career, following a boating accident which led to the amputation of her right foot. Stef described how she used to get ‘funny looks’ when she shared her sporting ambitions. The Paralympian encouraged people to learn from her experience, that, ‘It's really nice when other people believe in your dreams. But it's not required. Because I believed in them, and I had a plan.’ Needless to say, those doubts didn’t stand in her way. ### **Accept change** Stef discussed her disability and the many changes she dealt with following the amputation. She ‘had a very specific vision about what life was going to look like’, but after her accident, needed to ‘find a new path’. She gave a heartfelt message of optimism in the face of change; ‘Life changes all the time. It rarely goes how you think it's going to go, but that's okay because you can always find a new way and new dreams.’ In the years following her accident, Stef drew on her mental resilience, and it was her discovery of running blades that ultimately revived her dream to compete as a sportsperson. Upholding an example of adaptability and strength in the face of adversity, Stef shared, ‘You can be excellent in all sorts of different ways. You don't have to do it like someone else and it's okay if your plan changes. You can always find a different way.’ ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **Be empowered by failure** The world-record holder noted failure is inevitable for sporting professionals: ‘In my athletic career, I spent way more time losing than I ever did winning.’ Whilst attention may be on those on the podiums this summer, for every participant, there are rollercoasters of wins and losses. But for Stef, a positive mindset is key to handling mistakes and failures. She views them as chances to learn and progress: ‘You have this one competition where you were able to put together all those things you learned in all of those losses, and it leads to this amazing performance.’ The decorated Paralympian’s outlook on loss and mistakes is something we can all learn from. ### **Trying your best is what counts** For Stef, it’s simple – doing your best matters. ‘It doesn't matter what you are doing in life, it doesn't matter if it's your homework, doesn't matter if you're cleaning the kitchen... It doesn't matter if I am going out there into the stadium to compete. All that matters is that I've done my best’. Resilience and dedication make for a world-class attitude. Effort is what counts. Being ‘in it to win it’ can be healthy, but measuring success on effort and commitment can help us better deal with challenges. Every Paralympian’s unique story renders them role models for our children – whether they’re into sports or not. This summer, remember that standing on the podium is a culmination of passion, resilience, and dedication. It might be just be what our children need to hear. ## **MORE INSPIRATION** *Written by Katie Harrison, former teacher and founder of* [***Picture News***](https://www.picture-news.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)*, a supplier of teacher resources for creating engaging and exciting lessons about current affairs so children can learn about the world around them. The BIGGEST Olympic Assembly with Stef Reid MBE is available to watch online for free – access the short recap* [***here***](https://x.com/HelpPicture/status/1808521775703077346?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) *or watch in full (with a British Sign Language interpreter)* [***here***](https://vimeo.com/980621728?share=copy&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)*.* ### Make Your Own Blackberry Ice-Cream URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/make-your-own-blackberry-ice-cream/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:35.000Z ## I found a delicious recipe for ice cream made from a glut of berries over at [**mudandbloom.com**](https://www.mudandbloom.com/blog/blackberry-ice-cream?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) recently and made it when my eldest and their partner came for tea - vegan and super quick! Here **Denise Hope**, home educating mum of two shares her recipe I very rarely actually make anything with the blackberries as I tend to eat them straight off the bush, picking a few here and there on my dog walks and any I collect with my children always seem to get eaten on the way home! However, this year I really wanted to make blackberry ice cream. I’ve have always been put off by how complicated and time-intensive ice cream-making seemed, so I decided to have a go at making a super-simplified version. The result is a blackberry ice cream that is really easy and quick to make and so, so tasty with a really intense blackberry flavour! ## What you need to do: First you will need to gather your blackberries! Wear longs sleeves and trousers if you can as blackberry bushes, or brambles, are very prickly. Blackberry bushes, or brambles, are found in most hedgerows, mixed woodland, verges and waste ground. Blackberries are typically ripe in late summer, however, you might find blackberries in one area are unripe, but close by they are glossy black and juicy so don’t be disheartened if the first blackberries you come across are not ripe yet. Avoid bushes by busy roads or any fruit that are close to the ground where people walk dogs! When blackberries are ripe and ready to pick, they will be black all over and you will be able to gentle pull them away from the plant. Watch out for the thorns though! Use shallow containers to collect your blackberries - if you stack lots of berries on top of each other or they'll bruise and squash before you get them home. Once home, pour them gently into a bowl of cool water and soak for 5 minutes to clean them. As this recipe cuts out a few steps used in traditional ice cream making which help prevent large ice-crystals forming, such as simmering the blackberries to reduce the water content and churning the ice cream, then it’s a good idea to start with cold ingredients to reduce the freezing time which also helps to prevent large ice-crystals forming. So put your can of coconut milk and your ice cream container in the fridge overnight if you can, or at least for a few hours. Also, use frozen bananas rather than fresh. The easiest way to freeze bananas is to peel and slice them and pop them on a baking tray in the freezer, after which you can transfer to a container to store for when needed. This is a great way to use over-ripe bananas when you know you won’t have a chance to use them (the banana loaf that never was!). The next step is the easiest bit: put all the ingredients into a blender or food processor and blend until smooth! Pour the mixture into your cold container and place in the freezer for a couple of hours until it hardens up. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. Both me and my two boys love this ice cream! The coconut milk and banana make it nice and creamy and, surprisingly, without tasting of banana or coconut. The blackberry flavour is so intense and fresh. Admittedly, it isn’t as smooth as ice-cream you’d buy in a shop but the flavour is definitely better than any blackberry ice cream I’ve bought before - we will definitely be making our own blackberry ice cream again! ![Photograph of a bowl of bright pink blackberry ice-cream served in a ceramic bowl with a spoon alongside](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/08/IMG_3967.jpg) The coconut milk and banana in this recipe make it nice and creamy ### **What You Need:** - Blackberries (2 cups) - Chopped & frozen ripe/over-ripe bananas (3) - Coconut milk (full-fat, not light) (1 can) - Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon) - Maple syrup (1 tablespoon) - Blender or food processor - Container to store your ice cream ### **How to Make Blackberry Ice-Cream** Pop everything into a blender and blend until super smooth. Pour the slush into a container and put in the freezer for a few hours to harden up. ### 9 Free Things To Do With Your Family In September URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/9-free-things-to-do-with-your-family-in-september/ Last updated: 2024-08-27T18:01:04.000Z ## From the Autumn equinox to starting school, September is a time of transitions and new beginnings Find inspiration to make corn dollies and divine the future using apples. Get free access to stately homes and palaces and peep behind the locked doors of London. Alternatively, get radical and reclaim your street as a playground, or wander in forests gathering berries to make hedgerow jelly and collecting seeds to preserve our trees. ### **School's In** Heading back to school, moving up a year, changing schools or making the transition from formal education to home schooling, some children struggle with transitions. Sarah Ockwell-Smith [**writes compassionately**](https://sarahockwell-smith.com/2020/05/11/how-to-help-children-settle-into-school/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)about allowing emotions, taking the pressure off at home and being your child’s champion. For us, crafting sessions are always more than the sum of their parts. A sit-down to create [**eco-friendly backpack charms**](https://www.handmadecharlotte.com/84252/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) might be the ideal time to chat about any school worries your children might have. And the charms will work as a link to home and to you once they’re back in the classroom. We love the cute backpack buddies and upcycled luggage tags. ![Brightly coloured, French-knitted letters: A, B, C, with pins](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/08/backpackcharm5-1.jpeg) French knit monogram brooch charms ### **Get lunchbox inspiration!** New school year, new packed lunches (or kitchen lunches if you’re home-edding). We love the veggie ideas [**here**](https://www.easycheesyvegetarian.com/51-vegetarian-lunchbox-ideas/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk); the mini mushroom pies, carrot and cheddar bites and cajun spiced trail mix look delicious, and you’ll find a week’s worth of bento box inspiration [**here**](https://www.veggirlrd.com/a-weeks-worth-of-vegetarian-bento-lunches/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). Or go big and find ambitious lunch inspiration from top chefs [**here**](https://www.theguardian.com/food/2024/feb/07/real-deal-14-ambitious-delicious-packed-lunch-recipes?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### How I Unlocked an Extra Hour a Day! URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/how-i-unlocked-an-extra-hour-a-day-2/ Last updated: 2024-08-23T18:40:05.000Z Hello, A big, warm welcome to this week’s newsletter. I’ve been putting the finishing touches to our abundance issue this week. It comes out next month and the central theme is abundance. It's got so many brilliant people inside and it's so good! There’s articles about raising generous kids, how to encourage a growth mindset and ways to encourage a sense of enough-ness for ourselves and our kids. I’ve loved researching and planning this one – I've chatted to so many inspiring people. Can’t wait for it to be made real! You can pre-order your copy [**here**](https://link.thegreenparent.co.uk/buy121?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). Aside from that, the little one and I have been harvesting elderberries, having fun in the wind with friends and walking in the woods. It’s so windy here right now! ### **CELEBRATING BIRTHDAYS** My daughter is home to celebrate her 23rd birthday tomorrow – whoop whoop! It’s always such a treat to see her and I’m proper excited (and also trying to put into practice some of the gold that I learnt from the [**Gabor Maté course**](https://www.onecommune.com/starting-fresh-with-dr-gabor-and-daniel-mate-free-trial?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) I did recently!). She’s not a big cake fan, but loves brownies, so I’ll be making the standard batch of [**Best Ever Chocolate Brownies**](https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/best-ever-chocolate-brownies-recipe?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) from BBC Good Food. It's been her cake of choice for years and years. Another birthday tradition is that she'll get a throne decorated with flowers, ribbons and feathers. The garden's a little bare now we're nearing the end of summer; lots of hemp agrimony and roses for tomorrow! The little one and I have made some gifts alongside her main pressie. Peacock earrings made from fimo, a felted necklace and a canvas, painted by Iris, of her and her sister. It makes me grin every time I look at it! _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### How to Make Healthy Food in a Tiny Space URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/how-to-make-healthy-food-in-a-tiny-space/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:35.000Z ## **Anina Gepp** moved into her four-wheeled home with partner, **Chris** over two years ago We set out in May 2021 and there is still no end in sight. We spent the first six months in our mobile abode travelling through Switzerland, Greece, Sweden, Norway and Italy. In our hectic everyday lives, we all need a little more simplicity. My goal is to show people that a healthy, balanced and sustainable diet need not be overly elaborate or particularly time-consuming. These recipes are for anybody who wants more variety and fresh food in their diet without having to spend hours in the kitchen. The big challenge in a camper van kitchen is to bring the same amount of flavour, sophistication and variety to the plate in a much smaller space. Instead of four hobs, my gas cooker only has two, and I need one of them to operate my stovetop oven. What might sound complicated at first is actually a blessing. Space constraints made me think about how I could cleverly simplify, modify and even reinvent dishes. As a result, I don’t see cooking in a van as a restriction, but rather as a rewarding experience. Not only are the simple dishes often the best, but they can also be elevated with just a few tricks and flourishes; it always amazes me that they work so well in such a small space. Healthy and wholesome dishes to prepare quickly and with few ingredients are essential both when travelling and at home. Of course, being able to shop and consume in a conscious way can be a luxury for many people. Not everyone can afford it. But those who can will certainly be making a good investment in both in the future of our planet and their own health. --- ![Photo shows a purple blueberry smoothie bowl with additional toppings on a hessian background](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/08/67_2.jpg) This smoothie bowl makes the perfect snack for between meals and for people who don’t like a big breakfast ## **Blueberry smoothie bowl** ### **MAKES 2 SMALL PORTIONS** This smoothie bowl makes the perfect snack for between meals and for people who don’t like a big breakfast. Very few ingredients are required. You can also make it when blueberries are in season and freeze it to enjoy in the winter months. • 300g frozen blueberries • 200g soya yoghurt • 1 handful fresh spinach • 2 1⁄2 tbsp apple concentrate • Juice and zest of 1⁄2 lemon • 1 pinch ground cinnamon 1 Blend all the ingredients in a blender or food processor and serve with granola, fruit, hemp seeds and nut butter. ### **TIP: SILKEN TOFU INSTEAD OF SOYA YOGHURT** Silken tofu can also be used as an alternative for the soya yoghurt. This will make the result even lighter and fluffier, and it can also be enjoyed as a healthy dessert. --- ![Photo shows a vegan poke bowl with crispy fried tofu and fresh vegetables](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/08/67_3.jpg) I love dishes that can be reinvented, which is why I’m a big fan of the poke bowl ## **Poke bowl with crispy tofu and peanut sauce** ### **SERVES 2** I love dishes that can always be reinvented and varied, which is why I’m a big fan of the poke bowl. Originally from Hawaii, it traditionally contains raw fish, vegetables, rice and dressing. My version replaces the fish with tofu. • 250g tofu • Juice of 1 lemon • 2 tbsp peanut butter • 2 tbsp sesame oil • 1 1⁄2–2-cm length fresh ginger • 1 tsp apple concentrate (or other sweetener) • 5 tbsp tamari (or conventional soy sauce) • 50ml coconut milk • 1 clove garlic • 1 cup jasmine rice or other long-grain rice variety • 2 cups water • 1 cucumber • 1 carrot • 1 handful baby plum tomatoes • Fresh mint, chopped • Toasted sesame seeds 1. Cut the tofu into bite-sized pieces. Use a blender or food processor, or a stick blender to blend the lemon juice, peanut butter, sesame oil, ginger, apple concentrate, tamari, coconut milk and garlic to a sauce. Marinate the tofu in a bowl with 5 tablespoons of the sauce. 2. Set aside the remaining sauce. Cook the rice in the water according to the instructions on the packet. In the meantime, fry the tofu well on all sides in a non-stick frying pan until golden brown. Use a vegetable peeler to shave the cucumber and carrot lengthwise into thin ribbons. Halve the tomatoes. 3. Serve everything together in a bowl with some freshly chopped mint and toasted sesame seeds. The rice looks very appealing when compacted inside a smaller bowl and turned out into the bowl. A cup can also be used. Serve the poke bowl lukewarm or cold. Drizzle over with sauce just before serving. ### **TIP: ALREADY PREPARED AND WAITING** Since poke bowls taste great cold, this dish is perfect to prepare the night before and take with you if you are out and about the next day. A great meal that looks as good as it tastes. --- ![Photo shows plates with protein burritos on a white tablecloth](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/08/67_4.jpg) These protein-packed burritos are perfect for a quick lunch or dinner ## **Protein Burritos** ### **SERVES 2 (MAKES 4 BURRITOS)** These burritos are perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. The great thing about them is that the recipe can be adapted to suit the time you have and your inclination to cook. **FOR THE FILLING** • 2 cloves garlic • 1 red onion • 1 tbsp olive oil • 1 red pepper • 50 g sunflower mince (or soya mince) • 1 1⁄2 tsp smoked paprika • Chilli powder • 1⁄2 tsp dried herbs (oregano, basil, thyme) • 3⁄4 tsp salt • 2 tomatoes • 1 1⁄2 tsp balsamic glaze • 150 g sweetcorn • 150 g cooked kidney beans (or black beans) • 1 tsp pear concentrate (or other sweetener) ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. **EXTRAS** • Hummus • Fresh mint and parsley • 4 large tortilla wraps • 2 handfuls cooked rice from the previous day 1. Chop the garlic and onion and sauté in a frying pan with the olive oil. De-seed and slice the pepper into thin strips and add to the pan. Add the sunflower mince and season well with paprika, chilli powder, dried herbs and salt. Sauté for 5 more minutes, stirring constantly, then chop the tomatoes into chunks and add. Next, add the balsamic glaze, sweetcorn and beans and sauté together. Finally, add the pear concentrate and leave to simmer for about 10 minutes. 2. Chop some fresh mint and parsley. Now fill the tortillas: first spread the rice in a line over the middle of the tortilla wraps, then top with the filling. Follow this with the hummus and freshly chopped herbs. Carefully roll up the burrito tightly and cut in half. Garnish with the remaining fresh herbs and serve lukewarm. ### **TIP: FOR ADDED PROTEIN** If you have more time and crave even more protein, you can make tortilla wraps yourself. You only need two ingredients: red lentils and water. Cook the lentils until soft, then blend with the water to make a batter. Fry the tortillas in a pan with oil, just like making pancakes. --- ![Photo shows a plate of dates stuffed with almond butter and drizzled with chocolate](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/08/67_1.jpg) I like to snack on stuffed dates in the evening while I listen to podcasts ## **Stuffed dates** ### **MAKES 10** The fridge in our little van kitchen has a freezer compartment. It isn’t very big, but there’s always room inside for these snacks. I like to snack on stuffed dates in the evening while I listen to podcasts, or during the day whenever I feel peckish. • 10 pitted Medjool dates • 10 tsp almond butter • 1 pinch salt • 1⁄4 tsp ground cinnamon • 60 g vegan dark chocolate • 35 g chopped almonds 1. Cut the dates open along their length, fill them with almond butter and sprinkle them with salt and cinnamon. Melt the chocolate over a bain-marie and coat the dates with it. Sprinkle with chopped almonds. Put the dates in the fridge until the chocolate hardens. 2. Stored in an airtight container, these stuffed dates will easily keep for two weeks in the fridge and longer in the freezer. Leave them to thaw out briefly before eating. ### **TIP: FOR ALL PEANUT LOVERS** The dates are also delicious with a peanut butter filling and chopped peanuts. Then they even remind me a little of a Snickers bar. --- ![Photo shows a table laid for dinner with white tablecloth, outside a white camper van](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/08/68.jpg) With such a small space we have no choice but to buy a little food at a time ## **WHAT TO DO ABOUT FOOD WASTE** Food waste is a huge problem. A third of the food that ends up in landfill is thrown away in people’s homes. The reasons for this include buying too much food, losing track of what we have, and throwing food away too quickly, even when it’s still edible. We have a definite advantage in the van because there is so little space, so we have no choice anyway but to buy a little at a time. But this is also a good tip for home. Although doing a big shop clearly obviously saves time, it also often tempts people to buy much more than they need. 1. Store food correctly 2. Use common sense when it comes to the use-by date 3. Use transparent food containers in the fridge (if you can see what they hold, you won’t forget you have it) 4. Freeze leftover food straight away 5. Cook a meal using leftovers at the weekend 6. Use as much of the vegetables as possible (for instance eat broccoli stalks and carrot tops) 7. Consume local, seasonal and organic produce A vegan diet is by far the most environmentally friendly form of nutrition. Nevertheless, it’s important to also pay attention to where and when your food is produced. Buying locally supports the local economy and ensures that food is transported over shorter distances. --- ## **MORE INSPIRATION** **READ** [**Vegan Camper Van Cooking**](https://grubstreet.co.uk/product/vegan-camper-van-cooking/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) by Anina Gepp (Grub Street) **FOLLOW** [**@anina.gepp**](https://www.instagram.com/anina.gepp/?hl=en&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### Our summer edition is out now URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/our-new-issue-is-hot-off-the-presses/ Last updated: 2024-08-26T20:25:56.000Z ## I’m excited to unveil the latest edition of ***The Green Parent*** magazine, which has a focus on the sacred. There’s plenty of ideas on how to make space for wonder in everyday life. From how a women’s circle can change your life, to reconnecting kids to nature, how to practice peace with your teenagers and a guide to digital wellbeing. Meet a real-life fairy, discover how to **prioritise the sacred**, make your own sun-catcher and check out the best subscription boxes for summer holidays. Learn the **8 secrets** of close communication, how to embrace **slow productivity** and **make your own medicine**. Plus how to use a hedgerow plant to make ceremonial ink for casting your own spells! [Buy your print copy here](https://subs.thegreenparent.co.uk/products/issue-120-print?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) 0:00 /0:13 1× We’ve 8 money-saving tips to boost your budget this autumn, and a feature on a family who travel around the UK, onboard their narrowboat. They reckon **parenting is easier in a small space**. There’s also veggie recipes that can be cooked over an open fire, including a jam-packed pizza and griddle cakes, piled with mint and berries. Find out how to create a polyculture, explore the best hidden, awe-inspiring spots in Iceland, take a city break to Canterbury and get first cycling advice for those starting out on two wheels. For all our Premium and Premium Plus members you can get started reading straight away. Just click the link below. You can access your digital edition by clicking on the link below. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Make Your Own Moorland Tea URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/make-your-own-moorland-tea/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:35.000Z ## **Rachel Lambert** is a singing forager and author at [**wildwalks-southwest.co.uk** ](https://wildwalks-southwest.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) In August she likes to head up to the moors and delight in the wash of purple, pinks and yellow as the heath-land takes on its late-summer coat. And to gather ingredients for a tea to tide her through the winter months! “Apparently 'moorland tea' was one of the poet Robert Burns' favoured tea. His version was heather tops combined with the dried leaves of bilberry, blackberry, thyme and wild strawberry. It sounds like a perfect heath-land combination and I'm sure Robert Burns knew a fair few things about tea. Yet, how one likes a brew is such a personal thing. For me, my go-to combination is bell heather and gorse. Perhaps because I know these two so well, or perhaps because I haven't tasted Robert's 5-herb cuppa. I've made a mental note to try and recreate his moorland tea blend, though meanwhile I find myself returning to my own mix. A blend of fresh gorse and heather flowers can be used to make a herbal tea, though I prefer to dry them. That way, I can make tea when I want it and use it through autumn and winter. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. I dry the flowers on tea towels in a warm place. It should take two days maximum. Then I place in clean, sterilised jars and use a teaspoon or two of each herb for a cup of tea. It is good with a spoon of honey in too. As I sip my homemade moorland tea, I'm temporarily transported to the moors where I see, smell and nap on these late summer bushes and am flooded with good memories again.” ### How We Live: Simple Handcrafted Home URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/how-we-live-simple-handcrafted-home/ Last updated: 2024-08-20T18:34:46.000Z ## Not only does **Kirsty Davey** live in a cottage once used by prospectors, but she loves digging through second-hand shops for glittering nuggets of treasure. Kirsty, her partner Grant, and their blended family of five live in the foothills of Mount Tarrengower in Victoria, Australia. She works as a freelance stylist, content creator and digital marketer and studies part time for a degree in archaeology "Lisle’s Gully cottage was built in about 1860\. It was originally the caretaker’s residence and office for the Carlisle and Whittaker Gold Mining Company, and is quietly nestled into the state forest and only a short walk from the historic Maldon village and the incredible Le Sel French deli! Over the past two years, we have progressively updated and renovated most of the internal aspects, mindful to preserve the integrity of the original footprint. Although a small house, natural light fills each room and the timber-lined roofs create a sense of unexpected spaciousness. ### **HEART OF THE HOME** As a lover of good food, cooking and eating, I was eager to renovate the kitchen. We removed the existing cabinetry, appliances, flooring and worked with a local cabinet maker to install a simple and functional space for cooking and entertaining. Shortly after moving in, we installed our new AGA E3 stove (life goal), the hearth of our home. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### The Art of Receiving URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/the-art-of-receiving/ Last updated: 2024-08-18T18:37:36.000Z ## Modern life keeps us on the back foot – busy, juggling and uprooted. But it’s only when we slow, still and listen, that we remember the wholeness at our core says **Eminé Kali Rushton** A couple of years ago, I had a bit of a ‘vision’. An image of myself, wintering in a new way. I imagined beginning a new year with a blank diary, forgoing all instincts to fill it. I could feel, quite viscerally, the sensation of space within me… of not knowing what a day might hold; of weeks ahead, as yet unwritten. Out of this feeling, came The WholeWomxn Way, a 12 week mentored container and journey through the season, with a weekly circle for rest and reflection, Yoga Nidra, Somatic Movement and Sound Healing. I was determined to create a ‘holding ’ for nourishment. For rest. For stillness. A space where I could process and regulate. And through winter, for the most part, I managed it. Managed to hold the busy-ness of life at bay. Managed early nights with delicious sound baths and Thursday mornings with an hour of Somatic Movement. I read, a lot… old favourites, some from childhood, like Tamora Pierce’s brilliant ‘In the Hand of the Goddess’ series. I went to bed early, holding that sacred hour, or two, just for myself, after the kids were tucked up and all of the day’s work had been put to bed. But, as is naturally the way, with the advent of spring and then the fulsome tumble into summer, it can feel as though everyone and everything seems to wake up and run out into the world. However much we may want to steady our pace and heed our needs, it’s so easy to get caught up in the busy, buzzing forward motion of the season. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Try this if you're in need of some horizontal parenting! URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/try-this-if-youre-in-need-of-some-horizontal-parenting/ Last updated: 2024-08-16T17:56:22.000Z Hello! A big warm welcome to this week’s newsletter. I’m two weeks into Project Simplicity (I gave it a grand name for quite a simple premise!) I feel much better. **Here’s what I’ve been up to:** ### **RE-READING A CLASSIC** One of the things I’ve simplified is the teetering piles of books by my bed. I love reading. Losing myself in a novel is one of the ways I look after myself, soothe my nervous system and be a good-enough mum. But it can get compulsive; I go to the library and come home with armfuls of books, certainly more than I can read in the 3 week period I can borrow them for. So this month, my sister suggested I only allow myself to take out 1 book at a time. Argh, I’ve had to leave many treasures on the shelves! I’ve been re-reading [**A Thousand Names for Joy by Byron Katie**](https://www.wob.com/en-gb/books/byron-katie/thousand-names-for-joy/9780307339232?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). This book always has some gold for me. I’ve revisited it so many times and each time I get a new insight about living in the moment and trusting what is. Surrendering and letting go of the need to change things. Everything is unfolding exactly as it should. I recommend if there's something that you're struggling to make peace with. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Healing Trauma to Have the Birth you Want URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/healing-trauma-to-get-the-birth-you-want/ Last updated: 2024-08-15T18:01:06.000Z ## From childhood trauma to divinely-guided birth, **Hannah Thomas** shares her story I always wanted to be a mother but after struggling with depression, anxiety, self-hatred, and self-harm since childhood, I feared that I would never be blessed with children. I even questioned if it would be wrong to be a mum when I felt so broken and unworthy. In my late twenties, I discovered solution-focussed hypnotherapy, and when I became pregnant with my first child, I threw myself into learning and preparing for the kind of birth I felt she deserved. I wanted to give her the best start in life. My husband and I loved our antenatal classes and hypnobirthing sessions, reading the scripts every night. I painted my own affirmations, read masses of books, listened to podcasts, practised prenatal yoga and focussed on my nutrition. I became really passionate about physiological birth and was excited about the positive birth at home we would have. But as it turned out, the Universe had other plans - and I can see now that her birth didn't go well because I was still living in a completely-disempowered state. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Celtic Tree Ogham: Hazel (The Knower) URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/celtic-tree-ogham-hazel-the-knower/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:35.000Z ## Meet the trees of the Celtic Tree Ogham and discover more about each astrological sign. Those born under Hazel (Aug 5 - Sept 1) are full of knowledge The Hazel tree, also known as The Tree of Knowledge is the ninth month of the Celtic Tree Calendar and the ninth consonant of the Ogham alphabet named Coll. Hazel trees frequently grow as a clump of slender trunks, and readily respond to coppicing, a practice which can actually extend and even double the lifespan of a hazel. It has long been a favourite wood from which to make staffs. The wood splits lengthways and bends easily, even right back on itself, which makes it ideal for weaving wattle hurdles for use as fencing or as medieval house walls when daubed with mud and lime. Hazel stakes bent to a U-shape were also used to hold down thatch on roofs. Like willow, young coppiced hazel shoots were used to weave baskets and other containers. Forked twigs of hazel were also favoured by diviners, especially for finding water. Hazel leaves are usually the earliest native leaves to appear in spring and often the last to fall in autumn, and were fed to cattle and believed to increase milk yield. In days gone by hazelnuts would have provided a plentiful and easily stored source of protein, and they were often ground up and mixed with flour to be made into nourishing breads. Medicinally, the nuts can be ground to a fine powder and mixed with water and honey to clear a stubborn cough. The leaves have been used as a tea to treat varicose veins, circulatory problems, fevers, diarrhoea and excessive menstrual flow. The hazel produces its nuts in autumn, after having spent the year building the inner strength to protect them. The shell of this nut is so hard, in fact, and contains its treasure so well, that is was the inspiration for the phrase "in a nutshell." Born under the sign of the hazel tree, you also have an inner treasure to offer - the fruits of your knowledge. Your wisdom and ability to communicate ideas make you capable of transforming the thoughts and opinions of others. ### **Attributes of those born under the Celtic Tree Month of Hazel** People born under the Celtic Hazel tree sign are highly analytical and intelligent. They are also artistic and can make motivating teachers. They tend to be profound in thought and philosophical by nature. In relation to others, they tend to be friendly, helpful and easy-going. They can be very patient, understanding and selfless, and they are very generous to their friends. Those born this month have friendly personalities and find it easy to talk to anyone. They are naturally organised and efficient with a great eye for detail. They like things to be just right. The perfectionist tendencies of the Hazel tree zodiac will sometimes leave them with control issues if everything doesn’t turn out exactly how they pictured. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ## **Correspondences of People Born in the Celtic Tree Month of Hazel** ### **Animal Correspondences** Crane, salmon ### **Keywords** Peaceful, intelligent, organised ### **Your Rune** C or K refers to Coll, which is the symbol for the Hazel Tree. It means the life force inside you. ### Why I've Put my Phone in a Box! URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/untitled/ Last updated: 2024-08-09T18:13:40.000Z Hello! Happy nearly weekend. I forgot to mention last week that I’m on a simplicity tip this month. I realised that I’d been getting disconnected and tired. I felt like I’d lost my mojo. I wasn’t sure how to get it back but I guessed that slowing down and having a bit of a digital detox would probably help. I’m a week into my simplicity project. Read on to find out how it’s going! **What I’ve been up to:** ### **READING CHILDREN'S BOOKS** I’ve had more time and space to read books with my youngest. A book we loved this week is [**Beti and the Little Round House**](https://www.wob.com/en-gb/books/atinuke/beti-and-the-little-round-house/9781406382433?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) by Atinuke. It’s a book of four seasons, each telling a simple tale of Beti and her family, in their handbuilt roundhouse, with no tv or phones, just goats, chickens and lots of vegetables. My daughter wants to live in the story! Author, Atinuke lived in a roundhouse with her toddler son in Wales, after she moved to the UK, from Lagos. The illustrations by Emily Hughes are bewitching. It’s just such a heartwarming book – the type that I want to buy for everyone as gifts. A copy is already winging its way to my niece. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### The Birth Debrief: Tell Your Story to Find Peace URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/the-birth-debrief-tell-your-story-to-find-peace/ Last updated: 2024-08-06T18:00:48.000Z ## Births don’t always go to plan. Yet, very often, after an uncomfortable, confusing or traumatic experience, parents’ voices remain unheard, their feelings suppressed. **Illiyin Morrison** is here to listen. She has journeyed from midwife to mentor; as a birth debrief facilitator, her patient ear and calm guidance have helped many mothers and birth-givers find peace and confidence. Her book, [**The Birth Debrief**](https://mixingupmotherhood.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) is out now. “There’s no romantic story about how I got into midwifery; there were no childhood dreams of birthing babies. It was more of a continuous stumble until I landed where I wanted to be. I qualified about six years ago and went into clinical work at a big London hospital. Then I got pregnant with my daughter. I’d planned a home birth, but it just went tits-up and I ended up having an emergency caesarean section. And that was the catalyst for everything. I was unable to compute my clinical knowledge into my personal experience; the two didn’t mesh. Nothing can prepare you for parenthood except being a parent. I had all the knowledge, but was not actually able to put it into practice. There was lots of on-the-job learning. Motherhood is 24/7, and I struggled with that. If I’d seen my birth on paper, I’d think it had been fine, but I struggled with how it had played out. I’d felt so wildly out of control, the whole experience was so far from what I wanted. It left me with feelings of shame and inadequacy that filtered into my mothering. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### 25 ways to celebrate friendship URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/25-ways-to-celebrate-friendship/ Last updated: 2024-08-04T18:00:41.000Z ## Today marks International Friendship Day. Often we find we're more disconnected in this modern world of social media, when we can ping over a quick text or an email to cancel a meet-up, or vaguely ask how someone is says **Lucy Corkhill** Meaningful contact can tend to get thin on the ground. That’s why we’ve thought of 25 ways to help you celebrate your friends and friendship, not just on International Friendship Day but on every day of the year: ### **1\. Plan a special day out with your friend** Contact their partner and arrange for them to take over childcare so you can really surprise and treat your friend. Perhaps you’ll go for a long walk followed by coffee and cake, or a trip to the cinema or an art gallery, or, say, indoor climbing or scuba diving… Whatever tickles your (or their) fancy, just make sure it’s a day for the two of you to be together. ### **2\. Write your friend a letter** If like me, you spent most of your time in lessons at school penning secret letters to your friends, then you’ll likely mourn the demise of letter-writing as much as I do. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### My new favourite parenting book and PYO fun! URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/my-new-favourite-parenting-book-and-pyo-fun/ Last updated: 2024-08-02T17:58:03.000Z Hi, Welcome to this week’s newsletter from me! I’m excited ‘cos it’s [**Pride**](https://www.brighton-pride.org/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) tomorrow in Brighton. I’m trying to decide what to wear – rainbow or earthy vibe?! Sparkly or deep purples? According to [**Siddhi Yoga**](https://www.siddhiyoga.com/yoga/practice/chakras/colors-for-each-day-of-week?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), purple is the ideal colour to wear on Saturdays – a day ruled by Saturn. It’s a day to assess the lessons learned over the last week. Purple helps to activate our Third Eye chakra and gives greater clarity and insight into what's happened and what it means. So maybe purple vibe?! Anyway, whoops, I digress... Colour therapy - swoon! Back to weekend plans... Pride’s a bit corporate now, but the parade is still fun, featuring local charities doing brilliant work. [**All Sorts**](https://www.allsortsyouth.org.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) for example, supports children and young people who are LGBTQ+ or who are exploring their sexual orientation and/or gender. [**Mind Out**](https://mindout.org.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) offer affordable counselling for queer people. [**The Ledward Centre**](https://ledcen.org.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) is a safe space for the queer community right in the centre of the city, with a café and lots of events happening over the weekend. And [**Rainbow Families**](http://www.rainbowfamilies.org.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) is a social group helping to connect LGBTQ+ families across Sussex. I can't wait to go along to Pride with my family and celebrate everyone who's out there courageously raising awareness of LGBTQ+ rights. **Here’s some things I’ve been up to this week:** ### **PICKING OUR OWN** We went to [**Spring Gardens**](https://springgardensnursery.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Pick Your Own farm with friends this week. I’ve been meaning to get to one all summer because it was such a big part of my childhood. My mum used to take my brother, sister and I (and often as many of our friends as would fit in our Spacewagon) to PYO farms every summer. I really felt her with us today as we picked (and the kids ate!) raspberries, blackberries, and the last remaining strawberries. We paid for a few cartons but basically came home with a handful of berries! And slightly sore tummies! Just enough to make a slab of this [**tasty cake**](https://www.sewwhite.com/summer-fruit-cake-tray-bake/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) \- recipe by Sisley White – I halved the recipe to account for diminished fruit stocks! Want some summer fruit goodness? You can find your nearest PYO [**here**](https://www.pickyourownfarms.org.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### 4 Ways to Celebrate Lammas with Kids URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/4-ways-to-celebrate-lammas-with-kids/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:36.000Z ## Lammas is the traditional Celtic Harvest Festival, beginning at sundown on 31st July in the Northern Hemisphere. Check out our ideas for celebrating with your family Lammas celebrates the wheat harvest, the food that would sustain us throughout the winter months, and the grain that would become next year’s crop, thus continuing the cycle of life. The word Lammas means ‘Loaf Harvest’, but the original name of the festival, Lughnasadh, comes from the Irish god Lugh. Lugh is associated with the power of the sun and light, and is also celebrated for his connection to skills and crafts. So this festival is a perfect opportunity to gather together around a fire and create something. Together with friends and family, you could make a quilt, whittle staffs, weave baskets, or make music. ## **4 WAYS TO CELEBRATE THE HARVEST WITH YOUR FAMILY** Lammas is one of four Celtic fire festivals, so this is the perfect opportunity to gather with others around a fire. ### **EXPRESS GRATITUDE** Lammas is a time to give thanks to the Earth for her manifold gifts. Taking time to be still and experience gratitude together can be a very connecting event for family and community, and you may find it’s something you want to continue doing throughout the year before you share a family meal. Reflecting on the journey your food has been on, from the first seeds through to the person who sold it to you at the market, reminds us how lives are affected by our food choices. Growing your own food connects you even further with the cycles of the earth, and this might be a time that you fill your plates with delightful treats from the allotment or garden. ### **THE LAMMAS LOAF** Traditionally, communities baked loaves to share at this special festival. Why not bake your own Lammas loaf and share it with neighbours and friends? You could make your loaf in the shape of a man – the god Lugh – or in the shape of a woman – She of the Corn/ Mother of all Life. As you break the loaf, take time to reflect on your own personal harvest this year. What have you gained? What new skills have you learnt? What would you like to let go of and burn ceremonially in the fire. ### **EXPLORE YOUR TALENTS** At your Lammas feast, think about the skills and talents you want to focus on in the coming year. In following your dreams, you are serving the community as a whole and bringing more bliss into the world. Each of us has a harboured desire to learn something new, to expand our consciousness in some way. Whatever you want to learn this year – woodwork, needlework, music, cookery, healing, dancing, gardening, writing, painting, exploring - make this the year you bring your talent to light. Is there a way you can join with others to explore your new skill? Perhaps you might start a circle of singers, a gathering of guerrilla gardeners, a nestle of knitters, a formation of fiddlers, or a posse of painters! ### **MAKE A CORN DOLLY** A traditional way to celebrate and mark this festival is by making a corn dolly. This is a wonderful thing to do with children and can become part of your seasonal table, if you have one, at home. Gather the first sheaves of corn and twist them together to make a doll shape, fastening them with coloured ribbon. Colours that reflect this time of year are greens, yellows, oranges and harvest colours. Look online for videos on how to make corn dollies, they can be as simple or as complex as little hands want to make them --- ## **BOOKS TO READ** [**Festivals, Family and Food**](https://amzn.to/4bWcUXY?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) by Judy Large and Diana Carey [**The Children's Forest: Stories and songs, wild food, crafts and celebrations**](https://amzn.to/3y0doOV?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) by Dawn Casey, Anna Richardson and Helen D'Ascoli [**Earthwise: Environmental Crafts and Activities With Young Children**](https://amzn.to/4dcurfo?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) by Carol Petrash [**A Year in Story and Song: A Celebration of the Seasons**](https://amzn.to/46ljxl6?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) by Lia Leendertz [**The Wheel of the Year: An Illustrated Guide to Nature's Rhythms**](https://amzn.to/46i9c9G?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) by Fiona Cook and Jessica Roux [**Lammas and the First Fruits**](https://amzn.to/3A3WDme?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) by Alexandre Ravenhart and Maria Finchenko --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/07/il_fullxfull.4390261185_6cal.jpg) Carol loves using natural materials that break down without any environmental impact ## **Family Lammas Craft** ### Traditionally, this is the time of year that corn dollies were made from the last few stems of wheat, twisted and bound together to form a safe haven for the spirit of the harvest The dolly would be ploughed back into the soil on Plough Monday in the early new year. Wheat weaving connects us with our past, and is a creative and rewarding past-time. We spoke to expert Carol Partridge about her art and the stories behind it. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. “I play hurdy gurdy in a medieval reenactment band, Rough Musicke, and realised that there were gaps in the day to be filled as the band didn’t play continuously at events. So I took out a small corn dolly kit to make harvest favours, and came home empty-handed. It was a lightbulb – or should I say tallow candle – moment, and I started an Etsy shop to keep my hand in over the winter. The craft is red-listed by the Heritage Crafts Association; there are few people carrying it out or passing on the skills to another generation so there is a real prospect of it fading away. So, learning it meant hours of frustration at the kitchen table! My favourite piece is the Border fan. This is associated with a particular area of the British Isles, in this case, the English/Welsh border. It is an attractive piece and one which I teach at my workshops - people are always pleasantly surprised at what they can achieve in a short time. Most people can manage the easy 3 braid hair plait but have a go at the compass plait which uses four strands. The instructions are on the Guild website – many people will recognise this as a scoobie pattern. I love using natural materials that will, ultimately, break down without any environmental impact. Having said that, corn dollies will keep for years; I know of one display that was put together over forty years ago and is still intact! Obtaining the materials is not as easy as you might think: old-fashioned wheat used for corn dollies is only grown by a few specialists and has to be specially cut - on modern farms everything goes through the combine and the straw is smashed. I enjoy creating forms that link with our cultural past as well as using the traditional techniques to create new designs. It fascinates me that the craft appears to have developed in disparate places globally using a variety of materials and I always have a new project in mind: some rice straw is currently awaiting my attention for a Japanese shimenawa!” --- ## **MORE INSPIRATION** Find out more about Carol’s workshops and see her incredible designs at [*etsy.com/shop/thewheatweaver* ](https://www.etsy.com/shop/thewheatweaver?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Find the Guild of Straw Craftsmen [***strawcraftsmen.co.uk*** ](https://www.strawcraftsmen.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Buy straw at [*simplystraw.co.uk*](http://www.simplystraw.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### Beauty Secrets from Natural Zest Skincare, Raw Nature and SkinBare URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/treat-yourself-as-you-would-your-best-friend-and-other-self-care-secrets-2/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:36.000Z ## We chat to four award winning brands to find out about their ideal day and get them to reveal their self-care secrets ## **Amanda Grindrod** is the founder of [**naturalzestskincare.co.nz**](https://naturalzestskincare.co.nz/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). She was born and raised in Solihull in the West Midlands, but has lived in Christchurch, New Zealand for the last ten years. She lives with her partner Hamish and his two daughters, Ruby 17 and Stella 15, and Dash the dog I was inspired to start Natural Zest Skincare due to my own personal struggle with sensitive, reactive skin. I often had reactions to skincare products I bought. As a registered nurse I wanted to use products which were beneficial for the health of my skin. I studied a Diploma in Aromatherapy and discovered the many skin benefits plants possess. I wanted to formulate my own skincare, so I studied for a Diploma in Natural and Organic Skincare Formulation and Natural Zest Skincare was born. My personal favourite product in the range is Rejuvenate Cream. I naturally have a tendency towards dry skin, however with the goodness of Hyaluronic Acid and so many wonderful nourishing oils this formula ensures my skin remains hydrated, nourished and plump. ### **An ideal day** My ideal day would be to wake to the sun shining on a warm summer’s day. My morning would be spent formulating products. I love the process, starting with all the beautiful natural raw ingredients and carefully blending them to create a beautiful product full of goodness. My afternoon is spent lovingly packing and then dispatching customer orders. Late afternoon is spent with a walk along the beach with the dog and a refreshment in one of the restaurants overlooking the ocean. Life doesn’t get much better! ### **3 self-care secrets** 1. Don’t ever skip removing your make up and your night-time beauty routine, waking up in the morning and looking at yourself in the mirror is akin to waking up to a sink full of dirty dishes! 2. For an instant glow use a gentle facial polish – it’s a great way to brighten skin as it exfoliates the dead skin cells and reveals a fresher face! But only do this once or twice a week. 3. Treat yourself as you would treat your best friend. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/07/074A5553-copy.jpg) Nicky started out making her own products on her kitchen bench as a hobby ## **Nicky Jagger** is the founder of [**rawnaturenz.com**](https://rawnaturenz.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). She lives in Auckland, New Zealand with her husband I was frustrated at the lack of natural and safe but also high performing body care options on the market. I wanted to use natural deodorants and perfume for myself and my 2 daughters but even though the products that were available said they were ’natural’ they all had other toxic ingredients in them and were housed in plastic. And they didn’t work as they were meant to. So I started making my own products on my kitchen bench as a hobby and soon my daughters friends started requesting the products, so I set up a basic website having no experience and then one store approached me to sell the deodorants and that was it - I was off to the races after that! Raw Nature was born in 2017. Our range comprises natural deodorants, lip care, natural perfume, moisturisers, hair care and more but my favourite products are lemon lip balm and the musk rose perfume. I don’t leave the house without them. The lip balm is such a versatile product, I can use it on fly away hair, or frizzy ends, emergency hand cream if I’ve forgotten my solid moisturiser and if my sandals are rubbing it acts as a slip barrier to help with blisters forming. ### **An ideal day** I live very close to the beach so I love to take a daily morning walk along the beach no matter the weather, then have coffee with my husband and chat about what the day will bring. ### **3 self-care secrets** 1. I miss my daughters as they have grown up and moved to different cities in New Zealand to study and now work, so I love to send them a funny meme or chat with them on the family chat. Having laughter in my life is super important and my family gives that to me. 2. Walking and getting fresh air every day is so good for mental health and thinking about new products or how to handle important decisions or stressful situations. 3. Taking my makeup off every night before bed is a must and allows my skin to breathe and restore itself overnight. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/07/image00024-1.png) The hemp exfoliating mitts don't have any ingredients, just dampen in the shower and go ## **Janet Cordner** is the founder of [**skin-bare.com**](https://skin-bare.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) lives in Northern Ireland with her husband (and partner in business) and their 4 sons, Jackson, Reece, Harrison and Carlton Our business journey started after our eldest son Jackson was born with severe baby eczema. We met and spoke to many chemists and paediatricians as to why this may have happened as Jackson was not born with eczema. Soon we came to realise that the use of chemicals in baby products such as wet wipes was a major factor to his condition. We took it upon ourselves as concerned parents to delve deeper and try and find a solution to current products on the market but at this time there were no natural alternatives so we came to the joint decision that we would develop our very own natural eco baby wipe. At this point in our lives our mission was purely to help Jackson with his skin condition. When creating this first ever natural baby wipe we learned that polyester in our clothes was having affecting Jackson’s eczema and after more reach found out that all the baby wipes being sold in the UK and across the world where in fact made form manmade polyester. Surely this was an opportunity and soon became a challenge right at the beginning our business venture to develop the first 100% biodegradable cloth which was unheard of almost 20 years ago. After nurturing our kids and our business we wanted to offer adults the same quality that was on offer for their kids and started creating a new natural eco makeup removing wipe with more amazing natural ingredients along with the first ever hemp exfoliating mitt. I love all our products but if I was to choose just one, I really do love our hemp exfoliating mitts. I have tried many exfoliators over the years but love how gentle and convenient ours is to use, plus it doesn’t have or need any ingredients, just dampen in the shower and its ready to use. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **An ideal day** My perfect day begins with breakfast in bed, a long soak in the bath without anyone knocking on the door or questions to answer, getting dressed up and taken out for a lovely evening dinner with a nice glass of Malbec, back home and jumping into my bed and drifting away into a long, relaxing night’s sleep. Before my 6:15 alarm shatters my sweet dreams. ### **3 self-care secrets** For me, I find the best self care tips that I can offer would be: 1. Drink plenty of water 2. Exfoliate your skin to remove impurities and dead skin cells 3. And don’t forget to moisturise. --- ## **MORE INSPIRATION** **READ** About all the winners of this year's Green Parent Natural Beauty Awards in the Beauty Bible, available with issue 120 of The Green Parent, which has just been published.[**Click here**](https://link.thegreenparent.co.uk/buy120?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)to get your copy. **DISCOVER** All our beauty stories and self-care secrets over at [**thegreenparent.co.uk**](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/). ### How Nature Teaches Us Body Positivity URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/how-nature-teaches-us-body-positivity/ Last updated: 2024-07-30T18:15:49.000Z ## **Lydia O'Callaghan** walks the path of her native New Zealand forest and wonders about the beauty and strength of nature My body wobbles. It leaks. It aches. It swells. It’s tired. It grew two babies. Inside and earth side. That’s why. It’s not sudden but it feels sudden, that my clothes are less flattering. Opting for maximum comfort over anything else. For a while I have longed for my neat pre-baby figure, but my attitude is changing, largely due to having children and being aware of the influence my words, and the way I carry myself, will ripple down to them. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### 6 Free Things To Do With Your Family In August URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/6-free-things-to-do-with-your-family-in-august/ Last updated: 2024-07-29T17:57:01.000Z ## Make the most of school-free days with free festivals, botanical printing, making cucumber lime mint popsicles, joining the National Trust's Summer of Play and visiting a monster funfair! ### **Free Festival Action!** Celebrating traditional music and dance for over 50 years, [**Broadstairs Folk Week**](https://broadstairsfolkweek.org.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) (August 9-16) is a music diary stalwart. The beautiful seaside town plays host to cloggers, shanty-singers, morris men and the ever-so-slightly-terrifying dancing hooden horses in a feast of frolics. From tiny pubs hosting impromptu singing sessions to family ceilidhs and dancing workshops, there’s an event for everyone – find the Young Folk line-up [**here**](https://broadstairsfolkweek.org.uk/whats-on/youth-and-family/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). And if it all gets too much, there’s one of the most family-friendly beaches and seafronts in the south east on hand. Free and ticketed. Lay back and enjoy the sight of dozens of beautiful, colourful craft soaring serenely across lush countryside at the [**Bristol International Balloon Fiesta**](http://www.bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). Held August 9–11 at the picturesque Ashton Court Estate, there are attractions and stalls on the ground to keep everyone entertained. Don’t miss the enchanting night glow, when balloons are illuminated from within and float around to music. There are also spectacular firework displays to enjoy. Free, book parking in advance. Ramsgate's [**Festival Of Sound**](https://www.ramsgatefestival.org/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) celebrates sound, art and community in historic and iconic venues around the seaside town. This year, follow a sonic trail, enjoy a synth concert, see stunning visuals in the WW2 tunnels and join workshops and a sunset music set at the free family day in Elllington Park. 22-24 August. The [**Greenwich+Docklands International Festival**](https://festival.org/gdif-2024/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) brings the boroughs to life between 23 August to 8 September. London’s premier outdoor theatre and arts festival highlights groundbreaking performances and transforms public spaces into works of art. This year’s opening spectacular, Silence!, brings percussion and pyrotechnics to Woolwich’s Royal Artillery Barracks, while parkour perfomers leap across Greenwich Peninsula’s architectural landscapes in Life Lines. All events are free. Get into the party spirit at [**Leeds West Indian Carnival**](https://leedscarnival.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), a vibrant celebration of Caribbean culture, featuring dazzling costumes, lively music, and joyful parades on 25 and 26 of August. [**Carnival**](http://www.thenottinghillcarnival.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) is the highlight of the year for many Londoners. The biggest, free street celebration in Europe attracts over 2.5 million people every Summer Bank Holiday. See the gentrified streets of Notting Hill burst into vibrant, colourful life, hear sound systems pumping out music from ancient ska tunes to ultra-modern hits-of-tomorrow, and scoff some of the firiest, jerkiest food you’ll ever taste. Go on the Sunday, designated as Children’s Day; things are a little less raucous. Held 28 August - 1 September on the streets of Hull, [**Freedom Festival**](https://www.freedomfestival.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)'s family-friendly programme highlights street theatre, music, dance and spoken word performances. Step into Hull Minster and see it transformed as it sets the stage for an hour-long circus performance like no other! Witness the slow build-up and progression of Arch – with two thirds concrete, one third ice, as artists attempt to build a freestanding arch, or dance together at Bob Marley for Babies. Mostly free, but some ticketed events. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Self-care Secrets from Arella, Mumanu and Mia Piel Skincare URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/barefoot-walking-journalling-and-other-self-care-secrets/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:36.000Z ## We chat to four award winning brands to find out about their ideal day and get them to reveal their self-care secrets ## **Laura Capewell** is the founder of [**Arella**](https://arella-beauty.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). She lives in Cheshire with her husband and their four daughters. They also have 3 little dogs, so it’s a busy household! In 2012, I was diagnosed with Crohn’s, a type of inflammatory bowel disease that profoundly affected my day-to-day life. The side effects of conventional medications were debilitating, prompting me to become intensely conscious of what I consumed. This awareness ultimately inspired me to establish my own brand of plant-based supplements. Recognising that others shared my desire for effective products that were devoid of animal testing, Arella was found! I am really proud of our Arella Collagen. Its star ingredient, [VeCollal®](https://www.vecollal.eu/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), mimics human type 1 collagen and is clinically proven to support and increase our body’s natural collagen. It is also specifically designed to support gut health without the need for marine or bovine products - a life saver for me given my desire for plant-based medicine and balancing this with my struggles with Crohn’s. I am also a bit of a product junkie and my bathroom is like a mini Sephora! Choosing a favourite seems an impossible task, but I think I would have to go with Laneige lip sleeping mask - I only use lip balms, sometimes with a lip liner if I need some colour. I have lip balms in every handbag, it's possibly a trademark of mine that there's always a lip balm near me! ### **An ideal day** An ideal day: starting the day with breakfast with my husband and children (this only seems to happen on holidays!) plenty of pancakes for them and a healthy green smoothie for me, (and my collagen sachet!) and then a long walk with the dogs around Delamere forest, nipping into a country pub on the way home for a well-deserved glass of wine! As my girls are all growing up and have full social lives, I appreciate quality time with them like this so much! Perfection! ### **3 self-care secrets** For me, self care comes in the form of taking care of my emotional and physical health so 3 key steps that I try to include on a daily basis are; 1. Practising mindfulness, this could be focusing on my breathing, writing my affirmations or using an app for a guided meditation. 2. Grounding (getting outside in bare feet) using the earths electrical energy to naturally reduce stress levels 3. And thirdly, the old cliché plenty of sleep! Listening to my body and knowing when to take time out even for just 15 minutes is invaluable, it's gets me back on track emotionally and physically. It's vital that I'm ok emotionally to be able to run my business and be the best mother I can to my daughters. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/07/P1014314.JPG) Samantha uses her balms every day; they make her feel more comfortable in her own skin ## **Samantha Thurlby-Brooks** is the Managing Director at [mumanu.com](https://www.mumanu.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) I originally started Mumanu while I was living in New Zealand. I had created a self-inflating pregnancy pillow that was based on correct positioning in bed. I’m an advanced specialist in pregnancy massage so I created the Mumanu pillow to help relieve lower back and hip pains. In 2014 I had to move back to the UK and soon after the climate emergency was very clearly upon us. I couldn’t bring myself to produce more plastic pillows that would eventually end up in landfill for centuries. I had already started a massage and body balm line in New Zealand so when I got to the UK, I set them up with organic and Fairtrade certifications. I’ve always been deeply passionate about wildlife, and doing the right thing, so I feel both these certifications are essential. When I started Mumanu massage and body balms I wanted to create products that would sort out my own dry, itchy skin. I hadn’t found anything that would do the job. Each morning, I would wake up in discomfort until I had showered and moisturised. So, I blended the best moisturising ingredients to create the Mumanu massage and body balms and I haven’t used any other products since. They’ve been amazing! I no longer wake up with dry skin and can go for days without if I want to. Since I am a specialist in pregnancy and postnatal massage, I created all Mumanu balms to be safe to use during this special time. Even now, when I’ve diversified the range to skincare and wellness, I still make all the balms pregnancy safe. I don’t have a favourite product. It’s like asking someone which of their children do they love the most! I have so many ideas for products I have to keep reining myself in. I use my balms every day, whether it’s the body balms, face balm, foot balm, hand balm or decongestant. They all make me so much more comfortable in my own skin and smell amazing. Then there’s the lube… need I say more!? My husband uses the beard balm each day and loves it too. ### **An Ideal Day** There’s so many things that would make my day ideal… wonderful customer reviews… taking my dog for a gorgeous walk… going to Lyme Regis for the day and eating Red Panda food (if you know, you know!)… Dancing to live music… swinging in the hammock on a sunny day with my husband… Exploring somewhere new. Life’s been all about work, and dog training and walking recently so an ideal day right now would probably be on holiday in Cornwall, eating yummy food and having a pint by the sea. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **3 Self-Care Secrets** For me, the most important self-care is looking after our mental health. Everything else follows from there. Besides a healthy diet, here are my three top tips for getting the basics of self-care under your belt. 1. Don’t believe your thoughts! Thoughts will always be there, but you don’t have to believe them. Bryon Katie has written great books on this. I met her a couple of times, through work, twenty years ago... She’s the most genuinely calm and lovely person I’ve ever met! Do look her up if you’re struggling with self-care. This one tip has kept me going through a lot of tough times. 2. Swing in a hammock! It’s the best thing I own for relaxing and feeling like I’ve got this life thing sorted. Listening to nature, watching the bees do their thing… it’s the best feeling when you’re lying back, swinging gently in a hammock. Even 5 minutes and you’ll be refreshed and ready for life again. 3. Smile at yourself in the mirror! Smiles are contagious. You might feel awkward at first but keep going. Every time you look at yourself in the mirror, smile. You’ll soon be giving yourself a genuine smile and it totally changes your feelings about yourself, and the world. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/07/Photoroom_20240324_123820.JPG) Mia Piel is a brand born from healing and growth ## **Sheree Black** is the founder of [**miapielskincare.com**](https://miapielskincare.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). She lives in Ibiza with her two dogs Mia Piel is a brand born from healing and growth. I was inspired by my skin problems and I believe Mother Earth gives us everything we need to heal and nourish our body from the inside out, I wanted to create products that would benefit me from the inside and not just my exterior. My favourite product has to be the Relief body oil, it smells like it is going to help you, and it does, in more ways than one. It was my first product and the reason Mia Piel has expanded to a brand and not just 1 product. ### **An ideal day** My Ideal day would be to sleep past 8am, 9 would be substantial, followed by a long walk along the beach with my dogs, large coffee and an almond croissant. Being the ideal day I wouldn't have to work, so I would spend it on the beach with a book, some seafood or Italian cuisine with the sand in my toes. It’s the little things in life. ### **3 self-care secrets** 1. Morning walks with my dogs are essential 2. Journaling: to get it all off my chest 3. Gym: you gotta keep it all moving! --- ## **MORE INSPIRATION** **READ** About all the winners of this year's Green Parent Natural Beauty Awards in the Beauty Bible, available with issue 120 of The Green Parent, which has just been published.[**Click here**](https://link.thegreenparent.co.uk/buy120?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)to get your copy. **DISCOVER** For our next self-care instalment from beauty brand founders, check back on Wednesday 31st to read about why you should treat yourself as you would your best friend. ### What to Spot on Summer Nature Walks URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/what-to-spot-on-summer-nature-walks/ Last updated: 2024-07-28T17:55:35.000Z ## **Andy Hamilton** and his daughter spot a tiny visitor, on one of their regular nature walks, which leads to more exciting discoveries “A mouse, a mouse,” our daughter points out of the living room into the garden. Very close to the back door, on top of the compost bin rests a very cute looking wood mouse - Apodemus sylvaticus. He’s holding a small morsel of food and standing up on his back legs. He’s alert and his ears are twitching. “Mice have got really big ears because they have so many predators,” My daughter tells me. This isn’t a fact that she’s heard. It’s one she’s worked out herself. I’m impressed, but I want to know more. We’ve long since switched places in our knowledge. At seven she knows more than I do about the natural world. We talk about heart beats - six hundred a minute for this little fella. We look up an owl’s heart rate - 200 beat per minute. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### A beautiful remedy to open the heart when you’re feeling down URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/a-beautiful-remedy-to-open-the-heart-when-youre-feeling-down/ Last updated: 2024-07-26T17:45:14.000Z Hello! A big warm welcome to this week’s newsletter. I feel so fluffy since coming home from Buddhafield last weekend. The theme this year was Arms Wide Open and the magic of that intention has certainly impacted our family. Our youngest is buzzing around telling everyone about the wonderful time she had – she made a firm friend, and loved spending time amidst the trees, and by the deliciously cool stream in the glade. She also got a chance to hang out on the slacklines strung beneath the trees and her balance has improved a lot - her trampoline teacher remarked on her focus on Monday morning! My partner and I have been able to lovingly talk through some of our biggest flash points this week – I feel so much more connected as a result of a [**Jewels Wingfield** ](https://jewelswingfield.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)workshop that we did together. So, what else have I been up to... ### **PRACTISING YOGA NIDRA** There was a packed schedule of workshops, talks and yoga classes at Buddhafield - one of my favourites was [**Uma Dinsmore-Tuli**](https://umadinsmoretuli.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)’s Total Yoga Nidra. Swoon! Deep rest amidst a tent full of 150 other people practicing yogic sleep – sign me up! I love Uma’s sessions – she sings and plays the harmonium, encourages farting and yawning, and talks about burnout and how we’re all in need of a good rest. I first discovered Uma at Buddhafield about 15 years ago and it was a real treat to attend a couple of her morning sessions this year. Yoga nidra involves no movement, just lying down and noticing what's happening in your body. It's said to reduce stress, improve sleep and boost energy and creativity. If you’re in need of some radical rest (who isn’t?), you can access her recordings at [**yoganidranetwork.org**](https://www.yoganidranetwork.org/nidras/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), which are free as I write but a charge will apply in the next few weeks to fund creating and maintaining the library. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Why Teach 3-Year Olds Woodwork Skills! URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/why-teach-3-year-olds-woodwork-skills/ Last updated: 2024-07-24T18:39:17.000Z ## **Claire Ashbourne** has worked with children from as young as three to help them become competent woodworkers with creation plans or ideas in mind. Here she shares how to get started ## Woodwork was once commonplace in British nurseries and schools and only began to be phased out in the 1970s. This is when practical skills started being replaced by more classroom-based instruction, which was cleaner and posed less physical risk. Meanwhile in Scandinavia, schools have continued to offer outdoor and practical opportunities. They can provide us with much inspiration. ### **Holistic Learning** Woodwork covers an entire curriculum of learning and education. Think language and early maths, as well as emotional benefits such as increased wellbeing and social development. Vocabulary is enhanced through communication. And finally it boosts core strength physical, and encourages grip and both gross and fine motor skill enhancement. Woodwork fosters a whole host of critical thinking and problem-solving skills and facilitates creativity by allowing children to make autonomous choices around material selection and length of involvement. The importance of ownership over your time and how you spend it begins in early childhood. Woodwork allows for self-direction, autonomy and ownership of both time spent and creativity. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Self-Care Secrets from Gem's Natural, Eizun Eco Skin, Anne Fortin and Edible Beauty URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/slow-down-appreciate-beauty-and-other-self-care-secrets/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:37.000Z ## As part of the Green Parent Natural Beauty Awards 2024, we asked 4 beauty brands to share their top wellbeing secrets ## **Gemma Sonley** is the founder of [**Gem’s Natural Skincare**](https://www.gemsnaturalskincare.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). She lives on the river Dart in Devon with her partner, their three year old daughter and trusty Tibetan terrier I originally started making Gem’s Dry Skin Balm about fifteen years ago, inspired by my new love of the healing aspects of aromatherapy, all natural products and anything good for our bodies. Making this little balm to treat my mother’s eczema, word began to spread which led to me starting the business. I closed the business a couple of years ago to raise my little family but was taken aback by just how many old customers missed the balm so restarted again this year and am loving making it for everyone again. We use Gem’s Dry Skin Balm everyday for anything on every part of the body, we find it so versatile - helping with cuts, bites, dry knees, eyelids, hands and heels, I even use it for a monthly scalp and hair overnight treatment. It’s just a handy balm to have around the house. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/07/gem-may-2024.jpg) Gemma's ideal day involves being able to start early with restorative quiet time ### **An ideal day** My ideal day involves being able to start early with restorative quiet time, followed by quality snuggles, then embarking on either a coastal walk, Dartmoor hike or a peaceful kayak on the Dart with the family and of course involving a lovely picnic and sunshine! If I can squeeze toasting a few marshmallows over a fire in the evening then that would be perfect! ### **4 self-care secrets** 1. Nature - I have a huge love for nature, getting outside daily rain or shine. I’m very lucky to live in such a peaceful setting as I get to immerse myself in green and blue spaces. 2. Rhythm - it’s not always easy maintaining a rhythm as my partner works away for long periods, but I definitely find a greater sense of peace and balance within the household if we can keep a rhythm. As my daughter sleeps in until 7:30 (don’t be fooled, she’s up late!) I can usually be up following a routine of self-care involving yoga, a face ice bath and my current favourite tea - a homemade stinging nettle infusion whilst listening to the bird song - it’s a quiet, gentle start to my day. 3. Creativity - having a toddler can be all consuming, so any time for creativity is valuable to me, whether it’s with my daughter or without but I find the most mentally restorative time is alone. Whether it’s music, making new balm recipes, veg patch, art, the outcome is not always a success but I find it allows me to channel a meditative energy that brings calm and a sense of resilience back into the reality of toddlerhood. 4. Also, I’m sneaking in with a fourth - laughter - I’ve always thought of laughter like a cat purring to heal, I love how it releases tension in my body, it’s such a great healer! --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/07/PHOTO-2024-03-05-19-39-52.jpg) Eizun means balance; all the products are created to bring a sense of harmony ## **Kirtida Mistry** is the founder of [**Eizun Eco Skin**](https://eizunecoskin.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). She lives in London with her 6 year old daughter I’ve always sought high quality skincare that would meet my needs of being first and foremost cruelty free and 100% plant based, without any added chemicals or too many preservatives. For me it was important that I use organic as much as is possible, the whole concept of Eizun Eco Skin resonates with how I endeavour as much as is possible to live my life. Being in balance and harmony with nature is at the core of everything I do. Simply speaking this is my ‘happy’ so it made sense that I develop a skincare brand that encompasses this ideal. Eizun meaning ‘balance’ was chosen as the name, as all the products are energetically balanced to bring a sense of harmony when used. My favourite product is the Define Eye Balm, as it is formulated with amazing ingredients such as coriander which is my absolute favourite, this eye balm is so nourishing that it soothes the whole area and irons out wrinkles and it works perfectly to protect from environmental damage. Once gently applied you just know that it is nourishing the whole area of skin around the eyes. ### **An ideal day** My ideal day is once all my daily chores are done, I truly enjoy formulating my products, ready to go out, knowing that they will be enjoyed and the positive feedback I receive makes my day. But most importantly it’s about making memories and enjoying quality time with my daughter, we often go to the stunning parks nearby and enjoy being immersed in the beautiful woods and nature. ### **3 self-care secrets** 1. First thing in the morning, I always have hot water with lemon, ginger, cayenne pepper, followed by a handful of Brazil, walnuts, dates, apricots and raisins. 2. I always do dry skin brushing at least once a week to help keep my skin healthy and it’s great for circulation. 3. I also do weekly foot baths as it’s a great ritual for that all important ‘Me Time’. Not only is it a fabulous way to relax and de-stress, but it’s also brilliant to detox and rebalance your energy. I usually do this at the end of the day on Sundays, my favourite is our Triple Rose bath soak, guaranteed I always have a deep sleep and wake up ready for the week on Monday morning. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/07/Anne-Fortin-portrait-in-sitting-room.jpg) Anne was inspired to start her own range to provide really effective skincare ## **Anne Fortin** is originally from Paris and now lives in South London with her husband Paul and 2 sons, Isaac 11 and Ruben 8\. She is the founder of [**Anne Fortin Organic Skincare**](https://annefortin.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) I started Anne Fortin skincare line after struggling with my own skin condition and with the desire to offer really effective skincare. I’ve suffered with eczema most of my life, especially on my hands. I could never find truly moisturising products on the market. During Covid with all the extra handwashing, my skin condition worsened so I started researching alternative solutions. This is when I discovered the benefits of natural botanical ingredients. After only a month of making my first balm with organic oils, butters and essential oils, my skin condition improved drastically. It was like a lightbulb moment; “I need to share the benefits of those amazing natural ingredients”. This is how I decided to start my own line of natural gentle skincare, it had to be suitable for the whole family, and made with organic, ethically sourced ingredients and be sustainably packaged. My favourite product is my Regenerating Botanical Serum which won the Green Parent Gold Award 2023 in the serum category. This serum is a multipurpose, multi benefits serum. It can be used on the face, neck and eye contour. It’s beautifully regenerating, nourishing and soothing. It helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, promotes collagen production, even out the skin tone, antioxidant and astringent. It also has a wonderful silky feel on the skin with a beautiful spa like smell made from a blend of frankincense, lavender & geranium. It’s so well balanced that I don’t use anything else and my skin feels and looks really healthy. I love using it in the morning after a hot shower and at night with a little face massage. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/07/Anne-Fortin-collection-May-24.jpg) Anne Fortin products are made with organic, ethically sourced ingredients and are sustainably packaged ### **An ideal day** My ideal day is an adventure day shared with my family. We like travelling so we would start the morning with a visit to an historical monument and immerse ourselves into the local history and art, followed by a tasty lunch to discover the local cuisine. I’m quite the foodie! In the afternoon we’d go for a walk in the mountains overlooking a lake, we like observing the plants and fauna and look over the horizon. We’d finish the day with a picnic dinner while watching the sunset with snuggles. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **3 self-care secrets** 1. I have a walk every morning. I think it’s really important to be exposed to sunlight and wake up the body gently after sleeping. It lifts my mood and gets me ready for the day ahead. It doesn’t have to be long but it has to be daily even if it rains, maybe not pour though! 2. I try to go to Yoga classes at least once a week. It helps keep my body stay balanced, strong and flexible and my head clear. 3. I like having a hot bath, followed by massaging some of my handmade whipped body butter. I scent it with a blend of neroli & jasmine essential oils, which I find so calming, a real sensorial delight. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/07/FullSizeRender.jpg) Anna was inspired to start her own range while working at a natural fertility clinic ## **Anna Mitsios** is the founder of [**Edible Beauty**](https://ediblebeautyaustralia.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). She lives with her partner, son and puppy, Lucy I was inspired to start Edible Beauty over ten years ago whilst I was working at a natural fertility clinic. I was recommending that in addition to changes to their food and lifestyle routines, my patients make changes to their personal care products. I was shocked to find that there were very few options available for skincare products that were "edible" and that were luxurious and therapeutic. As a result, I embarked on creating my own range of skincare products. I was literally whipping shea butter, cocoa butter and rose water in my mother’s cake mixer and started sharing my creations with friends and family. After much research, courses, cosmetic chemist meetings, Edible Beauty Australia skincare range was born. My favourite product is one of our essentials, our No.1 Belle Frais Cleansing Milk. Ten years on and I still love the uplifting scent (citrus) this provides each morning along with the beautiful silky cleansing action and soft supple skin it leaves behind every time. What I love about this product is that it cleanses and purifies the skin so effectively but doesn’t leave your skin feeling dry or irritated which can happen frequently when using a cleansing gel. On the flip side it leaves skin feeling hydrated but not greasy like many cleansing oils. More and more we are discovering how important it is that we preserve our acid mantle (by using gentle, oil based and non-foaming formulas) and this is the prefect product to keep our skin barrier intact. ### **An ideal day** My ideal day involves waking up and either meditating or exercising for at least a half hour. I love starting the day setting intentions for how I want the day to unfold, and making a strong intention for how I want to show up! I will then get the family ready for the day ahead. The more unstructured the day, the better it is for me. I love the buzz of working on different parts of the business, and connecting with people who are as passionate about business as I am. In a typical day, it will be very fulfilling for me to be bouncing between brand strategy, new product development, tiktok content creation and retail distribution. I love interacting with my team and customers and setting new goals and milestones for where I want to be. In the evening, I love spending time with my young boy -he loves art so we are always experimenting with new art techniques, playing with our puppy or going for a run in the park together! I love cooking so this also features heavily in my ideal day. I always love winding up the day reflecting on what has gone well or what maybe has not gone as well as planned and reflecting and visualising how I can improve on this the next day. ### **3 self-care secrets** Self-care doesn’t come so easily to me, so I do make a very deliberate effort to take time out to provide myself with some self-love. 1. Firstly, taking the time for me in the mornings is so important. The 30 minutes of exercise and self reflection is my ultimate self care routine and really gets me started on the right foot each morning. 2. Secondly, self-care for me is ensuring I am taking the time out to breathe enjoy a green tea in the afternoon. It can be all too easy to get caught up in the adrenaline rush of the day – without a reminder or cue to slow down I tend to hold a bit of tension unconsciously. 3. Thirdly, self care is all about enjoying simple yet beautiful moments in every day and taking the time out to recognise how special they are. I have made an effort to enjoy things like a rainbow, the moon shining, a beautiful sunset or even a special moment with my boy, I mentally store and treasure this moment. --- ## **MORE INSPIRATION** **READ** About all the winners of this year's Green Parent Natural Beauty Awards in the Beauty Bible, available with issue 120 of The Green Parent, which will be published next week.[**Click here**](https://link.thegreenparent.co.uk/buy120?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)to get your copy before everyone else. **DISCOVER** For our next self-care instalment from beauty brand founders, check back on Monday 29th to read about why walking barefoot reduces stress. ### 9 Decluttering Tips URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/9-decluttering-tips/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:37.000Z ## One of the things that gives me most peace is have a clean, simple home says **Leo Babauta**. Here are nine decluttering tips to help you start each day fresh and calm! When I wake up in the morning and walk out into a living room that has been decluttered, that has a minimalist look, and there isn’t junk lying around, there is a calm and joy that enters my heart. When, on the other hand, I walk out into a living room cluttered with toys and books and extra things all over the place, it is chaos and my mind is frenetic. I’ve been a simplifier and a declutterer for years now (probably 8-9 years) and I’ve gotten pretty good at it, but I’ve found that you have to keep coming back to revisit your clutter every once in awhile. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **Here are my top decluttering tips:** - **Do it in small chunks**. Set aside just 15 minutes to declutter just one shelf, and when that shelf or that 15 minutes is up, celebrate your victory. Then tackle another shelf for 15 minutes the next day. Conquering an entire closet or room can be overwhelming, and you might put it off forever. If that’s the case, just do it in baby steps. - **Set aside a couple hours to do it**. This may seem contradictory to the above tip … and it is. It’s simply a different strategy, and I say do whatever works for you. Sometimes, for me, it’s good to set aside part of a morning, or an entire Saturday morning, to declutter a closet or room. I do it all at once, and when I’m done, it feels awesome. - **Take everything out of a shelf or drawer at once**. Whichever of the two above strategies you choose, you should focus on one drawer or shelf at a time, and empty it completely. Then clean that shelf or drawer. Then, take the pile and sort it (see next tip), and put back just what you want to keep. Then tackle the next shelf or drawer. - **Sort through your pile, one item at a time, and make quick decisions**. Have a trash bag and a give-away box handy. When you pull everything out of a shelf or drawer, sort through the pile one at a time. Pick up an item, and make a decision: trash, give away, or keep. Don’t put it back in the pile. Do this with the entire pile, and soon, you’ll be done. If you keep sorting through the pile, and re-sorting, it’ll take forever. Put back only what you want to keep, and arrange it nicely. - **Be merciless**. You may be a pack rat, but the truth is, you won’t ever use most of the junk you’ve accumulated. If you haven’t used it in the last year, get rid of it. It’s as simple as that. If you’ve only used it once or twice in the last year, but know you won’t use it in the next year, get rid of it. Toss it if it’s unsalvageable, and give it away if someone else might be able to use it. - **Papers? Be merciless, unless it’s important**. Magazines, catalogues, junk mail, bills more than a year old, notes to yourself, notes from others, old work stuff … toss it! The only exception is with tax-related stuff, which should be kept for seven years, and other important documents like warranties, birth and death and marriage certificates, insurance, wills, and other important documents like that. But you’ll know those when you see ’em. Otherwise, toss! - **If you are on the fence with a lot of things, create a “maybe” box.** If you can’t bear to toss something because you might need it later, put it in the box, then close the box, label it, and put it in storage (garage, attic, closet), out of sight. Most likely, you’ll never open that box again. If that’s the case, pull it out after six months or a year, and toss it or give it away. - **Create a system to stop clutter from accumulating**. There’s a reason you have tall stacks of papers all over the place, and big piles of toys and books and clothes. It’s because you don’t have a regular system to keep things in their place, and get rid of stuff you don’t need. This is a topic for another day, but it’s something to think about as you declutter. You’ll never get to perfect, but if you think more intelligently about how your house got cluttered, perhaps you can find ways to stop it from happening again. - **Celebrate when you’re done**! This is actually a general rule in life: always celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small. Even if you just decluttered one drawer, that’s great. Treat yourself to something delicious. Open that drawer (or closet, or whatever), and admire its simplicity. Breathe deeply and know that you have done a good thing. Bask in your peacefulness. *Leo Babauta lives in San Diego, California with his wife and their two teenage kids (they have four adult kids too, six in total), where he eats vegan food, writes, runs, and reads. Find him at* [*zenhabits.net*](https://zenhabits.net/about/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### Self-Care Secrets from Ani Skincare, Blumain Organic Skincare, Earthy Nail Polish and Bloom in Soap URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/cleanse-your-skin-before-bed-and-other-self-care-secrets/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:37.000Z ## We chat to four award winning brands to find out about their ideal day and get them to reveal their self-care secrets ## **Joanna Walker** lives in Cirencester, the heart of the Cotswolds. She is the founder of [**Ani Skincare**](https://aniskincare.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) I walk from my home to my shop in the morning and always see someone to say good morning to. I live with my husband Mark, also a partner in business, and our son Peter, who is 16 years old and is brilliant at bottling up, labelling and wrapping. My mother in law, who is 80, also works in the shop - when we say we are a family run business we really are! I used to be a painter and sculptor and was always doing battle against paint and stone dust, trying to keep my skin hydrated and nourished. It was when juggling life, a five year old boy and caring for my mother, who was suffering from Alzheimer Dementia, I decided to take a new direction. I wanted to create something that enriched people’s lives and gave a little joy. Skincare is a small and simple thing that can have a profound effect on your life, learning to give yourself a little love is a key to happy a life, achieving that by caring for your skin is something we can all do. In short, I was on a little mission to spread some love and joy through the power of skincare and nothing gives me more joy than someone telling me how much ANI has made a difference to their lives, definitely the best part of my job. I formulate make and produce all the ANI products, and each product is developed with a purpose and intention to make a real difference, to enhance your skin condition, so asking me for a favourite is like being asked to choose your favourite child! I guess the Facial Cleanser has to be the one, it was the first product I made, I spent months and months developing exactly what I wanted, a multi-tasking miracle, it melts across your skin before you wash it away with a soft cloth, removing all traces of makeup and the dirt of the day, it does it gently without stripping back your natural oils or disrupting your skins natural balance, leaving your skin feeling deeply clean while soft and nourished. You can then use it for almost everything else! Reapply a small amount after your evening cleanse and don’t wash off, acting as an amazing, intensive overnight balm, apply small amounts to dry areas that need extra attention- feet, heals, elbows, cuticles, lips, even ends of your hair, it’s fantastic for healing eczema and psoriasis, this is the one if you can only take one thing to your desert island, it better be the ANI Facial Cleanser. ### **An ideal day** A sunny early summer morning, when everything has a little sparkle to it, the birds give the most uplifting dawn chorus, the air is full of anticipation of a glorious day. Coffee and breakfast with Mark, sitting in our tiny garden, the roses in full bloom and a bumble bee buzzing from flower to flower, we have a catch up on what’s to do today, which inevitable leads into our dreams and aspirations. Then I am off to the market to get fruit and veg, the last of the Evesham asparagus, if lucky. Before it gets too warm, Rosie dog (Tibetan Terrier) and I walk up through the fields to my studio. Rosie settles in the office, I head to the making room and mix up a batch or two of Face Oil and Body Polish. Late afternoon Rosie and I will take a stroll down to the allotment, which is always in need of more attention than we give it, but still is a little drop of paradise. Mark and Peter join me and we each work on our own little project, either building a bit of fence, harvesting some rosemary to dry, picking a few salad leaves before heading home for supper in the garden. We may light a candle, ANI “Cotswold Evening” seems most suitable and let the evocative mix of pure essential oils and the evening air waft over us, then bed with a book and try to get past the first couple of pages before falling asleep. ### **3 self-care secrets** 1. If you only do one skincare thing in the day make it your Facial Cleanse before bed, your skin will forever thank you, you will get a better night sleep and you will wake up feel ready for the day. 2. Try applying body oil, a little, head to toe, before you head into bath or shower, take a jute mitt with you and gentle rub down, no soaps, no shower gels just you, water, mitt and oil, twice a week with Renewal Body Polish once or twice a week, it’s a bit of a revelation, your skin will thank you for it! 3. And this one is the most important! Take a moment, every day, for you. Close the bathroom door, take a few drops of Face Oil, work across face and neck, take three gentle, considered breaths breath in the pure essential oil aroma, look at yourself, in the mirror, give yourself a big smile, and love what you see. I know easy said, harder done, practice makes perfect, you are beautiful. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/07/20240517_091218.jpg) Sinead created her own range inspired by the clients at her clinic ## **Sinead Murphy** is the founder of [**Blumain Organic Skincare**](https://blumainorganicskincare.ie/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). She lives in Newmarket, Co. Cork in the south of Ireland with her husband Andrew and their 3 kids, Caiomhe (7), Cillian (5) and Tiernan (2) I am a beauty therapist and salon owner and I opened my salon back in 2010 during the recession. Skincare had always been my passion as I love helping my clients with their skin. I had got in a beautiful skincare range for my salon but the majority of my clients just couldn't afford it. I searched everywhere to find something that would get results, that people would enjoy using and that they could afford but I couldn't find anything that I felt ticked all the boxes. So it was from here that the idea for Blumáin was grown and I set off to create my own range. Asking me to pick my favourite product is like asking me to choose my favourite child! It's tough but if I had to choose I think I might have to go with the elixir. There's just something extra special about it and I couldn't imagine being without it now. My clients often tell me it's the product they didn't know they needed and now they couldn't live without it. ### **An ideal day** My ideal day would probably be a day where we're not rushing out the door to school or work! A chilled out morning at home and maybe a walk in our local woods after dinner and ice cream on the way home. ### **3 self-care secrets** 1. **Make time for yourself**. Even if it's just the 5 minutes in the morning and night to do your skincare ritual. You'll feel so much better for it 2. **Get out in the fresh air**, put on a podcast and go for a walk. You won't regret it. 3. **A cup of tea in peace and quiet** while the kids are occupied solves all of life’s problems! --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/07/Earthy-Gel-Group-Shot.jpg) The new Gel Lock system at Earthy has taken years of hard work, research and passion ## **Jackie Khangura** is the founder of [**earthynailpolish.com**](https://www.earthynailpolish.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). She lives in Birmingham with her husband (co-founder of Earthy) and just turned 8 year old son who is the centre of her universe! Earthy was inspired by my search for more natural beauty products during pregnancy. I suffer with eczema and have done since birth and when it flares up it can be extremely painful and this is why I have always tried to use natural products with less harmful chemicals that can aggravate the skin. I love wearing makeup but there are times that my skin just can’t handle it and I found a direct correlation between the application of normal nail polish and my skin irritation. I decided to start looking into plant-based options during maternity leave and when my son was born I found that I became hyper aware of the harsh products out there even in baby products which only fuelled my search for cleaner products for the whole family. My husband has a background in cosmetics and we worked together to create a natural origin nail polish that was gentler and safer but just as efficient. Bringing a child into the world, changes your whole outlook and we knew that we wanted to ensure that making our planet better was going to be at the forefront of our ethos. For this reason, sustainability is at the heart of our business, we began by looking into materials that could be used in our packaging and that was when we decided to create our unique bamboo cap. We have continued to work hard in ensuring our products are better for the environment and our recycle policy was one of our biggest accomplishments along with the amazing recognition for our efforts through the achievement of awards such as Green Parent Gold award. Having personal involvement with every single product we release makes them all close to my heart but the new Gel Lock system has taken years of hard work, research and passion. Being able to offer our loyal customers a gel polish system they can use from the comfort of their own homes that is ‘better for you’ is simply wonderful. ### **An ideal day** My ideal day is a YES day, my son is obsessed with the movie and insists we all get a YES day in our birthday month and it has been so much fun. It forces us all to take time away from work and errands and just be our silly selves. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **3 self-care secrets** 1. I make a point in booking myself a massage every few months, I would get one every week if I could! 2. I also enjoy spending time with my sisters, we all have such hectic lives that we end up chatting and catching up less and less. So, we try and plan a night out or night in with a glass of wine (or two) as often as we can. 3. I have recently starting walking, only 30 minutes after the school run but its energising and I hope to keep it up. It gives me time to just breathe and listen to a podcast or audio book. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/07/Cambrideshire-soapmaker-Alison--Founder-at-Bloom-In-Soap.png) Alison has developed a range of products packaged in wildflower-seeded paper ## **Alison Leifsen** is the founder of [**bloominsoap.co.uk**](https://www.bloominsoap.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). She lives in the Fenlands in Cambridgeshire with her husband, her eldest son and his wife, and her grandson, aged one. Plus two dogs - a Bernese Mountain Dog named Luna and Alison’s little 'helper', a Jack Russell named Misty. I first became interested in natural skincare after my sister had a very bad reaction to a product she'd used on her face. I started to research ingredients and how they affect the skin, and learnt that the majority of commercial products are filled with cheap ingredients that don't offer any benefits for the skin, they're very drying, and sometimes even damage the skin. In 2020 I was made redundant from my job in marketing so decided to pursue my interest further by formulating products using natural, quality ingredients that actually help people with skin problems. Of course I won't even mention the impact of all the plastic packaging from commercial products (oops I just did), so I developed a range of products using wildflower seeded paper. Not only was the range 100% plastic free, but my customers could also grow wildflowers from the packaging, benefitting their own wellbeing and the environment. My range of shea butter soap bars are wonderfully creamy and so soft on the skin, and the range was my first formulation so is my 'baby'. What makes the range so great is that I use the most incredible organic, raw fair trade shea butter which I source directly from a women's co-op in Ghana, which is probably my most favourite ingredient as it contains so many useful benefits from the skin. It transforms an ordinary bar of soap into something incredible, and with my purchase of this shea butter I am helping these Shea Queen producers to enjoy a good standard of living as well as empowering them to build a profitable business. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/07/Bloom-In-Soap-soap-stack.jpg) Alison uses raw fair trade shea butter sourced directly from a women's co-op in Ghana ### **An ideal day** I love to start the day off by walking the dogs in the woods or by the river as it's so good for my mental wellbeing as well as being my main exercise. I love to potter around in the garden and to spend time with my live-in grandson as he's so much fun and every day brings something exciting and new. ### **3 self-care secrets** 1. Exfoliating the skin is one of my top tips and something I do at least twice a week - I use an exfoliating cleanser on my face and my Spice & Shine exfoliating soap on my body. Exfoliating buffs away dead skin cells and helps unblock the pores (blocked pores can cause spots) and leaves the skin glowing. 2. Moisturising your skin every day is my second tip - even if you have oily skin and think you don't need to moisturise. Moisturising using a high quality product will not only add much needed moisture to your skin but also offers additional skin benefits that can help your skin stay nourished. This will ultimately give you healthier skin and leave you feeling great. 3. Only use fragrance-free products on your face is my third tip. Fragrances, whether they be synthetic or natural essential oils, contain allergens which can trigger a reaction on the skin, especially the face which is far more sensitive than the rest of the body. Often, redness, puffiness and itching is caused by fragrances which happen to be the number one reason behind skin reactions - so steer clear of using products that contain them on your face. --- ## **MORE INSPIRATION** **READ** About all the winners of this year's Green Parent Natural Beauty Awards in the Beauty Bible, available with issue 120 of The Green Parent, which will be published next week.[**Click here**](https://link.thegreenparent.co.uk/buy120?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)to get your copy before everyone else. **DISCOVER** For our next self-care instalment from beauty brand founders, check back on Wednesday 24th to read about the benefits of a Sunday night footbath! --- ### How to Use Massage to Help Children Sleep URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/how-to-use-massage-to-help-children-sleep/ Last updated: 2024-07-20T18:00:21.000Z ## Massage makes a lovely bedtime ritual throughout childhood and into teenage-hood says **Lucy Corkhill** Most of us massage our children when they are babies, in awe of their soft baby skin. Baby massage classes abound, and though these can be a great way to meet people and learn new techniques, they are not necessary to enjoying this bond with your newborn. Babies and their mothers and fathers all have a unique way of communicating, both through touch and verbally. Cultures throughout the world and throughout history have used massage as a form of connection, communication and relaxation – it is something that comes naturally to a bonded baby and parent. Simply stroking our baby’s skin – using oil/lotion or not – is a form of massage. But as our children grow and become wriggling little toddlers and then strong-willed youngsters, there is a tendency to rely more on words to communicate and less on the medium of touch. It’s usually when our children are ill or anxious that we remember the wonder of touch and how relaxing it is for both the giver and recipient. Touch transcends language too, so when our child is having difficulty verbalising their feelings, or simply doesn’t want to talk about something, loving touch lets them know that we are present and there for them. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### I learned a top tip for de-escalating with angry kids URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/how-i-learned-to-de-escalate-when-my-daughter-gets-angry/ Last updated: 2026-10-05T21:57:15.000Z Hello, Welcome to this week’s newsletter, sent from a field in Devon! I’m at [**Buddhafield Festival**](https://buddhafield.com/buddhafield-festival-2024?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) with my partner and five-year-old and we’re having so much fun. It’s been so good to sink into festival time and not think about anything except the present moment for a couple of days. We arrived on Wednesday and have already done so many great workshops – I’ll tell you all about them when I get back, in next week’s newsletter. **Here’s what I’ve been up to this week:** ### **1) Making Summer Drinks** For a family birthday BBQ last weekend, I wanted to make a tasty, fruity non-alcoholic drink for when everyone arrived. I had a watermelon and a punnet of strawberries so I froze most of the watermelon overnight. I chucked the juice of 4 limes, a watermelon (deseeded and cut into chunks, half frozen) and around 250g strawberries into a blender. I blitzed until smooth and poured this ice-cold, fruity, pink juice into glasses to serve. So delicious! If you’re looking for inspiration for cooling, refreshing summer drinks, try this [**carrot lemonade**](https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/carrot-lemonade?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), a sweet, juicy drink that uses up leftover carrots! Or maybe [**nectarine and Earl Grey iced tea**](https://www.theguardian.com/food/2022/jul/30/alcohol-free-summer-cocktails-drinks-mohito-watermelon-iced-tea-lemonade-switchel-mark-diacono?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)? _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Self-Care Secrets from Kutis Skincare, Devaiya Oils, Datsit and Chantic Home URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/pilates-face-yoga-and-other-self-care-secrets/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:37.000Z ## As part of the Green Parent Natural Beauty Awards 2024, we asked 4 beauty brands to share their top wellbeing secrets ## **Kate Powlesland** lives in mid-Wales with her partner, Ben and their 2 sons. The family live in 9 acres of woodland in a little off-grid cabin which they built themselves a few years ago. She is the founder of [**Kutis Skincare**](https://kutis-skincare.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) “Kutis came about pretty organically. For a long time I’d had an interest in plants and their healing properties and had made lots of salves and foraged for food and medicinal herbs in the wild. I became more and more aware of the chemicals I had been using in my skincare products and decided to play around with making my own. When I started dabbling with making a natural deodorant I was so happy to find that I could make a deodorant which was kind to my skin, which didn’t have any potentially harmful ingredients and it actually worked so much better than anything I had used before. I started to share it with friends and the feedback was so great I decided to get it certified and sell at local markets. I built a website and began to sell online. Word spread and small businesses regularly got in touch to stock our products. Our products are now stocked in hundreds of independent shops in the UK and Europe. I love the Vegan Bergamot and Sage deodorant. Its fresh herbal scent is my ‘go to’ and I always have one or 2 rolling around in the bottom of my bag! ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/07/IMG_8373-1.JPG) Founder of Kutis Skincare, Kate lives in a self-built, off-grid cabin in mid Wales ### **An ideal day** I love river days in the sunshine. We are very lucky in mid-Wales to have many beautiful river swimming spots and when the sun is out we often spend long days at the river, swimming & exploring the rock pools, cooking food on the fire and then sleeping under the stars. ### **3 self-care secrets** 1. **Prioritising myself.** It’s so easy to get carried away with the busyness of life and raising children that sometimes we forget to take care of ourselves. Here are a few things which I do for me… 2. **I love to sing!** I sing with a local community choir each week and I find that singing in a group is a really great way to relax and resettle the nervous system. 3. **Taking 10 minutes**, with a cup of tea in the garden, listening to the birds and paying attention to the small things is great way for me to start the day calmly and from a place of gratitude. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/07/DSC_4589.jpg) Ruby loves love the Nourish cream for its beautiful aroma and skin loving properties ## **Ruby Sagu** lives in West Yorkshire with her husband and two children. She is the founder of [**Devaiya Oils**](https://devaiyaoils.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Devaiya Oils was born in 2015 after I had a car accident and suffered from a serious whiplash injury. I learnt about the power of essential oils and their amazing properties and created an oil blend to heal my painful symptoms naturally. I was amazed by the difference that the oil made and further, positive results from other people led to the launch of this first product, Aches Away is now a best seller. My passion for the power of oils and desire to help others with natural healing led to the launch of my brand. The word Devaiya (pronounced DEV-EYE-AA) means medicine in panjabi and is a combination of my children's names I love our Nourish cream for its beautiful aroma and skin loving properties, the Aches Away is a great product for the whole family and is a must have at home and Stress Away is a beautiful calming oil and great for those busy day's reminding you to pause and breathe. ### **An ideal day** I love nature and being outdoors and my ideal day would consist of a long scenic walk in nature with family, followed by a nutritious lunch, teaching a relaxing face yoga class and indulging in a soak or hair pamper before bed! ### **3 self-care secrets** 1. **Face yoga and massage** As well as my aromatherapy range I am also a face yoga teacher and practice face yoga and massage everyday 2. **Breathwork and meditation** This is not always an easy thing to do in this fast paced world so making time to pause and check in with ourselves is so importance for balance and avoiding feelings of overwhelm. 3. **Exercise and movement**! In my mid 40's I make an effort to stay fit and physically active with cardio and strength exercises to keep my bones and muscles strong. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/07/10x8Crop-3611.jpg) Inspired by his daughters, Steve launched his own skincare range in 2022 ## **Steve Anyiwo** is the founder of [**Datsit**](https://datsit.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). He lives in south west London with his partner and children “In 2019, motivated by the skin irritations and allergic reactions my twin daughters were experiencing from commercial moisturisers, I embarked on a journey to create a safer, natural alternative. I began researching into the harmful ingredients commonly found in skincare products and after a year of experimenting with natural formulations I managed to produce my own product for family use. During the 2021 lockdown, amidst a year of unemployment from my regular job, I decided to invest my resources into launching a skincare business. This journey was not without its challenges, including navigating uncharted territory such as legalities, compliance issues, and trademarking, without any help or guidance. Despite these hurdles, and with an initial personal investment of £10,000, the business officially began trading in January 2022. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/07/Product-BB-RangePack-2-Brighter.jpg) Steve's favourite product in the range is the Datsit Nut Free body butter My favourite product in our range is the Datsit Nut Free body butter. This formulation addressed directly specific concerns some customers had, those that spoke with me at various pop-ups and events. Following those conversations and subsequent online research, I was able to develop and test a product, gather feedback, and finally produce something for the marketplace. I love the smell, and how I was able to ensure the texture was very similar to the other body butters in the range, without a trace of nut oil. ### **An ideal day** This is a tough one, as an ideal day could be in my business, with family, or some personal time. I guess I have ideal moments. Some alone time by a river or sea with my partner (very rare). Seeing my family and friends enjoy a meal I’ve lovingly prepared. Seeing my children’s personalities develop in the safe space my partner and I have created is a joy. But for me an ideal day would always involve good food, loving company, outside in great weather, stress free. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **Self-care secrets** I can share some of my thoughts on self-care, but I can’t claim to have been able to implement them all successfully! 1. **Stress Free:** Trying to remain stress free is key to a healthy life. It’s an almost impossible task as it involves having a particular mindset, and the opportunities available. But how we receive or interpret events is within our control. So I try to work on having a positive mindset, and strip the power of negativity on my life. That often involves reframing what is being presented to me into something more positive. 2. **Pilates:** I’m a big guy. My weight’s been up and down since my teens, but I’ve always been heavy set. I have had issues with my back since 2010, and although I am used to weight training in the gym, the introduction to Pilates has been the most significant self-care moment of my life. At the time I was the only man attending the class in my local gym, so you can imagine this huge heavy set guy amongst slim gracious women, trying to keep up with all the stretches and contortions they all found so easy. But I persevered, and now there is hardly a week in my calendar that I don’t attend a class. I love how it makes me feel afterwards. I love how you are told to breathe and park any other thoughts to focus on the movements. For an hour you can really administer self-care on both body and mind. It’s great! --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/07/Chantic-Home-Sweet-Orange-Lip-Balm-1.png) Krusha developed a range of lip balms that are safe enough to eat! ## **Krusha Patel** is the founder of [**Chantic Home**](https://www.chantic.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), a small family run business, in north west London. When I lost my job in the pandemic I needed something to focus on. I have 2 dogs, one of which is sensitive. My older dog, Remus was affected by allergies. It triggered his skin allergies and his sense of smell. So I started with a range of essential oil sprays and pet balms and developed my product range to include natural skincare and home fragrance. With our home fragrance I started to experiment with the idea of creating 100% vegan candles with soya wax, which is naturally biodegradable. We developed our pet balms and lip balm to be safe enough to be eaten! Our lip balm is versatile, and can be used on your lips, hand or body. The ingredients are sustainably sourced by UK suppliers, natural, hand-made and free from preservatives and parabens. As someone who has suffered with eczema since birth I can't get enough of its calming effects on my skin, especially with seasonal eczema flare ups. My current favourite product in skincare is the passionfruit lip balm. I love how smoothly and easily it goes onto my lips, how I can take it almost everywhere I am never without it and how I love the taste of sweet passionfruit on my lips, all packaged in eco friendly and sustainable aluminium tin, which can be reused again and again. ### **An ideal day** My ideal day begins with a leisurely morning stroll with my corgi, Tilly, as we venture out to meet her friends in the park. Following our walk, we indulge in a wholesome breakfast together, laying the foundation for the day ahead. I carefully plan the day ahead and prioritise tasks, allowing breaks for creative exploration, this helps for me to refine ideas and developing products tailored for both my customers and stockists. Each task is approached with intention and purpose throughout the day. After a rewarding day of productivity, I love a hearty evening meal before transitioning into a tranquil atmosphere by lighting one of our scented candles. This ritual for me starts the process of me unwinding and relaxing. ### **3 self-care secrets** 1. **Learning to say no**: As a small business owner, I have to learn how to say no this may be to opportunities, seeing friends or taking advice from someone. To be able to focus my mind and preserve my energy I have to sometimes take a step back and assess is this something that will cause me to take on too much. Saying no helps to recognise your limits and honour them, and also helps you to prioritise things and people that value and contribute to your wellbeing. 2. **Staying mindful**: It's sometimes so hard to take a moment for yourself. When I have conversations with people I try to be present without being distracted. I meditate in the evening to help evaluate my energy levels. Mindfulness activities could include breathing exercises, mindfully eating or just observing your surroundings. 3. **Being consistent**: With anything it's important to stay consistent, to carve time out for yourself daily or weekly. Things to nourish your body, mind and soul from journaling or meditation to a massage. You need to also consistently prioritise your self-care, so that you can keep going. If you take care you, you can take care of more people and things. --- ## **MORE INSPIRATION** **READ** About all the winners of this year's Green Parent Natural Beauty Awards in the Beauty Bible, available with issue 120 of The Green Parent, which is published this week.[**Click here**](https://link.thegreenparent.co.uk/buy120?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)to get your copy before everyone else. **DISCOVER** For our next self-care instalment from beauty brand founders, check back on Monday 22nd to read about why you need to challenge yourself! --- ### 10 reasons to take a daily cold shower URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/10-reasons-to-take-a-daily-cold-shower/ Last updated: 2024-07-18T18:05:37.000Z ## There’s no doubt that after a cold shower you feel pretty zingy and alive. But I’ll admit there are occasions when I grumble and grouse about taking my daily cold shower says **Lucy Corkhill** Cold water therapy has been around a long time. Naturopaths often recommend starting by gradually moving from a hot shower to a cold one – keeping it as cold as you can bear for 1 minute – and then alternating, ending with a cold shower. But if you can only do a cold shower, like me, then that’s great too! Alternatively, you could opt for a dip in a body of water such as a river, lake or the sea, if you are lucky enough to live near to one. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### How to Wean Your Baby URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/how-to-wean-your-toddler/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:38.000Z ## We're looking at finger foods and babyled weaning. **Jo Middleton** explains why it is the natural follow on from breastfeeding on demand I have a confession to make. I was never really very good at pureeing. I didn’t ever quite get round to freezing bits of mashed things in ice cubes trays and I always thought that spoon feeding my baby rather got in the way of me enjoying my own dinner. Instead I put off introducing solid food for as long as possible, relying on breastmilk as a much easier – and of course nutritionally complete - alternative. When my daughter did start to show a real interest at about ten months old we went straight for fingers of toast and marmite and whole bananas and I basically let her get on with it. At the time I thought this was probably just slacking on my part - this is often the way things go with a second baby - but little did I realise that my ‘I can’t be bothered with spoons, let’s just wait till she can hold a slice of pizza’ method actually had a name – Baby Led Weaning. ### **What is Baby Led Weaning?** Baby led weaning (often abbreviated to BLW) is just that – giving your baby control of the weaning process. By weaning here I mean introducing your baby to solid foods rather than weaning off the breast completely. BLW is the natural follow on from the principles of breastfeeding on demand – it is an active process in which the baby has the freedom to regulate their own appetite and food intake. Breastfeeding is also a great preparation because your baby will already be used to a variety of different tastes as the flavour of breastmilk varies with your diet. ### **How does it work?** Baby led weaning ensures a very gradual and relaxed approach to weaning and is very simple to do. You don’t need blenders, mashers or spoons – instead you simply offer whole foods and allow your baby to feed themselves with their hands. You don’t need to worry about preparing special meals for your baby - they can just join in with family mealtimes and eat whatever you are eating. Obviously this works best when you are cooking meals from scratch, as you can cut out the extra salt and other seasonings that would be present in processed foods. You can begin to offer food to your baby whenever they show an interest, so long as they are able to hold themselves upright, either on a lap or in a highchair. By using the BLW approach your baby will instinctively only begin swallowing and digesting food when their digestive systems are mature enough to process it. Even if your baby starts to show an interest at a young age it is very unlikely that they will swallow anything before they are six months old – they will just be enjoying holding and chewing new foods up till then. This means that unless there is a specific history of allergies within your family there is no need to restrict the types of food you offer your baby or to limit yourself to introducing only one new food one at a time – they will know when they are ready to start eating properly. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/05/GettyImages-1169440563_copy_878_500_c1.jpg) ### **Keep it simple** To begin with it is best to keep the different foods you offer your baby separate. This allows them to experiment with individual flavours rather than a blend of tastes. This doesn’t mean you can only offer one food per sitting, rather that you offer a selection of unique foods instead of having all the flavours combined in say, a sauce or pie. Providing the opportunity for your baby to explore individual tastes is one of the benefits that BLW has over the puree approach. A lot of the purees offered to small babies, especially those that come in jars and packets, are actually a mixture of several flavours. If there is one taste that your baby doesn’t like they will reject the whole meal without having had the opportunity to properly try any of the other flavours within the mixture. Do keep offering foods that your baby rejects at first - tastes vary as their palette develops and likes and dislikes can change quickly. ### **Bigger is better** At around six months your baby will be able to pick up big pieces of food and hold them in a fist but they will not be able to release their grip at will. Wedges or batons of food that they can hold in their fist and suck or chew are ideal at this age. The pincer grip, and with it the ability to pick up small items such as raisins, develops later on in line with your baby’s ability to manage these types of food in their mouth. This stops your baby choking from putting something into their mouth before they are able to eat it properly. Despite this built in developmental safety mechanism you should never leave your baby unattended while they are eating. ### **Wider tastes** One of the main benefits of baby led weaning is that you greatly reduce the risk of fussy eating habits or other food issues developing through childhood and even adulthood. A self-weaned baby will tend to accept a wider variety of foods because they are not restricted to enjoying food based on just taste. Being able to feed themselves means they can also explore how the food feels. Different textures, shapes, sizes and smells combine to make a much more stimulating and exciting mealtime experience. The whole process of eating is also far more relaxed for your baby as there is no pressure on them to eat certain types or amounts of food and they are being trusted to follow their own instinct. In this way BLW eliminates to a great extent the chances of your baby developing any negative associations with food or mealtimes. ### **Instinctual feeding** A common concern for a parent is how you can ensure your baby gets a balanced diet when they are controlling what they eat. The beauty of BLW is that babies, if left to follow their instincts, will tend towards the foods that contain the nutrients they are lacking. So long as you are providing a wide range of healthy food choices there is no cause for concern. A small baby eats intuitively, free from the associations of comfort and guilt that it is all too easy to develop as adults. Remember also that your baby will be actually eating very little to start with and breastmilk should still be providing the bulk of their nutritional needs. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **Freedom to explore** So are there are downsides to this puree free approach? A bit of extra mess is really the only one. When you leave a young baby completely free to explore their food and feed themselves with their hands you’ll probably end up with a rather food smeared baby and a debris covered floor. But if a wipe clean mat under your baby’s chair and a quick flannel wash are all it takes to promote a healthy attitude to food for years to come I’d say it’s a price worth paying. ### **Bottlefed babies** We have talked about BLW as the next step on from breastfeeding on demand, but can the same principles be applied to bottle fed babies? In theory the answer is yes, however there are a few things to bear in mind. Firstly it is important to remember that bottle feeding and BLW are essentially quite different styles of feeding. Bottle feeding is a much more parent led process in terms of feed lengths and timings and a bottle fed baby will not have the same level of skill when it comes to regulating their own food intake. It is less easy therefore to predict how they will manage a baby led approach as the idea of controlling their own feeding patterns will be a new one for them. However, given time to explore and practice, there is no reason why a bottle fed baby should not adapt well to BLW. Remember also that a bottle fed baby will need to be regularly offered water alongside other foods as formula milks do not have the same thirst quenching properties as breastmilk. ### **Trust your baby** Key to baby led weaning are the ideas of trust and control. Babies are amazing; with a lot more innate self-awareness than we often give them credit for. As a parent you need to trust in your baby’s ability to successfully feed and nurture themselves and in turn you will be rewarded with a child able to confidently manage themselves and their body for years to come. ## **More Inspiration** **READ** [**Baby Led Weaning by Gill Rapley**](https://www.wob.com/en-gb/books/gill-rapley/baby-led-weaning/9780091923808?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### Self-Care Secrets from Anara Skincare, Bemora, Eden Days Body and Castle Apothecary URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/the-art-of-daydreaming-and-other-self-care-secrets/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:37.000Z ## As part of the Green Parent Natural Beauty Awards 2024, we asked 4 beauty brands to share their top wellbeing secrets ## **Arati Nar** is the Founder & CEO at [**www.anaraskincare.com**](http://www.anaraskincare.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). She lives in West London. “Launching my own skincare brand underpinned by my very own holistic ethos of self-care has been a life-long dream of mine. Everything about a beautiful skincare routine delights me. It’s been a consistent feel-good part of my life. When my skin is nourished, healthy, and looking radiant, I feel set to take on the day. It’s this feeling of calm and empowerment that I wanted to share with the world. The Anara Skincare range has been designed to support the well-ageing process. Our products give your skin everything it needs to age beautifully and gracefully, whilst also delighting your senses. I wanted to create more than just skincare. I wanted to create a unique Anara Experience that is inclusive in the true sense of the word and makes you and your skin feel special and pampered. Every step in the creation of Anara Skincare has been filled with honesty, integrity and loads of love. I love all the products in the range and use them all daily, but if I had to choose just one it would have to be Radiance Moisturiser. I love how comforting it feels on my skin and the glow it gives and if I don’t use it for even one day my skin misses it. It is a multi-use moisturiser, to be used day and night around your eye area, face and neck, and as it’s an all-in-one product, it’s also very handy to travel with. It was also the product that was the most challenging to perfect. It went through over 70 iterations before I signed it off and then a further one year of testing to get to the product we have today. It therefore feels extra special that it is our best seller. ### **My ideal day** I like to start my day early and naturally wake when the sun rises. Natural light and being surrounded by nature give me a lot of joy. It’s when I am at my most productive and creative too. I love variety in my day and tend to play a lot of different roles as any small business owner does, so the days that consist of interacting with customers, exploring new business opportunities, combined with being able to let my creative juices flow with design and photography are my perfect kind of days. I always promised myself a good work/life balance with this business, so I like to spend my evenings surrounded by family and friends. My day is not complete until I have my few minutes of beautiful calm with my skincare routine at the end of the evening and I love to end my routine with a relaxing facial massage using our Replenishing Face Oil and Rose Quartz Gua Sha. ### **3 self-care secrets** 1. Having quiet time to myself to truly get lost in my thoughts and my daydreams is my ultimate self-care secret. It gives me time to reflect and to clear my mind after a busy day and it also enables creativity to flow within me. 2. I am a true believer in the power of positive energy, both from within myself but also by surrounding myself with people that make me feel uplifted. It’s essential for my emotional well-being. 3. And of course, skincare is very powerful self-care for me. It’s my precious time for my skin and my soul at the start and end of each day. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/07/Bemora-wellbeing-hub-hornsea-weiwei.jpg) Weiwei was inspired by her mother, who was the advocate of everything natural ## **Weiwei Wu** is the founder of [**www.mybemora.com**](http://www.mybemora.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). She lives in the East Riding of Yorkshire, with her husband, Scott and children Tyler, 8 and Alexa 7\. "I was inspired by my mother was the advocate of everything natural when I was growing up, and my eldest, Tyler. He suffered from eczema on his face when he was 8 months old, and I wanted to help him with a natural alternative, other than just zapping it with steroid cream. I love all my products of course! But at the moment as we are getting into warmer season, I particularly love our hydration boosting and refining serum. It's truly inspired by my mother. Besides a good skincare routine, she was very much of the mindset that ‘you are what you eat, if it’s good enough to eat, it must be good enough for your skin too!’ I remember some wonderful ingredients that she would use in our diet, and they all served different purposes. For example, in summer, she always used to cook Snow Mushroom with Lotus Seed dessert soup, it has a silky texture and it was incredibly hydrating and cooling for the hot summer weather in the South of China where I was born. Little known fact: Snow Mushroom extract is regarded as the plant based Hyaluronic acid. Each molecule holds up to 1,000 times of its own body weight in water, and that alone was good enough reason for me to incorporate this wonderful ingredient into our products! ### **3 self-care secrets** 1. Eat well 2. Make sure you clean/wash your face before bed every day! (then apply your favourite skincare products of course) 3. Do something that makes you relaxed and happy (stress causes breakouts!), whether that's go out for a walk, spend time with your besties, or read your favourite book. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/07/Inge---Adele-Eden-Days-Body-300.jpg) Mother and daughter team, Adele and Inge love taking a break and going down to their favourite beach ## **Inge Cronje** and **Adele Da Graca** are the founders of [**edendaysbody.com**](http://edendaysbody.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). This mother and daughter team live close by on the beautiful Gower peninsula in South Wales. Adele and her husband have 3 young children and a lively Bengal. “When my youngest son was born and suffered from eczema, our search started for products that I was comfortable putting on his skin. With that came the awareness of product ingredients, how they are sourced and their effect on nature. We wanted to formulate clean beauty products with honest, ethical ingredients that are 100% natural and affordable. With that came the responsibility to take green living full circle. It stretches beyond eco-packaging, starts with sourcing sustainable ingredients, and ends with biodegradable formulated products. Without a doubt my favourite product is Ylang Ylang Elixir. The smell is just heavenly and I love how versatile it is. I use it on nearly everything! Hair, bath, face and as my body moisturising oil. ### **An ideal day** We both love a sea glass day! In reality, these “off-site business meetings” are when we take a break from it all and go down to our favourite beach, Caswell, to comb the little caves for sea glass treasures. We grab a coffee and can walk around for hours. Dream day! ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **3 self-care secrets** 1. Gut health has to be first on the list for self-care as it is so important to your well-being. Skin, hair, mood … 2. We both love a salt bath and it does wonders to relax your muscles and draw out toxins. 3. Scalp detox – underrated but your hair will thank you! When my hair feels a bit limp and dull, I use Clay Day to get rid of the build-up of product and mineral deposits. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/07/Castle-Apothecary23_0020.jpg) Alison attended a local summer fair and people loved the products ## **Alison MacColl** lives with her husband Alistair and their two children, Iona, 11, and Angus, 9, as well as the family’s 12-year-old Yorkshire Terrier. She is the founder of [**Castle Apothecary**](https://castleapothecaryscotland.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) "During lockdown, I got bleeding eczema on my left hand due to all the handwashing and hand-sanitising, and made worse as I wasn’t using lovely carrier oils in aromatherapy massage treatments. While people baked cakes at home, I started making natural liquid handwashes, creams and lotions from the oils and butters I’d normally use in my clinics. Friends visited and wanted to buy them so I arranged for cosmetic assessments and insurance. I then attended a local summer fair and people loved the products, especially the Gardener’s lavender & rosemary hand cream (with Scottish and French lavenders), and things took off from there. I love them all our products! My favourite is the Gardener’s hand & body lotion which I designed to be used after washing my hands with the Wee Bairns fragrance-free honey & oats soap. ### **An ideal day** I get up, shower and do the school run and either go for a walk in the local park or hit the gym. When I get back to base, I grab a cup of coffee and I’m either having an admin day in the office replying to customers, labelling products, planning, processing and shipping orders or a manufacturing day in the apothecary where I set up and sanitise all the equipment needed for the day. I love variety and have days dedicated to only soap making or only creams, lotions, cuticle oils and emulsifying scrubs. And it’s great when I can create multi-batches on the same day especially as my batch quantities are increasing. Then it’s time to go and collect the children from after school club, have dinner then head out to take them to whatever is on that evening, everything from swimming lessons to Guides and Cubs. ### **3 self-care secrets** 1. Drink lots of water to avoid thirst, especially in the morning 2. Avoid caffeine after 3 p.m. 3. Get a great night’s sleep and create your own bedtime ritual. I like to soak my feet in the Gardener’s lavender & tea tree liquid handwash then massage the Gardener’s hand or foot creams (whichever is nearest) into my feet so they feel lovely and soft the next morning. --- ## **MORE INSPIRATION** **READ** About all the winners of this year's Green Parent Natural Beauty Awards in the Beauty Bible, available with issue 120 of The Green Parent, which will be published next week.[**Click here**](https://link.thegreenparent.co.uk/buy120?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)to get your copy before everyone else. **DISCOVER** For our next self-care instalment from beauty brand founders, check back on Friday 19th to read about why Pilates is the best! --- ### Why Breastfeed Past Babyhood URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/why-breastfeed-past-babyhood/ Last updated: 2024-07-15T18:14:55.000Z ## **Jo Middleton** explores the reasons why women choose to feed their young children past babyhood. Discover women's stories of extended breastfeeding and child-led weaning ## Breastfeeding an older baby or child can be a very personal and private experience. Although it continues to play a huge part of a young child’s physical and physiological development, many mothers worry about negative reactions from other people so it is often something that isn’t talked about openly. To find out more, I conducted a survey of breastfeeding mothers. I asked them about their motivations for and experiences of extended breastfeeding and the kind of support and reactions they got from the people around them. The response was overwhelming, with over 500 women of all ages from around the world keen to share their thoughts and feelings. Little may be said about extended breastfeeding in the baby books, but that clearly does not reflect the passion and strength of feeling among the women who do it. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### New Mothers Need Radical Rest URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/new-mothers-need-radical-rest/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:38.000Z ## **Suvi Mahonen** encourages new parents to set strong boundaries and carve out sacred space during the postpartum period. She believes this can contribute to long term mental health for parents and child ## No matter how many photos of your adorable bundle you post on Instagram, every friend and relative living nearby wants to experience your baby for themselves. After all, cradling a newborn does more than merely making us clucky. It touches us to the core. It reminds us that miracles exist. And under normal circumstances, visitors can be fun. But having a new baby is not normal circumstances and visitors can rapidly change from comforting fun to imposing nuisance. ### **Art of Nurture** Midwife and bestselling author of parenting books, Kathy Fray, says rest is a huge priority for a new mother. “Non-stop visitors can have an enormous negative effect on the establishment of breastfeeding and the mother’s recovery, and can potentially be a risk factor for postnatal depression,” she says. “There is a whole ‘art’ to helping a new mother do what she needs to do, to have the uninterrupted peace to simply sleep and feed her baby – which is all she should be doing in the first week.” Fray has conducted countless postnatal visits with mothers who are exhausted from well-meaning visitors and says that first-time mothers tend to suffer the most. “They feel such obligations to be ‘on show’ for all the family,” she says. I felt that same pressure when my own daughter was born. I was comfortable staying in my pyjamas when it was just my husband and myself at home, but if a friend or family member was coming to visit, I not only felt obligated to do my hair and put on a dress, but also to serve refreshments. Much of this pressure is self-inflicted, though, and you shouldn’t let anxiety about your appearance, or the state of your house, prevent visitors from coming around if that is what you want. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **Setting Boundaries** “The people who come to visit you are there to show their support and love for you and your family. Not to look for fault,” says clinical psychologist Dan Martin. “Most people understand that you may have been up multiple times per night with a crying little one. Cobwebs in the corner of the lounge aren’t the highest priority at this time.” Nevertheless, setting healthy visitor boundaries is essential and it is something that a couple should begin early in a relationship, and not just when they become parents, says Martin. “You may want to have a discussion with your partner so you are clear who is the ‘spokesperson’ to different family members,” he advises. “Your nuclear family needs to be able to start making its own rules and traditions.” Fray concurs and suggests that all new mothers-to-be tell their family and friends about their preferred visitor boundaries in advance. “By the time women are having their third baby, they can get staunchly proactive about putting their and their baby’s own needs first, and they put their foot down to excessive visitors,” says Fray. Fray also suggests that you tell your friends and family that you plan to shut down from social media, emails and texts as much as possible, so you can really be present with your new baby for those “first precious days and weeks”. But, like everything, moderation is best. And setting visitor boundaries doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the satisfaction of seeing that amazing picture of your three-week-old daughter gazing up at you with her sleepy blue eyes become the most liked photo on your Instagram account. Nor does it mean missing out on that invaluable moment when your sister or best friend comes around and their face melts when they see your newborn baby for the very first time. Now that is something an Instagram like can’t replicate, no matter how hard Mark Zuckerberg tries. *Suvi is a full-time mum and part-time journalist combining writing and photography with raising her daughter. Find her work at* [*redbubble.com/ people/suvimahonen*](https://www.redbubble.com/%20people/suvimahonen?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### Self-Care Secrets from Suntribe, Honeypie Minerals, Luv My Oil and Balm Natural URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/why-challenge-yourself-every-day-and-other-self-care-secrets/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:38.000Z ## We chat to four award winning brands to find out about their ideal day and get them to reveal their self-care secrets ## ## **Hanna Oltmann** lives with her husband and two sons (4 and 1) in the north of Germany, close to the Dutch border. She works at [**suntribesunscreen.com**](https://suntribesunscreen.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) “Suntribe was started in 2016 by friends Karl, Hampus, and Julia. Frustrated with the sunscreen industry's disregard for safety and sustainability, they wanted to create change. Their mission is to allow as many people as possible to switch from chemical to safe mineral sunscreens. That's why we, at Suntribe, make worry-free, natural sunscreens free from synthetic chemicals and potentially toxic ingredients. We use only safe, proven ingredients like organic oils, waxes, butters, and mineral UV-filters without nanoparticles, and rigorously test our products to ensure high functionality and safety. Transparency is key, and we believe natural products should be accessible to everyone, from surfers to beachgoers and weekend hikers. My two favourite products are the [Mineral Day Cream](https://suntribesunscreen.com/product/suntribe-natural-mineral-day-cream-spf-20/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) \- my all-around product. I use the tinted version every single day and have completely stopped wearing makeup since I started using it. Getting ready in the morning with two kids does not allow for an elaborate skincare routine, so having the Day Cream is incredibly handy as it replaces any foundation for me while still making me feel fresh and ready for the day! My other favourite product is the [Mineral Baby & Kids Sunscreen.](https://suntribesunscreen.com/product/suntribe-natural-mineral-baby-kids-sunscreen-spf-30-2/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) I use it on my boys every single day in the summer, and it is a must-have for our family. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/07/Hanna_Klein-22.jpg) Hanna uses Suntribe's Mineral Baby and Kids Sunscreen every single day in the summer ### **An ideal day** On my ideal day, I get up first in the house, before everyone else, giving me at least an hour to myself to enjoy some yoga, green tea, and fresh air. After the boys wake up, we have breakfast as a family, followed by some fun time outside in the garden. After lunch, when our youngest is napping, my four-year-old and I enjoy some shared reading time before we have a family fika (Swedish coffee break) in the afternoon with some home-baked goods. This is followed by more time outside, either on our bikes, at the playground, or visiting the horses and sheep nearby. After a family dinner, once the boys are in bed, my husband and I soak up the last few sun rays of the day on our terrace before going to bed early to welcome the next day at dawn with another cup of green tea to myself! ### **3 self-care secrets?** 1. Going to bed early — there is little more self-care than a good night's sleep. 2. Establishing skincare routines that you enjoy and that suit your personal needs, with products you trust and feel confident using 3. Enjoying time outside whenever possible — being in nature can be healing to the soul and our overall well-being. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/07/20180406-Claudia-Honeypie-16small.jpg) "I started creating my own mineral makeup with natural and gentle ingredients" ## **Claudia Keogh** is the founder of [**honeypieminerals.com**](https://honeypieminerals.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). She lives in Essex with her partner. **“**I started Honeypie Minerals after suffering from acne and not being able to find any products that worked for my skintype; I was in a catch-22 of applying liquid and cream foundations and concealers to cover up breakouts, which sadly only made my skin worse. So in my desperation I had a skincare overhaul and began creating my own mineral makeup with natural and gentle ingredients. When my acne started to heal and I started to receive lovely compliments on my glowing complexion I was inspired to share my amazing formulas with others. My sister, Mum, Nan and friends all fell in love with my makeup too and it just organically grew from there. I was so passionate about the power of minerals after witnessing first-hand the positive results and hearing the incredible feedback that my business was then born. It makes me proud to think that I converted such a negative experience into creating a beautiful and positive outcome. I absolutely love our Yellow Corrector, especially using it after a late night. It brightens and conceals any darkness under my eyes just effortlessly, it's so quick and easy to apply too. It's a gamechanger and my makeup bag essential! ### **An ideal day** My ideal day would start with a coffee sitting in the garden, followed by a nutritious brunch to set us up for the day ahead. We like to go on long scenic walks in our local area, through woodland, pretty meadows, past ancient castle ruins, and along the Thames estuary. I love being in nature, so if my day includes gardening or long walks I'm very happy. I also love to cook so the perfect day always finishes with a homemade dinner, with a cosy night-in watching a film. ### **3 self-care secrets** 1. To relax before bed, I find using my gua sha stone in gentle sweeping motions along my jawline and down the sides of my neck really does the trick to unwind and release any tension there. 2. A daily walk in nature is integral for my selfcare, so I recommend others to always try find time to get outside and breathe in fresh air (especially if you work from home). Be in the moment - look up to admire the sky and passing clouds, smell the blossoms, listen to the birds. It's very calming to forget about the manmade aspects of our lives and just focus on the nature around us. 3. I had to take cold showers for a couple of months (when my boiler broke and I had to wait to get it fixed), and it was amazing. I know a cold shower sounds awful, and initially it is, but I urge everyone to try it. You feel so alive afterwards and the sensation of the warmer air touching your skin as you dry is euphoric! My top tip is to just imagine you're taking a dip in the Mediterranean sea - it's really powerful once you add imagery and use your thoughts to harness overcoming the initial coldness. The invigorating feeling after is truly worth it. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/07/1000013021.jpg) Donna spotted a gap in the market for a Facial Massage Oil for specific skin types ## **Donna Thomson** is the founder of Luv My Oil [**www.luvmyoil.co.uk**](http://www.luvmyoil.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). She lives in Oxfordshire, with her 17-year-old son, Luca, and their fluffy, chocolate Birman cat, Willow. “Being a beauty therapist I had a lot of time on my hands during the lockdowns a couple of years back. I re-evaluated my treatments and products for the salon and felt that there was a gap in the market for a Facial Massage Oil for specific skin types. Also, my passion for aromatherapy was calling me! After research and study courses I formulated the Rose Facial Oil for dry/mature skin, followed by the Healing Facial Oil for Luca's teenage spotty skin. I gave little bottles to friends and family for birthdays and Christmas, and one by one they came back with, 'Donna, I love your oil!' so I knew I was onto something good. I like a natural look myself, but I adore using Lily Lolo's makeup, which is natural, vegan, and mineral based. My special treat hand cream is Fikkerts Rose with Honeysuckle. And I'm quite addicted to Luv My Oil's Chamomile and Lavender Facial Oil for my facial massage bedtime routine! ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/07/1000014163.jpg) Donna likes to start her day in the garden for yoga, meditation, birdwatching, and breakfast ### **An ideal day** To wake early to a summer's day, every day. Head to the garden for yoga, meditation, birdwatching, and breakfast. And plenty of time for weed pulling. Then spend a few hours working, feeling happy and relaxed, and on top of the never ending To Do list. By night I'd love a meal out with a friend and a trip to the theatre. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **3 self-care secrets** 1. Yoga. I've been a yogi on and off for 20 years. You can cure most aches and pains with a daily stretch. And it's so calming in this hectic world we live in. 2. Don't feel guilty to take time for yourself. As parents we need to put on that oxygen mask, before helping others. Learn to listen to your needs. 3. My last self-care is to drink water throughout the day. I really notice if I forget because I function much better when I'm hydrated! Skin luvs oil but it also loves water from the inside! --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/07/K-Slyfield---BalmNatural.jpg) I was inspired to start my own business the moment I realised the power of plants ## **Karyn Slyfield** is the founder of [**BalmNatural.com**](https://www.balmnatural.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). She lives in West Sussex with her youngest son, Oliver. “After making my hair and skin balms for 20 years for friends and family, everyone was telling me I should sell them. But the real turning point was when I developed Tinea Veriscolor on my chest and neck. Multiple visits to the dermatologist didn’t bring anything new. So I decided to make a balm. After 5 days my Tinea Veriscolor cleared and at the next visit to the dermatologist he couldn't believe it. It was at that moment I realised the power of plants. Which inspired me to kick start the business. My favourite product is our Rose Face Berry Balm. I love to use it at night and wipe off with a warm muslin cloth. It leaves my skin feeling refreshed, soft and plumped. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/07/Rose-Balm---BalmNatural.PNG) Rose Face Berry Balm leaves skin feeling refreshed, soft and plumped. ### **An ideal day** I'm an August baby so I love Summer! West Wittering is just up the road and I’ve had the best beach days there with all the family. ### **3 self-care secrets** 1. I find going for long walks helps to clear my mind. 2. Good sleep is such a priority for me, so I use my pulse point balms at night to help me unwind and relax. 3. I like to learn something new. It could be a new recipe to try but recently I did a course on foraging. Just keep challenging yourself. It makes you feel better. --- ## **MORE INSPIRATION** **READ** About all the winners of this year's Green Parent Natural Beauty Awards in the Beauty Bible, available with issue 120 of The Green Parent, which will be published next week.[**Click here**](https://link.thegreenparent.co.uk/buy120?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)to get your copy before everyone else. **DISCOVER** For our next self-care instalment from beauty brand founders, check back on Tuesday 16th to read about how a good daydream can work wonders --- ### Why Choose a Family Learning Holiday? URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/why-choose-a-family-learning-holiday-2/ Last updated: 2024-07-10T18:23:24.000Z ## What we learned by discovering something new as a family by **Liz Lowe** It’s a summer’s morning in Ceredigion, Wales, and the drizzle has permeated through three layers of clothing to give my skin a clammy quality. I sip coffee that went cold moments after being poured and look across the damp wooden table at my two children. They’re oblivious, totally immersed as their small hands weave green willow into stars and bird feeders. We’re midway through our week at Gather – an annual event which offers a packed schedule of workshops with makers, creatives and outdoor learning experts – held at Fforest Farm, near Cardigan. There are only around forty families here and the majority are repeat visitors. After a few days of foraging, whittling, screen printing, botanical dyeing and more, our ‘hill shac’ is overflowing with crafts and we all declare it one of our best holidays ever. The reason? _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### What Children Gain from Childhood Infections URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/are-childhood-illnesses/ Last updated: 2024-07-10T16:33:46.000Z ## **Dr. Jayne Donegan** discusses childhood illnesses and asks whether we should encourage and support children through these infections to build a healthy immune system We vaccinate against lots of childhood diseases now because we are told that having the diseases is a bad thing and leads to thousands of deaths. However, when we look at the figures from the Office for National Statistics, we see that 95% of the people who used to die from measles stopped dying before the vaccine was introduced in 1968, and similarly 99% of the people who used to die of whooping cough stopped before advent of the vaccination. The mortality rate for tuberculosis fell by exactly the same amount in countries whether they did or didn't adopt the BCG vaccine. Scarlet fever, rheumatic fever and typhus were deadly killers. They all disappeared without a vaccine. Why? _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### "The fairies inspired me to set up a festival" URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/the-fairies-inspired-me-to-set-up-a-festival/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:38.000Z ## **Karen Kay** is the founder of [**3 Wishes Fairy Festival**](https://fairyfestival.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) and she says she was encouraged by the fae folk. We caught up with her to find out more about this year's magical offering The fairies inspired me to set up the festival back in 2006, and the first gathering took place in 2007, it feels like a life-time ago! It’s no secret I talk to fairies, or rather I whisper to them and vice versa. So I really can’t take total credit for the idea. One day, I heard a voice (that was not my own), and it said, “You must organise a fairy festival at the time of midsummer in Cornwall”, it was a very bossy voice! I know what you're thinking! However, I know it was not my own voice! I'm accustomed to the sound of my internal dialogue and I can say, it was not my voice. I took a few moments to consider what I had heard, and decided, “why not”, and the rest, as they say, is fairy history, or her-story! I also knew I needed to come up with a name, as I had a strong feeling it would become popular, so I needed a name that would set it aside from any other similar events. Although as that time there were no outdoor fairy festivals with live music stages, and camping in the UK. So, one day whilst I was hanging out my laundry in my garden, I saw a dandelion seed head on my lawn (I use the term ‘lawn” loosely as I rarely cut the grass, instead I prefer to leave it wild for the wildlife and fairies). Anyway, I notice a solitary ‘wish’ from the dandelion seed-head float past. “Nothing unusual about that" I thought, even though there was no breeze. Then another one floated past, and then a third one! “3 wishes” I exclaimed! That shall be the name of my festival, and so 3 Wishes Fairy festival was born. The festival is now moving to Glastonbury with a new date in August (16-18), and yes, this has been approved by the fairies! They guided me to the new site in Godney at Garslade Farm. The festival is fully plant-based too, as I wish to show the visitors how tasty vegan food can be, in a non-preachy way. ### **What do you love most about your job?** I love the freedom to follow my intuition in my work, rest and play. Running a festival is not for the faint hearted as it takes a lot of behind-the-scenes work to create the space where everyone can come together to celebrate the fairies. Sometimes I have to pinch myself when I think about the work I do, as I am also a writer, and have written several oracle decks and have my debut book coming out later this year, called ‘Fairy Whispering’, 111 Magical Practices to Connect with the Fairies. I’m so excited about this as I always knew I would write a book about fairies, and now my book dream is coming true. Being fluid in my working choices really appeals to me and I flow through the days, tending to the most important things on the top of my eternal to-do list! There’s always something to do, but I honestly love it, so rarely complain, as I run a few small businesses, including the festival, fairy balls and fairies, writing, including founding my own fairy lifestyle magazine, called [**FAE**](https://www.faemagazine.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) (Faeries and Enchantment). My life really does revolve around fairies! Running a festival is not always easy, but I love it! ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **What do you have in store for festival-goers in 2024?** This year, we have more than 100 workshops, talks and activities for adults and young people, all included in the ticket price, we have a mermaid lagoon with real mermaids! Live music with local grass-roots performers and some traveling from overseas. The festival is fully family friendly, with something for all ages. So parents and guardians can watch a band whilst their children are partaking in an activity within view. You’ll find bubble fairies wandering the site, fairy circus shows, cacao ceremonies, and a fairy market, selling everything from flower crowns and crystals to clothing and self-care lotions and potions. I always say, imagine you are stepping into a real-life fairy land, and that’s kind of what you’ll experience. People often say they don’t want to leave at the end as they feel so happy and uplifted. I’m also proud as the festival has been nominated for and has won several awards over the years, including the prestigious Grass Roots Award from the UK Festival Awards, voted for by our visitors. ## **MORE INSPIRATION** To find out more visit the website [**fairyfestival.co.uk**](http://fairyfestival.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) and **@**[**3wishesfairyfestival**](https://www.instagram.com/3wishesfairyfestival?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). ### Self-Care Secrets from Valley Mist, Natural Play Make Up Company, Gudyu and Baie Botanique URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/curate-a-morning-playlist-and-other-self-care-secrets/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:38.000Z ## We chat to four award winning brands to find out about their ideal day and get them to reveal their self-care secrets ## **Jo Holden Crain** lives in Lancs with her beekeeper husband, David and their wire-haired vizsla puppy, Maya. She is the founder of [**Valley Mist**](http://www.valleymist.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) and it was with their own beeswax that Jo first made the company’s lip balms back in 2014 “Valley Mist was born from absolute frustration at seeing only petroleum based skincare products in plastic containers on the shelves in the shops, all made by companies from overseas. I knew I could make far superior alternatives from completely natural ingredients. My passion grew to create more products that would be natural and super effective, long lasting and most importantly, not in plastic packaging! Our products are all like children to me... seriously, I have poured more love into these products than is rational! If I had to pick just one then probably the baby balm as it helped me so much when I developed stress eczema in 2020, while the world went crazy, and I lost my Mum to cancer. ### **An ideal day** I have a strong belief that you need 5 things for happiness, health and wellbeing, it's something I discuss with my customers in our beautiful little shop, so the perfect day would have to include all five of these: Waking up after a **good night's sleep** and enjoying **adult time** with my husband. Then a yummy breakfast of **porridge (healthy food)** with pomegranate and a cardamom coffee. Take Maya for a **walk** **(exercise)** in the woods and later meet **friends and laugh (community)** my head off then go out dancing. ### **3 self-care secrets** 1. Pranayama - yogic breathing exercises. Different breathing exercises create different results: Calming or energising or cleansing. 2. Vigorous exercise - so many benefits apart from the obvious of getting the heart going and clearing negative and stagnant energy, but basically ME TIME is something that many parents just don't have enough of and try and make time for. 3. Bathing - Water or steam is restorative and healing and should be a treat to look forward to. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/07/Little-Stardust_29820-.jpeg) These products are super gentle on little people's delicate skin ## **Kitty Auguste** lives in South West London, with her husband and two daughters, aged 11 and 8\. She is the founder of [**The Natural Play Make-Up Company**](http://www.thenaturalplaymakeupcompany.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) “My inspiration was driven by the fact that there wasn’t any clean play makeup available in the UK. I couldn’t believe that there wasn’t an option for it when I started looking for my then five year old. There was play makeup available in almost every children’s high street store but was all full of ingredients that I wouldn’t be happy with putting on my skin, let alone my daughters! I was so shocked that it hadn’t been done here that I instantly knew I had to create it. My favourite products are the eyeshadows, and blusher! They are the reason I started the company and my original product. I worked so hard with our cosmetics chemist to create formulas that were simple without extra added fillers and binders that are completely unnecessary in children’s makeup. We really stripped them back to basics so they are super gentle on little one’s delicate skin. ### **An ideal day** Having set up a company from scratch, and it sometimes feeling like its 24/7, my ideal day would be to not be constantly rushing around! Between running the business and looking after the children it would be nice to somehow magic some time so we could relax more as a family as they are growing up so quickly! ### **3 self-care secrets** 1\. Cold plunging: I feel amazing afterwards and me in a fantastic mood! 2\. Even though I lead a busy life I always find the time to exercise daily and helps me focus and keeps my head clear. 3\. I’ve recently been reading up on the benefits of hydrogenated water so have invested in a hydrogen water bottle which I drink daily. Its early days but the health benefits are supposed to be amazing! --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/07/DSC09909-HI-RES.jpg) Incredibly effective, and they completely eliminate the need for plastic tubes ## **Avi lives in East London with his wife.** He is the founder of [**Gudyu**](http://www.gudyu.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) "As a dentist, I was constantly asked by patients to recommend a good toothpaste. Around the same time, I became aware of the massive environmental impact of plastic waste, particularly from toothpaste tubes. It struck me that there had to be an eco-friendlier solution, and that’s how Gudyu was born. I wanted to create something that was good for people and the planet. My favourite product from Gudyu has to be our original mint toothpaste tablets. Not only are they incredibly effective, but they also completely eliminate the need for plastic tubes. It’s a small change that makes a big difference, and I’m proud every time I use them. ### **An ideal day** My ideal day would start with a game of football in the morning, followed by a hearty breakfast. Then, maybe some tennis in the afternoon, a quick swim, and spending quality time with family. To top it all off, a relaxing evening at home, perhaps with a good book or a movie. It’s the perfect balance of activity and relaxation. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **3 self-care secrets?** 1\. First, curating a good soundtrack for my morning routine really sets the tone for the day. Music can be incredibly motivating. 2\. Staying active is crucial – whether it's going to the gym, playing tennis, or any other sport. I aim for some form of exercise at least five times a week to stay grounded and focused. 3\. Brushing with Gudyu tablets and my electric toothbrush – it's a small but essential part of my routine that keeps my oral health in check and reminds me why I started this journey." --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/07/PACKSHOTS_SOPHIE_BAE_TUESDAY8THOCTOBER201916410-copy.jpg) I wanted to create beautifully textured products to rival those luxury brands using organic ingredients ## **Sophie Oliver** lives in West London with her partner and 2 sons, age 12 and seven. She is the founder of [**Baie Botanique**](https://www.baiebotanique.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) “I’ve had a real love of all things beauty since I was young. My father used to work as the international sales director for several large-scale cosmetic brands and I used to go along to shows and exhibitions. I so loved to play shops with the products. This probably had a large influence on my training as a beauty therapist, and later training as a makeup artist. My passion has always been to make people look their best with the most minimal makeup possible to achieve that fresh clean and glowing skin. In 2000, I became increasingly interested in health, vitality and wellness, looking at the food we eat and the products we use and living as close to nature as possible. In founding Baie Botanique, I wanted to create beautifully textured products to rival those classic and luxury brands that are full of synthetic ingredients, but instead use powerful natural plant-based and mostly organic ingredients to get the same great results. Our Face & Body sunscreen is currently my favourite product since I searched for years for a clean and natural chemical UV filter-free sunscreen that feels nice to apply and doesn’t leave a white cast and I’ve never been able to find one that ticked all the boxes until now. ### **An ideal day** My ideal day would be to wake after a good night’s sleep and spend time with family and friends outdoors in nice weather, and eat healthy and delicious clean food. To do some exercise, have a little me time in nature and maybe a treatment or go for a steam. ### **3 self-care secrets** 1\. After a stressful day, when you get into bed, take several long breaths in and out and then scrunch your shoulders up to your ears and then exhale as you release your shoulders swiftly down with the breath out. I find that really helps me destress quickly release tension and get ready for sleep. 2\. Take a mini loofah pad into the steam room and exfoliate your skin, especially those areas that get drier like the front of the bottom of calves, then use a nourishing cream afterwards. 3\. Don’t use a cleanser to wash your face in the morning. Just splash with water or wipe over with a cotton pad and a hydrosol and you are good to go. Let your skins natural oils help keep your skin healthy and protected. --- ## **MORE INSPIRATION** **READ** About all the winners of this year's Green Parent Natural Beauty Awards in the Beauty Bible, available with issue 120 of The Green Parent, which will be published next week.[**Click here**](https://link.thegreenparent.co.uk/buy120?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)to get your copy before everyone else. **DISCOVER** For our next self-care instalment from beauty brand founders, check back on Thursday 11th to read about why you need to challenge yourself! --- ### "My garden feels like it's straight out of my childhood dreams" URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/my-garden-feels-like-its-straight-out-of-my-childhood-dreams/ Last updated: 2024-07-07T19:02:18.000Z ## **Anna** and **Stoph** live with their daughter **Molly**, 4 in a self-built tiny house in Aotearoa, New Zealand "We live on the top of the south island, on a ridge top surrounded by valleys and mountains with a view of the bay in the distance. We built our home in 2016 and lived in it down in Christchurch. Stoph landed a job up here and we snagged our wee section of land in 2018 and moved the house up. Our home is 2.4m by 7.6m. We have two lofts, a small room, a bathroom, kitchen, and lounge. We built a large deck to give us some extra living space and a place to enjoy the views. We built shelves into framing for our spices, built closets under the stairs and Stoph made a table with underseat storage that holds my sewing things. I think we have a very efficient layout. We've been in quite a few tiny houses and, for the dimensions we went with, I don't think we could have designed a more perfect layout for us. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### The Art of Letting Go as Children Grow URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/the-art-of-letting-go-as-children-grow/ Last updated: 2024-07-07T18:46:24.000Z ## **Lisa Taher** writes about parenting in midlife and the pain and pleasure of watching our children grow, with her five top tips on taking care of yourself ## Why doesn’t it get any easier? Each day I wake up, a tight knot in my stomach, a feeling of heaviness weighed down by sadness. When my eldest daughter went to university, a part of me left too. When she was born, I didn’t even imagine there’d be a time when she’d become an adult, leave home, and begin her own journey. Subconsciously, as each year passed, I was aware that she was becoming more independent, needing me less and that the dynamics of our relationship were gradually changing. It was like I was grieving for a part of my life that would be lost forever. I changed as a wife, a mother, a woman. I struggled so much with my identity, my role in life, who I was and what I would become. The realisation that my children were growing up came as a shock and affected me deeply. I was unprepared for how this would impact me emotionally and it took me almost a year to start to feel like myself again. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### How I Used 6 Powerful Habits to Uplift my Relationships URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/how-i-used-6-powerful-habits-to-uplift-my-relationships/ Last updated: 2024-07-05T18:01:13.000Z Hello, Welcome to this week’s newsletter. Unfortunately, the little one and I have been ill this week so my news is mainly home based. We’ve both had a fever and sore throat and spent a lot of time in bed reading! I’m always pleased to discover that my body can still make a fever. It feels like it gets less likely as I get older. But it's such an effective healing mechanism, and super cleansing too. It's horrible being in it, but then when the fever breaks - woohoo! After a few feverish nights, I slept well last night, and woke up to discover that the Green Party had won 4 seats (Brighton Pavilion, Bristol Central, Waveney Valley and Herefordshire North) in last night's general election! Things are changing... Anyway, here are the things I’ve been doing: ### **Healing** I'm happy with my past-self for making vats of elderberry syrup last autumn. At the beginning of the week my daughter and I had super scratchy throats. We drank elderberry syrup and sparkling water over ice (decadent!) and it really helped soothe the pain. We also drank sage tea (made by steeping sage leaves in hot water and leaving for 5 minutes), sweetened with honey. I also did some hot and cold showering, which according to naturopathic principles helps reduce stress, improves circulation and reduces pain. Sage (*salvia officinalis*) is great for the hormonal system; use it to treat menopausal night-sweats, and also to ease painful, heavy bleeding. It’s great drunk as a tea after a big meal. And helps with runny noses and throat inflammation. Plus, even a small pot growing in the garden will attract a huge variety of helpful pollinators, including the blue mason bee, leafcutter bees and long tongued garden bumblebees to your garden too! _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Self-Care Secrets from Akamuti, HRI Herbal, Franchine Young and Evolve Beauty URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/be-more-goldie-hawn-and-other-self-care-secrets/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:39.000Z ## We chat to four award winning brands to find out about their ideal day and get them to reveal their self-care secrets ## **Lindsey Hedges** lives in a tiny cottage in the middle of Pembrokeshire, where she lives with her partner Neil and magic cat, Wishes. They're surrounded by beautiful countryside and have a tiny garden, which is a little patch of paradise. She is the founder of [**Akamuti**](https://www.akamuti.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)**.** “I’ve always had a passion for nature, trees and herbal medicine. As an aromatherapist it was easy to combine my love for mother nature, flowers and oils and create products designed to promote health, happiness and wellbeing. It has always been my vision to create affordable, people and planet friendly products ever since I started 21 years ago and nothing has changed to this day! My favourite product changes from time to time, as it's really hard to pick just one! At the moment I am loving our lavender, geranium and chamomile relaxing bath salts. They are just such a wonderful combination of healing flower oils that support a lovely healing night’s sleep, something that feels more important the older I get! ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/07/Lindsey.jpg) Lindsey at the Akamuti shop on Milford Waterfront in Pembrokeshire ### **An ideal day** My ideal day would be a sunny day spent in the garden, armed with coffee and notebooks. I enjoy relaxing and designing products in the garden surrounded by birdsong, and growing flowers for my bees. It's where I get my inspiration. ### **3 self-care secrets** 1\. I find it empowering and restorative to break with routine. Whether it be a spontaneous walk in the woods, an unexpected nap or running myself a therapeutic, aromatic bath, whatever it is that you need to recharge and reset, make time to do it. 2\. My foundation to functioning well through the day is to get a good sleep, or finding ways to promote total relaxation. 3\. Find time to keep your body moving! Whether it be walking or dancing, just keep moving. I love the ritual side of self-care, making time and taking time to create a restorative experience for myself, whether I'm creating a nutritious breakfast or whipping up a face mask. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/07/CLEAR_COMPLEX_1x1.jpg) HRI Herbal was set up over 45 years ago and it’s now a second-generation family business ## **Brigitte Flower** is a Partner at [**HRI Herbal**](https://shop.hriherbalmedicine.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). She lives in a village in Bucks with her husband, 8 year old daughter and two cats, next door to her two step-sons, mother-in-law and extended family. A commune of sorts…. “My parents, Patti and Terry set up HRI Herbal over 45 years ago and it’s now a second-generation family business with myself and two of my sisters at the helm. Our parents were always passionate about health and natural remedies; growing up, I learned the power of holistic medicine to heal and I developed my own interest in herbal remedies. I’m currently studying a foundation course in herbal medicine and I’ve worked with a herbal practitioner for many years to support my own health journey. It’s incredible to witness the power of herbs to heal across your whole system and it still makes me smile when someone gets in touch to share their story of how one of our products has helped them feel better. I regularly use HRI Coldcare to help stave off a cold when it inevitably starts, which is often in a household with children! ### **An ideal day** It begins with a cup of tea brought to me in bed by someone I love. Then plenty of time in the morning to potter and read in my dressing gown. There would be food at some point, shared with my family, time in the garden and a walk. I love the theatre so I’d end the day with a play, a good meal and a glass of wine with my husband. ### **3 self-care secrets** 1\. Find a quiet 10 minutes in the day. No phone, maybe a cup of tea. Just sitting quietly. 2\. Reframe problems; there is always another way to look at something. 3\. Move as often as possible and make it fun (dance round the kitchen, race your child to the swing, learn to do a handstand…whatever makes you smile). --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/07/DL2_6299.jpg) Franchine Young Ireland products are made with amazing clean organic ingredients ## **Franchine Young** lives in Belfast with her husband of 38 years. She has two daughters and 4 grandchildren. She is the founder of [**Franchine Young Ireland**](https://franchineyoung.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). “I had been diagnosed with ME and Ramsey Hunt Syndrome in my early forties. For a long time as I journeyed through perimenopause I often mistook symptoms for ME flare ups. Eventually I became so ill with perimenopausal symptoms I had to take extended leave from my career. During this time, I observed what I was eating and using on my body - and I realised that many of the ingredients they contained could have been exacerbating my symptoms. This was a time of great mental and physical discomfort for me - and I wanted clean and easy to use ingredients. When I couldn't find what I was looking for I decided to make it. I spent months researching plant oils, skin health and endocrine disrupting chemicals that I wanted to avoid going forward. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/07/IMG_1232.JPG) For Franchine Young, her Wonder Balm is the 'go to' for most skincare needs. FYI Wonder Balm multi-award winner, is my 'go to' for most of my skincare needs. It's a multi-use product developed to help you look after your skin with amazing clean organic ingredients, and if brain fog is an issue for you, as it was for me, it is such a simple routine but at the same time powerful as the ingredients I chose work in harmony with my body. Wonder Balm is a make-up remover, cleanser and moisturiser and more! And if your travelling it's a 'must have'! ### **An ideal day** My ideal day would begin with meeting good friends for coffee and a walk along Cultra beach, just outside Belfast. I would then spend an afternoon with my daughters and grandchildren - in the summer we have adventure Fridays where we explore beaches, forests and all that our beautiful Northern Ireland has to offer. My evening would finish with tea and catch up with my amazing parents and finally my husband and I would snuggle up in front of the fire to watch a series. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **3 self-care secrets** 1. **Rest** \- when our bodies need time to heal and adjust, especially during hormonal transitions, it sends us signals, and if we ignore them sometimes we end up with no choice but to stop and listen. 2. **Clean up your space!** I am mindful of everything I use now at home - for washing, cleaning and personal care. We don't need more stuff! We just need less things that help make our lives better without harming our bodies, planet and others. 3. **Goldie Hawn has an amazing attitude to life and mental health.** I love her tips and words of wisdom. Gratitude is hard to find when you're going through hard times - but I believe that it helps us to reconnect with our strength and purpose. Having a sense of purpose in this world is so important. It teaches us to respect and to know that we only get one life, so do the best we can with it. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/07/Evolve-Beauty-Art-piece-Hong-kong-1.jpeg) Evolve Organic Beauty is founded on a mission to create sustainable organic products ## **Laura Rudoe** is the founder of [**Evolve Beauty**](https://www.evolvebeauty.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). She lives with her husband and 3 children in Herts where the company’s wind-powered studio and office are located too. “When I was younger I suffered from bad skin and so I have always been interested in skincare and learning about the best ingredients and natural solutions for skin problems. After I graduated from Harvard Business School, I followed my passion for natural skincare and I ended up helping to set up a brand called NUDE, another natural beauty brand. I loved being a part of the clean beauty revolution and I later decided to take the plunge and create my own natural beauty company, Evolve Organic Beauty. One of the things I’m really passionate about is giving people natural organic and effective product choices for their entire beauty regime if they want to lead a toxin free lifestyle. I created Evolve Organic Beauty with a mission to create sustainable organic products that could help people live a little healthier and greener every day. I believe that natural, organic and eco-friendly ingredients are better for us and for the planet. I genuinely love all our products and due to my job I also get to test a lot of new products and formulas that we’re coming up with! So my favourite products as well as my skincare routine keep changing. But some of my current favourites are: Gentle Cleansing Melt which is one of our first products we developed and it still works so well and cleanses skin in a gentle way removing impurities. The next product I keep loving is Hyaluronic Serum 200, which is actually our global best-seller and a staple in my skincare. I’ve also been loving The Green Parent Natural Beauty Awards winner, our Age Defying Lifting Serum which helps keep my skin plump! ### **An ideal day** My ideal day would start with some yoga in the sun, quick meditation and as I absolutely love what I do my ideal day would be spent at work with my amazing team. Then spending time with my family in the afternoon and the evening would be just a perfect day! ### **3 self-care secrets** Even if my days tend to get busy I love practicing self-care whenever I can. I love meditation, yoga, walks in nature and of course my skincare routine which helps me unwind! --- ## **MORE INSPIRATION** **READ** About all the winners of this year's Green Parent Natural Beauty Awards in the Beauty Bible, available with issue 120 of The Green Parent, which will be published next week.[**Click here**](https://link.thegreenparent.co.uk/buy120?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)to get your copy before everyone else. **DISCOVER** For our next self-care instalment from beauty brand founders, check back on Monday 8th to read about why creating a morning playlist can change your life! --- ### Self-Care Secrets from Casa Mencarelli, Friendly Soap, Azadi and Buddha Beauty URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/how-to-get-fresh-radiant-skin-and-more-self-care-secrets/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:39.000Z ## We talk to 4 of the award-winning beauty brand founders from our 2024 Green Parent Natural Beauty Awards, and find out about their ideal days and invite them to share their top self-care secrets. ### **Lucia Mencarelli** is founder of [**Casa Mencarelli**](https://www.casamencarelli.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). She’s based in Glasgow, Scotland and spends her time between the UK and Italy, my home country. Lately she’s been spending more time in Italy with her family, because of her mum’s food and the sunny weather! “I have always been passionate about medicinal and cosmetic herbs, plants, natural ingredients and natural skincare. A few years ago I had a very strong allergic reaction to a body lotion which forced me to change my lifestyle, making it even more natural, that’s when I moved to organic. Meanwhile I started studying again, became a Nutritional Advisor, a professional organic Skincare Formulator and a Health Coach. I wanted to create products that are healthy and gentle on the skin, which didn’t contain any allergens or added fragrances, very rich in nutraceuticals and probiotics, beneficial to the skin’s microbiome. Products which were so healthy that could be used by both mothers and children. I started making my own products, using organic Mediterranean ingredients, full of colours and natural antioxidants. The products started to become very popular with family and friends, and then friends of friends asked if they could purchase the products. This is when I decided to start a brand. It took me a couple of years to set it up. Casa Mencarelli was born in 2018\. ### **Working in synergy** I love all the products because they perfectly work in synergy: cleaning, toning, moisturising, nourishing. If I had to choose, the perfect trio is the Green Clay & Lemon Mask to gently remove toxins from the skin and reduce pore size, the Honey & Orange Toner, rich in probiotics to remove dead skin cells, tone the skin and nurture the skin’s microbiome, and the Sea Buckthorn Serum to nourish and plump the skin with healthy Omega 3-5-6-7-9 and seaweed extract. These 3 products give in synergy visible results and super healthy skin. ### **My ideal day** My ideal day starts with a gentle wake up, with some yoga stretching, followed by a warm glass of water with fresh lemon juice to detoxify, breakfast, answer emails and prepare parcels for customers, some products photography on sunny days, I quite like working with colour themes. Light lunch and 30 minutes’ walk in the countryside for relaxation. In the afternoon I have video calls with customers, formulation testing and new formulation, this is a creative part that I really enjoy doing. Then work on blog or social media. I love my job because every day is different from the previous and I have the opportunity of meeting so many lovely people, especially during events and trading shows. Some breathing exercise, yoga or walking in the late afternoon, ending the day with a gratitude journal to remind myself of everything I feel thankful for in my life. ### **3 self-care secrets** 1. Eat organic food, 2. Exercise every day (practicing yoga and walking are also great!), 3. Deal with your emotions, and Bonus 4th one: use organic certified skincare on your skin. This is the secret, in fact, what we eat, what we breathe, what we absorb physically and mentally, how we feel, all contribute to our wellbeing. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/07/Friendly-Soap-Director---Geoff-Kerouac-HEADSHOT.jpg) All Friendly Soap products are packaged without plastic in recyclable and recycled card ### **Chris Mather** is one of the founders at [**Friendly Soap**](https://friendlysoap.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). He lives with his family in Hebden Bridge, with its amazing local community, surrounded by nature and woodlands ### “In 2015, myself and Co-Director Rob Costello noticed the cost of ‘green products’ rising far above the price of non-eco products. Often, these products were packaged in plastic and contained harmful chemicals. We decided to do things differently. We aimed to become not just another business, but a force for positive change in the world, proving that good ethics don’t need to come with a higher price tag. ### **Packaged without plastic** My personal favourite is our orange & lavender shaving bar. I love how it smells and how smooth it leaves my skin after a shave. It also lasts much longer than traditional foams and gels, and it’s packaged without plastic in recyclable and recycled card. ### **An ideal day** An ideal day for me would start with a relaxing walk through my local woodland, enjoying the fresh air and scenery. In the afternoon, I’d meet up with friends at a local bar to listen to live music and catch up. I also love to cook, so I’d end the day by preparing a homemade dinner for my family. ### **3 self-care secrets** **1\. Stay Hydrated** \- Keeping hydrated is one of the easiest and most effective ways to take care of yourself. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps keep your mind sharp and your body healthy. It also does wonders for your skin by flushing out toxins, making it look fresh and radiant. For an extra boost, try our shea butter bar, packed with natural essential oils to cleanse and nourish your skin. **2\. Use Natural Ingredients** \- Treat your skin with the best nature has to offer. Products made with natural, plant-based ingredients and essential oils are gentle and effective. Our soap bars are crafted with natural ingredients and free from harsh chemicals like SLS and parabens. This makes them perfect for keeping your skin healthy and glowing without any irritation or dryness. **3\. Take Time to Relax** \- Self-care isn't just about skincare; it's about finding a way to balance your life make sure you are prioritising yourself as well as others. Make sure to carve out some "me time" every day to relax and unwind. Whether you enjoy reading a book, taking a hot bath, exercising, or meditating, it's important to slow down and give yourself a break. Relaxation helps reduce stress and improves your overall well-being. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/07/Full-Range-Azadi.png) The word Azadi means freedom, freeing skin from the vicious cycle of irritation & imbalance ### **Ayyab Cockburn** is the founder of [**Azadi**](https://www.azadiskincare.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)[ **Skincare**](https://www.azadiskincare.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). She lives in the West Midlands with her husband Jim, and 19 year old twins, Kayan and Sama. Her children are at university but come home in the holidays and sometimes weekends too! There’s also dog Biscuit and cat Louis to complete the family. “The story of Azadi started as a very personal journey of me so desperately wanting to escape from a vicious cycle of skin irritation, dehydration, pigmentation that I was trapped in, and to restore my skin balance and deeper-toned melanin glow. But also, be able to sustain this through everyday good quality ingredients that prioritised my skin health both in the short and long term. I suffered terrible acne and skin allergies throughout my teens and early adult life and so years of using harsh products to overcome this had left me with a very damaged skin barrier and a dull, pigmented tone. By the time I was in my early 40s I felt that I had lost my glow. By glow I don’t even mean dewy, shiny, flawless skin, I mean the kind of glow that comes from a sense of balance, health, vitality and reflection of my natural melanin tone. Dark spots had become darker, I had oily patches, lighter patches, inflamed areas and my skin just looked, and felt, so tired and dull. This sense of diminished glow was really something I felt both on the outside and in. So in order to do something about it, I embarked on a journey of discovery about my skin tone and its needs, which revealed some crucial insights about the pigment melanin. ### **The effects of melanin** Melanin gives us all our colour but as a protective pigment can also be highly reactive to internal and external aggressors. The more eumelanin (brown/black pigment) we possess, the more at risk we can be to irritation, pigmentation and dehydration as part of a vicious cycle that we can get trapped in because we often treat individual symptoms and not the causes. We can buy in to myths that the more you have the more resilient your skin, that it doesn't need as much protection etc. Even worse we can actively mistreat it via harsh ingredients. I wanted to try and solve this problem for my skin and hopefully benefit others in the process. There were also so many, what I would describe as ‘melanin kind’ but clinically proven ingredients, I learned about in my discovery, many of which came from natural sources. I discovered botanical hydrators such as Cassia Angustifolia Seed Polysaccharide and Tamarind Gum which some studies have shown outperform hyaluronic acid for hydration, to the powers of naturally derived retinal - far more potent but less irritating than retinol for skin renewal. I couldn’t find some of these combinations in products out there which confirmed for me the need to set about on this exciting journey to have them created. ### **Transformation on a deeper level** Due to the rigorous testing process, it took over 3 years and lots of tweaking and trialling, but the eventual results were so worth it. Azadi has transformed my life in so many ways and not just at a skin level but so much deeper than that. Our formulations, developed with the expertise of an amazing natural cosmetic formulation expert, focus on strengthening, hydrating, and brightening the skin without triggering melanin imbalances. The word Azadi means freedom, and our products aim to free our skin from the vicious cycle of irritation and imbalance and restore our natural even melanin glow (outside and in) Even though we have formulated with deeper melanin tones in mind, we know the gentle but effective ingredients will benefit all tones. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/07/IMG_4415.jpeg) Ayyab says a proper skin care routine morning and evening is good for her body and mind ### **Hydration crucial for skin** My favourite product is the Azadi Brighten Day serum because it contains some amazing ingredients including our powerful botanical hydrators, the very versatile Azelaic acid, Kakadu plum (one of nature’s most potent source of vitamin C), Ectoin as well microbiome balancing ferments. The combination of these in smart doses make my skin feel so incredibly hydrated, nourished and my face and eyes look so much brighter. Hydration is so crucial to our skin and replenishing it daily whilst simultaneously nourishing the barrier to help retain the water is crucial. Antioxidant protection is also crucial to protect us against free radicals and resulting oxidative damage to the skin. The texture of the serum also sinks into my skin beautifully and doesn’t leave any stickiness or residue like other serums can do. It also gives me results day after day week after week. It’s such an amazing multifunctional product that has so many benefits in terms of skin health, protection, appearance and balance, but also in its ability to really make me feel good. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **My ideal day** I get up about 7am have my first lovely cup tea and take my time getting up, first scanning the papers for any top-level news or responding to any emails that may have come in overnight. I like this time on my own in the morning because it gives me a chance to reflect and keep abreast of things. Then I get out of bed about 7:30 and go to the gym with my husband, a 5k run really sets me up for the day mentally and physically. From about 10am onwards in the weekday I have a few face-to-face meetings (no more than 2-3) on a range of different business ventures from Azadi to the development of our wellness space in Worcester. I also love the days we actually go out to work from our base in Worcester because it is in such a beautiful part of the country, where you feel such a sense of peace, tranquillity, and freedom as soon as you arrive. I also love the diversity of work involved in any given day as well as seeing people face to face to catch up, brainstorm and collaborate. In the evening, I love either a home cooked meal in front of the TV, with my husband, or dinner out with friends, somewhere local in Moseley, Edgbaston or Harborne. My children are both at university, but I love catching up with them in evening about their day. They always make me laugh too, especially when they tell me off for taking myself too seriously sometimes! Then finally I like to settle down to relax in the evening and enjoy a good box set. Bedtime is by about 10.30 at the latest after the news, no later as I really do value my sleep! ### **3 self-care secrets** 1. **Healthy diet and lots of hydration** \- I know it sounds obvious but making sure I drink lots of water, limit my caffeine intake and eat well (home cooked, fibre rich and balanced food, not after 8pm). If I am strict with all this it gives me so much energy, hydrates my skin, makes me feel and look better overall. I also sleep so much better. But it also means I can give myself a bit of a break from time to time and enjoy a bit of chocolate in the evening or even pizza if I feel like it on the weekend. Everything in moderation! 2. **Having a consistent routine for my skin health** \- A proper skin care routine morning and evening really makes me feel good because not only is it good for my skin, but it is also good for my mind. My morning ritual consists of a lovely hydrating cleanse (which I take my time over - 30-60 seconds minimum) Then a hydrating and brightening serum on a slightly damp face to trap in the moisture. Finally, I moisturise to seal in all the goodness and apply my SPF 30 product. It sounds like a lot but it’s a process that whilst requiring a bit of effort is 10-15 minutes really well spent, relaxing and enjoying ‘me’ time! I also have a few squirts of my collagen drops from Heaven skincare, which has given a really great boost to my skin and hair, as well as take omega 3 and vitamin D capsules. This is a daily morning ritual. An evening skin care ritual is also vital to get me all relaxed and ready for bed. I will cleanse my skin with a couple of pads and very lukewarm water first, then my hydrating cleanser. If have had foundation on (which is rare these days) it will be an oil cleanse prior to my hydrating face wash. I will then alternate between my retinal serum and moisturiser for that nourishing and soothing overnight renewal. This helps me wake up with balanced and fresh skin in the morning. 3. **Prioritising activities for the mind and soul** \- I also ensure I make time for connection with myself and others through activities I enjoy that really lift my spirits. It also about recognising in advance when I need to do these and with whom. Activities I love on my own might be my regular morning exercise, listening to uplifting music, reading a good book, or just sitting and writing down my thoughts. But equally as important is that time spent with loved ones, such as walking for miles in the countryside with my husband, dinner out with family and friends, laughter with the kids, travels abroad. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/07/Collection-Image_01.png) The idea for Buddha Beauty was born during a trip to Thailand ### **Llewelyn Thomas** is the founder of [**Buddha Beauty**](https://www.buddha-beauty.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). The brand was inspired by a trip to Thailand “During a trip to Thailand, I discovered the potent synergy of essential oils, and natural ingredients; they evoked my senses and took me on a scent journey. It was in that moment the idea was born. ### **Sense of comfort** My favourite product is our Warm Amber body lotion the scent is warming, The sweet scent is soothing and offers a sense of comfort. Beside this I have to say I use the uplift pro gel cleanser every morning and night. I just love the citrus notes of white grapefruit. It really gets me going in the morning. ### **An ideal day** I’m a bit of a workaholic so it’s important that I grab some down time with the dog. I love a sunny evening walking along the river Irwell with her. Watching the foxes darting about and then home to mediate and it’s a choice between a podcast, some recent Netflix or laying in a dark room with some music on. ### **3 self-care secrets** 1. **Mediation:** I think this is a really important self-care secret. Even 10 minutes a day can give you some quiet time in your head and lower any worries away. 2. **Eat well:** I follow a vegan lifestyle and eating plenty of fruits and vegetables is an important way to keep your mind, body and soul in top condition. I do believe a little bit of everything does you good. So yes I do have the occasional night when I pig out on a load of vegan chocolate and sweets. I am human after all. 3. **Connecting with nature is another self-care secret:** I love to be in the woods, occasionally hugging a tree or even just walking bare foot on the grass. I find the practice of grounding really helps bring me back to a place of calmness. --- ## **MORE INSPIRATION** **READ** About all the winners of this year's Green Parent Natural Beauty Awards in the Beauty Bible, available with issue 120 of The Green Parent, which will be published next week.[**Click here**](https://link.thegreenparent.co.uk/buy120?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)to get your copy before everyone else. **DISCOVER** For our next self-care instalment from beauty brand founders, check back on Friday 3rd when you’ll discover why we could all do with being a little more Goldie Hawn! --- ### How I created a ground-breaking pregnancy supplement! URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/how-i-created-a-ground-breaking-pregnancy-supplement/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:39.000Z ## **Ann-Marie Marshall** is so passionate about nourishing mothers through the pregnancy journey that she created her own superfood supplement, packed with everything a mama-to-be needs A health coach, colonic hydrotherapist, mama to her two-year-old son and founder of superfood pregnancy supplement brand, Healthy Mama, Happy Baba, Ann-Marie lives by the sea in Essex with her family. Having previously worked in the Merchant Navy for 14 years, Ann Marie was in a high-powered position and living in California, when a near-fatal car accident proved to be a huge turning point in her life. She left her corporate job and retrained as a colonic hydrotherapist and nutritionist, and later a health coach. She opened her own clinic seven years ago. “I believe I was saved for a reason,” Ann-Marie shares. “Inspired by my greatest blessing - my son - I’ve launched a business focused on helping pregnant women and children. My personal experience of prioritising nutrition during pregnancy, and as a mother, led to the creation of Healthy Mama, Happy Baba.” The supplement that Ann-Marie has personally designed with the specific requirements of pregnant women in mind, is a unique blend of 28 vitamins and minerals, in bioavailable forms - for optimal absorption, as well as probiotics, and nine organic superfoods. “Baobab is one of the most important superfoods I’ve chosen,” says Ann-Marie. “It’s an African fruit, also known as the ‘tree of life,’ and is packed with vitamin C and fibre – great for pregnant mamas.” The nine superfoods, which also include Açai, Ginger, Amla, Beetroot, Blackcurrant, Flaxseed, Date powder and Turmeric make this product both comprehensive and innovative. You’ll receive everything you need, in the correct levels required, in their most absorbable form. “This supplement is closing the nutritional gap at a time when women most need it,” shares Ann-Marie. “Eating well and nourishing our bodies is one of the first things we can do right for our baby in utero. This product, which comes in a powder form and can be added to water, juice, or plant milks, takes away all the guess work.” “I love that it tastes delicious as well as being extremely effective. We’ve had fun experimenting with different mixing options,” she laughs. Ann-Marie faced challenges in sourcing and including the necessary vitamins and minerals but has remained determined to achieve perfection. “Proper nutrition throughout pregnancy and postpartum is vital,” Ann-Marie enthuses. “I’m excited to have created a product that provides consistent and convenient nutrition for mothers at every stage of their pregnancy journey, and beyond.” Healthy Mama, Happy Baba is packed with everything you need as you enter the postpartum period, too. “It’s a great supplement to support nursing mothers and their babies, too,” she says. To conclude, Ann-Marie points out that this is a clean product. “It’s free from additives and preservatives, gluten-free, vegan-friendly, and high in fibre, offering all the health benefits you need during pregnancy and more. I’m excited to support you and nourish YOUR precious pregnancy journey.” ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ## **MORE INSPIRATION** **SHOP** Healthy Mama, Happy Baba will be launched on 5th August 2024\. Get your name on the waitlist at [healthymamahappybaba.co.uk](https://healthymamahappybaba.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) --- ## **3 THINGS TO DO AT HOME** ### **Ann-Marie** shares her advice on the top 3 ways that women can support themselves holistically through their pregnancy. **1\. Eat and drink.** Eat a variety of fresh and wholesome foods, not forgetting those all-important omega 3’s (oily fish, nuts and seeds). Your body needs more water during pregnancy for several reasons. Try to aim for around 1.6 litres per day. Starting your day with a pint of water can help you achieve your goal. **2\. Relax.** Take care of your mental wellbeing. Try a relaxing bath, a gentle stroll, meditation, mindfulness and listening to music. From around 16 weeks baby can hear sounds, initiate the conversation, start that bond building early (if you haven’t done already! 😊). **3\. Sleep.** Getting quality sleep is important for both you and baby. Bear in mind the following aspects of sleep hygiene, eat no later than 3-4 hours before bed, don’t exercise within 3 hours of bedtime and keep electronic equipment and screens out of the bedroom. Work towards 8-10 hours of sleep per night. Please don’t forget that your body is going through enormous changes and of course, growing a tiny human, it is magnificent, but tiring. You need your rest, mama. ### The Green Parent Natural Beauty Award Winners 2024 URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/the-green-parent-natural-beauty-award-winners-2024/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:39.000Z ## We are proud to announce the winners of the 2024 Natural Beauty Awards, recognising the most outstanding ethical products and brands in the beauty industry. These awards, now in their 11th year, celebrate sustainability and excellence in beauty A panel of testers has spent the last few months trying out hundreds of products, everything from toothpaste tabs to period pads, baby balm to facial oil. And then reviewing and rating each product against a strict set of criteria. From these ratings and comments we've chosen the very best in each category, in terms of effectiveness, sustainability and company ethics. **Here are the overall winners of The Green Parent Natural Beauty Awards 2024.** ## **BABY AND CHILD** ### **BEST BABY BALM** **GOLD** Wonder Balm, £35 [vemel.co.uk](http://vemel.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **SILVER** Gem's Dry Skin Balm for Babies, £15 [gemsnaturalskincare.com](https://www.gemsnaturalskincare.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Baby Bee Balm, £22 [naturallittlebee.co.uk ](https://www.naturallittlebee.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **BEST BABY LOTION/CREAM** **GOLD** Soothing Skin Balm With Frankincense & Lavender, £12 [valleymist.co.uk](http://valleymist.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **SILVER** Coconut Oil Baby Lotion, £10.99 [kokoso.co.uk](https://kokoso.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Datsit Unscented Whipped Body Butter, £15 [datsit.uk](https://datsit.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **BEST BABY OIL** **GOLD** Oil Day Long, £22.50 [skin-genius.co.uk](http://skin-genius.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **SILVER** Fall into Dreams Mother & Baby Massage Oil, £29 [littlebutterflylondon.com](https://littlebutterflylondon.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Mumanu Organic Mum & Baby Balm, £20 [mumanu.com](https://mumanu.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **BEST CHILDREN’S BUBBLEBATH** **GOLD** Kit & Kin Baby Bubble Bath, £9.99 [kitandkin.com](http://kitandkin.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **SILVER** Bubbles in the Breeze Top to Toe Wash, £19.50 [littlebutterflylondon.com](https://littlebutterflylondon.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Mini U Sparkling Strawberry Bubble Bath, £5.75 [miniu.co.uk](https://www.miniu.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **BEST CHILDREN’S SHAMPOO** **GOLD** Eco Warrior Baby and Child Relaxing Bedtime Hair and Body, £4.95 [littlesoapcompany.co.uk](http://littlesoapcompany.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **SILVER** Honey Cream Shampoo, £5.49 [miniu.co.uk](https://www.miniu.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Eco Warrior Baby and Child Gently Cleansing Hair and Body, £4.95 [littlesoapcompany.co.uk](http://littlesoapcompany.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **BEST NAPPY CREAM** **GOLD** Zinc and Calendula Cream, £11.99 [lyonsleaf.co.uk](http://lyonsleaf.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **SILVER** Oh-Lief Natural Olive Bum Balm, £13.95 [ohlief.co.uk](https://ohlief.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Magical Wool, £7.95 [magicalwool.com](https://magicalwool.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ## **BABY AND CHILD BEST BUYS** Mumanu Organic Baby Decongestant Balm, £8.50 [mumanu.com](http://mumanu.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Pure Baby Balm, £9.99 [lyonsleaf.co.uk](http://lyonsleaf.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Baby-Soft Balm Stick, £8.99 [kokoso.co.uk](http://kokoso.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Organic Baby Balm, £12 [nealsyardremedies.com](http://nealsyardremedies.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Baby Balm, £19 [aforapothecary.com](http://aforapothecary.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Oh-Lief Natural Olive Baby Balm, £13.95 [ohlief.co.uk](http://ohlief.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Baby Skin Balm With Calendula & Rosehip Oil, £12 [valleymist.co.uk](http://valleymist.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) LITTLE EMY nappy cream, £16 [tropicskincare.com ](https://tropicskincare.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) --- ## **HAIRCARE** ### **BEST CONDITIONER** **GOLD** SUMMER DREAMER - Solid Conditioner Bar with Jasmine & Rose, £10 [wild-ona.com](http://wild-ona.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **SILVER** Luxury Botanical Conditioner for Normal/Dry Hair, £12.99 [thesolidbarcompany.com](https://thesolidbarcompany.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Coconut + Sesame Natural Conditioner, £16.50 [awakeorganics.co.uk ](https://awakeorganics.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **BEST HAIR TREAT** **GOLD** Akamuti Organic Coconut Oil with Ylang Ylang, £9.95 [akamuti.co.uk](http://akamuti.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **SILVER** Revitalising Hair Tonic, £14.95 [weleda.co.uk](https://www.weleda.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Natural Scalp Scrub (Hibiscus + Mint), £16.99 [awakeorganics.co.uk](https://awakeorganics.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **BEST SHAMPOO** **GOLD** Caffeine + Rosemary Natural Shampoo Powder, £18.98 [awakeorganics.co.uk](http://awakeorganics.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **SILVER** Petal Power Conditioning Shampoo Bar, £10 [bloominsoap.co.uk](https://www.bloominsoap.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Lemon Shampoo Bar, £9 [olifani.com](https://www.olifani.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **BEST STYLING PRODUCT** **GOLD** Dry Shampoo - Dark, £8 [rawnaturenz.com](http://rawnaturenz.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **SILVER** Curl It Defrizzing curl creme, £15 [nirvananatural.co.uk](https://www.nirvananatural.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Strands Away Flyaway Wand, £11.99 [lovenoughty.co.uk](https://lovenoughty.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) --- ## **MAKE UP** ### **BEST APPLICATION TOOLS** **GOLD** Earthwise Cleansing Pads, £9.95 [earthwisegirls.co.uk](http://earthwisegirls.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **BEST BLUSHER** **GOLD** Mineral Blusher, £9 [honeypieminerals.com](http://honeypieminerals.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **BEST BRONZER** **GOLD** Luminous Dew Drops, £23 [ediblebeautyaustralia.com](http://ediblebeautyaustralia.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **BEST CONCEALER** **GOLD** Mineral Concealer Green Corrector, £9 [honeypieminerals.com](http://honeypieminerals.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **BEST EYE LINER** **GOLD** Silk Gel Liner, £16 [tropicskincare.com](http://tropicskincare.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **BEST EYE SHADOW** **GOLD** Natural Children's Play Makeup Kit, £24.95 [thenaturalplaymakeupcompany.co.uk](http://thenaturalplaymakeupcompany.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **BEST FOUNDATION** **GOLD** Mineral Foundation, £15 [honeypieminerals.com](http://honeypieminerals.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **BEST LIP BALM** **GOLD** MotherSage Lip Balm, £11.99 [mothersage.com](http://mothersage.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **SILVER** Organic Lip, Face & Body Balm Shimmer, £10 [annefortin.co.uk](https://annefortin.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Rosehip & Camellia Lip Balm - Rejuvenate, $29.99 NZD [yesorganics.nz](https://www.yesorganics.nz/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **BEST LIP GLOSS** **GOLD** Lip Tint - Pinkalicious, 25.99 NZD [yesorganics.nz](http://yesorganics.nz/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **SILVER** Lip Butta - Toffee, £11 [rawnaturenz.com](https://rawnaturenz.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Bliss Lip Tint, £8 [nirvananatural.co.uk](https://www.nirvananatural.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **BEST MASCARA** **GOLD** Purity Lash Mascara, £29 [uk.inikaorganic.com](http://uk.inikaorganic.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **SILVER** Hair Mascaras, £24.99 [thenaturalplaymakeupcompany.co.uk](https://www.thenaturalplaymakeupcompany.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **BEST NAIL POLISH** **GOLD** Earthy Gel Lock System, £59.99 [earthynailpolish.com](http://earthynailpolish.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **SILVER** Little Stardust Nail Polish, £6.99 [thenaturalplaymakeupcompany.co.uk](https://www.thenaturalplaymakeupcompany.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **BEST LIPSTICK** **GOLD** Lipstick Kirra Pink, £18.95 [https://ecobysonyadriver.co.uk/](https://ecobysonyadriver.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ## **MAKE-UP BEST BUYS** Lip Balm with upcycled Hemp Seed Oil + Shea Butter, £11.99 [upcirclebeauty.com](http://upcirclebeauty.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Sweet Orange & Cacao lip balm, £5.75 [nirvananatural.co.uk](http://nirvananatural.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Sweet orange lip balm, £4 chantic.co.uk Organic Lip Balm - Original, £8 [mumanu.com](http://mumanu.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Cocoa & Hempseed Lip Balm - Chocolicious, 18.99 NZD [yesorganics.nz](http://yesorganics.nz/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Lip Puddle, £13.99 aura-lotus.co.uk --- ## **PREGNANCY** ### **BEST PREGNANCY BATH PRODUCT** **GOLD** RINSE AND RETREAT Sensitive Body Wash, £10 [tropicskincare.com](http://tropicskincare.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **SILVER** Mother’s Bath Oil, £19 [nealsyardremedies.com](https://www.nealsyardremedies.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Sensitive Almond Nourishing Body Wash, £8.25 [weleda.co.uk](https://www.weleda.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **BEST BREAST CARE** **GOLD** Bosom Ritual Balm, $89 [mammae.com.au](http://mammae.com.au/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **BEST MASSAGE OIL/CREAM** **GOLD** Mumanu Organic Aromatherapy Massage Collection, £80 [mumanu.com](http://mumanu.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **SILVER** Organic Unscented Massage Bar – Pure, £8 [valleymist.co.uk](https://valleymist.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Calendula and Marshmallow Balm, £11.99 [lyonsleaf.co.uk](https://lyonsleaf.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ## **PREGNANCY BEST BUYS** Stretch Mark Oil, £11.99 [kitandkin.com](http://kitandkin.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Natural Olive Pregnancy Balm, £15.95 [ohlief.co.uk](http://ohlief.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Mum’s Tummy Butter, £11.95 [akamuti.co.uk](http://akamuti.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) --- ## **SKINCARE** ### **BEST CLEANSER** **GOLD** Beauty Balm, £15.99 [lyonsleaf.co.uk](http://lyonsleaf.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **SILVER** SUK. Powder Cleanser, £21 [sukhanlee.com](https://sukhanlee.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** No Soap Cleanser, £45 [www.miapielskincare.com](http://www.miapielskincare.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **BEST DAY MOISTURISER** **GOLD** Illuminate Moisturiser, £49 [azadiskincare.com](http://azadiskincare.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **SILVER** Rose & Frankincense Anti-Ageing Moisturiser, £21.95 [shaloahskincare.co.uk](https://www.shaloahskincare.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** PhytoGal (F)ACE treatment moisturizer, €88 [galbaia.com](https://galbaia.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **BEST EYE CREAM** **GOLD** Nakin Eye Cream Complex, £20 [nakinskincare.com](https://www.nakinskincare.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **SILVER** Regenerate Eye Cream, $35 NZD [naturalzestskincare.co.nz](https://naturalzestskincare.co.nz/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** EYE WORK rejuvenating serum, £36 [tropicskincare.com](https://tropicskincare.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **BEST FACE MASK** **GOLD** Pomegranate & Rose Mask, £26 [therosetree.co.uk](http://therosetree.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **SILVER** Green Clay & Lemon Mask & Scrub - Sicilia, £29 [casamencarelli.co.uk](https://www.casamencarelli.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Mask of Magnaminty face & body mask, £10 [lush.com/up/en](https://www.lush.com/uk/en?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **BEST FACIAL OIL** **GOLD** Rose Facial Oil, £25 [luvmyoil.co.uk](http://luvmyoil.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **SILVER** Replenishing Face Oil, £72 [anaraskincare.com](https://www.anaraskincare.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Neroli & Bakuchiol Elixir, £39.32 [blumainorganicskincare.ie](https://blumainorganicskincare.ie/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **BEST FACIAL SCRUB/EXFOLIATOR** **GOLD** GLOW After Dark Face Polish, £30 [kissthemoon.com](http://kissthemoon.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **SILVER** Elemental Exfoliating Powder, €34.95 [kinvaraskincare.com](https://www.kinvaraskincare.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** SkinBare exfoliating dry hemp wipes, £6.99 [tiktok.com/@skinbare](https://www.tiktok.com/@skinbare?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **BEST NIGHT MOISTURISER** **GOLD** Vitamin Rich Face Butter, £38 [vemel.co.uk](http://vemel.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **SILVER** Neroli, Rosehip & Frankincense Facial Hydration Cream, £18 [purelakes.co.uk](https://www.purelakes.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Willowberry Vitamin C Night Cream, £34.99 [willowberry.co.uk](https://www.willowberry.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **BEST SKIN SERUM** **GOLD** Age Defying Lifting Serum, £54 [evolvebeauty.co.uk](http://evolvebeauty.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **SILVER** Hydration Boosting and Refining Serum, £33 [mybemora.com](https://www.mybemora.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Brighten Day Serum, £48[ azadiskincare.com](https://www.azadiskincare.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **BEST TONER** **GOLD** The Kelpie Facial Toner, £19 [nana-kats-apothecary.co.uk](http://nana-kats-apothecary.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **SILVER** Hydrating Facial Toner, £22 [aniskincare.com](https://aniskincare.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Normal – Dry Skin Micellar & Toner with Neroli & Lavender, £10 [valleymist.co.uk](https://valleymist.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ## **SKINCARE BEST BUYS** Skin Food Nourishing Cleansing Balm, £12.95 [weleda.co.uk](http://weleda.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Combination Skin Micellar & Toner With Lemon & Geranium, £10 [valleymist.co.uk](http://valleymist.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Calm Buddha Face Cleanser, £10.95 [www.EizunEcoSkin.com](http://www.eizunecoskin.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Magical Whipped Balm, £12.99 [sol-luna.co.uk](http://sol-luna.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Pro-Age Eye Cream, £15 [buddha-beauty.com](http://buddha-beauty.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Chamomile & Bergamot Facial Serum, £14.50 [shaloahskincare.co.uk](http://shaloahskincare.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Kale Enzymatic Exfoliator, £19 [nourishskinrange.com](http://nourishskinrange.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Purifying Face Toner, £16.50 [nakinskincare.com](https://www.nakinskincare.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) --- ## **ESSENTIALS** ### **BEST SUPPLEMENT** **GOLD** Organic Amla, £24.97 [trueveda.com](http://trueveda.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **SILVER** HRI Clear Complexion, £5.49 [hriherbalmedicine.co.uk](https://hriherbalmedicine.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Inspiriko - Organic Black Seed Oil, £19.99 [inspiriko.co.uk](https://inspiriko.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **BEST TOOTHPASTE** **GOLD** Remineralising and Whitening Toothpaste Tabs, £5 [gudyu.co.uk](http://gudyu.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **SILVER** Sensitive Toothpaste, £9.97 [paist.co](https://paist.co/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Applemint Baby Toothpaste, £3.50 [brushbaby.co.uk](http://brushbaby.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **BEST AFTER SUN** **GOLD** Moisturising After Sun with Insect Repellent, £17 [greenpeople.co.uk](http://greenpeople.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **SILVER** SUN SOOTHE cooling aftersun lotion, £22 [tropicskincare.com](https://tropicskincare.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **BEST SUN PROTECTION** **GOLD** Baby & Kids Natural Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30, £24.99 [suntribesunscreen.com](http://suntribesunscreen.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **SILVER** Soliel Bébé Organic Sunscreen for Babies & Children SPF 50, £24 [baiebotanique.com](https://www.baiebotanique.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Shade All-Natural Sunscreen, £11.95 [not-the-norm.com](https://not-the-norm.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) --- ## **BODY AND BATH** ### **BEST BATH TREAT** **GOLD** Bath Salts, £25 [aniskincare.com](http://aniskincare.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **SILVER** Lavender, Geranium & Chamomile Bath Salts, £11.95 [akamuti.co.uk](https://www.akamuti.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** BATH BREWS GIFT SET, £24.95 [clarityblend.com](https://www.clarityblend.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **BEST BODY CREAM/BALM** **GOLD** Warm Amber Body Lotion, £15 [buddha-beauty.com](http://buddha-beauty.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **SILVER** Organic Foot Balm, £15 [b-organic.co.uk](https://www.b-organic.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Tree Of Life Body Butter Hemp & Meadowfoam, £9.50 [www.EizunEcoSkin.com](http://www.eizunecoskin.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **BEST BODY OIL** **GOLD** Stress Away, £24 [devaiyaoils.com](http://devaiyaoils.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **SILVER** Surya Sunshine Body Oil, £24 [moksa.co.uk](https://www.moksa.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** AYURVEDIC Body Oil - Unwind, $49 [lamav.com](https://lamav.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **BEST BODY SCRUB** **GOLD** Renewal Body Polish, £28 [aniskincare.com](http://aniskincare.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **SILVER** Frosted Pear Body Scrub, £19.50 [buddha-beauty.com](https://www.buddha-beauty.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** BODY SMOOTH refreshing polish, £24 [tropicskincare.com](https://tropicskincare.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **BEST DEODORANT** **GOLD** Natural Beeswax Deodorant - Lavender & Bergamot, £6.50 [kutis-skincare.co.uk](http://kutis-skincare.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **SILVER** WITCH HAZEL - ALOE-VERA DEODORANT, £9.90 [nagoracosmetics.com](https://nagoramanufaktura.hu/en/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Moon Goo Natural Deodorant, £12.98 [awakeorganics.co.uk](https://awakeorganics.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **BEST HAND CREAM/BALM** **GOLD** Gardeners Moisturising Hand Cream - Scottish Lavender & Rosemary, £14.50 [castleapothecaryscotland.com](http://castleapothecaryscotland.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **SILVER** Lavender and Calendula Hand Cream, £12 [silvanskincare.com](https://silvanskincare.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** SOS Nail Care Serum, £13.99 [boldandgritcosmetics.com](https://boldandgritcosmetics.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **BEST MENSTRUAL CARE** **GOLD** Period Pants, £18 [wuka.co.uk](http://wuka.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **SILVER** Earthwise Pads Long, £15 [earthwisegirls.co.uk](https://earthwisegirls.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Aches Away Oil, £24 [devaiyaoils.com](https://devaiyaoils.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **BEST SHOWER GEL** **GOLD** Hemp Liquid Castile Soap, £7.95 [thehempstore.co.uk](http://thehempstore.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **SILVER** SWEET ORANGE & ROSE GERANIUM SHOWER WASH, £5.95 [rootsandwingsorganic.com](https://rootsandwingsorganic.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Natural Body Wash Mango Delight, £12.99 [suntribesunscreen.com](https://suntribesunscreen.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **BEST SOAP** **GOLD** Peppermint & Poppyseeds Natural Soap, £2.95 [friendlysoap.co.uk](http://friendlysoap.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **SILVER** Pink a Dink Soap, £4.50 [edendaysbody.com](https://www.edendaysbody.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **BRONZE** Spice & Shine shea butter soap, £8 [bloominsoap.co.uk](https://www.bloominsoap.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ## **BATH AND BODY BEST BUYS** Bath Salts, £16.99 [mothersage.com](http://mothersage.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Lemon Nail & Cuticle Oil, £15 [olifani.com](http://olifani.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Armpit Detox bar, £12.95 [rawnaturenz.com](http://rawnaturenz.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Natural Vegan Bicarb-free Deodorant - Grapefruit & Mandarin, £6.50 [kutis-skincare.co.uk](http://kutis-skincare.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Luxury Rosewood Hand Lotion, £5.99 [thesolidbarcompany.com](http://thesolidbarcompany.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Wild Mint & Tea Tree Foot Balm, £14 [balmnatural.com](http://balmnatural.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Organic Hand & Lip Balm Revitalise, £10 [annefortin.co.uk](http://annefortin.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Body Wash, £10 [tropicskincare.com](http://tropicskincare.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Orange & Grapefruit Natural Soap, £2.95 [friendlysoap.co.uk](http://friendlysoap.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) --- ## **EDITOR’S PICKS** Organic Ashwagandha, £29.97 [trueveda.com](http://trueveda.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Saponins Cream Cleanser, £42 [sachiskin.com](https://sachiskin.com/products/saponins-cream-cleanser?srsltid=AfmBOoo-3HySs1tsDFkw6iyIKQnVWgKxwnv43BkMDvwxPT5U1iz-LwFz&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Arella Vegan Collagen, £32.99 [arella-beauty.co.uk](http://arella-beauty.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Rose Renew Regenerating Serum, £46 [baiebotanique.com](http://baiebotanique.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Wonder Balm, £25 [franchineyoung.com](http://franchineyoung.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Orange Blossom Facial Oil, £25 [luvmyoil.co.uk](http://luvmyoil.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Star Seed Forest Cream, A Daily Botanical Repair Cream, £89 [starseednatural.com](http://starseednatural.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Cleansing Face Milk with upcycled Oat Powder + Aloe Vera, £19.99 [upcirclebeauty.com](http://upcirclebeauty.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) SKIN DREAM firming night cream, £48 [tropicskincare.com](https://tropicskincare.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) --- ## **MORE INSPIRATION** **READ** The Green Parent Beauty Bible 2024, which will be published on 12th July and contains all the winners and lots more comment and reviews. [Get your copy delivered](https://link.thegreenparent.co.uk/buy120?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) (along with issue 120 of The Green Parent magazine!) --- ### 7 Free Things To Do With Your Family In July URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/7-free-things-to-do-with-your-family-in-july/ Last updated: 2024-06-27T17:52:51.000Z ## **Summer is here (at last!) We've found the most colourful and fun free festivals across the country, picked the most aromatic lavender fields (and found some delicious flower-powered recipes - lavender and lemonade ice-lollies, anyone?** Perhaps you'll become a citizen scientist and help count butterflies, moths and shark egg cases? Or make the most of the holidays to create something spectacular in the garden; a clay pizza oven, den or turn an old bath into a wood-fuelled hot tub? ### **Revel in Lavender** Lavender season is in full sensory swing. The purple fields of flowers smell heavenly and look like a painter’s dream. They’re also home to the most friendly bees – why not head to one for [**Don’t Step on a Bee Day**](https://www.awarenessdays.com/awareness-days-calendar/dont-step-on-a-bee-day-2024/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). Many lavender farms sell tickets for a picturesque wander or picnic; find some of the best in Britain [**here**](https://thegreenparent.createsend1.com/t/r-i-ttiulddl-l-k/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) or near London [**here**](https://thegreenparent.createsend1.com/t/r-i-ttiulddl-l-u/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). The purple plant’s sweet smell infuses home-made beauty products with a comforting scent; try making [**lavender oil, balm or spray**](https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Lavender-Oil?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk#:~:text=Lightly%20crush%20the%20lavender%20flowers,for%20at%20least%2048%20hours.) or include it in your [**plant-based first aid kit**](https://eileenburns.co.uk/lavender-essential-oil-first-aid-kit/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk); perfect for green witches and wildling kids. Alternatively, for a gently aromatic **outdoor lunch treat**, try making [**lavender shortbread**](https://tastebotanical.com/lavender-shortbread/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)**,** [**beet salad with honey lavender dressing**](https://www.marthastewart.com/1114957/beet-salad-honey-lavender-dressing?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), or[**lavender lemonade ice-lollies**](https://www.alifedelicious.com/lavender-lemonade-popsicles-3/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)! ### **Head to a Free Festival** _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Your Guide to Digital Wellbeing for Teenagers URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/your-guide-to-digital-wellbeing-for-teenagers/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:39.000Z ## One of the biggest causes of teen-sion in many families is screen time; how long young people spend on their phones, tablets and laptops, and, what happens when they are online. **Tanya Goodin** is an author, public speaker and tech ethicist. Here she shares how to encourage healthy screen habits Tanya's book,[**The Teenage Guide to Digital Wellbeing**](https://harpercollins.co.uk/products/the-teenage-guide-to-digital-wellbeing-find-the-balance-to-live-your-best-life-tanya-goodin?variant=40442540228686&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)speaks directly to teens about finding the balance between the digital and real worlds, inspiring them to set their devices aside and encouraging healthy screen habits. ### **When did you become interested in digital wellbeing?** “I was a digital entrepreneur for 20 years, but I started to feel worried about the way tech was manipulating us to spend more time online. So I pivoted away, and started doing talks in school about 12 years ago.” ### **How do you approach speaking to kids?** “I want to empower them and not patronise them. I’m trying to say, ‘Look, these are your choices, they’re your decisions, all I’m doing is arming you with the information, so you really understand what’s going on. When I talk to kids in schools, I’m always impressed with how thoughtful and switched-on they are and how many have started thinking about this.” ### **At what age should parents start engaging with their children about screen use?** “A quarter of four- and five-year-olds have their own smartphones. So we need to start young. But isn’t that true of all parenting? Things can happen faster than we anticipate. Parents need to think about having those kinds of conversations around the dinner table, just as they speak about talking to strangers and being polite and kind to people. Perhaps weave in topics like ‘What does kindness look like online?’” ### **Why does the online world draw kids in so much?** “It’s not just taking children, it’s adults. But children’s impulse control is less well developed. In the book I talk about persuasive technology and the way it’s designed. You get them to think about all those tricks; when was the last time you spotted something that tried to make you stay online for longer? We’re all struggling with it, but adults are more able to use judgement to stop.” ### **The book arms young people with a lot of knowledge about how online marketing tricks work…** “Older teens in particular don’t like to feel manipulated. So when you start pointing out the ways the digital world is playing with them, that’s very empowering. The autoplay feature on TikTok contributes to kids spending nearly two hours a day on average on the platform.” ### **What kind of tricks can kids spot?** “I talk to children about at the supermarket, how there are those little packets of sweets or gum you can pick up and pop in your bag, because it’s easy. What’s the digital equivalent? They’ll soon start spotting them everywhere.” ### **There’s a great chapter in the book on spotting fake news. Why is that so important?** “It’s important to get young people to think clearly about how they unpack stuff. In Finland, as they’re very close to the border with Russia, they start teaching children about disinformation at a very early age across the curriculum. Disinformation is going to be a huge problem or all of us, but we can start teaching critical thinking; it’s one of the most important online skills.” ### **How should parents negotiate with children about screen time?** “Not all screentime is bad. Online, we can connect with relatives anywhere in the world. And we can learn so much. I ask children to think of it in terms of food. If you think about junk food, then about protein and your five a day, then it’s all food. And we need to eat. But if we have too much junk we start to feel really sick. It’s how to get children to recognise that digital junk. I teach the SOS technique, where they stop before they use something, check in with themselves and think ‘How do I feel about this? How do I feel now. I feel good, I’m not tired, I’m not hungry. I’m happy. OK, let’s check in 30 minutes and see how I feel then.’ ## **“Parents should try to model the behaviour they’d like to see. It’s really hard for parents to ask their children to play their instrument or go outside if the children can see that the parent can’t put their device down”** ### **What more can parents do?** “Parents might spot their child is getting grumpy, or aren’t sleeping, potentially not eating properly, they haven’t been outside, or their homework is rushed. During term time, parents might have to be stricter, as children spend time on screens during the school day. Parents should try to model the behaviour they’d like to see. It’s really hard for parents to ask their children to play their instrument or go outside if the children can see that the parent can’t put their device down.” ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **Phone usage can become such a huge bone of contention in some homes…** “Distraction is important. Don’t parent through the device; don’t talk about the phone, or say that children can have the phone if they’re good, or that you take it away if they’re naughty. If you make the phone important it becomes this totemic object. So talk about the behaviour you want to see, not the behaviour you don’t. Ask if they’d like to come and make a pizza or run to the shop for some milk. Devalue the phone and put it back to just being a tool to access information.” ### **What about online bullying?** “It’s important to have open conversations about what’s going on. Try to talk to them in the first instance about just deleting, avoiding and walking away. But if it’s persistent and harmful, then talk about whether you need to report this on the platform or to school. My father used to say ‘words will never hurt me’, but that’s not helpful. Words can be really painful! Bullying can even be very subtle just emojis; eye-rolling or vomit emojis. So don’t devalue or underplay bullying, but do talk about blocking and muting.” ### **Which apps and platforms should we be most concerned about?** “TikTok is a problem. I won’t sugar-coat it. The safety isn’t great; you can get messages from all kinds of people, and the sheer amount of time you can spend on it is staggering. I would be really wary of giving children under 13 access. But you need to keep having conversations.” ### **How should we be tackling AI?** “One of the things I’m most concerned about on Snapchat is its My AI feature; a chatbot - or artificial friend. A third to half of kids in schools tell me they’ve tried it. Journalists have investigated and there are real problems with AI; you don’t know what it might say to a child, or it might advise a child to lie. More existentially, parents might be concerned if a child spent hours of time speaking to an artificial friends and not getting into the real world. Parents need to start educating themselves about it. I often suggest that parents should find the most tech-savvy parent in their year group and get them to help them think ahead.” ### **You suggest lots of inspirational ideas to get kids to spend time offline; which is your favourite?** “Kids really love talking about the concept of awe and unique offline experiences. The recent Northern lights show in the UK is a great example. I also suggest exploring the retro analogue world; finding out how to use a Walkman or Polaroid camera. Or trying crafting and trying to recreate trick shots. Things you can only do offline.” ## **MORE INSPIRATION** [**The Teenage Guide to Digital Wellbeing: Find the balance to live your best life**](https://harpercollins.co.uk/products/the-teenage-guide-to-digital-wellbeing-find-the-balance-to-live-your-best-life-tanya-goodin?variant=40442540228686&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) by Tanya Goodin is out now via Harper Collins [The Teenage Guide to Digital Wellbeing: Find the balance to live your best lifeThe ultimate guide to digital wellbeing and living your best life – offline and on!Digital wellbeing is all about finding the balance between the digital world and the real world – and making sure we use smartphones and other digital devices in a healthy way, while living fulfilling lives beyond the![](https://harpercollins.co.uk/cdn/shop/t/9/assets/favicon-32x32.png?v=122351128993687689451593701257)HarperCollins Publishers UKCollins![](https://harpercollins.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/x500_0590f280-33a3-4a3b-b0ba-d0d9f0fd5b88_1200x1200.jpg?v=1715287973)](https://harpercollins.co.uk/products/the-teenage-guide-to-digital-wellbeing-find-the-balance-to-live-your-best-life-tanya-goodin?variant=40442540228686&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### Why I put 75% of my daughter's toys into storage URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/why-i-put-75-of-my-daughters-toys-into-storage/ Last updated: 2024-06-21T17:33:57.000Z Hello and a warm welcome to this week’s newsletter! It's been a busy week. I've been putting the finishing touches to our [120th issue](https://link.thegreenparent.co.uk/buy120?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) (out next month), streamlining my daughter’s toys and celebrating Solstice! ### **Celebrating Strawberry Moon** This weekend we have a delicious combination of Solstice and full moon energy lifting us up and lighting the path forwards. The Capricorn moon (which falls on Sat 22nd at 2:08am) is all about love, purity and prosperity. You can use it to re-establish where you want to be at the end of this year and what you need to do to get there. It’s a time of refocusing. We’re halfway through the year – record the blessings you’ve received in the first half, and look ahead to the next 6 months. Take some time to reflect on the steps you need to take to move your vision forward this weekend – there’s powerful energies working in your favour. I’m going to make a vision board with my daughter to anchor in some of our dreams. The full moon in June is known as Strawberry (or Berries Ripening) Moon in Native American tradition, and Honey or Mead Moon in Celtic lands. Hives are heavy with honey at the height of summer and therefore it's a good time to make mead. The little one and I are going to bake some cookies using [the recipe](http://threefootcooks.blogspot.com/2012/09/h-is-for-honey-biscuits.html?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) in [Honey Biscuits](https://www.wob.com/en-gb/books/meredith-hooper/honey-biscuits/9781845070458?gad%5Fsource=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwps-zBhAiEiwALwsVYdaPliJqb1c7SlBHKmq31fOo9QepY8T-4JvAsr5GkNn65RvtMYwAERoCP5YQAvD%5FBwE&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) by Meredith Hooper. It's the perfect time for harvesting fruits, especially strawberries - find your nearest [Pick Your Own Farm here](https://www.pickyourownfarms.org.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). Soon it'll be time for currants, cherries, damsons and plums, too. Just a note to say that if you check out the sky after sunset tonight (around 9:20pm here in Brighton), you should be able to see the full moon all reddish pink on the horizon. It will appear larger tonight as it’s so low in the sky. Happy gazing! _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### How to Mark the Summer Solstice with Your Family URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/how-to-mark-the-summer-solstice-with-your-family/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:39.000Z ## **Glennie Kindred** welcomes a new dawn and embraces the oak tree The Summer Solstice marks the longest day and shortest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. From this point onwards the days will shorten and the nights will lengthen until we reach the Winter Solstice once again. This is a transition moment, a recognition that a new cycle is about to begin, a moment to pause, to look back and celebrate what we have actively achieved in the last six months, and envision the harvest to come. By marking the Solstices we acknowledge this beautiful flowing symmetry that brings balance to the natural world and into our lives. Traditionally people would gather together on Solstice Eve for a candle-lit procession, and entertain each other with music, dancing and plays. They would gather around a ‘bon’ fire (a ‘good’ fire) of Oak wood and stay up all night until dawn (around 3.30 am), to watch the Sun of the new cycle rise in the extreme North East. Is there a way you could gather with friends and family and experience this ancient tradition? Daybreak particularly feels very special. Being out so early in the half light, hearing the loudness of the dawn chorus and watching the sky lighten or the Sun break free of the horizon as the day begins, is thrilling and worth the adventure of being up so early (or so late if you stay up!). Ask everyone to bring food and drink to share and some firewood for the fire and ways for the children to sleep comfortably. Make simple head-dresses from twisted and bound grasses and wild flowers. The sticky long stalks of Cleavers (Sticky Willy) make instant circlets that can be used as a basis for further weaving. Encourage everyone to look for a special ‘Solstice Stone’ along the way, and use it as a meditation stone to contemplate this great turning point in the year’s cycle. As the Sun rises or the sky lightens, holding your stone, each calls out ‘I give thanks for…’ Everyone cheers each other on. Let your heart expand with your love for life! Share breakfast together and go for a walk afterwards. Alternatively gather with family and friends for a ‘Bring and Share’ Summer Solstice Supper. Have an evening walk to a place that faces the North West and watch the Sun go down. Light an outdoor fire or if indoors, light lots of candles in a bowl of sand, and sit round it to share and celebrate what each person has done since Midwinter. Reflect on new skills and insights gained, possible new directions and understandings that will help take you forwards. This close-sharing around firelight is very magical and offers opportunity for deepening our relationships with each other. Again, cheer each other on, make it celebratory! Raise glasses in a toast to each other. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ## **MORE INSPIRATION** Glennie’s newly revised [Sacred Earth Celebrations](https://amzn.to/2MJH8He?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) is available at [glenniekindred.co.uk](http://www.glenniekindred.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) *Glennie Kindred is a writer, author, grandmother and wisewoman of earth traditions* ## **FIND AN OAK** The Oak (*Quercus robur*) is linked with the Summer Solstice in folklore and legend as the doorway into the inner realms and the new dark cycle of the year that is about to begin. Set out on a quest to find an Oak tree that you can regularly sit with. For generations people have sat beneath the mighty Oak to gain strength and spiritual renewal. It helps the inner world to slip back into perspective, allowing new understanding to grow and decisions to be made from a place of balance. Thank the tree before you leave, as this helps build personal and heartfelt connection. Our appreciation keeps our hearts open and paves the way for that wonder of wild edge phenomena – of having true friendship and relationship with trees. ### Happy Solstice! 10 Ways to Celebrate URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/happy-solstice-10-ways-to-celebrate/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:40.000Z ## Throughout history, people have celebrated this most potent time of year, with the Sun at the height of its power in the Northern Hemisphere. Solar energy is at its zenith; energising us and the Earth. **Lucy Corkhill** shares ten ways to celebrate. The word solstice translates from Latin as ‘sun stands still’, and this is the pause in the turning of the wheel. We give thanks for warmth, light and growth on the longest day of the year, before it begins to move imperceptibly back towards the darker nights. Our ancestors lit fires on the hilltops to give thanks for the life-giving energy of the Sun: fire representing the power of the sun. Communities gathered to dance around the fires, share songs and stories and leap the flames. It is a time of gratitude, of opening and awareness, of growth, expansion and high energy. There is also a sense that at this heightened time the veils between the worlds are thin, and there is the potential for dreamy, wild happenings; think Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Summer Solstice is a sacred time at Stonehenge: when the Sun rises, it lines up with the heel stone and the first rays shine through the archway in the centre of the great stone circle. Many people gather here to celebrate and give thanks, but you can create your own Summer Solstice celebration with friends and family at home, marking this magical time: ### **1\. Sun salutations** Start the day with some yoga sun salutations, the series of moves that open up the body and give thanks to the healing energy of the Sun. To make your practice even more special, why not wake early, take your mat outside and do your sun salutations as the Sun rises. ### **2\. Light a bonfire** Gather with loved ones around a fire, preferably outside. Take time to honour the power and strength of the Sun, perhaps inviting everyone to bring some wood to feed the flames. ### **3\. Gather herbs for a healing tincture** This is a time to gather healing plants. When the Sun is at its highest and strongest point, their healing properties are supercharged. Plants associated with this time of year are St. John’s Wort, Yarrow, Mugwort and Verbena. ### **4\. Have a no-interruptions day** The celebrations that mark the turning of the wheel of the year offer a great opportunity to spend special family time. Use this sacred day to ‘switch off’: turn off the TV, phones and computers, and get together with loved ones to just be. However you choose to spend your special day, set the intention in the morning to be present for one another, have fun, listen, and enjoy your connection to one another. ### **5\. Dress up in reds, oranges, yellows and golds** Celebrate the Sun God and Earth Goddess within each of you by getting dressed up in vibrant, energising colours. Why not accessorise with some home-made crowns decorated with pretty coloured flowers and jewels. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **6\. Make a Midsummer altar** This is an enjoyable craft activity to enjoy as a family and creates a sacred space in your home to draw all that wonderful Sun energy into your hearts. Have a morning gathering objects like sunflowers, summer fruits such as strawberries and vegetables. Add red or gold candles and gold trinkets or goblets, anything that sparkles and resonates with you. ### **7\. Plan a summer of growth** Take advantage of this special ‘pause’ to collect your energies, thoughts and creativity and plan ways to channel them into avenues of growth and expansion; for you, for your family; for your community and for the planet. This is a lovely activity to share, firing ideas together, and if you have a community group you might like to vision a shared creative venture. ### **8\. Dance and drum together** Summer Solstice is a time of expansion, joy and bliss. Make the most of these heightened levels of energy to let loose for a while. Invite people over for a Summer Solstice dance, singsong or drumming session – or all combined. Because it’s such a potent magical time of year, after a few songs people should hopefully lose their inhibitions and enjoy just being free and alive, dancing under the setting sun. ### **9\. Camp out all night** A great activity to share with older children – what could be more irresistible than the promise of staying up late and having a midnight feast under the stars! Or camp out so that you can wake at dawn on Summer Solstice and watch the Sun rise. If you can, light a little campfire and toast some marshmallows while sharing stories. ### **10\. Make sacred Sun water** Fill a clean glass bowl with mineral or spring water and leave outside from dawn on Summer Solstice until noon. You can add crystals to supercharge your water even further. Store your Sun water in dark glass bottles and splash on your skin whenever you need energy or feel depleted, especially on dark days. You can use it as a healing tincture for animals and children too, just stroke a little on their brow. ### Your Celtic Tree Ogham: Oak URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/your-celtic-tree-ogham-oak/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:40.000Z ## Oak, the seventh tree in the Celtic Tree Ogham can live up to 800 years and its fruit - the acorn - has long been an important source for food and medicine says **Robin Harford**. Plus: acorn brownie recipe for later in the year! All parts of the oak were once considered edible making this tree quite the forager’s feast! This majestic tree has wide-spreading, branches on a short, stout trunk. The bark is brown-grey and the leaves are dark green on top and pale blue-green beneath. The tree bears male and female flowers – male flowers are slender catkins and female flowers are globe-shaped and pale brown. The easily recognisable fruit resemble a small nut inside a stalked cup. ### **SHELL AND SNACK** In years gone by, acorns were collected and ground to meal for flour. The ‘acorn milk’, a byproduct of this process, was also drunk. Acorns were gathered for snacking, roasting, boiling or drying to add to meals. However, it is worth noting that caution is now given before eating acorns that have not been properly treated – leached of their plant tannins by shelling them and leaving them in water for 48 hours. Eating the nuts raw is not recommended. Acorns are nutrient-rich containing starches, oils, proteins, minerals (such as calcium, phosphorus and potassium) as well as plant sugars and tannins. Oak leaves were once used to make wine and even the trunk of the tree has provided an edible source of gum. ### **HEALING TREE** All parts of the oak – wood, bark, leaves, acorns and gallnuts – have traditionally been used in medicine since ancient times. The tree was valued for its astringent properties most likely due to the high content of tannins. It was used for wide-ranging ailments from mouth disease and skin complaints to rheumatism and digestive problems. Surprisingly oak galls (a parasitic infection of the tree caused by a tiny wasp) had an even wider range of use from treating mouth diseases, infected eyes and ears, toothache, stomach disorders, dysentery, rashes, abscesses, skin ailments and burns, swollen spleens and regulating menses. Oak is a well-known wood used for making furniture. However, some traditional uses of oak that we might find novel today have included making wooden bowls, milk pails, butter-firkins, baskets, fighting clubs, tool handles, coffins and even spinning wheels. ## **MORE INSPIRATION** **READ** Robin Harford’s Edible and Medicinal Wild Plants of Britain and Ireland **VISIT** eatweeds.co.uk for more herbal lore ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ## **MAKE THESE ACORN BROWNIES** ### **WHAT YOU NEED:** • 2 cups, freshly ground buckwheat • 1 cup leached + dried acorn flour • 2 cups yogurt • 3/4 cup soft butter • 1.5 cups Rapadura sugar • 2 teaspoons vanilla powder or extract • 4 eggs, lightly beaten • 1 tablespoon baking powder • 1 teaspoon sea salt • 3/4 cup cacao powder ### **WHAT TO DO:** 1\. Mix together the flours, salt, cacao, and baking powder. Set aside. 2\. Mix the softened butter and sugar until smooth and creamy. 3\. Add the in eggs and vanilla. Blend well. 4\. Starting with the dry ingredients, alternately add the yogurt and flours until all is incorporated. 5\. Spread the batter into a parchment lined and greased 9 x 13 baking dish. 6\. Bake for 30-40 minutes. Allow to cool slightly before serving. ### The coldest wild swim I’ve ever had URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/the-coldest-wild-swim-ive-ever-had/ Last updated: 2024-06-07T18:30:12.000Z Hello, Happy Friday! I'm still out in the wilds of Pembrokeshire, loving the freedom and the sense of space. I have this thing where the first sight of the Atlantic makes me burst into tears on arrival here. I love this land so much! Today, I'm sharing some of the things I love most about this area - a sort of wild travel guide. ### **Places I love to walk** I’ve been coming on walking holidays to Pembrokeshire since I was little (thanks mum and dad!) and have walked most of the Northern section many times over. It’s hard to pick a favourite section but I love the wildness of the bit from Newport to Poppit Sands (16 miles with not a village or a shop in sight, to refill water bottles or replenish supplies - pack well!). The views at Pwll Deri are breathaking. We had a ceremony up on the headland here, when my mum died – this was one of her favourite spots on earth. Apparently you can see Ireland on a clear day! Right now it’s covered in wild heather, orchids and cowslips – magical. ### **Exploring sacred land** I love the land around Newport; the Preseli Hills feel particularly magic. I’ve had some wonderful adventures on Mynydd Carningli. I remember a memorable day spent with one of the founders of [Brithdir Mawr](https://brithdirmawr.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) – she’d left the eco-community and lived in a yurt halfway up the mountain, and gave me a peep into her off-grid life. Last autumn, around the equinox, my daughter and I walked (scrambled!) up the Mountain of Angels to watch the dawn. We didn’t see another soul and had the whole mountain to ourselves. The view at the top is epic – 360º. We cried, shouted out intentions and blessings, and left feeling topped up and connected. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### 5 Essential Oils for Back Pain URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/5-essential-oils-for-back-pain/ Last updated: 2024-06-05T18:42:21.000Z ## There’s something deeply empowering about taking your family’s health into your own hands says **Lucy Corkhill**. Essential oils – derived from the flowers, leaves, bark, seeds and fruit of plants – allow you to have a pharmacy of healing in your own home. ## The practise of using essential oils is called aromatherapy and can be dated back to Ancient Egypt. Aromatherapy Awareness Week starts on 10 June and is a great opportunity to find out more about this healing art. Aromatherapy Awareness Week is organised by the International Federation of Aromatherapists (IFA) and has been an annual event on their calendar since 2008\. Each year the IFA organise activities to raise the profile of aromatherapy and therapists across the UK, from volunteering in hospices to talking on the radio. Some IFA-registered therapists also offer 10% off treatments during the week, enabling people to try out aromatherapy perhaps for the first time. Statistics show that an incredible one in six people in the UK is affected by back pain and many cannot find relieve through conventional medicine. With approximately 7.6 million working days lost to back pain each year, educating employers about the benefits of clinical aromatherapy is also part of the picture. Since 1985 the IFA have been involved in UK research on the therapeutic uses of clinical aromatherapy and it is this expertise they draw upon to inform and inspire as many people as possible. If you are one of the many sufferers of back pain, why not contact your local aromatherapist for support and advice? When you visit an aromatherapist, they will take a full case history including information about past injuries and general health. They will then select oils for your specific needs and mix them up in a base oil. The blended oils are then massaged into your skin and you can relax and unwind whilst receiving the many benefits of an aromatherapy massage. You will usually be given advice on what oils are most suitable for your condition and often sent home with a blend of oils to use whenever you need to. If you would like to make up your own aromatherapy blend for back pain, you can purchase essential oils at most health food shops or online. Check that you are purchasing from a reputable supplier and getting 100% pure essential oils rather than fragrances. Essential oils vary enormously in cost depending on the distillation process, so be wary of anywhere selling them at the same price. For use on the skin, essential oils need to be blended in a carrier or base oil – this is because they are highly concentrated and if used neat will irritate the skin. Make up your blend in a dark glass bottle to ensure its longevity and store somewhere dark between uses. For back pain, try massaging into the lower back with circular motions and up the sides of the spine – for best results, get someone to do it for you! ## Sign up for The Green Parent Bringing more joy and connection to your family life Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ## **Here are the top five essential oils for back pain:** 1. **Roman Chamomile** – Renowned for its soothing anti-inflammatory properties, this is the go-to oil for pain-reduction. It helps to control muscle spasms (antispasmodic) and induce relaxation. As back pain can have such an impact on general wellbeing, it is worth noting that research on Roman Chamomile has shown its usefulness in cases of depression and anxiety. 2. **Lavender** – Even in conventional medical circles, Lavender oil is recognised as an analgesic. It is probably one of the most researched oils and has been found to ease pain and anxiety. Like Chamomile, it is anti-inflammatory and can be used at the first signs of a back pain attack. As it helps to induce sleep, it can also be used as a sedative for those struggling to drop off when in pain. 3. **Clary Sage** – This pungent and powerful oil has a deeply sedative effect and can be very useful for back pain in labour but its use is not recommended during pregnancy because of its labour-inducing properties. For back pain sufferers, however, this oil can help tense, cramped muscles and provide relief from chronic pain. 4. **Black pepper** – This invigorating and uplifting essential oil is great for tired and overworked muscles. It is warming and analgesic and can be used in conjunction with Ginger essential oil to create a revitalising massage blend. Black pepper is often used where the body or body part has gone rigid or where there is chronic inflammation – particularly useful when the spine or lower back feels frozen with pain. 5. **Peppermint** – Used with awareness and caution (you need very few drops to experience the effects and it can cause skin irritation) peppermint oil is incredibly cooling to areas of pain and soreness, especially those that feel hot to the touch. A cold compress of a flannel soaked in cool water with a few drops of peppermint oil added will bring relieve to acute pain in muscles and joints. These oils can be used on their own or in conjunction with one another to get the most benefit. Add 6 drops of Roman Chamomile, 8 drops of Lavender, 3 drops of Clary Sage, 2 drops of Black Pepper and 1 drop of Peppermint essential oils to 20ml of base oil to make your own soothing back pain blend. **Image:** With thanks to[**Christin Hume**](https://www.christinhumephoto.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### 9 Ways to Prepare for a Green Baby URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/9-ways-to-prepare-for-a-green-baby/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:40.000Z ## **Feathering your nest with the finest natural, sustainable and toxic-free products to give your little one the best start in life** Exposure to toxic chemicals and pesticides is a feature of everyday life in our homes, workplaces and in the wider environment. There are tens of thousands of chemicals in regular commercial use, most with little or no health and safety information, many of which can harm our health, our capacity to reproduce, and the health of our children and future generations. Children are particularly vulnerable but to the developing foetus even small exposures can have serious and lifelong health consequences. That is why eliminating these chemicals from your home is an important first step to minimising exposure both when thinking of becoming pregnant and afterwards to protect you and your family. There's no one perfect way to raise a green baby and you can only do your best given your current circumstances. Try to change the things within your control and lend your voice to campaigns, such as Wen's[**Green Baby**](https://www.wen.org.uk/our-work/greenbaby/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)campaign, calling for a sustainable and toxic free future so all parents and carers can make safe, healthy and affordable choices for themselves and their children. ### **So where to start?** A toxic tour of your home might not sound as exciting a prospect as a family day out, but it's where[**Wen**](https://www.wen.org.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)(Women's Environmental Network) suggests starting the journey of greening your home. So, whether you're already a parent or carer, a mother-to-be, just thinking about becoming a parent, or have never even given it a first thought, start now by casting a critical eye on what's in that cupboard under the kitchen sink, the bathroom cabinet, garden shed… and move out from there, until you've completed the grand tour and can begin feathering that nest.. ### **1**. **A toxic tour of your home** More fun than it sounds, very educational and a good place to start preparing your nest. A toxic tour means firstly identifying what needs to be changed, and drafting up a plan for immediate, short or long-term changes, and ‘I wish’ categories. You may find there are things you do not need at all! Find Wen’s Toxic Tour guide [here](https://www.wen.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Toxic-Tour-2022.docx.pdf?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). ### **2**. **Start now, start small, question everything** Small changes can have a big impact and can kickstart a change in mindset. After your fun toxic tour, you may have already found things you don't need, so that's already a win! You can't change everything at once and to try could be overwhelming. Choose something like a toiletry you use often, or conversely rarely. Start to question: Do I need it? What's in it? Where is it made? How is it packaged? What happens to it when I'm finished with it? Could I make it or source an affordable safer alternative? The greenest changes can be (though are not always) the easiest and the most affordable. (see Wen's[**what to avoid & safer alternatives**](https://www.wen.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/What-to-avoid-table.docx.pdf?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) for general advice). ### **3**. **First stop – the bathroom cabinet** If after your toxic tour and a bit of research, the view into your toiletry bag or the bathroom cabinet doesn't look too pretty, don't be disheartened, there are easy wins to be made here. All toiletries and cosmetics must have ingredients listed on the label (parfum/fragrance is an exception and can be a loophole[**\[1\]**](https://www.safecosmetics.org/chemicals/fragrance/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)), so in theory, at least you know what's in it. Manufacturers must use an international standard of scientific names for ingredients or latin for plant materials, so understanding labels is easier said than done. Some better brands include plain English names which helps. The fewer products you use, the better, as this reduces the cocktail or mixture effect[**\[2\]**](https://www.edc-free-europe.org/articles/reports/chem-trust-why-you-should-know-about-the-mixture-effect?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) of exposure to many different ingredients and helps reduce the 120 billion units of plastic packaging used by the beauty industry each year.[**\[3\]**](https://www.plasticpollutioncoalition.org/blog/2022/1/25/the-ugly-side-of-beauty-the-cosmetics-industrys-plastic-packaging-problem?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Having a go at making your own natural skincare or finding out how to source safer alternatives can be good next steps. ### **4\. Stop to freshen up - DIY natural skincare and sourcing safer alternatives** You may have had an easy win and realised there are things you can do without, but if there's a must-have you're concerned about, look into whether you can easily make an affordable safer alternative. Many suppliers now sell in small quantities, ingredients used by certified organic natural skincare formulators, such as organic and fairly traded shea and cocoa butter, plant or beeswax and carrier oils. Becoming your own skincare alchemist can be fun, easier than you might think and strangely empowering! A simple balm also suitable for babies is a good one to try first. (See Wen's[**make your own**](https://www.wen.org.uk/2023/05/25/make-your-own-baby-products/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)resource). If DIY is not an option for you, with time or other practical constraints, look for natural organic products, certified by bodies such as the[**Soil Association,**](https://www.soilassociation.org/take-action/organic-living/beauty-wellbeing/our-certified-brands/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)[**COSMOS**](https://www.cosmos-standard.org/en/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)**,** [**ECOCERT,**](https://www.ecocert.com/en/certification?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)[**NATRUE,**](https://natrue.org/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)[**USDA**](https://www.ams.usda.gov/grades-standards/cosmetics-body-care-and-personal-care-products?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). There are also apps now to help you to decipher ingredient lists, such as[**Yuka**](https://yuka.io/en/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)or[**INCI Beauty**](https://incibeauty.com/en?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). Safer, greener alternatives are not always the cheapest option, which is why campaigns such as Wen's Green Baby project are so important. A safe environment is a right not a privilege to be afforded by some. ### **5**. **The lesser-visited corners of the under-sink kitchen cupboard** The cupboard under the kitchen sink tends to be where many people store laundry and cleaning products. Again, there can be easy wins here, as many products we can simply do without or make or source safer alternatives. Question the need for products, such as air fresheners, fabric softener, oven cleaners, window cleaning products, anti-bacterials. Bicarbonate of soda, vinegar and lemon juice are often good, safer substitutes for many of these products and improving ventilation rather than using air fresheners is a much better option. Many cleaning and laundry products in everyday use contain harmful chemicals that can have adverse effects on our health and the environment, causing indoor and outdoor pollution when released into the air and water. They can also be absorbed through our skin or inhaled, posing risks to our respiratory system, endocrine system, and overall well-being. Babies and young children are particularly vulnerable. (See Wen’s[**DIY cleaning product suggestions**](https://www.wen.org.uk/2023/05/25/make-your-own-baby-products/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/06/Banner---Green-Baby-Day.png)](https://www.wen.org.uk/greenbabyday/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **6**. **A food-stop** It's not news that plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables form an important part of a healthy diet. Ideally, everyone would have access to affordable, certified organic food that is grown without reliance on herbicides and pesticides. Washing fruit and vegetables does help but many pesticides cannot be washed away, peeling is best unless you have grown them yourself. While we wait and campaign for effective government subsidies to make certified organic food more affordable, we should aim to purchase as much organically grown food as we can - home and locally grown is also good. Plastic food wrapping is also a huge topic and a potential source of harmful chemical exposure. ### **7**. **A change of scene - renovation** It's natural to want to create a safe, fresh, nurturing environment to welcome a baby into your home. Ideally, this should happen well before you become pregnant or bring the baby home. Many paints and varnishes can contain Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) which are harmful to health and can be absorbed by soft furnishings and carpet and released back into the air afterwards. Stripping old paint and wallpaper can also be a source of exposure. Thankfully, there are now more eco and zero VOC paints and safer natural materials available, but if you are planning to renovate or paint, when pregnant, it’s best to let someone else do the work and ventilate as much as possible afterwards. Take in the fresh air on that tour! ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **8**. **A rest-stop - flooring and furniture** If you rent, or money is tight, new flooring and furniture may not be possible or may need to go on that longer-term wish-list, but knowledge is power and it's good to be aware. Babies spend a lot of time on the floor and close to the ground, so the best option for flooring is hardwood, cork or tiles, supplemented with washable rugs if needed. Carpets[**\[4\]**](https://taenk.dk/kemi/english/avoid-pfas-carpets?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)can absorb chemicals and release them slowly back into the environment over time. They can also be treated with toxic flame retardants and be backed with a synthetic layer which may contain harmful chemicals including PFAs.[**\[5\]**](https://athleteproject.eu/news/endocrine-disrupting-chemicals-in-pregnancy-and-metabolic-syndrome-in-children/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Carpets can also build up dust mites and act as a sink for dust. Second hand or pre-loved wooden furniture is a good option, it can be cleaned down or sanded and re-varnished with low or no VOC varnish, or wax. Avoid plastic and vinyl if you can. When it comes to where your baby sleeps, slatted bed bases and natural fabrics that allow airflow are recommended. ### **9**. **Tour complete, nest feathered – ready for that new member of the family.** Once the baby arrives, there's a whole host of other things to consider, clothes, toys, nappies, bathtime… but already having that awareness of how to minimise exposure within your home, will stand you in good stead to make healthier choices, particularly as small babies and infants are much more sensitive to harmful chemicals than adults. The changes you make as a result of your tour will have beneficial effects on the health of the whole family, including your pets. In the absence of proper regulations to ensure that the products on our shop shelves are safe to buy, we need to take matters into our own hands. This doesn't mean we leave retailers and our governments off the hook. They have the responsibility to ensure all products are safe before sale, for current and future generations. This will also benefit our environment being stripped of raw materials for unnecessary products, but also for the workers whose occupations expose them to harmful chemicals and practices. Now your toxic tour of your home is complete, you can settle back with peace of mind. ## **MORE INSPIRATION** **GET INVOLVED** See how you can support this year’s[**Green Baby Day of action**](https://www.wen.org.uk/greenbabyday/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) on 12th June 2024. **READ** For further information and references, please see the Wen Briefing[***Feathering Your Nest***](https://www.wen.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Green-Baby-Briefing.pdf?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) --- [**\[1\]**](#%5Fftnref1)[**https://www.safecosmetics.org/chemicals/fragrance/**](https://www.safecosmetics.org/chemicals/fragrance/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) [**\[2\]**](#%5Fftnref2)[**https://www.edc-free-europe.org/articles/reports/chem-trust-why-you-should-know-about-the-mixture-effect**](https://www.edc-free-europe.org/articles/reports/chem-trust-why-you-should-know-about-the-mixture-effect?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) [**\[3\]**](#%5Fftnref3)[**https://www.plasticpollutioncoalition.org/blog/2022/1/25/the-ugly-side-of-beauty-the-cosmetics-industrys-plastic-packaging-problem**](https://www.plasticpollutioncoalition.org/blog/2022/1/25/the-ugly-side-of-beauty-the-cosmetics-industrys-plastic-packaging-problem?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) [**\[4\]**](#%5Fftnref4)[**https://taenk.dk/kemi/english/avoid-pfas-carpets**](https://taenk.dk/kemi/english/avoid-pfas-carpets?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) [**\[5\]**](#%5Fftnref5)[**https://athleteproject.eu/news/endocrine-disrupting-chemicals-in-pregnancy-and-metabolic-syndrome-in-children/**](https://athleteproject.eu/news/endocrine-disrupting-chemicals-in-pregnancy-and-metabolic-syndrome-in-children/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### What I Won’t Leave Home Without: My 3 Essentials for a Long Distance Walk URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/what-i-wont-leave-home-without-my-3-essentials-for-a-long-distance-walk-2/ Last updated: 2024-06-01T18:18:37.000Z The latest instalment from the editor about hiking long distance, home education and Closing the Bones ceremonies _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### June Activity: Hug a Tree URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/june-craft-hug-a-tree/ Last updated: 2024-06-01T16:22:54.000Z ## Get to know a tree - habitat, weather vane, lookout – your favourite tree is much busier than you think says **Delfina Aguilar** ## Trees’ branches aren’t just lofty perches. They’re incredibly intricate plumbing systems that ferry water, sugar and hormones from the roots to the twigs, regulating their growth and signalling when to produce fruit, flowers or leaves. Ancient trees can also tell you about what your local area’s climate was like in the past – the concentric rings within the trunk are wider in warm, wet years and thinner in cold or dry years, so scientists can use them to find out whether there were droughts, floods or other wild weather in the days long before humans kept a record. ## Sign up for The Green Parent Bringing more joy and connection to your family life Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. **WHAT YOU NEED:** *Magnifying glass; Pencil; Notebook; Leaf chart* **HOW TO DO IT** Find a great tree. Take a good look around your garden, neighbourhood or local park to find a tree that looks good for climbing (one with some low branches or good footholds, and some nice boughs for perching in). 1. Stand back from your tree. Is there one side that’s bushier or bigger than the other? The bigger side is probably facing south if you’re in the northern hemisphere (north if you’re in the southern hemisphere). That’s because the tree grows more strongly towards the sun. 2. Standing near the trunk, look upwards. Can you see any patterns in the way the branches spread out from the trunk? 3. Carefully climb your tree and find a safe place to rest. If possible, you might like to sit astride a wide branch, and lean back against the trunk. 4. Do you have company? It’s not only birds that like to live in trees – can you spot a squirrel’s nest, or ‘drey’? What about a snail, centipede or caterpillar? Can you identify a stag beetle, or a grasshopper, or a shield bug? If you look closely, you should find that your tree is teeming with busy life. Note down and sketch your discoveries. 5. Using your magnifying glass, look at the leaves to work out what kind of tree you’ve chosen. Perhaps you’d like to start a leaf collection in the pages of your notebook. 6. Did you know trees can predict the weather? If some of the leaves have turned upside down, there might be a storm on the way. (Leaves with soft stems will often become limp and flip over in the humidity change that precedes a storm.) If a pine cone is open, the weather is likely to stay dry, while a closed pine cone means rain is on its way. 7. Map the location of your tree in your notebook so that you can visit it again. Which creatures can you find in the different seasons? [The Nature of PlayThe first handbook of 44 nature-based activities designed for all year round.![](https://blackwells.co.uk/resources/images/favicons/apple-touch-icon-180x180.png)Blackwell'sDelfina Aguilar![](https://blackwells.co.uk/jacket/l/9781916167902.webp)](https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/The-Nature-of-Play-by-Delfina-Aguilar/9781916167902?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### Eight Dreamy Things To Do With Your Family In June URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/eight-dreamy-things-to-do-with-your-family-in-june/ Last updated: 2024-05-31T17:16:08.000Z ### We have everything crossed that **June** brings more sun and drier, longer days. Start your summer with free festivals with earfuls of great music, try eco-friendly swapping, jump on your bikes, or pull on a protective suit and stand in the middle of a room full of exploding fireworks! **Berry Good** Cambridge’s most popular free event, the[**Strawberry Fair**](https://www.strawberry-fair.org.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), has been filling the town’s **Midsummer Common** with colour, noise and spectacle for fifty years This Saturday (June 1st), 30,000 people will gather around little stages and wonder-filled tents dotted around the common; choose from Shady Nasty’s subversive and satirical blend of funk, punk, brass and hip hop, visit the Calm Stage, sacred space and herbal apothecary at Scarecrow Corner, or hang out in the family friendly Kids Park. Bands include **Zion Train**, **Radical Dance Faction** and **Spacehopper**. The Fair is committed to taking care of the environment with generator-free zones, recycled decor, no plastic bottles and a free online programme. Sweet! _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Get my Super-Simple Hayfever Remedy URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/get-my-super-simple-hayfever-remedy-3/ Last updated: 2024-05-26T11:00:48.000Z Hello, I’ve been dancing to skiffle, crafting willow sun catchers and have discovered a new way of eating... ### **What I've been foraging for:** I’ve been gathering elderflowers to make cordial and medicine. Scroll down for the hayfever recipe I make for my family. I also dry out trays of flowers for a winter cold remedy. Once I’ve separated all the flowers from the stalk I store in a dark jar in a cool, dry place, and then, use a tablespoon of dried flowers steeped in hot water, as a tea, to soothe colds and coughs in the colder months. I’ve been on the lookout for Hottentot Fig (or Ice Plant) after reading about it on[**Geoff Dann’s blog**](https://www.geoffdann.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). It’s a succulent that’s often found near sea cliffs and has fruits that look like dying leaves. These fruit have the texture of figs and taste like salty bananas. Which has got me intrigued! Apparently they make a good chutney. Also reading David Hamilton’s [**Where the Wild Things Grow**](https://www.davehamilton.co.uk/wherethewildthingsgrow/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **and** learning just how many of the wild plants that grow round here are edible. I’m recatergorising in a major way. Just found out that fuchsia flowers make a tasty treat and dahlia flowers can be used in a salad! _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### 9 Best Beaches for Rockpooling Around the UK URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/9-best-beaches-for-rockpooling-in-the-uk/ Last updated: 2024-05-23T17:37:07.000Z ## This time of year it’s so fun to be outside, making the most of the long days and coming home grubby and tired in that happy, summer kind of way. One day out that has been entertaining kids for centuries is a rock pooling adventure. There are plenty of places to discover marine wildlife says **Lucy Corkhill** There are also events run by wildlife groups to enable you to find out more about the creatures you discover. Go to the[**Wildlife Trusts**](http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) website to find out about your local Trust and their events. If you are going rock-pooling without a guide, make sure you check the local tide timetables. You can do that[**here**](http://www.tidetimes.org.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). It’ll save you a wasted trip if it’s high tide when you planned to rock-pool, plus it can save your life – no one wants to get stranded with the tide coming in. There are some rules to abide by when rock-pooling. Teach kids how to respect the marine creatures by gently scooping them in nets and returning them to the pools they came from. Never remove creatures from their habitat or leave them sitting in the sun; have a look at them, check your identification guide, maybe take a photo, and then carefully return them. Here are just some of the fantastic rock-pooling locations across the UK. ## Sign up for The Green Parent Bringing more joy and connection to your family life Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### **Wembury Beach, Plymouth** Bill Oddie the wildlife expert voted Wembury Beach his favourite rockpooling spot in the UK. Wembury Marine Centre usually hosts rockpool rambles throughout the summer - check this year for events. ### **Gerrans Bay, Portscatho** The whole bay is scattered with tiny rock pools that are home to an amazing array of fish, anemones and seaweed. Especially check out Towan Beach just over a mile west of the village. ### **Cuckmere Haven, East Sussex** Enjoy exploring the rock pools along the shingle beach at Cuckmere Haven Beach, situated at the point where the River Cuckmere meets the English Channel in East Sussex. Situated between Eastbourne and Seaford, Cuckmere Haven Beach is located next to the famous Seven Sisters chalk cliffs and sits within the Seven Sisters Country Park. ### **Llangrannog, Cardigan** Boasting superb coastal scenery coupled with two sandy beaches; the main one and the adjoining Cilborth Beach in a hidden cove. Llangrannog has always been popular with locals and visitors alike. ### **Poppit Sands, Pembrokeshire** Sheltered by sand dunes and awarded the Blue Flag status, Poppit Sands is a popular family beach, providing children with rock pools to explore at low tide and safe swimming areas patrolled by lifeguards during July and August. ### **East Beach, Dunbar** This beach is a great place for rock-pooling and relaxing. Dunbar’s Shore and Harbour Neighbourhood Group help to manage the beach and it has a Seaside Award from Keep Scotland Beautiful. ### **West Kirby Beach, Wirral** The sandy beach has excellent views across the mouth of the Dee Estuary to Wales, and also to the Hilbre Islands. At one end is Red Rocks, an area of sand dunes noted for the Natterjack Toad. The Hilbre Islands can be reached on foot from the beach. The Adjacent Red Rocks is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) noted for its Natterjack Toad population. The beach also has many rock pools. There are a number of walks in the area including the Wirral way. ### **Culzean Country Park, Ayrshire** Culzean Country Park boasts no less than five kilometres of magnificent coastline. From the sand dunes at the south end of the park to the rugged rocky shoreline pitted with rock pools, caves and rock arches, the shore and beaches of sand and shingle stretch all the way to Croy Shore, the northern boundary of the park. ### **Lindisfarne/ Holy Island, Northumberland** Holy Island or Lindisfarne is a wilderness location which boasts a diversity of wildlife habitats. Sitting on the top of the easterly section of the Whin Sill, this small island is separated from the mainland by a narrow causeway which is covered by water at high tide. Golden beaches, blue seas and a vast array of wildlife are some of the highlights of a trip to this natural treasure trove. ### **What to take with you:** A bucket and/or a transparent plastic tray to use when looking at the creatures you’ve found - A net - Magnifying glass - A book to identify the things you find –[**Collins Gem**](https://amzn.to/3INp09x?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) are always useful - Non-slip shoes - A towel - Warm clothes and dry socks to put on after - A flask of a hot drink to warm everyone up post-rockpooling adventure ### How to Make Moon Milk and Other Chamomile Treats URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/how-to-make-moon-milk-and-other-chamomile-treats/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:40.000Z ## Iremember the discovery that many of the weeds that kept popping up in my garden actually had incredible and much needed medicinal uses. And the utter childlike joy that accompanied it says **Becky O'Cole**! That bed of nettles was actually rich in minerals and an amazing tonic for restoring general health to the body as well as enriching the soil. Dandelion was an under-utilised spring green, delicious sautéed for lunch and also beneficial as a liver tonic. Plantain became the herb I reached out for to soothe pesky splinters and other sore skin complaints. I started to notice the self-heal plant that grew around the periphery of my lawn. The chickweed that enjoyed sprawling over my vegetable beds in the polytunnel was now no longer thrown onto the compost heap but rather gathered into my garden trug and brought home to be blitzed into a delicious pesto or soaked in oil to make the perfect baby balm for my newborn. ### My own herbal medicine My wild hedgerow not only protects me from the salty winds that batter the Atlantic coast here in County Antrim, Ireland, but also supplies me with a rich source of herbal medicines. It has been shown that the abundant, antioxidant-rich berries of the hawthorn and elder can indeed gently boost our health during those challenging winter months. The spring greens such as dandelion, cleavers and chickweed that grow in the shelter of the hedge provide a gentle detox to the body and a tonic when used in infused vinegars and teas. In summer, the abundance of blossom calls for heart medicine – flower essences to shift energy, blossoms tinctured and edible flowers made into the ultimate celebratory food. Here we’re working with the pretty, apple scented chamomile, which has long been associated with sleep and as a nerve tonic. I’d say it’s one herb we should all grow! It’s time to start your own home apothecary. And starting small is good. A home apothecary can be anything from a row of glass jars filled with dried herbs for teas to a cupboard of syrups, infusing tinctures, spiced vinegars and sweet herbal honeys. --- ## *CHAMAEMELUM NOBILE & MATRICARIA CHAMOMILLA* **FAMILY:** *Asteracae* **PARTS USED:** Flowers **ENERGETICS:** Cooling and drying **ACTIONS:** Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, bitter, carminative, nervine and vulnerary **SAFETY:** Avoid use if allergic to members of the *Asteracae* family. ### **PLANT PROFILE** One of my first experiences of using herbs medicinally was with chamomile. A couple of dusty teabags lived at the back of our cupboard and would be pulled out as a last resort to induce sleep. I never really gave chamomile much more thought until I began to grow it myself from seed. Freshly grown chamomile is a world apart from those old teabags! Verdant, fresh and with an apple-like scent, chamomile is one herb that we should all grow. Pretty to look at with its daisy-like flowers, it takes little effort to grow chamomile and is fool-proof to look after once established. A summer’s worth of blossom, dried, can fill up quite a few jars and keep you going through the colder seasons. ### **IDENTIFICATION** Chamomile looks quite similar to a daisy. The white-petalled flowers have a bright yellow centre and sit on a long stem. The leaves are feathery in appearance and pinnate. There is another plant that’s similar to chamomile called pineapple weed (*Matricaria discoidea*). This is actually a chamomile too but is usually found growing in the wild. It has a protruding, domed, yellow centre and almost unnoticeable petals and feathery leaves. It grows close to the ground and loves pavements and well-worn, compacted areas. Pineapple weed smells similar to chamomile but with a beautiful pineapple edge and has similar relaxing properties. ### **USES OF CHAMOMILE** Chamomile is well known as a herb that has an affinity with sleep. As a nervine it works beautifully to calm anxiety and is a great herb to drink in a tea before bed – it works equally well for overexcited children as well as overworked and worn-out adults! Chamomile helps to relax the peripheral nerves as well as muscles, which has an overall calming effect on the entire body along with the mind. Try brewing a mug of Chamomile Moon Milk (recipe below) to experience the effects of this soporific and reassuring herb. To calm babies that are fussy due to teething, try saturating a fabric teether or muslin in cooled chamomile tea and freeze it for a natural remedy for sore gums. Chamomile is also an excellent remedy for upset tummies. Its antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties are all great at helping to soothe intestinal walls and ease gas and indigestion. A cup of strong chamomile tea can be sipped throughout the day to calm and hydrate the system. You could also combine a few drops of chamomile essential oil in a carrier oil of choice and massage onto the tummy for relief. For a cramping tummy, try a warm external compress using a strong chamomile tea. ![Hands holding a glass jar containing dried chamomile flowers](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/03/NighttimeGlycerite_215.jpg) Dried chamomile flowers help to calm and hydrate the system ### **CHAMOMILE FOR THE SKIN** Personally, one of my favourite ways to use chamomile is in skincare. With a family prone to dry skin, I use chamomile daily for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties. I use it on my young children to clear rashes and soothe sensitive skin. I love to make an infused oil from the dried flowers and use this as the base for many skincare products. A bath combining soothing chamomile and oats in a base of nourishing cocoa butter is great for sore and parched skin. Finally, chamomile is a lovely herb to reach for to ease stuffed-up sinuses and congestion, as the anti-catarrhal properties can help to release the build-up of mucus. Try the flowers steeped in a tea or use them in a steam inhalation by pouring boiling water into a basin and adding a handful of chamomile. Once the water is cool enough to be comfortable, lower your head over the basin (covered with a towel) and take deep breaths. ### **HARVESTING & PREPARATION** Chamomile flowers are ready for harvest in mid-summer. Harvest the flowers on a dry morning when they are open. Pick the heads off the flowers and arrange on a tray in a warm, dry place inside or, alternatively, use a food dehydrator set at around 37ºC. --- ## CHAMOMILE MOON MILK When the night rolls in and it is finally time to put my feet up and grab a book, I love nothing more than a cup of this calming and relaxing moon milk. The gentle ritual of warming the milk with these calming herbs and pouring it into my favourite ceramic mug is a beautiful reminder to my body that the day is complete. With its creamy flavour, this milk is grounding and settling for the nervous system and the combination of chamomile and lavender, two gentle but powerful nervines, helps to ease away any lingering worries and usher in a deep, restorative sleep. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **YOU WILL NEED** - 1 mug of oat or whole milk - 2 teaspoons dried or fresh chamomile flowers - Pinch of dried or fresh lavender flowers - 1 teaspoon local honey or maple syrup - Tea strainer ### **METHOD** 1. Pour the milk into a small saucepan and sprinkle in the chamomile and lavender. Make sure you don’t add more than a pinch of lavender as it is a strong-tasting herb and can easily overwhelm the moon milk if too much is used. 2. Gently warm the milk and herbs for around 5 minutes, making sure you don’t boil the milk. 3. After 5 minutes strain the milk into your mug using a tea strainer. Sweeten with the honey or maple syrup. --- ![Photograph of hands and a bath melt made with oats, cocoa butter and dried flowers](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/03/ChamomileOatBathMelt_822_780_455.jpg) This chamomile and oat bath melt is great for itchy, sore skin ## CHAMOMILE & OAT BATH MELT These bath melts are a complete luxury for itchy, sore skin or those who suffer from eczema. The chamomile flowers create a beautiful bath infusion that treats skin complaints while the oats are soothing and calming to the epidermis. Once made, the bath melts will last about six months in a dry, airtight container. ### **YOU WILL NEED** - 1 tablespoon rolled oats - 1 tablespoon dried chamomile flowers - 70g cocoa butter - 1 /2 tablespoons chamomile and calendula-infused sunflower oil - 10 drops lavender essential oil - 8 drops mandarin essential oil - Small silicon cupcake mould - Double boiler or thick-bottomed saucepan - Muslin - Raffia twine ### **METHOD** 1. Combine the oats and chamomile flowers in a clean, dry bowl. Sprinkle into the silicon moulds, filling these until they are about half-full. 2. Melt the cocoa butter in a double boiler or saucepan over a low heat. Once melted, add the infused sunflower oil and essential oils, and stir well. Pour the mixture into the filled moulds until you reach the top. Allow to cool overnight. 3. Once the bath melts are completely hard, pop them out of the moulds, wrap each one in a small square of muslin and secure in place with some raffia twine. ### **TO USE** Place the bath melt in a warm bath and let it dissolve gradually to create a soothing, milky bath, fragrant with calming oils and herbs. The leftover herbs and oats in the cloth create a sort of bath teabag, infusing the water further with skin nourishing benefits. ### **VARIATIONS** You can adjust this recipe to make many variations. Try infusing the sunflower oil with rose and lavender instead, swap out the chamomile flowers for rose petals and omit the mandarin oil for a bath melt that will bring back memories of summer. --- ## HOW TO MAKE AN INFUSED OIL ### **YOU WILL NEED** - Dried or wilted herb (chamomile and calendula for example) - Carrier oil (such as sunflower) - Clean, dry, wide-mouthed jar with lid, label - muslin and fine-mesh strainer, Storage bottle with lid ### **METHOD** 1. Roughly chop the dried or wilted herbs and place in the jar, filling it roughly half-full. 2. Pour the carrier oil, filling the jar and making sure all the herbs are covered. Use a clean, dry chopstick to stir and release any air bubbles. 3. Seal the jar with the lid and label, then let the oil infuse for 4 weeks, giving it a little shake every few days or so. 4. When ready, place a strainer lined with a piece of muslin over a jug. Pour the oil into the lined strainer. If you are using dried herbs, squeeze the muslin tightly to ensure all the oil has been removed from the herbs. If using wilted herbs, let the oil drip through into the jug, but do not squeeze the cloth. 5. Funnel the infused oil into a clean, dry bottle, seal with a lid and label. ***Becky Cole is a mother, forager, home herbalist and gardener living on an ethical, award-winning farm in Northern Ireland. She came across natural living when she was diagnosed with an autoimmune condition and became burnt out with her city life. Since moving to the country, she has become an avid gardener who grows vegetables, herbs and edible flowers and runs popular foraging walks, home apothecary workshops and natural skincare classes.*** ## MORE INSPIRATION **READ** [**The Garden Apothecary**](https://amzn.to/4asdkoE?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk): How to Transform Flowers, Weeds and Plants into Healing Remedies by Becky Cole *(£16.99 Hardie Grant)* **FIND** Events including Becky’s herbalism courses and wild kids’ club at her farm in Ballycastle[***broughgammon.com/events***](https://www.broughgammon.com/events/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### Make Your Own Festival First Aid Kit URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/make-your-own-festival-first-aid-kit/ Last updated: 2024-05-22T21:29:44.000Z ## How to make your own plant-based first aid kit by green witches, and herbalists, **Kaz and Fi** of the Seed SistAs ## At a festival, with so many people in one place, a few simple herbal remedies can go a long way. In our witchy workshop we see an array of adults and children for herbal first aid and general festival mending. **Here are some of the more common ailments and how we treat them.** **FIRST AID** A small pot of calendula and lavender lip balm is a festival must for cracked lips, cuts, grazes & burns. **TUMMY TIME** For diarrhoea we use digestive tonics, bitter and antiseptic herbs in tea or tincture form. Our belly blend tea includes camomile, fennel, vervain, peppermint and calendula. **WASP STINGS** Cider vinegar to neutralise the sting, dabbed onto the area straight away and reapplied regularly reduces swelling. ## Sign up for The Green Parent Bringing more joy and connection to your family life Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. **HEAT RASH & SUN BURN** Heat rash in babies is really common on hotter days, we use a two-fold approach: - Firstly cold chamomile tea dabbed onto the area with cotton wool - Secondly an oat-filled muslin cloth soaked in piping hot water so that it becomes slimy and milky. When cool enough, dabbed onto the skin it soothes and calms almost instantly. - Sunburn can be treated in the same way. In both cases, lots of water should be drunk to keep the body and skin hydrated. **HAYFEVER** A tea of plantain leaves and elderflowers is a great combo for hayfever sufferers. Find more [ways to treat hayfever naturally here](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/how-to-treat-hayfever-naturally/). **FUNGAL FEET** Lavender and tea tree essential oils sprinkled neat onto trench foot from days in rubber wellies! ## MORE INSPIRATION **READ** [**The Sensory Herbal Handbook**](https://amzn.to/3PvBTZA?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) by the Seed SistAs **DISCOVER**[***seedsistas.co.uk***](https://seedsistas.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **WATCH:** Meet the characters Nettle and Hawthorn in this brilliant series from the Seed SistAs. ### Go on a Summer Nature Walk URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/go-on-a-summer-nature-walk/ Last updated: 2024-05-20T16:19:38.000Z ## **Andy Hamilton** heads out on a nature walk with his son and daughter only to be confronted by big issues; death, religion and sex ## Daddy, can I eat this?” My daughter shouts up from the garden. I peer down from my bedroom/office window to see that she has been merrily collecting a bunch of different leaves and flowers to eat. She and her friend have been on their own nature walk out through the back garden and into the back lane and back again. She holds up some rose petals and I assure them that they are safe and that she won’t be poisoning her friend. “We’re going to live in the wild she shouts”. My heart warms, I can distinctly remember having the same thoughts at around the same age. It’s what led me to become a forager. Although, back when I was a child there were precious few wild food books published. We had none at home, nor did we know anyone who knew anything about wild food. And no internet! I had to wait to ignite my passion at a later age. I’m pleased that, in some small part, I’ve contributed towards the return of so much of the ancient knowledge we’ve lost. If my daughter and her friend are anything to go by, the next generation will be well educated in this knowledge. ### **SPOTTING LADYBIRDS** Later that day I’m out with my son and his friend, they have run on ahead, keen to explore the world around them without me. We are in a riverside park and they have found something. I’m beckoned over to a lime tree that is covered in red and black tiny shield like shapes. I pause for a second, I’ve seen this before but I’m trying to remember where. Some of them are wriggling frantically, we watch mesmerized for a few minutes until, out pops a ladybird. It’s a magical moment and we all gasp with delight. I’d always wondered how the strange, perhaps alien looking, infant ladybird (larvae) transforms into the ladybirds we all know and love. I had recognised the shields as looking like something in between a ladybird and their larvae. What we were looking at was a bunch of larvae attaching themselves to a tree before becoming adult ladybirds. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### The Green Parent Family Travel Awards 2024 URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/the-green-parent-family-travel-awards-2024/ Last updated: 2024-05-18T08:24:27.000Z ## I am so excited to bring you our **Green Parent Family Travel Awards** \- we asked you for your favourite places to stay, best travel products and more. Look no further to find the best break for you and your little ones in the coming year ## BEST SELF-CATERING HOLIDAYS ### **DEVON - WINNER: NORTH HAYNES FARM COTTAGES** Self-catering farm holidays that support nature (with nature trails around the farm and tree planting) and the local community (using local suppliers in their welcome packs). They are Plastic Free Champions and provide beach clean bags for guests to borrow. North Haynes are also accredited members of the International Exmoor Dark Skies Reserve programme and have a star gazing pack complete with telescope available for young astronomers. They also offer bat walks and talks, a forest school club, sensory activities and more. The cottages are heated using a bio mass heater and air source heat pump. They are North Devon Biosphere Partnership members and last year were announced as Gold Tourism Award winners.[**northhaynefarmcottages.co.uk**](https://northhaynefarmcottages.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/05/North-Haynes.jpg) ****NORTH HAYNES FARM COTTAGES** ### **DEVON - HIGHLY COMMENDED: PICKWELL MANOR** The heating system and hot water is generated by bio mass plant. 40% of electricity is generated by a solar plant with the balance coming from 100% renewable electricity. Water is provided by on site bore hole and treatment plant. There are electric bikes available to hire to explore the Devonshire hills, they’ve swapped out for all green toiletries and Who Gives a Crap toilet roll plus set up beehives to boost biodiversity. They have achieved the Green Tourism Gold award and Trip advisor 5-star rating.[**pickwellmanor.co.uk**](https://www.pickwellmanor.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/05/pickwellmanor.jpg) ****PICKWELL MANOR** ### **CORNWALL - WINNER: SEASCAPE ESCAPE** This is truly a chance to switch off – there’s no Wi-Fi at this old stone longhouse, built of local materials. The house systems are all powered by the sun, a local tree surgeon and by the guests. This is a holiday unlike any other. It’s gloriously quiet – and the views over land and sea are stunning. The house stands in a secluded location within 70-acres of private nature reserve, so guests can get up close to wildlife. There’s a home-built wood-fired hot tub, and at dusk, nestled in here you might spot bats, foxes, deer. Windsworth won Gold in South West Tourism's Better Environment Award in 2023.[**windsworth.org.uk**](https://windsworth.org.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/05/seascape.jpg) ****SEASCAPE ESCAPE** ### **CORNWALL - HIGHLY COMMENDED: LOWER TRENGALE** Lower Trengale Farm Holiday Cottages, are committed to promoting sustainable practices. They have solar panels to generate clean energy, cottages are fitted with water saving devices, eco cleaning products are provided and recycling encouraged. Even down to thermal curtains being used to reduce the need for excessive heating. The on-site honesty shop offers locally sourced products. Find out more at[**trengale.co.uk**](https://www.trengale.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/05/trengale.jpg) ****LOWER TRENGALE** ### **SOMERSET - WINNER: MIDDLEWICK** The Middlewick is run by Jill Barker, founder of Green Baby and author of Baby Green. Jill's new venture is run as a sustainable business setting an example for other businesses on how to be eco. The cottages, glamping, Spa, Farm Shop and Cafe are all powered with alternative environmental energy. The Farm Shop and Cafe use Local or Organic Sustainable ingredients throughout. The Spa uses natural and environmentally friendly products. Ingredients for the delicious food from the café is mostly grown in the cottage garden on site and there’s a commitment to zero waste policy for the farm shop and cafe.[**themiddlewick.co.uk**](https://themiddlewick.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/05/goat-yoga.jpg) ****MIDDLEWICK** ### **HIGHLY COMMENDED: RIVERSIDE HOLIDAY VILLAGE** In partnership with zero carbon specialists, Energy Oasis, Riverside Holiday Village have invested in a mass solar panel installation. No waste goes to landfill. The appliances are all being swapped out for energy efficient models and there is LED and PIR on demand lighting. Water is air-infused for lower consumption. Plans are in place to bring in heat pump technology. Last spring, they took the David Bellamy Blooming Marvellous Pledge for Nature.[**westcountryparks.co.uk**](https://westcountryparks.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/05/DJI_0108.jpg) ****RIVERSIDE HOLIDAY VILLAGE** ### **GLOUCESTERSHIRE - WINNER: BIBURY FARM BARNS** At Bibury Farm Barns there is no oil or gas on site - all heat and hot water within the 5 luxury (and heavily insulated) barns is provided by ground source heat pump. The solar scheme they fitted powers four of the properties and the office in the daytime. They use sustainable, ethical brands, such as Ecover wherever possible in guest supplies. They partner with the most local food producers for the generous complimentary breakfast hampers. This minimises food miles wherever possible. They use glass over plastic wherever possible and have a strict recycling policy.[**biburyfarm.com**](https://www.biburyfarm.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/05/old_hay_barn_mini_shepherds_hut_083.jpg) ****BIBURY FARM BARNS** ### **OXFORDSHIRE - WINNER: ECO CHIC HOLIDAY COTTAGES** Ahead of the curve in so many areas, Eco Chic Cottages has been run as a carbon neutral business since 2010\. They installed an EC charger in 2013\. They live by the maxim – ‘where luxury and sustainability meet’ and advocate the ‘many small steps’ approach to building sustainability into their business model. Insulation has been installed in each nook and cranny of the cottages. Gardens are managed organically where possible and there’s a wild meadow area. There’s an owl nesting box, hedgehog houses, bat boxes and bee hotels.[**ecochiccottages.com**](https://ecochiccottages.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/05/_MAR3103-Edit-2.jpg) ****ECO CHIC HOLIDAY COTTAGES** ### **SUFFOLK - WINNER: THE TUDOR BARN** Sustainability has been an important part of The Hall at Milden since the 1990s. In 2003 they won the first and only Gold Green Tourism Award in Suffolk. The Tudor Barn is partly heated by woodburner using wood coppiced on site. They generate more solar energy than the electricity they use. They run an annual Green Guest Champion award with a prize of a weekend stay and offer several challenges to guests such as the Green Transport Challenge. There’s plenty of bikes available to hire. They save rainwater and compost for the gardens, grow their own veg and support wildlife across the site.[**thehall-milden.co.uk**](https://www.thehall-milden.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/05/Tudor-barn-Milden.jpg) ****THE TUDOR BARN** ### **WALES - WINNER: BRECON RETREAT** At Brecon Retreat, the owners believe that being green isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. They work to raise awareness of living more green, to encourage guests to adopt greener ways of living, for when they return back home. There’s eco-friendly cleaning products, bath products packaged in biodegradable packaging and welcome hampers filled with local items. There are plants in the barns to help purify the air. Landscaping has been carefully designed to attract bees, butterflies or birds to feed. Properties are heated by a mix of ground source heat pump and a new biomass boiler. All employees are local residents.[**breconretreat.co.uk**](https://breconretreat.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/05/AP2_5356.jpg) ****BRECON RETREAT** ### **EUROPE - WINNER: LITTLE CLOGS** This is a collection of baby and toddler friendly holiday accommodation in Holland and Belgium. They feature holiday parks in natural woodland or coastal settings with woodland and dune trails, cycle networks and organic produce sold in the on-park shops. Each location is accessible by train or ferry. One of their locations is the first ever sustainably built holiday park in the Netherlands in partnership with Landal GreenParks. At each site, families are encouraged to explore and learn about the nature on the doorstep.[**little-clogs-holidays.co.uk**](https://little-clogs-holidays.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/05/Hof-van-Saksen.jpg) ****LITTLE CLOGS** ## **BEST CAMPING CLUB** ### **WINNER: GREENER CAMPING CLUB** The Greener Camping Club is committed to a number of environmental projects, such as the Trees for Life, where a tree is planted for every member. They’ve planted over 17,000 this year, that’s nearly 18 acres of woodland. The Club also distributes mixed variety wildflower seeds to each of its campsites, helping to provide food and habitat for a wide variety of butterflies and insects - as well as colourful, natural landscapes. To date over 1000 bat and nesting boxes have been donated. They also educate about renewable energy and resource consumption.[**greenercamping.org**](https://greenercamping.org/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/05/3.jpg) ****GREENER CAMPING CLUB** ## **BEST CAMPSITE** ### **WINNER PEGS AND PITCHES, SUSSEX** This is off-grid camping at its best – it’s all about living lightly on the land. The only power used at Pegs and Pitches campsites are solar lamps, wind-up lanterns and low energy battery led units. The majority of the loos are compost toilets, meaning less water usage and great fertiliser for the trees. The outdoor bucket showers use ten times less water than a power shower. All shower gel, shampoo, hand soap and washing up liquid provided is ecologically friendly. These campsites (in Sussex) are based on a philosophy of living in harmony with nature. The forest camping ethos is to protect and enhance the environment. Fallen branches and decaying trees help to maintain a healthy and vibrant ecosystem which enhance your interactions with nature. They ask campers not to collect any firewood from the surrounding forest and to only to use wood supplied by them or from a sustainable supplier.[**pegsandpitches.co.uk**](https://pegsandpitches.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/05/Copy-of-Bell-tent_Beech-Estate-2023--2---1-.jpg) ****PEGS AND PITCHES** ### **HIGHLY COMMENDED: THE SECRET CAMPSITE, SUSSEX** The Secret Campsite has been landscaped for wildlife. The pitches are large with trees left to grow in between. They opened in 2012 and make every decision based on the permanent residents at the site, the mammals, birds, reptiles, butterflies and plants that live there. They harvest rainwater for toilet flushing, no cars are allowed on site, so safe for kids and wildlife and there are 3 EV charging points. The camping areas are grazed by sheep over winter. This maintains an open habitat which is great for wildflowers and our native fauna. They host regular 24 Hours in Nature events aimed at families and small groups and an annual Secret Wildlife Festival.[**thesecretcampsite.co.uk**](https://thesecretcampsite.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/05/theWashHouseExteriortheSecretCampsiteZoeHolland.jpg) ****THE SECRET CAMPSITE** ## **BEST GLAMPING** ### **WINNER: PENHEIN, MONMOUTHSHIRE** Penhein is a family-run farm in Monmouthshire, South Wales. In the centre of the farm, tucked away in secluded woodland surrounded by countryside, is Penhein Glamping, eight beautiful alachigh (alla-cheeg) tents, each designed with everything needed to feel at home in the great outdoors. Winners of the Green Tourism Gold Standard, the Welsh Green Key Award for sustainability in the hospitality industry, amongst many others, the farm and glampsite are run with sustainability and conservation as the guiding principles. Water is from the spring on site and all wood comes from fallen timber or dead trees on site. New trees and hedgerow are being planted every year. There is a strong recycling policy and a commitment to buy locally and sustainably.[**penhein.co.uk**](https://www.penhein.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/05/adventureplay.jpg) ****PENHEIN** ### **HIGHLY COMMENDED SECRET MEADOWS, SUFFOLK** Secret Meadows was set up in 2012 to provide high-end glamping accommodation with a ‘green’ ethos. Profits go directly back into the nature conservation charity which owns the 115-acre Soil Association registered site. They have held a Green Tourism Gold Award since opening. All but two of the accommodation units are off-grid. There’s an off-grid wood-fired hot tub and organic towels, eco-friendly products etc. provided. A wealth of information is provided to guests including local places to eat and visit, cycling and walking routes, night sky maps, and flora and fauna to be found through the seasons.[**secretmeadows.co.uk**](https://www.secretmeadows.co.uk/index.aspx?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/05/Luxury-Lodge-Tent-Secret-Meadows.jpg) ****SECRET MEADOWS** ### **HIGHLY COMMENDED RUNACH, THE ISLE OF ARRAN** Sustainability and green ethics lie at the heart of Runach. These Scottish made yurts are located on a nature rich site with an orchard and meadow. They are off grid with solar lighting, log burners to provide heat and cooking (using local wood) and quirky upcycled furniture. Each yurt has a private bathroom with luxury waterless, compost toilet (with waste composted on site), bamboo toilet roll and all green electricity for the hot water and showers. Alongside the glamping, there’s a food forest garden which is an accredited demonstration site for regenerative agriculture and permaculture.[**runacharainn.com**](https://runacharainn.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/05/yurt-1-monamore.jpg) ****RUNACH** ## **BEST TRAVEL ACCESSORIES** ### **WINNER: LITTLE LUGGAGE** Sustainability is really important to The Little Luggage Co; they didn't want to create just another 'fast fashion' brand. All luggage and packing accessories are made from recycled polyester and contain other recycled and eco-friendly materials where possible. 5% of the sales of our suitcase sticker set are donated to the Marine Conservation Society UK. They use minimal cardboard and recyclable packaging and do small things like keeping things local in terms of photoshoot locations and packaging suppliers; and supporting local mum-owned businesses for photography and marketing etc. to keep their environmental impact as low as possible.[**littleluggage.co.uk**](https://www.littleluggage.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/05/eco-friendly-recycled-fun-cute-scandi-print-children-s-mum-baby-parent-carry-on-cabin-suitcase-unisex-packing-cubes-organiser-packing-hack-laundry-bag.jpg) ****LITTLE LUGGAGE** ### **HIGHLY COMMENDED: NUNA** Nuna products are mindfully manufactured in their factory that is ISO 14001-certified, which means that they have implemented environmental management systems in the manufacturing process such as the use of solar power, exhaust water treatment and recycling programmes that work to reduce waste created from plastics and packaging. While all these initiatives are worthwhile individually, Nuna strives to continually improve the overall systems that they have in place to maintain their position on the cutting edge of environmentally conscious production and design. [**nunababy.com**](https://nunababy.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/05/Nuna-TRIV.jpg.jpg) ****NUNA** ## **BEST** TRAVEL BRAND ### **WINNER: TRUNKI** Kids are at the heart of the Trunki brand. The factory where the UK made cases are produced, in Plymouth, uses 100% green energy. Since 2012 the shipping carton can be reused as a kennel for your Trunki. Several years ago they cut the card used in retail packaging by 50%, sourcing PEFC card and eco inks. The Trunki is now made with 50% recycled plastic and can be fully recycled at the end of its life at local recycling centres. There are no metal screws or pins included. [**trunki.co.uk**](https://www.trunki.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/05/Portway_Dudley_Roar_Low_CMYK-1.jpg) ****TRUNKI** ### **HIGHLY COMMENDED: WI**GHTLINK Wightlink is the leading cross-Solent ferry operator and the new Green Solent Project uses the latest energy-saving technology, lowering emissions. The introduction of the hybrid energy flagship ferry, Victoria of Wight, uses 17% less fuel than the next largest ship in their fleet. They are undergoing a trial to install solar panels to generate electricity at the ports and onboard. Wight Taste partners with a range of local suppliers and eliminated single use plastics in 2018\. They are proud to send zero waste to landfill. General waste that cannot be recycled is turned into an alternative fuel that displaces fossil fuels. [**wightlink.co.uk**](https://www.wightlink.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/05/Family-outside-on-board-Wightlink-Ferry-in-summer.jpg) ****WIGHTLINK** ## **BEST FESTIVAL** ### **WINNER: JUST SO FESTIVAL, CHESHIRE** The annual festival for families (from 16-18 August) is part of ecolibrium, a ground-breaking initiative which has balanced emissions from over 13 million travel miles to events since 2015, with donations helping to power wind turbines in India. They have also funded a community-owned wind-turbine in the Forest of Dean and contributed to Solar for Schools. They reduced waste significantly in 2018 by 35% with recycling bins around the site and in the campsite. No single use plastic is sold on site and all traders offer a discount for those who bring their own cup. They work with the same traders year on year so that they know the audience and quantities of food to bring with them, reducing wastage.[**justsofestival.org.uk**](https://justsofestival.org.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/05/Festivalgoers-at-Just-So-Festival.jpg) ****JUST SO** ### **HIGHLY COMMENDED: HEBCELT, THE HEBRIDES** HebCelt takes place in the Outer Hebrides from 17-20 July, and is one of the most unique locations for a festival, but the islands are of course being impacted by climate change. HebCelt is committed to finding ways to lessen their carbon footprint and to run a more environmentally sensitive festival. They are using more green energy (they are teamed with Plus Zero to test hydrogen power supply), use reusable cups and compostable foodware, have banned single use plastic and have a dedicated volunteer team to oversee recycling and waste. They encourage sustainable travel for festival-goers.[**hebceltfest.com**](https://www.hebceltfest.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/05/Crowd-2---Sat---AY---hcf23.jpg) ****HEBCELT** ### **Download the full Family Travel Guide 2024 here:** [FTG24 digiFTG24 digi.pdf37 MBdownload-circle](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/content/files/2024/05/FTG24-digi.pdf "Download") ### The Secret Ingredient in my Power Breakfast! URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/the-secret-ingredient-in-my-power-breakfast/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:40.000Z ## Every week I’ll be popping by to share parenting challenges and wins, recipes, foraging ideas and more. I’ll let you know what my 4-year-old and I are up to – cool places we’ve been, books we’re reading and what our home education journey looks like says **Melissa Corkhill**. This will be especially written and curated for our [**Premium**](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/#/portal/) members. When you sign up you’ll receive this straight to your inbox every week. Scroll down to get me, in your inbox, on the regular. This first edition of **What I’m Loving Right Now** is available to everyone! This week I’ve been mainly working – 5am starts and late nights to build our new website, alongside our home education days. A big shout out to my partner for all the fort-holding, lego-building, meal-cooking, meltdown-managing that he’s done so that I could get our shiny new website finished! ### **Here are some of my highlights:** ### **BRIGHTON FESTIVAL** The city is in full festival swing – I love it! I picked up the Fringe programme a couple of days ago, and there’s about 20 events a day, or more, to choose from. Last week we joined the Home Educators in the annual kids’ parade – it was so much fun and pretty emotional (I had a cry before we'd even started!). Each child decorated their own dream cloud (either sweet, or nightmare). One of the children who'd created a nightmare cloud had written 'school' in bold on the front. We had a giggle because we were sandwiched between every schoolkid in the entire city! We also went to a free outdoor art installation called 100 Miles of String – I wasn’t expecting to fall in love with the practice of wrapping string. If you’re in Brighton, and looking for something to do on a sunny day, go do it – it’s surprisingly meditative, and playful. Artists Leap Then Look need some help too - there's a lot more string required - they'd used 7 miles of string when we added our spools. You can crawl right underneath the structure and the invitation is to 'weave, wind and criss-cross the installation, creating complex patterns and dense webs'. I love that we've woven bits of this collaborative project in the heart of our city - planning to go back and see how it's progressed tomorrow! ![A photograph showing a large willow and tissue paper swan being walked through the streets of Brighton](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/05/b1cf7ad4-ffac-4870-b5a7-eadd792bf98f-copy-2.jpg) One of the home-educators' big builds for the annual Brighton Children's Parade ### **SUNFLOWER GROWING** I was so excited to receive a sunflower growing kit from Simon at[**strawbaleveg.co.uk**](http://www.strawbaleveg.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) a couple of weeks back. The little one and I got started straight away, tucking the seeds into the organic compost provided, and this week we’ve got plants ready to pot on. I think it’s the first time my daughter’s really engaged with the whole seed-to-plant experience and believe me, those plants are her ‘babies’. She's been carefully observing their growth and accessing what they each need. The kit is brilliant – everything you need to grow 18 sunflowers and 6 beans, packed neatly into a cardboard box, with clear step-by-step instructions. Plus organic compost and reusable seed trays. There are 3 different varieties of sunflower (I'm intrigued to see what they'll look like when they flower - love the look of Ring of Fire). I thoroughly recommend the kit – it’s a really simple way to get started growing with little ones. ### **HARVESTING AND MAKING** I’ve got a couple of bottles and Kilner jars full of rhubarb champagne brewing away, which I’ve been burping regularly so that we don’t end up with exploding bottles and sticky liquid everywhere. My eldest and I had a sample the other day and the fermentation still has a way to go - it's still very sweet, but has a lovely rhubarb flavour. The nettles are great at the moment - I use them to pack a punch in my morning smoothie. I pick a bag of nettle tops (avoiding all the ones with chrysalises or caterpillar evidence!). Then I blanch them in off-the-boil water and lay them in a thin sheet in the freezer. When I come to use them, I can just break off a shard of nettle goodness. **Here's my smoothie recipe:** 1 banana, handful of frozen greens (nettle tops or spinach leaves), 1.5 cup of oat milk or water, 1 tablespoon coconut oil, 1 tablespoon cacao powder, plus 1 tablespoon peanut butter. Blend all ingredients together and enjoy. I drink this every morning through the whole year. #creatureofhabit Nettles are packed with vitamins A, C and K and loads of minerals including calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and sodium and research suggests they can help to control blood sugar and reduce inflammation too. And they taste deliciously earthy! ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **A DECADENT TREAT** I'm so happy to have discovered the delicious[**Argan and Sea Buckthorn Face Oil**](https://www.bluelabelle.co.uk/product/argan-sea-buckthorn-face-oil-30ml/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) from Blue Labelle. It won Bronze in our Natural Beauty Awards a while back and it’s an amazing product. So rich and nourishing, and smells absolutely gorgeous! It's recommended for those over 30 to keep skin in optimum condition. My skin is grateful for it - it certainly feels rejuvenated. A couple of drops work well under moisturiser for daytime use. Throughly recommend - it's a real treat! ### **READING** I’ve just finished A Room Called Earth by Madeleine Ryan, which I really enjoyed. It's written by a neurodiverse author and explores the challenges of social interaction and relating to others, in real depth. It's slow and considered, not a pacy page-turner. And I've just started The View From Down Here: Life as a Young Disabled Woman by Lucy Webster. It's a powerful, honest memoir about the struggles of a being a disabled woman, living at the intersection of sexism and ableism. I'm learning so much, and there's so much to think about. My daughter and I are loving Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lingren - these books are so uplifting and funny. We're enjoying reading about Pippi's unconventional life and superhuman strength. She's unpredictable and my daughter loves that she has NO rules! We've laughed a lot at the antics of Pippi and her pet monkey, Mr. Nilsson. And had lots of discussion about life with no-one telling you what to do! I'd love to share these emails with you regularly. If you want to hear what I'm up to every week, click the button below to join our [**Premium**](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/#/portal/) membership and we can get to know each other in the comments. [Yes! I want regular newsy emails!](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/#/portal/) When you've signed up tell me in the comments what you're reading right now - I love receiving book recommendations. Can't wait to hang out with you! Love from ***Melissa*** **ps:** Sign up to hear about my favourite exercise, how we structure our home ed week and a seriously fine white chocolate blondie recipe - oh yeah! I'll pop into your inbox next Thursday with all the juicy news - just click the button above. **pps:** There are more benefits: As well as joining our [**Premium**](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/#/portal/) community, you’ll also get a digital download of the[**latest issue of the magazine**](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/new-edition-hot-off-the-presses/)delivered into your email inbox, exclusive content, plus a whole host of other goodies. ### My Baby Hates Having His Nappy Changed - Help! URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/my-baby-hates-having-his-nappy-changed-help/ Last updated: 2026-10-06T21:28:23.000Z ## **Dr. Laura Markham** answers your questions **Q* My 11 month old is really happy he's learned to sit up, explore everything within hand’s reach and roll during nappy changes. He gets so distraught at changing time when I prevent him from using these new skills. If I flip him back onto his back after he's rolled onto his tummy giggling or if I keep him from practicing his sit-up skills he turns from happy giggles to sobs and tears. And it is clear that he thinks I am being mean by not allowing him this sweet play exploration that prevents me changing his nappy... he tells me he's so frustrated in his sobs and yells of "mumma".* *I've tried many different things to distract him or keep his attention... toys, dancing, singing, talking, music... all to no avail. He wants to sit-up, roll over and play with whatever nappy accessory I've brought his way. I hate that he hates changing time and have no idea what to do. The changes now trigger anxiety for him. I can totally understand his upset during certain changing times such as middle of the night wet nappies while he's hungry and sleepy. But what can I do during other times when he's clearly distressed that my changing his nappy is preventing him from newfound skills and exploring?* **A** Most little ones go through stages when they resist nappy changes. By eleven months old, your child is old enough to want to be more in charge of his body and his time. He doesn't want an adult to swoop in and pick him up and disrobe him when he's busy with something. So unless you have the rare child who is uncomfortable in a wet nappy, then he has no incentive to want a nappy change. How can you enrol him in this necessary-but-often not-fun-for-either-of-you task? Often, simply slowing down and connecting changes everything. Sometimes, giving the child control is the key to avoiding a power struggle. Often, not interrupting their play solves the problem by meeting their needs as well as yours. And sometimes you will probably find yourself resorting to distraction. So here's a list of ideas to try, most of which will work sometimes, or for awhile. You may find some good combinations that work for you. I suggest printing this list and adding to it as you come up with more solutions that work for you and your child. ## Sign up for The Green Parent Bringing more joy and connection to your family life Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. 1. **Slow down** If you treat this as a chance to connect and enjoy your child, she's more likely to enjoy the connection and therefore cooperate with the nappy change. If you rush through it like it's something unpleasant, she will react as if she is being held down and subjected to something unpleasant. Which, indeed, a nappy change is, when you rush. Imagine having the intimate parts of your body touched in that brusque, rushed way. 2. **Be more present** Mindfulness researcher Cassandra Vieten suggests that our ability to stay present and aware during a nappy change models for our children how they can stay grounded in the face of their own discomfort. She stresses bringing compassionate, open-hearted full presence to the nappy change, rather than just rushing through it. In fact, she calls this the "Mindful Nappy Change Practice." (And you thought you didn't have time for mindfulness practices anymore!) 3. **Connect with him** Children are always more likely to cooperate with us if we connect first. Take a deep breath. Get on your child's level and connect. Comment on what he's doing. Then, point out that his nappy is wet. Ask if he has noticed it. This gives him an opportunity to check in with his body. (This is a good foundation block for eventual potty learning.) He also feels, since you've connected, like you're on his side. You aren't just pushing him around, which of course would make him feel resistant. 4. **Give her some respect** Magda Gerber, founder of RIE, taught that even though babies can't understand our words, they feel the difference when they're treated with respect. So from the time they're infants, instead of just scooping them up, move slowly and explain what's happening. Receptive language is about a year ahead of expressive language, so your child already understands much more than you think. And even tiny babies understand your tone of voice. If you do this from the time your baby is born, they have better associations with nappy changes and don't build up such resistance. 5. **Give him some control and choice** Always ask "Ready for a nappy change?" If he says no, say, "Your nappy is wet. Do you want to change it now or in three minutes? 3 minutes? Ok, let's shake on it!" 6. **Get her laughing** Laughter reduces stress hormones and increases bonding hormones. So getting your child laughing for ten minutes is always a good strategy when you know you'll need cooperation. Before you start the nappy change, start roughhousing in a way that makes your child squeal with laughter. Chase her around the house, be completely silly. After ten minutes, make the nappy change part of the fun. 7. **Help him transition...** by taking an object he's involved with and carrying it with you. For instance, "Let's drive the truck to the changing table!" 8. **Don't make her move** If you can, use a portable changing pad and change her where she is playing, so there's less interruption to whatever she's working on. 9. **Don't interrupt his play** Play is your baby's work. Naturally, he doesn't want to be interrupted. Why not change his nappies standing up, if they're just wet? This will minimize the times that is necessary to ask him to lie down, so he is more likely to cooperate when absolutely necessary for messy changes. Since he may not be fully stable yet, pick a toy he likes and put it on the sofa, and stand him against the sofa. (I know it's harder than lying down, but if you practice, you get good at it. I did this with my daughter beginning at 11 months, until she was out of nappies.) 10. **Invite her to a party** Most kids can't resist a party. Grab the drum, have a conga line, sing and dance your way to the bedroom: "Gonna change that nappy right off of your bum!" or "Happiness is a clean nappy" or whatever song gets her moving. 11. **Let him do the walking** Many kids object to being carried off to be changed, but if you're making it into a party and he's dancing along into his room next to you in celebration, he's actively taking part in the plan, not feeling pushed around. 12. **Ease into it by first changing her doll or teddy’s nappy** Let her help. Shower admiration on Teddy during his nappy change. Then say, "Your turn! Are you ready like Teddy?" 13. **Ask for his help** Team up with your child to get the job done. For instance, maybe he would like to take off his own nappy? Kids love mastering new skills. Tell him what you are doing at each step and involve him, for instance, "I'm going to wipe you now - do you want to hold the cloth?". Ask him to put his feet flat and lift up his bottom so you can slide the nappy under him, if he doesn't want to, say "Ok, I'm going to lift your bottom now to put the nappy under you." 14. **Empathize** "Does that feel cold on your bottom?" When your child gets upset, try not to get reactive. Instead, soften and stay compassionate. That way she'll know it isn't actually an emergency, that you understand, and that you are looking out for her best interests. 15. **Make it something to look forward to** When you absolutely have to ask him to lie down for a change, for instance when there's a messy nappy, have a basket of toys ready that he only has access to at changing time. You might even go wild and find very small presents that you actually wrap in newspaper, and put in the basket. Every nappy change, he chooses one. What kinds of presents? Stuff you have around the house, or would have bought him anyway: Measuring spoons or a funnel, small board books, little figures, a block with a letter A on it, a roll of masking tape, clay or playdough with a plastic garlic press so he can make "noodles," a puppet, a tiny torch, little wind-up toys, stickers, an unbreakable mirror, you get the idea. You can even re-wrap things that he's left lying around and has forgotten about. 16. **De-personalize it** If this feels like a power struggle, depersonalize it by setting the alarm for three minutes. Tell her: "When the alarm rings, it is three minutes and time for your nappy change, ok?" When the alarm rings, say "Oh, listen, there's the alarm, it's been three minutes - Time for that nappy change!" Then help her transition using one of the other ideas on this list. 17. **Provide live entertainment** If he's fussing, try singing to him very softly. He will usually stop fussing to listen to you. Sing, dance, kiss his belly, blow down his neck, make as many silly faces and noises as you can. Somewhere in there, get the nappy changed as unobtrusively as possible. 18. **Keep an audio that has an interesting story on it ready to turn on while you change her** She might even come to look forward to the next instalment. 19. **Let him decorate** Keep a stash of stickers by the changing table. Every nappy change, let him choose one that he is allowed to put on the wall next to the table. Most important of all? Don't make nappy changing into a battle. No little person should regularly be held down while their clothing is pulled off. That's not a good foundation for learning consent as they get older. And really, power struggles about someone else's body are not power struggles you can win. No one approach will always work, so you'll have to mix and match and be willing to try different things. But keep your sense of humour, and remember that this too shall pass. It will seem like the blink of an eye before you find yourself trying to get your five year old to take his bath! ## **MORE INSPIRATION** **VISIT**[***peacefulparenthappykids.com***](https://www.peacefulparenthappykids.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) for articles and ideas on raising secure, confident kids **READ** Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids: How to Stop Yelling and Start Connecting by Dr. Laura Markham ### Kangaroo Care: The Power of Skin-to-Skin URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/kangaroo-care-the-power-of-skin-to-skin/ Last updated: 2024-05-15T09:24:49.000Z ## **Alice Allan** writes about the importance of kangaroo care for premature babies ## When babies are born early, when they are sick and need to be in hospital, parents desperately want to be near them. In my work in hospitals in Ethiopia and the UK as a lactation consultant, I have met mothers and fathers spending countless hours by their child’s cot, helping with feeds, and when they could, holding their babies next to their skin, in kangaroo care. ### **What is kangaroo care?** Kangaroo care is a method of holding a baby that involves skin-to-skin contact. The baby, who is naked except for a nappy, is placed in an upright position against a parent’s bare chest. This helps fragile babies survive, develops protection against allergies and infection all while regulating breathing, temperature and heart rate. Ideally it should be with the baby’s mother, for as well as helping her bond and breastfeed, she is his ‘niche’. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Welcome to Your New Parenting Haven! URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/welcome-to-your-new-parenting-haven/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:40.000Z ## Welcome to the new online home of ***The Green Parent*** magazine. We’ve been beavering away behind the scenes for months now to bring you a lovely online hangout! ### **Let me give you a sneak peek at what's in store:** **Solid advice, straight from the source:** No more frantic 3am Google searches and conflicting advice! We’ve a bank of parenting experts here to provide you with the guidance and support you need, no matter what curveballs parenthood throws your way. **A judgment-free zone:** Parenthood is a proper rollercoaster – right?! That's why our community is all about lifting each other up, sharing triumphs and tribulations, and reminding each other that we're in this together. **Curated content, just for you:** We know that every family is unique, which is why we've curated a treasure trove of articles, videos, and resources tailored to your specific needs and interests. Select the stage you’re at and get stuck in! **Exclusive member benefits:** As a [**member of the Green Parent family**](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/#/portal/signup), you'll unlock access to a whole host of perks and privileges, from discounts on lovely natural parenting stuff to VIP access to ALL our content. Find out more[**here**](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/#/portal/signup). ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. **Heaps of inspiration:** Get ready to be inspired, entertained, and empowered as you embark on this crazy, beautiful journey called parenthood. From heartwarming stories to uplifting ideas, we're here to remind you that there's joy to be found in every messy, magical moment. **Got questions?** We’ve got answers! Chat to us using the Chatra chat box in the bottom left 💚 or send us a message on our [**contact page**](https://thegreenparent.co.uk/contact-us/) Love from ***Melissa*** ps: Thanks for popping by – I'm so happy you're here! ### 69 Brilliant Family Festivals for Summer 2024 URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/69-brilliant-family-festivals-for-summer-2024/ Last updated: 2025-02-15T09:57:30.000Z ## Check out this guide to the best family festivals and gatherings happening across the UK. From tiny camps to bombastic music extravaganzas we’ve packed it in here. Plus 8 things not to leave home without! This year to help you plan your ultimate adventure, we’ve grouped our favourite events into themes. So whether you’re looking for something small and intimate, or you want to see big names in a safe, secure environment, you’ll find it here. We’re so excited to share the best family festivals of 2024 with you! ## **IF YOU WANT AN EVENT ESPECIALLY GEARED TOWARDS FAMILIES** ### [**ELDERFLOWER FIELDS**](https://south.elderflowerfields.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Pippingford Park Sussex 24-27 May** [**south.elderflowerfields.co.uk**](https://south.elderflowerfields.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) This is an intentionally small family festival on a beautiful, hilly and wild site. It’s a safe space but with plenty of activities to choose from. Think skateboarding lessons, Woodland Tribe adventure play, tree climbing, campfire cooking, nature mandala making and a nightjar walk! Plus wild spa with wood fired hot tubs and sauna, cold shower and ice bath. Yum! ### [**WILD CHILD WEEKEND FOR FAMILIES**](https://wildwise.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **South Devon 12-14 July** [**wildwise.co.uk**](https://wildwise.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Expect a menu of immersive activity that will take your connection to the natural world to a whole new level. The weekend is also about connection to each other, building community, forming new friendships and learning new skills. There’ll be bushcraft and survival skills, outdoor games and storytelling, mostly aimed at children aged over six years old. ### [**STARRY VILLAGE**](https://www.starryvillage.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Kentchurch Estate, Herefordshire 25-28 July** [**starryvillage.com**](https://www.starryvillage.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) This colourful community is a place where people of all ages and backgrounds come together to play, learn and co-create a hopeful future. The organisers believe that all families should have access to wild nature, intergenerational play, experiences with 21st century skills, and a chance to experiment with sustainable living – and at Starry Village, they can. ### [**CAMP BESTIVAL**](https://campbestival.net/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Lulworth Castle 25-28 July or Weston Park Shropshire 18-21 August** [**https://campbestival.net**](https://campbestival.net/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Designed by families especially for families, Camp Bestival combines all the fun of a fantastic family camping holiday with everything you’d expect from an idyllic and action-packed festival adventure. We have a host of activities for the whole family throughout the weekend, ranging from dreamy diversions to awesome adventures. Almost all of our activities are free but there are a handful that are paid-for or must be pre-booked… find out more below From Roller rink dance classes to slow motion print making, wall climbing to Big Build Woodland Tribe. ### [**SUMMER CAMP**](https://thegoodlifesociety.co.uk/events/summer-camp-2024?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Hawarden Estate, North East Wales 26-29 July** [**thegoodlifesociety.co.uk/events/summer-camp-2024**](https://thegoodlifesociety.co.uk/events/summer-camp-2024?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) This is an intimate event - an opportunity to reconnect with the outdoors whilst staying in one of the most beautiful places in the country. Your chance to escape from everyday life. There are other weekends over the summer with music and talks and camping, aimed at all, not just families. ### [**TRILL ON THE HILL**](https://www.trillonthehill.co.uk/family-camp?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **East Devon 27 July to 1 Aug** [**trillonthehill.co.uk**](https://www.trillonthehill.co.uk/family-camp?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Family Camp at Trill on the Hill is the perfect escape from everyday life. Join up to 10 families for a special wild camping experience in rural East Devon. Cook on a campfire, gaze at the stars, run wild through the woods, track creatures of the night, make music, whittle, weave, wallow. Hosted by the founder of Neal’s Yard Remedies, this is a wild camp – there’s cold running water, compost loos and some ingenious hot bucket showers! You’ll prepare your own meals and share a communal feast on the last night. ### [**ON THE HILL SUMMER FAMILY CAMP**](https://www.onthehill.camp/familycamp?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Oxen Park Farm, South Devon 13-18 August** [**onthehill.camp/familycamp**](https://www.onthehill.camp/familycamp?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Now in their fourth year, these camps are held by a warm and creative hosting team, with diverse facilitators. Each day starts with a morning circle and then there are workshops in rural crafts, gardening and cooking, clay play, fire-building, drumming, singing, yoga and more. There’s also plenty of down time for reading a book by the wildlife ponds, swinging in the hammock or wandering up the hill at sunset. And a wood fired hot tub built by young people at last year’s camp! ### [**JUST SO FESTIVAL**](https://justsofestival.org.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Rode Hall, Cheshire, 16-18 August** [**justsofestival.org.uk**](https://justsofestival.org.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) An imaginative outdoor family adventure, like no other. With a love of stories and childhood escapades at its heart, Just So enables families to step out of their day to day lives and into a wonderland of arts, theatre, dance, music and comedy. Organisers invite you to step out of the everyday and immerse your family in an unforgettable weekend of mischief, mayhem, and magical moments creating memories to last a lifetime! ### [**CAMP KINDLING**](https://campkindling.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Sevenoaks, Kent 16-19 August** [**campkindling.co.uk**](https://campkindling.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) This event brings together adventure with a full festival experience and the setting is truly magic; a forest full of tall, breathtaking trees. Choose from more than 100 activities by day, and over 50 live bands, DJs, comedians and stories by night. ### [**GERONIMO**](https://www.geronimofest.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)**, Arley Hall, Cheshire 23-26 August** [**geronimofest.com**](https://www.geronimofest.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Imagine all of your children’s favourite performers, characters, songs and fun in one weekend of colour, sparkle, giggles and bubbles. Geronimo has a wealth of talent to delight children and parents alike. Like a mini holiday rolled into one magical weekend. ### [**INTO THE TREES**](https://www.into-the-trees.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Ashdown Forest, Sussex 6-8 September** [**into-the-trees.co.uk**](https://www.into-the-trees.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) This weekend offers a rare chance to relax and explore the woods with your family. Now in its 6th year, Into the Trees is brought to you by the team behind[**Elderflower Fields**](http://www.elderflowerfields.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). It’s about adventure, discovery and inspiration and there’s plenty of space where kids can run free. ## **IF YOU BELIEVE IN MAGIC** ### [**3 WISHES FAIRY FESTIVAL**](https://fairyfestival.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Glastonbury 16-18 August** [**fairyfestival.co.uk**](https://fairyfestival.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) There will be more than a hundred workshops and activities for you at this magical festival for all the family. This year in a beautiful new location just outside Glastonbury. The Fairy School is free and opens every day or you can meet a mermaid in the magical lagoon, listen to live music and pop by the fairy bar! This is a plant-based festival – all food is vegetarian and vegan. Under 7’s are free. ![Image shows a table laid with fairy and flowery treats, mother resting alongside and two children dressed as fairies](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/05/3wishesfaeryfestival-263.jpg) 3 Wishes Family Festival is in a beautiful new location, just outside Glastonbury this year ## **IF YOU WANT TO HEAL AND REFRESH** ### [**SOUL REVOLUTION**](https://soulrevolutionfestival.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Weston Park in Shifnal on the border between Staffordshire & Shropshire 21- 24 June** [**soulrevolutionfestival.com**](https://soulrevolutionfestival.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) A transformational gathering where holistic health, world music, and community come together to ctreate a life-changing experience that inspires a new way of being. Experience the liberation of embracing a festival with no alcohol or substances in an incredibly family-friendly, safe, and accepting environment. Feel what it means to be free to be your true self. ### [**BUDDHAFIELD FESTIVAL**](https://buddhafield.com/buddhafield-festival-2024?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Nr. Taunton 17-21 July** A joyful gathering of people who come together to celebrate community and connection with the land. The festival offers diverse activities, including song, dance, arts and crafts, yoga, meditation, and play, all[**without alcoholic drinks or recreational drugs**](http://www.buddhafield.com/article/why-is-buddhafield-drug-and-alcohol-free-festival?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), creating a loving and life-affirming space. There are workshops, Buddhist teachings, and rituals, making it an open and inclusive event for everyone, regardless of their background or beliefs. The theme for 2024 is[**With Arms Wide Open**](https://buddhafield.com/theme-2024?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). ## Sign up for The Green Parent Bringing more joy and connection to your family life Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### [**MEDICINE FESTIVAL**](https://medicinefestival.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Berkshire 14-19 August** [**medicinefestival.com**](https://medicinefestival.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) All profits from the festival go to help empower indigenous peoples to preserve and protect their land, traditions, and wisdom. The vision is one where nature is cherished, peace is revered and difference is celebrated. Medicine is about interweaving communities and bridging cultures – bringing soulful music and thoughtful talks from across the globe to a dappled glade. ### [**TRIBAL EARTH**](https://tribalearth.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Laughton, Sussex 15-18 August** Tribal Earth is a safe and friendly festival in a beautiful setting overlooking the South Downs. A special part of the festival is the opening ceremony on Thursday. Profits from the events are donated to[**The Clock Tower Sanctuary**](https://www.thects.org.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)supporting homeless young people in Brighton and Hove. ### [**SUN AND MOON WELLNESS FESTIVAL**](https://sunandmoonfestival.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Wolverstone, Suffolk 19-26 August** [**sunandmoonfestival.com**](https://sunandmoonfestival.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) A whole week of activities and courses for adults and children. For kids, sporting pursuits include a full football training camp, as well as cricket, tennis, climbing and more. Creative pursuits include music, singing, dance, craft workshops, den building, martial arts & circus skills. See website for amazing array of workshops. ### [**INTO THE WILD**](https://www.intothewildgathering.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Chiddinglye Estate, Sussex 22-26 August** [**intothewildgathering.com**](https://www.intothewildgathering.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Make friends for life, learn new skills, relax and be yourself with the whole family. Surrounded by meadows, forests and dark skies there are over 200 workshops and activities, brilliant world music, wild crafts, speakers and a wholesome kids area. Imagine a festival where you feel healthier, more connected, at ease and joyful than when you arrived! ### [**VERVE**](https://www.feeltheverve.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Tisbury, Wilts 21-22 Sept** [**feeltheverve.com**](https://www.feeltheverve.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) This wellness festival offers 5 stages of breathwork, meditation, yoga, drumming and fitness classes plus expert talks on everything from sober curiosity to sustainable eating. Feast on the finest locally sourced food & drink or unwind with a facial or restorative massage in the Woodland Spa. ![Photograph shows a performer on stage at Towersey Festival dancing with a young child](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/05/2ZYHYfUQ.jpg) As well as plenty of family friendly shows, Towersey runs loads of activities for young people ## **IF YOU WANT TO LEARN SOMETHING NEW** ### [**HOW THE LIGHT GETS IN**](https://howthelightgetsin.org/festivals/hay?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Hay On Wye 24-27 May** [**howthelightgetsin.org/festivals/hay**](https://howthelightgetsin.org/festivals/hay?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) The world’s largest philosophy and music festival, the aim is to bring together a diverse mix of philosophers, academics, scientists, musicians, comedians and creatives from around the world. Spend your days listening, learning and interacting with leading intellectuals. And things don’t slow down after sunset! ### [**FIRST LIGHT FESTIVAL**](https://firstlightlowestoft.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Lowestoft 22-23 June** [**firstlightlowestoft.com**](https://firstlightlowestoft.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) With inclusivity and sustainability at its heart, First Light is powered by female-led talent this year, including DJ and broadcaster[**Colleen 'Cosmo' Murphy**](https://colleencosmomurphy.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), comedian[**Shaparak Khorsandi**](https://shappi.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)and award-winning poet[**Hollie McNish**](https://holliepoetry.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). There’s also the chance to spend a weekend under the stars in the wild beach camping zone! ### [**ALSO FESTIVAL**](https://www.also-festival.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Warwicks 12-14 July** [**also-festival.com**](https://www.also-festival.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Choose from a huge programme of events and curate your own adventure: life-enhancing ideas and big bands on the main stage, eclectic electronica and comedy in the woods, long table dinners, tastings and demos, and creative masterclasses all around a beautiful lakeside location. ### [**UNDERNEATH THE STARS FESTIVAL**](https://www.underneaththestarsfest.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Barnsley 2-4 August** [**underneaththestarsfest.co.uk**](https://www.underneaththestarsfest.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) A not-for-profit music and arts festival established in 2014 to provide a platform for both emerging and established artists and to bring adventure for all ages. A place where you can discover new music, learn new skills, and make new friends. ### [**WILDERNESS GATHERING**](https://www.wildernessgathering.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Hole Park 15-18 August** [**wildernessgathering.co.uk**](https://www.wildernessgathering.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) The original festival of bushcraft, survival and primitive living skills, the Gathering packs four days of knowledge sharing into a relaxed and family friendly atmosphere. Try your hand at axe throwing, build a boat, take a herb walk or do a primitive pottery class; there’s heaps of activities to choose from ### [**BETWEEN THE TREES**](https://betweenthetrees.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Merthyr Mawr National Nature Reserve, South Wales 22-25 August** [**betweenthetrees.co.uk**](https://betweenthetrees.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Two educators noticed that students were becoming increasingly unmotivated and felt that was largely due to nature disconnect. So they created a festival to address the problem. One with community, conversation and those activities that improve well-being, both physical and mental at its heart. ![Photograph shows a young child at a festival, in a hammock holding a purple pompom](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/05/btt.jpg) Between the Trees is a festival with community, conversation and wellbeing at its heart ## **IF YOU WANT TO GO BACK TO THE ROOTS** ### [**FIRE IN THE MOUNTAIN**](https://www.fireinthemountain.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Nr. Cardigan, Wales 30 May to 3 June** [**fireinthemountain.co.uk**](https://www.fireinthemountain.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Back in 2009, a group of friends who loved folk song and bluegrass/old time music started visiting an ancient hill farm, owned by Marianne Taylor, which had been her home for 25 years. When she retired, it had become a struggle to maintain the farm - and, keen to see the place back in good condition, she invited some volunteers to do some repairs. The volunteers brought bands to play, ordered several barrels of beer and a festival was born! ### [**FOLK IN A FIELD**](https://www.folkinafield.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Nr. Swaffham, Norfolk 4-7 July** [**folkinafield.co.uk**](https://www.folkinafield.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Set in a remote woodland clearing, Folk in a Field brings together a diverse mix of folk and roots from all over. This award-winning family friendly festival boasts a laid back environment, free activities and shows, workshops, stalls, treatments and open mic. Free admission for under 12's. ### [**TIMBER FESTIVAL**](https://timberfestival.org.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **The National Forest 5-7 July** [**timberfestival.org.uk**](https://timberfestival.org.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) This festival is a celebration of The National Forest and the transformative impact of trees and forests on our lives. It began in 2018, and promises a diverse range of nature activities, great music, inspiring talks and spaces where kids can run free. ### [**STAINSBY FESTIVAL**](http://www.stainsbyfestival.org.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Stainsby, North Yorks 19-21 July** [**stainsbyfestival.org.uk**](http://www.stainsbyfestival.org.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) This not-for-profit event is run entirely by unpaid volunteers and is all about live music and performance, featuring mainly folk and world music. Situated on a rural greenfield site with views out to the National Trust's Hardwick Hall, the site returns to pasture after the festival. ### [**FOLK BY THE OAK**](https://www.folkbytheoak.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Hatfield Park 21 July** [**folkbytheoak.com**](https://www.folkbytheoak.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Just outside of London this one day festival immerses you in music, history, ancient oaks, bunting, fun and laughter. From the intimacy of the Acorn Stage to the open air festival buzz of the main stage, expect award winning musicians and inspiring new talent. There’s circus skills, henna art, climbing walls, singing workshops, archery and fairy dancing! ### [**HARLEQUIN FAYRE**](https://www.harlequinfayre.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **West Norfolk 25-28 July** [**harlequinfayre.co.uk**](https://www.harlequinfayre.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Expect space, woodlands and calm with a fun, safe and thoughtfully designed children’s field. Every day it plays host to shows, heaps of free play, thoughtful workshops and creative spaces. Try archery, medieval games; and enjoy storytelling events woven throughout the festival. ## Sign up for The Green Parent Bringing more joy and connection to your family life Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### [**GREEN GATHERING**](https://www.greengathering.org.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Chepstow 1-4 August** [**greengathering.org.uk**](https://www.greengathering.org.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Powered by wind, sun and people this original off-grid festival brings an eclectic and eccentric array of artists to the stage. There’s also crafts, campaigns, permaculture, kids' area, green markets and more. The large central Children’s Garden has shady trees and grassy lawns to run around in, surrounded by tents packed with activities and kids' hang-outs. The Teens Space has circus skills, crafts, music and games. ### [**THE MAGPIE’S FESTIVAL**](https://www.themagpiesfestival.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Sutton Park 9-10 August** [**themagpiesfestival.co.uk**](https://www.themagpiesfestival.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Run by Yorkshire-based transatlantic folk band,[**The Magpies**](http://www.themagpiesmusic.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), the local community is central to the festival's ethos, which aims to support emerging local musicians. The all-female band are set on championing gender equality in the music industry, achieving gender parity in both line-up and staff, as well as providing a safe and comfortable environment for female musicians and festival goers. ### [**RAINBOW CAMP**](https://rainbowcamp.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Forest of Dean 16-26 August** [**rainbowcamp.co.uk**](https://rainbowcamp.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) This is an eclectic, joyous gathering which is all about living in community. A place to make life-long friends, where children can run free, and you can take part in workshops, music, dancing, yoga and ritual. There’s nightly campfires and star gazing, plus wood-fired showers and sauna. ### [**TOWERSEY FESTIVAL**](https://www.towerseyfestival.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Claydon Estate, Nr Buckingham 23-26 August** [**towerseyfestival.com**](https://www.towerseyfestival.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Billy Bragg and The Staves headline this 60th anniversary year. Towersey has a dedicated team running daily activities for young people, a space to feed and change your babies and a safe place for lost and found children. ### [**SHREWSBURY FOLK FESTIVAL**](https://shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **23-26 August** [**shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk**](https://shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) An event that’s really geared up to festival goers of all ages. For children up to 11 years old, Pandemonium brings music, dance, crafts, storytelling, drama and lots more fun, while at Refolkus, 11-20 years olds can get creative through music, dance, circus skills, henna tattooing and more. ### [**SMALL WORLD SUMMER FESTIVAL**](http://www.smallworldsolarstage.org/smallworld/index.html?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Headcorn Kent 25-29 August** [**smallworldsolarstage.org**](http://www.smallworldsolarstage.org/smallworld/index.html?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) This small festival is powered by the wind and sun and is all about creative spirit and sustainable living. The kids’ area on the village green brings music, dressing up, science and craft workshops, while teens can hone their circus skills and take part in a fire show. There’s a speaker’s forum and campaign space, veggie food and herbal first aid. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/05/SK-2015-Hires-294A9048.jpg) ## Festivals are great places for kids to learn about themselves; they can experience how it feels to have more autonomy than usual **Jennifer Bishop, teacher* ## **IF YOU WANT TO BE ENTERTAINED** ### [**HEVER FESTIVAL**](https://heverfestival.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Hever, 27 May – 30 Aug** [**heverfestival.co.uk**](https://heverfestival.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) This summer brings a series of events including some of the finest theatre and music to the grounds of Hever Castle. From Dr. Doolittle to Jeeves and Wooster, Romeo and Juliet to Blackadder, there’s an exciting line up for the whole family. Tickets for matinee performances include entry into the castle gardens after the show has finished. ### [**CAMBRIDGE FOLK FESTIVAL**](https://www.cambridgelive.org.uk/folk-festival?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **25-28 July** [**cambridgelive.org.uk/folk-festival**](https://www.cambridgelive.org.uk/folk-festival?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) One of the longest running folk festivals in the world, it’s renowned for its eclectic mix of music. Set the in the beautiful surroundings of Cherry Hinton Hall Park, the festival is just 15 minutes away from the city centre. A big part of the Festival’s ethos is to celebrate and nurture emerging talent – check out The Den and the Hub, for musicians under 30 years old. ### [**SHAMBALA**](https://www.shambalafestival.org/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Northhants 22-25 August** [**shambalafestival.org**](https://www.shambalafestival.org/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) In recent years, organisers have reduced the festival’s carbon footprint by over 90%, achieved 100% renewable electricity, become meat and fish free, and eradicated single use plastics. The original playful family festival, look out for the parachute games, giant bubbles, a real robot and remember… to quote Plato “You can discover more in an hour of play than a year of study!” ![Photograph showing children at a festival running after giant bubbles](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/05/DsfVT9eg.jpg) Folk by the Oak is a one day festival near London that promises music, fun and laughter ## **IF YOU LOVE MUSIC AND WANT BIGGER NAMES!** ### [**BEARDED THEORY**](https://beardedtheory.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Catton Hall Derbyshire 23- 26 May** [**beardedtheory.co.uk**](https://beardedtheory.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Bearded Theory is an award winning creative and performing arts festival set in the heart of the National Forest. It’s an independent music festival with no sponsorship or branding; it’s always been audience led. This Year Jane’s Addiction are playing alongside Future Islands. The fancy dress theme is sci-fi and they even run a Festival School on the Friday for those kids who’d otherwise be missing school! ### [**SHINDIG FESTIVAL**](https://shindigfestival.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Dillington Estate, Somerset, 23-26 May** [**shindigfestival.co.uk**](https://shindigfestival.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) The tenth (and sadly final) edition of Shindig combines old-school royalty, festival residents with many rising stars to ensure there’s something for everyone. Groove Armada will be doing a DJ set and Brand New Heavies will be headlining. The Kids Kingdom has many delights including a skate ramp, crazy golf course, cinema and plenty of inflatable fun. You can book clay-modelling workshops, drumming sessions and make clothes from scrap materials. ### [**WYCHWOOD**](https://wychwoodfestival.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Cheltenham Racecourse 31 May to 2 June** [**wychwoodfestival.com**](https://wychwoodfestival.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Launched in 2005 by a group of festival enthusiasts wanting to create an intimate experience, delivering the best acts of the day, up and coming music, and some other specialties you might not ordinarily come across! As well as music (this year they play host to Sister Sledge, Texas and Ocean Colour Scene), the family-friendly three-day festival includes workshops, comedy, the Children's Literature Festival, and a Headphone Disco. ### [**BLACK DEER FESTIVAL**](https://www.blackdeerfestival.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Eridge Park, Kent 14-16 June** [**blackdeerfestival.com**](https://www.blackdeerfestival.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) On a mission to bring real Americana and Country music to the UK, this year you can catch Joe Bonamassa, Sheryl Crow and Seasick Steve amongst many others. New and established roots-inspired artists will be telling their stories either around the campfire or from one of the stages. ### [**LOVE SUPREME**](https://lovesupremefestival.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)**, Glynde Place, Sussex 5-7 July** [**lovesupremefestival.com**](https://lovesupremefestival.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) The Love Supreme Jazz Festival is the largest outdoor jazz festival in Europe. Held over three days on the first weekend of July, Love Supreme hosts a world-class line up of jazz, R&B, funk, soul and more. The festival’s home is the stunning grounds of Glynde Place. This year Chaka Khan, Olivia Dean and Dionne Warwick are headlining. ### [**NOZSTOCK**](https://nozstock.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Bromyard 18-21 July** [**nozstock.com**](https://nozstock.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) It’s the final countdown - the last ever Nozstock promises to be the ultimate party with Andy C and Boney M, Arrested Development and Turno on the main stage. Now in its 26th year, the festival organisers have decided to bring back the favourites. Little Wonderland is the dedicated kids space, providing crafts, activities and entertainment for young and old! ### [**LATITUDE**](https://www.latitudefestival.com/index.php?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Henham Park, Suffolk 25-28 July** [**latitudefestival.com**](https://www.latitudefestival.com/index.php?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Headlining this year there’s London Grammar, Orbital and Duran Duran. There’s also theatre stages, comedy, a podcasts and conversations tent. The Kids Area has a packed programme, more like a festival within a festival! We love the sound of the geodome and its wildlife garden, the World of Puppets shows and Woodland Base. Organised by The Woodcraft Folk this area includes a mud kitchen, rope bridges and campfire song sessions. Also Fairyland Trust returns this year to teach children about nature through crafts. ### [**WOMAD**](https://www.womad.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Charlton Park, Malmesbury 25-28 July** [**womad.co.uk**](https://www.womad.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) This year Young Fathers, Amadou Mariam and Gogol Bordello are headlining. Not only are children aged 13 and under free at WOMAD, they also get a huge area to explore, create, learn, play, and have the best time. The World of Children runs from 9am to 7pm each day and almost all of the activities are absolutely free. ### [**DEER SHED FESTIVAL**](https://deershedfestival.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Baldersby Park, N. Yorks, 26-29 July** [**deershedfestival.com**](https://deershedfestival.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) There are no kid’s areas as such at Deer Shed. The whole site is accessible to everyone and designed to invoke wonder. The music coming through high fidelity PA systems will be thrilling and contemporary, but you can share that thrill with your kids and feel perfectly safe at the same time. This year headliners include The Coral and Bombay Bicycle Club. ![Photograph shows children at a festival kneeling in front of a fire bowl with marshmallows on sticks](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/05/Geronimofest-Glamping-5.jpg) Geronimo Festival is like a mini holiday rolled into one magical weekend. ### [**KENDAL CALLING**](https://www.kendalcalling.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Nr. Penrith, Cumbria 1-4 August** [**kendalcalling.co.uk**](https://www.kendalcalling.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) On the main stage this year Paolo Nutini and The Streets play alongside Sugababes and Keane. The kids’ area features activities for children of all ages, including yoga, theatre shows, inflatables, circus workshops face painting and more. While the little ones are off enjoying themselves, this is also a chance for the parents to kick back, relax and recharge their batteries away from the hustle and bustle of the main festival. ### [**Y NOT FESTIVAL**](https://ynotfestival.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Derbyshire, 2-4 August** [**ynotfestival.com**](https://ynotfestival.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) This promises to be an epic weekend away for families with headliners including Snow Patrol and Jamie T. Not only is it a chance to instill really good music taste into your little ones, there’s plenty on offer in the daytime. The Circus brings a cast of talented performers ready to dazzle with their brilliant bendy acrobatic skills! Mega Stars provide a range of games, sports and craft activities assisted by specialist sports coaches offering athletics, orienteering, multi-skills games, and more. ### [**BOOMTOWN**](https://www.boomtownfair.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Matterley Estate, Hants 7-11 August** [**boomtownfair.co.uk**](https://www.boomtownfair.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) The aim at Boomtown is that people of all backgrounds, beliefs, ages, gender identities, sexual orientations, abilities and races come together to share in the delight and playfulness of this huge festival. This is like a parallel world where unique city districts come alive. With 12 main stages, over 50 hidden venues, thousands of performers, and one secret lineup. Boomtown is a place like no other. The line-up is not released until just before the festival. ### [**DEVAFEST**](https://devafest.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Cholmondeley Castle, Cheshire 8-11 August** [**devafest.co.uk**](https://devafest.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) This year headliners include Ocean Colour Scene and The Human League and the main stage is inside a huge big top, so you can enjoy them whatever the weather. There’s free fairground rides, on site watersports, circus shows and parades. ### [**GREEN MAN**](https://www.greenman.net/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Bannau Brycheiniog 15-18 August** [**greenman.net**](https://www.greenman.net/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) From Big Thief through Sleaford Mods to Sampha and Jon Hopkins there’s plenty to get excited about. Green Man are really good at championing new music too – check out the Rising stage.[**Little Folk**](https://greenman.net/explore/areas/little-folk?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)caters for the tiniest of tots all the way through to the most intrepid 12-year-olds. It’s bursting with workshops, music and mischief. And there’s a Children’s Parade on Sunday afternoon. In the teen area there’s DJ workshops, fire shows, filmmaking fun and more. ### [**BEAUTIFUL DAYS**](https://www.beautifuldays.org/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Escot Park, Devon 16-18 August** [**beautifuldays.org**](https://www.beautifuldays.org/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Beautiful Days is the Levellers’ family music festival and this year brings The Saw Doctors, Fat Freddy’s Drop and Richard Ashcroft to the stage. Proudly independent, Beautiful Days has no sponsorship or funding. There’s a huge children’s area, walkabout theatre, family camping and Kanga Wellbeing with a range of[**therapies and classes**](https://bookwhen.com/kangawellbeingbeautifuldaysmassage?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). ### [**HARDWICK FESTIVAL**](https://hardwickfestival.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Stockton on Tees 16-18 August** [**hardwickfestival.co.uk**](https://hardwickfestival.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) For their tenth anniversary they’ve lined up Snow Patrol, Becky Hill and Blossoms. They want to create something for the whole family, with a wooded children’s area where you can go for face painting, magic shows, ventriloquist shows and vintage fairground. ### [**STOWAWAY FESTIVAL**](https://stowawayfestival.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Buckingham 16-18 August** [**stowawayfestival.co.uk**](https://stowawayfestival.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Now in its third year, Stowaway Festival is built by friends, for friends. They’ve aimed to curate the perfect weekend antidote to the trappings of the modern world. This year the line-up includes Leftfield, Maribou Stet and Greentea Peng. ### [**END OF THE ROAD FESTIVAL**](https://endoftheroadfestival.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Blandford Forum, Dorset 29 Aug – 1 Sept** [**endoftheroadfestival.com**](https://endoftheroadfestival.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Idles and Slow Dive, Bonnie Prince Charlie and Fever Ray are headlining this year at this festival that’s ‘serious about music’. There’s a woodland wonderland, strewn with art installations and decorated spaces and a musical edge to almost everything on site. You’ll often find musicians wandering about the site and watching other bands’ shows. Sometimes spontaneous performances result! ## **IF YOU LOVE CRAFTS AND TRADITIONAL SKILLS** ### [**WOODLAND FESTIVAL**](sherwoodforest.org.uk/projects/the-sherwood-forest-trust-woodland-festival-2024/) **Thoresby Park Estate 15-16 June** [**sherwoodforest.org.uk**](sherwoodforest.org.uk/projects/the-sherwood-forest-trust-woodland-festival-2024/) This is the tenth year of forestry fun in the beautiful grounds of the Walled Garden. It’s a celebration of woodlands and traditional crafts. There’s kids eco art, coracle building, tree stories and a chance to meet the Wild Man of The Woods. ## **IF YOU LOVE STORYTELLING** ### [**FESTIVAL AT THE EDGE**](https://www.festivalattheedge.org/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Hopton Court, Kidderminster, 19-21 July** [**festivalattheedge.org**](https://www.festivalattheedge.org/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Festival at the Edge strives to bring you the very best in traditional, and contemporary storytelling from the British Isles, and around the globe. Expect stories that make you think, make you happy, make you sad, make you laugh out loud. There’s something for everyone. Plus live music, dance artists and morris troops, performing throughout the weekend. ### [**OXFORD STORYTELLING FESTIVAL**](https://www.oxfordstorytellingfestival.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Waterperry House and Gardens 23-25 August** [**oxfordstorytellingfestival.co.uk**](https://www.oxfordstorytellingfestival.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) The fourth year of this intimate weekend festival is about weaving magic with stories, spoken word, poetry and song. It’s a true feast for the senses. There’s a grand tipi full of stories and magic, musicians with songs collected over the ages, an open mic and areas for young people to explore and perform. ## Sign up for The Green Parent Bringing more joy and connection to your family life Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ## **IF YOU LOVE FOOD!** ### [**VALLEY FEST**](https://www.valleyfest.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Chew Magna, Bristol 1-4 August** [**valleyfest.co.uk**](https://www.valleyfest.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) This event takes place alongside the glittering Chew Valley Lake with the rolling Mendip hills in the background and it’s only 9 miles from Bristol and Bath. Expect live music as well as fine local food producers. There’s also lots for kids to do![**The Alchemist’s Playground**](https://www.valleyfest.co.uk/festival-venues/the-alchemists-playground/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), set up by Woodland Tribe is a place for kids and adults to play. ### [**THE BIG FEASTIVAL**](https://thebigfeastival.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Cotswolds 23-25 August** [**thebigfeastival.com**](https://thebigfeastival.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Taking place on Alex James' idyllic Cotswolds farm, Big Feastival brings together music from the UK’s biggest artists, Michelin star chefs, award-winning street food and family activities. There’s wild workshops, crafting, meet and greets with favourite characters and much more. ## **IF YOU WANT TO BE ACTIVE** ### [**THE BIG RETREAT**](https://www.thebigretreatfestival.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Pembs, Wales 24-27 May** [**thebigretreatfestival.com**](https://www.thebigretreatfestival.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Fitness, yoga, adventures in art, wild swimming in the fresh air, and a chance to leave the world behind on the stunning, unspoiled western edge of Wales. Your ticket gives you access to over 300 carefully curated experiences. Little Retreaters can enjoy gardening classes, foraging, wildlife spotting, bug hunts, pond dipping, science workshops and so much more ### [**LOVE TRAILS FESTIVAL**](https://www.lovetrailsfestival.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **South Wales 11-14 July** [**lovetrailsfestival.co.uk**](https://www.lovetrailsfestival.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Join a global gathering of thousands for an epic four day celebration of movement, music and outdoor adventure on the wild coast of South Wales. Spend your days running, hiking and exploring, then dance the night away under the stars. Love Trails combines it all into one magical, totally unique weekend. ### [**DANCE CAMP EAST**](https://dancecampeast.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Nr Southwold 20-28 July** Dance Camp East is both a place and a community where you can reconnect with yourself and like-minded people. It doesn't matter whether you've been coming for years or you've never been before. There will always be a place around the fire for you. From dance to singing, healing to sauna and hot tub, the organisers hope that you leave the field feeling energised, inspired and ready to take that out into the wider world. ### [**YOGA FESTIVAL**](https://www.yogafestival.world/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Henley On Thames 1-4 August** [**yogafestival.world**](https://www.yogafestival.world/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Founded in 2016, World Yoga Festival brings together an amazing collection of teachers every year. Somewhere between retreat and festival, you’ll find ample time to relax as well as practice yoga, make your own T-shirts, do drumming workshops and make South Indian floor art as well as much more. ### [**SOUL CIRCUS**](https://www.soulcircus.yoga/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Cotswolds 15-18 August** [**soulcircus.yoga**](https://www.soulcircus.yoga/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) A well being festival where music, yoga and holistic therapies meets glittery festival antics and DJ after parties. Stretch out in yoga tipis and lush countryside by day and dance under the stars by night. Spend your days doing yoga, breath work, aerial skills, fitness, dance, tantra and much more. The festival mission is to create a festival to ‘put yourself back together’ and recalibrate. ### [**GONE WILD FESTIVAL**](http://gonewildfestival.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Holkham Hall, Norfolk 8-11 August or Powderham Castle, Devon, 22-25 August** [**gonewildfestival.com**](http://gonewildfestival.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) This adventure festival is packed with a range of fun activities for the whole family, including kayaking and stand up paddle boarding, a purpose-built obstacle course, open water swimming and climbing. Expert instructors from the Bear Grylls Survival Academy will teach children and adults essential survival skills such as shelter building, fire lighting and campfire cooking. --- ![Photograph shows a couple in a hot tub overlooking a beach with a small child beside the hot tub](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/05/Banner12.jpg) The Big Retreat offers a chance to leave the world behind on the western edge of Wales ## 8 FAMILY FESTIVAL ESSENTIALS - DON'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT THEM! ### **What to bring** **Tent** Obviously! If you’re thinking about bringing your lovely canvas bell tent, do remember you’ve got to get it from your car to the campsite and back again so bring a trolley or sturdy buggy if you need to. A mallet is also useful. **Mattresses and bedding** Think sleeping bags, blankets, pillows and roll mats. Nothing is worse than feeling like you can’t get a good night’s sleep and it can be surprisingly cold in the middle of the night. It’s also a good idea to keep spare blankets and a set of dry clothes for everyone in the car, just in case. **Torches/lights** Bring torches to help avoid tripping over other people’s guy ropes and seeing what you are doing inside the tent. Solar fairy lights are also helpful for spotting your tent at night. **Clothing** Pack clothing for all eventualities, even if the forecast is great! It is possible to have an amazing festival experience in the wet, provided you’re properly equipped, so make sure you bring wellies and raincoats as well as flip-flops and sun cream. **Fancy dress** Bring some fun clothing to get dressed up in, or some eco glitter. Anything to add a bit of sparkle to the event! **Food & drink** It’s not a bad idea to bring some snacks and drinks to keep the kids happy back at camp. If you plan to cook consider the environment in what you pack, and check for fire bans in case of exceptionally dry weather. **Cups, mugs and water bottles** Bring a drinking bottle and fill it up with water from taps, which should be found on site. Using your own coffee cup for your hot drink will help reduce waste. **Extras** Pack sun cream, ear defenders for any kids not keen on loud music, and a potty if you have small children. *With thanks to*[***into-the-trees.co.uk***](https://www.into-the-trees.co.uk/beginners-guide-to-into-the-trees/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)*for handy info!* --- ## 5 THINGS TO REMEMBER FOR FAMILY FESTIVALS Here’s a festival manifesto for you! **· LEAVE NOTHING BUT MEMORIES** Leave the site tidy and take your tent and all your belongings home! **· CONSIDER YOUR TRAVEL** Use public transport or car share wherever possible! **· ONLY BRING WHAT YOU NEED** Consider your use of resources. Team up with other festival going families and share wagons, torches, mallets, etc. **· MAKE ECO CONSCIOUS CHOICES** Keep your environmental impact in mind when at a festival. Search out people doing great things while you’re there and learn more about making a positive impact. **· PROTECT WILDLIFE** Choose plastic free, reuse as much as possible and throw your rubbish in the bin. --- ### **MORE INSPIRATION** **READ** From encouraging creativity to building confidence,[**read more**](https:// thegreenparent.co.uk/5-cool-benefits-of-festivals-for-your-kids/)about the benefits of festivals for children. ### ### A Woman's Weed: Why I Grow Nettles for Health URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/a-womans-weed-why-i-grow-nettles-for-health/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:41.000Z ## I love nettles! Though they are considered a weed, lots of people share my love. There’s a whole week dedicated to them – 14-25 May - a celebration of these tasty, nutritious and wildlife supporting wonder weeds says **Melissa Corkhill** Stinging nettles are a super useful plant - they offer many health benefits, can be woven into a fine cloth and attract wildlife to the garden in droves. Found all over temperate regions, read on to find out more about this plant's special powers. The nettle patch in my garden is lovely and green in the warm spring sunshine. I use it in the kitchen (for soups, tea and pesto) and in the garden as a compost enricher. I have also made string from the dried stalks using a technique called cordage. ### **Nettles: the sting in the tail** The sting is caused by an irritant in the tiny hairs sound on the leaves and stem; histamine. The Latin name Urtica dioica comes from the root “uro”, which means “I burn”. Each hair is hollow with the venom stored at the base. When this hair is disturbed it breaks off exposing a sharp point, which penetrates the skin and delivers the sting. Nature invented a complex weapon against predators and then offered up soothing dock leaves, which can usually be found nearby! The leaves of dock when rubbed on the affected area, release a chemical that neutralises the sting and soothes the skin. ### **How to use nettles in the kitchen** Nettles are an excellent source of calcium, iron, magnesium and a range of vitamins. Collect young nettle shoots (protect hands with thick gardening gloves) and steep in a pot of boiling water to make nettle tonic. This helps to clear out any toxins accumulated during the winter months. When dried or steamed the nettle loses its sting so no need to worry about having a painful experience! ### **The health benefits of nettles** Nettle tea has been used in treatment of rheumatism and urinary disorders and is also a rich source of iron and calcium for pregnant women. It can be used to good effect after birth too as it acts as an all-round tonic for the new mother and helps boost milk production too. A recent study at the University of Plymouth revealed that stings from nettles significantly reduced pain in 85% of arthritis sufferers studied. ### **Why nettles are good for wildlife** The nettle is one of the most important plants for wildlife in the UK supporting over 40 species of insect including a variety of butterflies. The small tortoiseshell and peacock butterfly are among the many inhabitants of the plant. In late summer, the proliferation of seeds on the plant provides food for seed eating birds. ### **Nettles make a sustainable fibre** Cloth has been woven from nettle stems for many centuries. A vibrant green dye can also be made using the leaves and stems whilst the roots make a natural yellow dye. ### **How to grow your own nettles** To get a nettle patch started in your garden look for a sunny sheltered spot and ensure that the soil is well nourished (perhaps adding some organic manure or well-rotted compost if you have some). Find a friend who can donate some nettles for your plot. These plants are wild so shouldn’t be taken from the countryside. Plant the nettles about 30cm apart and keep them well watered. Warn your children of the stinging powers and help them observe the proliferation of insect life enjoying the nettles. Watch your garden thrive and your health increase! --- ![Photograph showing a glass tea strainer with metal lid on a tray](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/05/massimo-rinaldi-FmgZ5xzDG-s-unsplash.jpg) Nettles make an excellent early spring tonic to revitalise and refresh ## Boost Your Health with Nettles ### Though most of us know them as ‘stinging nettles’ and have been on the wrong side of them, nettles are in fact some of the world’s truly wondrous weeds. Because they grow wild and abundant in hedgerow and garden, we can easily incorporate this power plant into our everyday lives says **Lucy Corkhill** ### **Nettles have a powerful effect on your immune system** Nettles are also well known for their use with diseases of the urinary system, including prostate problems, infections, inflammations, bed-wetting and incontinence. They are often used when people are detoxing, because of their cleansing effect and support of the liver and spleen. For those troubled by allergies, the anti-inflammatory compounds and flavonoids in nettles reduce the amount of histamine produced in an allergic response. They can also be taken as an immune support as they are jam-packed with vitamins A, C, and D, plus high amounts of iron, potassium, manganese and calcium. There is evidence that the ancient Greeks used nettles for respiratory disorders from coughs through to tuberculosis. Documents also reveal just how long we humans have relied on nettles as a hair tonic – nettles are renowned for promoting healthy, thick, shiny hair. They have been used for hair problems from dandruff through to balding and alopecia. ### **Nettles to support women's health** Throughout history, women have used nettles as the perfect female tonic. Native American women use this wonder weed throughout pregnancy and as a remedy to stop haemorrhaging during childbirth. Because of their affinity with the blood, and as an energy tonic, nettles are great for young girls just starting out on their menstruating journey through to menopausal women. Pregnant women can use nettles as an excellent source of vitamin K. Lactating women drink nettle tea because of its milk-boosting properties. Nettles have been used as an aid to fertility and, because of their high mineral content and life-giving properties, are good for both male and female sexual vitality. ## **How to use nettles as medicine at home** First, find a healthy bunch of nettles in an unpolluted area (avoid roadside nettles etc.). Use rubber gloves to pick the young leaves at the top of the plant – spring is the best time to harvest them, before they have flowered. **Nettle Tea** You can use the leaves to make nettle tea – a few leaves washed and steeped in boiling water provide an excellent early spring tonic to revitalise and refresh and to combat problems mentioned above. **Nettle Infusion** A nettle infusion – nettles steeped in boiled water for 10mins and left to cool – can be used as a hair growth tonic. Keep in the fridge for use on irritated skin too. **Nettle Tincture** Make a nettle tincture by leaving a handful of fresh leaves or two spoons of dried leaves to macerate in half a litre of alcohol for ten days. Use for problems described above and as a blood tonic. **Nettle Juice** Nettle juice can be made using a juicer and is a wonderful immune-boosting and deeply cleansing green drink. Use during a cleanse for health inside and out. **Dried roots/leaves** Ground dried roots have been used in clinical trials for prostate problems. Dried leaves can be added to food, including pet food for cats and dogs for digestive health, and chicken feed for healthy poultry. --- ## **How to get involved in Be Nice to Nettles Week!** ### Be Nice to Nettles Week takes place from 14-25 May. Here are 3 ways to embrace the stingers! **1\. Create a nettle patch in your garden.** Not only will it encourage aphid-eating ladybirds, you’ll also welcome a range of other insects and wildlife to your space. Gardeners will find that not only do these plants support wildlife, they also make a nutritious plant fertiliser which can inject your plot with life and help protect against diseases. **2\. Get experimental with nettles in your food.** Pizza toppings, pie fillings, soups, stews, pesto…the list is only limited by your imagination! Find our soup and spanokopitta recipes below. **3\. Read about why nettles sting** and whether dock leaves really are effective at calming stings at The Woodland Trust. https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/blog/2019/05/why-do-nettles-sting/ --- ## **Recipes: How to use nettles in the kitchen** ### **NETTLE SOUP** Thanks to River Cottage for the inspiration for this super tasty, nourishing soup that is easily made with a few store cupboard essentials and a big carrier bag full of nettles from the garden. Use gloves to pick the nettles and rinse in a large colander before use to remove any debris/insects etc. Adding a potato to the soup gives it body and the stock adds flavour. You could make a perfectly delicious soup with just these three ingredients but if you have a carrot and onion to hand so much the better. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **Ingredients** Half a carrier bagful of stinging nettle tops, or fresh-looking larger leaves 50g butter 1 large onion (or a dozen crow garlic bulbs if you want to be truly wild), peeled and finely chopped 1 litre vegetable stock 1 large potato, peeled and cut into cubes 1 large carrot, peeled and chopped Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper 2 tbsp crème fraîche A few drops of extra-virgin olive oil A few drops of Tabasco ### **Method** Wearing rubber gloves, sort through the nettles, discarding anything you don’t like the look of and any thick stalks. Wash the nettles and drain in a colander. Melt the butter in a large saucepan, add the onion and cook gently for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add the stock, nettles, potato and carrot. Bring to a simmer and cook gently until the potato is soft, about 15 minutes. Remove from the heat. Using an electric hand-held stick blender, purée the soup and then season with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into warmed bowls and float a teaspoonful of creme fraîche on top. As this melts, swirl in a few drops of extra-virgin olive oil and Tabasco. ### **ROBB'S NETTLE SPANAKAPITA** This is basically the traditional Greek spinach pie substituting nettles for spinach for a power-packed, delicious and energising dinner. If using shop-bought pastry, remember it needs to stand at room temperature for a few hours prior to cooking. ### INGREDIENTS Pack of filo/puff pastry (or you can make your own pastry) 200g feta cheese 1 carrier bag of fresh young nettle leaves, chopped fairly small (wear gloves!!) 2 eggs 2 cloves garlic Handful of fresh herbs – parsley or dill work well 1 large onion, chopped 3-4 spring onions, chopped Butter, for cooking and greasing ### METHOD 1). Preheat oven to 180°C/Gas mark 4\. Wash and drain the chopped nettles. 2). Heat the butter in a pan and lightly cook the onions, garlic and green onions until soft. 3). Add the nettles and cook for 5 to 10 minutes until wilted. Add the herbs and season with salt and pepper. 4). Remove from heat and leave to cool. 5). In a separate bowl, mix together the feta and eggs. When the nettle mixture is cooled, stir in. 6). Roll out half the pastry. In a greased pie dish, arrange the pastry so that it just overlaps the sides. If using filo pastry, remember to brush each sheet with melted butter/olive oil as you lay it in the dish. 7). Place the nettle and feta mixture on top of the pastry and even out. Roll out the remaining pastry and use to cover your pie, sealing the edges with melted butter/ olive oil. 8). Cook for 30-35 minutes until top is golden brown. ## **MORE INSPIRATION** **WATCH Dane of Home is Where the Heart Is getting under the skin of the tough guy exterior of the stinging nettle!** ### How to Treat Hayfever Naturally URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/how-to-treat-hayfever-naturally/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:41.000Z ## Hayfever can be an itchy, irritating thing to suffer with in the springtime. We look at what causes it, and try out a range of natural remedies to help soothe the discomfort. So if your child suffers from this seasonal problem read on to find out why garlic and dark green foods are beneficial. ### **What is Hayfever?** Hayfever is a seasonal form of allergic rhinitis. Symptoms include itchy, red sore eyes, frequent sneezing, sinusitis and excess catarrh. It can also cause tiredness and irritability. If your child is a sufferer, firstly try to avoid pollen; the worst times are in the morning and evening. Try not to go into high pollen areas at these times. Splashing the face with cold water and bathing the eyes will help to wash away the irritants. It is also possible to apply a barrier ointment such as un-petroleum jelly into the base of the nostrils, which helps to trap the pollen and prevents it from irritating the lining of the nose. ### **Home treatments for hayfever** Aloe vera gel or cooled eyebright tea bags can be placed over the eyes to ease discomfort. One approach that can be effective for some people is to take 1 tsp of local honey dissolved in warm water daily for a month before hay fever season starts to desensitise your child against local pollen. Aromatherapy can be beneficial in treating hayfever. Try traditionally soothing essential oils such as Lavender and Chamomile Roman or German. Let your child’s nose be the guide as to which one would be most effective. The oils may be used in massage (just a few drops in a carrier oil) or a few drops may be inhaled from a tissue. ### **Dietary changes that can be helpful in treating hayfever** Many hayfever symptoms may be brought under control through dietary change. It is always best to get nutrients from food as they are more easily assimilated by the body. Try to include more of the following foods: • Garlic helps to reduce excess catarrh, if possible eat a raw clove a day (stir into food after cooking). • Beta carotene rich foods, such as red and orange veg. • Dark green foods are also helpful as they help to eliminate excess toxins in the body. Seaweeds are particularly beneficial due to their high mineral content. Try the wild arctic seaweeds at oceansofgoodness.co.uk. --- ## **Ayurveda to treat hayfever** ### As the oldest healing science known to man, Ayurvedic texts say that to achieve true health we must be in physical, emotional and spiritual balance. Here we look at ways in which this ancient medical system can be applied to those suffering from hayfever. Allergies can show up just about anywhere in your body and create an incredible variety of symptoms, affecting your nose, eyes, throat, lungs, stomach, skin and nervous system. Standard treatment for allergies involves taking antihistamines, decongestants, steroids and allergy shots. While these drugs can be effective, they all have side effects such as weakening of the immune system, drowsiness and nausea as well as becoming less effective over time. Ayurveda can offer a natural way of beating allergies without harming your body. Dr Prasanna, Ayurvedic Physician at [Ayush Wellness Spa](https://www.defrance.co.uk/spa?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), Jersey says “Ayurveda is an ancient science of life originated in India which focuses on the importance of living in tune with nature. At its simplest, ‘dosha’ is your individual bio-energy which needs to be maintained in balance for health”. Ayurveda recommends natural measures in preventing and treating hay fever. Dr Prasanna gives his top tips on how to survive the allergy season the natural way: • Eat light, freshly cooked and easily digestible food, avoiding excess dairy and wheat. • Eat organic fruit and vegetables like oranges, radish, peppers and garlic. • Make your own herbal teas containing ginger, turmeric, cumin seeds and cinnamon and sip 5-6 cups throughout the day. • A glass of warm water with a piece of lemon and teaspoonful of honey is a useful drink. • Apply a thin barrier of almond oil, coconut oil or sesame oil around the nasal area. • Ayurvedic treatments like Nasya (nasal & sinus treatment), Shiroabhyanga (head massage) and Hot stone therapy can be beneficial during hay fever. • Ease your symptoms by taking quarter teaspoonfuls of turmeric powder mixed with honey twice a day, along with plenty of warm water or herbal teas. • Breathe easy by practicing Pranayama (breathing techniques) that enhances flow of prana/life force which will help to bring balance back. • Avoid frozen, cold, processed food and ice cold beverages including alcohol. --- ## **Hayfever: Advice from a Nutritionist** ### **What can I do to reduce hayfever symptoms naturally? Erin McCann explains that hayfever is the result of the immune cells responding to harmless allergens and stimuli, and therefore it's important to boost the immune system.** The best way to avoid this hyper-histamine reaction is to balance and modulate the immune system through healthy eating & nutritional supplementation and to try to minimise the pollen that enters the system. ### **Reducing exposure:** · Change clothing and shower when returning from being outdoors · Change pillow cases often as pollen clings to the hair and face · Wear a mask or wrap around sunglasses · Close windows and use air filters & dust your home often with a damp cloth · Use a lint roller on furniture or hoover it. · If you have a dog, bathe them regularly · Use natural barrier balms such as HAYMAX to stop pollens from entering the nose ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **Foods to eat & avoid:** **1) Increase natural antihistamine and anti-inflammatory foods and herbs:** · Vitamin C helps reduce symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Increase intake of citrus fruit, berries, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cherries and kale. · Quercetin is a flavonoid which balances immune function and can stabilise immune cells that produce histamine. It can be found in elderberries, blackberries, red grapes, red apples, and onion. · Stinging Nettle extract or tea may be helpful in reducing allergic rhinitis symptoms. **2) Eat local honey and bee pollen.** · A teaspoon or so of local raw honey each day may aid in gradual pollen desensitization as will taking bee pollen (start off taking small amounts & build up) **3) Reduce histamine containing foods which may exacerbate symptoms:** Processed meats Alcohol Fermented foods Foods containing preservatives and additives Cheese and other cow’s milk products **Supplements:** The therapeutic aim of taking supplements for hay fever should be to modulate immune function and to reduce histamine response and inflammation. [**Bee Prepared immune formulas**](https://www.unbeelievablehealth.co.uk/bee-prepared-max-strength/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) are my supplements of choice as they contain ingredients which effectively support immune function and have natural antihistamine properties**.** [**Bee Prepared Daily immune formula**](https://www.unbeelievablehealth.co.uk/bee-prepared-daily-defence/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), combines propolis, elderberry, olive leaf, acerola cherry & beta glucans & Bee Prepared Max is a more concentrated version and also includes astaxanthin and reishi mushroom. I recommended the [Daily](https://www.unbeelievablehealth.co.uk/bee-prepared-daily-defence/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) for everyday use & the [MAX](https://www.unbeelievablehealth.co.uk/bee-prepared-max-strength/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) for when pollen count is high or suffering increases. For maximum benefit it’s helpful to take an immune supplement such as Bee prepared immune formula a few weeks or so before hay fever season begins & daily, until allergy season is over. These supplements are ideal as they don’t stimulate the immune system like some ingredients can, but rather, modulate it, which means they are suitable to take regularly unlike some immune supplements which should only be taken for short periods of time like echinacea. The gut also plays an important role and balancing the gut flora also aids in supporting long term immune health and reduction of allergies so adding a good quality probiotic such as **Optibac** can also help. ## **Recipe: Hay fever support smoothie** Makes 2-3 smoothies. Combine everything in a blender or Nutribullet & blitz. · 1 cup fresh or frozen pineapple (it is rich in bromelain which has anti inflammatory properties & a study showed it can improve in nasal drainage, swelling and help restore free breathing. · 1 Apple (the vitamins A & C are important for immunity and healthy mucous membranes throughout the respiratory tract). · Handful red grapes (their skins contain resveratrol, which protects us from both nasal allergy symptoms and wheezing). · ½ cup coconut or almond yogurt · 1 banana (rich in iron, zinc and potassium · 1 cup nut or coconut milk (dairy causes mucus to build) · 1 tsp fresh ginger or ½ tsp powdered- an anti inflammatory that helps reduce nasal swelling and other symptoms · Capsule contents of [2 Bee prepared immune formula](https://www.unbeelievablehealth.co.uk/our-products/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) (daily or max strength) it contains ingredients which are rich in quercetin which has natural antihistamine properties, plus a healthy immune system has been shown to help with allergy symptoms (available in health stores and on Ocado). · ½ teaspoon cinnamon (it has anti-inflammatory properties). *Erin Cann is an NT mBANT Dip ION Nutrition Therapist* **Image:* with thanks to* [*Juan Encalada*](https://www.instagram.com/juan.encalada?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### Why we Go Foraging Instead of Soft Play! URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/why-we-go-foraging-instead-of-soft-play/ Last updated: 2024-05-11T05:53:22.000Z ## ‘Keep ‘em moving’: that was my parenting mantra when I had two young children aged within four years of each other (and a terrier!), says **Katherine Reeve** Fresh air and exercise – wear everyone out and they’ll all sleep well. Myself included. So while ante/post-natal friends signed up for membership of the local soft play café – or the local children’s farm (soft play with animals on site), I went to the woods. I can pretend that this was for the dog’s benefit, but really it was for mine – and I also suspected early on that my big girl is not really a people person (she certainly has friends, but likes to do her socialising in moderation). At first, walking the dog, I wore one child, then the other, in slings or structured backpacks. As time went on, they grew heavier – and multiplied, whilst I still only had one back. My doggo was young and sprightly – and not impressed by the distance travelled by a toddler. What incentives could I provide to make those little legs walk just a little further? Just at the point I was exploring this conundrum, nature provided an answer by filling the bushes and hedgerows with ripe sweet temptation: blackberries. Can you go just a little further? That bush over there looks like it might be good picking. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### The Art of Urban Beekeeping URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/the-art-of-urban-beekeeping/ Last updated: 2024-05-11T05:53:38.000Z ## **Alison Wareham** writes the story of her first year of beekeeping in a South London garden. Here she shares how her family became urban beekeepers. ## Ever since we bought our house in the heart of South London, we’ve been on a mission to make it as green as possible. One of our dreams was to grow our own fruit and veg with the help of our children, but we have had to pretty much admit defeat as the shade from the beautiful old apple trees slows everything down and even when plants grow, armies of slugs and snails devour them. But we have always talked about keeping bees and eventually took the plunge, by enrolling onto a beekeeping course, held in a parish hall in Hampshire. This weekend workshop wasn’t just an introduction into beekeeping but also into the ways of beekeepers, truly a unique bunch. So many terms, anecdotes and rules literally flew over our heads as we sat in equal parts bemused and enthralled. Yet, inspecting a beehive for the first time, and hearing how one woman had successfully kept bees on Covent Garden rooftop, inspired us with confidence that we too could become urban beekeepers. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Why I Love Washable Nappies URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/why-i-love-washable-nappies/ Last updated: 2024-05-11T05:54:01.000Z ## **Hannah McIntyre** didn't expect to become so passionate about washable nappies; here she shares her journey to cloth lover! I guess our family was never going to be the most conventional. We listen to metal, shop second hand, eat plant based: even this in modern day society for many our tastes might still be considered… eclectic! Our parenting style is just the same: between co-sleeping, placenta capsules and extended breastfeeding we’ve raised a few eyebrows during our parenting journey. But I think the biggest parenting-related questions I get are about our choice to use reusable nappies for our daughter. Originally we thought we’d try them and see how we got on, half-expecting them not to be any good - I certainly didn’t expect to become so passionate about them! When my partner and I found out we were expecting a baby we made the decision to use cloth nappies and washable wipes. There is a lot of debate surrounding the carbon footprint that comes with having a child, but I believe there are actions we can take to reduce the climate impact of starting a family, and switching to reusable nappies is one of them. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### How I Recovered from Maternal Perfectionism URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/how-i-recovered-from-maternal-perfectionism/ Last updated: 2024-05-11T05:52:40.000Z ## The most important thing **Henny Vere Nicoll** has learned about motherhood is self-acceptance When my son celebrates his second birthday in a couple of months, I won’t be making his cake. This is a personal breakthrough. In the five years I have been a mother, I have lost a lot of sleep over birthday cakes. When my first child, our daughter, turned one I was determined to make her the perfect cake. I put aside the fact I don’t really enjoy baking and stayed up late into the night ordering specialist cake decorating equipment and watching tutorials on YouTube. In the end, I made three cakes, none of which lived up to the sponge and fondant master creations I had been aiming for. My daughter didn’t notice (I have the photo of her in a party hat with jam on her face to prove it) but as we helped her blow out her candles, all I could think was I had messed up her first ever birthday cake. As a new mother, there were so many moments like this. Moments when I felt I was falling short. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### 5 Reasons to Get a Family Allotment URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/5-reasons-to-get-a-family-allotment/ Last updated: 2024-05-11T05:53:09.000Z ## My husband and I had talked about growing our own for a while when, in spring 2021, an opportunity to take on a starter plot came up at our local allotment says **Tori Beat** We weren’t sure whether the time was right – we had a pre-schooler, a baby due in the summer and were about to embark on a major refurbishment project at home – but we knew it was too good to miss, especially as the scope for growing anything in our modest garden was very limited. So we bit the bullet and signed up. And we’ve never looked back. ### **The benefits of getting a Starter Plot** The starter plot was ideal for us as it gave us a smaller patch to experiment with and came with lots of support from the Allotment Association, as well as shared use of a well-equipped tool shed and greenhouse. All we needed to do was prep the ground and start planting. Many hands make light work, so we took on a joint tenancy with my sister, brother-in-law and their then-14-month-old daughter, making it a real family affair. Double the fun! _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### My Sisters and I Breastfed Each Other's Kids! URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/my-sisters-and-i-breastfed-each-others-kids/ Last updated: 2024-05-11T05:54:21.000Z ## I can officially say that I am no longer a breastfeeding mama. My breastfeeding journey ended with my third and last child almost one year ago. I have spent, in total, almost eight years nursing each of my three children reflects **Kelly Murdock** I won’t say that it has always been easy but without shaming anyone, I have always believed that breast is best and I am so amazed at my skinny, little body and what is left of my now shrunken, raisin like breasts, for being able to nourish my children through exclusive and extended breastfeeding. No one told me that my then, small, B cup breasts would be reduced to flabby, deflated remnants of what they once were though! My mother nursed all three of her daughters so it was only natural for me to follow suit. Before I fell pregnant with my first, I started down the path of natural living, discovering The Continuum Concept, becoming a yoga teacher and prioritizing healthy eating and exercise. It only felt natural to continue that lifestyle, which included natural birth, co-sleeping, cloth nappies and more, when my husband and I decided to start a family. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### In Praise of Full-Time Dads URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/in-praise-of-full-time-dads/ Last updated: 2024-05-11T05:54:34.000Z ## When my partner and I discussed having a child, it always seemed the natural and equitable choice for us to each take a year out of work to look after our child says **Ella Curnow** ## When we had our daughter in 2020 and put this into practice, it became clear that fathers taking an equal share of the incomparable wonders, worries, exhaustion and elation of caring for babies and toddlers is still a sadly rare reality. For us, sharing the care of our child in her first two years has been challenging but hugely rewarding. We believe it has helped to shape and strengthen our family and our daughter. ### **How my partner and I balanced childcare** Our daughter, Elliot was born in September 2020; luckily between lockdowns but still within the peak of the pandemic chaos of the last few years. My visions of spending my maternity leave drinking coffee with my new breastfeeding friends soon faded as further lockdowns were announced and playgroups and support groups closed up or retreated into online-only spaces or awkward outdoor gatherings under umbrellas. Using our savings I was able to look after our daughter full time for just under eleven months. At that point she was just starting to walk and eat some solid food alongside breastfeeding. As I headed back to the office for four and a half days a week, my partner became a full-time stay at home father for the next 12 months. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Compassionate Parenting for Your Anxious Child URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/compassionate-parenting-for-your-anxious-child/ Last updated: 2024-05-16T11:21:22.000Z By using the compassionate parenting techniques I can help my anxious daughter feel safe, regulate her nervous system and learn the tools she needs to face her anxiety. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### 4 of the Best Organic Babyfood URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/6-of-the-best-organic-babyfood/ Last updated: 2024-05-09T21:59:49.000Z ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/05/EllasKitchen-March2018_015.jpg) #### ****ELLA’S KITCHEN** Back in 2006, Paul Lindley starting making tasty food at his kitchen table for his daughter, Ella and her brother, Paddy. Ella’s Kitchen was born and now offers products from first foods to toddler stage. Get a guide to weaning, recipe ideas and plenty of fun, sensory activities on their website. Check out Ellacycle, the nationwide recycling solution for all baby food packaging – use the map online to find your nearest drop-off point. **ellaskitchen.co.uk* [BUY HERE](https://ellaskitchen.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/05/_F1I4558V3comp.jpg) #### ****ORGANIX** The company have been making nutritious, organic baby foods and snacks for little tummies since 1992\. From humble beginnings, they’ve grown into a large, well-loved brand offering organic baby food, toddler and baby snacks and finger foods, available in most major stores. Find recipes, games and toddler activities over on their website, plus plenty of help and advice on first foods for babies, including top weaning tips. **organix.com* [BUY HERE](https://organix.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ## Sign up for The Green Parent Bringing more joy and connection to your family life Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/05/hero2.jpg) #### ****MAMAMADE** The brand came to life when Sophie Baron started weaning her daughter Liba. She struggled to keep up with the pace of mealtimes on top of feeding but didn’t want to compromise on supporting her baby’s health and development. So she created a range of 35 organic meals for babies that arrive frozen, and just need re-heating. Subscribe to the service or get some support on the website. **mamamadefood.com* [BUY HERE](https://mamamadefood.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/05/1613082744053.jpg) #### ****OMAMI** Specially curated subscription boxes of small batch, fresh, organic baby food, delivered to your door. Omami, comes from the Arabic words ‘ummah’, ‘umm’, and ‘umumah’ which mean ‘community’, ‘mother’, and ‘motherhood’ respectively. The First Bites box contains smooth blends for babies who have explored single ingredients and are ready to try new flavours. Products are cold-pressed to preserve nutrients, and formulated by nutritionists. **omami.co.uk* [BUY HERE](https://www.omami.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### Wild Schooling URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/wild-schooling/ Last updated: 2024-05-09T08:11:10.000Z ## Nurturing a child's love for learning begins with trust. In the process of home educating, parents trust their children to know when they are ready to learn and what they are interested in learning. Let's discover these 3 families who've embraced wild schooling! And trust them to know how to go about learning. This approach to learning is common during the child's first two years, when he is mastering the ability to stand, walk, talk, and to perform many other important and difficult things, with little help from anyone. No one worries that a baby will be too lazy, uncooperative, or unmotivated to learn these things; it is simply assumed that every baby is born wanting to learn the things he needs to know in order to understand and to participate in the world around him. These one- and two-year-old experts teach us several principles of learning: Children are naturally curious and have a built-in desire to learn first-hand about the world around them. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### 5 Organic Sleepwear Brands for Babies URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/6-organic-sleepwear-brands-for-babies/ Last updated: 2024-05-07T13:04:54.000Z ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/05/Pure-Earth-Collection-all-season-bamboo-sleeping-bag.jpg) #### ****PURE EARTH COLLECTION** The ultimate sleep solutions made from 100% natural fabrics for a safer and better night’s sleep. Everything from gorgeous organic sleeping bags to portable blackout blinds, cotton comforters to the softest bamboo baby blankets. We love the temperature regulating natural baby sleeping bags, which are made with innovative bamboo wadding. They are super soft and the clever design means you can easily adjust baby’s temperature. **pureearthcollection.com* [BUY HERE](https://www.pureearthcollection.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/05/Screenshot-2021-08-30-at-08.17.50.jpg) #### ****NATURE BABY** Nature Baby is a family business that began in 1998 as a quest for sustainable, natural and innovative products for the founders’ – Georgia and Jacob Faull - own family of three children. In the Sleep section of their online store you’ll find sleeping bags and gowns, pyjamas and all-in-ones plus a complete range of organic bedding from mattresses to blankets. We love the organic jersey duvet sets. **naturebabystore.co.uk* [BUY HERE](https://www.naturebaby.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/05/0304BABYWOOLSPOTTY_5.jpg) #### ****THE WOOL ROOM** Woolroom was founded in 2008 by Jo Dawson, a fourth generation of a Bradford wool merchant family. 2020 saw the relaunch of the company’s Baby and Children’s range of products - Woolroom Kids. They are passionate about using 100% British wool. As well as offering everything from mattresses to duvets (we love our Woolroom Kid’s Cot Duvet), there’s also a helpful section on the website providing advice on baby sleep. **thewoolroom.com* [BUY HERE](https://www.thewoolroom.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ## Sign up for The Green Parent Bringing more joy and connection to your family life Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/05/89504300_2618209418415857_1662070687633768448_n-1.jpg) #### ****NATURALMAT** Back in 1999, the founders of Naturalmat set out to make a mattress that contained just natural fibres, without any chemical additives whatsoever. Twenty two years on, they are one of the leading producers and make all mattresses by hand in a purpose-built factory in Topsham, on the banks of the River Exe, Devon. As well as mattresses, the company also offer beautiful wooden furniture for the nursery and organic sleepsuits and bedding. **naturalmat.co.uk* [BUY HERE](https://naturalmat.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/05/swaddle_pod_slate.jpg) #### ****HANABABY** Producers of beautiful soft baby wraps, Hanababy have branched out into baby sleep gear. Their swaddlepod prevents the startle reflex (when baby’s arms fly up during sleep), which helps babies sleep longer and more peacefully. It conveniently comes with a two-way zipper that opens up from the top as well as from the bottom, making it easy to change a nappy without having to undress your little one entirely. *hanababy.co.uk* [BUY HERE](https://hanababy.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### 6 of the Best Ethical Clothing Brands for Kids URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/6-of-the-best-ethical-clothing-brands-for-kids/ Last updated: 2024-05-07T13:05:12.000Z ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/05/TTS118BFL_1.jpg) #### ****WE LOVE FRUGI** Frugi started life as a ‘Eureka’ moment when founders Lucy and Kurt struggled to find clothing to fit over their son’s cloth-nappied bum. Frugi means ‘Fruits of the Earth’ in Latin. The company uses organic cotton, and all outerwear is made from recycled plastic bottles. They are always looking for new ways to innovate and explore and have a wonderful supportive, uplifting community you can join! **welovefrugi.com* [BUY HERE](https://www.welovefrugi.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/05/HOLLYWOOD_yellow_clouds-cardigan-kids_DRIFT_ICECREAM_KIDS-Dress_BonnieMob_SS21-1.jpg) #### ****THE BONNIE MOB** We love the ethos of this Brighton based company: The Bonnie Mob represents the fearless and the fun-loving. The spirit of freedom and the wildness of childhood. For the den builders, the wildlife hunters, the felt-tip masterpiece makers... Playful clothes from newborn snuggles to seven-year old explorers that spark imagination and go on never-ending adventures - a touch of handmade, a pinch of vintage and a whole heap of durability. **thebonniemob.com* [BUY HERE](https://www.thebonniemob.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/05/2.jpg) #### ****PETIT PLI** This innovative clothing company creates clothes that grow up to seven sizes using special patented technology. Made from recycled materials, produced to last, and perfect for adventures. Imagine if your child’s wardrobe could cost less and be instrumental in halting environmental damage. What if clothing is without gender and is so versatile it adapts to a wide range of activities and purpose? Petit Pli is answering these questions. **shop.petitpli.com* [BUY HERE](https://shop.petitpli.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/05/S21-854-BIR-L1-copy-2.jpg) #### ****LITTLE GREEN RADICALS** Back in 2005, Little Green Radicals began with the simple idea of making beautiful children’s clothing. For founder Nick, nothing is truly beautiful unless it is made the right way. From the beginning their clothes have always been organic and Fairtrade. Today, the bags used to protect clothes are 100% compostable, made from (GM free) corn starch. Postage bags and wrapping paper are made from paper and all tags etc are made from organic cotton. **littlegreenradicals.co.uk* [BUY HERE](https://littlegreenradicals.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ## Sign up for The Green Parent Bringing more joy and connection to your family life Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/05/OC-2122_RAINBOW_MEADOW_SHORTIE_ROMPER_7.jpg) #### ****PICCALILLY** Piccalilly are a British childrenswear brand designing organic clothing suitiable from newborn up to ten years. We love the bright, full of beans prints! The company aims for gender neutrality in their colourways and print designs. The bottoms are designed to fit over both cloth nappies and everything is free from harmful chemicals. Check out the new seaside print with buckets, spades and snorkels and the bombastic flower meadow design. **piccalilly.co.uk* [BUY HERE](https://www.piccalilly.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/05/29_223_200dpi.jpg) #### ****POLARN O’PYRET** Sustainable Swedish kidswear since 1976\. These clothes are made for play and made to last. Over 85% of the collection is made from organic cotton or recycled materials. The company ethos is “Let kids be kids!" These are clothes that keep children warm, dry or cool, that aren’t tight or restrictive, and fit really well. They make the best and most comfortable clothes with functional fabrics and the most ingenious solutions. **polarnopyret.co.uk* [BUY HERE](https://www.polarnopyret.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### Raising Free People URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/raising-free-people/ Last updated: 2024-05-09T08:14:00.000Z ## **Akilah S. Richards** is the founder of the Raising Free People Network, a group that helps families, organisations and corporations solve big issues in education, leadership and personal development ## I’m Jamaican. My parents moved to the US when my brother and I were small and we went to school and college here. I first met my partner, Kris, in high school, and after college, we dated and married. Our children, Marley and Sage are 17 and 15\. They started out in conventional public elementary school. After a short while, Marley began to express her frustration with not having time to think her thoughts. She excelled, but two years in, she was continually frustrated. She would say they were ‘peopling’, as in doing and saying things she wasn’t giving them consent to do. Eventually, Kris and I withdrew the kids from school with the proviso that if it didn’t work we would put them back. Let me tell you, we certainly didn’t unschool from the beginning! We started out trying to do school at home. As you can imagine the girls resisted that. It was very messy, very bumpy, and we went back and forth. I recall moments of ‘Oh, my god, they've been on the screens too long. Let's go back on to the curriculum.’ _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Breastfeeding is so Much More than Food to Your Toddler URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/breastfeeding-is-so-much-more-than-food-to-your-toddler/ Last updated: 2024-05-09T08:15:44.000Z ## **Ann Owen** always knew she was going to breastfeed and always knew that she wanted her children to decide when the journey would end ## “I don’t think I anticipated that I would still on the odd occasion be nursing my daughter at age five. As someone who has felt quite alone in nursing an “older” child I decided to reach out to other mamas who were also nursing beyond infancy and to those who were allowing their children to decide when to stop. And so my project Milk was born. Through this project I have connected with so many inspiring and incredible mothers who, through sharing their stories with me, have empowered me in ways I hadn’t anticipated. At the beginning of this project I felt worried about putting myself out there, but now I feel proud of our journey. It is my hope that it can help others on a similar path, in the same way. I feel it is important to honour and celebrate our journeys truthfully. By sharing our stories through words and images we empower ourselves and others. Natural Term Breastfeeding is something I am incredibly passionate about and wish to help normalise through my work”. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Recipe: Elderflower Shortbread URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/recipe-elderflower-shortbread/ Last updated: 2024-06-20T13:41:43.000Z ## You've been out foraging, gathered loads of frothy white elderflower and already made cordial but got some flower heads left over? asks **David Hamilton** Try this tasty hedgerow shortbread recipe - a super tasty weekend treat! ### **INGREDIENTS** - 2 tablespoons fresh elderflowers - 100 g butter or vegan margarine - 50 g granulated sugar - 150 g plain/all-purpose flour ### **METHOD** 1. Preheat the oven to 180oC/350oF/ Gas Mark 4\. 2. Using your fingers, remove the elderflowers from their stems, place them in a large bowl and set aside. It is important to remove as much of the stalk as possible. However, there is no need to worry if tiny pieces of stalk end up in the bowl as it is impossible to remove it all. 3. Cut the butter into cubes and place this in a separate bowl along with the remaining ingredients. 4. Using your fingers again, rub the ingredients together so they start to look like breadcrumbs or an apple crumble topping. 5. Add the elderflowers and roughly mix everything together. 6. Push the crumb mix together with your hands so it forms a dough, then push this down into a greased baking tin. 7. Bake for 20 minutes, until golden. ## Sign up for The Green Parent Bringing more joy and connection to your family life Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ## **MORE INSPIRATION** **READ** Family Foraging by David Hamilton, photography by Jason Ingram *(White Lion Publishing)* ### 4 Van Holidays in the UK URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/4-van-holidays-in-the-uk/ Last updated: 2025-02-15T09:57:53.000Z ## Take your family holiday home on the road by hiring one of these unique and beautifully converted campers Lindsay Berresford and David ffrench live in a self-built eco-house in Easton, Bristol with their seven-year-old son and five-year-old twin girls, who are home educated. Founders of Quirky Campers, they split their work and childcare 50/50, working from an office on the top floor of their house. “We set up the business over ten years ago as a means to rent out our self built campervan, Bella while we lived in Kenya for six months. At the time, the only available campervans to rent were either very plastic motorhomes or VWs - much more characterful, but not very spacious. Nowhere could you find something built from natural materials, with a woodburner! We didn’t know if we would get much take-up, but it turned out that it was exactly what a lot of people were looking for. Over the years we have grown very slowly and organically, focusing on quality over quantity - we only accept conversions that meet our very high standards. We have always worked from home and are very lucky to have a proper office in our house, which really helps to separate work and family time. I try to be disciplined about not looking at my phone when I’m with the kids (although I’m not always successful). But we also appreciate the ability to flex our work around our lives and our lives around our work. Now that we have an amazing team we are able to take proper holidays and completely disconnect, which I am hugely grateful for. ## Sign up for The Green Parent Bringing more joy and connection to your family life Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Our love for campervans was partly driven by our desire to minimise flying and that’s a huge driver behind the business today; there are so many amazing places to explore in the UK and we want to make that exploration as easy and enjoyable as possible. The other driver is our belief that not everyone needs to own their own campervan, sharing resources is better for the planet and our finances. We encourage our owners to use as much natural and reclaimed materials as possible in their campervan conversions. We also provide natural soaps and washing up liquid for customers to minimise their impact wherever they’re travelling.” ## **OUR FAMILY VAN PICKS** [](mailto:?subject=Four%20Fabulous%20Van%20Holidays%20in%20the%20UK&body=Check%20out%20this%20article%20on%20The%20Green%20Parent%20website%20%E2%80%93%20https://www.thegreenparent.co.uk/articles/read/Four-Fabulous-Van-Holidays-in-the-UK) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/05/Wild-wan-2.png) **THE WILD WAN** A proud and jazzy Volkswagen Crafter camper van with a super cool paint job and a very chic interior. Ideal for up to a family of four and a dog to drive off into the rolling Scottish wilderness for an incredible off grid holiday. The quirky and cosy interior has three useable porthole windows around the beds, so you can treat yourself to a room with your very own, ever changing view! Not just for human van life, The Wild Wan’s owners have created a great sized dog den at the back; complete with lighting and insulated rubber floor which is accessible from inside and outside of the van. ***Sleeping arrangements:*** The Wild Wan sleeps up to four people; two adults and two children. The beds, 1 double and 2 singles, are fixed in a bunk bed style at the rear of the camper van. ***The home of the camper:*** The Wild Wan lives just outside of Edinburgh. ***Conversion Story:*** The Wild Wan started off as a solar panel transporting van, converted in summer 2020 by the owners, who, working as outdoor education instructors, found themselves out of work during lockdown, a lot of love and attention (and hours on YouTube and Pinterest for inspiration!) went into making this the perfect home from home, ready for family adventures! ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/05/Mont-Blanc-2.png) [](mailto:?subject=Four%20Fabulous%20Van%20Holidays%20in%20the%20UK&body=Check%20out%20this%20article%20on%20The%20Green%20Parent%20website%20%E2%80%93%20https://www.thegreenparent.co.uk/articles/read/Four-Fabulous-Van-Holidays-in-the-UK) **MONT BLANC** A cool and sleek camper with an alpine vibe will give you the perfect rolling home for your off-grid road trip! Combine the practicality of the beds with the homely and cosy wood-burner which will keep you toasty in the colder months, Mont Blanc delivers a hand crafted home from home you might not want to leave! ***Sleeping arrangements:*** Mont Blanc sleeps up to four people; two downstairs on a pull-out sofa and two above on a double bed, which is pulled down from the ceiling and easily stowed away during the day. ***The home of the camper:*** Mont Blanc lives near The University of Sheffield. ***Cooking Equipment:*** In addition to the fridge and built-in two-ring gas hob, lighting the wood burner provides an ideal slow cooker. *Conversion Story:* The van began life as a humble builders’ transit. The owners bought her after a long and careful hunt and she was hand-converted from alpine chalets. The conversion started with the dream of taking her on a ski trip for the maiden journey, which they did in December 2019. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/05/Florence.png) [](mailto:?subject=Four%20Fabulous%20Van%20Holidays%20in%20the%20UK&body=Check%20out%20this%20article%20on%20The%20Green%20Parent%20website%20%E2%80%93%20https://www.thegreenparent.co.uk/articles/read/Four-Fabulous-Van-Holidays-in-the-UK) **FLORENCE** A professionally converted campervan, who evokes a country kitchen on wheels. This former ambulance is a high-quality rolling home, who is spacious for a whole family of five to live and sleep really comfortably, but compact enough to drive really easily, too. You can eat in comfort around the large larch dining table, which is also perfect for reading, games and route planning. In the cupboards, there’s something local for you to enjoy, from Café Mor condiments, Teifi Dragon coffee and eggs from the owner’s hens! ***Sleeping arrangements:*** Large double bed, two single bunks above double, cab bed for child ***The home of the camper:*** Florence lives on a small farm in South Pembrokeshire. ***Conversion Story:*** The owners wanted to use materials that reflect the land where they live - oak trees, Welsh wool, the hedgerows. They worked with Rustic Simplicity who used reclaimed oak for the cupboards and a beautiful piece of larch for the main table. They incorporated Welsh fabric into the upholstery, making it feel comfy and homely. [](mailto:?subject=Four%20Fabulous%20Van%20Holidays%20in%20the%20UK&body=Check%20out%20this%20article%20on%20The%20Green%20Parent%20website%20%E2%80%93%20https://www.thegreenparent.co.uk/articles/read/Four-Fabulous-Van-Holidays-in-the-UK) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/05/Frida-1.png) **FRIDA** Frida has fixed triple bunks for the kids with curtains and individual reading lights. There’s a toilet stowed away under the wardrobe, which can be used inside the van or in a toilet tent outside. She also has an external shower which can be used with pre-warmed water. Her design is inspired by her namesake, Frida Kahlo, and is full of colour and bold prints featuring plants and animals. ***Sleeping arrangements:*** Frida sleeps up to six people ***The home of the camper:*** Frida lives in Easton, Bristol. **Conversion Story:** Frida is a long-dreamed of van created by the co-founders of Quirky Campers, Lindsay and David. They owned their previous self-built van, Bella, for 13 years. Over time their needs and priorities had changed as they had gone from a young couple to parents of three growing children. They knew they wanted their next van to be designed to maximise the ease and comfort of campervanning with kids, but were keen not to own anything too large that made country lanes challenging and parking almost impossible. So, they set out to create the perfect family layout in a medium sized van. And here it is! ## **MORE INSPIRATION** **EXPLORE** All the vans available for hire at[***quirkycampers.com/uk/***](https://www.quirkycampers.com/uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### Meet 7 World Schooling Families URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/meet-7-world-schooling-families/ Last updated: 2024-05-16T11:39:13.000Z ## If it wasn’t for the curved roof or the large steering wheel and driver’s seat in the front, Rob and Robin Schannep could be standing in a luxury apartment in Brooklyn says **Jesse Klein** There are hardwood floors, a side table and a corner sofa that wouldn’t look out of place in a minimalist’s modern apartment. But it’s not an apartment. The Schanneps live in a 300 square foot aqua blue school bus with their five children, exploring the rural United States. The four kid-sized bunk beds with sliding doors that fill the middle third of the bus look like a Japanese pod hotel. It’s slightly claustrophobic when they walk through the tiny hallway. Then there is toilet and shower followed finally by the parents’ queen bed. Each separated by a floor-to-roof door. The Schanneps are part of the explosion of people who have chosen to give up a traditional house and move into vans or buses full time —known as it’s Instagram hashtag Vanlife. With the rise of remote work, skyrocketing housing prices and millennials’ love of travel, Vanlife has become a bohemian revolution. Search the hashtag on Instagram, and you will find photo after photo of millennial couples with their feet framed by their bed, a van back door and the beautiful vista just beyond their toes. But the Schanneps, with their five children, represent a very different side of the Vanlife popularity: families who have decided to bring their children along for the ride, raising them on the road. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### 13 Tips for Choosing the Best Baby Carrier for You URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/13-tips-for-choosing-the-best-baby-carrier-for-you/ Last updated: 2024-05-07T13:07:04.000Z ## My daughter and I first went camping when she was three months old. I love camping; being outdoors and under canvas is second nature for me says **Jodie Anne Hall** Festivals are a fantastic way to enjoy the summer months and with so many to choose from there really is something for everyone. Whether you are visiting for a day or a weekend, a good baby carrier is invaluable. It makes sense to pop a baby or child unable to walk for themselves into a sling but equally, older children who get tired, or who like to disappear into a crowd, can be better off nestled against their parents. For pre-walkers, using a carrier has its obvious benefits but there are many reasons beyond the basic transport of the child. You can keep your child close to you, which enables you to respond far faster to their early cues and so both you and your child are calmer as you can avoid getting to the point of screaming. Carrying your child above the crowd is far less imposing for him than travelling at knee height in a pram or buggy. Carrying can be hands free with the correct carrier, this allows you to carry all your gear around with you as well as being able to eat and care for other children. You can use those ubiquitous festival bogs with ease! No need to remove the child from the carrier or worry about leaving them outside. Parent-facing carriers reduce over stimulation. You can cross almost any terrain and pass through smaller gaps with a carrier. Small toys, fiddle beads and comforters can be attached to carriers, saving you from picking up bits and pieces every five seconds. ## Sign up for The Green Parent Bringing more joy and connection to your family life Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. For older more independent children there again are numerous benefits for you both. Nap times can be any time without you missing a thing. Carrying an over excited or over stimulated child can help them to settle and sleep. When they are being carried you know where they are, this can be very helpful when in a large crowd. Little legs get tired and carrying using a carrier spreads the weight for the care giver. Children can see more and interact with you easily. Some carriers pack up very small so no need to carry bulky items around with you. If you need to use the loo you can do this even in a back carry (use the toilet backwards if you need to sit). And lastly, you can use the carrier to carry items when your child is not in it. Many festivals now have sling libraries on site for you to hire and get advice during your visit with your family but it is always recommended to check there will be one available before you leave! I have supported Tribal Hearts festival with my own library and found we became a life line for many families over the weekend who discovered that slings were a vital item in their festival tool kit. There are sling libraries available all over the country as well as postal libraries available through the year who are more than happy to support you and your family to find what works best for you. If you want more advice there are also sling consultants who you can hire to support your family in a focused session. ## **MORE INSPIRATION** **EXPLORE:** Sling Libraries can be found on[***slingpages.co.uk***](https://www.carryingmatters.co.uk/sling-pages/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). **FIND:** Jodie online at[***jennibeansc.strikingly.com***](http://www.jennibeansc.strikingly.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **IMAGE:** With thanks to[**Oscha Slings**](https://oschaslings.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) --- ![Photograph of a mother wearing a woven wrap with her baby on her back](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/05/Oscha-Puffins-Westray-9424.jpg) A consultation with a sling consultant will help you especially if you are looking to back carry for the first time ## **ADVICE ON CHOOSING THE RIGHT CARRIER FOR YOU** - Recommendations from friends are lovely BUT we are all built differently and find different things comfortable! Do not assume it will fit you the same. - Use the carrier for a period of time before investing. You cannot get a feel for a carrier or sling by just putting it on for a short period with a weighted doll or child. - Try everything as what you think looks simple may not be and what looks complicated may work for you. - A consultation with a sling consultant will help you especially if you are looking to back carry for the first time or carry multiple children. - Consider your climate, this is important as some carriers use bulky inserts for young children. - An ergonomic carrier will offer more comfort for your child as well as supporting them easily, where as some non-ergonomic carriers need tweaking and monitoring more (an ergonomic carrier supports the child’s knees, knee pit to knee pit as well as allowing the pelvis to tilt forward). - Know your T.I.C.K.S these are the UK safety recommendations and will help you to ensure the child’s airways are protected at all times. - If you want to world-face your child (also called forward facing) a busy festival may not be the time to do this especially if there happen to be animals. When the child is facing out they do not have the same reassurance from their care giver, they are unable to cut off from the incoming information, and animals can become distressed and confused by the double face looking at them. - Be aware of your new shape and size, I have witnessed care givers wipe out everyone within a small proximity when using some of the more bulky, hard structured carriers. - Consider yourself as well as the child! Your physiology matters too. - Consider a carrying coat or cover for if it does rain. There are many specifically designed items available to support your family. - You can use a simple back pack, bum bag or long hip bag to carry all you need. - You may want to pin up long hair especially in a back carry. --- ### Why I Take My Kids to Festivals Even When I'm Working URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/why-i-take-my-kids-to-festivals-even-when-im-working/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:41.000Z ## Taking a baby to festivals can be fun, and easy, says **Julie Bickerton** of **Baby Nomad**, who runs yoga sessions and more in fields throughout the summer Healing areas at festivals have become an integral part of the festival itself and I’ve loved seeing the development from both sides, as a punter and as a therapist and teacher. Working behind the scenes is really great fun and a lots of hard work. You can work as part of a collective or on your own with your own structure (bell tent/yurt/gazebo), depending on how the festival is run. Festivals are a brilliant opportunity to try a treatment or attend a workshop in something you’ve never done before. Over the years I’ve attended workshops in singing, animal spirit meditation, shamanic healing, whirling dervishes and sound healing. The ceremonies that come as part of the experience of working in the healing areas at festivals commit you to working as a team for the collective good. I thought I’d write a few anecdotes about my experiences over the years. My first festival was as an excitable ‘professional’ therapist. I was ready to give as much as I could to everyone I met. This was until I was physically sick after the first day massaging for 7 hours straight! I’d taken on too much, both physically, emotionally and energetically- this was a big lesson. We were often water logged. Glastonbury 2004 if I remember rightly was a wash out on the Thursday and Friday. My friend’s tent had a river running through it and we had to open the main massage tent to the ‘festival homeless’. This was also my first time working as donation only and people were so generous. I also found myself leading the opening parade for the healing field- magic! Beautiful Days festival was another hilarious washout. I was working with my sister, Claire. It rained for 4 days solid but we still managed to keep our bell tent warm and cosy for those with ‘camper’s back’. At the end of the festival we had to get our van towed out of the mud. Still, we managed some fantastic picnics complete with tablecloth, candles and 3 course meals. We didn’t drop our standards because we were in a field. I moved on from doing massage to teaching workshops after my son Beau was born in 2007\. He came to every festival with me. Don’t be put off if you have a young baby - they are really very adaptable. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. At Camp Bestival, (this time in an old caravan which I’d bought off a family who’d had it for 3 generations) I opened my Baby Bell Tent, a space for Mums and Babies. It was a lovely, cool space on what was a really hot weekend for mums to come and do some baby massage, feed, chat and just take some time away from the festival. It can be exhausting with a young family, enormous fun yes, but time away from the heart of the action is vital. One mum said her little nap with her toddler (who NEVER used to sleep during the day) was the highlight of her festival. That made it for me. As the years went on, my son got older and my training continued. Birthlight toddler yoga and Rainbow Kids Family yoga meant that everyone could enjoy yoga, massage and relaxation. I love these workshops. Everyone piles in and off we go. At Starry Skies festival I had about 25 families so we spilled out of the huge tent onto the lush green grass overlooking the valley and I facilitated a camping theme yoga session. Kids love climbing on their parents backs and this is often the first chance to experience acroyoga which has grown in popularity over the years. It’s the relaxation that I love the best. Apart from snuggling up on the sofa and watching a film, where do you get the chance to do this with your kids without being up against the competition that technology poses? There’s often an emotional release during this part of class and it’s a safe space to cry and allow this to happen. Some parents find this the hardest part but also the most beneficial. So next time you’re at a festival, see if there’s a family yoga session on, or try out a treatment for yourself. *Julie is a* [*Birthlight Pregnancy Yoga teacher*](http://www.birthlight.co.uk/page/pregnancy-yoga-birth-postnatal-yoga?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)*,* [*Certified Infant Massage Instructor*](http://iaim.org.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)*, a* [*Birthlight Baby Yoga*](http://www.birthlight.com/page/baby-yoga?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) *teacher and* [*Rainbow Kids Yoga*](http://www.rainbowkidsyoga.net/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) *Teacher. Her aim is to support and nurture you so you can find some peace amongst the chaos! Find her classes and more information at* [*juliebickerton.com*](https://juliebickerton.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### How to Care for Yourself After Birth URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/how-to-care-for-yourself-after-birth/ Last updated: 2024-05-11T06:08:29.000Z ## The transition into motherhood is a time of profound change and transformation on every level: emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually says **Vanessa Long** The postpartum period is also a time of conflicting emotions: both positive and negative are fluctuating in a heady mix of hormones and sleep-deprivation - absolute joy, bliss, wonderment, exhaustion, irritation, sadness and maybe grief. ### **A new mother is born** But with the birth of every child, whether it be her first or her fifth, a new mother is born. She is as open, raw and vulnerable as her newborn baby. Just as her baby needs warmth, nurturing and the correct rehydration and nourishment, so too does the mother. Just as her baby needs to feel protected, cared for and held, so does she. A new mother is a precious cargo, in need of love, support, understanding, kindness and gentleness. The modern care of the mothering journey in the West is primarily focussed on the mother; her pregnancy and birth. However, once baby is here, mothers are relegated to second place. Health professionals focus on baby’s development and families, who often live far away, visit expecting cups of tea and cuddles with the new baby and buy expensive presents but the mother is given little of the nurturing and care she truly needs. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Why I Planned a Family Gap Year URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/why-i-planned-a-family-gap-year/ Last updated: 2024-05-11T06:09:12.000Z ## How do we teach our children to tread lightly on the earth; to be responsible, engaged social citizens and fight for a safe and healthy future on our planet that is being increasingly squeezed and depleted of its natural resources? wonders **Rebecca Stonehill** Travel wouldn’t be top of the list for most families at a time when emission fuels created by air travel need to be drastically cut in the coming years, but I’d like to share our story with you. We’re from the UK but lived in Kenya for several years where my husband was working with low-income urban communities in various water and sanitation projects. Our time there had finished and we were heading back to England, but before returning to our native land, we’d long been flirting with the idea of a final overland adventure, or a ‘family gap year’ as we liked to call it. My husband and I would snatch snippets of conversation, tossing ideas back and forth like a ball between us. Where should we go? When? For how long? _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Attachment Parenting Helped me Heal my PND URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/attachment-parenting-helped-me-heal-my-pnd/ Last updated: 2024-05-11T06:09:49.000Z ## When I was pregnant for the second time, I thought I knew what lay ahead. I had done it all before just three years previously: labour, the fourth trimester, living on barely four hours sleep a night - how different would having two children really be? wondered **Wendy Reynolds** I thought I was prepared, my first labour was long but intervention free, I had managed to successfully breastfeed, and I was convinced everything would go as smoothly when my second child arrived. I was wrong. I made practical arrangements as we waited to become a four. I sat crossed legged on the floor in the spare bedroom, my expanding belly hanging low between them as I swished a paintbrush along the skirting boards: baby blue for my second baby boy. Soon a cot arrived and shelves were hammered into the freshly painted walls, adorned with delicate picture frames waiting for photographs of his newborn face to fill them. ### **Babywearing to soothe mental pain** For logistical reasons, I bought a sling. I was investing in something that allowed me to have both my hands free to still play with my toddler, to stack wooden building bricks with him, to easily butter his toast and have two arms there to cuddle him; I didn’t want things between us to change. I never envisioned that babywearing would save me much more than just time and ease with daily tasks. I never expected a sling could sooth my mental pain on the darkest of days. My second son arrived early on a Friday morning in October. I only experienced three hours of contractions, breathing through each surge with my eyes closed and my mind focussed on my breath. The birthing pool was filled, the lights were dimmed and after fifteen minutes of pushing and gripping my husband’s supportive hand, my baby entered the world. I fell in love instantly. The first few days and weeks at home are hard to remember now, the memories are hazy. Looking back on those days with a newborn is like looking through a glass shower door when the heat of the water has been set to high, there’s a fog there that stops me from seeing the memories clearly. ## Sign up for The Green Parent Bringing more joy and connection to your family life Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. Join our community. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### **Mental health crumbling after birth** It was harder than I could ever have imagined, having two children was more than twice as difficult as having one. The workload didn’t double, somehow it expanded beyond any fathomable measure. I didn’t have the mental strength to cope with them both, my confidence and my mental wellbeing began to crumble. There were too many plates spinning. Round and round they twirled, faster and faster, each one precariously wobbling, it was only a matter of time before one fell and smashed. The metaphorical crockery that slipped and shattered was my mental health. I couldn’t look after myself and everyone else. I didn’t know how to spread myself between all the people that needed me and the only way to make sure everyone else was looked after was to sacrifice looking after myself. ### **Suffering from anxiety and depression** I didn’t rest enough, I never gave myself a break, an exhausted mind can too easily be broken and that’s what happened to me – I was too tired to fight. I let self-doubt and guilt fester in my brain like a piece of rotten fruit in the sun, every day I felt like the world’s worst parent and that my boys deserved someone so much better than me. My thoughts were dark, I was always afraid, anxiety sent my heart racing full speed into palpitations and I became very very sad; crying became just another part of daily life. Days turned to weeks and weeks turned to months and I battled through post natal depression using anything and anyone I could to pull me through. I tried yoga, healthy eating, going for long walks in the woods and listening to waves crash in and out on trips to the coast. I was determined to let Mother Nature work her healing magic, and for a long time she was enough. Fresh air and nature were enough to drag my thoughts to a happier place, even if just for a while. ### **Babywearing helped heal my postnatal depression** Slowly, I started to notice perhaps it wasn’t just getting outside that was helping me, a correlation between babywearing and my mood started to become apparent. I realised that when he was close to me, his rosy cheek resting on my pale chest, when I could feel the rise and fall of his body against my heart, I didn’t feel so afraid. When my baby was in the sling, when he was wrapped against me and I could feel his soft and steady breath on my skin, I no longer felt anxiety washing through me like a torrential downpour in a thunder storm. As time went on, I reached for the sling more often. What was once only considered another item to make life with a baby easier, now became my lifeline. Babywearing may not have been the cure to my post natal depression and anxiety, but it was undeniably an extremely effective pain relief. I let him nap in the sling when we were at home, I reached for that piece of stretchy fabric more than I ever did for his pram because when he was right next to me, I was able to stay calm. ### **Breastfeeding helped me find peace** Breastfeeding worked a similar kind of magic on me. I could be having an awful mental health day, I could have been experiencing the most terrifying intrusive thoughts and have found myself struggling for breath as my anxiety beat me down into a state of panic, but breastfeeding was able to make the negativity vanish. As soon as his face was pressed against me, his eyes looking up into mine as he fed with a look of pure bliss emanating from his crystal blues, I immediately felt better. Whenever I breastfed my baby boy, I felt like I was maybe not such an awful mum after all. When he happily fed from me, I realised I was enough, no one else in the world could give him what I was giving him. No other person on the planet could make him feel as content as he was when he was cuddled into my chest. I breastfed him until he was fifteen months old, I was reluctant to let go of this act between us that was able to soothe my mind and keep the darkness at bay. Sometimes we would co-sleep, for all the same reasons as we loved babywearing and breastfeeding. I thought having him in my bed would terrify me more but having him next to me, just as nature intended, helped me to stay away from the horrifying ‘what if’ thoughts, the ones that all too often popped into my mind and could easily ruin my chances of a good night’s sleep. ### **Attachment parenting saved me** The dark days came and went and came back again; they were unpredictable and always unwelcome but being close to my baby helped me through the most difficult of times. For as long as I could feel his breath, touch his warm skin and breathe in the scent of him, I knew he was OK, and if I he was ok, I was able to stop myself from spiralling into a black abyss of terror. For some mothers, attachment parenting is a choice they make when they are pregnant, for others it is something they just fall into without giving it too much thought. For me, attachment parenting was a crucial part of my recovery. Keeping baby close kept me calm. The fabric of my wrap not only helped with the practicalities of life with a newborn and a toddler, the stretchy material was able to firmly hold my sanity in place too, the soft fibres managed to keep me together. When my baby was in the sling, I was not able to fall apart. When my baby boy was close to me, when he could hear my heartbeat and I could hear and feel his breathing, suddenly, I found myself out of the darkness again and basking in the serene and calming beauty of the light. Attachment parenting saved me and I will forever be grateful to the stretchy wrap that helped me through the most difficult days of my life. *Runner up in the Green Parent Writing Competition* **Image:* with thanks to Kyle Nieber* ### Why I Take my Kids on Outdoor Adventures URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/why-i-take-my-kids-on-outdoor-adventures/ Last updated: 2024-05-11T06:10:30.000Z ## **Kelly Hargie** writes about a mountaineering adventure in the Mourne Mountain range with her three young sons Our faces tingled, numb from the biting cold air. We silently padded back towards the car, exhausted from the effort that had been exerted in our endeavour to reach the summit. It is New Year’s Day and we have just completed our first hike of a brand-new year – a trek to the top of Slieve Donard, the highest mountain in the magical Mourne Mountain range in Northern Ireland. We decided as a family several years ago that we would start out each new year doing the thing we love most of all; getting out into the mountains for some quality family time and immersing ourselves in the wonderful natural world which surrounds us. As we wearily meander through the forest on the lower levels of Donard, the carpet of crisp leaves crunches rhythmically underfoot. The snow-capped summit we left behind had stretched us and challenged us like never before and our bodies were well and truly fatigued. I look at my 3 sons, aged 7, 9 and 12, their faces gleaming in the low light of descending twilight and I feel immensely proud of their stamina and determination of mind. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### An Outdoor Education for our Child with Additional Needs URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/an-outdoor-education-for-our-child-with-additional-needs/ Last updated: 2024-05-09T08:46:03.000Z ## Birth was the easy bit. After five hours of labour and two paracetamol. My second child, a beautiful son arrived safely curled in my arms, happily breastfeeding at home in our own bed says **Lisa Costley** Joining my wonderful, curious daughter, and completing our family. It was the perfect natural birth I had been dreaming of. It was only following day we realised something was wrong. The redness of his skin, which we put down to the stress of birth, had not subsided. Our midwife in her first visit confirmed that our new little person had Down Syndrome. Suddenly an entire medical machine began to gather pace around our family and by midday my son was in a hospital bed. ### **Raising a child with a learning disability** Those first few precious hours with all of us together, were followed by days of hospitalisation and worry. Doctors with solemn faces talked through the implications and discussed whether to operate on the hole in his heart. We hoped that golden time, just after his arrival, could sustain us through the challenges to come. In that short time we bonded with him as a person, not a syndrome and we made a promise to always see him – not the condition. We tried to return to this pledge again and again when faced with the challenges of raising a child with a learning disability. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### A Love Letter to my Little Sparrow URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/a-love-letter-to-my-little-sparrow/ Last updated: 2024-05-09T08:48:54.000Z ## The day you were born; my fierce maternal love looked into your blue eyes, soaking up new unexplored bloodlines says **Liz Dickinson** Nestled into my warm skin, you curled up into a prayer position, as I marvelled at your tiny hands and miniature toes. Weighing 2.6 kilos; you were 850 times heavier than a paper clip, 6,000 times as heavy as a raindrop, but half the weight of an average domestic cat. The midwives nicknamed you, “Little Sparrow,” in those early days before we decided on your name. Maybe it was your petite size that made me feel even more protective; wanting to bury you into my bosom and shield you from the artificial hospital lights and steady flow of visitors. The world is so big; skyscrapers loom into the sky, gigantic cars screech and aeroplanes boom through the clouds; how could a little sparrow learn to live in such a gigantic world? _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Gentle Parenting a Child with Down Syndrome URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/gentle-parenting-a-child-with-down-syndrome/ Last updated: 2024-05-11T06:12:52.000Z ## Parenting is the toughest job we’ll ever have. Sometimes though, the circumstances that come our way make it even more challenging than we first thought says **Nicola Woods** We start the journey with excited dreams, unspoken fears and our own vision of family life; perhaps echoing that of our parents before us, perhaps a very different path. On that Sunday morning in January 2012 when we found out we were going to have a baby, all those thoughts flooded into my head. I insisted that right that minute we had to go to a bookshop and buy some books about babies. I knew nothing about them! Sure, I was excited for family life and those ideals I had in my head, but the fears? Wow, so many I even wrote a list on my phone. It included thoughts such as, would I be able to cope with the sleep deprivation? What about birth? Would we be able to do all the renovation work to our house that we wanted to in time? And very oddly, I felt drawn to write as one of my worries ‘the child having a disorder’. I wonder if maybe this was on my heart as I already instinctively knew that this baby was going to be born with that extra chromosome. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### How I've Benefited from Attachment Parenting URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/how-ive-benefited-from-attachment-parenting/ Last updated: 2024-05-09T08:52:41.000Z ## My experiences with attachment parenting began years before I had either of my children says **Gemma Eales** I graduated from my Biological Sciences degree in 2003, with a future husband, open eyes and a new found love of organics. I’d become an avid reader of the Ecologist magazine, and it was here that I first read about sustainable parenting. Shortly after graduating I got a part-time job for a small family-run mail order business, who specialised in natural and organic baby clothes, nappies and children’s toys. It was during my lunch breaks that I first read Green Parent magazine, and although I was years away from having children, I knew that I’d found the approach to parenting that I would take. This was further compounded in 2007, whilst watching a Channel 4 documentary series called ‘Bringing up Baby’. The series charted the experiences of families following three very different parenting methods, the authoritarian (and very disconnected) Truby King method from the 1950s, the more moderate Benjamin Spock approach, and the Continuum Concept. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Why I Chose to Raise a Nappy-Free Baby URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/why-i-chosen-to-raise-a-nappy-free-baby/ Last updated: 2024-05-09T08:54:23.000Z ## Two months old and I am still getting to know my baby’s delicate features. I look into her deep blue eyes and feel a thrill of delight as her gaze meets mine. She wrinkles her button nose and emits a series of cute little grunts says **Anna Williams** Then…sppplat! She emits something from the other end too. Her face creases in relief and surprise and she grins the biggest smile I have seen all day. “Good one!” I say, beaming as I move her from the toilet to the changing mat. I love elimination communication (EC) and have found it such a great way to learn and bond with my children. I discovered the practice, sometimes also called baby-led potty training or natural infant hygiene, when I was pregnant with my first child. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### What is a Man's Role in Labour? URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/what-is-a-mans-role-in-labour/ Last updated: 2024-05-11T06:14:17.000Z ## The room is dark and quiet. Martin sits on the birth ball. Sara is in the pool on her knees. She is leaning on the edge of the pool held by her partner writes **Cathy Williams** ## Martin holds her in his arms, wrapping around her shoulders, kissing her head, whispering the occasional encouragement, or something. I cannot hear. He has not moved from her side for the last four hours. His focus is totally on her. When the music ends Martin calmly reaches one arm up for the phone and restarts it, his eyes hardly leaving Sara. The midwives are stood at the opposite side of the pool, grinning. I am their doula. I sit in the corner, nearby; if they need me they need only turn their head towards me. Martin is Sara’s rock. Through the waves of labour she clings to him. Earlier she was standing arms around his neck, rocking, as if slow dancing. Then in the bathroom with her on all fours, just the two of them. And now in the pool; they carry on the dance of labour. His presence protects her, strengthens her, enables her to let go into herself. Quiet and strong. He is just there. That is what she needs him to be. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### I’m a Teacher, but my Children Won’t be Going to School! URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/im-a-teacher-but-my-children-wont-be-going-to-school/ Last updated: 2024-05-11T06:15:30.000Z ## **Sian Kirwan** is a teacher but doesn't want a mainstream education system for her children. Here she explains why she's chosen to home educate ## It is September again and I have a new cohort of children to inspire, teach and connect with. I am feeling full of new school year energy and enthusiasm as I imagine being the ‘Miss Honey’ of these children’s lives, getting to know each of their individual needs, ideas and personalities, enamoured with the idea of being a nurturing and inspiring teacher. Then the first set of assignments begin, the children in my mind begin to get grouped into low, middle and high achievers and I sit down in the pupil progress meetings where a few children are selected to be my ‘focus’ children because they are not where they ‘need’ to be and we ‘need’ to hit a certain percentage as a school to keep the school afloat. And so it begins… the yearly cycle, of pressure, stress and throwing every possible resource and intervention at focused children who just become data and numbers. Sigh. I am in the system, and that’s exactly why I don’t want my children to be in the system. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### 5 Steps Towards More Intentional Living with Kids URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/5-steps-towards-more-intentional-living-with-kids/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:41.000Z ## How do you persuade your kids to get rid of the mountain of soft toys they are rapidly accumulating? This is a question I’ve been asked time and time again says **Bryony Wells** Over the last few years I’ve slowly found ways of engaging our children in the process of simplifying and living more intentionally and ethically. Unfortunately the hard work had to start with me! I’ve had to make changes, the kind of changes that are uncomfortable, the kind of changes that made just throwing some of the soft toys out look like a very easy option! I couldn’t ask my daughter to start going through her clothes until I’d gone through mine. Reducing their screen time wouldn’t have made sense without reducing mine. How could I suggest skipping a playdate for some much needed rest time if I was packing out my own diary? In many ways the changes my husband and I have made have been the biggest game-changers. As we make choices to reduce and live more simple, generous lives, it has kick-started the process for our children. In doing that, we are slowly reframing what ‘normal’ looks like for our family. From that starting place, here’s a few things we have found helpful in bringing simplicity and a more intentional way of living to our family. Your kids might be totally different to mine but hopefully my ideas will spark creativity and even better ideas of what would work in your family. Kid’s worlds are small, I mean really small! One of my favourite little people was asked by her mum how many people she thought there were in the world, her answer… four! Helping our children experience people, places and situations that are different to their world is so valuable. ### **Here's how to move towards intentional living with kids** 1. **Build routines** Whenever I take the kids shopping (which let’s face it I try to avoid at all costs!) I try to remember to get them to choose something for the Foodbank collection point. My husband used to volunteer at a Foodbank with our daughter before she started school. Simple ways to start little conversations about the food we have in our cupboards and how that’s not the case for everyone. 2. **Find a bigger perspective** For our family travelling to different places where people’s lives look totally different from ours has been really life-giving and life-challenging. I sincerely hope that when they grow up they will remember queing to pump water with locals in Uganda or sitting in a simple mud-hut eating rice. Or course these experiences were once-in-a-lifetime but it’s made me more determined that our children’s eyes are open to the world away from their doorstep. Going to museums which have exhibits about different cultures is a fun way to open up thinking differently about the world. And something as simple as looking through a kids atlas together has opened up fantastic conversations about what living somewhere else might be like. 3. **Keep it local** Early on in our journey of making sustainable changes I did a milk taste test. We found that we all much preferred our locally produced milk. Our children love going to the shop to buy a bottle. In fact it’s hard for us to go in without buying milk. I had one embarrassing moment where I had to forcefully remove a child from the shop who was screaming ‘I want more milk’ at the top of their voice. Our local veg box has also been a brilliant source of conversations , particularly around why everything ‘looks dirty’! 4. **Conquer a clearout** For the last six years we have initiated a clearout before Christmas and before birthdays. I love building in a rhythm that we give things away before we take things in. We put music on, do a bit of dancing and make ‘keep’ and ‘donate’ piles. They have total control, nothing goes which they want to keep, that way I’ve found that the experience isn’t a negative one of ‘mummy getting rid of my stuff’ - that would suck. 5. **Bless a smaller friend** It helps my children to know who will be the recipient of their excess or unneeded things, particularly clothes. When my daughter has grown out of something or doesn’t wear a particular item I ask her ‘who do you think might like to wear this?’. She’s always excited to be able to give things to her younger friends and loves to see her clothes getting a second outing. I’m acutely aware that I’m raising tiny consuming machines. Helping them navigate their own consumption habits is a challenge. My journey towards ethical, simple living has been slow, my children’s journey will be equally slow and will be their own. But hopefully the small steps we take together will give them foundations from which to make their own choices in the future. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ## **MORE INSPIRATION** **LISTEN** To Bryony's podcast - I Should Probably Change **Image:** Thanks to [Bernard Hermant](https://www.instagram.com/bernardhermantunsplash/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) *Runner Up in The Green Parent Writing Competition* ### Breastfeeding my Down Baby URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/breastfeeding-my-baby-with-down-syndrome/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:41.000Z ## As I sit nursing my almost 22 month old watching him drift off to sleep, I think about how important breastfeeding has been in our journey and not just for the obvious benefits we are so often reminded of muses **Sarah Ojar** I’m thinking of the real time, actual, day to day ways it has influenced and shaped our journey as mother and son. It started with that first feed, nerves, apprehension, and curiosity making way for relief, and hope that we would have a successful breastfeeding journey. During my pregnancy I’d read that he might struggle, that it might not happen. I’d heard stories of other mums being told not to even try. I was overjoyed and determined. ### **Feeding my baby in the Neonatal Unit** It then gave me a great sense of purpose after he was rushed to the neonatal unit and given an ng tube. I chose to sit and express milk by his cot side instead of the pumping room as I couldn’t stand the disconnect the room provided. I needed to be beside him. Being wired up in such a sterile and abnormal environment was so foreign to everything I knew about newborn life. I wanted endless skin to skin cuddles on the sofa and cluster feeding, and my own bed. I felt helpless except for being able to provide him with what I knew he needed. I focused on what I could do instead of what I couldn’t. As a second time parent, it’s supposed to be easier. No longer a fear of the unknown. But this was a different journey. A baby with more to love, 47 chromosomes… down syndrome. Everything felt new and different somehow, as we left the security of the hospital and arrived home. I needed my parenting comforts, the familiarity of my slings, my cloth nappies, and to breastfeed. We transitioned from ng tube to bottle to breast within 3 weeks. We needed it, I needed it. It’s wasn’t easy, it was awkward and clumsy. The low tone in his jaw meant I had to help him stay latched on, milk would go everywhere. It was one feed at a time for a long time. When we got his diagnosis mid pregnancy, a million thoughts crossed my mind. Would I love him as much as my daughter?, would he seem imperfect to me?, would I bond with him?, would I look at him and see Down syndrome first and my baby second? It seems unbelievable now that I’d even think those things but I learnt it’s a normal part of the process. ### **The oxytocin release of breastfeeding** Breastfeeding allowed that special time together, the oxytocin release, the love that flows, that he would become utter perfection in my eyes. Life became a whirlwind of therapies, and appointments and groups. Carrying him close in various slings as his small floppy body has grown and strengthened over time. Keeping him close made me feel he was more protected, my inner mama bear on constant guard since the first moment we left the house with him. Breastfeeding has brought an ease and a sense of normality to our journey. I didn’t have the worry of counting ounces and worrying about volumes of milk. My baby was growing well and having enough nappies for me to be confident and trust in what we were doing. When he was hospitalised with bronchiolitis he avoided feeding interventions because he was still breastfeeding. It’s comforted him at various blood tests, medical appointment, therapy sessions and times of illness. It’s allowed him an independence over his food intake which we continued when it came time to wean him into solid food by using the baby led weaning method. What better way to promote inclusion than around the dinner table. It’s provided a form of regular speech therapy for him. Its now allowing me to calm him when his frustrations at not being able to tell me what he wants and needs get too much. It helps me get him back to sleep when he makes multiple times in the night. It eases and helps him when he gets close to constipation. And for me, it’s a moment to reconnect. At the end of busy long days, when I’ve stopped being a physio, a speech therapist, a nutritionist, an occupational therapist and all the other roles you take on as a mother to a child with additional needs, it’s an excuse to just rest and be mama again. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ## **MORE INSPIRATION** **EXPLORE**: [Positive About Down Syndrome](https://positiveaboutdownsyndrome.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) \- a support group for parents **IMAGE:** With thanks to [Nathan Dumlao](https://www.instagram.com/nate%5Fdumlao?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) *Runner up in The Green Parent Writing Competition* ### How the Birth of my Son Awakened the Doula in Me URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/how-the-birth-of-my-son-awakened-the-doula-in-me/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:41.000Z ## Life was very different five years ago when I fell pregnant. I didn't anticipate the metamorphosis I would experience on my journey into motherhood says **Frauke Ryan** ## I have always been a rather conscious person (sometimes at the expense of light-heartedness!). Pregnancy was no exception. I prepared for and entered pregnancy consciously and went on a deep dive into education around pregnancy, birth and postpartum. I read all the books, watched all the documentaries. The more I learned, the more I understood that birth did not belong in a hospital. I didn't want to birth in a hospital. But I had already found a midwife early on in my pregnancy. Here in Germany, one line of midwifery care is 1:1 care through a private midwife. This midwife does your check-ups, is with you during your birth and comes to your house during the 6-week postpartum period. But you will need to birth in the hospital. I liked this midwife and knew it would be very difficult for me to find a homebirth midwife half-way through my pregnancy. I would nudge my midwife during check-ups and would ask her what would happen if we left it too late and the baby came at home. She made it very clear she was not equipped or trained for homebirth. I didn’t make peace with it. But I had to respect her position. From that point on, I focused all my attention on educating myself on the hospital system and all the potential interventions I might be facing. I wanted to understand which intervention had which consequences. For me and for my baby. ### **Creating my birth plan** I went on to write a detailed birth plan that I then shared with the OBGYN at hospital registration, with my midwife and my husband. Everybody knew what I wanted. But most importantly, I knew what I wanted. There were times during my birth where intervention came knocking at the door. I did not let it in. I knew the consequences of these interventions, so I was determined to birth my baby without them. I know now that all circumstances were working in my favour. I had a rather short labour; all went well, and we were in and out of the hospital in the same day. I had emerged from my birth confident, strong, and self-determined. I was in control of my birth and my body. ![Photograph of a woman's legs sitting on a rock, crosslegged and wearing a white dress](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/05/untitled-4.jpg) I work towards a world in which women can birth their babies feeling safe and supported ### **Birth trauma and women suffering in silence** I would soon learn in postnatal classes, baby groups and through stories around me, that my experience was the exception. All around I encountered women who were traumatized, who felt defeated. Women for whom birth was a struggle, as was breastfeeding and mothering in general. It felt as though they were all connected. I witnessed suffering women, mostly in silence. Because they would blame themselves. “I couldn’t birth my baby, it had to be cut out of me, and now I can’t even feed him.” All these women would enter motherhood under the veil of shame and guilt. Let alone the physical impairments they were left with after having been cut, cut open, pulled, and pushed. I felt this collective feminine pain and I knew I had to show these women that birth could be different. Even without having the framework and language I have now, I understood birth was something big. It could make you as a woman, as a mother. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **Birth and the innate power and wisdom of women** In my work as a doula now, I work with women to remind them of their innate power and wisdom. I remind them that all they need to birth their baby is already within them. They just need to surrender and listen. I take women through the hormonal blueprint of birth, I share with them what physiological birth, undisturbed birth looks like and why birth is a rite of passage. With this knowledge and trust in themselves, women can take responsibility. Radical responsibility. For themselves, their bodies, and their babies. I work towards a world in which women can birth their babies feeling safe, supported, and self-determined. A world in which women emerge from their births feeling strong, confident, able, and whole. And I like to imagine the generations of babies who will be brought into this world in peace, love, and connection. And what implications that might have for our society. Or as the legendary midwife Jeannine Pavarti Baker said: “Peace on earth begins at birth.” ## **MORE INSPIRATION** **FIND** Frauke's work as an Energetic Birthkeeper at [https://fraukeryan.com/11-energetische-geburtsvorbereitung](https://fraukeryan.com/11-energetische-geburtsvorbereitung?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) (In German and English) **IMAGES:** [Jessica Sommerville Photography](https://jessicasommerville.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) *Runner Up in The Green Parent Writing Competition* ### 3 Ways to Practice Attachment Parenting URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/3-ways-to-practice-attachment-parenting/ Last updated: 2024-05-11T06:19:19.000Z ## **Sarah Allen** finds her parenting style. Here she talks about what The Continuum Concept taught her ## I spent a lot of time over the summer reading articles about Jean Liedoff’s book The Continuum Concept. I first heard of the book before I was a parent and then read it once I had children hoping it would give me all the answers to my parenting questions! I have long since realised that no such book exists. How can you have a one-size fits all parenting manual when every family and every child are unique? At the time of reading this book it didn’t make the impact I was hoping for (I really did want an instruction manual!) but recently I have realised that a lot of my interest in attachment parenting and the reading I have done around this parenting style, have their origins in Liedoff’s work. ### **These are the 3 important aspects of Continuum Parenting** **1\. Children deserve respect;** they are just small human-beings like you and me. It’s not that I didn’t think this before, I just think I had a tendency, at times, to treat a child in a way I would never treat an adult. By this I mean, I might laugh at a child’s comment that I found humorous which inadvertently offended the child who was very serious about what they were saying. I would speak to children in a different way than I did to adults e.g. shout “Door!” when they had forgotten to shut the door for the umpteenth time. Whereas, if speaking to an adult I would have said “Please can you shut the door?” My thinking on respectful parenting has also been influenced by Lucy Aitkenread who runs [Disco Unschooling](https://www.instagram.com/lucy%5Fdisco/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Bonding with My Baby in the NICU URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/bonding-with-my-baby-in-the-nicu/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:41.000Z ## **Siani Driver** writes about the birth of her third child and the experience of bonding with him in the neonatal intensive care unit. My first two births were a dream. Spontaneous labour, 8 hours start to finish, unassisted waterbirths. One in a hospital inflatable pool I demanded was set up, one in a midwife led unit under sparkly lights. Both babies went straight to my breast and fed for years each. Because of the ease of these births, I chose to have a homebirth for my third and final baby. My waters broke in the middle of the night on a full moon; a storm howling outside, and by 6am I was comfortably ensconced in the pool in my living room, fairy lights and affirmation cards around the room, towels warming on the radiator and my daughters popping into the pool for a cuddle. We still aren’t entirely sure what went wrong but at one point the midwives stopped monitoring my son and left me alone for the final 46 minutes of labour. During that 46 minutes things went very wrong, and my son was born dead. He was grey, floppy and entirely unresponsive. It took a further 12 minutes for my paramedic husband and the midwives to get his heartbeat back, and we were rushed to hospital, the start of 2 weeks of intubation, NICU, and hell. ### **Building a Bond** Because of the perfect, slow post-birth experiences with my girls, and the easy breastfeeding and skin-to-skin it was unexpectedly awful to have him instantly ripped from my arms and taken away. I didn’t see him for hours after we reached hospital as he was being stabilised; and couldn’t hold him for a week. But as it turned out, I found many ways to build a bond with him, one that is as strong if not stronger than that with my girls. ### **Expressing in the NICU** As soon I was able to see him I started talking to him and touching him. He had to be therapeutically cooled for 3 days so was in an open incubator, which meant I was able to stroke him, hold his hand, sing and read and talk to him. There was a milk room but I asked for a portable pump to be brought to his bedside so I could express beside him to help my oxytocin flow. During cooling he was unable to take any milk but I soaked cotton pads in milk and dabbed his skin; moistened his lips, and exchanged bonding squares between my bra and beside his face. Once his cooling was over he began taking milk via a nasal gastrostomy tube; I’m so proud that his first food (and only food for 6 months) was my expressed milk. I wasn’t going to fail in feeding him despite his lack of ability to latch. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **Ways to Connect** After a week passed and his intubation tube was removed, I was finally allowed to cuddle him. He was instantly content and I made up for the lack of earlier skin-to-skin time, by constantly sitting cuddling him on my chest. If I had to leave to see the girls, my husband took over chest duties! I needn't have worried about his bond. He’s so strongly bonded to both me and his dad, and I’m convinced that maximising the time with him despite him being in NICU helped that bond to grow. So if you find yourself unable to bask in that golden hour, or your baby can’t latch, it’s not the end of the world - there are still plenty of ways to connect. He’s got cerebral palsy and will be severely physically disabled for life, but he’s the happiest little man in the world, he loves life and is a complete mama’s boy. We all have a view of the ideal birth in our head, and I was lucky to get that with my daughters. I had an ideal labour and home birth with my son, too - until he emerged and frightened us all. But sometimes, disasters just happen despite our best efforts. Do not despair. All is not lost, it doesn’t mean you didn’t do it right, nor does it mean you can’t form a strong bond with your baby. You can, I promise. *Siani Driver is a mother of 3 young children and a freelance digital marketing professional. She runs disability and parenting peer support groups and fits everything around caring for her disabled son and two daughters. When she finds the time she likes to garden, crochet, embroider and read. You can follow her son’s journey at* [*www.instagram.com/storm.baby2020*](https://www.instagram.com/storm.baby2020?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)*.* *Image: With thanks to Kelly Sikkema* [https://www.instagram.com/InkyPixels](https://www.instagram.com/InkyPixels?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) *Runner Up in The Green Parent Writing Competition* ### 7 Essentials for Your Family Aromatherapy First Aid Kit URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/7-essentials-for-your-family-aromatherapy-first-aid-kit/ Last updated: 2024-05-09T09:08:35.000Z ## When I was studying Aromatherapy many years ago, I began to wonder how I had ever been without these little life-savers wonders **Lucy Corkhill**. Sure, I enjoyed essential oils before then, adding them to oil burners and perhaps a drop or two in the bath. ## But finding out more about their chemical make-up gave me a deeper respect and understanding of these amazing gifts from nature. I soon discovered just how many minor ailments can be easily treated using them. And I soon learned that a little goes a long way. Essential oils are still a commodity we need to use mindfully. As herbalist Susun Weed points out, these are hugely concentrated plant essences and it takes a lot of plant material and energy to create them, compared to, say, making a plant tincture or herbal infusion. Take, for instance, rose oil – it takes between 2000 and 4000kg of rose petals to make 1kg of pure essential oil. So when using essential oils, less is almost always more. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### 8 Aromatherapy Remedies for your Child URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/8-aromatherapy-remedies-for-your-child/ Last updated: 2024-07-15T14:28:05.000Z ## Essential oils have been around for millennia. Humankind’s affinity with the natural world means that these oils – distilled from plants – can have a powerful effect on our wellbeing; physical, emotional and spiritual says **Lucy Corkhill** A human’s olfactory system, consisting of 50 million smell receptors, is connected to the brain’s limbic system. That’s why smell is one of the most potent memory triggers, as the limbic system is responsible for our memory, emotions and arousal. ### **An individual oil for your child** Finding a personal oil for each child is a way of celebrating their uniqueness. Everybody has scents that work on a deeper level and discovering them can be fun. Offer your child a range of different essential oils to choose from and allow them to sniff each in turn, pausing between each oil. Hold the bottle away from your child’s face – you don’t need to have the oil directly under your nose to pick up the scent. Once your child has found their favourite oil, use it to create a sense of ambience around the home. Put a few drops in an oil burner in their bedroom (out of reach of little hands). Perhaps you’ll find that the oils you have chosen blend well together: this blend can become your ‘family oil’ for use during happy and fun times to help commit them to memory. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### How to Turn Your Garden Into a Wildlife Haven URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/how-to-turn-your-garden-into-a-wildlife-haven/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:42.000Z ## Creating a wildlife garden is a great way to add more interest and diversity to your outside space and help protect a wide range of species into the bargain explains **Lucy Corkhill** Gardening for wildlife is also a wonderful way to get your kids involved in ecology in a very hands-on way. People shy away from creating wildlife gardens for a number of reasons but one of the main ones is space, or lack of it. You don’t have to create a huge wildflower meadow; you can make very successful wildlife havens in containers on a patio or even on a windowsill. The kind of wildlife you attract to your space will depend on how much you have available but being open-minded to all your little visitors should open you up to some lovely surprises! Just like us, visitors to our gardens have three basic needs: food, water and shelter. ### **What to feed the birds** One of the easiest and most rewarding ways to attract more wildlife to your garden is to make a bird feeder. You can buy them from most garden centres but it is far more rewarding to make your own. Find yourself a few large pine cones and attach a string to the top of them. Cover the cones in peanut butter, filling all the cracks and crevices. Roll the covered pine cone in bird seed and hang from a tree or window-sill for birds to feed from. You can also make a simple birdseed feeder using an old, clean plastic bottle. Never put out salted nuts or seeds for your birds as this can seriously dehydrate them. Birds need water as well as food so always make sure they have a supply of fresh, clean water available for them to bathe in and drink. It sometimes takes birds a while to become aware of a new ‘feeding station’ so remain patient as they get to know your garden. The rewards when you have many visitors a day are wonderful. ### **Providing bed and breakfast for wildlife!** Your garden visitors need somewhere to go for shelter, warmth, protection, to rear their young and/or hibernation. Many animals create their own nesting environments (rabbits dig warrens; badgers create setts etc.) but there are many ways in which you can help them find somewhere to call home. **Hedgehogs:** Cover an upturned crate with stones, earth or wood, making sure that there is space to get in and out and it is sturdy enough to deter predators like foxes and badgers. Compost heaps and log-piles are hedgehog favourites as are damp, grassy areas to forage in. Always check a bonfire before lighting it as hedgehogs often make their homes here. The best homes for hedgehogs – and many other wild creatures – are undisturbed piles of garden ‘rubbish’: you’ll find that one of the best ways to create a wildlife haven is to try not to be super-tidy in the garden! **Birds:** A bird nesting box can be a great construction project for older kids, or can be purchased fairly cheaply. See the [BBC website](http://www.bbc.co.uk/breathingplaces/nest%5Fbox/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) for building tips. Situate your box over 2m high for protection from predators and not in direct sunlight to prevent baby birds from overheating. Boxes will need to be cleaned after they have been used, ready for the next inhabitants. Dense, thorny bushes provide shelter for a range of wildlife. Maintaining hedgerows in and around your property enables birds and small mammals to access both shelter and food in the form of berries and seeds. See [rspb.org.uk](http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/wildlifegarden/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) for more ideas. **The water of life** Creating a pond in your garden can bring in a wide variety of visitors, ranging from pond skaters, damselflies and water beetles to frogs, toads and newts. Frogs and toads are a valuable addition to any garden as they thrive on the kind of insects that devour our favourite plants, such as slugs. You’ll also find that a pond draws in birds who use it to bathe and drink from and night visitors such as badgers, foxes and hedgehogs. Creating a pond doesn’t have to be a mammoth or expensive project, there are lots of online sites with tips and advice eg. [veggieglobal.co.uk](http://www.veggieglobal.com/wildlifecare/uk%5Fireland-ponds.htm?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). **Wildlife in miniature** You haven’t got room for a log pile or pond? Don’t worry, you can attract a dazzling array of butterflies and bees to window boxes and small containers with the right flowers. Choose nectarrich flowers for your flying friends such as: hemp agrimony, sedum, marjoram, lavender, valerian, knapweeds, scabious and cirsium thistles. The campions are a great source of nectar for night-flying moths, as is rosebay willowherb. **The smallest visitors** Dead wood provides a habitat for a huge range of insects, moss and fungi and is possibly the easiest way to invite wildlife into your space. Chop up a few old logs and leave them in a damp, untended area of the garden – you can accelerate their decomposition with some damp earth. Watching this wildlife space literally come to life and charting the arrival of woodlice, spiders, worms, beetles, slugs, snails, mosses and fungi claiming their territory is a fascinating project for both kids and adults. If the idea of attracting slugs and snails into your garden seems like madness, remember they provide valuable sustenance for birds, hedgehogs and toads to name but a few. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **THINGS TO DO TODAY:** • Create a log pile for hedgehogs and other small mammals • Make a bird feeder and put in a water bath for feathered friends • Plant some nectar-rich flowers that attract bees and butterflies • Find out what wildlife you have in your area and what habitat/food they need to survive • Get involved with a local or nation-wide wildlife survey • Dig a hole for your pond! Image: With thanks to Scott [https://www.instagram.com/Outsighted](https://www.instagram.com/Outsighted?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### Create an Indoor Mini Garden URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/create-an-indoor-mini-garden/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:42.000Z ## A terrarium is a mini garden in a glass container. The plants are low maintenance and are perfect for those who don't have a garden or just don't have green fingers says **Tsia Carson** One day, I noticed my daughter, Cedar, playing with a dollhouse, and I was inspired to make a terrarium—it was like a living dollhouse! Terrariums are a great way to help your kids understand landscape design and caretaking. The miniature scale really helps focus on how to develop composition. The instructions are detailed, but the project is really quite easy. In our terrarium, we used about half a dozen succulents. My daughter chose which plants to use, and I helped a bit with the placement. She did most of the patting down of the dirt to settle the plants, and we both brushed the dirt off the leaves and the sides of the terrarium. Do not pack in too many plants; they will grow and need some room. ### **What you need:** - 10–20 succulent clippings or 5–10 succulent plants in 6cm pots; Plastic or waste paper to work on; Terrarium form, such as a goldfish bowl (the container must be open for succulents); Gravel or pebbles - Activated charcoal; Succulent dirt; Mixing bowls; Spray bottle filled with water; Spoon; Brush; Medicine syringe - Rooting hormone (optional) ![Photograph close up, flat lay of a terrarium filled with tiny plants and succulents](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/05/group4_780_1005.jpg) Pretend you're creating a forest to help you get the balance of tall to sprawling species in your terrarium ### **GATHER YOUR SUCCULENTS** If you are using clippings from your own plants, give them a few days before planting them so they scab and roots begin to form. If you decide to order from a nursery or online, then look for plants sold in 3-6cm pots—anything larger will need more space than your terrarium can provide. ### **ACQUIRE A TERRARIUM** Succulents need plenty of air circulation to thrive, so you will want use an open container for your terrarium. ### **PREPARE THE MATERIALS** Try to predetermine the amount of gravel, charcoal, and potting mixture you will need to fill your terrarium. Place each of the planting materials in individual bowls that your kids can lift and pour from easily. ### **LAYERING THE TERRARIUM** Fill the terrarium with the first layer of material: gravel or pebbles, approximately 6cm thick to ensure proper drainage in your terrarium. This step is vitally important for succulents that do not like to be soggy. Fill the terrarium with your second layer of material: activated charcoal, approximately 3cm thick. This layer helps the terrarium to stay fresh and clean by discouraging fungal and other plant diseases. Purchase activated charcoal at any pet store in the aquarium area. Fill the terrarium with your third layer of material: succulent potting mix, approximately 6cm thick. This mix is where the succulents will grow. Add some water to your potting mix so that it holds together and becomes denser. Mix it outside your terrarium so that the potting mix you put in the terrarium is moist and suitable for planting. You may consider creating a mound in the middle or “back” of the terrarium to simulate a landscape. Tamp down the potting mix a bit with the back of a spoon. ### **READY FOR TRANSPLANT** If you are using cuttings, remove any leaves that will be below the dirt, leaving approximately 1cm stem. Taller specimens may need longer stems to balance. You may also consider using rooting hormone to encourage the plants to root (follow the manufacturer’s directions). If you are using store-bought plants, you will want to take them out of their pots to make sure that their roots are wet (which makes them more pliable). You can spray the dirt and roots with a spray bottle of lukewarm water to moisten them. Gently aerate the roots by making pencil-sized holes throughout the dirt around them. Most plants will be root-bound, meaning that the roots have grown around and around inside the pot. These roots can be gently broken up to encourage the plants to grow new, healthier root systems. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **PLACE YOUR SUCCULENTS IN THE TERRARIUM** This part is tricky. Pretend that you are creating a forest. Gently guide your child’s selection by placing the tallest specimens in the middle or back of the terrarium, the medium-sized ones in the mound or in front, and your ground-hugging variety along the edges where they can be seen. The point is to make all the succulents visible and give them their own room to shine. ### **PLANT THE SUCCULENTS** By looking at the size of the plant’s roots, you can figure out how big to make the hole. Make sure that the dirt around the plant is patted down to ensure good contact between the specimen and the potting mix. Use the medicine syringe to water precisely around your plant—not too much, though! ### **TAKE CARE OF YOUR TERRARIUM** Keep your terrarium out of very intense, direct sun because the glass magnifies and heats the sunlight, which can burn the plants. Do not allow the leaves to touch the terrarium glass, which will cause rot and fungal disease. Remove any dead or diseased plants or leaves from the terrarium immediately. Because of the semi-enclosed environment, disease will pass through the plants quickly. Prune your plants so they stay the size you want. ## **MORE INSPIRATION** **READ** Side by Side: 20 Collaborative Projects for Crafting with your Kids ([roostbooks.com](http://www.roostbooks.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)) **SEE** Check out Tsia’s selection of inspirational craft books board at [pinterest.com/tsia/craft-books](https://www.pinterest.com/tsia/craft-books?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). Photography by Meredith Heuer ### Make Your Own Pressed Flower Lanterns URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/make-your-own-pressed-flower-lanterns/ Last updated: 2024-05-11T06:24:12.000Z ## **Lara Curry** shares a beautiful pressed flower craft to preserve your summer memories that's easy enough for toddlers to get involved in! And uses recycled items you can easily find in your kitchen. I wanted a ‘lazy craft’ using only use materials we had in our home, and something easy enough for a five and two year old. So I started rummaging around the house, and came across a flower press containing our little collected treasures from a walk we took earlier in the month. A bit more searching and scouring, (this time in the kitchen) and I realised we had a pretty collection of glass jars and bottles. Then, inspiration hit me immediately. Fingers crossed my dried and pressed flowers would work, so off I went to create our craft area. The good news is that the crafting experiment was a success! They are pretty, fragile looking, and almost seem like something you would buy from a handmade boutique. All you need is a few dried flowers, collected from the garden, then pressed for a day or two… (between book pages or with a flower press). The kids got so excited about it as well, opening the pages of wax paper in the press like gifts under a tree, revealing the flowers from a walk we took weeks ago. Then they loved painting on the glue, pressing the flowers into where they wanted them, and then watching the items dry clear. ## Sign up for The Green Parent Bringing more joy and connection to your family life Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ## HOW TO MAKE: ### **WHAT YOU NEED:** - Decoupage glue, or we used school PVA glue - Large paintbrush - Glass jars, bottles, etc. with smooth sides - Wax paper or newspaper (for keeping surfaces clean) - Pressed flowers - Scissors - Tea-light (optional) ### **HOW TO MAKE YOUR LANTERNS** 1. Choose which flowers you want to use where, we chose five flowers for each child’s container 2. Paint one thick layer of glue (or Mod-Podge) on the surface of the glass jar, avoiding the base. Clean up drips as soon as possible. However, the end result isn’t really affected by a few smears or drips. 3. Carefully lay the flowers onto the glue, since they are quite fragile, much more so than leaves, for example. Also regarding the layout, we preferred to keep it simple and have the flowers ‘growing up’ from the base, but if you only have flower heads or petals that could create really pretty patterns too. 4. Trim the extra stems, etc. just make sure you have all the flowers touching the jar and glue! 5. Let it dry entirely (a few hours) … then do a second coat and let that dry, and enjoy! ## **MORE INSPIRATION** **WATCH** One Little Project make their own [***https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHUC7OxCkxI***](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHUC7OxCkxI&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### 15 Easy Self-Care Habits You Can Start Today URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/15-easy-self-care-habits-you-can-start-today/ Last updated: 2024-05-11T06:25:39.000Z Five experts share their self-loving life hacks that will contribute towards your health and happiness. ## **TURNING INWARDS** ### **Sarah Ryan** is the founder of **mamamoments.ie** – helping mums put themselves first and make time for self-care As mothers, it's vital that we turn inwards and get in touch with what recharges and nurtures us. Then we need to make time for it every, single day. Self-care is as individual as your fingerprint. What makes you feel nurtured will be different to what makes me feel nurtured. It is also ever-changing. What you need when your baby is two months old, will be different to what you need when your child is two years old. We need to get curious and notice how we feel after different activities to discover what self-care is for us. Does meditation help you reenergise? Or maybe it’s a run listening to your favourite music? A great place to start is to prioritise these three self-care acts daily. 1. **Fresh air** \- Getting out in the fresh air is a huge boost for our well-being - even if it’s raining! In fact, going for a walk in the lashing rain can be incredibly invigorating! Don’t let the weather stop you. 2. **Alone time** \- As parents we spend a huge amount of time with children physically attached to us. Whether they are looking for cuddles, stories, reassurance or snacks, we are the ones they run to. So it’s incredibly important that we carve out some alone time as a balm to all the togetherness. Whether that’s a solo walk by the sea or snuggled up alone in bed reading your book, prioritise alone time every day – even if it’s only 10 minutes. 3. **Stay active** \- Exercise releases endorphins so it gives us a huge positivity boost. It can simply be doing some yoga to wind down after the kids have gone to bed. Remember, our children look to us for everything, especially in times of uncertainty. If you prioritise your emotional well-being then they will grow up knowing that it is important to look after themselves. And what better lesson could we teach them? So do it for them, as well as for you. If this resonates, let me know on Instagram [@mamamomentsbox](https://www.instagram.com/mamamomentsbox/?hl=en&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). If you feel like you need more help taking care of you, consider seeking professional help. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### 10 Self-Help Techniques to Deal with Anxiety and Depression URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/10-self-help-techniques-to-deal-with-anxiety-and-depression/ Last updated: 2025-02-15T09:58:03.000Z ## Ups and downs are a natural part of life. But what happens when the lows seem to come more frequently than the highs and each day we have to drag ourselves out of bed? asks **Lucy Corkhill** Even in its mildest form, anxiety and depression can be frightening and have a miserable impact on our family life. We might find ourselves pushing through even when we know we should rest and take time out, simply because admitting we feel emotionally bleak feels like a kind of failure. Because mental health is still relatively taboo, we might feel we’re far more likely to receive sympathy if we have a cold or flu than if we say we’re really struggling emotionally. But the more we talk about mental health, the less taboo it becomes. And those who have experienced depression and anxiety know that one of the best ways of dealing with it is recognising the trigger signs. As soon as we have a hint that our mood is slipping away to the dark side, we can then take positive steps to comfort and soothe ourselves. Far from being a sign of failure, this is actually an incredibly empowering choice. We are recognising that right now things don’t feel good, and taking steps to do something about it. Talking to our kids about our emotions opens up a space for them to express their own. It’s far healthier to be aware that life is complex and our emotions equally so, than to hide our sorrows behind fake smiles and press on with a Pollyanna approach. Here are ten ways to actively combat mild depression when we feel it creeping into our lives. Some might work for you and some might not: the trick is to create a toolbox of ideas and activities that you know are healing for you as an individual. ### **1\. Keep a record of the little things** You know that life is good but right now you just can’t see it. Keeping a journal or scrapbook of favourite moments, snapshots, things your kids say, special memories and reasons to be grateful can be a huge source of comfort when the going gets tough. Even in your bleakest hours, there are usually pinpricks of light: a tender conversation, a beautiful view in nature. Capture these moments like someone creating a museum and consider it your own personal museum of joy. ### **2\. Move your body** Research shows that exercise is one of the best ways to boost your mood as it releases endorphins – feel-good hormones. But exercising can feel like a bridge too far when we’re feeling really low, and often people set themselves up for failure when they’re in a negative state by setting impossible challenges and then berating themselves for not achieving them. Far better to give yourself a manageable challenge like simply walking briskly to the post office or dancing all the way through to the end of a favourite song. If you are prone to negative thoughts – beating yourself up in your head – break the cycle with vigorous exercise. Whenever a thought pops up, turn your attention to your breath or the feel of your feet meeting the earth, whatever works as a distraction. Regular exercise truly will make a difference to your mood, it’s guaranteed. So make time for it in your daily life and beat the blues before they descend. ### **3\. Take time out** If you feel like you’re in a cycle of serving others – whether it’s your kids, your partner, other family members or friends – take a break. Book it in the diary and stick to it. It might be a walk alone every few evenings, or an hour or two catching up with friends or reading in a café. Keep it as simple as you can so avoid long drives or obligations to meet up if what you really need is the chance to simply gaze out the window with your own thoughts. And don’t, whatever you do, feel guilty for carving out some time alone. Coming back calmer, happier and with a renewed sense of purpose makes you a better mum/dad/partner/friend in the long run. If you seem to take on the bulk of the caring role in your relationship, it will do your partner a world of good to experience what you do, plus it will help to enhance the relationship between your partner and children. So even if it’s bedtime and there’s carnage in the house as you walk away, do so with a light heart knowing that your health and vitality are important to the functioning of the family as a whole. ### **4\. Avoid mood-altering food and drink** This is a bit of a personal struggle for me. I’m the first to reach for the coffee and chocolate when I feel emotionally haywire, seeking solace in food. However, I have learnt from bitter experience that this route truly doesn’t work. The high is short-lived and then the lows are even more crushing as the body fights to balance blood sugar and energy levels crash. Far better to make yourself something nourishing and comforting – a soup, stew or nutrient-rich juice – and tell yourself how each ingredient will help you feel better. Grounding foods such as sweet potatoes and carrots are great when you feel tense and anxious, cleansing, light foods like fresh salads, juices and colourful raw vegetables are uplifting when you feel yourself sinking into depression. ### **5\. Step off the treadmill** One of the key reasons people experience depression and anxiety is a mounting sense of responsibility and stress. Our lives can feel jam-packed with must-do activities, phone calls we have to make, emails to reply to, visits to squeeze in. It’s no wonder that sometimes we find ourselves churning through life with a numbness at our hearts. If you find yourself struggling to keep afloat, it might be time to downsize your life. This might be a major overhaul: cutting out friendships that don’t bring you joy; eradicating social engagements and activities that no longer serve you; moving to eliminate travel stresses; clearing out your home; even changing jobs. Or it might be that simply getting away for a weekend or a week helps soothe frayed nerves: experiencing life in its simplest forms. A camping trip gathered with family under moonlight or starlight. Connecting with nature and building a fire together, eating simple food in beautiful surroundings. These kind of connective breaks help to break the cycle of obligation and stress that can build up. Another way is to give yourself a holiday at home by emailing friends, family and colleagues and letting them know you’re taking some time out to focus on your family. Spend your time off doing as little as possible but enjoying the here and now. ## Sign up for The Green Parent Bringing more joy and connection to your family life Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### **6\. Read something that makes your heart soar** Every so often, we discover a book that has a huge impact on our lives. It helps us see things differently, opens us up to the wonderful potential of each and every day, lifts our spirits and clarifies our thoughts. Make a point of collecting these books and arranging them in a feel-good library – a place on your bookshelves you can go to for support and solace. You might include quotes you’ve found on the internet, or pictures that really resonate. Perhaps your collection might feature inspirations for the life you want to lead: an interiors magazine if you dream of being an interior decorator or a photography book if capturing the world through the lens is your secret passion. The idea is to create a source of inspiration, joy and uplift that serves to connect you to your higher self; the self that will guide you through the darkness and to lighter days ahead. ### **7\. Get outside and lie down on the earth** Although this might sound like a fanciful exercise when we’re really trawling the doldrums of life, connecting to Source energy has a powerful rebalancing effect. When your heart is racing or your mind full of dark thoughts, being still in nature can have a hugely calming and clarifying effect. Enhance the experience by imagining you are held in a protective cradle, that the earth is there to support and nourish you and meet all your needs. Slow your breathing and allow your mind to follow the inhalations and exhalations. Surrender your body to the earth and feel its welcoming response to your surrender, holding and supporting you. ### **8\. Release the tears** If we are experiencing mild rather than full-blown depression, crying can be a huge release. The feeling after a good cry might be described as cleansing; we might be puffy eyed and a bit exhausted but there is a sense that we have shed some of the emotion along with the tears. The science behind it is that crying activates both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system is connected to our fight or flight response, while the parasympathetic nervous system, which is activated for longer when we cry, has a sedating, cathartic effect. So crying ultimately has a calming effect and can help us when emotions have built up and we haven’t felt able to express them. ### **9\. Help others** This doesn’t really work if you already feel overwhelmed with responsibility but if you find that there is a space in your life and an ache to connect, volunteering with those in need might be just what’s needed to change your whole attitude to life. When we get caught in a spiral of negativity and despair, it is often very difficult to see the bigger picture. Our problems feel insurmountable, our moods unchangeable. Helping others enables us to think about something else for a little while. It creates connections and strengthens our sense of self-worth. It might be that you find solace in visiting a neighbour in need, or perhaps a regular slot of volunteering in a charity shop, nursing home or animal shelter will help you gain perspective. Make sure you set clear boundaries and don’t get sucked into negative or draining relationships or situations. Pick a use for your time that brings joy to both you and the recipient, and feel your mood soar as you help someone else. ### **10\. Delegate** As a longer term solution to a feeling of overwhelm, delegating daily tasks frees you up to enjoy your life more. Set out a rota of activities, from taking the kids to school to cleaning the bathroom and get the whole family involved. If it creates a happier, calmer parent, kids should be only too happy to help contribute to the smooth running of the home. Don’t be afraid to ask them to help out when it’s needed – a family is a team and the idea is to work together so that one person is not burdened with an excessive load. Ask parents or friends if they can occasionally pick the kids up or look after them for the afternoon so you have some quiet time. Partners often don’t know there’s a problem until you reach breaking point and completely lose your rag, so avoid mounting tension by clearly asking them to do certain tasks and activities. A wall-chart can help too; most partners respond well to clearly stated tasks rather than battling through their partner’s depression/anger/anxiety. Don’t be afraid to delegate. People have a choice and can say no if they’re not able to help, but creating a network of supportive friends and family means that when you’re feeling better you can offer that same support to others. Often we expect people to know when we’re feeling exhausted/unhappy, but it is far easier for everyone to state when we need help. **Image:* With thanks to*[ ***Bethany Laird***](https://www.instagram.com/bethfank?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### May Craft: Make Your Own Seed Bombs URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/may-craft-make-your-own-seed-bombs/ Last updated: 2024-05-11T06:27:21.000Z ## Bring blooms to life in the most unlikely corners of your neighbourhood. Seed bombs are often used by ‘guerrilla gardeners’ to beautify unloved patches of public land says **Delfina Aguilar** The Guerilla Gardening movement – and seed bombs themselves – began in New York in the 1970s, when the city was in the grip of a financial crisis and public spaces, especially parks, were woefully neglected. Founded by Liz Christy, the Green Guerrillas decided to take matters into their own hands, using their own time and resources to turn abandoned building sites into flourishing meadows of wildflowers and greenery. They’d lob the seed bombs they made over fences into disused lots to give locals something beautiful to look at instead of rubble, an act of urban activism that you’re continuing today. ## Sign up for The Green Parent Bringing more joy and connection to your family life Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### **Ingredients** *Flower seeds (more varieties means more forage for bees. Choose seeds that are suitable for your local climate); Peat-free compost or potting mix; Clay; Cup of water; Large bowl; Baking tray* ### **Method** 1. Cover a table with a cloth or newspaper and collect all of your materials together. 2. In your bowl, combine about five handfuls of compost with a handful of seeds and mix together. 3. With wet hands, break off about five handfuls of clay, and then tear into smaller, walnut-sized pieces. Place on the baking tray for now. 4. Dribble a small amount of water into your compost mix, until it’s just damp (not soaked). Use your hands to roughly mix, then add your pieces of clay and knead, squeeze and squish quickly until it’s well combined. 5. Take a handful of the mix and form ping-pong-ball-sized pieces. 6. Place on the baking tray, and leave somewhere warm to dry for at least 3 hours. 7. Take them to the streets! The perfect time to scatter your seed bombs is right before it rains, so that the seeds get plenty of water to help them get started. Think about where they can go: neglected garden beds at your home or school, vacant lots or the bases of neighbourhood trees are all good places to start. *Delfina is passionate about encouraging kids away from screens, getting them to slow their pace enough to really observe, to examine, contemplate and wonder.* ## MORE INSPIRATION **READ** [**The Nature of Play**](https://amzn.to/3Ps7QlK?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) by Delfina Aguilar ### 6 Steps to Bringing Reggio Emilia into Your Home URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/6-steps-to-bringing-reggio-emilio-into-your-home/ Last updated: 2024-05-11T06:28:48.000Z ## **Crysta Bloom** is a mama and founder of **kindcocoamama.com** who is passionate about this creative alternative education model “What I love most about the Reggio Method is its belief that children form their unique personalities during their early years of development. Reggio aspires to provide children with outlets for personal expression in diverse ways. They call this The Hundred Languages of Children. You can incorporate this approach at home by following some key principles: 1. **The environment is the “third teacher”**. Rooms are beautiful, feature natural light, and are void of clutter. Colour and materials are carefully selected to be visually appealing and inspiring. 2. **Instead of pre-prepared or isolated subject areas of learning, encourage children to work on creative projects based on their current interests.** Explore their ideas using different avenues of expression like painting, writing, and storytelling. 3. **Documentation is important in The Reggio Method.** Display children’s work including transcripts of thoughts and conversations. Rich conversation is important. Children’s thoughts and ideas are respected. 4. **Toys should be beautiful, well crafted, and made of quality materials.** They should be open-ended to inspire children to make self-discoveries. Include items from nature such as pine cones, bark, and sticks. 5. **The use of mirrors in play areas offers the opportunity for children to see another point of view and depth understanding.** Mirrors should be placed on walls as well as surfaces. 6. **Allow children to take responsibility for some of their own self care and daily living activities.** ## Sign up for The Green Parent Bringing more joy and connection to your family life Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ## **MORE INSPIRATION** **EXPLORE** Find out more about Crysta's work at[***kindcocoamama.com***](https://kindcocoamama.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **WATCH** Abigail Porumb speaks about easy to set up provocations to bring Reggio into her home environment ### Interview: Raising a Modern Family with David and Carrie Grant URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/interview-with-david-and-carrie-grant/ Last updated: 2024-05-10T17:44:39.000Z ## It’s a familiar sight. **Carrie and David Grant** on screen; affable, articulate and impeccably groomed you’ll know and love them as the vocal coaches on shows such as Pop Idol, and presenters of Popshop, The One Show, and Songs of Praise. Only today they’re not talking vocals or pop music, they’re talking to **Kate Hodges** about their new book ## A Very Modern Family is a blisteringly honest, moving account of life with their four children. All their kids are neurodivergent, three are trans or non-binary, and also gay or queer, their youngest child is adopted, and the family is mixed-race too. The book covers a rainbow of experiences; comings out, dealing with school and other parents, life in a society that’s still prejudiced in many ways, and child-on-parent violence. It’s taboo-busting, brave and moving, and should be on every family’s bookshelf. Carrie and David are a dynamic force for good. Carrie campaigns for change in healthcare systems and celebration of neuro-diversity in society. She is an anti-bullying ambassador and promotes adoption. She and David run community support groups from their home, including a monthly support group for 150 families and their autistic daughters. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Cycling 16,500 Miles Across America with a Child URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/cycling-16-500-miles-across-america-with-a-child/ Last updated: 2024-05-07T07:59:00.000Z ## New parents often promise themselves that having a child won't change their lives. **Sean Tomlinson** and **Ingrid Hobba** lived up to the promise Sean, our daughter Kate, then 8 years old, and I cycled from Inuvik in Arctic Canada to Punta Arenas at the Southern tip of Chile on a single bike and a tandem pulling two Bob trailers. The journey of about 16,500 miles took us through 14 countries and lasted 2 years. Before the trip, Sean and I were planting trees in the North West Highlands of Scotland and Kate was at primary school. We were always inspired by the idea of making a very long journey. We wanted arriving somewhere new and unknown to us every evening to become part of our daily lifestyle. And this added to the challenge of aiming to reach a final destination. There were several places throughout the Americas that we had always wanted to visit, and we started looking at how we might link these together cheaply in a single trip, by cycling from one place to the next. A plan began to form – cycling from North to South taking in as many highlights as possible along the way. This seemed to be a good time to do it as Kate was the perfect age – old enough to remember and benefit from her experiences, but not yet a reluctant, stroppy teenager! We feared that if we left it a few more years that Kate would not want to miss out on school and her social life. This has turned out to be one thing that we were dead right about. We are lucky to get her to ourselves for one day every other weekend now and I’m glad we made the most of her pre-teen years! > “When we first packed the trailers and pannier bags, we realised that we were hopelessly overloaded and had to give half our gear away” For me, a highlight was the kindness of strangers. It’s true that travelling like this on a budget really restores your faith in human nature as a cycle tourist can be quite vulnerable. Though we heard one or two scary stories, we were amazed at the generosity and hospitality of strangers throughout our journey and their concern for our wellbeing especially in the more “dangerous” areas. One of the first of many unforgettable examples of people’s kindness was on the Dempster Highway in Canada when we arrived at the Eagle Plains Hotel, (the only building in 400 miles), filthy, sore and itching after a week of thick dusty gravel roads, mosquitoes, heat and constant daylight. We went to reception to buy a drink and ask about camping in the yard, only to be told that we already had a room booked! Brad, a motorcyclist who had stopped and chatted briefly with us on the road before continuing to Dawson City had paid for a room for us. The cost of a room in Canada was way beyond our budget. I was tearful with joy, which brings me to another highlight of this lifestyle – the buzz that you get from simple pleasures – a shower when you’re really filthy, a meal when you’re starving hungry, finding safe affordable accommodation when you’ve been camping outside petrol stations for days, watching “Friends” in English in Peru, finding real cheese in a shop! All these small luxuries that we take for granted in our comfortable homes become incredibly special when you’ve been without them. Another experience that sticks in my mind is a man in Mexico who thought it was unsafe for us to camp at a petrol station. He took us across the fields to a tiny one-roomed house with a bed and lots of statues of the Virgin Mary and asked us to sleep there. He told us that it was his brother’s house who was away and that his own house was nearby. It wasn’t though. It was his house and in the morning we saw him sleeping in a hammock outside! Then there was the fierce, huge looking guy, covered with tattoos who pulled up and waved us over to his car near the Mexican border. We had been warned not to approach anyone in a parked car but he was determined. He opened up his boot, pulled out a table, 6 chairs, then his wife and 3 kids (not from the boot) and insisted that we join his family to eat. ## Sign up for The Green Parent Bringing more joy and connection to your family life Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### **No concrete plan** Having planned the trip looking at an old atlas, we weren’t even sure if there was an actual route. Reading the Vogel’s Family on Bikes blog (a family cycling the Panamerican Highway a few months ahead of us) helped to reassure us that this was something that ordinary people actually were doing and that we wouldn’t be arrested for child neglect! However, other than buying the bikes and trailers and our tickets to Inuvik, we pretty much made up the rest as we went along. I think with a trip like this there’s only so much preparation you can do. If we had waited until we were 100% ready and had researched everything we needed to know we would probably never have set off! We didn’t have enough money to buy fancy cycling gear so, with the exception of the bikes and trailers we used the gear we already had for kayak camping (generally not lightweight). When we first packed the trailers and pannier bags (in Inuvik itself), we realised that we were hopelessly overloaded and had to give half our gear away. I couldn’t pull a trailer without falling off and things got worse when we hit the 500 miles of loose gravel of the Dempster Highway. I must have pushed the bike for more of that road than I cycled and our mileage at first was half of what we had hoped. It was a pretty steep learning curve to begin, both in terms of knowledge and fitness with but gradually we began to get a system worked out and our muscles (and bottoms) became accustomed to what we were asking of them! ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/04/1-646-646-S673-1.jpg) ### **Travel on a budget** Practically, we saved enough for the bikes and flights plus enough living money for £600 a month. For Canada and the USA this meant camping every night and getting food from supermarkets. This got tougher as we got into Central America as there were few campsites, rooms were still out of our budget and we had been advised that it might not be safe to simply pitch our tent on the side of the road. We had to use our very basic Spanish to ask people if we could camp outside their petrol station, restaurant, church ground, school or farmhouse. Once again the hospitality of people helped us keep to our budget. In South America (excluding Chile and Argentina) the Hostals, Hospedajes and Residenciales provided rooms for 10 to 15 dollars and we discovered that most restaurants do an Almuerzo or Menu del Dia, a set 3 course lunch which, at around $2, was much cheaper than A la Carte so we would buy our main meal at lunch time half way through our daily mileage and have bread, etc. in the evening. Buying local produce from markets and stalls on the side of the road was also very cheap. ### **Learning from others** There is a great internet group called Panamerican Riders which I would recommend to anyone cycling through the Americas. People post questions and information about the route such as roads, bike shops, spares, danger spots etc. enabling everyone in the group to share knowledge and learn from each other’s experiences. Although reasonably-seasoned travellers with kayaking and trekking, we were completely new to cycle touring. Although we could ride bikes, we did not own one, had never done an overnight cycling trip even in Britain and had never cycled on unpaved roads before. So, how did we make the dream a reality? Basically we decided that we wanted to do it so therefore we could and would. This is the first major step towards making a dream happen. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/04/1-045-045-S44.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/04/1-129-129-S129.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/04/1-IMG_5155.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/04/1-168-168-S167.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/04/1-321-321-S329.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/04/1-575-575-S594.jpg) ### **Kate (13), talks to Alistair Humphrys about the experience** **Why did your parents decide to take you away on the big adventure?**Because they are crazy. They have been taking me off on adventures since as long as I can remember although this was the longest. **What did you think about the plan? Were you happy or would you rather have stayed at home with your friends?** To be honest when they asked me I didn’t give it much thought. When I was that age I didn’t really think that far ahead. I guess when you are younger you are less aware of how big things are. If I hadn’t wanted to do it though it wouldn’t have happened. I always get a say in the plans. **How do you feel now when you look back at the trip? Do you often think or talk about it?** I love looking back on the trip and I often think about it. I don’t think I talk about it too much. (My friends might disagree!) **What were the best and worst parts of the adventure?** It’s a hard question to answer. For me it was just a way of life for two years. Some of the toughest parts of the trip were also the best parts. Like the places where we had the hardest times or felt scared are the ones we look back on with the most fond memories. Like Mum and Dad always say that travelling through Mexico was the most challenging bit for them but if anyone asked which was my favourite country one of them would be Mexico. **Has the adventure had a positive or a negative effect on your school work?** I think mainly a positive effect. My mum did schoolwork with me for about an hour every day and I had her all to myself. We took some really good workbooks with stickers all about a wizard called Wizard Whimstaff and his friends. My Dad practiced times tables with me on the bike and then asked me questions like how long it would take to get to somewhere depending on how fast we were going. As for subjects like Geography and History, we didn’t need books because the real thing was right there in front of me, so if we passed glaciers we learnt about those and in Peru we learnt about the Incas or volcanoes in Costa Rica or whatever we saw every day. I wrote a journal about my experiences and emailed it back to my class. **What would your advice be to other parents who are wondering about doing a big family adventure?** My advice to other parents if you want to travel with kids is try and do it when they are fairly young. I mean I am 13 now and the idea of going away and leaving my friends for two years sounds much harder than back then. I found it easier to adapt and making new friends a lot less scary. **What would you say to people who think that children are too small, fragile and weak to travel around poor and maybe dangerous parts of the world?** I think that is rubbish I can tell you I was a lot tougher than my Mum and Dad! **Do you still do adventurous things now you are back home? If so, what do you do?** I have been kayaking my own sea kayak since I got back from the trip. My parents and I have almost finished kayaking around Skye together and I am in the kayak club. The three of us cycled from Lands End to John O’Groats last summer. And I trekked to Everest Base Camp when I was 11. **Would you like to do more adventures? If so, what would you like to do?**If my future adventures are like the ones I’ve had then without a doubt though I’m not sure where or when or how. I guess I’ll just have to find out. ## **MORE INSPIRATION** **READ** Micro Adventures by Alastair Humphreys for ways in which you can bring mini adventures into everyday family life or his children’s book; The Boy who Biked the World at[***alastairhumphreys.com/books***](http://www.alastairhumphreys.com/books?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **WATCH** Alastair’s beautifully shot, inspiring video on creating a micro adventure and engaging friends at[***alastairhumphreys.com/more/video***](http://www.alastairhumphreys.com/more/video?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **LOOK OUT FOR** Kate and Ingrid are writing a book called Teddy Bears on a Tandem, about their adventures ### 5 Ways to Mark the Celtic Festival of Beltane URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/5-ways-to-mark-the-celtic-festival-of-beltane/ Last updated: 2024-05-09T09:20:48.000Z ## Beltane is the Pagan festival of fertility, taking place on 1st May. Find out how to celebrate with your family encourages **Lucy Corkhill** Also known as May Day, there are many customs and traditions that have filtered down through time, and others that are being revived as humans increasingly recognise that our connection to nature is vital. As the Earth bursts forth in green abundance, we give thanks for all the many gifts of nature, from the newborn animals to the unfurling buds. Beltane celebrates the union of the Goddess and the Green Man – the coming together of male and female energies to create new life. Symbols we are familiar with might include the leafy face of the Green Man, the Maypole, the May Queen and abundant flower baskets. There’s no doubt about it, it’s a special time of year. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Recipe: Garlicky Nettle Pesto URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/recipe-garlicky-nettle-pesto/ Last updated: 2024-05-11T06:30:11.000Z ## **David Hamilton** offers his favourite recipes for gathering and eating wild plants. Here he shares his favourite nettle pesto recipe to make the most of the bountiful greens in the hedgerow right now Like many others, my experience of wild foods began when I was very young. I grew up quite far from the wild in a large town. I craved the outdoors, and along with my brother and sister we would find wild places among our otherwise urban surroundings: we picked elderberries for jams and nettles for soup from the bottom of our garden, we ate beech nuts from the large beech tree in the corner of our school playground and on family days out we all picked blackberries together. The blackberries were picked with pies and jams in mind but they seldom made it home, as we munched away, staining our fingers and tops with the delicious juice. The older I got, the more fascinated I became with plants, and my knowledge grew. Once you get the foraging bug there is no turning back. As soon as the summer holidays end you’ll be asking yourself, where can I find chestnuts to roast, hazelnuts to crack or where are the best wild apple trees? During cold winter days you’ll be searching the coast for overwintering sea beet leaves. Spring will be met with a new found anticipation for the first shoots of wild garlic or fresh early nettles waking up from their winter slumber. Then, as summer finally comes around again, you’ll want to spend as much time as you can outside, hunting for the sweet taste of summer berries. From Darwin to David Attenborough, many naturalists built their careers on a fascination with nature, which began in early childhood. However, in this digital age our children can all too easily become isolated from meaningful contact with both the natural world and the adults around them. Foraging for wild food can help alleviate this: a day gathering blackberries can be a great way to reconnect as a family and with the great outdoors. ## Sign up for The Green Parent Bringing more joy and connection to your family life Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ## **NETTLES - HOW TO EAT** The first thing you need to do with nettles is sort out those pesky stinging hairs by either drying out the nettles thoroughly or blanching them in hot water. The hairs don’t disappear, but they droop and are no longer capable of piercing the skin, delivering their painful mix of chemicals. Always wear thick gardening gloves when picking or handling nettles. The sting will hurt at first and can itch for hours afterwards. Dried or fresh nettles can be steeped in boiling water and drunk as a tea. Cooked nettle has a lovely, almost nutty flavour and can be used as a replacement for spinach. It goes well with butter, cream cheese, nutmeg, olive oil or lemon juice. It also makes a rather nice soup when mixed with leek and potato. **Garlicky nettle pesto** ### **INGREDIENTS** - a colander full of nettles (use tongs or gardening gloves to handle the nettles) - 100 g cashew nuts - a large (adult) handful of wild garlic leaves - 50 g grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon lemon juice - 2–3 pinches of salt - 2 tablespoons olive oil (you may need to add a little more) ### **METHOD** 1. Wearing gloves, wash the nettles carefully in a colander. 2. Bring a pan of water to the boil over a low heat and simmer the nettles for 2–3 minutes, ensuring all the nettles are submerged. 3. Drain the liquid – this makes a rather nice tea! 4. Dry the nettles off in a salad spinner or place in a tea towel and squeeze the liquid into a sink. You should end up with two adult-sized handfuls of nettle leaves. 5. Grind the cashew nuts to a fine powder in a clean coffee grinder, seed grinder or pestle and mortar. If you don’t have any of these, try placing them in a sealed bag and bashing them with a rolling pin. 6. Put all the ingredients into a blender and whizz them for a count of 5, adding a little more oil if required. If not fully blended, whizz for another count of 5 or until it is a smooth paste. Serve with pasta. ### **NOTES** Only use young plants or the top 5–8 cm of older plants. The larger leaves of older plants contain calcium carbonate, which can taste gritty and be quite bad for you if eaten in large amounts. ## **MORE INSPIRATION** **READ** Family Foraging by David Hamilton, photography by Jason Ingram *(White Lion Publishing)* ### Why I Won't Interrupt Education with School URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/why-i-wont-interrupt-education-with-school/ Last updated: 2024-05-11T06:30:44.000Z ## I don't want to add structure to my son's freedom of education. Here **Sarah Wilkinson** talks about how school can interrupt learning They all tell you a baby will be a shock to the system. But the bit they don’t tell you? How the baby will change you and prick your consciousness about things that you hadn’t even considered before. The biggest demand I put on myself as a parent is to make sure my baby boy is happy. A big part of that happiness and certainly a big part of childhood is education. Education is defined as the acquisition of knowledge through learning. That learning does not necessarily have to happen in a designated institution. At three, my son has never been to a nursery or pre-school. However, he can walk, talk, and undertake countless other natural, human skills. He is living; therefore he is learning. ### **How children learn from the world around them** My son is educating himself every day from the world around him, the people he meets, and the activities he takes an interest in. He immerses himself in nature and he asks a hundred questions. I don’t want to interrupt his amazing interaction with the world by putting him in school. I don’t want to add structure to his freedom of education. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### 10 Positive Parenting Tips for Your Strong Willed Child URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/10-positive-parenting-tips-for-your-strong-willed-child/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:42.000Z ## Have a strong-willed child? Lucky you! Strong willed children can be a challenge to parent when they’re young, but if sensitively parented, they become terrific teens and young adults says **Dr. Laura Markham** Self-motivated and inner-directed, they go after what they want and are almost impervious to peer pressure. As long as parents resist the impulse to "break their will," strongwilled kids often become leaders. What exactly is a strong-willed, or spirited, child? Some parents call them "difficult" or “stubborn,” but we could also see strong-willed kids as people of integrity who aren’t easily swayed from their own viewpoints. Strong-willed kids want to learn things for themselves rather than accepting what others accept, so they test the limits over and over. They want desperately to be “in charge” of themselves, and will sometimes put their desire to “be right” above everything else. When their heart is set on something, their brains seem to have a hard time switching gears. Strong-willed kids have big, passionate feelings and live at full throttle. Often, strong-willed kids are prone to power-struggles with their parents. However, it takes two to have a power struggle. You don’t have to attend every argument to which you’re invited! If you can take a deep breath when your buttons get pushed, and remind yourself that you can let your child save face and still get what you want, you can learn to sidestep those power struggles. Research shows that parents who pay attention can avoid power struggles, even with strong-willed kids, by empathizing as they set limits, giving choices, and clearly offering respect. Looking for win/win solutions rather than just laying down the law keeps strong-willed children from becoming explosive and teaches them essential skills of negotiation and compromise. Strong-willed kids aren’t just being difficult. They feel their integrity is compromised if they’re forced to submit to another person’s will. If they’re allowed to choose, they love to cooperate. If this bothers you because you think obedience is an important quality, I’d ask you to reconsider. Of course you want to raise a responsible, considerate, cooperative child who does the right thing, even when it’s hard. But that doesn’t imply obedience. Morality is doing what’s right, no matter what you’re told. Obedience is doing what you’re told, no matter what’s right. So of course you want your child to do what you say. But not because he’s obedient, meaning that he always does what someone bigger tells him to do. No, you want him to do what you say because he trusts YOU, because you are the parent and have his best interests at heart. You want to raise a child who has self-discipline, takes responsibility, and is considerate – and most important, has the discernment to figure out when to trust and be influenced by someone else. Breaking a child’s will leaves him open to the influence of others who often will not serve him. What’s more, it’s a betrayal of the spiritual contract we make as parents to nurture our child’s unique gifts. That said, strong-willed kids can be a handful – high energy, challenging, persistent. How do we protect those fabulous qualities and encourage their cooperation? ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/04/janko-ferlic-5d-lWgkvleU-unsplash.jpg) ### **TEN TIPS FOR POSITIVE PARENTING YOUR STRONG WILLED, SPIRITED CHILD:** **1 Avoid power struggles by using routines and rules**. That way, you aren’t bossing them around, it’s just that “The rule is we use the potty after every meal and snack,” or “The schedule is that lights out is at 8pm. If you hurry, we’ll have time for two books,” or “In our house, we finish homework before screen time.” The parent stops being the bad guy. **2 Your strong-willed child wants mastery more than anything**. Let her take charge of as many of her own activities as possible. Don’t nag at her to brush her teeth; ask “What else do you need to do before we leave?” If she looks blank, tick off the short list: “Every morning we eat, brush teeth, use the toilet, and pack the backpack. I saw you pack your backpack, that’s great. Now, what do you still need to do before we leave?” Kids who feel more independent and in charge of themselves will have less need to be oppositional. Not to mention, they take responsibility early. **3 Give your strong-willed child choices**. If you give orders, he will almost certainly bristle. If you offer a choice, he feels like the master of his own destiny. Of course, only offer choices you can live with and don’t let yourself get resentful by handing away your power. If going to the store is nonnegotiable and he wants to keep playing, an appropriate choice is: “Do you want to leave now or in ten minutes? Okay, ten minutes with no fuss? Let’s shake on it…. And since it could be hard to stop playing in ten minutes, how can I help you then?” **4 Give her authority over her own body**. “I hear that you don’t want to wear your jacket today. I think it’s cold and I am definitely wearing a jacket. Of course, you are in charge of your own body, as long as you stay safe and healthy, so you get to decide whether to wear a jacket. But I’m afraid that you will be cold once we are outside, and I won’t want to come back to the house. How about I put your jacket in the backpack, and then we’ll have it if you change your mind?” She’s not going to get pneumonia, unless you push her into it by acting like you’ve won if she asks for the jacket. And once she won’t lose face by wearing her jacket, she’ll ask for it once she gets cold. It’s just hard for her to imagine feeling cold when she’s so warm right now in the house, and a jacket seems like such a hassle. She’s sure she’s right – her own body is telling her so – so naturally she resists you. You don’t want to undermine that self-confidence, just teach her that there’s no shame in letting new information change her mind. **5 Don’t push him into opposing you**. Force always creates “push-back” – with humans of all ages. If you take a hard and fast position, you can easily push your child into defying you, just to prove a point. You’ll know when it’s a power struggle and you’re invested in winning. Just stop, take a breath, and remind yourself that winning a battle with your child always sets you up to lose what’s most important: the relationship. When in doubt say “Ok, you can decide this for yourself.” If he can’t, then say what part of it he can decide, or find another way for him to meet his need for autonomy without compromising his health or safety. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. **6 Side-step power struggles by letting your child save face**. You don’t have to prove you’re right. You can, and should, set reasonable expectations and enforce them. But under no circumstances should you try to break your child’s will or force him to acquiesce to your views. He has to do what you want, but he’s allowed to have his own opinions and feelings about it. **7 Listen to her**. You, as the adult, might reasonably presume you know best. But your strong-willed child has a strong will partly as a result of her integrity. She has a viewpoint that is making her hold fast to her position, and she is trying to protect something that seems important to her. Only by listening calmly to her and reflecting her words will you come to understand what’s making her oppose you. A non-judgmental “I hear that you don’t want to take a bath. Can you tell me more about why?” might just elicit the information that she’s afraid she’ll go down the drain, like Alice in the song. It may not seem like a good reason to you, but she has a reason. And you won’t find it out if you get into a clash and order her into the tub. **8 See it from his point of view.** For instance, he may be angry because you promised to wash his superman cape and then forgot. To you, he is being stubborn. To him, he is justifiably upset, and you are being hypocritical, because he is not allowed to break his promises to you, but you broke yours to him. How do you clear this up and move on? You apologize for breaking your promise, you reassure him that you try very hard to keep your promises, and you go, together, to wash the cape. You might even teach him how to wash his own clothes! Just consider how would you want to be treated, and treat him accordingly. **9 Discipline through the relationship, never through punishment**. Kids don’t learn when they’re in the middle of a fight. Like all of us, that’s when adrenaline is pumping and learning shuts off. Kids behave because they want to please us. The more you fight with and punish your child, the more you undermine her desire to please you. If she’s upset, help her express her hurt, fear or disappointment, so they evaporate. Then she’ll be ready to listen to you when you remind her that in your house, everyone speaks kindly to each other. **10 Offer him respect and empathy**. Most strongwilled children are fighting for respect. If you offer it to them, they don’t need to fight to protect their position. And, like the rest of us, it helps a lot if they feel understood. If you see his point of view and think he’s wrong – for instance, he wants to wear the superman cape to synagogue and you think that’s inappropriate – you can still offer him empathy and meet him part way while you set the limit. “You love this cape and wish you could wear it, don’t you? But when we go to Temple we dress up, and we can’t wear the cape. I know you’ll miss wearing it. How about we take it with us so you can wear it on our way home?” ## **MORE INSPIRATION** **VISIT** Laura’s site ahaparenting.com if you are keen to learn how to build a close relationship with your children rather than struggling with control issues **READ** Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids: How to Stop Yelling and Start Connecting by Dr. Laura Markham **LISTEN** As support for parents, Laura recommends the podcasts by Patty Wipfler at Hand in Hand Parenting shop*.*[***handinhandparenting.org***](https://www.handinhandparenting.org/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). **Imagery:** with thanks to[***Janko Ferlič***](https://www.instagram.com/itfeelslikefilm?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### Recipe: Chickpea Flatbread URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/recipe-chickpea-flatbread/ Last updated: 2024-05-07T07:56:12.000Z ## This is the result of creating a bread that contains it all: crunch, sweetness and spiciness all married together says **Bettina Campolucci Bordi** This is a typical over-the-top dish that incorporates everything that I love. ### **Ingredients:** **For the flatbread** - 140g chickpea flour - 140g gluten-free flour - 450ml water - pinch of pink Himalayan salt - 1/2 tbsp bicarbonate of soda - black sesame seeds **For the caramelised onions** - 2–3 tbsps olive oil - 1 yellow onion, sliced - 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika - 2–3 medjool dates, stoned and finely chopped **For the marinated chickpeas** - 400g tin chickpeas, drained - 1/2 teaspoon sesame seeds - 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley - 1/2 teaspoon red chilli flakes - pinch of pink Himalayan salt **To serve** - coriander and mint, chopped ## Sign up for The Green Parent Bringing more joy and connection to your family life Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### **METHOD:** 1. Preheat the oven to 200ºC and line a baking tray with greaseproof paper. 2. In a bowl combine all the bread ingredients and set aside. 3. Next, start on the caramelised onions. Heat a good glug of olive oil in a pan and fry the onion for 10 minutes until nice and soft. 4. Add the sweet paprika along with the dates, give it a stir and set aside. 5. Drain the chickpeas very well – you can even pat them dry with a towel. Put them in a bowl and add the rest of the marinade ingredients, then stir to coat the chickpeas and set aside. 6. Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the lined baking tray and spoon the bread mixture over the tray. 7. Make sure the mixture is spread out evenly with a spatula. 8. Sprinkle the chickpeas evenly over the top along with dollops of the caramelised onions. Make sure that every bite will have a little bit of both mixtures. Scatter over the sesame seeds. 9. Stick the tray in the middle of the oven and cook for 20 minutes. After the bread is done, move it to the top of the oven for 5 minutes or under the grill to give the chickpeas an extra crunch, but keep an eye on it to make sure they don’t burn. 10. Take the bread out of the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool. Serve immediately as a side dish or as a starter bread with dips, sprinkled with chopped herbs. • **Batch cookable** • **Freezable** • **Lasts for +5 days in the fridge** • **Nut-Free** ## **MORE INSPIRATION:** **READ** Happy Vegan Food by Bettina Campolucci Bordi (£15, Hardie Grant) Photography Nassia Rothacker **GET INSPIRED** [**instagram.com/bettinas\_kitchen**](https://www.instagram.com/bettinas%5Fkitchen/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **FIND** More recipes at[**bettinaskitchen.com**](https://www.bettinaskitchen.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### 5 Ways to be a More Mindful Parent URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/5-ways-to-be-a-more-mindful-parent/ Last updated: 2024-05-03T18:50:47.000Z ## There will always be difficult relationships and circumstances to manage in your life. **Naomi Chunilal** helps us navigate them It’s nearly 9 o’clock on a Sunday evening and you’re looking forward to sitting down to watch TV. The only problem is that your offspring don’t want to comply with your definition of how to spend a nice, relaxing evening. They show little inclination to settle down and go to sleep. Instead, they are getting in and out of bed like yo-yos, and your stress levels are rising. Sometimes, whether it’s at ten past seven, or seven minutes past ten, we become exasperated with our children, lose our temper and end up hissing and exploding at them, despite our best intentions to be a positive role model of patience. We often have to negotiate our way through many potential flash points of stress in an average family day, trying to live peacefully alongside those we love. Our family ship may barely seem to float at times, in danger of sinking under the negative weight of disputes, dramas and verbal battles between us and our children and partners. Whether it’s the daily rush to get children up and ready for school, or the constant dialogue over what they believe is reasonable behaviour. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### 13 Ways to Raise Teens with Great Values URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/13-ways-to-raise-teens-with-great-values/ Last updated: 2024-05-11T06:33:01.000Z ## **Dr. Laura Markham** shares 13 ways to raise teens with strong ethics and a sound value system. We are inadvertently teaching values in every moment of our parenting. Here are some useful pointers for creating a solid foundation Some psychologists think values are impossible to teach, and it is certainly true that telling kids to be more honest, or diligent, or considerate, doesn’t work any better than telling adults to be. But if values are impossible to teach, they are too important to leave to chance. We teach values to kids, daily, every minute of their lives. The way children learn values, simply put, is by observing what you do, and drawing conclusions about what you think is important in life. Regardless of what you consciously teach them, your children will enter adulthood with clear views on what their parents really value, and with a well developed value system of their own. “I’ve heard that peers are more important in shaping values than parents nowadays.” Of course, parents are not the only source from which children learn values, and peers certainly influence your kids, especially as teenagers. And of course it’s healthy for young people to think for themselves and develop their own world view, as much as we may want to influence our children. But research shows that the stronger your relationship with your child, the more her world - including the opinions of her peers - is filtered through the values she’s picked up from you. Not to mention that if she has good self-esteem and a warm home life, she is more likely to pick friends who are more in sync with your values. ## Sign up for The Green Parent Bringing more joy and connection to your family life Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. And values include both what you hold dear - such as family, education, democracy, or equal dignity for all people - and what you think it is important to be - such as compassionate, hard-working, or honest. In most families, values are never directly discussed. Most of us assume our children will develop them automatically, like magic. Teaching values consciously starts with considering what our values are and finding ways in daily life to discuss - and live - them with our children. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/04/GettyImages-1055445636.jpg) ## ‘Teaching values consciously starts with considering what our values are and finding ways to live them daily with our children’ ## **You can help your child to develop his core values. Here's how:** 1. **MAKE IT RELEVANT TO HIS WORLD -** Values seem almost theoretical until kids start talking about their own lives - which, believe it or not, are chock full of values-laden decisions. Should your 14 year old tell the teacher that some of the kids are cheating on the test? Should your 16 year old do volunteer work she doesn’t particularly care about because it will look good on her college application?Handling these decisions is what develops our values. Don’t miss the opportunity to help your child grow by supporting her in making conscious decisions. 2. **BE AWARE OF WHAT YOU’RE MODELLING -** It isn’t what you say, it’s what you do. If you tell the kids that football is about fun and skills and exercise and teamwork, but your first question is about who won the game, they’ll learn that winning is more important than anything else. If you talk about honesty but lie about their age to get a cheaper ticket, it not only puts your child in an uncomfortable position, they learn that cheating is okay under certain circumstances. 3. **HELP YOUR CHILD DEVELOP EMPATHY -** Empathy is the foundation of compassion, which is the foundation of values. We don’t learn empathy by being told to feel it. The only way teens (and children of all ages) can learn empathy is by being treated empathically, and by watching you respond to others with compassion and kindness. 4. **USE DISCUSSION STARTERS -** Choose books to read and movies to watch with your child, with the express goal of building character. Of course, a careful choice is not enough, you also need to have a discussion about what you just read or watched. Does she think the character made the right decision? Why or why not? At the dinner table, come armed with a good question or two to start the ball rolling. Or share an ethical dilemma you came across today in your own life. They’re all around, if you pay attention, from cutting someone off in traffic to sharing gossip. 5. **CONSCIOUSLY TEACH AND MODEL GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP -** Some people seem to be more competitive than others from birth, but all of us need to be taught how to be good sports. Your help will make it easier for your child to find genuine solace in a game well played, and to mean it when he says “Good game!” to every former opponent, whether he’s lost or won. 6. **TALK EXPLICITLY ABOUT YOUR VALUES AND WHY THEY ARE IMPORTANT TO YOU -** What IS integrity? What is our obligation to our neighbour? Why is respectful behaviour important in a church, synagogue or mosque? Helping children interpret the world is a crucial responsibility of parents. 7. **TALK ABOUT WHY YOU MAKE CERTAIN DECISIONS BASED ON YOUR VALUES -** Why are you voting for that candidate? In fact, why are you voting? And before you enter the voting booth, let her help you vote. 8. **LABEL AND REINFORCE EXPRESSION OF VALUES -** When you see your child demonstrating a value that’s important to you, recognize your child for it, as specifically as possible. “I noticed how kind you were to Ben when he split up with his girlfriend.” “I really appreciated that you were honest with me about what happened at school.” 9. **MODEL COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT -** Whether it’s working for the PTA or volunteering locally, your kids need to see that you’re committed to the welfare of the larger community. Help them appreciate how the invisible work of others helps each of us daily, and that the more blessings we have in our lives, the more responsibility we have to extend help to others. 10. **VOLUNTEER FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS AS A FAMILY -** Try toy collections or visiting the local nursing home. My children needed my leadership and coaxing to be willing to volunteer at a local soup kitchen with me, but they ended up loving it and wanting to do it again. 11. **ALL TEENS SHOULD GET AN OPPORTUNITY TO CONTRIBUTE THEIR OWN MONEY TO CHARITY. -** Many families use a tripartite allowance. The lion’s share is their own spending money. Split the rest in half and put it in two separate containers, one marked “Charity,” the other marked “Savings.” Savings is to help buy that bike, or to buy a present for her friend. Charity is to be given away to a worthy cause the child chooses. A good time to do this is their birthday. Some kids will be moved by a news report of people in need and will pack off their coins to contribute. You might offer to match their contribution. 12. **CONFRONT CULTURAL MESSAGES ABOUT MONEY -** Responsible use of money is a value that is challenging to teach in this acquisitive culture. You’ll probably need to start by getting clear about your own values around money. Is being a millionaire an appropriate goal in life? When he loses his mobile should he pay for a new one? Is it okay for your child to spend all her birthday money on herself? Even if your family can afford to pay for university, should he work a part-time job to contribute? 13. **RESIST LECTURING -** My kids tease me that I think every moment is a “teachable moment.” Of course, teachable moments only work when children are ready to learn, and most humans experience lectures as alienating. Instead, try asking questions to find out more about the decisions he’s making and the thinking behind those decisions - and share your own views sparingly. He’ll probably learn more from the process of articulating his dilemmas and noticing the moral implications of his choices than he would have from a lecture - and he’ll feel more connected to you, too, because you’re listening. ***Dr. Laura Markham is the author of three best-selling books, mum and founder of ahaparenting.com*** ## MORE INSPIRATION **ADVICE** Get plenty of inspiring, heartfelt advice at [***ahaparenting.com/ages-stages/teenagers***](https://www.ahaparenting.com/ages-stages/teenagers?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **READ** Parenting Teens with Love and Logic: Preparing Adolescents for Responsible Adulthood by Jim Fay and Foster Cline ### Recipe: Raw Chocolate Caramel Slice URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/recipe-raw-chocolate-caramel-slice/ Last updated: 2024-05-07T07:55:20.000Z ## **Anthea Cheng** shares her favourite recipe for raw chocolate caramel slice - think the most delicious millionaire's shortbread that's packed with health benefits! In this recipe the caramel is naturally sweetened with whole dates and balanced with earthy nut or seed butter. The crunchy base contrasts with the smooth filling and creamy chocolate. I added a little coconut cream to the chocolate topping to make it easier to cut, but not too much coconut cream so as to maintain the “snap” reminiscent of the chocolate on conventional caramel slices. **YIELD: 18 SMALL SLICES** ### **Ingredients** **Base** - 218 g almonds, or any other nut or seed - 53 g pitted dates, soaked in water for at least 4 hours - ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional) - Pinch of salt **Caramel Layer** - 240 g pitted dates, soaked in water for at least 4 hours - 130 g almond butter, or any other nut or seed butter - 3 tablespoons coconut oil - 2 tablespoons coconut nectar or maple syrup (optional) - 1 teaspoon lucama powder (optional) **Chocolate Ganache Topping** - 250 g vegan chocolate, melted - 2 tablespoons coconut cream **Decorations (Optional)** - Chopped pistachios and rose petals or whatever you have in your pantry, as desired ## Sign up for The Green Parent Bringing more joy and connection to your family life Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### **Method:** 1. Line a 20 cm square cake tin with baking parchment. 2. To make the base: Add the almonds to a food processor and process until it forms coarse crumbs. Drain the dates and add them to the food processor with the cinnamon (if using) and salt. Process the ingredients until they are well combined. Scoop the mixture into the cake pan and press down to create a firm and even base. 3. To make the caramel layer: Drain the dates and reserve the soaking liquid. Add the drained dates and rest of the ingredients to a high-powered blender. Blend on medium to high for 3 to 5 minutes or until the mixture is very smooth and has no more chunks of nuts or dates. If the mixture is quite thick or the oils are separating from the solids, add some of the reserved date liquid and blend again. Pour the caramel mixture on the top of the base and smooth the surface with the back of a large spoon or a cake scraper. 4. To make the chocolate ganache: Add all the ingredients to a mixing bowl. Blend with a stick blender for 1 minute or until all the ingredients are fully combined and there are no oil streaks on top. Pour onto the caramel layer and decorate if desired. Set aside in the fridge or freezer overnight. 5. Run a sharp knife under hot water, dry it with a tea towel, and cut the slice straight from the freezer. The freezer firms up the caramel, preventing the chocolate from crumbling when you cut into it. **TIP** The caramel in this slice will melt in your mouth. If you would like a firmer caramel or need it to survive at room temperature for a few hours, add a few more tablespoons of coconut oil. ## **MORE INSPIRATION** **READ** Incredible Plant-Based Desserts: Colourful Vegan Cakes, Cookies, Tarts, and other Epic Delights *by Anthea Cheng* **VISIT** Instagram[***@rainbownourishments***](https://www.instagram.com/rainbownourishments/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### How to Create a Home Sanctuary URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/how-to-create-a-home-sanctuary/ Last updated: 2024-05-09T09:28:52.000Z ## **Jane Robbins** shows how to make your living environment nourishing for your soul In the hustle and bustle of modern life, amidst the constant barrage of tasks, responsibilities, and distractions, it's all too easy to overlook the significance of our living environments. Yet, the spaces we inhabit hold profound power over our well-being, influencing not only our physical health but also the state of our souls. Much like a gardener tends to a garden, carefully cultivating an environment that fosters growth, we too have the ability to craft spaces that nourish our innermost selves. ### **1\. CLEAR, CLEAN AND REFRESH** Before you begin a cleaning session in your home, set an intention. Light candles and incense as you clean. Use sound, scent and plants to bring fresh energy into your living space. Each room in your house relates to an energy centre in your body; for example the kitchen is linked to your heart chakra and the bathrooms, your sacral chakra, the front door your crown chakra. As you work through the house, consider the effect that cleaning is having on your emotional and physical systems as well. It helps me to remind myself that as I clean I’m benefiting on many levels; twenty minutes of vigorous cleaning a day is said to cut stress levels by 20%. ### **2 CHOOSE ORGANIC** WHERE POSSIBLE You obviously don’t want to increase the toxicity of your home. Choose natural green cleaning products – lemon juice, bicarbonate of soda and vinegar work wonders. And when decorating or refurbishing, choose organic and green whereever possible. Low-VOC paint is good, but no VOC is better. Look for nontoxic adhesives and sealants in addition to healthy paint. Natural finishes such as plaster and milk or limewash paints are a good choice for walls. Check out[**mikewye.co.uk**](https://www.mikewye.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) for resources. Use an environmental building supplies company like[**21degrees.co.uk**](https://www.weare21degrees.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) who’ve done the research on the best materials. ![Photograph of a bedroom filled with artwork on the walls and plants](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/04/spacejoy-808a4AWu8jE-unsplash.jpg) Make your bedroom space work for you; choose items that resonate with your personality. ### **3 CLEANSE YOUR SPACE** Used by many native traditions around the world, including by Celtic Druids and European witches, smudging (or[**saining**](https://cailleachs-herbarium.com/2019/02/saining-not-smudging-purification-and-lustration-in-scottish-folk-magic-practice/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) in Scottish magical rituals) is a practice using scent and intention to purify an area and rid it of negative energies. Certain herbs such as cedar and sage are often used. **Here’s how to make your own:** **What you need:** Sage; Thread; Scissors **How to make:** Gather a little bundle of sage and use your thread to bind the stalks together (the thread will get looser as the sage dries out). Leave to dry out and once fully dried tie the thread tight. You can place a couple of drops of frankincense (a tree resin, which is said to protect the soul) onto the dried bundles. To smudge, light the stick at the top, get a flame going then blow it out so that it’s smoking, not burning. Set an intention for the smudging ritual and take your time to walk around the room or area of your house that needs cleansing, wafting the smoke into all the corners. When finished place the stick in a ceramic bowl or plate. This is a great way to bless a newly cleansed space; use a smudge stick to clear stagnant energies and invite in fresh beginnings. ### **4 CLEAR CLUTTER** Minimize clutter to create a sense of serenity in your home and to keep everyday stresses from intruding on your living space. Decluttering can be an overwhelming process but every book and expert recommends it for clearing the mind and body as well as your physical space. It’s fine to start really small and take the clutter clearing process one bookshelf or drawer at a time. Set a timer for ten minutes and commit to clearing every day for a month. Notice the great stuff that you can achieve with just this small amount of devoted daily practice. We like Marie Kondo’s treatise on clearing clutter. She suggests going through your belongings and keeping only those that bring joy. Using this method, clear your space and leave only the objects that you really love. Work through your wardrobe item by item with this question in mind. Ask a friend for help if this is a sticky, challenging area for you. For example, take each item out of the wardrobe, hold it in your hands and ask yourself, do I really love this. If the answer is no, give it away to a friend or charity shop. If this method fills you with panic, set up a halfway house for your stuff – store unloved items in the garage or loft for a couple of months. Have you used them in that time – no? Then ditch them! The things that you DO love will have more space and can be enjoyed more once you’ve cleared the clutter. It can also help to have an overall goal for your space. I want to make more space for friends to come and stay so each day I am committing to taking a small action that creates a more inviting environment to entertain in. You might want to welcome in a new baby; set a goal to help motivate you to sort out toys, clothes and to create space for a new family member! Whilst on decluttering, remove all paraphernalia from bedside tables. Having a bulging diary, notebooks, paperwork, pile of books and other items brings the busyness of daily life into your quiet peaceful sanctuary. Try having just one book beside the bed and nothing else and see how it affects your quality of sleep. If all else fails, organise a party and you’ll have forced yourself into clutter clearing! Sounds harsh but it works. I use this method often and the house really benefits from the energy spent on it. ## Sign up for The Green Parent Bringing more joy and connection to your family life Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### **5 REDUCE POLLUTION** Reduce electromagnetic fields and electro-pollution by unplugging anything that’s running alongside, under, or behind the bed. For a healing environment, keep phones, computers and the TV out of the bedroom – they’re not conducive to healthy sleep. To ensure you wake earlier, try sleeping with the curtains open or check out a lumie bodyclock alarm which awakens you with the gradual light similar to the dawning of a new day. If possible switch off all appliances at night. ### **6 SURROUND YOURSELF WITH SACRED OBJECTS** A big part of a sacred home is surrounding yourself with things that have meaning for you. Choose a space that’s dedicated to you and your spiritual wellbeing – a shelf, table or windowsill for example. This is your altar and can be decorated with cards, flowers, natural objects, quotes that bring you joy and personal objects. Keep your altar fresh and spend a few minutes reflecting on your inner values here daily. The bedroom is one of the most sacred spaces, where we go to sleep and dream every night; it has a spiritual importance for us. So it makes sense to get rid of meaningless stuff and just include items that are sacred and meaningful. Frame some of your favourite artwork from your children, bring in some crystals or fresh foliage. Make this space work for you; choose items that resonate with your personality. ### **7 PLAN WITH A VIEW** If you can, in your bedroom orient the bed toward a view and in the kitchen position the table close to the window. If this is not possible, invest in art that inspires you. Studies show that waking to a gorgeous view creates happier, more productive lives. **Imagery: With thanks to**[***spacejoyapp***](https://www.instagram.com/spacejoyapp?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### 7 Things our Children Need for a Magical Childhood URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/7-things-our-children-need-for-a-magical-childhood/ Last updated: 2024-05-11T06:36:15.000Z ## Seven things we need to give our children in order for them to thrive by **Nettie Gallagher**. Including simple ways you can integrate each ingredient into daily life We all want the best for our children. I want my children to grow up to be happy and well adjusted; to be able to make informed choices and be independent; to have a sense of connection with and respect for the world in which they live: with Nature and with people from all walks of life and cultures; to be kind and have empathy for others. I want them to have a strong sense of identity; to be passionate and have a positive attitude; to always try their hardest and be the best that they can be; to make the morally right choice and be true to their beliefs. I believe these things cannot be taught at school. In fact, I think they cannot be taught full stop. These things can only be developed slowly, over a long period of time. These values and traits are like tiny seeds that grow in your child’s heart. They need to be nourished and nurtured and it is the stuff of childhood and our love as parents or guardians that will water them. A true childhood, one where children are free to explore, to wonder, to play, to experiment and to imagine is becoming a rarity. All too often technology, the influences of the media and the hustle and bustle of modern life is snatching childhood away, depriving our children of the chance to connect with others and the world in a real and authentic way. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### 5 Things to Consider When Choosing Books for Your Child URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/5-things-to-consider-when-choosing-books-for-your-child/ Last updated: 2024-05-03T18:49:32.000Z ## **Hannah Mackay-Jackson** surrounds her son with books and chooses ones that represent diversity and gender equality When I was pregnant, one of the things I was most excited to prepare was the bookshelves! I dedicated an entire wall to shelves which allowed picture books to face outwards. The covers would be displayed as works of art, and the shelf contents could evolve as our son grew as a reader. From the very beginning, I wanted our baby to be surrounded by books. We read to him daily from birth. Sometimes it was children’s books, other times it was whatever we were reading. It was a wonderful way to bond, and books gave us a ‘script’ if we ran out of conversation to make with a newborn. ### **A house full of books for all ages** When our son was born I had a huge collection of children’s books - some were my own childhood favourites, and others were from the Master’s degree in Children’s Literature that I’d done a few years previously. Because we had a house of children’s books suitable for a wide range of ages, we often read our son books that weren’t ‘just for babies’. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Recipe: Sanity Saving One Pot Pasta URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/recipe-sanity-saving-one-pot-pasta/ Last updated: 2024-05-07T07:54:18.000Z ## Between caring for an energetic toddler and running her own business, **Sarah Britton** admits that life is full on. There are days when she needs Sanity-Saving One Pot Pasta a teatime-saving creation! **Serves 4-6** ### **Ingredients** - 200g legume-based pasta (I used mung bean fettucini) - 500g asparagus - 300g fresh or frozen shelled green peas - sea salt for cooking water and garnish - 4 tbsp. cold-pressed olive oil - zest of 1 organic lemon - 3 tbsp. capers - A large handful fresh mint, leaves only ## Sign up for The Green Parent Bringing more joy and connection to your family life Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### **Method** 1. Put a large pot of water on the stove and heat over a high flame. 2. While the water is heating up, wash, trim, and chop the asparagus. Shell the peas (or take them out of the fridge/freezer). Wash and roughly chop the mint. Once the cooking water is boiling, salt it generously (it should taste salty). 3. Add the pasta and set a timer for about three before the suggested cooking time. Three minutes before the pasta is done, add the asparagus and peas. Cook for three minutes. Drain well and place back in the pot. Add the olive oil, lemon zest, drained capers and a few pinches of sea salt. Season to taste. Fold in the fresh mint and serve. ## **MORE INSPIRATION** *Find Sarah’s recipes and cookbooks for purchase at*[***mynewroots.org***](http://www.mynewroots.org/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) *On instagram* [***@mynewroots***](https://www.instagram.com/mynewroots?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### The Trouble with Rewards URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/the-trouble-with-rewards/ Last updated: 2025-02-15T09:58:12.000Z ## **Jan Hunt** encourages us to help our children seek out the intrinsic rather than external rewards, leading to a relationship built on trust and love A recent article in a parents’ magazine recommended using a “reward jar” for motivating children. The jar is filled with small toys or other rewards, to be given out when the child completes certain specified tasks, or changes his or her behaviour at the parent’s request. I like the fact that parents who use rewards are motivated to find a less punitive method of helping their children to learn important things. I say “less punitive”, though, rather than “non-punitive”, because inherent in a reward system, whether voiced or not, is the possibility of failure – both failure to obtain the reward and failure to please the parent. Inevitably, the possibility of failure brings fear of failure. Rewards, though on the surface so much more appealing than punishments, do have some built-in risks and problems. The biggest problem is the hidden message that if there were no reward, the child would not perform the task in question. It can even be said that the fear of not being rewarded is a punishment. As author and educator John Holt wrote, “When we make a child afraid, we stop learning dead in its tracks.” ### **When we offer rewards this is what children hear** - The message that they may not recognize and appreciate on their own what is important to learn in life, that they should learn only what others reward them for. They may then begin to disregard or question their own personal preferences and enthusiasms. - The message that they can’t trust their own decisions, that they should always seek an “expert” opinion before proceeding with a project, and that it is unwise to rely on their own perceptions and intuitions about the world around them. They may then begin to question their own choices and preferences. - The message that the specific task being rewarded must be to some extent difficult or unpleasant, otherwise why has someone taken the trouble to set up a reward system? After all, no one has ever had to offer a reward to get a child to eat ice cream! ### **The harmful results of offering rewards** In addition to these unintended messages, there can also be some harmful results: - If the parent takes an authoritarian role, and determines how a child’s difficulties should be resolved, the child loses the golden opportunity to practice problem-solving, and the family misses potentially better solutions the child may have invented if given the chance to do so. - Extrinsic rewards take the child’s attention away from intrinsic ones. The child may never understand the real reasons for doing something, and may never appreciate the inherent rewards that a task will provide. For example, a child who reads a book in order to receive a sticker from the librarian, may miss the point that reading is enjoyable all on its own. In this sense, the child is being given less than a true picture of the world. - Most importantly, the child’s real needs may be missed and remain unmet, only to surface later. All of a child’s behaviour can be viewed as an outward manifestation of a legitimate inner need. Until that underlying need is dealt with fully, the only changes that can take place will be superficial. These underlying needs cannot be met through artificial, arbitrary rewards. If a child’s reluctance to go to bed is really a message about loneliness or an impending illness, that need may never be recognized if it is coated over with rewards. If a child’s important needs remain unmet, he may receive the unintended message that the parent doesn’t care about his feelings and needs, but merely wants him to conform outwardly to the parent’s needs. ### **Why should we focus instead on intrinsic rewards?** My own preference, when helping a child to learn a new task, is to stay focused on intrinsic rewards. All external rewards – whether tokens, school grades, gifts, or deliberate, manipulative praise – are arbitrary; that is, they bear no direct relationship to the matter at hand. Interestingly, punishment has the very same built-in problem. For example, helping a child to learn the importance of keeping one’s room orderly and clean, while staying focused on the actual issue, would mean helping the child to appreciate the inherent rewards: the ease of finding wanted items, the avoidance of health problems, especially if there are allergies, the avoidance of breakage and other accidents, and the fact that there is simply a good feeling in an orderly environment. These kinds of explanations, if shared respectfully, will make more sense to the child than any external reward, and will also show trust in his own abilities and motivations. This approach also has the benefit of helping the parent to determine priorities. If a parent can’t explain the reason for doing something, maybe it isn’t worth the effort of helping the child to do it! In a “focused” discussion, it may be the parent who learns the most about priorities: “keeping a room spotless all the time” may be less important in the grand scheme of things than “having time to play in an unhurried way with a parent or sibling”. ### **Providing actual help rather than rewards** Using a focused approach with an emphasis on intrinsic rewards, the parent is also free to offer the child practical tips and actual help. The parent and child remain on the same side, so that both can contribute ideas to make certain projects easier. When external rewards or punishments are used, the parent is more likely to feel that the child must perform the task alone. When my son was young, I was fortunate to find books, by John Holt and others, that clarified the importance of focusing on intrinsic values. I began to believe that children could appreciate the benefits of such things as an orderly room, and I helped my son to identify the inherent rewards that orderliness brings. He felt free to ask for my advice and help, and I felt free to help him whenever necessary. Over time, he learned that every effort toward cleaning a room – or any other meaningful activity – always brought along its own rewards. He learned that such rewards are automatic and immediate. He is now 18, and his housekeeping skills and habits are better than my own. I am still working on this part of my own life, in part because of the stressful feelings that became associated with cleaning when I was young. ## Sign up for The Green Parent Bringing more joy and connection to your family life Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### **Cultivating respect and trusting our child** A good rule of thumb in parenting (or in any other relationship) is that anything that keeps us on the same side as our child is more respectful and consequently will “work” better, than anything that sets up a hierarchy and puts a cold distance between us, such as parent-set standards and extrinsic rewards for “targeted behaviour”. By staying on the same side, we express trust in our child’s ability to appreciate intrinsic rewards, and to grow to be an adult who can think for himself, set his own standards and priorities, and identify whatever inherent rewards are available through his own efforts. And as my friend and colleague Mary Van Doren once noted, “raising children with an emphasis on intrinsic rewards is not a technique, a method or a trick to get them to do what the parent wants them to by subtler means, but a way of life, a way of living with children with real respect for their intelligence and for their being.” The critical question is: What is it that we want? If we simply want a clean room, it may come about at an earlier age if we use rewards and punishments – but there may be unintended results: fears and unfortunate associations instilled in the child, damage to the parent-child bond, and the hidden message that the child cannot be trusted to learn without external motivators. The use of external rewards is a type of control, manipulating our children to do our agenda. All methods which rely on controlling the child have a price, paid for by the child, the parent and the relationship. Damage to self-esteem and self-knowledge is the highest price. If we want more than the clean room – if we want the child to learn to appreciate intrinsic rewards, to have faith in his own judgment, to believe in his own ability to determine what is truly worth doing, without seeking an authority figure – it may take years longer, but it will be well worth our extra effort and patience. Parents who have taken the longer route of trusting and helping the child to gain self-motivation through a sensible appraisal of inherent rewards and values, find that this is intrinsically gainful for them as well. It is far more rewarding to the parent to raise a child to be independent, self-confident, realistic, and self-motivating, than it is to see an orderly bedroom at age six! If we use trust, patience, and gentle explanations instead of rewards or punishments, children are then free to “own” their learning and personal growth. The less authoritarian we can be, while not relinquishing our role as our child’s wise yet gentle guide, the more secure will be the learning that takes place. ## **MORE INSPIRATION** **READ** The Natural Child: Parenting From the Heart by Jan Hunt, offering a loving, respectful approach to raising a happy, trusting and confident child. **EXPLORE** Jan developed a set of Parenting Cards that each feature a unique reminder about compassionate parenting, available from[***naturalchild.org/parentingcards***](http://www.naturalchild.org/parentingcards?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). **VISIT** At[***naturalchild.org/advice***](http://www.naturalchild.org/advice?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), Jan offers advice on all stages of parenting, across a wide variety of subjects. **Imagery:**[***Kelly Sikkema***](https://www.instagram.com/InkyPixels?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### Practices to Boost Fertility URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/practices-to-boost-fertility/ Last updated: 2024-05-11T06:37:06.000Z ## 4 experts talk about how to improve reproductive health and improve your chances of conceiving. ## **UNDERSTANDING THE PHASES OF OUR CYCLE** ### **Ariele Myers** is an herbalist, acupuncturist, alchemical healer and fertility specialist. Founder of Wisdom of the Womb. It’s important to understand that infertility is a symptom. Trying to “heal” infertility can be a bit like trying to fix a tree that isn't flowering by looking at the branches instead of focusing on the roots. Each woman has a unique complex of needs required to bring her into balance. When we haven’t attuned to those needs, the resulting imbalance will contribute to the underlying root cause of infertility. In my holistic fertility practice, I guide women through what I call the 6 Elements of Fruitful Fertility: The Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How of Fertility. I’ll share the WHEN with you here, as even just that simple shift can encourage significant results. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Recipe: Vegan Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookies URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/recipe-vegan-tahini-chocolate-chip-cookies/ Last updated: 2024-05-07T07:42:14.000Z ## **Anshu Ahuja** founded Dabbadrop with **Renee Williams** from their homes in East London. Here they share a recipe for vegan chocolate chip cookies. ## **Makes 12-16 cookies** - 175g wholewheat flour - ½ tsp baking soda - ¼ tsp baking powder - 1 pinch sea salt - 115g vegan butter spread - 100g brown sugar - 100g raw caster sugar - 3 tbsp aquafaba (chickpea water) - 120g tahini - 1 tsp olive oil - 2 tsp vanilla extract - 175g vegan chocolate ## Sign up for The Green Parent Bringing more joy and connection to your family life Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. 1. In a medium bowl combine the flour, baking soda and baking powder with a pinch of sea salt. 2. In a large mixing bowl using an electric beater or a stand mixer, cream together the vegan butter and sugars, around 2 minutes. 3. While still mixing, add the aquafaba followed by the tahini, olive oil and vanilla and mix until combined and a little fluffy. 4. Remove the bowl from your stand mixer and add the dry ingredients and the chocolate chunks, mixing until combined. 5. Cover the bowl with cling film and place the dough in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours - this will firm up the dough for rolling and create a chewier baked cookie. You can refrigerate the dough from 2 hours up to 24 hours. 6. Preheat the oven to 175ºC and line a baking tray with baking paper. 7. Roll around a tablespoon of the refrigerated dough into a rough ball. Lay 6 to 8 balls on your baking tray (depending on its size) and pop in the oven for 15-20 mins. 8. Remove the baked cookies from the oven and allow them to cool slightly (they will deflate and crack beautifully during these few minutes) before gently setting them aside to continue baking the remaining dough. 9. Roll and bake the remaining dough. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. 10. Sit down with a mug of something warm and snuggly and DEVOUR! ### Recipe: Grapefruit, Almond & Turmeric Cake URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/recipe-grapefruit-almond-turmeric-cake/ Last updated: 2024-05-07T07:41:23.000Z ## This vibrantly coloured, zesty cake is free of refined sugar, which allows the flavours of the grapefruit to shine through says **Emily Jonzen**. Serve warm with a dollop of creme fraîche for a springtime indulgence! Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free. Cuts into 12 slices ### **Ingredients:** - 200g ground almonds - 125g polenta - 125g golden caster sugar - 2 teaspoons ground turmeric - 1½ teaspoons gluten-free baking powder - 110ml fruity olive oil - 3 large eggs - Finely grated zest of 2 red grapefruit and juice of 1 - Pinch of salt ## Sign up for The Green Parent Bringing more joy and connection to your family life Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### **Method:** 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan/gas mark 4\. Lightly grease a 20cm-diameter round cake tin and line the base with greaseproof or waxed paper. 2. Pour all of the ingredients into a large mixing bowl and use an electric hand whisk to beat until smooth. You can also do this in a food-processor. 3. Pour the mixture into the prepared tin and bake for 50 minutes to an hour, until the cake is golden, well risen and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. 4. Leave to cool in the tin for 20 minutes, before turning out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This cake is delicious served warm with a dollop of crème fraiche and a spring of thyme. ## **MORE INSPIRATION** ***READ*** The Goodness of Ginger and Turmeric by Emily Jonzen (Kyle Books) ***FOLLOW*** [***instagram.com/emilyjonzenfood***](https://instagram.com/emilyjonzenfood?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### Yoga Exercises for a Relaxed Pregnancy URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/yoga-exercises-for-a-relaxed-pregnancy/ Last updated: 2024-05-09T09:39:36.000Z ## **Suvi Mahonen** discovers the many benefits of practicing yoga during pregnancy Like many childless women in their late thirties, I had achieved the illusion of having control over my life – from what I ate, to my social activities and daily work. Family planning was no exception. I knew when I was going to have a baby, how I was going to have my baby, and before I’d even bought my first jar of prenatal vitamins, I had my pregnancy path all mapped out. I was going to be one of those wonder-pregnancy-women who only ate organic, went for daily swims and long walks on the beach, and who experienced regular surges of creative inspiration thanks to the life-giving hormones flowing through my veins. And then I fell pregnant. Almost instantly my plans fell to pieces. My energy levels plunged while my pregnancy hormones soared, and I was vomiting all the time. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Create a Rainy Day Box URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/create-a-rainy-day-box/ Last updated: 2024-05-09T09:42:51.000Z ## You had a day playing outdoors on the cards and now heavy rain has put paid to your plans. Here's how to create a rainy day box with **Lucy Corkhill** In case of rainy day eventualities, it pays to have a list of activities ranging from stimulating to calming, and boxes of materials – from crafting bits to dressing up clothes – all ready to go. It might sound like way too much pre-planning, but pulling some pre-packed rainy day boxes can be a game changer. Spontaneity is always the name of the game for kids, so there’s no need to be prescriptive with the boxes. No doubt objects will move between the boxes, and children will call them by different names or reinvent them altogether. The idea is more to group like things together to spark fun and creativity, and offer a way for the fun to progress through imaginative play. There’s also no need to spend loads of money on expensive items. I remember the feeling from my own childhood, when well-meaning relatives gave me those ‘make your own jewellery box’ kind of gifts. Everything you needed to replicate the item on the packaging was inside, and I always felt frustrated that there was no room for designing and creating your own unique item. There are even more of those kinds of gifts on offer today: a kind of creativity by numbers. But I do feel (and maybe I’m on my own on this one) that they don’t spark imaginations and lead to explorative learning in the same way a box of random bits and bobs does. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### 7 Things to Remember when Planning a Natural Birth URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/7-things-to-remember-when-planning-a-natural-birth/ Last updated: 2024-05-09T09:44:11.000Z ## **Cheryl MacDonald**, perinatal yoga teacher and childbirth educator explains why we need to throw out the rule book when it comes to birth. ## Having trained in hypnobirthing; written my own natural childbirth education programme and used natural birthing techniques myself, I have a few suggestions to keep in mind… ## **Optimism is key, but don’t be disappointed** Being a prenatal yoga teacher and antenatal educator, I was eternally optimistic about the birth of my first son. I prepared for my birth using a well-known birth hypnosis programme (which I also taught to other mums) and was 100% prepared to be silent, peaceful and pain free during my birth. I practiced religiously every day for nine months, and then my birth was nothing like I had planned. Now I have to quantify this and say that I had the most amazing, beautiful, natural and speedy birth (around 5 hours start to finish). But I didn’t look like the serene ladies in the hyonobirth videos that promised me a silent and pain free birth. However, I cannot say that my birth was painful. My birth was at worst uncomfortable and at points, damn hard work. At times I was meditative, breathing deeply, loudly, oblivious to anyone other than my baby, absorbed in my birth. Other times I was pumping with adrenaline talking to my baby: “Come on little guy!! We can do this, come on little man I love you I love you so much!” Giving birth is the most amazing, rewarding experience I have ever had. It doesn’t matter what it looks like, the main thing is that gorgeous little person that you have to love for the rest of your life at the end of it. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### 3 Exercises for Mindful Breastfeeding URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/3-exercises-for-mindful-breastfeeding/ Last updated: 2024-05-07T07:40:49.000Z ## **Sophie Fletcher** shares her techniques for calm and confident breastfeeding. With the right support and tools, feeding your baby can be a mindfully loving and emotionally rewarding experience. When you nourish your baby with focused attention, and connect deeply with them, your maternal brain lights up, strengthening the pathways that guide your mother’s instinct. Feeding can be a very intense experience. You may worry: ‘Is my baby getting enough food? Am I doing it correctly?’ As you tune into your baby you will learn to know when that is, and it will become a sixth sense. A cascade of things happen in your body and your brain that assess how much milk is needed, what type of milk, and when it’s needed. This connecting and syncing is called ‘limbic regulation’. Relaxation techniques can reduce tension in your body, increasing milk flow, and improving latch. ## **EXERCISE: THE BIGGER PICTURE** When we get stressed about something, sometimes we ‘catastrophise’. This exercise can help you realise that you and your baby will be okay, leaving you feeling so much lighter and more able to relax into feeding. - Write down your three main concerns around feeding. - Now, ask yourself these questions in response to each of your concerns: 1. ‘If it were to happen what are the challenges I would face?’ 2. ‘How would I tackle those challenges?’ 3. ‘What would I say to someone in that situation with the knowledge I have?’ Now let those concerns go with this simple letting go exercise: Hold your left arm out in front of you, holding your hand closed. Imagine those concerns in the palm of your left hand. Now take a deep breath and open your hand; blow those concerns off your hand. Notice the warmth and lightness of your breath on the palm of your hand. Imagine those concerns floating away like feathers being carried away on the wind, getting smaller and smaller, until they have disappeared. ## Sign up for The Green Parent Bringing more joy and connection to your family life Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ## **USING VISUALISATION** Simple hypnosis visualisations help you relax, and enjoy calm connection. These two are my favourites. ## **EXERCISE: VISUALISE YOUR SPECIAL PLACE** Close your eyes and bring into your mind your special place. It may be somewhere that you have been before, that is familiar to you, or it can be completely made up. As you bring that place into your mind be aware of what you can see, feel and hear. Imagine it as if you are really there. Notice how your shoulders soften and relax. Enjoy this moment of relaxation and calm! ## **EXERCISE: THE MILK DIAL** Before you sit down, roll your shoulders back three times or do a quick stretch. Just allow your arms and chest to loosen. - Imagine a dial in your head. Give it a colour and a shape. - The highest setting is the strongest flow. The lowest setting is the most gentle and slow. - Notice where that dial is set right now. - Adjust the dial to where you want it to be. - Remember you can always adjust it while you are feeding. ## MORE INSPIRATION **READ** Mindful Mamma by *Sophie Fletcher* (Vermilion) ### When You've Experienced Baby Loss URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/when-youve-experienced-baby-loss/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:42.000Z ## Doula **Kay King** tells **Hannah Hiles** about the small things that can help a grieving person begin to recover. Here we explore different approaches to grief and how to support someone who's experienced baby loss *Around one in four pregnancies end in loss during pregnancy or birth, but for many people this can be a lonely and isolating experience. In Why Baby Loss Matters, doula and maternity rights activist, Kay King, explores different approaches to grief and ways to support someone who has experienced loss. The sensitively-written book also includes personal accounts from families who share their insights into managing grief and finding peace.* ***How did you come to write Why Baby Loss Matters?*** I knew for a long time that this book was needed because there was a real gap in the market. The story behind it comes from a client of mine who had a baby stillborn at term. I had supported loss before but this was fully expected to be a live birth. She felt that none of the books she had read had prepared her. Someone needed to write a book about this deep grief. I see it as a tribute to the families who have shared their personal accounts in the book. ***Who is the book aimed at?*** I’m really interested in grief as a topic, and the book covers lots of different circumstances of loss together in one text, including stepparent loss and IVF that doesn’t result in a baby, as well as stillbirth and miscarriage. When I wrote the book I had in mind people who were either pregnant having experienced loss in the past or who were facing pregnancy. I was also very clear that I wanted to include grief after a termination, and I have had a big response from people who have experienced this kind of loss. They feel seen in this book in a way they haven’t before, which is very powerful. The book is also aimed at birth workers and doulas. As birth workers, this is what we sign up to, and it’s very important that we take the time to sit and contemplate how it would be, and what we would personally need, to prepare for supporting someone through loss. ***How can someone begin to heal from baby or pregnancy loss?*** Try to find one small thing each day you can do to keep going. Find ways to remember and feel proud of your baby. Think about what kind of ceremony, if any, would be right for you. There is that unspoken rule that you don’t announce a pregnancy until 12 weeks, but in not doing that you don’t allow anyone else to form a bond with the baby and you can feel isolated in your grief. Suddenly you find that you are not part of the village that you have been building around yourself, and everyone around you will interpret your loss very differently. There is nothing like peer support. When you walk into a room as a griever and you know that the other people have had the same experience and have come through it, it’s really powerful. It goes way beyond what a professional like a bereavement midwife can do. Knowing that someone has survived those days and is still alive and functioning is like a beacon to a woman or parent who has just lost their baby. In the very early days, particularly if you have gone to term or had a sudden baby loss, as the grieving woman or birthing person you can just hope to be held. The onus is on society to continue to support people. For example, a couple I knew opened their door to a big crate of food that had been left by friends, so that they knew there was a community of people out there that they could reach out to when they wanted. ![A couple have coffee together with a plate of cookies in between them](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/04/priscilla-du-preez-8bdrGAh3L5Q-unsplash.jpg) Just allow grieving parents to be and don’t try to change their feelings. ***What are some good ways to support a grieving friend or family member?*** An easy thing to do would be to send a card, to acknowledge that the baby has been born and died, for example. And you can make it clear that you are there in a tangible way. Rather than say “let me know if you need anything” – because the only thing needed is the baby – say, “I’ll be in your area in the afternoon on this date and I would love to see you, just tell me yes or no”. The language we use is important. We often try to solve things, but we can try to be non-active. Just allow people to be and don’t try to change their feelings. Sadness is present in all of our lives and we all experience it. I think that learning to be better at it would allow us to come alongside grievers. We can say, “I am here, I will hold you, you can cry.” ***Do you have any ideas for marking the baby’s life?*** This is a very personal decision. Some people choose to have a cremation or a church service. I know one couple who had a land artist create a mandala on a beach, and then they stood with their friends and family and watched the tide come in. Some people like to have a sacred fire, or have their breastmilk put into jewellery. It can be helpful to find a way to keep the baby’s memory alive in your home. You could include their name when you write cards, if you want to, or let people know if you want to be thought of as a “mother-of-three”, for example. It can be really helpful to talk through with friends what you had hoped for the child, and just share your story. I’m a big fan of people having a photo of their baby. It could be a detail, like their little fingers or toes, if you prefer. ***How can we start to change the taboo around baby loss?*** Basically, we can talk more about it. We can change policies in the workplace. We can ask people about their baby and their birth instead of just saying that we are sorry. We can talk about how when a soul isn’t here anymore their energy isn’t gone. I talk about death with my kids and they understand that it is deeply sad, but that it is important to pause and remember. They aren’t shy to go up to women that I know and say, “You had a baby and it died. Do you want to tell me about your baby?” and of course, they usually do want to. Baby loss is very sad but I don’t think it means the end of happiness and peace in life. The loss can be there for your whole life but it will change shape. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ## **GET SUPPORT** **If you have experienced pregnancy loss through any circumstance:** Miscarriage Association: [*miscarriageassociation.org.uk*](http://www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **If you have experienced pregnancy loss, stillbirth, or any circumstance of baby loss:** Tommy’s: [*tommys.org*](http://www.tommys.org/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Sands:[*sands.org.uk*](http://www.sands.org.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **If you have experienced the sudden or unexpected death of a baby or young child:** Lullaby Trust:[*lullabytrust.org.uk*](http://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### How to Celebrate Beltane with Your Kids URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/how-to-celebrate-beltane-with-your-kids/ Last updated: 2024-05-07T07:34:24.000Z ## **Danu Forest** encourages families to walk barefoot in the dew as the wheel of the year turns to summer - seek out the liminal places and light a fire to celebrate this Celtic Fire Festival Beltane, on May 1, the beginning of summer, often starts in a rush. The cooler days of spring are fully underway, and the greening of the hedgerows is now in earnest. The first blossoms have already flown on the wind by the time Beltane’s true signifier, the hawthorn blossom finally takes the stage, with its white petals blushed with pink and crimson. It may feel hard to imagine this as the beginning of summer, but looking around all plants and trees are now glowing with life; the air may be cool but the soil is warm, and new growth is everywhere. Seeds sown now will germinate with ease, and even the tiniest outdoor space or windowsill can be used to grow salads and fresh spinach, radishes and spring onions. The wild places are brimming with feasts for birds and animals, and it’s easy and a deeply soulful experience to share in this bounty. Now is a good time to forage for wild salads of hawthorn and beech leaves, primrose and sweet violet, as well as wild garlic, cleavers and nettles, which are excellent for detoxifying the system and are delicious! Green juices are powerfully nutritious and fresh leaves and herbs can be juiced or chopped up and frozen to add to smoothies and soups later in the year, preserving more of their nutrients than if they were dried. Always be sure of what you are picking and that you have permission - there are loads of books and websites to guide you. Notice what grows around you as the season changes- eating local produce is not only ethical, it aligns you to the subtle energies of the land you live in, with wholesome effects on your entire being; mind, body and spirit. ## Sign up for The Green Parent Bringing more joy and connection to your family life Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Take time now to walk in the woods, seeking out the liminal places, the edges of our modern world, where it is easiest to feel the wheel of the seasons tipping towards the glory of summer at last. Feel your feet on the soil, and light a fire beneath the Beltane full moon, on May 23, to seek the blessings of the good earth, and align with her great rhythms, drawing in her health and vigour. Our ancestors used to light Beltane fires at this time, especially on the summits of special hills, often known as beacon hills, in celebration and as protection from illness. Children would stay up late, looking for faeries and nature spirits and young people used to leap the flames for blessings and fertility. These fires were dedicated to Jack in the green, the spirit of the wildwood, and the May Queen, the goddess of the land in her aspect of flower maiden, who will give birth to the crops in the harvest to follow. Bathe your face in the dew from a meadow, and walk barefoot in the long grass as the dawn rises, to seek their blessings, and draw them into your life. The May queen and Jack have had many names over the centuries, but they know the trials of mortal men and women- let them inspire and empower you, and lighten your spirits as the summer draws near. *Danu is a celtic shaman and priestess in Glastonbury. Read more at*[***danuforest.co.uk***](http://www.danuforest.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### **MAKE YOUR OWN MORRIS BELLS** Morris bells are worn by English folk dancers during the dance of the Maypole at Beltane. This is a central part of annual springtime rituals throughout the country. Dancers wear dozens of bells on each leg, wield sticks and/ or handkerchiefs, and dance to lively folk tunes. You can cut lengths of ribbon to the size of your ankles, thread three bells onto each length of ribbon and tie around your ankles with a bow. Dance around wearing your Morris bells to greet the May Day spirits and attract the helpful fairies to your home and garden. ### **MORE INSPIRATION** READ[**Earth Child's Handbook**](https://amzn.to/492s1gZ?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk): Crafts and Inspiration for the Spiritual Child by Brigid Ashwood [**The Children's Forest:**](https://amzn.to/3PuX1PD?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)Stories and songs, Wild food, Crafts and Celebrations All Year Round by Dawn Casey, Anna Richardson and Helen D'Ascoli [**The Magical Year:**](https://amzn.to/490xCnV?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)Seasonal celebrations to honour nature's ever turning wheel by Danu Forest ### The Healing Powers of Breastmilk URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/the-healing-powers-of-breastmilk/ Last updated: 2024-05-11T06:41:12.000Z ## It’s not news that breast milk is good for babies. It’s not even news that it’s good for toddlers but did you know that there are a variety of ways breast milk can improve the health of the entire family? **Caroline Jones** explains the healing benefits of this incredible substance ## ### **The health benefits of breastfeeding** Breast feeding is the best thing for babies’ digestion, strengthens their immune systems and has a multitude of other wonderful effects, many benefiting them for their entire lives. It’s also good for mothers: reducing the risk of breast cancer; ovarian cancer and helping them lose weight in a natural way. However due to its antiseptic properties breastmilk can be used for a whole range of purposes. It's a living fluid and once you have benefited from its healing properties it'll be easy to see why it is trusted by so many. Instead of putting tea tree on cuts, burns, scrapes and scratches why not add a drop or two of breast milk? Leave to dry in the fresh air then cover as usual if required. This method is also good for chapped or crapped lips and nipples. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Mindfulness Practices for Unschooling Parents URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/mindfulness-practices-for-unschooling-parents/ Last updated: 2024-05-09T09:50:28.000Z ## **Esther Jones** reflects on the mindfulness of unschooling and offers practices to help us trust our children’s natural learning process Like most families, our path to unschooling was not a straight one. It took us several years to finally reach a place that felt coherent and healthy. We tried alternative schools, a short-lived home-ed co-op, and some clumsy attempts at self-directed education, along the way. When we took our children out of school, we had a pretty good idea of what we wanted to create for them. Essentially we were driven by the desire for our children to be free to be their authentic selves. We wanted to allow them to take life at their own pace and to have time to explore the things that were meaningful to them. With these aims in mind, we came to the conclusion that any schooled parent would come to. That we would make this happen. That we would do all the right things. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### 10 Celebrations for May Day URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/10-celebrations-for-may-day/ Last updated: 2024-05-03T18:45:30.000Z ## **Glennie Kindred** invites us to get playful and to find our connection to our wild self. Beltane is one of the great fire festivals of our ancient past, when bonfires were lit on the hill tops and communities gathered together to feast, party, stay up all night and welcome in the dawn. Beltane, 1 May, is a celebration of the beginning of summer and the power of the life force. At this fertile time of the year dare to reach out for your wildest dreams. **What do you wish to grow in your life right now?** **Gather outside with friends and family** on the eve of the first of May or at the nearest full Moon (24 Apr). Ask everyone to bring food and firewood to share. Eat and tell stories together round the fire and enjoy the sense of community this brings. Celebrate this opportunity for everyone to be outside and experience the rich moment of transition between dusk and nightfall. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### 10 Celebrations for Earth Day URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/earth-day-is-a-day-for-giving-back-to-mother-earth-it-is-a-chance-to-pause-and-take-stock-of-all-the-wondrous-gifts-we-often-take-for-granted-the-most-obvious-being-of-course-life-itsel/ Last updated: 2024-05-07T07:33:43.000Z ## Earth Day is a day for giving back to Mother Earth. It is a chance to pause and take stock of all the wondrous gifts we often take for granted, the most obvious being, of course, life itself, says **Lucy Corkhill** ## Today is the perfect opportunity to get outside with your kids and celebrate the natural world around you. The first [Earth Day](https://www.earthday.org/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) took place in America on April 22, 1970\. Since then, it has gone from strength to strength and now over 1 billion people worldwide participate in Earth Day activities and events. The Earth Day Network (EDN) works with over 22,000 partners in 192 countries with the aim of mobilising the environmental movement. Spend some time in woodland and around trees, and talk to your kids about how these majestic beings provide us with the air we breathe. Why not visit your local river or coastline, and talk about the great gift of water. Or watch the insects and chat about how they pollinate the plants and ensure we have food on our plates. Make Earth Day a day of reverence and awareness, one that acts as a catalyst for bigger lifestyle changes, but also a family day your kids will remember and hopefully share with your grandchildren! To create a sustainable future for our children, the reverence and gratitude we show the Earth on Earth Day needs to be something that resonates for us every day. As you engage with your Earth Day activities, think about ways in which some of these ideas and events could become regular features of your family life. ## Sign up for The Green Parent Bringing more joy and connection to your family life Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Here are our top ten ways to celebrate this special day: 1. **Plant a tree** – make it a sacred act, giving thanks for the gift of clean air. Each take turns to add soil and water the new tree and offer it your blessing. 2. **Walk or ride your bike** – leave the car at home today and walk or ride your bike to school or work. Enjoy being in your natural surroundings and notice all the things you might usually drive by. 3. **Have a meat-free meal** \- the Worldwatch Institute estimates that meat and dairy production accounts for 51% of the world’s total greenhouse gas emissions. Give the Earth a break and go vegetarian for the day…week…month…year. 4. **Turn off your power for a day** – experiment with a day of no power. Switch off phones, televisions, computers, and lights and enjoy some candlelight and a fire. If it’s not wet outside, you could cook over a campfire. 5. **Feed the birds** – Give them a helping hand by getting into the habit of feeding them and proving fresh water. Find out more at[***www.rspb.org.uk***](http://www.rspb.org.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) 6. **Minimise your water usage** – experiment with filling some large saucepans and jugs for your day’s water usage and stick to it! Have three separate vessels for cooking, drinking, and washing/brushing teeth. Flush the toilet only if you have to. 7. **Build a compost bin** – composting is a perfect way to use up your kitchen scraps and create a rich fertile soil for your garden. Find out more at[***www.gardenorganic.org.uk***](http://www.gardenorganic.org.uk/composting?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) 8. **Construct a wildlife hotel** – these are easy to build in a secluded area of your garden and will attract hedgehogs, frogs, toads and a whole host of insects. Find out more at[***www.rspb.org.uk***](http://www.rspb.org.uk/advice/gardening/insects/wildlifestack.aspx?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) 9. **Get outside** – spend some time in the natural world: go swimming in a river, get muddy in the park, hug a tree in the woods, run along a beach, or simply lie down on the Earth. However you spend your outdoors time, offer a loving sense of gratitude for this beautiful planet we share. 10. **Plant a wildflower bed** – the human species would not survive without pollinating insects and birds, so give thanks to them by providing a wildflower area in your garden. ### **THREE BOOKS TO READ** [**One World Michael Foreman**](https://amzn.to/3swx2ZS?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)(Anderson Press) Stunning watercolours illustrate this magnificent book about the threat of pollution to our environment, particularly the seashore. [**Ten Things I Can Do To Help My World**](https://amzn.to/3tErgqz?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)Melanie Walsh (Walker) A beautifully simple book for small children where transforming pages reveal ten things that everyone can do to conserve energy. [**The Barefoot Book of Earth Tales**](https://amzn.to/3v7cdGe?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)Dawn Casey (Barefoot Books) The seven folk tales in this book are each followed by a hands-on activity that promotes green living and reinforces the eco-messages. ### How to Stay Connected to Your Teen Daughter URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/how-to-stay-connected-to-your-teen-daughter/ Last updated: 2024-05-09T10:00:18.000Z ## Parents have a lifetime of letting go, from the moment of giving birth and cutting the umbilical cord says **Kim McCabe**, author of From Daughter to Woman. Here she writes on parenting girls safely through their teens. Over the years our children learn to feed themselves, take the bus alone, make friends, choose what to study and eventually leave home. We have to trust that our children will be capable. Children need us to believe in their competence. We have to trust that they will survive their mistakes. Our children need the experience of learning from their mistakes. We have to trust ourselves to know when to loosen our hold and when to rein them in. Our children’s behaviour will guide us. ### **How we practice attachment with our teenage children** Staying connected while letting go is key. As parents we search for the right balance between ensuring safety and allowing freedom. Some parents cling on, others flip-flop between letting go and not, while others manage to gradually release their children as they grow. **Clinging on –** when a parent is very risk-averse and constantly steps in to protect her child, it becomes hard for that child to be able to assess danger for herself. Research has shown that paradoxically these children can be at greater risk of harm in the long term, as they are less experienced at making decisions and taking responsibility for themselves. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### 10 Ways to Make the Transition to Secondary School Smoother URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/managing-the-transition-to-secondary-school/ Last updated: 2024-05-09T10:01:14.000Z ## **Kim McCabe** writes about how not to feel small at big school and ways to honour this major transition Tanya had just started senior school. She was nervous but excited at the same time. Lots of her friends from primary were going with her, although her best friend was going to a different secondary school. She’d had a trial day at the end of year six and met her form tutor and some of her teachers. They seemed okay. The school was big though — she was worried about getting lost, or being late for class because they moved to a different classroom for every lesson. The science labs were full of interesting bits of equipment and the sports hall was amazing. She’d got her new uniform and a new bag. Half-term and Tanya was exhausted. School was tiring, so much homework and different subjects and it was noisy, but she knew her way around now and had made some new friends. There was one teacher, the art teacher that she really liked and she’d found out that she was really good at science. Her old friendship group from junior school had sort of split into two which was tricky because she had people she liked in both groups. Tanya was a bit shocked by some of the older children swearing and some of them smoked. She’d made a new friend, Katy. The long dark days were giving over to spring and Tanya and Katy started going into town after school before catching a later bus home. They liked trying on clothes together but mostly they just liked the feeling of freedom. Tanya’s body was changing and she was more conscious of how she looked. The boys noticed her which she liked and she didn’t like. Katy was more developed than she was but hid it under baggy jumpers and had started skipping lunch at school. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### 52 Steps to a More Joyful Life URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/52-steps-to-a-more-joyful-life/ Last updated: 2024-05-10T19:43:10.000Z ## **Leo Babauta** shares his 52 tips for happiness and productivity – start now with a change a week and by next spring you’ll have a more joyful family life! ## 1. **Try rising early.** It’s not for everyone, I’ll admit. It may not be for you. But I’ve found it to be an amazing change in my life. It has made the start of my days much more positive, and I now have time for writing, exercise, and silent contemplation. 2. **Do less.** This is both a happiness and productivity tip. Doing less will make you happier, because your life won’t be so hectic and filled with stress. You will have time for things that give you pleasure, for the loved ones in your life, for life itself. If you focus on the essential tasks, the big ones, the ones that will give you the most return for your time, and eliminate the rest, you will actually be more productive. 3. **Slow down.** Life is much more enjoyable if you slow down. By doing less, you can actually get more done, even if you work more slowly. And when you’re not working, you should definitely try switching to slow mode. Drive slower (it is so much more relaxing), walk slower, eat slower. 4. **Practice compassion.** This may be the most important tip of all. The first part of compassion is empathy — and this ability to understand how others feel can be developed through practice. Start by imagining the suffering of a loved one. Understand their pain, the emotions they go through, and why they react the way they do. By doing this exercise a number of times, you are developing a skill that can be applied to others — for every person you see, try to understand what they are going through. Try to learn and understand more about their background, and why they react the way they do. Once you’ve developed this invaluable skill, learn the other half of compassion — acting on your understanding, and helping others, alleviating their suffering, acting with kindness. 5. **Practice patience.** Once you’ve developed this skill (and it’s a skill, like everything else, not an unchangeable inborn trait), your life will become much saner and you will be much happier. 6. **Find your passion.** Another indispensable tip. This might be the second on my list of priorities. Find something you love to do, and your life will become immensely improved. You will love your work, become more productive, procrastinate less and be less stressed. 7. **Lose weight.** This only applies, of course, if you are overweight. But losing your extra fat decreases your health risks, makes you look better, and in general is very likely to increase your happiness about yourself. I actually recommend that you learn to be comfortable and happy with how you look now, and not feel negative about yourself even if you are overweight. However, I’ve found that losing weight (at least for me) is a great way to feel better about your body. Do not make this an unhealthy obsession, however — lose weight gradually, and enjoy the process. 8. **Exercise.** Make this a daily habit. Exercise not only helps you lose weight, but for me, it’s made me feel so much better. I actually enjoy exercise now. It’s a time of contemplation for me, and I feel so much better about myself afterwards. 9. **Eat healthy.** I don’t recommend dieting. It’s too restrictive and you usually fall off it at some point. I do recommend changes to your diet, however — ones you make gradually, and that can be sustained for life. 10. **Meditate.** OK, you might be like me — not into New-Age stuff. But meditation can actually be a very simple method for relaxing, for bringing calm, for returning yourself to sanity, for contemplation. 11. **Get organised.** This one’s not necessary. You could go through life wonderfully messy, searching for stuff, enjoying the search. But I’ve tried disorganised, and I’ve tried organised. The second is much more enjoyable to me. 12. **Think positive.** Another one of the most important tips on this list, thinking positive — as cliched as it might sound — is one of the single best changes you can make in your life. 13. **Simplify your finances.** Cut down on the number of accounts you have, cut down on your credit cards, spend less, reduce your bills. Make your finances automagical. Simplifying your finances greatly reduces your stress. 14. **Simplify your life.** Another of my top tips. I’ve greatly simplified my life, in many ways, and I can say that having less stuff in my life, and less to do, has greatly increased my enjoyment of life. De-clutter, simplify your commitments, simplify your work space, simplify your wardrobe, simplify your rooms. 15. **Accept what you have.** The problem with many of us is that we always think that we’ll be happy when we reach a certain destination — when we get a certain job, or retire, or get our dream house. Unfortunately, it takes awhile before you get there, and when you get there, you might have a new destination in mind. Instead, try being happy with where you are, with who you are, and what you have. 16. **Envision your ultimate life.** What would your ultimate life be like? Where would you live, what would you do, what would you do with your days? Come up with a clear picture of this, and write it down. Now, one step at a time, make it come true. Some ways of doing that follow. 17. **Set long-term goals.** Your vision of your ultimate life will help you come up with long-term goals. Of those goals, pick one to accomplish within the next year, and really focus on that. Now, pick one medium-term goal to achieve in the next few months that will get you further toward your longer-term goal. Now decide what you can do this week, and today, to get you to your medium-term goal. Just choose one thing at a time, focus on it, make it happen, and then choose the next thing to focus on. 18. **Review goals.** Setting goals is important, but the key to making them a reality is actually reviewing them (at least monthly, but weekly is better) and taking action steps to make them come true. 19. **Life mission.** Related to envisioning your ultimate life, but different — it’s important that you think about how you would like to be remembered when you die — so you can start living the life that leads to that now. Live with purpose in life, and wake up every day with that purpose in mind. 20. **Plan your big tasks for week and day.** Give purpose to your day by determining the three most important things you can do with your day, and making those a priority. Do the same thing with your week to increase your productivity: pick out the big tasks you’d like to accomplish this week, and schedule those first. 21. **Maintain focus.** One important key to achieving your goals is to maintain focus on them. To do this, again, it’s important that you select one goal at a time. This will prevent your focus from spreading too thin. Put up a poster of your current goal and send yourself emailed reminders. However you do it, find a way to maintain a laser-sharp focus, and the goal will come true. 22. **Enjoy the journey.** Goals are important, but not at the expense of happiness now. It’s important to maintain a balance between going where you want to go, and being happy as you go there. It’s easy to forget that, so be sure to remind yourself of this little, but important, tip as you make your journey. 23. **Create a morning and evening routine.** These are two great ways to add structure to your day, make sure you review your goals and log your progress, and get your day off to a great start. An evening routine, for example, could be a great way not only to wind down from a long day and review how your day went, but to prepare yourself for your next day so the morning isn’t so hectic. Your morning routine is great way to greet the day, to get some exercise or meditation or quiet contemplation, or to get some writing or other work done. 24. **Develop intimate relationships.** It’s great to have a special someone, of course, but intimate relationships could be found with anyone around you. If you have a significant other, be sure to spend time each day and each week with that person, to work on your relationship and communicate and continue to bond. But if you don’t, there’s no need to despair, intimate relationships can be developed with friends, other family members, kids, roommates, classmate, co-workers. Find that common thread, be open and sincere, find out more about each other, understand each other, and give love. This can be one of the most important things you do. 25. **Eliminate debt.** Financially, this is a huge way to relieve stress and make you feel much more secure. I suggest that you get rid of your credit cards and create a snowball plan for yourself. It may take a couple of years, but you can get out of debt. 26. **Enjoy the simple pleasures.** You can find these everywhere. Food (I love berries!), sunsets, sand between your toes, fresh-cut grass, playing with your child, a good book and a warm bed, dancing in the rain, your favourite music. You could probably make a list of 20 simple pleasures right now, things you enjoy that you could find every day. Sprinkle those little pleasures throughout your day. 27. **Empty your inbox and clear your desk.** This might take a little while to do at first, but once you’ve emptied your inbox and cleared off your desk, it doesn’t take long to keep them clear from then on. It’s a simple habit that’s vastly rewarding. I get an inordinate amount of pleasure from having a clean desk. 28. **Build an emergency fund.** This is standard-issue financial advice, I know… and yet it is extremely important. I cannot stress how important it is to have at least a tiny emergency fund in the bank. You often hear that you should have six months saved up. Don’t be intimidated by that. Start out with just a hundred dollars if you can. Cut back on a few things. Then build it up, every payday. 29. **Keep a journal.** This is not one of the more important tips, but I can attest that it’s rewarding. I, for one, have a bad long-term memory, and by writing things down, I can look back and remember what happened a month ago. I just started this a couple months ago, actually, but it’s been awesome. I started an online journal, something I call the one-sentence journal, and my goal is to just write one sentence a day. 30. **Use the power of others.** Achieving your goals can be difficult, but using the power of others makes it much more likely to happen. For example, put positive public pressure on yourself by announcing your goal on your blog. Or join an online forum, or a group in your neighbourhood, that you can count on for support. 31. **Read, and read to your kids.** I read all the time — it’s one of my favourite things to do in the world. I love to curl up with a good novel (or even a trashy one) and I can waste away an afternoon with a book. And I’m passing on my love of reading to my kids, by reading to them every day. I love spending time with them this way, and we all enjoy the stories we share together through books. 32. **Limit your information intake.** In our lives today, we get a tremendous amount of information. Not only can this be overwhelming, but it can be distracting and can fill up your life until you have no time for more important things. Go on a media fast to get control over your information intake. 33. **Create simple systems.** Once you’ve simplified your life, the way to keep it simple is by creating systems for everything you do regularly. Create an efficient system for laundry, mail and paperwork, errands, your workflow. Anything, really. 34. **Take time to decompress after stress.** There will inevitably be times in your life when you go through high stress. Perhaps several times a week. To maintain your sanity, you need to find ways to decompress. 35. **Be present.** Time can go by extremely quickly. Don’t let your life slip by — enjoy it while it’s here. Instead of dwelling in the past or thinking about the future, practice being in the here and now. 36. **Develop equanimity.** Keep your sanity through all the challenges that life throws at you. Rude drivers, irritating co-workers, mean commenters on your blog, inconsiderate family members. This takes a bit of practice, but you can let these things slide off you like water off a duck’s back. 37. **Spend time with family and loved ones.** One of the things that can lead to the greatest happiness, make this a priority every week, every day. Clear off as much time as possible to spend with those you love, and truly enjoy those times. 38. **Pick yourself up when you’re down.** There will always be times in our lives when we get a little down, even depressed. Take action to get yourself out of your slump. 39. **Don’t compare yourself to others.** This is hard to do, but it can be a great way to accept who you are and what you have. Take a minute to appreciate all the good things about yourself, and to be grateful for all the blessings in your life. 40. **Focus on benefits, not difficulties.** If you find yourself struggling to do something, or procrastinating, stop thinking about how hard something is, or why you don’t want to do it. Focus instead on what benefits it will have for you, what opportunities it will create — the good things about it. By changing the way you see things, you can change how you feel about them and make it easier to get things done. 41. **Be romantic.** If you have that special someone, find little ways to be romantic. It can do wonders to keep your relationship alive and fresh. It doesn’t take tons of money, either. 42. **Lose arguments.** I know someone who just celebrated his 50th anniversary, and I asked him for his secret to a long and happy marriage. He told me, that if I ever get into an argument with my wife, to just shut up. What he meant, I think, is that I shouldn’t try to be right in every argument. Instead of just giving up the argument or trying to be right, seek to understand. 43. **Get into the flow.** Flow is the term for the state we enter when we are completely focused on the work or task before us. We are so immersed in our task that we lose track of time. People find greatest enjoyment not when they’re passively mindless, but when they’re absorbed in a mindful challenge. Get into that flow by first doing something you are passionate about, and second by eliminating all distractions and really focusing on the task before you. 44. **Single-task.** I don’t believe in multi-tasking, at least not on a day-to-day basis. Instead, focus on one task at a time. This leads to greater productivity and less stress. You can’t go wrong with that kind of combination. 45. **Be frugal.** This is a habit, rather than a goal. It is a way of living, a different mindset, and the best way to live within your means. It doesn’t mean being cheap or forsaking pleasure, but it does mean finding less expensive ways to do things, learning to live with less (and be happier in the process), and controlling impulse spending. 46. **Start small and slow.** Why small? Because it’s something you are sure to achieve — and once you do achieve it, you can use that success to push you to further success. It’s a simple technique, but it really works. Start slow when you start exercise, or other similar activities — there’s no need to rush it in the beginning, to overdo it. You have the rest of your life! 47. **Learn to deal with detractors.** We all face detractors in our lives. In order to achieve your goals, you need to learn how to deal with these detractors and overcome this common obstacle. 48. **Go outdoors.** These days, too many of us spend so much of our time indoors, especially if our jobs and our ways of having fun are all online. Our kids are often just as bad or worse, with so many ways to watch TV, surf the internet or play video games. Get them and yourself outdoors, appreciate nature, the beauty of the world around us, and the fun of physical activity. 49. **Retire early.** This isn’t a sure way to become happy — you can retire and be bored out of your mind and unhappy — but it’s surely a cool goal. And if you do something meaningful with your life, such as volunteer and help others, it can be a way to be really happy. It’s not an easy goal, either, but you can retire early by cutting back on your living expenses, increasing your income, and investing the difference. The more you can do of all three, the fast you’ll retire. And that’s a truly liberating idea. 50. **Savour the little things.** Sure, the big things can bring big pleasure, but there are so many more little things in our lives. Savour them when they come up. It’s a way of practicing being present — stop and notice what you’re doing right now, what’s around you. And take time to enjoy it. 51. **Be lazy.** There’s a time to be productive, and there’s a time to be plain ol’ lazy. I like the latter, and do it every chance I get. It makes me happy, and the kids love being lazy with me. 52. **Help others.** While finding pleasure in life is one way to be happy, doing something that is more than you, that helps others to be happy or to suffer less, is even more rewarding. I suggest you find a good cause or two and volunteer some of your time. All of us can find a couple of hours in a week or a month. If you do this, you will find out how tremendously happy this will make you. ## Sign up for The Green Parent Bringing more joy and connection to your family life Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ***Leo is a simplicity blogger (***[***zenhabits.com***](http://www.zenhabits.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)***), author and father of six children.*** ### Can I Really Have an Orgasmic Birth? URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/can-i-really-have-an-orgasmic-birth/ Last updated: 2024-05-11T11:46:09.000Z ## **Debra Pascali-Bonaro** believes that birth under the right circumstances can be an orgasmic experience. Photography By[**Kate Nel**](https://www.instagram.com/kate%5Fnel%5Fbirthkeeper/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Have you ever had a dream while you are asleep and when you wake it feels so real that you know it was meant to guide you? That is how Orgasmic Birth was born. It was conceived in a dream. I saw myself making the film and woke my husband in the middle of the night and said I have to make a documentary. I was not a film maker, I am a doula and passionate birth activist. I had to find the people who knew how to make a film, build a team and we could achieve the dream. It was an amazing journey to vision the team and one by one they arrived, as did the parents who allowed me to film their intimate experiences giving birth. My original concept for the film was to show that birth can be an empowering and pleasurable experience. What surprised me was when the labouring mamas were able to birth in their power, surrounded by love, support, care and respect, that their births were dramatically more pleasurable too. I had witnessed many births as a doula – I knew that this was possible, but the wave of pleasurable and even orgasmic births that took place during my filming process was extraordinary. When it was time to name the film – I knew we had to make a bold statement, birth, under the right circumstances was an ORGASMIC EXPERIENCE! _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### 10 Gentle Alternatives to Punishment URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/10-gentle-alternatives-to-punishment/ Last updated: 2024-05-09T10:20:14.000Z ## **Chaley Ann Scott** shares ten alternatives to punishment. Many of us don't feel comfortable using punishment with our children, but we don't know what to do instead. How will they learn right from wrong? The good news is that children can and do learn how to become kind, responsible, and socially acceptable without using punitive measures, by using these respectful alternatives shown below: _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### How to Have a Natural Birth URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/how-to-have-a-natural-birth/ Last updated: 2024-04-18T11:11:41.000Z ## **Zoe Foster** discusses whether it's possible to have a “normal” birth within a medicalised system and looks for alternatives Now that my firstborn is older, I can look back fondly on his birth and remember only the wonderful bits about it. Indeed, compared to the experiences of many women, I feel blessed that it was so straight-forward. And yet, if two fundamental factors had not been in play, I know for certain things could have been very different. The primary factor was of course me: since falling pregnant I had researched the history, process and other’s experiences of childbirth thoroughly to give myself (and my husband) the best possible grounding for what to expect. I joined a home-birth group and met a wonderful group of people, from new mums and second or third-time mums to midwives, doulas and dads – all with fountains of knowledge and experience to impart. We hired a doula and we took part in a Natal Hypnotherapy course. In addition to all of this, I allowed myself to recognise and follow my own instincts – a tool which has proved its value time and time again through both birth and parenting. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Let Them Eat Dirt! URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/let-them-eat-dirt/ Last updated: 2024-05-11T12:42:25.000Z ## How we've taken the business of keeping clean way too far says **Brandie Weikle** New science shows that blasting away tiny organisms called microbes with our hand sanitizers, antibacterial soaps and liberal doses of antibiotics is having a profoundly negative impact on our kids’ immune systems, says microbiologist Marie-Claire Arrieta, co-author of a new book called[***Let Them Eat Dirt: Saving Our Children from an Oversanitized World***](http://amzn.to/2q260hv?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). The assistant professor at the University of Calgary, along with her co-author, esteemed microbiologist Brett Finlay, make the case that we’re raising our kids in a cleaner, more hyper-hygienic environment than ever before. They say that our over-clean approach is contributing to a host of chronic conditions ranging from allergies to obesity. I chatted with Arrieta recently to find out more. ### **What inspired you and Finlay to write *Let Them Eat Dirt*?** We’re both microbiologists and we’ve been studying the community of microbes that live in our guts — what we call our gut microbiome. In recent years research from our lab and other labs has shown that the health of this microbiome early in life is really crucial to our lifelong health. It’s not just that we’re scientists but we’re both parents. We thought that parents and caregivers would really benefit from us bringing this knowledge to the public. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Healing Your Perineum After Birth URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/healing-your-perineum-after-birth/ Last updated: 2024-05-09T07:44:35.000Z ## Connecting the pelvic floor muscles to the pelvic organs, we often suddenly become aware of the perineum after giving birth says **Lucy Corkhill**. An estimated 85% of women experience some degree of perineal tear. Where is it? The perineum is the delicate piece of skin found, on a woman (though men have a perineum as well), between the vagina and anus. Damage to the perineum can have a serious impact on women’s health: stretching or tearing of the area can remove vital support from the back wall of the vagina in turn making prolapse of the uterus more likely. Scarring and perineal trauma can cause severe discomfort or pain during sex and those who have suffered the indignity of bowel or bladder incontinence will tell you just how important the pelvic floor muscles are. But, perhaps most of all, damage to the perineum can be hugely upsetting and demoralising in those early weeks of motherhood, when going to the toilet or even sitting down feels terrifying, and it can compound postnatal depression and affect bonding with your baby. In cases of third and fourth degree tears (which many attribute to episiotomies tearing further) in which the vaginal and rectal canals are damaged, the emotional impact of such an injury can be enormous. **Here are some ways to protect it and heal the area after childbirth:** _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### What to Expect: Breastfeeding During the First 6 Weeks URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/what-to-expect-breastfeeding-during-the-first-6-weeks/ Last updated: 2024-05-09T10:08:04.000Z ## **Jo Middleton** looks at some of the common issues experienced in the early days of breastfeeding and discusses ways to overcome them ## During pregnancy most of the focus is inevitably on your growing tummy. However, changes to your breasts should not be ignored - they may not swell quite so noticeably, but what they are doing to prepare themselves for nurturing your baby is just as important. In fact, swelling or sensitive breasts are often the first sign for women that they are pregnant at all. Understanding how your breasts change during pregnancy and after birth and how they make milk can help you avoid some of the common problems that unfortunately have become so common in the medicalised western world. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### The Toddler Game Plan URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/the-toddler-game-plan/ Last updated: 2025-02-15T09:58:23.000Z ## Follow these 10 steps to a more fun household with little ones by **Dr. Laura Markham**. Toddlers make a developmental leap and suddenly become more eager than ever to get their needs met. Here's how to make it plain sailing! Most children become harder to manage at around fourteen months. That’s because they make a huge developmental leap at this point. They’re not so easily distracted. They realise they have some influence in the world, but not a lot of power, and they start experimenting to see how they can get their needs met and their desires fulfilled. This can be a maddening time for parents, or it can be a wonderful time, watching your child blossom. How difficult the phase from 15 to 36 months is depends at least partly on the parent’s attitude. Your child’s rebellion will be inversely proportional to the freedom your toddler is given to do his developmental work, and how capable he feels to get what he wants in the world. ### **1\. LET YOUR CHILD BE IN CHARGE OF POTTY TRAINING** Remember, this is a gradual learning process for your child. They all get out of nappies sooner or later. Toilet training can actually be empowering for your child, an important step in independence, but that depends on how you handle it. If your child shows zero interest in toilet training, find opportunities for him to be around other kids who are using the toilet, and he’ll quickly want to emulate them. ### **2\. SIDESTEP POWER STRUGGLES** You don’t have to prove you’re right. Your child is trying to assert that he is a real person, with some real power in the world. That’s totally appropriate. Let him say no whenever you can do so without compromise to safety, health, or other peoples’ rights. You’ll be glad to know that since tantrums are an expression of powerlessness, toddlers who feel some control over their lives have many fewer tantrums. ### **3\. PRE-EMPT TANTRUMS** First, know that tantrums are normal for kids this age. Second, since most tantrums happen when kids are hungry, tired, or feel disconnected, think ahead. Preemptive feeding and napping, firm bedtimes, re-connection with you, cosy times, peaceful quiet time without media stimulation - whatever it takes to calm down and rest - prevent most tantrums, and reground kids who are getting whiny. (Whining is your child’s signal that his internal resources are not up to the demands of that moment and he needs your help.) ### **4\. USE PLAY** Toddlers don’t like to be ordered around any more than you do. What they do love is to play. Want cooperation? Fly your toddler up to her bath. Get him to finish his milk by pretending to be a puppy who loves milk. Get her into her car seat by pretending to be the flight attendant preparing for takeoff. Race him to the car. ### **5\. DON’T FORCE HER TO SHARE** That actually delays the development of sharing skills! Kids need to feel secure in their ownership before they can share. Instead, introduce the concept of taking turns. (“It’s Aisha’s turn to use the bucket. Then it will be your turn.”) Help him wait for his turn with empathy. Help him put his favourite toys away before another child visits. When he does share, out of the goodness of his own heart, empower him to make that choice again by observing, aloud, the effect of his choice: “Look how happy Kevin is that he gets a turn with your truck.” ## Sign up for The Green Parent Bringing more joy and connection to your family life Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### **6\. BE THE PERSON YOU WANT YOUR CHILD TO BE** Children learn to interact with others by experiencing relationships with their parents and siblings, and then they recreate what they’ve experienced. Remember that your toddler is learning both sides of any relationship she’s in. If you don’t want her to tantrum, don’t lose your temper at her, which models tantrumming. ### **7\. ELIMINATE VISUAL ELECTRONIC MEDIA** The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children under the age of two not watch TV or videos at all because they have other important developmental work to do and because it impacts brain development. The AAP recommends that older children watch AT MOST an hour or two per day of nonviolent, educational TV. I recommend TV and movies only for special occasions. It starts an addiction in kids who are prone to it. ### **8\. FEEDING IS THE TODDLER’S JOB** Never fight over food. You provide the healthy food. She feeds it to herself. (Yes, even when she’s tiny. Just put a mat under the high chair.) Don’t obsess about how much your child eats. Kids don’t starve themselves. Many toddlers are too busy during the day to eat enough and therefore ask for food at bedtime. If you make sure the snack is healthy, you take the pressure off dinner. You can combine it with the bedtime story if you’re short on time ### **9\. USE ROUTINES** Kids self-regulate more easily when they live in a safe, predictable structured routine where they know what to expect. ### **10\. GIVE HER THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXPERIENCE COMPETENCE** Toddlers tantrum less and cooperate more when they feel more powerful. How can you help your toddler feel more powerful? Three key ways: 1. **Listen to her** 2. **Let her make decisions whenever possible** 3. **Give her the opportunity to experience competence** Toddlers need daily experience with work to gain confidence in their own capabilities and begin to think of themselves as competent people. Toddlers LOVE to understand how the household functions, and to participate. They LOVE to feel valuable by contributing to the household. They LOVE to learn by doing. This was one of Maria Montessori’s most important insights. **Toddlers can:** - Make themselves a snack, such as peeling fruit or an egg, or slicing soft cheese and making sandwiches with crackers. - Help wash pots and pans or other unbreakable dishes. - Wash vegetables. - Wipe the counter. - Help you clean the fridge. - Help set and clear the table. - Scrub the tub (from inside, barefoot!) - Pair the socks as you fold clothes. - Help you hang clothes on a line. - Wash the table or floor. Sure, it’s more work than just doing it yourself. That’s not the point. You’re helping your toddler feel competent and powerful, so they don’t need to assert their power by being contrary. They’re more confident. They’re better at problem-solving. They develop more executive function, earlier. And they’re more helpful, now and in the future! That’s what I call win-win. ***Dr. Laura Markham is the founder of*** [***AhaParenting.com***](http://www.ahaparenting.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ***and author of Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids, Peaceful Parent, Happy Siblings and her latest book, the Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids Workbook.*** [Enjoy this? Buy us a coffee ☕️](https://buymeacoffee.com/thegreenparent?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### How Different Cultures Celebrate Birth URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/how-different-culture-celebrate-birth/ Last updated: 2024-04-15T11:27:46.000Z Women around the world are united by the miraculous act of giving birth says Kim Henry. Within this shared experience are many different customs, rituals and beliefs. Each one may hold a little pearl of wisdom for us all. ### **Pregnancy Rituals and Beliefs** The prospect of a new arrival is traditionally greeted with joy and excitement but the right time to make the announcement differs greatly from culture to culture. The first detectable movements of the baby - what was originally referred to as the ‘quickening’ - is often the point at which the pregnancy can become common knowledge. It is then that a mother-tobe in Bulgaria will bake bread and take it to the church as a signal to all that she is pregnant. For Jewish and Vietnamese people the fifth month is considered to be the wise time to share the news. However, in Fiji it is traditional to make the announcement immediately, with the idea that should anything happen to the baby, the mother will have the full support of her community in dealing with her loss. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### The Power of Play URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/the-power-of-play/ Last updated: 2024-04-15T10:07:28.000Z ## **Dawn Sharkey** shows how to use play to strengthen relationships and deal with issues that arise in life The word play is synonymous with, fun, light-heartedness; with not being too serious. And it should be all those things. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be meaningful too. For children play is a way of understanding how the world works. When you play with your children you can explore your relationship together. It can be an opportunity for little ones to voice their concerns while in a place of safety. And a chance for us to reassure them. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### The Importance of Play URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/the-importance-of-play/ Last updated: 2024-04-15T09:52:45.000Z ## Play is described as the work of childhood so how can we encourage this natural exploration in our children? As parents, we ignore the importance of play at our peril. Neuroscientists have discovered that part of the brain is hardwired for play. Creative activity stimulates the frontal lobes of the brain so it is vital that we allow time and space for our children to play. Research with humans and other mammals demonstrates that play can lower stress hormones and help the child become more able to deal with stress when it comes her way.The desire to engage with the world, to play and explore is also known as a seeking system by child development experts. This seeking system empowers children to engage with people and places and to have new experiences. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Celtic Tree Ogham: Willow (the Dreamer) URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/celtic-tree-ogham-willow-the-dreamer/ Last updated: 2024-05-07T07:31:27.000Z ## Learn about the Celtic Tree Ogham and more about each tree astrology sign. Those born under willow (April 15 - May 12) have strong intuition. A tree of the otherworld, Salix Alba (white willow) is a builder of bridges between this world and the next. The willow is the conductor of relationships, the bringer of love, poetic inspiration, the element of water, of music, the moon and great goddess herself. The fourth letter in the tree alphabet stands for the female and lunar rhythms of life. She grows by the water, reaching roots deep into the earth and thrives on the damp margins of lakes and streams or in water meadows. This is an elegant tree with supple branches and dancing leaves of silver and green. She bends and moves with the wind. A tenacious plant, if you place a cut twig or branch in the ground, it will easily root and grow into a new tree. For this reason, the willow is strongly linked to new growth, regeneration and inspiration. Willow was used in the annual purification ritual of "beating the bounds" (defining the parish boundary) and the birch twigs of a witch's broom were traditionally bound with willow. It is also thought that placing a wand of willow under one's pillow, especially around the full moon, helps promote night visions. ## Sign up for The Green Parent Bringing more joy and connection to your family life Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. **HEALING PROPERTIES** When scraped, the inner bark - which peels away easily - contains salicylic acid, the active ingredient of aspirin. These scrapings were traditionally used to alleviate pain, lower fevers and as an astringent tonic. Willow was used to relieve rheumatic conditions and gout. It was also used as a diuretic, a gargle for sore throats and gums, an external wash for sores, skin problems, wounds and burns. A decoction of leaves and bark, simmered, can be used to treat dandruff or to clear the skin. It also makes a good digestive tonic, especially for dyspepsia. If you are interested in using willow in your herbal practice, collect the bark in the Spring. Soak three teaspoons in one cup of cold water for five hours; then simmer lightly for twenty minutes. For indigestion, and as a tonic, take one cup per day. For skin eruptions and similar complaints, such as bleeding gums and sore throats, use a stronger solution. You can also use an oil base to make an astringent salve. **EMOTIONAL BENEFITS** In the Bach Flower Remedies, Willow Flower Essence is used as a remedy for bitterness and resentment; people who are stuck in a position of blaming others (or circumstances) for their problems, who have an experience of being a victim or being treated unfairly by life, would benefit from this essence. Willow branches are said to be the best for divining water, channelling earth energy and to find lost objects. Shavings of the wood, pieces of bark and whole leaves can be placed in a small bag under your pillow. This same package can be used to assuage feelings of powerlessness, an unreasoned fear of death and panic attacks, and to assist you in nurturing yourself emotionally. It is suggested that Willow be used in the same way when experiencing grief and to aid in this healing process. Willow teaches us the lesson of life in death. Endings are just beginnings - with new growth comes change. Willow helps us to integrate change into our lives and reminds us to allow inspiration to come in. Go with the flow and all will be well. --- ### Attributes of Those Born Under the Willow Sign Those born under the sign of the willow are instinctive. You may find you react on gut instinct rather than what your head tells you to do. Watch the rhythm of your moods carefully and pay attention to your dreams. Their symbolism will help you navigate throughout life. You may find yourself drawn to beauty and love to travel. You are probably very empathic and do well to find anchoring partners and companions. **Animal Correspondences** Hawk and Snowy Owl **Keywords** Growth, Expression, Dreaming **Your Strengths** Intuition and flexibility **Your Rune** The Willow Ogham is Saille, associated with divination and intuition. It has a sense of perfect timing and being connected to the flow of life. ### How to Prepare Your Toddler for Birth URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/how-to-prepare-your-toddler-for-birth/ Last updated: 2024-05-11T06:48:47.000Z ## My four year old son Henry often rehearses giving birth. He sees childbirth as something to be proud of and to get excited about writes **Nicole Lucy-Jones** ## “Mummy, my baby is about to be born!” he cries, as my 4-year-old son, Henry, rushes excitedly into the room, both hands cradling his bulging t-shirt. As he confidently delivers his baby, reaching down and lifting the doll to his chest, he hushes gently. He continues to tell me how he is waiting for her umbilical cord (the pacifier clip) to stop pulsating and for his placenta to be born. I tentatively smile and slip out of the room with a reassuring nod as I leave them to indulge in their ‘Golden Hour’ together. Afterall, everyone knows not to interfere with a mother and her oxytocin, right? _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### 8 Ways to Create the Ideal Space for Birth URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/8-ways-to-create-the-ideal-space-for-birth/ Last updated: 2024-05-03T18:38:22.000Z ## Our instinct is to seek out the smallest, most intimate spaces to give birth in. Here, **Cathy Williams** writes about how to create the ideal conditions for labour. The birth space was small, but dark and warm. Quiet too, except for the soft moans that escaped every now and then. She moved her body, adjusting her position, responding to some ancient internal knowledge, as the waves of contractions flowed through her. She wanted no one to touch her, to come near her, to observe her even. Just to let her get on with it. The others watched from a distance, out of sight, unwilling to disturb the birth dance. This was the first birth I ever witnessed, at the age of eight: a neighbour’s cat giving birth in the airing cupboard. We all accept that a cat or dog will find somewhere quiet, warm, dark and out of the way to give birth. I remember the admonishment of my friend’s mum: no one was to make a noise, or go within several metres of the mother cat. She needed to be undisturbed. It makes sense when you understand the hormones. Biologically, labour is controlled by the most primitive part of our brain, which releases the labour cocktail of oxytocin, endorphins and melatonin. If we are in danger the body releases adrenaline which stops or slows labour till we get somewhere safe. This is true for all mammals, including us. Did you see melatonin in there? Melatonin aids the release of oxytocin, which is the hormone that makes the muscles of the uterus contract. Melatonin is released more at night, or when it is dark. My neighbour’s cat knew it. Instinctively. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Raising Self-Responsible People URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/raising-self-responsible-people/ Last updated: 2024-05-07T07:31:01.000Z ## There are no Nobel Prizes for parenting or education, but there should be. They are the two most important things we do in our society. How we raise and educate our children determines not only the people they become but the society we create says **Esther Wojcicki**. ## Every parent has hopes and dreams for their children. They want them to be healthy, happy, successful. They also have universal fears: will their child be safe, will she find purpose and fulfilment, and will he make his way in a world that feels increasingly driven, competitive, and even at times hostile. I remember how all of those unspoken and largely unconscious worries crowded into the small birthing room, as I held my first daughter. No one seems to have a definitive answer. Parenting experts focus on important aspects of childrearing like sleeping, eating, bonding, or discipline, but the advice they offer is mostly narrow and prescriptive. What we really need isn’t just limited information about the care and feeding of children, as important as that may be. What we most need to know is how to give our kids the values and skills to succeed as adults. We also have to face the massive cultural shifts over the past few years. One of the biggest mistakes we make as parents is to assume personal responsibility for our children’s emotions. We’ll do anything to prevent our children from struggling or suffering, which means that they never have to deal with hardships or adversity. As a result, they lack independence and grit, and they’re fearful of the world around them instead of empowered to innovate and create. Another big mistake: We teach them to focus almost exclusively on themselves and their own performance. They are so busy focusing on themselves that they rarely have time to consider how they might help and serve others. Kindness and gratitude are often overlooked, even though these are the qualities that research shows will make us most happy in life. ## Sign up for The Green Parent Bringing more joy and connection to your family life Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### **Dysfunction in our education system** There is also dysfunction in the classroom. Schools and universities are still teaching in the style of the 20th century, essentially preparing students to follow instructions for a world that no longer exists. The lecture model, based on the assumption that the teacher knows everything and that the role of the student is to listen quietly, take notes, and take a test, is still dominant worldwide, despite the fact that technology now allows us to find information on our own. Students learn about required subjects instead of learning through interest-based learning or experience. Curriculums are geared toward exams and assessments rather than project-based learning that teaches real-world skills and allows students to find their passion. And tests and exams are the least likely things to promote passion and engagement, which research shows are the foundation of effective education and happiness in life. Above all, this outmoded system teaches us to obey—not to innovate or think independently. When it’s time to graduate, we celebrate the end of learning! We should be celebrating the mastery of skills that will allow us all to continue to educate ourselves throughout life. ### **Mental health crisis** Is it any wonder, given how we’re teaching and parenting, that kids end up depressed and anxious, completely unprepared to face the normal challenges of life? According to the National Institute of Mental Health, a quarter of 13 to 18 year olds in the U.S. suffer from anxiety disorders. A 2016 study from Brazil reported that almost forty percent of adolescent girls and more than twenty percent of adolescent boys suffered from common mental disorders like anxiety and depression. A survey conducted by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health found that among participants between the ages of 14 and 15, more than fifty percent reported regularly feeling “sad or unhappy,” and almost half reported feeling “restless.” This epidemic is universal, and it should be a call to action for us all. ### **Basic principles of raising successful humans** There is a better way. We’ve made parenting into an incredibly complicated, unintuitive endeavour, filled with fear and self-doubt. We’re stressed out because we’ve become slaves to our children’s happiness. We’re worried that they won’t make it in this highly competitive flat world that we live in. We get upset when they don’t yet know the alphabet but all the other kids seem to know it. We are the ones who are creating this frantic, overly competitive world for our kids. In truth, parenting is really quite simple—as long as we rediscover the basic principles that allow children to thrive in homes, in schools, and in life. Through my decades of experience as a mother, grandmother, and educator, I’ve identified five fundamental values that help us all become capable, successful people. To make it simple and easy to remember in all walks of life, I call these values “TRICK”. TRICK is essential to functional families, and it’s also the solution to the challenges we face in education. The most effective classrooms are founded on trust and respect, encourage independent thought, and include project-based collaborative learning that mimics work in the real world. The ultimate goal of TRICK is creating self-responsible people in a self-responsible world. This is what we’re doing as parents, teachers, and employers—not just raising children or managing classrooms and boardrooms, but building the foundation of the future of humankind. We’re evolving human consciousness, and we’re doing it faster than ever before. --- ![Child high fives their father after completing an electronic kit](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/04/iStock-641215500.jpg) Every child has a gift to bring to the world; it's our job to nurture it ## TRICK: Trust, Respect, Independence, Collaboration & Kindness **TRUST:** We are in a crisis of trust the world over. Parents are afraid, and that makes our children afraid—to be who they are, to take risks, to stand up against injustice. Trust has to start with us. When we’re confident in the choices we make as parents, we can then trust our children to take important and necessary steps toward empowerment and independence. **RESPECT:** The most fundamental respect we can show our children is toward their autonomy and individuality. Every child has a gift, and is a gift to the world, and it’s our responsibility as parents to nurture that gift, whatever it may be. **INDEPENDENCE:** Children who learn self-control and responsibility early in life are much better equipped to face the challenges of adulthood, and also have the skills to innovate and think creatively. Truly independent kids are capable of coping with adversity, setbacks, and boredom, all unavoidable aspects of life. They feel in control even when things around them are in chaos. **COLLABORATION:** Collaboration means working together as a family, or in a classroom, or at a workplace. For parents, it means encouraging children to contribute to discussions, decisions, and even discipline. In the 20th century, when rule-following was one of the most important skills, parents were in total control. In the 21st century, dictating no longer works. We shouldn’t be telling our children what to do, but asking for their ideas and working together to find solutions. **KINDNESS:** Parents love their children, but they are so familiar with them, they often take basic kindness for granted. And they don’t always model kindness as a behaviour for the world as a whole. Real kindness involves gratitude and forgiveness, service toward others, and an awareness of the world outside yourself. It’s important to show our kids that the most exciting and rewarding thing you can do is to make someone else’s life better. --- ## **MORE INSPIRATION** **READ** How to Raise Successful People: Simple Lessons for Radical Results by Esther Wojcicki *(£16.99 Penguin)* ***EXPLORE*** Find Esther online at[***raisesuccessfulpeople.com***](http://www.raisesuccessfulpeople.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Esther Wojcicki speaks about how to raise successful people ## ### How Does Unschooling Work? URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/how-does-unschooling-work/ Last updated: 2024-04-13T08:46:57.000Z ## Unschooling looks, from the outside perhaps, like a laissez-faire, super relaxed, do-nothing-and-see-what-happens type of approach to education says **Claire Ashbourne.** Unschooling might appear to be one for the hard-core home educators. It was something I became interested in many years ago. Not because I was keen to do nothing (although, doing less was certainly high on my agenda). But instead ‘unschooling’ became a way of thinking about life and education out of a necessity. Trying to get smaller people to do things they are not interested in was hard and bred disconnection. It broke trust and fed on fear. For able and willing parents, unschooling might be the best chance at achieving an education for their children that fosters self-direction, self-growth and interested learned adults as an end product. ### **What does unschooling really look like then?** Each person will need a blank page for that answer and each person will hopefully fill it in differently. And even more hopefully they will be filling it in alongside the child in question (ideally handing over the pen). It will look like what is needed, daily, hourly, for you and your child to live and learn well together. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### 10 of the Best Bluebell Woodlands in the UK URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/10-of-the-best-bluebell-woodlands-in-the-uk/ Last updated: 2024-05-10T19:47:15.000Z ## There’s something so wonderful about a bluebell wood, as if you have stepped into a magical kingdom says **Lucy Corkhill**. All is calm and peaceful, the only sound is the trill of birds and the air is infused with the sweet scent of the flowers. The colour is a radiant blue that seems to shimmer and hover under the trees, leaving a feeling of deep tranquillity. The fact bluebells are at their best for such a short time only adds to their magic. Enjoy them while you can, savour the silent moments in the shade of the trees with a carpet of blue and store it all up to carry you through until next year. We’ve rounded up some of the best places to get your bluebell fix this year. [**Hardcastle Crags, West Yorkshire**](http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hardcastle-crags/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Set in a valley in the South Pennines, this majestic National Trust woodland has 25 miles of footpaths taking in mystical streams and tumbling waterfalls. The spring bluebells are breath-taking and there is a circular walk of 3 miles around the main bluebell areas. [**Bunny Old Wood, Nottinghamshire**](http://www.nottinghamshirewildlife.org/nature-reserves/bunny-old-wood-west/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) This ancient woodland is home to a vast variety of bird and butterfly species and even features in the Domesday Book. Every year, the woodland is carpeted with bluebells and other flora including wood anemone and yellow archangel. With woodland estimated to have covered these slopes for around 10,000 years, you have a sense of walking through history. [**Arlington Bluebell Walk & Farm Trail, East Sussex**](http://www.bluebellwalk.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) With a lovely, flat circular walk that takes in the central carpet of bluebells this woodland is suitable for those less mobile and children in buggies. In fact, they even have mobility scooters to loan out for free. Children will enjoy the pens of sheep, pigs and angora goats at the entrance and there are information boards throughout the woods detailing the local flora and fauna. There are eight walks altogether and these take in surrounding countryside. [**Coed Cefn, Powys, Wales**](http://visitwoods.org.uk/en/visit-woods/Pages/wood-details.aspx?wood=4495&site=Coed-Cefn&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk#.U1AyYKK6ghA) Dominated by a canopy of oak and beech and ground flora including bluebells and bramble, this ancient Woodland Trust woodland site with an Iron Age hilltop fort alongside drystone walls and hedge boundary incorporates a historical angle to your woodland enjoyment. Soak up the bluebells in a magical historical setting. [**Hole Park Gardens, Kent**](http://www.holepark.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Tucked away in the Weald of Kent lies Hole Park Garden, an attractively laid out, privately owned 15 acre garden. There are plenty of treasures to be found within its walls and hedges. In spring visitors can enjoy the wonderful carpet of bluebells, daffodils, camellias, wisteria, magnolia and other spring delights. ## Sign up for The Green Parent Bringing more joy and connection to your family life Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. [**Blickling Estate, Norfolk**](http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/blickling-estate/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) This National Trust estate was once the home of the Boleyn family, and now encompasses nearly 5000 acres. Throughout April and May, follow winding paths through the Great Wood to enjoy carpets of beautiful native bluebells. There’s a 5 mile walk throughout the wood that takes in the very best of the display. [**Lanhydrock, Cornwall**](http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lanhydrock/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) With tranquil riverside paths and ancient woodland, this beautiful National Trust property and estate is home to a wonderful spring display of magnolias, daffodils and bluebells. The 1.5 miles Great Wood and Avenue Walk takes in this gorgeous swathe of colour. [**Brookings Down Wood, South Devon**](http://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/wood/5380/brookings-down-wood/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) A beautiful Woodland Trust 16 acre woodland kept up by the locals of Newton Ferrers and Noss Mayo. English bluebells dominate a large area of the wood, with a profusion of campion, foxgloves, violets and corydalis. There are steep walks in places but well worth the climb to enjoy mystical glades of bluebells. [**Tortoiseshell Wood, Lincolnshire**](http://visitwoods.org.uk/en/visit-woods/pages/wood-details.aspx?wood=26218&site=tortoiseshell-wood&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk#.U1A4D6K6ghA) With a profusion of spring flowers, this Wildlife Trust wood is worth making the effort to find. Birds and butterflies abound and the display of bluebells and wood anenomes is stunning. Take your binoculars to spot rare bird species. [**Heartwood Forest, Herts**](http://heartwoodforest.wordpress.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Heartwood Forest is the largest new native woodland in England, created with help from community volunteers. The plan is to turn all 858 acres into woodland on a site once covered in ancient forest. Right in the heart of London’s green belt, rare butterflies and bluebells thrive. ### How to Nourish Yourself in Pregnancy URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/how-to-nourish-yourself-in-pregnancy/ Last updated: 2024-05-07T07:28:15.000Z ## Three ways to ensure your body is in optimum health throughout pregnancy and a delicious sugar-free recipe to try by **Laura Hughes**, founder of the Pregnancy Food Company ‘I set up my brand because I really wanted to support women through such a transformational and amazing journey as pregnancy. I started out wanting to be a midwife but the realisation of working in hospitals and pulling night shifts soon sunk in (I love my sleep!) and I also became very interested in nutrition. I was inspired to start the company after seeing many of my pregnant and breastfeeding friends snacking on unhealthy food and becoming drained of energy. I wanted to create an honest, organic food company to help women through these challenging times, and felt my 13 years of gathering knowledge working in the food industry could be put to good use. The Pregnancy Food Company isn’t my full time job - alongside my sister and parents I’m a Director of an airfield. I run the restaurant, which uses local produce, feeding around 60,000 people a year. It’s also the home of The Pregnancy Food Company kitchen. Managing to set up my own business, whilst still working full time, has been my greatest achievement so far. ## Sign up for The Green Parent Bringing more joy and connection to your family life Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ## **THREE WAYS TO IMPROVE HEALTH** By eating well yourself, you’re nourishing both of you; greatly improving your chance of having a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. What you eat can even help protect your baby throughout their own lifetime from bad health and disease. 1. **Avoid processed and refined foods.** Choose organic and eat plenty of fresh vegetables, green leaves, nuts, seeds and eggs with the addition of pasture fed meats. 2. **Include berries in your diet.** They are lower in sugar than many fruits so less likely to destabilise insulin levels. They are also a good source of antioxidants vital for you and your baby. 3. **Eat naturally fermented foods such as sauerkraut, kombucha and pickles to help maintain optimal gut flora.** This is one of the most important steps you can take to improve yours, and your baby’s, health during pregnancy. ***Laura lives in Dorset with her partner, Joe, and Charlie, their cocker spaniel.*** --- ## **Favourite baby shower dish: Oat Banoffee pie** This pie is delicious and refined sugar free - it’s always a conversation piece too! It tastes like a treat so friends don’t feel like they are being denied a ‘proper’ pudding - but without any real nasties. Ingredients: - *200g oats* - *100g rye flour* - *150g salted butter* - *200g pitted dates (medjool if you can get them)* - *1 tsp vanilla essence* - *1 heaped tbsp* - *peanut butter* - *10 tbsp hot water* - *3 bananas* - *A few good tbsp’s of greek yoghurt* - *dark chocolate for decoration* 1. Soften the butter and mix well with the oats and rye flour. Spoon into round cake tin ( I use a 9 inch one), push down on the mixture so it creates a thin layer. Put in the fridge. 2. Blend the dates with the hot water until they turn a nice caramel colour and smooth texture. Pour into a bowl, add vanilla essence and peanut butter - mix in well. 3. Spread the date mixture over the oat base, creating an even layer on top. Pop back in the fridge. Refrigerate for 2 hours (if you don’t have time to do this - don’t panic!) 4. Slice your three bananas and arrange on top of the date mix, then spoon your greek yoghurt on top & spread evenly. 5. Grate your chocolate for a little decoration on top! 6. Keep in the fridge until you are ready to serve. ### Get Started with Menstrual Cycle Awareness URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/get-started-with-menstrual-cycle-awareness/ Last updated: 2024-04-12T07:42:10.000Z ## How awareness of the menstrual cycle can support pregnancy, birth and parenting by **Tessa Sanderson** Menstruality is a term that encompasses the female rites of passage and process of menarche, the menstrual cycle, menopause and the post-menopausal years. It was coined by New Zealand psychotherapist Jane Catherine Severn because she was concerned that we did not have one word to describe this process and without it, the power of menstruality could be undermined or totally ignored. Alexandra Pope has taken this work to a whole new level through her deep attention to her own menstrual cycle and menopause over a 30-year period, which has led to an incredible body of work to give women a language to understand the insight that their cycles (and menstrual pain, PMT and so on) can provide. During the menstrual years, many women also experience the initiation of birth and motherhood. I want to share with you how awareness of the menstrual cycle can support pregnancy, birth and parenting. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### How to be a Respectful Parent URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/how-to-be-a-respectful-parent/ Last updated: 2024-04-12T06:09:56.000Z ## From controlling behaviour to learning to respect: how the work of Janet Lansbury has affected my parenting shares **Emily Hanson** I recall my former self, aged about 23, sitting around the dinner table at my friends’ house. At the time they had one child. He was refusing his dinner and they were gently offering other alternatives, or saying he could simply eat later if he wanted to. At the time, I was baffled. Why are they just ‘letting him get away with it’? Where is the discipline? The sanctions? I was a very inexperienced trained teacher, believing myself fully skilled in the realm of behaviour management. Adults should be superior and all knowing, surely? How will children ever learn to ‘behave’ if we don’t take charge? I scoff at my earlier self! With my one year old on my hip and a stack of parenting books on my bookshelf I now understand what I was seeing at the time. Whether my friends were familiar with her work or not, they were following the tenets of respectful parenting, as heralded by renowned parenting and childcare expert, Janet Lanbsury. Now, after seeing how it worked for them, I do the same, and I’d love to share my experience. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Home Education Inspiration for the Summer Term URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/home-education-inspiration-for-the-summer-term/ Last updated: 2024-05-11T06:52:17.000Z ## Planning your home education schedule for the summer term? Check out these brilliant creative and fun activities. From hands on maths with dried pasta to writing your own book, there's something for every family here says **Anna Dusseau** ## 1. **Cloud spotting.** Lie on your back in the garden, on the balcony or an open space and look at the sky. What shapes do you see in the clouds? Get the paintbox out and turn this into artwork, or check out a geography book or documentary to learn more about cloud formation. 2. **Pasta maths.** Get out the pasta or even use grains of rice, dried beans or buttons, to have a maths game with your little ones. Take turns asking maths questions and use the props to demonstrate how to add, subtract, multiply and divide. 3. **Put on a play.** As big or as small a task as you want it to be. This could use puppets, or you could make sock puppets and can tell a story that is known to your children, or be invented. Older ones might want to write a script, or create tickets and a poster to advertise the play. 4. **Pen and podcast.** We do a lot of drawing or writing while listening to a podcast. From scientific shows such as Wow in the World, to ethical debates like Short and Curly, or even podcasts in another language such as Les Odysees which we listen to in French; the choices are endless! 5. **Write a book.** We make books out of folded paper, usually no more than 20 pages. Prolific writers might want a ringbound notebook. Help them with a title, page numbers and chapters, then just allow them to work on it when they want to. It might take several days or weeks to complete. 6. **Musical education.** Make every day of the week dedicated to a different type of music, for example: Monday Rock, Tuesday Pop, Wednesday House, Thursday Country, Friday Classical, Saturday Disco, Sunday Reggae etc. Be sure to immerse yourself in the genre each day. 7. **Interview a relative.** Talk about what life might have been like 50 years ago and come up with a list of interview questions for a relative. Bet you grandma will love it. 8. **Bug hunt.** How many different kinds of bugs can you find in your back garden or the space outside your house? Make a note of all the different creatures you see, with photographs or drawings to accompany your notes. 9. **Make your own board game.** This one needs planning and is great for uniting older and younger siblings, as the big ones inevitably take the lead but you can get everyone involved by delegating tasks like making the dice, writing the rule book, colouring the board etc. 10. **You be the teacher.** After covering a topic with your kids (could be a discussion, or from a magazine, or TV program) ask them how they could teach the information in a lesson. When they are ready, sit on the floor with your legs crossed and play the student. 11. **Balloon tennis.** Grab your rackets, find a bit of space and knock a balloon about for a bit of exercise. Can be just a bit of fun, or rules can be established and scores kept, with younger ones volunteering as ball boys/girls and some epic Wimbledon-style grunting! 12. **Body painting.** So messy but tonnes of fun! If you don’t mind a bit of craziness, spread out a load of newspaper and do full head-to-toe body painting with non-toxic paint. Limit it to tattoos or face paints only, if this seems a bit daunting. 13. **Playfights.** Don’t underestimate the value of this. Studies suggest that children who regularly playfight in a safe environment are calmer, happier and have better concentration than those who don’t. Do be careful, but a bit of play wrestling, throwing on the bed and pillow bashing are great fun. ## Sign up for The Green Parent Bringing more joy and connection to your family life Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ## MORE INSPIRATION **FIND** Anna at[***homeschoolguru.org***](http://homeschoolguru.org/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **READ**[***The Case for Home Schooling***](https://amzn.to/496qSF3?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) by Anna Dusseau ### Pregnancy Outside the System URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/pregnancy-outside-the-system/ Last updated: 2024-04-09T18:33:52.000Z ## **Sarah Beverton** explains how to take charge of your own experience during pregnancy, embracing the spiritual, rather than the physical. Pregnancy is a time of preparation. Some of us prepare our homes, rearranging and decorating rooms, some buy stuff, some try to prepare older siblings for the huge change that will happen in their lives, some prepare their bodies for the impending birth. However, some women take an entirely different approach to this preparation, seeing pregnancy as a profound spiritual and personal experience. It does not seem unreasonable to view pregnancy as a manifestation of extreme good health. It is therefore no surprise that an allopathic medical system, focused around problems, is considered by some to be unsuitable; looking for problems where there are none can nonetheless unearth some. Whether they are real or imagined, these problems are usually caused by the interventions themselves. In fact many women think it odd to consider any sort of medical system necessary during such a time of abundant vitality and strength. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### How to Make the Best Choice About Vaccinations URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/how-to-make-the-best-choice-about-vaccinations/ Last updated: 2024-04-08T18:11:23.000Z ## How to make the best choice about vaccinations for your children. We speak to a number of experts and offer health advice whether you choose to get your children immunised or not. ## **The importance of nutrients when making the decision about vaccines** ### **Kirstin Chick**, nutritionist at [connectwithnutrition.co.uk](http://www.connectwithnutrition.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), describes how best to support a child’s immune system, not through suppressing but by providing children with the nutrients that they need. ‘A healthy child (or adult) is one who is firing on all cylinders. He or she has the energy and resources to carry out the thousands of biochemical and electrical processes needed to keep everything flowing and working well. That child is then able to express him or herself to the full, on every level. This requires a level of vitality that can quickly shift and resolve any stagnation and blockages. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### 18 Ways to Get Your Kids Outside URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/18-ways-to-get-your-kids-outside/ Last updated: 2024-05-07T07:26:29.000Z ## However you do it, get your kids outside. They need to reconnect with the world. If they are indoors, insulated from the outside world, they become lazy and it's not healthy for communities says **Leo Babauta** Do your kids spend a lot of time in front of the TV or video games? Are they on the internet a lot? If they are like most kids, most of their free time is taken up by the TV or other electronic entertainment. In fact, after school, television is the second source of education for our kids. Parents come in third. My kids are no different, but as a dad I try to limit this kind of passive entertainment. **And when I can, I encourage them to read or go outside**. Every Sunday is Family Day for my family, and one of our favourite activities is playing football in our garden as a family. We put on our sneakers, set up orange cones to function as goals, choose teams and start having fun. Sometimes we like to play kickball instead. When I started running, I started getting the kids running with me. They also like to ride their bikes in the park while I run. Playing outside gets kids in better physical shape, healthier, and forces them to use their imaginations rather than the imagination of some Hollywood executive. ## Sign up for The Green Parent Bringing more joy and connection to your family life Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### **Here are some ideas for things to do outside:** - play football - fly kites - explore the woods - treasure hunt - go to a playground - go to a swimming pool, beach or lake - play pirates, or make a den - go jogging - ride bikes - wash the car - rake the garden or sweep the patio - water balloon fight - have a picnic - play tag - hide-n-seek - obstacle course race - just go for a walk, and talk - walk to a shop for a treat There are thousands of other things to do. Coming up with ideas can be a game in itself. ***Leo is a coach, editor and father of five. He lives in Northern California where he writes content for his*** [***Fearless Living Academy***](https://ignite.zenhabits.net/fearless-living?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)***.*** ### How Important are Exam Results, Really? URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/how-important-are-exam-results-really/ Last updated: 2024-04-06T10:04:05.000Z ## Can your children cook a family meal from scratch? Sew an item of clothing? asks **Rachel Bee**. How can we help our teens navigate real life. ## Mary Montessori suggested that the child between the ages of 12 and 18 was best suited to an Erdkind (Erdkinder means Earth Children in German). This school was primarily land based and the education provided was teaching the students about the day to day running of the farm. There was a decrease in academic rigour and the child was set to work in the field. Of course, we can’t all let our children loose as farm hands as soon as they hit 12, nor can we necessarily lay off the need set by the education department for them to study hard. Ironically, this is the age where children are required to sit GCSE’s or Baccalaureates or other tests and exams. In other traditional cultures children entering their teen years are sent on quests or required to fulfil tasks. Inuit boys are sent on a vision quest and for many African tribes they celebrate their teenager’s passage into adulthood by sending them on their first game hunt. In contrast, however, in the UK we have our 12 – 18 year olds shut away in classrooms for seven hours a day, studying feverishly for exams that will potentially map out their future possibilities. Climbing trees is replaced with homework and our teenagers spend a good portion of their school day learning things because they are in a government written curriculum and not because they are necessary to become a healthy and successful adult. I’m not saying that we all home educate or that school is not a good place. However, what is important is supporting our teenagers, understanding what is happening to them and knowing how to help them grow into secure and confident adults regardless of their exam results. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### 5 Ways to Support Your Introvert Child URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/5-ways-to-support-your-introvert-child/ Last updated: 2024-04-05T13:06:24.000Z ## **Emily Bingham** is an introvert, raised by introverted parents and now raising her own children; one introverted, and the other extroverted. Here's what she's learnt along the way. Looking back on my childhood I did not realise I *was* an introvert, nor realised that my parents played an integral role in protecting that fact. In modern society introversion has become a dirty word, in a culture that has put extroversion on a pedestal, introverts can be seen as lacking; shy, socially awkward, weak and insecure. Introverted children are finding in their relationships, their education, their free time and as they grow, in the careers, that they must *be* an extrovert…or *become* one. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### How to Get Started with Washable Nappies URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/how-to-get-started-with-washable-nappies/ Last updated: 2025-02-15T09:58:33.000Z ## **Rebecca Card-Hyatt** writes about how to embrace real nappies without drama or a big financial outlay and offers five easy, affordable ways to get started on the washable journey. If there was one piece of advice I could give every new parent, it would be this: Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good. Don’t throw out all your good intentions because you can’t follow them perfectly. And, believe me, there is nowhere this is truer than with real nappies. When I was pregnant with my first child, I made the mistake of asking someone about real nappies. It was an innocent question: I was curious what they looked like these days since my only experience had been fifteen years earlier when my younger siblings were babies. Oh my, did I regret the question. What felt like several hours later, I’d heard so many new words I was left wondering whether I was still listening to my mother-tongue: pockets, prefolds, poop spoons. Sometimes the conversation turned unsettlingly adult: stashes, poppers, stripping. There were more acronyms than I could shake a stick at: AIO? PUL? BTP? How was one supposed to understand any of this? Like many of the modern trappings of parenthood, an age-old human problem (what to do with your child’s bodily waste) has become, among other things, a battleground, a complicated world of online forums, and an increasingly large industry. A few Google searches quickly reveal that this world of real nappies elicits the same fierce loyalties and harsh critiques as baby-led weaning, babywearing, and breastfeeding. It seems that people are either all in or all out and ne’er the twain shall meet. But, this isn’t the only way. Every family is a bit different, and even within those families, the circumstances of each child’s infancy are unique. You don’t have to have everything all figured out to make a few concrete steps towards a less-wasteful life. You don’t have to become an expert to save a pile of disposables from the tip. ## Sign up for The Green Parent Bringing more joy and connection to your family life Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### **The initial cost of washable nappies** Once I’d navigated the language and culture shock of the real nappy world, I hit a larger hurdle. The first nappy someone recommended to me cost over £20\. I was shocked; this was just for one? My husband was a post-graduate student with tuition bills, and we were living on my single income. All our nursery furniture was carefully purchased off Gumtree. We most assuredly couldn’t afford an outlay of £200-300 or more for nappies. Plus, there was the long list of accessories – bags and buckets and such – that everyone told me I needed for the complete real nappy experience. This price tag made me angry, most of all. The environment is too important to be left only to those who can afford to care. Being green shouldn’t be the province of the wealthy, or, for that matter, merely an indulgence for the parent-with-time. A green lifestyle is for everyone, I believe. It must be open to young families. It must be something that the working parent can care about too. ### **Going back to basics with washable nappies** So, we went old fashioned. That is, we went cheap. I learned that the nappies my mother had used were called “prefolds”. We bought a stack of ten used prefolds from a Jack & Jill sale at our local pregnancy and parenting support charity for £0.50 a piece, and we found ten large square terry clothes on sale at Tesco for £2.50\. I bought a few accessories: some Motherease plastic nappy covers in a few sizes (also from a used sale) and Snappi grippers to use instead of pins. When I mentioned to friends that we were going to use real nappies, we got a few hand-me-downs: around ten “shaped” or “fitted” nappies for 0-6 month babies. The only things we bought new were little square cloth wipes called Cheeky Wipes. All in all, I think we spent thirty pounds. The system wasn’t perfect. My eldest was in cloth maybe 70% of the time. My partner and I were both out of the house part- to full- time and our childminder wasn’t keen on using cloth. But, we were consistent four days out of seven and overnight. We saved a lot of nappies from the tip. ### **Washable nappies get easier and more cost effective the longer you use them** When our twins came along two years later, we just kept using what we had. Strangely, it was easier than with our first. We’d internalized a “something is better than nothing” mindset which allowed us the freedom to do what we could manage and creep towards less and less waste. We did cloth during the day, but used disposables at night since we didn’t have quite enough nappies to go around, or time to do that much laundry at the beginning. When the girls were around six months, someone gave us a gift card, and we purchased ten brand new “shaped” diapers and a few new covers, giving us the boost we needed to go full-time. But even new, we looked for a few sales and paid less than £100\. It isn’t fancy. It isn’t a high-tech system. But it works for us. It’s low-key and undramatic. It’s not a “stash” that’d I’d want to photograph and proudly post online. It’s a pile of white cloth. But, when I think about the number of disposable nappies we threw away in one week while on holiday, I’m proud of our efforts. We’re doing something to mitigate our negative effect on the environment. And something is better than nothing. Using real nappies isn’t easy, believe me. But, even with three kids under four and as working parents, it’s manageable. We scrape poo into the toilet several times a day. It isn’t pretty (but it’s a lot cheaper than a complicated rinsing nozzle attached to our toilet). Sometimes our children have rashes, and it takes some experimenting to figure out why (usually, I’m stuffing too many nappies in the machine at a time). We do a lot of laundry (we wash nappies every other day), and we don’t have a drier, so the dance to make sure there is always a clean, dry nappy doesn’t always work out. Sometimes we give up for a few days and use disposables. But, we always dive back in. Like so much of adult life, once it becomes a habit, it doesn’t seem like that big of a deal. Occasionally I remind myself that everyone used to do this – without washing machines. Maybe we don’t have it too bad? What used to be the never-ending daily work of women has become what can sometimes appear to be a niche hobby. But perhaps there’s a less dramatic way somewhere in between. Maybe if we give up on perfection, we can end up doing more than we thought was possible. ***Rebecca is an English teacher, a mother of three and a mostly successful real nappy user. She has lived and taught in Los Angeles, California and Edinburgh and currently calls Lüneburg, Germany home. She believes that life is best lived slowly and simply.*** ## **WANT TO GET STARTED? HERE’S HOW** • Conquer your fear and buy a dozen cheap real nappies. • Commit to using a few a day and seeing how it works. • Buy used nappies, if you can. Our old fashioned “prefolds” are on their fifth and sixth babies and just starting to show some wear. Two-part nappy systems tend to last the longest, since the plastic (“PUL”) covers (which usually wear out before the cloth) are a separate piece. • Give away your nappies when you’re finished with them. • Remember that everyone needs advice. Wendy Richards (of[***thenappylady.co.uk***](http://www.thenappylady.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)) is a valuable resource. She can recommend nappies that fit your budget and has a series of problem solving articles and videos demonstrating different folds for terry squares and prefold nappies. ### There are Real Alternatives to School URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/there-are-real-alternatives-to-school/ Last updated: 2024-05-10T19:45:05.000Z ## From the moment a baby is born, we make choices on their behalf. Cloth or disposable, sling or buggy, co-sleeping or crib – never have we had so much power over someone else’s life experiences says **Naomi Fisher**. And whilst there’s a bewildering array of experts telling us which choices are the ‘right’ ones, the diversity of parenting styles I see around me suggests that any claim to have the definitive answer is likely to be suspect. By the time it gets to education, a few short years later, the choices are far less diverse. School is seen as inevitable, with many not even realising that there are other ways to receive an education. Even when parents do choose, it tends to be between different types of schools all of which accept core assumptions such as the need for age-based classes and a standardised curriculum, whether it be based on the National Curriculum, Maria Montessori or Rudolf Steiner. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### 10 Reasons to Choose a Home Birth URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/10-reasons-to-choose-a-home-birth/ Last updated: 2024-04-06T17:41:09.000Z ## From feeling more at ease to having more freedom there are many reasons why you might choose a home birth, says **Holly Daffurn** Before you even try to get pregnant, the prospect of meeting your baby is one that will fill you with immense joy. As your pregnancy progresses, the love and the feeling of magical excitement will simply grow; you’ll start to consider the surroundings and ceremony that will welcome that precious new life. There are so many options available to you, meaning that you can give birth in a way that feels right for you and your family. When it comes to making childbirth choices, it is worth taking the time to really consider what you want. ### **Here are ten reasons why having a home birth may be right for you:** ### **1 You will feel more at ease** The prospect of giving birth can feel as overwhelming as it is exciting. Venturing into unknown territory can often feel terrifying. This fear can stifle the birthing process and limit your natural ability to listen to your body. Your body knows what to do and by listening to your instincts you can really engage with the experience. Childbirth can be absolutely blissful, but you need to create the right environment that allows you to truly tune in with your body. Numerous studies have shown that labour tends to progress more effectively at home, as women feel more at ease. For many women, arriving at hospital can hinder their birthing process due to anxiety. Your primal instinct is to give birth in a place that feels safe, secure and comfortable. There is nowhere more fit for purpose than your own home. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Babywearing Brides URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/babywearing-brides/ Last updated: 2024-05-11T12:51:34.000Z ## Five ways to use a sling to simplify your wedding day - we're celebrating love and babywearing! **1 INCLUDE YOUR LITTLE ONE IN YOUR SPECIAL DAY** \- You are celebrating your love as partners, but also your love for the family you have made together. Having your little one with you as you stand in front of friends and family on your wedding day will make your experience even more special. Couples with older children often include them in the ceremony as page boys, flower girls or ring bearers, but if your little one is too small to take an active role, then carrying them with you is a wonderful way for your child be a part of your wedding. **2 CREATE SPECIAL FAMILY MEMORIES** Beautiful bride, Dalton Mort’s wedding images (pictured) show that carrying your little one through your wedding will create lasting and powerful memories for you and your family. Looking back through photo albums that include all the special people in your life will bring you so much joy. When your child is older they will love to see that they were a part of your wedding day. Though they may not remember the day itself, their memories of looking through your wedding pictures with you, and hearing how important it was for them to be there, will last a lifetime. **3 EMBRACE YOUR COLOUR SCHEME** You’ve spent time choosing the perfect dress, and the perfect colour scheme for your wedding – why not bring your carefully considered choices together with a colourful sling to make your special day even more joyful. ## Sign up for The Green Parent Bringing more joy and connection to your family life Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. **4 KEEP ACTIVE KIDS ENGAGED** \- By carrying your baby or toddler during your wedding ceremony you will keep them close and content throughout the service, avoiding potential tantrums or the temptation to explore the venue! Minimising any disruption to your little one’s routine during your wedding will keep them calm and happy and will allow you to enjoy the day even more as a result. With a baby sling your little one will be able to take a nap as they are held close, this will do away with the potential for any fuss or upset. Ring slings are a great choice for active toddlers. Elegant and simple to put on, they allow for quick ups and downs – ring slings are perfect in case your child would prefer to have a cuddle with a relative during the ceremony too. **5 SHOW YOUR UNIQUE STYLE** \- Your style is an important part of your wedding – it’s a part of your colour scheme, your decor and your wedding party’s outfits. Your style will shine in your choice of sling – whether this is a colour that you love or a pattern which is meaningful to you – but also in your choice of carry. A simple Ruck carry, as seen on Dalton, will complement your dress wonderfully. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/05/Dalton-and-Jimmy-Wedding-0475-copy-1.png) ## Your style will shine in your choice of sling – whether this is a colour that you love or a pattern which is meaningful to you ## **MORE INSPIRATION** **FIND** More beautiful slings like these pictured at[**oschaslings.com**](http://www.oschaslings.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **FOLLOW** Fire and Gold Photography at[**lauraandmatthewphoto**](https://www.instagram.com/lauraandmatthewphoto/?hl=en&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ## **YOUR STORIES** ***Kiri Porter*** I wore my then, 3 year old on my wedding day. It meant a lot that my little boy could have the connection with me on what was a very busy day. I even had Dr Rosie Knowles from Carrying Matters at my wedding. She was a guest but doubled up as a sling fitter. ***Gemma Keenan*** Loved wearing our youngest at our wedding, baby wearing was a massive part of our parenting/lives and all being together during the ceremony was beautiful. ### Why I Trained as a Forest School Teacher URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/why-i-trained-as-a-forest-school-teacher/ Last updated: 2024-04-03T13:04:57.000Z ## **Caroline Cole** shares ten benefits of forest school and shares why it's an important part of her family's home education schedule When Ewan was young, we found a small, nurturing playgroup in the Peak District, which offered regular forest school sessions. This changed our lives. Ewan happily attended the playgroup for two years and our daughter Tessa also started attending when she was two years old. I trained as a forest-school practitioner with support from the playgroup and have since worked there as a forest-school assistant. When Ewan left playgroup, we were heading into the unknown territory of home-education. My husband and I both attended school when we were children and I trained as a state primary-school teacher when I was in my twenties. Fuelled with negativity from certain members of my family and living in a schooled nation, at times I have experienced major doubts about what we are doing. ### **The valuable life lessons I've learnt through home education** Through home education I have learnt a huge amount about myself, my family and society. These are the most valuable life lessons: Look to my children for answers, for they teach me more than any other source ever can. The second is that everything we offer our children is a potential learning experience. The world truly is our classroom! _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Ready to Raise Free-Range Kids? URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/ready-to-raise-free-range-kids/ Last updated: 2025-02-15T09:58:44.000Z ## **Lenore Skenazy** offers a commonsense approach to parenting in these overprotective times. All too often we wrap kids up in cotton wool and don't trust their natural abilities A free-range kid is a child who gets treated as a smart, young, capable individual, not an invalid who needs constant attention and help. All too often in our fear-based society, we treat kids as if they couldn’t possibly walk home from school, or make their own lunch or climb a tree without hurting themselves, or struggling too much. Free-Range Kids are sort of old-fashioned. They’re kids who are expected to WANT to grow up and do things on their own. And then, when they show us they’re ready, we allow them to. I founded the Free-Range Kids movement in part to be one small voice saying, “Hey! I know we are all scared for our kids! But maybe we don’t have to be quite so terrified!” It’s an attempt to figure out how we got so much more worried for our kids in just one generation, and to separate the real dangers from the ones foisted upon us by the media, and by other folks with things to sell. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/04/GettyImages-1023517490.jpg) ## ‘A free-range kid is a child who gets treated as a smart, young, capable individual, not an invalid who needs constant attention and help’ ### **Why Failure is Necessary for Free Range Kids** One of my Free-Range Commandments is, “Fail! Easy! Educational!” We don’t want our kids to ONLY fail, of course. But if they don’t fail sometimes, they won’t learn that they can get back up and go on with their lives. For instance, we don’t want our kids to fall off a bike. Who does? But we do want them to learn how to ride. So we have two choices: We can hold onto their handlebars forever. That way they’ll never, ever fall. Or we can wish them luck and then — let go. Chances are, if we do that, they will, at some point, fall. When they get up again, they’ll have two huge things going for them: They’ll know they can fall and get back up again. If that’s not a life lesson, what is? And, they’ll be learning how to actually ride a bike. Most things in life take some tumbles before we get it right. As Thomas Edison said, when asked how it felt to fail 10,000 times before he figured out the light bulb, “I haven’t failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” ### **Raising free range kids is not that hard wherever you live** It just takes some time on the parents’ part. For us in New York city, free-range means teaching our kids how to take public transportation. Elsewhere it might involve teaching them how to ride their bikes. And in any place, we also teach kids how to be safe in the very unlikely event they encounter someone creepy. What do I suggest? Teach your kids TO talk to strangers. That way, if they’re ever creeped out by someone in the proverbial white van, they can run to the man across the street, raking his leaves, and say, “Help! I’m being followed!” Or they can run into a shop and say, “Call the police!” Or, “Can I please borrow your phone?” Confident kids who feel at home in the world are SAFER than coddled kids who have been taught they are dainty prey without mum or dad by their side. We ALL want our kids to be safe, and happy, and responsible. It’s just a question of what we see as dangerous. Some helicopter parents see the outside world as unspeakably treacherous. I see it as a place children have always explored and messed around in. I was talking to a representative from Tide recently and he told me kids are not getting as dirty as they used to! That’s sad. ***Lenore lives in NYC, is a mother and founder of Free Range Kids and*** [***Let Grow***](https://letgrow.org/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)***, the no-profit whose motto is When adults step back, kids step up.*** ## Sign up for The Green Parent Bringing more joy and connection to your family life Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### **What should we do to liberate our kids without going crazy with worry? In my book, Free Range Kids! there are lots of tips. Here are a few:** 1. **Warn your family beforehand, then turn off your mobile for a day.** Better still, leave it on a shelf so you won’t be tempted to turn it on for a quick check. Why? Mostly because one morning my 10-year-old called to ask me, “Mum? Can I have another piece of banana bread?” And I realized: Our kids are getting used to us making ALL their decisions. Even the banana-bread-related ones. Time to stop treating them like toddlers. (At least, once they actually AREN’T toddlers.) 2. **When you’re standing around with a bunch of other parents all waiting for football to start, or school to open, or the bus to pick them up, volunteer to watch all the children yourself.** Give the other parents a little break. This way you are creating community. It’s your way of saying we’re all in this together and we can help each other out. It’s also a way of saying, “Look, I don’t think anything so horrible is about to happen here at this bus stop that we need five adults to fight for the lives of five or six children. ”If the other parents are too nervous to accept your kind offer, flip it around. Ask them to watch your kid! This creates a sense of shared responsibility, too. And gives you time to go and get coffee. 3. **Get a little perspective on this strange, scared parenting era we are living in by visiting a baby superstore with your oldest living relative.** (Yes, always best if they’re living.) Go around looking at all the things like baby knee pads and infra-red video baby monitors asking, “Which of these things did YOU need when you were raising us?” (Be prepared for a little scorn.) 4. **And if you are an educator, considering doing The Let Grow Project.** Find out more at[**letgrow.org**](https://letgrow.org/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), the nonprofit I now head that promotes childhood independence. [HomeLet Grow is the nonprofit working to give kids independence and free play.![](https://letgrow.org/apple-icon-180x180.png)Let GrowLenore Skenazy![](https://letgrow.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/logo-seo.png)](https://letgrow.org/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ## **MORE INSPIRATION** **DOWNLOAD** The Independence Kit at[***letgrow.org/free-curriculum-independence-kit***](https://letgrow.org/free-curriculum-independence-kit/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **READ** Free Range Kids: How to Raise Safe, Self-Reliant Children Without Going Nuts with Worry ### Self-directed Learning: How to Get Started URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/self-directed-learning-how-to-get-started/ Last updated: 2024-04-03T08:12:37.000Z ## Children are active, capable learners - they don't need us to teach them! **Naomi Fisher** writes on harnessing the power of self-directed learning ## Yesterday I cycled to Brighton with my daughter. No big deal, you might think. It’s about three miles along a long straight cycle path. Except that a week beforehand, she couldn’t ride a bike at all. She had a bike, she has had several bikes, some with stabilisers and some without, but she couldn’t ride alone. I had to run along beside her, holding on, and rescuing her when she leant over too far or got scared. I have spent a long time running alongside her bicycle. So has my mother, and her father. She didn’t feel ready to go it alone. Until last week, when she said she wanted to cycle to Brighton and was going to learn how. Out we went and she said she was scared. She said she felt the fear every time she started. Then she decided that this time was going to be different. She started singing ‘pedal pedal pedal’ and off she went. First five metres, then 10, then the whole length of the pavement. Until, just one week later, we were ready to go to Brighton. She was very pleased. ‘Can you believe?’ she said ‘That last week I couldn’t do this at all?’. I hardly could. I could see her demeanour change, awed at her own ability to learn and acquire skills. She seemed inches taller. And that’s what I want her to take from her education. The sense of herself as an active and capable learner. For when she has that, then the world is out there. No knowledge of fronted adverbials, or advanced calculus, or French irregular verbs can measure up to the knowledge that you, yourself can learn when you choose to do so. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Babywearing Boosts Literacy Skills URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/babywearing-boosts-literacy-skills/ Last updated: 2024-05-11T12:57:31.000Z ## Of all the many benefits babywearing brings to you and your child, nurturing their literacy skills might not be the first one that springs to mind says **Sophie Lovett** It is such a central part of our children’s development: from very early on communication is key to being able to meet their needs, and it is not long before we are bombarded with opportunities to formalise this early years’ learning. Childcare settings promote phonics-based activities; specialist books, toys and games look to bring this literacy learning into the home. And it’s easy to understand why as parents we are keen to do everything we can to give our children a head start in this area – not just so they can communicate effectively, but also so that they will not flounder when faced with the increasingly challenging demands of school. ### **Learning literacy through play** But what if a formal approach is not the only way to go? It certainly never sat comfortably with me. After my first son was born, even though (or perhaps because) my background as an English teacher made me acutely aware of the importance of confident communication, I was not convinced that constraining my baby’s blooming understanding of the world of words by trying to squeeze it into the limitations of structured activities was right for us. Instead play was paramount, and as much as we could we experienced the world together, Arthur held close in the baby carrier as we set off on adventures. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### How Babywearing Supports Your Older Child URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/how-babywearing-supports-your-older-child/ Last updated: 2024-04-01T21:07:04.000Z ## **Sophie Lovett** writes about how babywearing helps keep older siblings happy too There are many things that are challenging about welcoming a new baby into the family, and at the heart of that challenge is how to meet everyone’s needs. The baby is possibly the easiest to satisfy in this respect – all they really want is closeness and calm, with milk and sleep at regular intervals. However that is not always compatible with the needs of older siblings and their thirst for action and adventure. At no time is this more keenly felt than in the holidays: in the colder, darker months it is easier to give in to everyone’s urge to hibernate, and the rhythms and routines of term time give some respite to the need to provide constant entertainment. Summer, though, is a time for spontaneous exploring: for long walks in the countryside or by the sea, for making the most of mild weather and lighter evenings. It is also a time when I am very, very grateful to be a babywearing mama. My eldest son’s love for the outdoors was undoubtedly fuelled by the many hours I spent carrying him in the sling as a baby. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### April Craft: Make Your Own Natural Dyes URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/april-craft-make-your-own-natural-dyes/ Last updated: 2024-05-07T07:24:18.000Z ## Playing is in our nature and playing in and with nature is one of the greatest delights childhood has to offer, whether we live amongst city buildings or trees. Here's one of our favourite ideas for nature based play for children, from Delfina Aguilar ### **WHAT YOU NEED:** *As many eggs as you’d like to dye;* *Several tubs or bowls (one for each dye);* *The ingredients for your colours of choice (see below)* ### **HOW TO DO IT:** **1\.** Choose your colours. **BLUE** \- Put 1/4 red cabbage cut into chunks into a pan filled with four cups of boiling water. Add two tablespoons of white vinegar and turn off the heat. Cool to room temperature and remove the cabbage from the pan. Soak the eggs in the water overnight. **GREY-BLUE** \- Add a cup of frozen blueberries to a cup of warm water. When the mixture comes to room temperature, remove the blueberries (when they’re drained, they’re perfect for pancakes or snacks!) and soak your eggs in the coloured water overnight. **LAVENDER** \- Mix a cup of grape juice with a tablespoon of white vinegar and soak your eggs overnight. **PALE PINK** \- Take one cup of juice from tinned beetroot and add one tablespoon of white vinegar. Soak eggs overnight (or less time for a gentler hue). ## Sign up for The Green Parent Bringing more joy and connection to your family life Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. **GOLDEN BROWN** \- Simmer two tablespoons of dill seeds in a cup of water for 15 minutes. Strain the liquid through a sieve into a small bowl, and add two teaspoons of white vinegar. Add your eggs to the liquid and leave overnight. **MUSTARD YELLOW** \- Add two tablespoons of turmeric powder and two teaspoons of white vinegar to a cup of boiling water and stir. Add your eggs. **GREEN** \- Put the skins of six red onions into a pan with two cups of water and simmer on the stove for 15 minutes. Remove the skins and add three teaspoons of white vinegar to the pan. Soak your eggs overnight in the liquid. **2\.** Store your eggs. Once they’ve reached your desired colour (leaving them for longer will result in a deeper dye, while less time will mean they’re paler), take them out of the dye, pat them dry gently with a paper towel, and store in the fridge until you want to put them on display. **3\.** Eat them! Don’t forget to use your eggs after you’ve displayed them – unless they’re cracked, they shouldn’t have absorbed any of the flavours of the dyes, so you can still use the raw eggs in any recipe you like – scrambled or poached, custard or cake, the options are almost endless! ### What are the Main Advantages of Home Birth? URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/what-are-the-main-advantages-of-home-birth/ Last updated: 2024-05-09T11:13:23.000Z ## Doula **Natalie Meddings** tells **Hannah Hiles** why a home birth is a “common sense” choice for many women. And for starters let's get away from the idea that home birth is unconventional. Former journalist Natalie Meddings decided to train as a doula and active birth yoga teacher after a positive experience giving birth to her first child. The mother-of-three trained with the obstetrician Michel Odent and Janet Balaskas, the founder of the Active Birth Centre, and is the founder of peer support network Tell Me a Good Birth Story, which matches pregnant women with a “birth buddy” who can share their positive story. Her latest book Why Home Birth Matters explores current evidence-based research on home birth, gives practical advice and includes first-hand accounts from women who have given birth at home. ### **How did you come to write Why Home Birth Matters?** I have always had a passion for helping the female body to function optimally. I have supported around 100 home births and have been noticing more and more interest in it. The thing I want to get away from is the idea that home birth is unconventional. What’s alternative is going to hospital! Birth in hospital is quite hard and giving birth at home is quite simple. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### How to Get Reluctant Kids Outdoors URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/how-to-get-reluctant-kids-outdoors/ Last updated: 2024-05-11T15:39:00.000Z ## **Fiona Danks** and **Jo Schofield** are the green queens of nature writing for kids. Here we talk to them about amazing adventures, the importance of connecting to nature and cool ways to coax reluctant kids outta the door! ‘The Stick Book’ inspired a generation of children off the sofa and into the wilds, turning branches into bows, boats and broomsticks. Their new book, ‘Make This Book Wild’, is an interactive scrapbook that encourages families to daub its pages with mud, dress up a dragon with leaves, or to leave it out in a downpour to try rain painting. ***This is the eleventh book you’ve worked on together. How did you first meet?*** Jo: “Our boys were friends. I trained as a photographer, had done a psychology degree, and was a teaching assistant.” Fiona: “I did a college degree in ecology and then a PGCE. I worked in environmental education for a long time and then stopped to have a family. I was shocked by how many people didn’t go for walks with their children.” Jo: “My son’s friends were getting to a point where they were disconnected from the natural world. They’d come to our house and not want to get stuck in. And I thought, we can do something fun here!” Fiona: “Jo had been taking pictures of all the amazing adventures they’d been having and I’d been toying with the idea of writing something to get kids out and about. And so we decided to do a project together.” _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Why Schools Don't Educate URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/why-schools-dont-educate/ Last updated: 2024-05-07T07:23:42.000Z ## **John Taylor Gatto** explains why our education system doesn't work. We live in a time of great school crisis. Our school crisis is a reflection of a greater social crisis. We seem to have lost our identity. ## Children and old people are penned up and locked away from the business of the world to a degree without precedent - nobody talks to them anymore and without children and old people mixing in daily life a community has no future and no past, only a continuous present. In fact, the name “community” hardly applies to the way we interact with each other. We live in networks, not communities, and everyone I know is lonely because of that. In some strange way school is a major actor in this tragedy just as it is a major actor in the widening guilt among social classes. John Taylor Gatto accepts his Teacher of the Year award with this inspirational speech about the failures in our education system. I’ve noticed a fascinating phenomenon in my twenty-five years of teaching - that schools and schooling are increasingly irrelevant to the great enterprises of the planet. No one believes anymore that scientists are trained in science classes or politicians in civics classes or poets in English classes. The truth is that schools don’t really teach anything except how to obey orders. This is a great mystery to me because thousands of humane, caring people work in schools as teachers and aides and administrators but the abstract logic of the institution overwhelms their individual contributions. Although teachers do care and do work very hard, the institution is psychopathic - it has no conscience. It rings a bell and the young man in the middle of writing a poem must close his notebook and move to different cell where he must memorize that man and monkeys derive from a common ancestor. I don’t think we’ll get rid of schools anytime soon, certainly not in my lifetime, but if we’re going to change what is rapidly becoming a disaster of ignorance, we need to realize that the school institution “schools” very well, but it does not “educate” - that’s inherent in the design of the thing. It’s not the fault of bad teachers or too little money spent, it’s just impossible for education and schooling ever to be the same thing. ## Sign up for The Green Parent Bringing more joy and connection to your family life Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### **How schools control our children** Schools were designed to be instruments of the scientific management of a mass population. Schools are intended to produce through the application of formulae, formulaic human beings whose behaviour can be predicted and controlled. To a very great extent, schools succeed in doing this. But our society is disintegrating, and in such a society, the only successful people are self-reliant, confident, and individualistic - because the community life which protects the dependent and the weak is dead. The products of schooling are, as I’ve said, irrelevant. Well-schooled people are irrelevant. They can sell film and razor blades, push paper and talk on the telephones, or sit mindlessly before a flickering computer terminal but as human beings they are useless. Useless to others and useless to themselves. It is absurd and anti-life to be part of a system that compels you to sit in confinement with people of exactly the same age and social class. That system effectively cuts you off from the immense diversity of life and the synergy of variety, indeed it cuts you off from your own part and future, scaling you to a continuous present much the same way television does. It is absurd and anti-life to be part of a system that compels you to listen to a stranger reading poetry when you want to learn to construct buildings, or to sit with a stranger discussing the construction of buildings when you want to read poetry. It is absurd and anti-life to move from cell to cell at the sound of a gong for every day of your natural youth in an institution that allows you no privacy and even follows you into the sanctuary of your home demanding that you do its “homework”. ### **Media and schooling are the two biggest impacts** Two institutions at present control our children’s lives - television and schooling, in that order. Both of these reduce the real world of wisdom, fortitude, temperance, and justice to a never-ending, non-stopping abstraction. In centuries past the time of a child and adolescent would be occupied in real work, real charity, real adventures, and the realistic search for mentors who might teach what you really wanted to learn. A great deal of time was spent in community pursuits, practicing affection, meeting and studying every level of the community, learning how to make a home, and dozens of other tasks necessary to become a whole man or woman. But here is the calculus of time the children I teach must deal with: Out of the 168 hours in each week, my children sleep 56\. That leaves them 112 hours a week out of which to fashion a self. My children watch 55 hours of television a week according to reports. That leaves them 57 hours a week in which to grow up. My children attend school 30 hours a week, use about 6 hours getting ready, going and coming home, and spend an average of 7 hours a week in homework - a total of 45 hours. During that time, they are under constant surveillance, have no private time or private space, and are disciplined if they try to assert individuality in the use of time or space. That leaves 12 hours a week out of which to create a unique consciousness. Of course, my kids eat, and that takes some time - not much, because they’ve lost the tradition of family dining, but if we allot 3 hours a week to evening meals, we arrive at a net amount of private time for each child of 9 hours. It’s not enough. It’s not enough, is it? ### **Implications of schooling on a child's life** I want to tell you what the effect is on children of taking all their time from them - time they need to grow up - and forcing them to spend it on abstractions: 1. The children I teach are indifferent to the adult world. This defies the experience of thousands of years. A close study of what big people were up to was always the most exciting occupation of youth, but nobody wants to grow up these days and who can blame them? Toys are us. 2. The children I teach have almost no curiosity and what they do have is transitory; they cannot concentrate for very long, even on things they choose to do. Can you see a connection between the bells ringing again and again to change classes and this phenomenon of evanescent attention? 3. The children I teach have a poor sense of the future, of how tomorrow is inextricably linked to today. As I said before, they have a continuous present, the exact moment they are at is the boundary of their consciousness. 4. The children I teach are ahistorical, they have no sense of how past has predestined their own present, limiting their choices, shaping their values and lives. 5. The children I teach are cruel to each other, they lack compassion for misfortune, they laugh at weakness, and they have contempt for people whose need for help shows too plainly. 6. The children I teach are uneasy with intimacy or candor. My guess is that they cannot deal with genuine intimacy because of a lifelong habit of preserving a secret inner self inside a larger outer personality made up of artificial bits and pieces of behaviour borrowed from television or acquired to manipulate teachers. Because they are not who they represent themselves to be the disguise wears thin in the presence of intimacy so intimate relationships have to be avoided. 7. The children I teach are materialistic, following the lead of schoolteachers who materialistically “grade” everything - and television mentors who offer everything in the world for free. 8. The children I teach are dependent, passive, and timid in the presence of new challenges. This is frequently masked by surface bravado, or by anger or aggressiveness but underneath is a vacuum without fortitude. ### **Why its important to foster independence** What can be done? First we need a ferocious national debate that doesn’t quit, day after day, year after year. We need to scream and argue about this school thing until it is fixed or broken beyond repair, one or the other. If we can fix it, fine; if we cannot, then the success of homeschooling shows a different road to take that has great promise. Pouring the money we now pour into family education might kill two birds with one stone, repairing families as it repairs children. Right now we are taking all the time from our children that they need to develop self-knowledge. That has to stop. We have to invent school experiences that give a lot of that time back, we need to trust children from a very early age with independent study, perhaps arranged in school but which takes place away from the institutional setting. We need to invent curriculum where each kid has a chance to develop private uniqueness and self-reliance. We’ve got to give kids independent time right away because that is the key to self-knowledge, and we must re-involve them with the real world as fast as possible so that the independent time can be spent on something other than more abstraction. This is an emergency, it requires drastic action to correct - our children are dying like flies in schooling, good schooling or bad schooling, it’s all the same. Irrelevant. ### **How can we involve our children in community?** What else does a restructured school system need? It needs to stop being a parasite on the working community. Of all the pages in the human ledger, only our tortured entry has warehoused children and asked nothing of them in service to the general good. For a while I think we need to make community service a required part of schooling. Besides the experience in acting unselfishly that will teach, it is the quickest way to give young children real responsibility in the mainstream of life. For five years I ran a guerilla program where I had every kid, rich and poor, smart and dipsy, give 320 hours a year of hard community service. Dozens of those kids came back to me years later, grown up, and told me that one experience of helping someone else changed their lives. It taught them to see in new ways, to rethink goals and values. It happened when they were thirteen, in my Lab School programme - only made possible because my rich school district was in chaos. When “stability” returned the Lab was closed. It was too successful with a wildly mixed group of kids, at too small of a cost, to be allowed to continue. We made the expensive elite programs look bad. There is no shortage of real problems in the city. Kids can be asked to help solve them in exchange for the respect and attention of the total adult world. Good for kids, good for all the rest of us. That’s curriculum that teaches Justice, one of the four cardinal virtues in every system of elite education. What’s sauce for the rich and powerful is surely sauce for the rest of us - what is more, the idea is absolutely free as are all other genuine reform ideas in education. Extra money and extra people put into this sick institution will only make it sicker. ### **What would happen if we placed family firmly at the heart?** Independent study, community service, adventures in experience, large doses of privacy and solitude, a thousand different apprenticeships, the one day variety or longer - these are all powerful, cheap and effective ways to start a real reform of schooling. But no large-scale reform is ever going to work to repair our damaged children and our damaged society until we force the idea of “school” open - to include family as the main engine of education. Family is the main engine of education. If we use schooling to break children away from parents - we’re going to continue to have the horror show we have right now. The curriculum of family is at the heart of any good life, we’ve gotten away from that curriculum, time to return to it. The way to sanity in education is for our schools to take the lead in releasing the stranglehold of institutions on family life, to promote during school time confluences of parent and child that will strengthen family bonds. I have many ideas to make a family curriculum and my guess is that a lot of you will have many ideas, too, once you begin to think about it. Our greatest problem in getting the kind of grass-roots thinking going that could reform schooling is that we have large vested interests pre-empting all the air time and profiting from schooling just exactly as it is despite rhetoric to the contrary. We have to demand that new voices and new ideas get a hearing, my ideas and yours. We’ve all had a bellyful of authorized voices mediated by television and the press - a decade long free-for-all debate is what is called for now, not any more “expert” opinions. Experts in education have never been right, their “solutions” are expensive, self-serving, and always involve further centralization. Enough. Time for a return to democracy, individuality, and family. ## **MORE INSPIRATION** **EXPLORE** More articles on education are available at [naturalchild.org](http://www.naturalchild.org/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **READ** Dumbing Us Down: The Hidden Curriculum of Compulsory Schooling by John Taylor Gatto **FOLLOW** John on X at @realjohngatto ### Is Home Education for You? URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/is-home-education-for-you/ Last updated: 2024-03-30T14:01:18.000Z ## School can be an enjoyable time for some children, for others it can represent years of trauma, not just for the kids but for parents too. Mornings spent hauling sleepy children out of bed and into uniforms and evenings cajoling them into doing their homework leave many people searching for a better alternative says **Saffron de Menezes**. School just doesn’t work for every family and luckily it isn’t the only option. Everyone has their own learning style and so while school may be great for some children, it may not work for others. A child’s reaction to school might also vary at different times in their childhood, it may suit a child at the age of thirteen who may have struggled with it at five. It seems a little unreasonable then that all children are expected to adapt to the same educational system from the minute they turn four, or often even younger, until they hit sixteen. If your child happens to be one of those who are well suited to a school environment and finds it a positive and enjoyable place to be then it’s fantastic. But what if they aren’t? Or what if problems arise while they’re there that can’t be resolved within the school framework? How do you figure out whether home education is the solution for your family? _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Van Life with a 3 Year Old URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/van-life-with-a-3-year-old/ Last updated: 2024-05-10T19:49:21.000Z ## In 2021, **Jenna, Cath and three-year-old Luna** moved out of their house and into the Sprinter van they’d converted themselves. They wanted a simpler life, to connect to nature and – hopefully – get pregnant via IVF. Spoiler alert – that happened! We moved out of our house on July 4 – Independence Day – and now live full-time in the van. We had been living in the New Forest, and Cath had been super-stressed; her job wasn’t fun anymore. We’d been doing this van up anyway, and when we worked out how much money we were spending on rent, heating bills and council tax, plus Luna’s nursery, we worked out we were living on a deficit each month. So we decided to move into the van. We did all the hard graft converting it; we peeled up the floor ply, and underneath it was thick with tar and hair. Cleaning it took me ten litres of white spirit, and I was as high as a kite! We did all the preliminary work and got someone to help us put in cabinets and so on. It was tough work with a two-year-old; I’d be hammering the floor, and she’d be hammering the windscreen! _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Can You Home Educate as a Single Parent? URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/can-you-home-educate-as-a-single-parent/ Last updated: 2024-05-10T19:48:21.000Z ## Is it actually possible to home educate as a single parent family asks **Jan Hunt** These days, many parents find themselves alone, whether by choice or by circumstances. Many of these parents assume that unschooling is not an option for them, but like many other assumptions, this can be self-fulfilling. Happily, unschooling in single parent families is easier now than it has ever been. With commitment, creativity and support, single parent unschooling can be not only possible, but very rewarding. If a parent considers herself a resource person rather than a teacher, unschooling will be much more feasible. Unschooling (or interest-led learning) is much easier and more enjoyable for both parent and child than a structured curriculum, and takes far less energy. This is likely to be especially appreciated by a parent who has the full responsibility of her children, whether he or she is a single parent or a parent whose partner travels frequently or works long hours. Without the unnecessary burden of a curriculum, parents are free to respond to their child in a more natural and far less time-consuming way. ## Sign up for The Green Parent Bringing more joy and connection to your family life Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### **HIRE HELP** Researchers consistently find that an unstructured approach is the most effective anyway – and the most fun for both parent and child. Instead of following a curriculum and hiring a tutor, many such parents instead hire household help. This gives them a break from tiring chores, and allows them more time to enjoy helping their child learn. A major factor that makes single parent unschooling a viable option today is the increased opportunity of working at home. Many such parents have started home businesses, or have found contract work that can be done at home. Still others have found outside jobs that allow them to bring their children along. While most such parents would be in a better financial position if their children were in school, they feel strongly that unschooling is best for their children, and they find ways to make it work. For parents with small children, I often recommend a “mother’s helper”, a young person who can spend time with children while the parent is also in the home; this can allow uninterrupted work time. If a mother’s helper is an unschooler, he or she will be available during the day, and is likely to have been raised in a similar environment. > “Watching him learn at his own pace was a profound delight that made unschooling an easy choice despite any sacrifice” ### **TIME & MONEY** Books and websites on voluntary simplicity and frugal living can also be excellent resources. Your Money or Your Life by Vicki Robin and The Simple Living Guide by Janet Luhrs offer many inspiring suggestions on money, housing, work, health, nutrition, and travel. Perhaps the greatest challenge for single parents is the need for sufficient financial resources, time and energy. Supportive friends or family can offer essential emotional support, help, and encouragement. Unschooling support groups and parent co-ops are an invaluable resource for creative ideas and emotional support. While unschooling can be challenging and time-consuming for any parent, having a child in school can be even more so. My mother often asked me if I wouldn’t have more time to myself if my son were in school. I told her, “No, I wouldn’t, because I would always be on the phone to the principal about whatever educational issue had come up that week.” In this way, I felt that I had more time than I would have, if school – and all of the demands that school puts on families - had been a part of our family life. Knowing that my son was free to learn in his own way and at his own pace, and watching him do so was a profound delight that made unschooling an easy choice despite any sacrifice. With sufficient determination, creativity, and support, single parent unschooling can be an immensely fulfilling experience. ## **MORE INSPIRATION** **READ** Jan’s articles at [naturalchild.org](http://www.naturalchild.org/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### 11 Ways to Nourish Yourself After Birth URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/11-ways-to-nourish-yourself-after-birth/ Last updated: 2024-03-26T11:01:10.000Z ## Being pregnant and giving birth are two of the biggest physical and emotional challenges you will ever face says **Samantha Quinn** Your body will go through so much to bring new life into the world, after which you will immediately be required to care for a brand new person 24/7\. This is going to be hard work! There’s no disputing that this is the most rewarding challenge you will face, but there’s no harm in being prepared either. Here are some tips for postpartum healing that will help you recover following the birth of your baby. ### **Accept your limitations** Mother Nature rarely gives us more than we’re able to manage, but that doesn’t mean you need to prove your ability to cope with it all by going above and beyond what is sensible. Pregnancy and birth are huge challenges for the body to face, and you aren’t going to just walk away from it all without a scratch. Chances are you will be at the very least tired after your baby is born, so it’s a good idea to take this as a signal to slow down. Parenting a newborn is an intense period of time that involves round the clock care for a tiny person that is unable to fend for themselves. You’re going to be required to do this straight after giving birth. So you’re also going to need to accept that you can’t do it all. Take this time to focus on your baby and your baby alone. Leave the chores to your partner, friends or family and take everything one step at a time. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Plan your Outdoor Naming Ceremony URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/how-to-plan-an-outdoor-naming-ceremony/ Last updated: 2024-05-11T13:05:08.000Z ## **Anne O'Brien** had a naming ceremony for both of her daughters and found herself thinking what a gorgeous job it would be to create these events. I’ve been a celebrant for about three years now and specialise in naming ceremonies. At the heart of every naming ceremony are the commitments that parents make to their children, but beyond these promises, families can choose to incorporate whatever elements feel right for them. Most families include readings, promises from guide parents (the equivalent of godparents) and often some kind of symbolic act, which creates a lovely moment of reflection or fun. Inspiration can be taken from all sorts of cultures and traditions – this summer I’ll be incorporating a Zhuazhou into a ceremony for the first time, which is a Chinese tradition where a baby chooses an object to show what their future career might be! What I love most about my job is helping families and friends express their love for each other. I feel incredibly privileged to share in their personal stories and take great care with the way that this is conveyed, in every single script I write. This is especially true when the pathway to parenthood hasn’t been easy. This month I’ll be conducting a ceremony for a little girl that was born unexpectedly and struggled to survive. It will be a unique and memorable day for all of us. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### 9 Ways to Rewild Your Garden URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/9-ways-to-rewild-your-garden/ Last updated: 2024-03-25T22:52:48.000Z ## Rewilding on a small scale is more about ‘ungardening’ than gardening: giving nature a chance by letting things grow, allowing wildflowers to bloom in between the vegetables says **Caroline Mellor** Rewilding offers an exciting, natural and hopeful way to restore balance to the earth’s ecosystems. By allowing large areas of land or sea to return to their natural state, it encourages biodiversity and fights the effects of climate change by locking away carbon. But while we might associate rewilding with the reintroduction of keystone species like wolves or beavers, no matter how small your garden or outdoor space, you and your family can get involved. Rewilding on a small scale is more about ‘ungardening’ than gardening: giving nature a chance by letting things grow, allowing wildflowers to bloom in between the vegetables, and leaving messy areas where wildlife can thrive. It can also be full of surprises and is lots of fun! Outdoor, nature-based play builds resilience, encourages stewardship, and is a foundational form of earth activism. The more children know and feel part of the living world, the more they will fall in love with it – and we protect what we love. Here are nine child-friendly ways to invite the magic of wildness into your garden, and your family, this summer. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### The Fourth Stage of Labour URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/the-fourth-stage-of-labour/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:42.000Z ## **Janet Balaskas**, founder of the Active Birth Centre answers your questions. She talks about the fourth stage of labour and how to have a natural empowered birth **Q I have heard various ideas about birthing the placenta and leaving the cord intact. Please can you tell me more about the fourth stage of labour?** **A** Mother nature gives each baby an incredible gift for future health with the rich placental transfusion immediately after birth. The placenta contains about 1/3 of the baby’s blood volume and is rich in iron and oxygen, stem cells, T cells, immune factors, Vitamin K and more… it’s like an incredible “packed lunch” for the baby to take forward into the future. So don’t be in a hurry to clamp or cut the cord until it finishes pulsating and maybe even longer. I recommend waiting until the placenta is born and having some time with baby and cord intact after that, while the baby self-attaches to the breast. ### **The first hour after birth** Just lie back comfortably in a very warm room after the birth and place your baby “skin to skin” on your body and he or she will know how to find the breast. You can stay like that for as long as you want, ideally for the first hour after giving birth. Or if you want to go all the way you can even leave the cord to sever naturally which it will do in a few days (this is called lotus birth). Meanwhile you can wrap the placenta and keep it close to the baby. There is also the option to have the placenta encapsulated after the birth and take in the remaining nutrients yourself as other mammals do ([**placentanetwork.com**](https://www.placentanetwork.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)). The UK Resuscitation Council now recommends a delay of at least one minute before the cord is clamped to allow some of this precious transfusion to reach the baby - even when birth has been induced. So if you give birth naturally, why not let nature give this precious gift to your baby - all of it - you will see when the cord is no longer pulsing – it’s obvious and even then there is no hurry. This is mother/baby love – the prototype for all love relationships of a lifetime and at these moments when mother and baby are transfused in the “love” hormones of birth – oxytocin and endorphins – we need to do nothing to disturb or disrupt this precious time. This is the most powerful way to ensure physical and emotional health in the future and it is every baby’s birthright. Remember birth is not over until the placenta is out, the baby is suckling at the breast and the cord is no longer pulsing. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ## **More Inspiration** **DISCOVER** To find out more about Janet’s classes and courses go to [**activebirthcentre.com**](http://www.activebirthcentre.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). **READ** [**New Active Birth:**](https://amzn.to/499HnAl?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) A Concise Guide to Natural Childbirth by Janet Balaskas --- ## **Having a natural empowered birth** - Do whatever you can to say YES to birthing your baby. - Tune in and connect to your baby and your self. - Listen to your body. Listen to your emotions and internal needs. - Is there anything you need to release? What are you anxious about? Is there anyone you need to ask to leave? Nothing is silly, even the smallest of things is greatly important if it is interfering with your birth. - Follow your instincts – they might be entirely different to what you think. - Surrender and hand birthing over to your baby and your body – no need to overthink it! - Stay present with yourself and your baby, avoid unnecessary conversation. - Do whatever you want to be at ease. - Ask those present to be as quiet as possible. - Create dark sacred space if you can – our bodies prefer dark, warm, quiet spaces to give birth. ### How to Have a Lotus Birth URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/how-to-have-a-lotus-birth/ Last updated: 2024-03-28T15:16:40.000Z ## **Emily Prentice** tells the story of her son, Wolfy’s, lotus birth and shares the 4 steps towards having a lotus birth ## Before my first son was born I did a lot of research on gentle parenting and the non severance practice of lotus birth. This is where the umbilical cord and placenta remain attached to the baby postpartum, enabling the baby to stay with their \`twin’ until they see fit to separate. A gentle transition between being in the womb and coming earthside, it seemed like a good idea for us. In the end we decided to delay cord clamping. We waited until the umbilicus had ceased to pulsate, therefore allowing our baby to receive all of his blood and oxytocin. However, seven months later, I was blessed to be carrying another son and this time I knew that I wanted this child to be lotus born. Whilst pregnant I read about the positives of this peaceful practice; increased foetal blood volume, lower rates of anaemia, little to no loss of birth weight and a peacefully alert baby. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Would You Eat Your Placenta? URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/would-you-eat-your-placenta/ Last updated: 2024-05-09T11:00:52.000Z ## **Donna Taylor** explores how this neglected organ carries on giving after birth. In many parts of the world, women have been honouring (and eating) their placenta for centuries ## The placenta is an amazing organ that grows along with new life inside a mother’s womb, providing nourishment, protection and oxygen for the baby as he develops ready to meet the outside world. In recent years there has been a growing awareness of how the placenta can support a new mother through her postnatal recovery and more women are deciding to consume this iron rich organ. ### **Main benefits** Women in the public eye like Mayim Bialik, January Jones and Alicia Silverstone are speaking out about the benefits of preserving their placenta following the birth of their children. The main benefits are replenishing depleted iron levels, boosting energy levels, the reduction in postnatal bleeding, an increase in milk production and a reduced risk of postnatal depression. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Making Space for Music Appreciation in Your Family Life URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/making-space-for-music-appreciation-in-your-family-life/ Last updated: 2024-05-11T12:27:40.000Z ## Music has been a part of my life for as far back as I can remember says **Erin Austen Abbott**. Here she shares her tips for making music appreciation a regular part of your family's life ## As a child, I would listen to Marlo Thomas and Friends’ Free to Be You and Me on vinyl, flipping the record over and over and over. That record introduced the idea that girls can do anything boys can do and without missing a beat, boys can also do anything girls can do. It was gender equality and comfort through songs and poetry. When I earnt a little allowance, I’d walk to the nearby store and buy a few 45s. My mum would take me to music and dance events all the time. We saw B.B. King, a traveling performance by a Chinese opera troupe, a Bollywood dance with a live band, The Nutcracker ballet, and more. I’m so grateful that my mum exposed me to such a wide range of music, and I’ve continued the same tradition with my own son. You don’t have to have musical abilities to enjoy and participate in music with your child. No matter how you introduce music to children, whether taking them to see live music performances, tuning into the radio, or just having an impromptu dance party in your living room, music is vital to their young lives. Aside from the fun that music brings, it’s a great tool to help children memorise ideas and facts and also work the brain, which makes the brain stronger. Music is also a wonderful tool to help children wind down and relax. Here, we’ll discuss easy ways you can listen to and play music with your child. ## Sign up for The Green Parent Bringing more joy and connection to your family life Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### **MUSIC EVERY DAY** When my son was a baby, we kept a basket of musical instruments—some bought, some homemade—in our living room that he could crawl over to and play with. My husband and I would be in his makeshift backup band, playing with him and helping him foster a sense of rhythm and melody. Eventually, he could connect which instruments made which sound, and how they played or didn’t play together. This cause-and-effect approach helped him develop his ear for sounds. - There are lots of fun ways to incorporate music into your child’s everyday life. - Set up a musical basket, box, or corner in your home and fill it with small instruments. Let your child select an instrument to play. - Listen to music whenever you can. Mix it up with jazz, rock, classical, folk, pop, and other genres. - Put on fun, upbeat music while you’re cleaning the house as a family. - When you’re cooking an international meal, put on music from that country. - Plan a family dance party, and let your child make the playlist. - Listen to calming music during bath time and before bed. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/05/iStock-1207723517.jpg) With so many varieties of instruments and genres of music available, it can be a lot to explore ### **APPRECIATING INTERNATIONAL MUSIC** As you enjoy music with your child, be sure to include songs from around the world. Listening to international music and studying the instruments that are played in different countries is a wonderful way to explore the world from home. Local libraries often have CDs catalogued by country of origin, and music streaming services provide plenty of options for listening to international music. With so many varieties of instruments and genres of music available, it can be a lot to explore. Take it slow, and find small, teachable moments as you’re listening to and enjoying music together. For example, as you discuss the different instruments from around the world, I recommend going online to find video clips or songs that highlight individual instrument sounds. If you hear a sitar, for instance, use it as a chance to watch a short video on how the sitar is played. Or if you’re listening to music that involves a lot of drums, find a video or an audio track that demonstrates different drum sounds. ### **MAKE IT FUN** Annie Hart is a member of the band Au Revoir Simone. She lives in Brooklyn, New York, with her husband Doug and their two children. “One thing we do to cultivate a love for music is make ‘jingles’ for things we need to do around the house. It is a really good distraction trick that works great to get your little one focused on the task at hand, while also fostering a love for music and composition. This trick works in a million ways and not only gets your children to follow your simple requests, but also helps you not lose your mind when they flip out about putting their shoes on the right feet. The best part is when you see it help their music skills and they make up their own adorable songs. This activity helps your child describe what is happening in the world around them and incorporate melody and meter to make songs of their own.” You don’t have to go far to find opportunities to teach your children about the beauty of different cultures of the world. Start now with the building blocks to creating a learning environment for raising a curious and confident kid. ## HOMEMADE INSTRUMENTS **Making instruments at home is a great way to get children excited about music. Here are some simple instruments you can make with your kids:** - Guitar: Use an empty tissue box and stretch rubber bands around the centre of the box to create the strings. - Shaker: Fill an empty container with rice. - Small drum: Use an old cookie tin, butter tub, soup can, or metal bowl flipped upside down. - Rain stick: Use a cardboard mailing tube or kitchen paper tube and seal off one end. Fill it with dried beans and rice, and then seal the other end. Stick several straightened paper clips through the tube at various spots of your choice. Place tape over the paper clips so that they don’t fall out or your child doesn’t pull them out. Flip slowly to allow the beans and rice to trickle over the paper clips, creating a rainfall sound. Speed up the flipping of the tube to create a faster “downpour.” - Tambourine: Pour beans on top of a paper plate, then place another paper plate face down on top. Staple the plates together around the edges to capture the beans inside. For an added touch, you can staple or tape small jingle bells to the outside. ## MORE INSPIRATION **READ** [**Family Field Trip**](https://amzn.to/43xF7ll?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk): Explore Art, Food, Music and Nature with Kids by Erin Austen Abbott [Field Trip – Teaching children to be travelers, not just tourists.![](https://fieldtrip-blog.com/wp-content/themes/fieldtrip/dist/images/apple-touch-icon-180x180.png)Field Trip![](https://fieldtrip-blog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/IMG_7122-750x750.jpg)](https://fieldtrip-blog.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) Follow Erin and her son’s adventures [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) ### Is Unschooling Legal and Other Questions URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/is-unschooling-legal-and-other-questions/ Last updated: 2024-03-25T23:28:19.000Z ## Unschooling mother of four, **Chaley-Ann Scott**, writes about the every day magic of learning through living and answers your most common questions about choosing not to send your kids to school. Homeschooling is a legal option for parents in many countries in the world, including the US, Australia and the UK. It is growing in popularity: in the UK alone, figures are estimated at over 50,000 and these are rising by 80 per cent per year. In some areas it’s even higher – Lancashire, for example, has seen an 829 per cent increase in home schooling since 2002\. Parents cite numerous reasons as motivations to homeschool their children, including better academic test results, poor school environment, improved character/morality development, the expense of private education, bullying, objections to what is taught in school, and a belief that school is unnecessary for learning and cannot cater for different learning styles. My own reasons for taking my children out of the school system six years ago were because our eldest daughter, Molly, was unhappy there. At the time, I wasn’t really aware of the options available to us, but I soon discovered schooling isn’t compulsory. Ensuring your child gets an education is. Although many homeschoolers, such as myself, start off following a curriculum (often referred to as ‘school-at-home’ or ‘school-in-a-box’), many end up following the unschooling philosophy. Also known as self-directed, child-led, interest-driven, and natural learning, unschooling is not a new method of homeschooling, but a flexible approach that has been practiced since before traditional schools were established. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### 5 Cool Skills Your Kids Learn at Festivals URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/5-cool-benefits-of-festivals-for-your-kids/ Last updated: 2024-05-03T18:21:21.000Z ## Each spring, a bit of unexpected sunlight penetrates my perception, initiating a sudden self-awareness of having been intangibly grumpy. I am emerging from hibernation. It’s time to book a festival! **Jennifer Bishop** reckons that taking your children to a festival can have manifold benefits. There's an assumption that festivals are all of the same ilk and that festival-goers unanimously see them as opportunities to get off their heads. This is not the full picture. Many have been there, done that and moved on. In this era of corporate festival saturation, festivals are marketed at a diverse range of people of all motivations, interests, cultures, music tastes and age groups (including children). There’s comedy, cinema, literature, theatre, alternative therapies, crafts, the arts, real ale and high-brow food as well as acts that by the nature of their own eccentricity are uncategorisable. I have been to festivals with friends and family for 20 years. It is what we do and have done every summer because we love everything about it. My daughter has been coming with us since she was a baby and taking the lead from us, she loves them too. As a parent, I believe that the opportunities for kids in terms of entertainment at festivals are infinite. As a teacher, I also see unlimited possibilities for learning and development. I reckon children can benefit from festivals in many ways but here are my top five: _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### 6 of the Best Barefoot Shoes for Kids URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/6-of-the-best-barefoot-shoes-for-kids/ Last updated: 2024-05-07T07:22:39.000Z ## Walking in barefoot shoes encourages the muscles in the foot to become stronger. For toddlers, this means that they learn to move in harmony with the way their body was designed to walk. Here are our six favourites. ### **WILDLING SHOES** Set up by husband and wife team, this German company makes all their shoes by hand. “Our shoes interfere with the foot as little as possible protecting feet from injury and weather without impacting their natural functions in any way,” says founder, Anna. This ‘Honeybee’ design is made from 100% organic twill with temperature and moisture regulating properties. Sizes start at 18 (around six months).[***wildling.shoes***](http://www.wildling.shoes/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/03/a0c6f8ba-61e0-4170-aeec-ab6cbbba058d.jpg) ### **INCH BLUE** Rhiannon Owen, mum of four, set up this shoe company 20 years ago. “I made the first pair at my kitchen table heavily pregnant and with very limited sewing skills,” she laughs. Recommended as the next best thing to bare feet, the shoes are made from soft leather and are light and flexible. Wide range of designs with elasticated ankle to ensure they stay on. Sizes start at small for birth to six months.[***inchblue.com***](http://www.inchblue.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/03/Tie_Dye_Green.jpg) ### **BE LENKA** Company co-founder, mother of three and Paralympian, Lenka Cenigova is an an avid babywearing mother and barefoot shoe wearer. The Slovakian company makes gorgeous bright barefoot shoes for adults and kids starting at size 25 (around 2.5 years). These insulated leather barefoot shoes have an ergonomic foot-shaped design, wide toe box and a flexible 6 mm sole, designed especially for kids’ growing feet.[***belenka.com***](http://www.belenka.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/03/detske-barefoot-topanky-be-lenka-jolly-aqua-green-20296-size-large-v-1.jpg) ## Sign up for The Green Parent Bringing more joy and connection to your family life Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### **TIKKI SHOES** Tikki are a fun colourful range of shoes handmade by a family company from Romania. The husband and wife team started crafting shoes shortly before their eldest child took his first steps. Soles are zero drop and range from a 2mm – 4mm in thickness, offering a true barefoot experience for little ones. These Harlequin Triangle Shoes are vegan and come with organic cotton lining. Sizes start at 18 (around six months).[***tikki.ro***](http://www.tikki.ro/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/03/vegan-shoes-harlequin-green-37092-4.jpeg) ### **POCO NIDO** Founded ten years ago in Sheffield by Catherine Lobley, footwear designer and mother of two, Poco Nido produces barefoot friendly shoes that are simple and functional. They have a hard wearing soles suitable for occasional outdoor use. The shoes come in a wide range of fun, colourful designs. We love that sizes start really small and can be used to keep the tiniest of feet cosy - sizes starts at 17 (around 3 months)*.*[***poconido.com***](http://www.poconido.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/03/1682428302.jpg) ### **HEDLEY FIELD** Alice Hedley launched her small UK based business eight years ago, handcrafting baby and toddler soft soled footwear. Each pair of shoes is handmade and personalised to order using vegetable tanned and chrome-free eco-leathers. Sizes range from around 3 months to four years. As well as these gorgeous moccasin, we love the high tops, both of which can be designed to suit you.[***hedleyfield.com***](http://www.hedleyfield.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/03/SHOPIFY_PR-1-3_1024x1024.jpg) ### An Interview with Glennie Kindred URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/an-interview-with-glennie-kindred-grandmother-of-earth/ Last updated: 2024-05-07T07:21:20.000Z ## There are moments in life when we realise just how blessed we are to be here. When the noise of everyday life quietens for a while, and our perception changes. We become aware of the ‘something else’ at work behind all our goings on. Words: **Natalie Fee** As I sit on my sofa, with the author Glennie Kindred opposite me, I feel myself enter one of these moments. Glennie’s influence on my life, although subtle, has been profound. I first came across her work when I bought myself a copy of[**Sacred Celebrations: A Sourcebook**](https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0906362482?ie=UTF8&tag=thegrepar-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=0906362482&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), the third of her twelve books. My first ever Hallow’s Eve ceremony to mark 31st October was a home-grown affair as laid out so encouragingly in her book. It was Glennie who introduced me to the importance of darkness; something which up until then I’d actively avoided at all costs. As the years passed I would turn to Glennie’s wisdom on the Celtic cross-quarters; the festivals of Samhain, Imbolc, Beltane and Lammas. It was through her sharing of experience and skills that I developed a more attuned heart to nature’s cycles – and I know many others who’ve benefited in similar ways. And now, sitting in my lounge in Somerset, with the rain pouring down, I find her presence equally engaging. Not through any ‘thing’ that she’s doing or saying, but in her simple presence of being. I was inspired to interview Glennie when I heard she was finishing her latest book,[**Elements of Change**](https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0953222764?ie=UTF8&tag=thegrepar-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=0953222764&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)’. I was keen to hear about her next offering; a deeper look into the elements and how we can use them as vehicles for positive change. But first I wanted to know more about her life; her inspirations, celebrations and artistic creations **How has being a mother inspired your journey?** Well I’ve been parenting now for 52 years, so you could say it’s been a constant source of inspiration – I’ve loved my parenting journey. Looking back I can see how important my first son’s influence was; he made me slow down. I’d moved from the city to a commune, back in the sixties, and we’d often all go out for walks. But we never kept up with them. We’d be looking at every little detail along the way – the plants, insects, hedges and herbs. Slowing down was a gift to me – and it was those walks that sparked my learning and love of herbs and plants. **So did your children grow up with a similar love? Or did they do the opposite to you and go from country to city?** I’m sure whatever you’re excited about gets transferred to your children. They love plants as much as I do, and Brian (Glennie’s partner) inspired their love of nature. It’s been a constant part of our lives! **And in the midst of child-raising, you still managed to find the time for your art and creative expressions?** I was an embroiderer and painter before the babies came along, but when they did I couldn’t keep it all up. I then had the idea of painting in black and white – so they could be photocopied! A great idea which served me really well – only now I’m delighting in the return to glorious colour! No more black and white! ## Sign up for The Green Parent Bringing more joy and connection to your family life Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. **What about your love of ceremony and nature’s cycles – how did that express itself in family life?** It was just what we did. We got good at ‘having a moment’ – things like taking time to light a candle and give blessings on the meal. ‘Let’s have a moment’ became our way of saying ‘let’s connect’. But I was also really keen to do stuff with others, especially around the Celtic festivals, so I put an ad in the local bookshop to form a celebrations group. That was where the inspiration came from for my book[**Sacred Celebrations**](https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0906362482?ie=UTF8&tag=thegrepar-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=0906362482&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk). And I think out of all of it – out of all the things you can do together in a ceremony – the simple act of forming a circle, of holding hands and thanking the elements is the most precious. And it’s so easy to get the kids involved in that. Oh, and doing some kind of craft activity. That always connects and grounds the group – and the kids love it! **How do you think your own kids benefited from having been raised with ceremony as a part of their everyday life?** It’s been part of helping them connect to the earth – so they’re very grounded people. It’s helped slow them down – or maintain their natural sense of going slow that they had as children. For example we used to (and still do!) create a shrine in the middle of the circle and light candles. It was simple but so engaging for the children. Despite having written books on it, I’m not really one for planning a ceremony! Just to ‘have a moment’ with each other. Not filling all the moments in with chatting and doing. **So what’s your advice for parents wanting to bring more of these ‘moments’ into their everyday lives?** I think it’s just that – to make space for having a moment. Go outside and find the magical places. The hidden parts of the garden, the woods and the streams. Even if you’re in the city you can always find the wild. Back-alleys can be great places for that! As for ceremonies, they can be as simple as lighting a candle and giving thanks for the elements. I like to start with earth, to bring us out of our heads and ground; to send our roots down. It doesn’t have to be a big, grand thing. I’m not one for pomp and formality! It just is – we give thanks, our hearts open in gratitude, and we’re in a different place. A more loving place! **It was a real privilege to be one of the first readers of your new book. I loved the way it increased my awareness of each of the elements – as well as my appreciation for them!** Yes! It does doesn’t it? And I really feel it’s the most important part of any ceremony – giving thanks to the elements. Because without them, we don’t exist! And as soon as we give thanks out hearts open – our generosity of spirit is such a great force. But the book isn’t just about the elements, it’s about us, in this period of change. I see the crucial part of this change is our basic perception of ourselves as inter-connected and united to the whole of life. We are the elements. No longer do I ‘call in’ the elements when I’m holding a ceremony – I recognise I am the elements! This body; this breath. We have to change our thinking from this separation to the consciousness of our unity. I’ve had to work to change my thinking. And still am! I have to notice when I’m separating myself. **How do you notice when you’ve disconnected from that awareness of yourself as part of the whole?** It’s a heart thing! Our hearts are a great organ of perception. As soon as we slow down and drop out of the brain we can feel what’s going on. We can feel our disconnection and we can feel the threads connecting us to the whole. We can look to our children to remind us how to do that; they still perceive the world through their feelings. **You talk about connecting in Elements of Change - it’s great to be reminded of how instrumental the elements are in this process!** I really felt it important to do this – to give ways of connecting with the elements within and without. In the book we look at things like the simple act of drinking a glass of water, to taking a shower, through to visiting springs and appreciating the rain! When we look at fire, as well as focusing on the fire we all know and recognise in a flame and the sun, we also take in the qualities of the fire in our projects, our direction and our choices. **What’s your favourite tip for applying this wisdom to a stressful moment?** It has to be grounding. Put your roots into the earth. Connect. Take a moment. It needn’t be more than a minute. But you need to make that conscious choice; it always comes down to making that choice. **I loved the suggestion in your book to make a set of element stones. It’s quite unlike any other form of divination I’ve come across – in that it’s very much down to the individual how one interprets them.** I got my inspiration from the old practice of ‘throwing the bones’ for the element stones. There were no rules with that other than how you interpret it. There was no-one telling you what things mean. The element stones are a follow-on from[**The Alchemist’s Journey**](https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/140190470X?ie=UTF8&tag=thegrepar-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=140190470X&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk), I wanted to continue a connection to the elements and the alchemical symbolism – going deeper with how they relate to both the inner and outer worlds. There is a little page of messages though, more for inspiration than for fixed ideas! They’re also great for busy parents. No need to do a full ‘throw’ of the whole set, you can just pick one when you need to! **I’m looking forward to making my own set! And of course to seeing your book in print. Are we to see the return of the beautiful ‘Glennie-Style’ hand-written book this time?** Yes. All written by hand, with a fountain pen this time. My calligraphy pens weren’t playing ball this time so I decided to do it all with my favourite fountain pen. And it’s all printed locally. Very much a home-grown publication. In fact that seems to be the theme for this time of my life. I’m doing things closer to home, only working within a 50 mile radius and getting involved in my local Transition Town group. And of course there’s my other baby, the Earth Pathways Diary. I love it so much! It really is for us; for anyone who loves nature, spirit and creativity. I suppose it’s just another way to inspire ‘taking a moment’ in daily life. And inspire magical moments she does. I’ve not told Glennie this yet, but during our conversation I noticed a particularly magical moment unfolding. I don’t remember at what point in our conversation this occurred, only that it was a moment I’ll not forget. As I sat taking notes, nodding enthusiastically and trying to remember to ask ‘good’ questions, my perception shifted. For a moment. For a moment I saw something other than the everyday scene of two women sat chatting in the lounge over a cup of tea. Glennie seemed to transform into an embodiment of nature; her eyes were sparking like firecrackers, her hair took on a leafy, twiggy form. She was no longer Glennie, but a spirit of nature, expressing her love and wisdom through a divinely human body. I gently put my pen down, not wanting to stop Glennie’s flow by interrupting her, nor did I feel the need to keep writing. Instead I did what she had been talking about; I took a moment. I bowed my head, and gave thanks to this beautiful spirit. ## **MORE INSPIRATION** **DISCOVER** [**glenniekindred.co.uk**](http://www.glenniekindred.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **READ** All of Glennie's books! [**The Alchemist’s Journey:**](https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/140190470X?ie=UTF8&tag=thegrepar-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=140190470X&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)Tapping into Natural Forces for Transformation and Change [**Herbal Healers:**](https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1904263011?ie=UTF8&tag=thegrepar-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=1904263011&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)Ancient Wizdom [**Sacred Celebrations:**](https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0906362482?ie=UTF8&tag=thegrepar-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=0906362482&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)A Sourcebook [**The Tree Ogham**](https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0953222721?ie=UTF8&tag=thegrepar-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=0953222721&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) [**Earth Wisdom:**](https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1401904696?ie=UTF8&tag=thegrepar-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=1401904696&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)A Heartwarming Mixture of the Spiritual, the Practical, and the Proactive [**Creating Ceremony**](https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0953222748?ie=UTF8&tag=thegrepar-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=0953222748&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) [**The Earth’s Cycle of Celebration**](https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/095322273X?ie=UTF8&tag=thegrepar-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=095322273X&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) [**Sacred Tree**](https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0953222756?ie=UTF8&tag=thegrepar-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=0953222756&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) [**A Hedgerow Cookbook**](https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1904263038?ie=UTF8&tag=thegrepar-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=1904263038&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) [**Elements of Change**](https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0953222764?ie=UTF8&tag=thegrepar-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=0953222764https://thegreenparent.co.uk/assets/uploads/main/Alc-J-Phoenix.jpg&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### What to do When You're Exhausted as a New Mum URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/what-to-do-when-youre-exhausted-as-a-new-mum/ Last updated: 2024-05-09T10:53:34.000Z ## The thyroid gland is a beautiful, butterfly-shaped organ that sits at the base of the neck. It plays a vital role in the body which can affect every single organ system. Thyroid hormones affect our mood, metabolism, energy levels, menstrual cycle, fertility, gut function, and even our skin says **Fleur Bailey** ## Thyroid disease is a condition that results when the thyroid produces more or less hormone than the body needs. Postpartum thyroiditis is described as temporary inflammation of the thyroid which can affect up to 10% of women in the year following birth. This condition is thought to be autoimmune in nature, where antibodies mistakenly attack thyroid tissue. Many women who suffer with thyroid issues are actually undiagnosed, particularly during the postnatal period. Normal life with a new baby can bring some fatigue, anxiety and hair loss, so it can be easy to miss something more serious that brings similar symptoms. Also, postnatal thyroiditis usually doesn’t present with symptoms until after the routine sixweek check, so GP’s are often unaware. Postpartum thyroiditis is common in women, largely because pregnancy serves as a stress test for the thyroid. During pregnancy, the thyroid must secrete 50% more hormone and if a woman has decreased thyroid reserve prior to conception (usually due to an underlying thyroid condition), this strain can prove too much. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Where to go in Leeds with Kids URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/where-to-go-in-leeds-with-kids/ Last updated: 2024-05-03T18:15:42.000Z ## Vibrant, innovative and packed with passionate communities, Leeds is a city with heart. Visit for amazing museums, stay for the thriving arts centres, skateparks with a space for everyone, and pioneering vegan eateries ### TREASURE TROVES **Leeds City Museum** Welcoming, warm and alive, this palace of treasures tells the story of the city. Get close to prehistoric beasts, rainbow feathered birds and a huge Moa skeleton, discover the close connections the area has with Asia and find out about people’s lives in the city today. The venue hosts a strong programme of family events, from kids crafting sessions to community choirs and theatre performances. museumsandgalleries. [leeds.gov.uk](https://museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk/leeds-city-museum/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **Thackray Medical Museum** Take a trip through the heroic, pioneering and sometimes gruesome history of medicine. Wander up the grimy streets of Victorian Leeds, peep through your fingers at events in a 19th-century operating theatre and visit a seventies style sexual health clinic. The kids’ play area is particularly fun; explore your five senses, then crawl through a digestive system and find your way out down a poo slide! [thackraymuseum.co.uk](https://thackraymuseum.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### 10 of the Best Beaches in North East England URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/10-of-the-best-beaches-in-north-east-england/ Last updated: 2024-05-07T07:20:51.000Z ## Miles of pristine, dune-fringed beaches and secluded coves hug the Northumberland coastline yet many are deserted says **Sarah Banks**. Some of the hidden beaches require a longer walk-in, like those on Holy Island, which only adds to the pleasure in discovering them. ## Yorkshire’s sandy beaches are interspersed with charming fishing villages that cling to the rugged cliffs. Between these you will find coves, many only accessible by a steep clamber down or with the help of a rope, such as Port Mulgrave. On Durham’s Heritage Coast the secluded cove of Hawthorn Hive is reached through an ancient wooded dene. One of the most enjoyable ways of discovering these beaches is by walking the coastal paths. You will be rewarded with spectacular coastal scenery and the chance to spot seals, dolphins and porpoises; you can also scramble down to your own secret cove. Check tide times before heading out as some beaches are best accessed, or are only accessible, during low tide. And remember – these beaches do not have lifeguards, so take care with rip currents and rocks. ## Sign up for The Green Parent Bringing more joy and connection to your family life Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### **TEES VALLEY & COAST** **CATTERSTY SANDS** \- Wide, unspoilt golden expanse of sand and little-known bay, sheltered behind high cliffs and grassy dunes. One of the most beautiful beaches along this coastline, cherished by locals. **DIRECTIONS** From Staithes follow the A174 for 5 miles, then turn R onto Mill Lane to Skinningrove. Find parking in village. Beach is straight ahead. Cleveland Ironstone Mining Museum is here with haunted tunnel tours. Beach is on far side of jetty. 5 mins **PORT MULGRAVE** \- Fascinating small sand and rock beach with an end-of-time atmosphere. This once thriving port was used for shipping ironstone to Jarrow on Tyneside. Rustic beach shacks built by local fishermen sit under precarious cliffs, and the remains of its industrial past are scattered among the rocks. **DIRECTIONS** Turn R off the A174 in Hinderwell, signed ‘Port Mulgrave’. Parking at end of road on cliff (TS13 5LH) after 1 mile. Very steep and tricky descent via a rope. Sandiest at N end near old pier. 10 mins ![CATTERSTY SANDS](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/04/Cattersty-Sands-21.jpg) ****CATTERSTY SANDS** ### **HOLDERNESS & SPURN HEAD** **MAPPLETON SANDS** \- A lovely stretch of sand and shingle beach between two granite rock breakwaters, tucked away in a cute, timeless village with a small café for refreshments. **DIRECTIONS** Follow the B1242 from Hornsea for 2½ miles to Mappleton. Take L onto Cliff Ln to car parking at end on R. 3 min ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/04/Mappleton-Sands-21.jpg) ****MAPPLETON SANDS** ### **FLAMBOROUGH & EAST WOLDS** **THORNWICK BAY, FLAMBOROUGH** \- Shingle and pebble cove beneath magnificent chalk cliffs with smugglers’ caves to explore by kayak or paddleboard. At LT, walk round to Little Thornwick Bay to find a spectacular natural amphitheatre and ‘rapids’ to swim through. Plenty of rock pools. Thornwick Bay Café serves basic snacks. Open summer, Mon – Fri 10.30am – 6pm; spring/autumn, Mon – Fri 11am – 5pm. Every weekend 10am – 6pm, except winter. **DIRECTIONS** From Flamborough village, follow the B1255 on North Marine Road. After ½ mile take L, signposted ‘Thornwick Bay’. Pass parking kiosk (£1.50 all day). Continue 300m to clifftop parking. If you plan on staying late, move car outside barrier before 6pm. 2 min ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/04/Thornwick-Bay-2-2-21.jpg) ****THORNWICK BAY, FLAMBOROUGH** ### **ALNWICK & EMBLETON BAY** **SUGAR SANDS** \- Sheltered and secluded sandy beach, one of several pretty coves along this stretch of the coast. **DIRECTIONS** From Longhoughton, turn R opp church and continue for ½ mile to Low Stead Farm. Continue through farm to car park; honesty box for parking. If closed there is a small parking area in front of gate. Alternatively, park at Boulmer beach car park and walk N on coastal path for 600m. Alternatively, access via coastal path S of Howick. 5 mins ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/04/Sugar-Sands-0041.jpg) ****SUGAR SANDS** **RUMBLING KERN** \- Hidden sandy cove and thrilling coasteering spot with leaps and jumps from a series of vertical sandstone walls, as well as stacks and caves to swim through. Fascinating geological features. **DIRECTIONS** From the Alnwick bypass (A1) take the B1340 turn-off at Denwick and follow signs to Longhoughton. At Longhoughton follow the B1339 N and after 1 mile turn R towards Howick to parking at Sea Houses Farm, where the road turns sharp L along the coast. Follow farm track just N of the farm to the cove. 5 mins ### **DURHAM & COAST** **HAWTHORN HIVE** \- A remote sand and shingle bay at the end of a steep-sided coastal dene reached via paths through ancient woodland and hay meadows. Care with kids as beach shelves quickly. **DIRECTIONS** Head S from Seaham on the B1432 and turn L signed ‘Hawthorn’. Continue to road end and parking by bungalow. Go through metal gate signed ‘Hawthorn Dene’, following track above dene. At end of track turn R through meadows then L, crossing railway track to steps down to beach. 30 mins ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/04/Hawthorn-Hive-Beach-411.jpg) ****HAWTHORN HIVE** ### **NORTHERN BORDERS** **CHESWICK SANDS** \- A magnificent dunebacked sandy beach that stretches for miles with views towards Berwick to the north and a perfect vista of Holy Island to the south. **DIRECTIONS** Heading N on A1, after Haggerston, take a R signposted for Cheswick and continue for about ½ mile. Take R after sharp bend then take next L. Continue through village and over railway bridge to parking area on L and beach. 2 mins ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/04/Cheswick-Sands-21.jpg) ****CHESWICK SANDS** **ROSS BACK SANDS** \- A spectacular, remote sandy beach and dunes, with Lindisfarne Castle at one end and Bamburgh at the other. Often deserted, this is a contender for Northumberland’s most wild and beautiful beach. **DIRECTIONS** Heading N on A1, turn R after Belford, signed ‘Warren Mill’. Turn L at T-junction, signed ‘Easington’, then R, signed ‘Ross’, and park on verge before Ross Farm (NE70 7EN S/c cottages). Continue a mile on foot along lane and through dunes. Budle Bay sands and nature reserve are a mile to the south. 20 mins ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/04/Coves-Haven-51.jpg) ****COVES HAVEN** **COVES HAVEN** \- Situated at the far north of Holy Island, this beautiful, remote sandy beach is backed by high dunes, with cliffs at the eastern end. On our visit we spotted deer scampering through the dunes. Rock pools at LT. Often overlooked by visitors. **DIRECTIONS** Heading N on A1, turn R, signposted ‘Holy Island’, and continue 3 miles across tidal causeway to main car park before village. Turn L and L again out of parking, following unsigned lane to farm buildings then farm track N, keeping straight for 1 mile. At field end, head N onto dunes to Coves Haven. 30 mins ***Sarah is an author, photographer and journalist, living in Ryedale, North Yorkshire*** ## **More Inspiration** **READ** [**Wild Guide to North East England**](https://amzn.to/3IOo0BW?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) by Wild Things Publishing ### 3 Rewilding Tips for Your Family URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/featured/3-rewilding-tips-for-your-family/ Last updated: 2024-05-09T10:52:21.000Z ## How one family turned their dreams of a ‘nature-inspired education’ into a huge foraging library for everyone shares **Lucy Corkhill** Inspired by their kids to have a go at making YouTube videos, Dane and Stella De Luca Mulandiee started recording their foraging knowledge and sharing it on the platform during the quiet months of 2020\. Home is Where Our Heart Is was born – a celebration of nature’s bounty, being outside, and sharing time together. With no prior filming experience, it started as a fun project for the home-educating family of six, with children, Maddox, 11; Maddie, 9; Bjorn, 6, and Bruce, now 2, taking an active role in foraging, filming and feasting. Little did the family know that within two years their following would have grown from zero to nearly 35,000, with viewers around the world tuning in to discover how to make everything from lilac cordial and stinging nettle cake to horse chestnut soap and daisy balm. Reading through the comments on their videos, it’s clear this gentle team have won hearts because of their warm approach, vast knowledge, and focus on savouring life’s joys. Having recorded more than 100 videos to date, Dane and Stella also dedicated nearly two years to writing and editing a foraging bible, Knowledge to Forage. At over 400 large pages, it’s packed to the hilt with their own clear identifying photographs, foraging myths, lore and legend, and loads of practical recipes and advice. Since self-publishing it online in August 2022, over 5,000 copies have been sold, making it an Amazon Number 1 in Botany & Plant Sciences and – at the time of going to print – an incredible 5th on the online giant’s top 100 bestselling books. The book’s runaway success piqued the interest of some of the UK’s biggest publishing houses and after a whirlwind few weeks of meetings and negotiations for taking Home Is Where the Heart Is to the next level, we caught up with Dane and Stella to find out more. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Recipes: 4 Badass Vegan Treats URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/recipes-4-badass-vegan-treats/ Last updated: 2024-05-07T07:20:14.000Z ## Something special happens when you blend good, fresh plant foods with great flavours – you actually begin craving these dishes day after day, not only for how they taste but also for how they make you feel says **Leah Vanderveldt** Plant-based comfort food is all about combining healthful ingredients in ways that make you feel all warm and fuzzy on both a physical and mental level. Using robust flavours, varying textures and being generous with ingredients are some of the key secrets to creating meals that are the perfect combination of satisfying and nourishing. It makes me feel like I’m taking care of myself in a very tangible way – feeling well-fed and content is what I strive for in life, and this style of cooking is how I get there. ### HERE ARE A FEW THINGS THAT I DON’T DO! **1 Count calories** I don’t count calories. Personally, I don’t think it’s a sustainable or joyful way to live. I think focusing on eating to feel satisfied and at peace with what’s on your plate is far more beneficial. **2 Label things** ‘Guilt-free food’ Guilt-free implies there should be guilt present in our relationship to food, an ethos which I strongly disagree with. I don’t believe in associating ‘good’ or ‘bad’ connotations with food. **3 Ban foods (or diet)** Whilst I encourage use of whole, unprocessed foods the majority of the time, the truth is that all food has a place in our lives. Sure, some foods are more nutrient- dense than others, but I’m careful to say that those are not always the best ones for us. As with anything, healthy eating can be taken too far. Stressing about eating the ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ thing doesn’t feel good. Food is at the heart of our everyday lives and deserves to be fully embraced. ## Sign up for The Green Parent Bringing more joy and connection to your family life Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### AND HERE ARE A FEW THINGS I SAY A BIG YES TO: **1 Plant-based whole foods** It’s pretty clear that vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts and whole grains are good for our health and sustained well-being. If we can base the majority of our meals around nourishing, nutrient-dense plants, we’re likely to reap all kinds of benefits that improve the quality of our lives – like better digestion, more energy and clear headedness. **2 Seasoning and citrus** Seasoning is the key to making vegetables and plant-based foods taste good. If you’re cooking your own food from scratch rather than eating processed foods, you can afford to use a little more salt. I urge you to season to taste. If something tastes a little meh, try adding a pinch more salt or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to it. Chances are, it’s one of those two things that can really make a dish shine. **3 Finding your feel-good point** I guess this could also be classified as self- care, but self-care can sound like a vague chore that may or may not involve taking a bath. Finding your feelgood point is about tuning in to what makes you feel energized, satiated and happy, and doing more of that. Comfort should be about what makes you feel cared for and peaceful. This means taking the time to create meals with fresh ingredients that are both substantial and, most importantly, delicious. At the end of the day, cooking and eating should be about making you feel your best. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/03/028-RPS1919_soccamushroom-copy.jpg) Vital Vegan: Chickpea Socca Pancakes with Mushrooms and Thyme ## **Chickpea Socca Pancakes with Mushrooms & Thyme** ### Socca are crispy-edged Mediterranean pancakes made with chickpea (gram) flour. They are perfect for topping with savoury or sweet ingredients. Slightly thicker than crepes, socca have a nutty-sweet flavour and a high protein content which makes them more of a wholesome, filling meal. They can be eaten for a fancy-ish breakfast or a laid-back dinner with a big green salad on the side. In this recipe, I pair the socca with earthy mushrooms, but you can play around with whatever fillings you’d like. I also like these with roasted tomatoes, or coconut yogurt and sliced fruit. • 125 g chickpea flour • ½ teaspoon salt • Olive oil, for frying For the mushrooms • 1 tablespoon olive oil • 5 sprigs of fresh thyme, leaves removed from the stems • 225 g cremini mushrooms, sliced • 1 garlic clove, finely minced or grated • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 1 Put the chickpea flour, salt and 295 ml water into a large bowl and mix together with a whisk or a fork until well combined into a smooth batter. Leave to stand at room temperature for at least 10 minutes. 2 Meanwhile, heat a thin layer of oil in a large frying pan over a high heat. Add the thyme leaves and mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2–3 minutes until the mushrooms soften and are slightly golden. Reduce the heat to medium, then add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Keep the mushrooms warm in a low oven or in a covered dish while you cook the pancakes. 3 Heat the olive oil in another small frying pan over a medium heat. Add approximately 60–75 ml of the socca batter to the warm pan. Swirl it around so that it covers the base of the pan. Fry for about 2–3 minutes, until the batter begins to form bubbles. Flip the pancake with a spatula and cook for another 1–2 minutes on the other side. 4 Repeat with the remaining batter. This should make you about 4 small socca pancakes in total. Serve with the mushrooms and any additional toppings you like. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/03/RPS1919_piadina-1.jpg) Vital Vegan: Piadinas are an Italian version of a quesadilla ## **Piadinas** ### Piadinas are basically an Italian version of a quesadilla – toasted tortillas folded and filled with modest amounts of flavourful ingredients. I was first introduced to them when I was living in Bondi Beach in Sydney. There’s a tiny little spot (called La Piadina) a couple of streets away from the ocean that serves up freshly made piadina with top quality Italian goodies. Here’s my own plant-centric version. **For the butternut & fennel filling** • 1 fennel bulb, sliced lengthwise into thin 1.5-cm pieces • 250 g diced butternut squash • Salt, to taste • Caramelized onions **For the white bean & balsamic filling** • 120 ml balsamic vinegar • 250 g canned white beans, drained and rinsed • 1 teaspoon freshly chopped rosemary • 2 teaspoons olive oil • Roasted tomatoes with garlic • 1–2 handfuls of baby rocket/arugula **For The Piadinas** • 8 spelt or whole-wheat wraps or tortillas • A baking tray, oiled 1 Preheat the oven to 200°C. 2 Arrange the fennel slices on the prepared baking tray and roast in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through. 3 Meanwhile, steam or boil the butternut squash cubes for about 8–10 minutes until tender. Drain, if needed, and season with salt. Set aside. 4 Put the balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan over a medium heat. Simmer for about 5 minutes until reduced by half and syrupy. Set aside until needed. 5 Place the white beans and rosemary in a medium saucepan with 60 ml of water. Season with salt and cook over a medium heat, stirring, for about 5 minutes. While you’re stirring, lightly mash the white beans with a fork, adding a little more water if the mixture gets too dry. Remove from the heat when the water has thickened and continue to mash with a fork until most of the beans are broken apart. Stir in the olive oil and add extra salt to taste, if needed. 6 When you have finished preparing one or both of your fillings, heat a cast iron pan or griddle pan over a medium heat. Place a wrap on the dry pan for about 2 minutes until starting to brown. Flip the wrap over. 7 Add your chosen filling on one half of the wrap, but don’t overstuff. The butternut squash should be slightly mashed down on the wrap with a fork to make sure it stays put. Top the butternut with the roasted fennel and some caramelized onions. 8 For the white bean and balsamic filling, spread a couple of heaped spoonfuls of beans onto one half of the wrap, top with roasted tomatoes, rocket/arugula and a little syrupy balsamic. 9 Fold the other half of the wrap over to create a semi-circle with the filling inside. Flip to make sure the wrap is golden brown and slightly crispy on both sides. Slice in half and serve warm. Repeat with the remaining wraps and fillings. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/03/142_RPS1919_sweetpotatochips-copy.jpg) Vital Vegan: Sweet potato wedges served with coconut yoghurt for prebiotic hit! ## **Sweet potato wedges with garlic yogurt sauce** ### A step up from fries or crisps/chips, wedges have a bit more heft to them, often have more seasoning, and actually resemble a potato with a bit of skin still visible. Coconut yogurt made savoury with a little salt, garlic and olive oil is the perfect dip. It’s similar to sour cream, but you get a good probiotic and protein bump from the yogurt. • 2 sweet potatoes, scrubbed clean and cut lengthwise into 2.5-cm wedges • 1 tablespoon olive oil • 1 tablespoon Cajun spice blend • 1 tablespoon polenta (optional) • Salt, to taste 1 Preheat the oven to 220°C. 2 In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato wedges with the oil to evenly coat. Sprinkle with your chosen spice blend and the polenta. Season with salt to taste and toss again to coat the potatoes well. 3 Lay out the wedges on two baking trays, leaving at least 2.5 cm in between each piece. If you only have one tray, do it in two batches. 4 Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and flip the sweet potatoes over. Bake for another 10–15 minutes. The wedges should be golden, a little crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. 5 Serve the sweet potato wedges warm with garlic yogurt dip and hot sauce or sweet chilli sauce, if desired. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/03/164_RPS1919_chocloaf-copy--1-.jpg) Vital Vegan: Chocolate Banana Bread - free from refined sugar and dairy ## **Chocolate banana bread** ### Until I met my husband, banana flavoured anything just wasn’t my thing. Somehow his love of a banana chocolate pairing rubbed off on me, and I find myself in the mood for this banana bread all the time. You can definitely eat this for breakfast – it’s free of refined sugar and dairy and high in fibre – and a little scattering of chocolate never ruined anyone’s morning! It’s great with some peanut or almond butter spread on a slice, too. - 130 g whole-wheat flour - 100 g almond flour - 50 g oat flour (or 70 g oats, finely ground) - 3 teaspoons baking powder - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg - ½ teaspoon salt - 3 large bananas (overripe is best) - 90 ml melted coconut oil, plus extra for greasing - 60 ml almond milk - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 60 ml maple syrup - 80 g 70% dark chocolate chips or roughly chopped chocolate - 30 g pecans or walnuts - Nut butter or vanilla ice cream, to serve (optional) - 12 x 23-cm/9 x 5-inch loaf pan, greased with coconut oil 1 Preheat the oven to 180°C. 2 Mix together the dry ingredients (flours, baking powder, spices and salt) in a medium bowl. 3 Mash the bananas in another bowl, then add the melted coconut oil, almond milk, vanilla and maple syrup and mix everything together using a rubber spatula. 4 Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the banana mixture until everything is well combined. Fold in the chocolate chips. 5 Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and sprinkle the top with the pecans or walnuts. Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes, rotating halfway through the cooking time. 6 Remove from the oven and leave to cool to room temperature in the pan before turning out. Serve toasted with nut butter for breakfast, or warm with vanilla ice cream for dessert. --- ## **MORE INSPIRATION** **READ** [**The Vital Vegan**](https://amzn.to/3x5eXtW?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk): More than 100 vibrant plant-based recipes to energise and nourish by Leah Vanderveldt **PHOTOGRAPHY:** Clare Winfield ### The Art of No-Dig Gardening URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/the-art-of-no-dig-gardening/ Last updated: 2024-05-03T18:07:50.000Z ## **Charles Dowding** is a horticulturalist, teacher and prolific author, and the champion of the ‘no-dig’ gardening technique, a method that involves – duh – no digging! Charles’ methods work with nature using compost and mulching to create healthy soil. Because healthy soil makes healthy plants, makes healthy humans! **How did your no-dig method evolve?** “I wanted to grow healthy foods. I started organic gardening in 1982, but realised that was only the first step. It was a gut feeling, that there was a connection between soil, plants, animals and people. It led me to think about what was in the soil, what life; at the time nobody was talking about it. But it’s only recently I’ve started talking about it and presenting it to the world.” **What led you to present it to the world?** “I wrote my first book for Green Books, and when the commissioning editor visited and looked round my garden in 2006 they said, ‘Wow! You’ve got to write a book about this for us’. That’s when it caught the public’s eye." _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### How We Live: Flower Farm URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/how-we-live-flower-farm/ Last updated: 2024-05-09T10:50:22.000Z ## **Dee Sangan** lives in Guernsey with her partner **Jacques**, toddler son and **Sid**, the toothless rescue cat. Together, the family run Jamblin Flower Farm "We live on the North coast of Guernsey, a Channel Island off the coast of France. The island is around 24 square miles, our weather is mild but we can really take a battering from the wind! In summer we get to enjoy the beaches, beautiful cliff paths and other islands within our bailiwick and in the winter we pretty much do the same, just with more clothes on! Our old stone built cottage dates back to the 1800s, and we have been restoring it ourselves. Our friends and family thought we were mad to take it on, but we’ve loved bringing it back to life and learning new skills. It’s taken two years to get habitable, but from the excitement of chipping off plaster and revealing original features, to re-roofing it ourselves, it has been endless fun. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/03/IMG_20220629_132046194_HDR-copy-Edit.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/03/IMG_20210514_161841754_PORTRAIT-Edit.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/03/IMG_20210703_185419786_HDR-Edit.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/03/IMG_20220813_070501238.png) _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### How to Get Grounded: 3 Steps to a Sense of Rootedness URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/how-to-get-grounded-3-steps-to-a-sense-of-rootedness/ Last updated: 2024-05-11T12:21:39.000Z ## How can we expect to thrive as women in a world where our basic needs aren’t even met? It’s time to go back to the foundation… and lay down new roots. Words: **Emine Kali Rushton** Returning home after a few days away, I complete my usual survey of the cottage. Once the kids have been kissed and held, their experiences poured out into my lap like marbles, I check in on our plants. Most are happy and blooming, except for Baby Spidey. It’s a descendant of our very first mama spider plant, saved from the clearance corner more than 10 years ago. Though Baby Spidey had taken quickly – growing rapidly, in her favourite half-sun-half-shade spot – I’d mistakenly assumed that her verdant leaves meant all was well, until I lifted the pot and saw that she was completely root-bound. In the space of just a week, those lush striped fronds were wilting – she’d reached a point where no amount of food, water or light could replenish her, because wellbeing her root system had outgrown its container. Cutting the pot away, freeing her roots as gently as I could, I packed new earth into a much larger pot, made a small well and placed her within it. As I watered her in, tears fell. ### **Root-bound** How many of us, I wonder, feel root-bound at times? On paper, we’re getting the (bare) essentials: sleep, water, food, but our capacity for true growth – to FLOURISH – is hindered. By the walls and burdens and obstacles and barriers that prevent us from spreading our wings and flying free. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### The Principles of Unschooling URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/the-principles-of-unschooling/ Last updated: 2025-02-15T09:58:54.000Z ## Unschooling is both easy and difficult to describe. The easy answer is that unschooling means "not schooling," but it is a lot harder to explain what we do instead of schooling says **Pam Sorooshian**. Unschooling means not depending on the usual school methods. It means no lesson plans, no curriculum, no assignments, no quizzes or tests, no required memorising, and no grades. It means that the parent does not become the child's schoolteacher - it means not creating a miniature classroom in the home. Instead, unschoolers focus on living a rich and stimulating life together. Seriously, that's it. We do not "school"; instead, we concentrate on living a life filled with opportunities and possibilities and experiences. Children are born learners. Literally. What unschoolers aim for is keeping that love of learning and intense curiosity alive as the children grow up. ### **Following interests** How do we do this? In practice, it is going to look very different for each unschooling family. "We follow our interests," is the unschoolers' anthem. Each family's interests will lead to all kinds of learning - history, maths, writing, music, reading, science, and all the other real-life subject matter that is valuable and interesting. But we won't think of them as "subjects." We'll just think of them as interesting and fun and fascinating and something we want to pursue further or not. One thing will lead to another and life goes on and kids learn and parents learn and life is full of opportunity everywhere we look. It is natural for people to learn - each in their own way. It is natural for children to want to understand the world around them. They also want to join the adult world and become competent and capable adults themselves. They'll strive for this in their own natural ways. ### **An environment that supports learning** Unschooling parents work on creating a home environment that supports their children's natural desire to learn and grow. Each child is unique and experiences the world in a different way than any other person and expresses himself in ways that are different from every other person. There is no curriculum in the world that is designed specifically and dynamically for any particular child, but an unschooling lifestyle can, in effect, provide a 100-percent individualized learning experience. Unschoolers aren't likely to learn exactly what the professional educators and textbook publishers think they should - so, in that sense, they may have "gaps" in their learning. But they'll learn so much more, too, that is not included in those lists of "learning standards." What is important for one person to learn is not necessarily important for another. We don't really have any way of predicting what will be important to know in the future. We do know that learning that is forced or pressured is not lasting. Most of what kids are "taught" is not truly "learned" in any kind of lasting way. Unschoolers also have in mind a lifelong timeline for learning. We don't worry about whether a child is at "grade level" because we know that children are learning something all the time and that they will eventually learn whatever they need to know for whatever reasons they have. We don't worry that they'll miss something important because, if it is important, they'll realize that and find a way to learn it. A true unschooling slogan is, "Life is learning, learning is life." Unschoolers simply do not think there are times for learning and times for not learning. They don't divide life into school time or lesson time versus play time or recreation time. There is no such thing as "extracurricular" to an unschooler - all of life, every minute of every day, counts as learning time and there is no separate time set aside for "education". --- ![Photograph of a family gathered around a table planning together with notebooks and pens](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/03/GettyImages-1296538253.jpg) Learning does not require coercion ### **PRINCIPLES OF UNSCHOOLING** **1\. Learning happens all the time.** The brain never stops working and it is not possible to divide time up into "learning periods" versus "non-learning periods." Everything that goes on around a person, everything they hear, see, touch, smell, and taste, results in learning of some kind. **2\. Learning does not require coercion.** In fact, learning cannot really be forced against someone's will. Coercion feels bad and creates resistance. **3\. Learning feels good.** It is satisfying and intrinsically rewarding. Irrelevant rewards can have unintended side effects that do not support learning. **4\. Learning stops when a person is confused.** All learning must build on what is already known. **5\. Learning becomes difficult when a person is convinced that learning is difficult.** Unfortunately, most teaching methods assume learning is difficult and that lesson is the one that is really "taught" to the students. **6\. Learning must be meaningful.** When a person doesn't see the point, when they don't know how the information relates or is useful in "the real world," then the learning is superficial and temporary - not "real" learning. **7\. Learning is often incidental.** This means that we learn while engaged in activities that we enjoy for their own sakes and the learning happens as a sort of "side benefit." **8\. Learning is often a social activity, not something that happens in isolation from others.** We learn from other people who have the skills and knowledge we're interested in and who let us learn from them in a variety of ways. **9\. We don't have to be tested to find out what we've learned.** The learning will be demonstrated as we use new skills and talk knowledgeably about a topic. **10\. Feelings and intellect are not in opposition and not even separate things.** All learning involves the emotions, as well as the intellect. **11\. Learning requires a sense of safety.** Fear blocks learning. Shame and embarrassment, stress and anxiety - these block learning. --- ### **Trust the child** Unschooling takes an intensity and focus on living life with a great deal of gusto on the part of the parents. Unschooling parents develop a high level of sensitivity to their children in order to know what to offer, when to support, when to back off, how busy they want to be, how much solitude they need, when to nudge them a bit with encouragement, when to get more involved, and so on. Unschooling parents always have their kids and their interests in the back of their minds, thinking always about what would interest them; bringing the world to them and bringing them to the world in ways that "click" for that particular child. Unschooling parents trust that the child will learn without external pressure. ## Sign up for The Green Parent Bringing more joy and connection to your family life Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. We could do the curriculum - I could put together a few hours per day of "school work," insisting that my children do it. But I've read everything I could get my hands on about learning and I've had 30 years of teaching experience. I know, deep down inside, that any coercion in learning creates either open resistance, passivity, or apathy, and I don't want to create any of those in my children. Learning feels good - it might be challenging, but it is also pleasurable. Coercion feels bad, and trying to learn under coercion is not pleasurable, even when we make the best of it. Children who have experienced the pleasure of unforced learning show the effect in their incredible creativity, confidence, intensity, focus, persistence, self-knowledge, and strong sense of personal responsibility. Unschooling parents want our kids to discover their life's passions and to jump into them with both feet, with confidence and trust in life and themselves. We want our children to know, deep inside themselves, that they are strong and capable and can make their own individual choices. We want them to be willing to buck the mainstream culture and buck the counterculture. We want them to think for themselves and do what they think is right and good and worthy and valuable. I think, most of all, we want them to love being alive - now and in their future. --- ### **THE ROLE OF THE UNSCHOOLING PARENT** **1\.** Show respect for all of a child's interests equally. **2\.** Keep the child in mind as I go through life, so that I notice things that might be of interest to that child. **3\.** Find ways to include the child in my own daily life - live a more "open-book" life than the norm. **4\.** Follow up on things the child is interested in - and do this in a wide variety of ways, not only by "getting him a book on it." **5\.** Live a family life that is rich with experiences of a variety of kinds both at home and outside the home. **6\.** Have resources around the home that are interesting and stimulating - things that will encourage exploration of ideas. **7\.** Discuss things - spend time in conversation. This is probably overall the most important parental "action" involved in unschooling. **8\.** Have a playful attitude - play together, have fun, appreciate the amazing world around you. Don't be cynical, be able to be amazed and find the world a fascinating place. This is the most important attitude for an unschooling parent. **9.** Be self-aware of your own thinking and behavior. Purposely stretch your imagination - question your own assumptions, check your own automatic impulses. **10.** Be very observant of what your child is really doing - don't view him/her in a shallow superficial way. Recognize that there is a reason for a child's actions, that a child is "born to learn" and is always learning. Get to know your child's own special favored ways of learning. **11\.** Wholeheartedly support a child's passions even if, to you, they don't look like "education." --- ***Pam is mum to three daughters, all homeschooled before going on to college, graduate school, and their own careers, marriages and parenthood.*** ### MORE INSPIRATION **READ** [**Free to Learn**](https://amzn.to/4aoMQ7c?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) by Peter Gray [Free to LearnOur children spend their days being passively instructed, and made to sit still and take tests—often against their will. We call this imprisonment schoolin…![](https://www.hachette.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/cropped-Hachette-H-Transparent.png?w=192)Hachette UKPeter Gray![](https://www.hachette.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/hbg-title-9780465025992-1.jpg)](https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/peter-gray/free-to-learn/9780465025992/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### Emotions are Not Bad Behaviour URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/emotions-are-not-bad-behaviour/ Last updated: 2025-02-15T09:59:04.000Z ## One of the things we struggle with as parents is how children try to get our attention. When children use oblique ways to get attention, such as causing a ruckus, exaggerating or feigning their hurts, picking on other children, showing off, being coquettish - they risk being ignored or put down says **Robin Grille** There are some questions we can ask in this situation to get a better understanding of what’s going on: When a child is being manipulative, instead of direct, how did he learn to do this? How did he come to feel that he shouldn't openly ask for a hug, an answer to his question, sympathy or just to be noticed or played with? ### **We unwittingly train our children to be indirect** All children begin their lives with complete frankness about their needs. Babies and toddlers reveal their longings with no compunction: what you see is what you get. If a child reaches out for attention and for warmth and she gets it, her ability to be open and directly assertive is reinforced. By begrudging our children's healthy attention seeking behaviours, we unwittingly train them to be indirect. We leave them little room for much else, so they go for the attention they need and deserve through the back door. Our society tends to consider children's needs for attention as a bother. No wonder children become indirect attention seekers, some even going to great lengths to fall ill or get injured in order to be noticed. Children who have too often been denied attention can become insatiable, as if no amount of limelight ever fills their cup. Attention is life-giving, a basic need and a human right. Children deserve all the attention they want. When you wholeheartedly give a child the attention she asks for from the beginning, she soon has her fill. This is precisely what helps her to become more autonomous. As she grows, she asks for less of your attention (research shows that well-attached babies grow into children who are more independent), and when she does want attention, she asks directly, boldly and clearly. ### **Punished for feeling** Sometimes children are reprimanded for committing the offence of crying or being angry. Let's get this straight: emotions are not bad behaviour. Emotions don't hurt anyone. Suppressing children's emotions does, on the other hand, cause them harm: over time, if done repeatedly, it unbalances their brain chemistry, it stresses their immune and digestive systems, and it undermines their ability to relate to others. Emotional censorship starts early. One of the most common things we say to a crying baby is "Shhh!" We say it soothingly, but why exactly do we shush them? Think of all the lullabies that start by telling our little babies to "hush", and "don't you cry". Have you ever paused to wonder why, in trying to comfort our babies, we ask them to be quiet? It seems as if the first thing we want is for the crying to stop - instead of connecting with our baby until the reason for crying has gone. Instead of berating your child for feeling her feelings, give her the space to feel, and comfort and support her if she needs it. Sometimes when our children cry, sob or yell in anger we feel overwhelmed, irritated or burdened. Our children don't deserve the blame for this. When our child's emotions press our buttons, we need to own the problem. We need to somehow honour our own need for support or rest without making our children responsible. Real listening is all about feelings The listening I am talking about here is not just about receiving and storing information, not just about remembering what your child said. I am talking about listening with your heart, not just with your ears. ### **Real listening is all about feelings** All you need to be a good listener is a genuine interest in your child's emotional world. When you truly want to hear, no special skill is needed. Your child senses your interest in the tone of your voice, in your body language and the look in your eyes. You know you have listened when you feel moved. You might feel compassion, protectiveness, you might feel some pain about your child's hurts, pride or excitement about his achievements, or joy to meet his joy. Listening means letting yourself feel touched somehow, and being aware of the feelings that move through you. ![Photograph of a mother and son at the beach with the mother holding her son over the waves at the shoreline](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/03/xavier-mouton-photographie-ry_sD0P1ZL0-unsplash.jpg) Sometimes there is a wonderful and natural flow between you and your child ### **What listening is not** Sometimes listening comes easy. You find yourself intently listening in stillness, without even having decided to, and there is a wonderful and natural flow between you and your child. But sometimes listening can be hard. Our children's emotions spark off our own, and in discomfort we turn away, or we try to talk them out of their feelings. Whether it's because we cannot bear to child see our children in pain or because they are freely feeling something that we were never allowed to express - anger, joy, sadness, fear, passion - we block them out, we nip the connection in the bud. How often we tell ourselves we are listening intently when in fact our minds are wandering elsewhere. It is unlikely that consistently good listeners exist. For most of us, good listening is a skill that comes and goes with our fluctuating moods. All counsellors, psychologists and anyone in the helping professions are imperfect (and sometimes lousy) listeners, and we should be honing our listening capacity for the rest of our lives. It is humbling to note that anyone can be a profoundly good listener without any training whatsoever, since all it takes is an open heart and an interest in the other person. ### **Blocking empathy** It's a fact of human relationships that our capacity for listening is elusive; we lose it, we regain it, we lose it again. Sometimes it is hard to see whether we are listening so that our children really feel heard. We kid ourselves. We think we are listening when really we are avoiding contact - and then we are bewildered by and surprised at our child's frustration. It can be very useful to get a clear picture of what is listening and what is not. When our own fears, our shame, our jealousies or our emotional exhaustion get in the way, we tend to play some pretty clever games to deflect our children's communications so that their feelings won't touch us. One of the biggest reasons we avoid listening is because our children's disappointments make us feel guilty. Our evasive tactics are called "empathy blockers". Empathy blockers save us the trouble of listening, but they cost us our connection with each other. ## Sign up for The Green Parent Bringing more joy and connection to your family life Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Sometimes we use empathy blockers inadvertently because we are anxiously trying to save our children from emotional pain. Ironically, the greatest salve for our children comes from being heard, not from us trying to change how they feel. For all of these reasons, we all use empathy blockers from time to time, quite automatically and unconsciously. You could say we are all quite skilled at blocking. --- ## **Here are some of the most common empathy blocker examples** **Downplaying:** "Oh, don't cry. I'm sure it's not that bad! It's not the end of the world." **Denial:** "There is nothing wrong; nothing for you to be upset about. Everything is OK." **Reasoning:** "Don't cry. Can't you see that the other child didn't mean to hurt you?" **The positive spin:** "Look on the bright side. Can't you see, this probably happened for a good reason?" **Cheering up:** "Don't worry. Here, let me tell you something funny I heard the other day. Here, have an ice cream. That'll cheer you up." **Advising/giving options:** "Why don't you try doing this, or that? I think you should just ignore that so-and-so." **The expectation:** "You should have known better. Get over it. Don't let it get to you." **Put down:** "Don't be silly. Don't be ridiculous." **Diagnosing/labeling:** "You are being over-sensitive." **Distracting/diverting:** "Hey, have a look at the pretty puppet." **Stealing the thunder:** "Now you know how I felt when the same thing happened to me." --- ![Photograph of a mother sitting on the beach and looking on as her son plays in the waves at the shoreline](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/03/xavier-mouton-photographie-2D5sGnLDfYk-unsplash.jpg) The most important thing for us to get is that primarily, our children just want to be heard. Most empathy blockers are not malicious, they may be well intentioned, but they do not help the child to feel heard and connected to you. It might seem surprising, even bewildering, to hear that when you try to cheer up a child who is upset, this can often backfire - she might even feel more distressed, even angry. This is because she feels that her feelings are not accepted when what she actually needs is support for feeling the way she does. If this is hard to understand, then think of the last time you felt deeply upset, offended or anxious and someone told you to lighten up. How did that make you feel? Empathy blockers leave anyone on the receiving end feeling shut out and frustrated, and as if there must be something wrong with them for feeling the way they do. ### **Our children just want to be heard** Take a few moments to check this out for yourself. Have you ever heard yourself use one, a few or perhaps even all of the empathy blockers listed with your child? How did your child respond? Now, in case you're tempted to become self-critical, remember: we all put up barriers to listening from time to time. The most important thing for us to get is that primarily, our children just want to be heard. First and foremost they want evidence that they are not alone, that someone sees how they feel and cares about them. This makes more of a difference than all the advice in the world. Empathy blockers really muddy the connection between parents and children; they create detachment and distance, and they frustrate children's attempts to reach out. The more we use empathy blockers, the less our children are inclined to come to us with their feelings, the less they want to tell us about their lives and the less they want to listen to us. When we are concerned that our children don't listen to us, perhaps we need to take an honest look at how well we have listened to them. It is sad when blocked empathy diminishes our sense of closeness with each other, and particularly worrisome when our children feel lost or in some kind of trouble but don't turn to us for help. Our children's trust in us is a function of how safe they feel to open up to us without feeling manipulated, expected of, judged, put down or criticized. Listening is at the heart of connection, and if we can't listen well, we cease to be an influence in our children's lives. *Robin is a Sydney-based psychologist. He is the author of three parenting books including Parenting for a Peaceful World.* ## **MORE INSPIRATION** **READ** More articles on respectful parenting at[**naturalchild.org** ](https://www.naturalchild.org/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **WATCH** Robin’s videos including the Transformative Power of Listening video at [**robingrille.com/videos**](https://www.robingrille.com/videos/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **READ** [**Heart to Heart Parenting**](https://amzn.to/48YNd7u?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)by Robin Grille **WATCH:** Robin speaking about Parenting for a Peaceful World ### 5 Steps to Raising Kind Humans URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/5-steps-to-raising-kind-humans/ Last updated: 2024-05-03T17:55:52.000Z ## When **Jo Ebisujima** discovered her mixed six-year-old son was being bullied at school, her heart shattered. As much as her mama bear instinct wanted to go to school and tear the place down, she knew that wasn’t the answer. Here she shares five ways to build kindness starting at home. We live in a small town, north of Tokyo, and we are one of a small handful of non-Japanese that live here. On a whole, my experience in Japan has been mostly positive and what I found is that when kids are hostile it's because they are scared or nervous about the unknown. That unknown factor would be me, the pasty white woman with bright pink hair. I can see where they are coming from! Taking this knowledge, with my Montessori training and years of teaching kids I believe as parents we can help kids get over that fear and help them become a generation of kinder world citizens and as the world grows smaller, they will have life skills to help them along the way. ### Five steps to raising world citizens: **1\. Nurture Curiosity** Kids are born curious, they have questions, encourage them to ask them. I have pale hazel eyes. My students often hadn’t seen an eye colour other than dark brown before so there was a lot of deep-eye staring and a lot of questions. Does the sun hurt my eyes? Can I watch TV like them? Do my brothers have the same colour eyes? They were surprised to find out that they have blue eyes! The first time my son met a friend who wears a hijab, he had questions. Does she wear a different one every day? Is it hot in the summer? Does she have lots of different colours to match her outfits? _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Go on a Spring Nature Walk URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/go-on-a-spring-nature-walk/ Last updated: 2024-05-09T10:45:46.000Z ## **Andy Hamilton** and his daughter get batty about ponds and explore the local area on one of their regular nature walks "We're going out the back way,” I shout as I slide open the patio door. My daughter comes running from the front. We are in a rush, it will be dusk soon - the time of day loved by the long awaited spring visitors to our garden. From April onward we always take a moment to look at the pond first, mostly checking for frogs. The pond sits a few feet away from the back door. We dug it about three years ago. Well, let’s be honest. I first started to dig it four years ago and it became another half-finished job. Then my partner, Emma, grew tired of my procrastination and finished it off. We lined it and before we filled it my daughter insisted we should sit in it. “We’ll never get the chance again”. My daughter and I climbed in and lay down, reclining against the sloping side, which is designed to make entry for frogs much easier. As we lay there our conversation drifted onto our hopes for the pond after we filled it with water instead of ourselves. We both agreed that it would be nice to see a frog. A moment later I felt something move beneath the liner, near my leg. I leapt out and gently peeled back the liner to find two frogs frantically trying to hop away from me. I carefully lifted my daughter out so we didn’t disturb our most welcome guests. Over the next few months the whereabouts of our amphibious friends became the highlight of the day (for me at least). The pond has been a great source for birds, mammals and frogs ever since. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### 5 Fun Ideas for Toddler Colour Play URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/5-fun-ideas-for-to-colour-play/ Last updated: 2024-05-07T07:17:21.000Z ## Starting at around 12 months, children are beginning to understand the concept and may be able to recognise that different colours exist. They can’t yet identify different colours or say their names, but children of this age begin to show preference for one colour over another. On average, toddlers start learning to successfully match colours at around two and a half years old. Before they’re able to correctly identify different ones, though, they need an awareness of the concept of colour. ### **Here are a few ways to help support their cognitive development:** **1 NAMING OBJECTS FIRST** Consider using the method described in a Stanford University study which pinpointed an effective way to teach young children about colours, which might call for just a tiny tweak in the way you describe them to your toddler. Parents typically introduce colour by saying “look at the green ball”, or “that’s a red apple”. However, the Stanford study found that reversing the order—“the ball is green” or “the apple is red”—made a significant difference in a toddler’s ability to identify colours. Young kids tend to process language in order, and so the words they hear first have more importance; if they hear the object first, it’s easier for them to learn that what comes next describes it. When speaking or playing with your child, work on naming the object first and then its colour. ## Sign up for The Green Parent Bringing more joy and connection to your family life Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. **2 PRACTISE MATCHING** Between 19 and 24 months, many children are starting to learn how to colour match. Many two-year-olds can recognise primary colours—and even some others—and laundry is a great opportunity to support your child’s budding matching skills. Name the colour of each item of clothing as you fold it and put it in a pile. Try saying, “this sock is red—can you find another red sock that matches it?” **3 SENSORY PLAY** Adding colour to sensory activities heightens your toddler’s interest and keeps their attention longer. The more your toddler engages their senses, the stronger the neural pathways in their brain become. Consider combining finemotor work and colour matching with a sensory bin scoop-and-sort game. Add water and small floating objects (plastic blocks or eggs, foam shapes, flowers and leaves, etc.) in an assortment of colours to a sensory table or large, shallow bin. Provide your child with a slotted metal or wooden spoon and cups that are colour coordinated with the items in the bin. Show your child how to scoop the items from the bin with the spoon and place them into the corresponding cup. **4 GO ON A COLOUR HUNT** Cut out pieces of various coloured paper and mix them up in a bowl or jar. Take turns closing your eyes and pulling one piece of coloured paper from the container. Whichever colour you select is the scavenger hunt colour. Look around your home, garden or park for objects that match the colour, and bring them back to compare. **5 EXPLORE COLOURING** Your toddler may only want to draw for a brief moment or two, or may have no interest in colouring at all. Right now, it’s all about the process, not the result—and the process may involve repeated offers before they engage. You can put a few crayons and a piece of paper out on a low table and see what they do with them. They may also be more likely to try if you sit and draw with them. *With thanks to*[***lovevery.co.uk***](https://lovevery.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### The Role of an Unschooling Parent URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/the-role-of-an-unschooling-parent/ Last updated: 2025-02-15T09:53:34.000Z ## In unschooling, the child’s current interests are followed, and the parents act not as teachers but as tutors and resource assistants. So how do they know their children are learning? wonders **Jan Hunt** Unschooling is often misunderstood, because it is based on assumptions that are quite different from those implicit in conventional schooling. Unschoolers are often described by what we do not do; we do not “teach”; we do not impose an arbitrary, artificial curriculum; we do not structure the hours of our “school day”. ### **But there are so many things we do as unschooling parents:** - **For a start, we answer questions. Many of us believe that this is the most essential aspect of unschooling.** - **Encourage creative and cooperative solutions to problems as they arise.** - **Find resources and information to support whatever interests the child is currently exploring.** - **Attempt to illustrate, through our own actions every day, such personal qualities as kindness, honesty, and responsibility.** - **Model the joy of learning through our own discussions, reading, and research.** ## Sign up for The Green Parent Bringing more joy and connection to your family life Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. While it is not impossible for a conventionally schooling family to pursue the kinds of activities I have described, it is more difficult to do so when parents and children have so much less time together, especially when after-school hours are taken up by projects, homework, and other school-related demands. School children can also become used to seeking emotional support from peers rather than parents, and this pattern can be difficult to interrupt even when school is not in session. The assumption that unschooling parents somehow lack awareness of their children’s progress, and therefore require formal evaluation of that progress, is related to the fact that unschoolers function outside the arena of the schools, and our philosophies and methods are not always understood. ### **How do unschooling parents know their children are learning?** The answer to this question is, to put it most simply, direct observation. I have only one child. If a teacher had only one child in her classroom, and was unable to describe the reading skills of that child, everyone would be dismayed - how could a teacher have such close daily contact with one child and miss something so obvious? Yet many people unfamiliar with unschooling imagine that parents with just this sort of close daily contact with their child require outside evaluation to determine that child’s progress. No unschooling parents have twenty-five children, and we are thus free to focus on the enhancement of learning without being continually distracted by the many time-consuming tasks, unrelated to learning, that are necessary in a classroom situation. This freedom from distraction is a major factor in the establishment of a lively, creative, and joyful learning environment. Any parent of a toddler could almost certainly tell us how many numbers her child can count to, and how many colours he knows - not through testing, but simply through many hours of listening to his questions and statements. In unschooling, this type of observation simply continues on into higher ages and more complex learning. ### **Following the interests of a curious child** There are many times in the course of a day when a reasonably curious child will want to know the meaning of certain printed words - in books and newspapers, on screens, board game instruction cards, package labels, post that has just arrived, and so on. If this child’s self-esteem is intact, he will not hesitate to ask his parents the meaning of these words. Through the decrease of questions of this type, and the actual reading aloud of certain words, (“Look, Dad, this package is for you!”) it seems safe to assume that reading is progressing in the direction of literacy. This may seem to outsiders to be somewhat imprecise, but unschooling parents learn through experience that more specific evaluation is intrusive, unnecessary, and self-defeating. If the government were to establish compulsory evaluation of babies to determine whether they were walking on schedule, everyone would think that was absurd. We all know that most babies walk eventually, and that it would be futile and frustrating to attempt to speed up that process - as foolish as trying to speed up the blooming of a rose. Such trust is as essential in the education of a child, as it is in gardening. All healthy rose bushes bloom when ready, babies walk when ready, and children in a family of readers read when ready - though this may be as late as ten or twelve. There is no need to speed up or measure this process. When a child is free to learn at his own pace, he will continue to love learning throughout his life. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/03/image-4.jpg) ### **How formal education provides inaccurate information** The child’s progress is not always smooth; there may be sudden shifts from one stage to the next. Formal evaluation given just prior to such a shift may give unfair and misleading information. At a time when I knew (through a reduction in the number of requests for me to read certain signs, labels, etc.) that my son, Jason’s reading was improving, but not, as far as I knew, able to read fluently, I told him one evening that I was unable to read to him because I wasn’t feeling well. He said, “Well, you can rest and I’ll read a book to you.” He proceeded to read an entire book flawlessly, at a level of more difficulty than I would have guessed. Thus it sometimes happens in the natural course of living with a child that we receive direct and specific information about his progress. But it should be stressed that this is part of the natural process of supporting a child’s learning, and that requiring such direct proof is almost always self-defeating. Had I required him to read the book, he might well have refused, because he could have succombed to the anxiety which anyone feels when being evaluated. But because he chose to read voluntarily, and his accuracy was not being examined, he had no reason to feel anxious. ### **We can just trust that intellectual growth is natural** If unschooling parents do not measure, evaluate and control learning, how can the child himself know when to move on to the next level? If we were to ask a horticulturist how a rose knows when to bloom, he or she could not answer that question; it is simply assumed that such knowledge is built into the wondrous genetics of the seed. A child’s schedule of intellectual growth, like the rose’s blooming, may indeed be a mysterious process, but it nonetheless exists within each child. Jason, one day at age three, though not yet a fluent reader, taught himself squares and square roots. How could I have guessed that he was ready for that level of mathematics on that particular day? Had I been imposing a standard curriculum, I might have discouraged early math and emphasized reading, and to what end? He is now proficient in, and greatly enjoys, both areas. Ultimately, it made no difference when he achieved this mastery. As John Holt once observed, children are not trains. If a train does not reach every station on time, it will be late reaching its ultimate destination. But a child can be late at any “station”, and can even change the entire route of the learning process, and still reach every area of learning. ### **The unschooled child knows what he needs to learn** The unschooling child not only knows what he needs to learn, but how best to go about learning it. Jason has always devised ingenious ways for learning what is currently in the foreground of his interest. His method for learning squares and square roots - rows and columns of dots on paper - would never have occurred to me, even if I had guessed correctly that he was ready for this subject at that early age. At age 6, he was looking over a new globe, and made a game of guessing which of several pairs of countries was larger in area, then larger in population, and so on. These sorts of games went on constantly; his creativity in designing interesting learning methods far surpassed my own, and I never had to give a single thought to motivation. My child is not unique; many unschooling parents have reported just this sort of creativity and joyful learning in their children. Jason has had no lessons in the conventional sense. He has taught himself, with help as needed and requested by him, reading, writing, maths, art and science. However, these subjects are not treated as separate categories, but as parts of the topic of current interest. My role has not been that of “teacher”, but of facilitator. I am not merely a passive observer, however. When he asked questions - which he did many times each day, I answered as well as I could. If I couldn’t, I became a researcher: I made phone calls, went with him to the library, or found someone with relevant experience with whom he could learn; whatever helped him to find the answer. This was not merely helpful in answering his specific question, but in the more general sense of modeling the many ways in which information can be obtained. ### **How unschooling allows for unhurried family time** While I did not choose unschooling for religious reasons, I have always welcomed the time available to explore questions of personal ethics, and to encourage such qualities as kindness, honesty, trust, cooperation, creative solutions to problems, and compassion for others. We have also appreciated having time in the morning to discuss such things as dreams from the previous night and plans for the day ahead, when I would otherwise have been preoccupied with helping him to get ready for school. Believing that modern life is already overly hectic, we try as much as possible to make room for unhurried time in our family. In an age of “information explosion,” it is no longer meaningful or realistic to require rote memorisation of specific facts. Not only are these facts meaningless to the child unless they happen to coincide with his own current and unique interests, many of these facts will in any case be outdated by the time he is an adult. But if a child learns how to obtain information, he can apply that skill throughout his life. *Jan Hunt is a mother of one and offers counseling worldwide, with a focus on parenting and unschooling. She is the Director of The Natural Child Project (*[*naturalchild.org*](https://www.naturalchild.org/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)*).* ### Why We Chose Home Education for our 3 Children URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/why-we-chose-home-education/ Last updated: 2024-05-09T10:41:37.000Z ## The idea of home educating my children never crossed my mind when I was pregnant with my first says Mirtill Yelland. Fast forward seven years, and here we are, home educating all three of them. ## Home education was a natural fit for our family much like breastfeeding, baby wearing or using cloth nappies. We fell into it effortlessly, and it aligns perfectly with our family ethos. My children are thriving in the home environment, they are curious, creative and playful, and they enjoy learning all the time. They are like little sponges, soaking up every bit of information we encounter in our everyday lives. I like to take them out everywhere with me so they can experience life. They have so many questions. I love it when they are curious because that is when they learn best. I believe that this is the most natural way of learning. **Encouraging curiosity** We usually follow their interests when it comes to topics they would like to learn about. Our learning is mostly spontaneous, and I don’t force anything on them. If they have questions that I cannot answer, I note them down, and we research them together later. I have a pocket diary where I make notes of the topics we cover and questions I need to answer for them. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Spring Clean Your Life Today! URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/spring-clean-your-life-today/ Last updated: 2024-05-07T07:16:03.000Z ## Always an exciting and inspiring time in nature, Spring gifts us the expansive energy we need to make change happen… ### Here are five ways in which you can harness early spring energy to change your life. **1\. Stoke your inner fires** The days are getting longer and the sun is getting warmer. Use the warmth and light to fuel your passions. What brings you joy? What dreams did you cultivate during the dark days of winter? It’s time to bring them into the light! **What to read**: How to[**Create the Life You Want**](https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0977332306/ref=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=0977332306&linkCode=as2&tag=thegrepar-21&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) The Companion Journal to Power, Passion and Purpose by *Ann Nichols Roulac* **2\. Open up** All around us, flowers are opening up to the warmer days. Think of yourself as a crocus or daffodil unfurling and open your heart to this new chapter in the cycles of nature. The Winter is a time for folding inward; for introspection. Now we naturally find ourselves opening out, expanding, and sensing a need to connect to others. Get outside when the sun’s out and let your shoulders drop down and back so your chest is open. **What to Read:** [**The Art of Everyday Ecstasy**](https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0349400628/ref=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=0349400628&linkCode=as2&tag=thegrepar-21&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) The Seven Tantric Keys for Bringing Passion, Spirit and Joy into Every Part of Your Life by *Margot Anand* ## Sign up for The Green Parent Bringing more joy and connection to your family life Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. **3\. Dream big** From little acorns grow mighty oaks. We can see the beginnings of new life that have lain dormant during the dark days of winter. Your dream, goal or vision is a little acorn that has the potential to grow as mighty as an oak. Feed it with positivity, nourish it with the company of like-minded folk, and water it with an abundance of enthusiasm and watch it grow before your very eyes! **What to read:** *Jack Canfield’s*[**Key to Living the Law of Attraction:**](https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0757306586/ref=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=0757306586&linkCode=as2&tag=thegrepar-21&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) A Simple Guide to Creating the Life of Your Dreams **4\. Plant a seed of change within** The cycles of nature are always moving and changing. In Winter we can tend towards stagnation and stillness, but Spring reminds us to start to move again. Witness the changes happening in the world around you, and begin to make changes in your own life. Let go of old patterns that no longer serve you, and welcome in a fresh start. It might help to plant an actual seed at the same time, so you can grow and change alongside this physical reminder of your intention. **What to read:** [**May Cause Miracles**](https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/178180060X/ref=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=178180060X&linkCode=as2&tag=thegrepar-21&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk): A 6-Week Kick-Start to Unlimited Happiness *Gabrielle Bernstein* **5\. Cleanse** This time of year is synonymous with cleansing and purification, and many people choose to undertake a physical cleanse now because the energies of the earth are in tune with it. Use it as a time to give your home, mind and body a good spring clean. Get outside for some brisk walks that get the lymph and blood pumping, and use that fresh spring air to shift any stagnate energy in the body with deep, cleansing breaths. **What to read:** [**Detox Yourself**](https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/074992828X/ref=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=074992828X&linkCode=as2&tag=thegrepar-21&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk): Feel the Difference in 7 Days by *Jane Scrivner* ### Intrigued by Paganism? 8 Ways to Become More Witchy URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/intrigued-by-paganism-8-ways-to-become-more-witchy/ Last updated: 2024-05-09T10:39:16.000Z ## **Clair Chaytors** shares her story of being a witch and explains how to incorporate wicca into family life. Try these eight activities to be more wicca! ### More and more people are turning to the Wiccan path, particularly younger generations. Yet, still many question this way of life and its beliefs. With no visible structure or scriptures to follow, you’d be forgiven for being confused by what it means to lead a Wiccan lifestyle. Additionally, a quick online search yields conflicting information. Factor in it's not so favourable history and the stigma attached to Wicca in general, and it's little wonder people shy away from it, let alone discuss this way of life with their children. But this could mean missing out on one of the gentlest of pathways that you could ever introduce and implement as a family unit. **LIFE VALUES** As a practising Wiccan for over a decade, you’d never know my choice of pathway by just looking at me. A full-time working mother of four, living in a suburban neighbourhood, you’d never guess I own a cauldron, albeit a small one, whisper affirmations under the moonlight, or carry crystals with me for protection. The only way you’d know is if you saw the pentacle I wear around my neck. With children ranging from nine to 17, it was inevitable my family would start to ask questions about my choices at some point. When embarking on this pathway I didn’t understand the benefits it would have on my family life. All my children have been raised with the philosophy that they will find their true path when the time is right. Until then, they are free to explore all beliefs, pathways, and indeed, religions. Naturally, they too have taken an interest in Wicca. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### The Many Benefits of Ground Ivy URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/the-many-benefits-of-ground-ivy/ Last updated: 2024-05-07T07:15:45.000Z ## Regarded by some as a pesky weed and garden invader, ground ivy is quick to be eradicated upon sight. But wait! Don’t pull it out yet urges **Kathy Turcotte** Praised by Culpepper and herbalists down through the centuries, the many virtues of this tiny herb have proved it to be a boon more than a beast, and a panacea more than a pain. If ground ivy were on a Most Wanted poster, It would have many aliases: Gill-over-the-Ground, Creeping Charlie or Creeping Jenny, Alehoof, Haymaids, Lizzy-run-up-the-Hedge, Cat’s foot, Robin-run-in-the-Hedge, to name just a few. A member of the Labiatae family, Glechoma hederacea has the classic square stem (often covered in short, bristly backward pointing hairs) of those in the mint family. It is often misidentified as a speedwell or common mallow. A vigorous (and I do mean vigorous) herbaceous perennial with lovely scalloped, kidney shaped leaves of dark green, ground ivy grows by trailing runners, some as long as 36 inches. Its delicate pixie-like blue to purplehued funnel shaped flowers bloom from March through to late summer. You will find it growing in shade or semi shade, in the woods, in ditches or along roadsides. The fragrance is that of a mint, heady and balsamic. Surely there is nothing disdainful about the cooling scent of mint on a hot summer day. ## Sign up for The Green Parent Bringing more joy and connection to your family life Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### **Magical Herb** Ground ivy has a strong connection with the powers of magic and divination. Considered a safeguard against sorcery, it was worn by milkmaids when first milking cows in the pastures. In many regions the first milking of the cows was actually done through a wreath of ground ivy. Other magical uses of ground ivy included promoting sleep, meditation, healing, love, friendship and fidelity. The ritual use of ground ivy was popular and the herb was often woven into crowns and garlands to be worn on Midsummer’s Eve. A tea made from the dried leaves and flowers may be sipped to help overcome shyness. Strewing leaves of this herb about the floors of your home is said to promote serenity and peaceful dreams. ### **To Pluck or Not to Pluck** Yes, that one little plant that you are so quick to pluck out had all those uses. And, as I write this, ground ivy is being studied for use in preventing leukemia, bronchitis, hepatitis and various cancers and HIV. Did you know that ground ivy acts as a dense groundcover and keeps the soil from eroding? The lovely blue flowers attract bees and butterflies. It will also grow where nothing else will and it stays green nearly all year long. I dare you to go outside and roll in a patch of it this summer, deeply inhaling the tart balsamic scent and not smile. Did I forget to mention that it eases depression? Did I forget to mention that it is free? Okay, so perhaps you don’t need to pull out all of it. Why not find a place where you can let some of it grow freely. Ease yourself into trying a few leaves in your salad, or drinking a cup of tea as a Spring tonic. ### **Beltane Headdress** If you celebrate Beltane, weave some stems and flowers into your crown. Pick an alias name for it that appeals to you—my personal favourite is Gill-over-the Ground. Repeat it several times until it rolls nicely off your tongue and sounds almost exotic. And, if you must pluck some of it, at least stop and pay homage to the myriad uses of it throughout time. Ground ivy, a small herb with great determination! ***Kathy Turcotte is a herbalist. She writes from her home in the Pine Barrens of New Jersey, US. A regular contributor to Herb Quarterly magazine, you can read more about her work at*** [***enchantedwoodmusings.blogspot.com***](https://www.enchantedwoodmusings.blogspot.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)***.*** ### 7 Playful Prompts for a Happier Home URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/7-playful-prompts-for-happier-family-life/ Last updated: 2024-05-10T19:53:26.000Z ### From the infectious fun of side-splitting laughter to the exuberance of an impromptu pillow fight, infusing a spirit of joy and playfulness into your home nurtures your family like little else says **Dr. Laura Markham** Playing together is an almost magical way to build connection. Not surprising, since when we laugh, our body releases oxytocin into our systems. So when you’re laughing with someone, you’re bonding. Laughter also transforms bad moods by decreasing the stress hormones circulating in your body. That’s why playing together is one of the fastest ways to heal minor relationship stress, help people drop grudges, and bring the family into sync. Play and laughter create a happy feeling in your home. Research shows that humour is an invaluable part of smoothing over the rough spots of life, from royal goofs on our part to simple bad luck. Couples who can use affectionate humour to deflate anger have happier relationships. And children whose parents use silliness to keep the day flowing smoothly are lucky indeed. Sometimes it’s the only way to convince a toddler or preschooler to cooperate with your agenda. Some parents say that unless they make instructions to their younger kids into a game, their children are so engrossed in play that don’t even notice them. Which is likely to work better, > *“Little Gorilla, it’s time for breakfast, come eat your bugs and bananas!”* > > and > > *“Don’t you think your digger wants to get in the car now so he can see the construction site on the way to the shops?”* > > or > > *“Eat your breakfast now!”* > > and > > *“Get in the car!”* Given how hard life can be at times, my opinion is that we need to seize all the joy, silliness, fun and humour we can get. The best way to start cultivating more playful fun in your house is to make it part of your routine. You can do this by simply trying new ideas, and if they work, repeating them. That creates fun traditions for your family to enjoy and look forward to. Not all rituals need to be serious or spiritually joyous, some of the best are silly. But don’t wait for special times; any part of daily life can be made into a game. For instance, ## Sign up for The Green Parent Bringing more joy and connection to your family life Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### **A few caveats for games:** Start by empathizing. Don’t try to talk her out of her feelings. But once she’s vented, getting her laughing about the situation may be the most healing thing you can do. When she’s gotten past her upset over how unfair her science teacher was today, you can start to act out how YOU would have handled things - by messing up totally - or you might even be able to mildly mimic the science teacher, if you think it’s appropriate. This can be accomplished by handicapping adults and older siblings, for instance. Needless to say, a family tickle match where there are breakables or sharp objects is almost guaranteed to end in disaster. For many children—and even some fathers and sons—noncompetitive games work best. - Use funny voices. - Trade roles at the dinner table so that each family member acts as someone else (kids’ portrayals of adults can be hilarious). - Have a race to get dressed and in bed for storytime. Instead of kids racing against each other, which worsens sibling rivalry, have kids work as a team, racing against the adult. - Compete at making baskets with the dirty laundry while doing household cleanup together. - Make up funny song lyrics in the car. - Gentle physical rough housing with some kids as they wake up in the morning can put everyone in a good mood for the day. My own personal favorite is a competition to take off each other’s socks! - And when you’re feeling a bit dispirited and want to shift the mood and reconnect, why not start a pillow fight? ### Rules of play: **1\.** Don’t make light of serious situations or emotions. **2\.** Be sure opponents are well matched. **3\.** Be sure the environment is safe. **4\.** Competition in itself is not bad, but valuing winning above the game is. --- ## **MORE INSPIRATION** **VISIT** Laura’s website[**ahaparenting.com**](http://www.ahaparenting.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### 6 Secrets of Connective Play, from a Clown URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/6-secrets-to-connective-play-from-a-clown/ Last updated: 2024-05-10T19:49:00.000Z ## Since setting up Brighton’s Flying Seagull Project 14 years ago, **Ash Perrin** (Bash the Clown) has met over 130,000 kids, bringing laughter to slum communities in Ghana, gangs in Cambodia, Syrian refugees and many, many more. Ash is passionate about Real Play – energetic, authentic, inspiring games that are all about fun and passion. He wants to make sure that as many kids as possible feel the sparkle where the imagination and physical body combine in play. "The time has come for change. Play is not just a flippant extra, it is an essential part of development, yet so often it’s pushed to the side in pursuit of grading standards in schools, or screen time and dealing with hardships at home. Your children need to know that though life can be stressful and difficult it doesn’t have to take over. Dark clouds can always be pierced with a strong enough ray of light. More importantly, being silly removes the veil of needing to be perfect. This almost obsessive editing of our lives to look perfect and appear infallible is dangerous. I want to try to remove that pressure and find a bit of acceptance for our weaknesses as well as our strengths. ## Sign up for The Green Parent Bringing more joy and connection to your family life Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Confidence is a big issue – sometimes parents and teachers aren’t too sure and feel daft. In this book I encourage a feeling of daftness! Times are tough for many families, but my message is that you don’t need huge amounts of stuff. You just need you, some loving energy and a willingness to honour your children with some decent play. These games have been played with no props, no shared words, and without even a proper place to play, But the feeling stays the same. FUN! Silliness seems to be a very popular choice of approach for most kids. They do mad voices, silly faces, confident that the experience is as valuable as the result. By encouraging silliness you inadvertently encourage their personalities and make a natural landscape for their confidence to flourish.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/03/FUNDRAISING-AWARENESS-VIRAL-VIDEO-THE-FLYING-SEAGULL-PROJECT-boy-walking-on-tight-rope.jpg) Ash Perrin of The Flying Seagull Project has brought play to communities around the world ## **REAL PLAY** - Real play is not patronising. It’s an honest exchange. This means sometimes the parents win! - Real play is really high in energy. Uncomfortable for most adults, but the language of children. To honour them we have to find the boost! - Real play is cheeky and playful and allows for mischievous personalities. - Real Play includes everyone and is arranged so that all levels of ability and understanding can find a place. - Real play is not competitive or laden with pressure. The purpose is not to be the best but to have the best time. - Real play is loving, and whatever the final result, win or lose, come first or last, it always ends with a smile. ## **Real Play Games** *Take everything out put it all back in again* Standing in front of an invisible box each person has to empty the contents as fast as possible shouting what it is as they do. Everything that has ever existed or could ever exist is in that box and it needs to be emptied. You have one minute. It should be loud and brain frying. Once empty, you have to put it back in in the right order! *Scribble lightning art* Everyone stands at a table and when the music plays they can free form scribble. Numerous pens in one hand is perfectly acceptable. After a slow song, try a fast one. The result can be folded into a zine or book. ### **MORE INSPIRATION** *Ash Perrin is the founder of The Flying Seagull Project and author of*[***The Real Play Revolution***](https://amzn.to/3v6Y9Ck?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)*(Watkins £12.99).*[***theflyingseagullproject.com***](http://www.theflyingseagullproject.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### Embrace Mud: How to do Elemental Play at Home URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/get-started-with-elemental-play-ay-home/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:42.000Z ## Touching the earth can be just the tonic we need to help us feel grounded and connected. **Nancy Striniste** shares ways we can play with the earth at home. Yes, mud kitchens! And more... A wise teacher I know gave the assignment to her homework-hungry kindergartners: Touch the earth every day. It required them to develop a habit—to learn to pause, to be aware, and to notice nature. Touching the earth can be broadly defined in many ways. Sand, soil, water, and mud are essential elements of the earth that should be encountered as often as possible. They offer open-ended play, infinite opportunities for experimentation and creativity, and a softness that is soothing and healing. A tray of sand is a common tool for children’s therapists because it is so calming. Raking gravel or sand in a Zen garden is a time-honoured meditative pastime. All of these materials are malleable and responsive; they allow us to explore everything from physics and engineering to creativity and art. Playing with these rich sensory materials is deeply engaging, so it is important not only to include them, but to allow children plenty of time to engage with them. **Sand -** Depending on how wet or dry it is, sand can be sifted, shaped, smoothed, raked, sculpted, and climbed. It is a raw material for pretending: one minute a birthday cake, the next a tunnel or moat. Raking patterns into soft sand with our fingers requires a light touch. Lifting a heavy bucket of sand exercises the proprioceptive sense, which helps us assess the force required by our body to move an object. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/03/p068L_2093_2017-02-22_WED__266301_RFS-4-1.jpg) ## ****'The joys of mud are becoming more widely acknowledged. There is now even international mud day'** A big digging project may require the help of friends, which adds a social dimension and a chance to develop negotiation skills. Textures below the sand are a surprise to uncover. Bury treasures like marbles and gems—coloured aquarium gravel paired with a sand sifter works great. A big pile of sand dumped in your play space is a smart investment that offers more diverse play value than any other single element I can think of. **Soil -** Digging in soil offers a different type of proprioceptive experience than digging in loose sand, because soil can be either light and fluffy or dense and dominated by clay. These textures make soil harder or easier to dig and carry, and give it different colours, textures, and smells. Having real metal shovels and tools along with a place to dig is incredibly satisfying to children. Mixing some sand into the soil of a digging spot can make the soil easier to work and different than digging in either material by itself. Digging in the earth is an engaging, satisfying activity that exercises the body as well as the mind. There are opportunities for making plans (an underground shelter?), setting goals (how deep can I go?), and imagining stories (is there treasure to be found?). And fascinating studies by bacteriologists tell us that there is another benefit to digging and playing in soil. In addition to building our immune systems and reducing the likelihood of asthma and allergies, there are beneficial bacteria, called Mycobacterium vaccae, commonly found in soil, which can help us neurologically. More specifically, when these bacteria come in contact with our skin or are inhaled into our lungs, serotonin is produced in our brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that makes us happy, reduces stress, and improves our ability to learn. No wonder playing in dirt or gardening makes us feel good! **Water -** Adults often take water for granted, but children never seem to tire of playing with it, especially when it’s offered in a play space. Water changes state in mysterious ways for children: liquid freezes solid in cold weather, and in hot summer sun it evaporates and seems to disappear. It can be poured, pumped, sprayed, channeled, and carried in containers. Water always flows downhill, forming puddles and ponds, and sometimes disappears into the ground. Kids who have access to water in their play discover that they can wash with it, drink it, feed plants with it, raise fish in it, swim in it, cook with it, sail on it. There are myriad science lessons that come out of wondering why some things float and others sink. Basins, troughs, and fixed or movable channels can be raised or at ground level, cascading or serpentine. They can be made of hollow logs, concrete with mosaic, clay, or packed earth lined with stone. And they can direct water to flow into sand, where children can create channels, rivers, ponds, moats, and dams. Depending where they live and with the right clothing, children can play with water outdoors throughout the year. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/03/p068R_2130_20160527_180035_ASM-1.jpg) Big tubs allow a wide range of water play experiences. Add a variety of accessories—such as soap, plastic toys, colanders, funnels, tubes, and more—to vary the experience. **Mud -** When soil and water are combined, the play value grows exponentially. Now there is the opportunity to create soups and potions, to build structures out of earth, to paint faces and immerse toes or bodies in a mooshy-squooshy, spa-like mud bath. Children have differing degrees of comfort with the sensory intensity of mud. Be respectful of this, and never push a child beyond their comfort zone, but do expose them to mud and messiness from an early age. The more mud and unusual textures become familiar to children, the more likely kids are to feel comfortable touching and interacting, and reaping the benefits of those important sensory experiences. A mud pit can, for the bravest of parents, be a designated portion of a play space. Loosen some dirt in one corner of your yard and run the hose there. Kids can play in bathing suits or underwear, or, in colder weather, wear waterproof gear over clothing. Having a hose, towels, and dry clothes at the ready for cleanup is helpful. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/03/mud-waves.jpg) ## ****'Digging in the earth is an engaging, satisfying activity that exercises the body as well as the mind'** A mud café is the perfect place for pretending and experimenting with “recipes” and concoctions. Because it involves work surfaces and containers instead of total immersion as with a mud pit, it is somewhat more manageable and can be used almost year-round. The ideal mud café involves a work surface and some low walls or shelving to make the space feel enclosed. The pass-through windows on many play-houses available to purchase are ideal for mud kitchens. There can be a vertical panel (like a fence) for hooks to hang containers and kitchen utensils, along with some storage shelves. A basin for mixing water and later for cleaning up is a good idea. This is a place for experiencing textures, using imagination, and even for some early literacy. Adding a clipboard and paper or a chalkboard allows kids to document their “recipes.” To make mud, you can use soil from your yard or bagged topsoil from a garden centre. Wet sand is similar to mud and offers great play value. The joys of mud are becoming more widely acknowledged. There is now even International Mud Day (created by the World Forum for Early Childhood Care and Education), held on or around June 29 each year. You and your family or community can register your events and share photos of your International Mud Day antics on social media. The pumper truck from the Ithaca, New York, fire department visits the Anarchy Zone adventure playground at the Ithaca Children’s Garden and sprays freshly dug soil with water to kick off that town’s celebration of International Mud Day. **FEASTING IN NATURE** My mother could be reliably counted on to comment that “food always tastes better outside,” whenever we grilled burgers on our little hibachi or had sandwiches on the beach. We teased her about it, but she was right. Whether it is a juicy tomato picked and eaten warm off the vine, a charred-outside-but-fluffy-inside potato roasted over a campfire after a day of hiking, or crunchy apples, crusty bread, and sharp cheese at an outdoor concert, eating outside seems to strip away distractions and connect us to the flavours, the juiciness, and the aromas of our food, and to nature, in a visceral way. I recommend that children eat outside as often as possible. To really immerse yourself in the drippiness of a hunk of watermelon, you have to be outdoors. Having a stash of snacks in your pocket, ready to go to whenever hunger hits, makes a person feel in charge, competent, and ready for anything. *Nancy is the founder and principal designer at EarlySpace (*[*earlyspace.com*](https://earlyspace.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)*). She has a background as both a landscape designer and an early childhood educator. She currently enjoys her empty nest and traveling, including visiting her grown children who are out in the world doing amazing things.* ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **MORE INSPIRATION** [Nature Play at Home“A magnificent resource for transforming backyards into stimulating environments which enhance children’s creativity, learning, and fun.” &…![](https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/cropped-hachette-logo1.png?w=192)Timber PressLearn more about this author![](https://i0.wp.com/www.hachettebookgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/9781604698251_3D.png?w=1018.0613090307&h=1200&ssl=1)](https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/nancy-striniste/nature-play-at-home/9781604698251/?lens=timber-press&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ***READ** Nature Play at Home by Nancy Striniste [Wild Time IdeasFun, free and good for you. Some of our favourite Wild Time ideas for you to try out this week.![](https://thewildnetwork.com/wp-content/themes/the-wild-network/favicon.ico)thewildnetwork![](https://thewildnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/twn-wildtime-green-2.jpg)](https://thewildnetwork.com/wild-time-ideas/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ***EXPLORE** Ideas for connecting with nature --- ### **EXPLORE THE EARTH - Connect with nature** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/03/IMG_5414_1024x1024.jpg.webp) #### Plan Toys Sand Play Set This set includes a bucket and 3 diggers inspired by sea animal characters. It's sure to keep young ones entertained whether on the beach or sand pit. Perfect for encouraging kids to get digging, raking and making shapes. [Buy Here](https://consciouscraft.uk/products/sand-play-set-1?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/03/kitwaterproof.jpg.webp) #### Originals Waterproof Recycled Puddle Suit Blue The suit is designed with nurseries, schools and forest schools in mind. This bright blue all-in-one is made from 100% recycled durable nylon. It is super waterproof (up to 10,000mm) and withstands wind, rain and mud all year round. [Buy Here](https://muddypuddles.com/products/originals-waterproof-recycled-puddlesuit-blue?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### How to Design a Home Learning Space URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/how-to-design-a-home-learning-space/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:43.000Z ## **Mariah Bruehl** designs a home environment that encourages creativity and learning - how to create your own art area and reading nook and much more. While engaging in learning experiences provides great opportunities for you and your child to learn and grow together, there is nothing that fosters independence and inspires creativity within children more than a thoughtfully prepared environment. While working as both a teacher and an administrator, I was profoundly aware of how the physical environment shapes children’s behaviour. Every decision about presentation, organisation, and selection of materials will have an impact on how children interact with their surroundings. The same principles hold true for the home. I am sure that many of you have observed how your children engage with different toys in different ways after their play areas have been cleaned up or organised. By applying the principles of good classroom design to your home, you can open up new avenues of exploration for your children, foster independence, and nurture self-esteem - and maybe even gain some precious time for yourself in the process. When designing a space for children, it is helpful to think about the characteristics that you as an adult would like and then balance that with what your child would enjoy. Often grown-ups create spaces for children with preconceived ideas of what children like, rather than considering basic elements of what is useful and practical for them. A well-prepared environment can result in many hours of self-guided, independent, creative, and productive time for your children. Although it takes some thought and preparation, the results will be well worth it for both you and your child. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/03/20190829_Schl_PlayfulLearningCS4.jpg) Mariah is inspired by the Reggio Emilia schools in Italy **Build it and they will come** In our home we have designated one small room as the “atelier” (an artist’s studio), which is a term I learned while touring the extraordinary schools in Reggio Emilia, Italy. The ateliers in these schools are designed to give children time, information, inspiration, and materials so they can effectively express their understanding through multiple mediums. When entering the ateliers of the pre-schools in Reggio Emilia, I was immediately struck by the quality and beauty of both the materials and the way in which they were displayed. People often ask how the schools can use real glass vases or dishes or provide such high-quality materials to young children without having them all ruined. The beauty lies in the fact that the environment sets expectations for the children and the children rise to the occasion. If you create an environment that respects children, children learn to respect their environment. The overall goal for an atelier is to provide interesting and engaging materials that are easily accessible and encourage meaningful, open- ended play. “If you create it, they will come.” This is an important concept to consider when deciding how to use and organise your child’s special spaces. With that in mind, and given the space available in your home, you can create distinct areas that invite your child to engage in the activities that represent your family’s values and interests. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/03/art-supplies-scaled.jpeg) ## **"When children have access to a variety of intriguing art materials, there is no limit to their creative endeavours"* Mariah Bruehl, founder of playfullearning.net ## Here are 5 ideas to get you started **Writing Centre** It never ceases to amaze me how a well-stocked, organised writing centre can inspire spontaneous writing among young children. The goal is to create a space that invites a variety of impromptu writing by your child. By having a dedicated area stocked with writing tools, papers, and a place to work, children can independently write lists, letters, stories, or books—building writing skills through authentic and engaging writing endeavours. We put our most commonly used materials in a utensil caddy so that it can be easily carried around the house or outside for spur-of-the-moment observational drawings or writing projects. **Science Lab** Creating an area dedicated to science and research for your children provides them the opportunity to form habits of mind that will become a natural part of how they take in new information and seek answers to their questions. Place a basket of books with a scientific focus and some field guides near your science tools for easy access. These resources allow for easy follow-up and research on the topics that pique your child’s interest. **Mail Station** A great addition to any child’s writing centre is a family mailing station. The mailing station encourages children to take their letter writing to the next level and learn how to address and send letters to friends and loved ones. It also inspires ongoing written communication within your family. Create mailboxes by attaching one pouch for every member of your family onto a board. It’s also useful to create an address chest where you can store address labels for your closest friends and family. Ask your child whom they most often write to, and then generate a list together of people to include in your address chest. It is nice to use a multi-drawer storage container to hold the labels (one drawer per addressee). Label each drawer with names and/or pictures. If you have space, place postage stamps in one drawer and your child’s return address labels in another. When introducing the mail station to your child, start out by writing her a letter and putting it in her pouch. Nothing stirs up more enthusiasm than receiving a personalised note right off the bat! It is also fun to take your child on a trip to the post office to hand-deliver her letters. If it is not too crowded, ask your local postal worker to explain how the letters are sent to their destinations. **Reading Nook** A cosy spot in the house created purely for reading sends a strong message to children about what your family values. An appealing reading nook invites children to relax and enjoy reading for pleasure’s sake. Rotating the books in the reading area is a particularly effective way to maintain your child’s interest and encourage regular visits. **Art Area** Art provides a wonderful outlet for young children to express their understanding of the world around them. When children have access to a variety of intriguing art materials, there is no limit to their creative endeavours. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. When organising your child’s art supplies, make sure that he can access them and put them away on his own. Store materials in baskets, bins, or containers that are easy to get in and out of and that are within your child’s reach. If your child cannot easily see the material, make sure that it is labelled clearly (with a picture for nonreaders). **Some other useful tips for organising and displaying materials:** - Organise coloured markers by colour. This gives children the opportunity to appreciate all the finer nuances of colour and the variations that exist within each shade. - Place mirrors underneath supplies to display materials; this is a sure way to draw your child in for further exploration. - Use unconventional containers for organizing materials (think outside the box). Some possibilities are pretty bowls, vases, jars, various kitchen organizers, fun hooks, or recycled bottles or cans. It adds to the fun of being in and utilizing creative spaces and materials. - I like to use high-quality art materials with young children. It introduces them to the feel and texture of materials that real artists use and allows them to bring their ideas to fruition with beautiful results. You might also keep children’s books about different artists and styles of art nearby to provide ongoing inspiration. *Note: Jot down your child’s thoughts during or after her process of creating; the true value of children’s art can only be discovered by talking to them about their work. There is always more to children’s creations than initially meets the eye.* ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/03/IMG_6461_HEIC-X4-2-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/03/IMG_1898-2-scaled.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/03/IMG_1855-scaled.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/03/i-fvQNJ8N-X4-3.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/03/Playful-Learning-1-1.jpeg) ## **Here are questions to consider when designing spaces that inspire playful learning:** - Can your child access the materials in the play space independently? Are they organized in baskets or bins that are clearly labeled so your child knows how and where to put things away when finished with them? - Are the materials presented in an attractive manner that invites your child to use them? - Do the materials, toys, and games represent a balance between your child’s and your own preferences? Do they represent what you value and thus encourage your child to engage in activities that you feel good about? - What is your child currently interested in? If your child no longer plays with dinosaurs, but has been talking a lot about birds, make sure that the play space reflects this current passion. Rotating toys is a great way to keep your child interested in play space activities and ultimately prolongs the life of your child’s playthings. It never ceases to amaze me how excited my girls get about a toy that comes back into rotation. The nostalgia they feel toward a toy they have not seen in a while is almost more than their delight over a brand-new toy. - Is the play space a calming environment that allows one to focus on the task at hand without distracting colours, decorations, or objects? - Are you seeing things from your child’s perspective? Put yourself in your child’s shoes to determine the right height for displaying and storing materials and hanging art. - Is this a space that makes you want to make art, explore science, write stories, and more? If so, would you have everything you need to do what you want to do? What else could you add to enrich and deepen your child’s learning experience in the play space? **MORE INSPIRATION** *Mariah is a parent, educator, entrepreneur, and author of the book,*[***Playful Learning: Develop Your Child’s Sense of Joy and Wonder***](https://amzn.to/4afdkrM?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk)*(Shambhala Publications, 2011).* ### 18 Ways to be a More Playful Parent URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/18-ways-to-be-a-more-playful-parent/ Last updated: 2024-05-07T07:13:58.000Z ## **Leo Babauta** encourages adults to find a way to be more open to the world of possibilities and playfulness. And get more childlike! Sometimes I lounge lazily in bed, in the middle of the day, with a couple of my kids and just abandon my worldly concerns, and just play. Or I’ll sit and just watch them play, pretending they’re superheros or princesses or playing house or shooting each other with stick guns. It never fails to leave me with a sense of wonder, of pure joy, of a return to innocence and a simpler time. As grown ups, we’ve lost this childlike sense of life. And that’s actually a sad thing. It’s not just about happiness and innocence either — being more childlike also helps us to be more creative, more imaginative, more innovative and open to worlds of possibilities. Consider: as children, we are naturally imaginative, curious, able to play without a worry in our minds. Some qualities of young children that happen naturally are living in the present, freedom from concerns about money, productivity, or being cool, no limits to their imagination, except what they’ve been exposed to, they play and lose themselves in play, they create with abandon and endless curiosity. We could learn a lot from children. Sure, they have qualities we might not want, but in my eyes, they are already perfect. We don’t need to mold them into people, we need to be more like them. We lose this childlike nature, the nature we’re born with, because of society — it has certain institutions and systems in place that beat childishness out of us, so we can be more productive citizens and consumers. I think it’s unfortunate. We shouldn’t abandon all responsibilities, but we can learn a lot from children and be more like them in some ways. ## Sign up for The Green Parent Bringing more joy and connection to your family life Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ## **HOW TO BE CHILDLIKE** We must first acknowledge that no change is instantaneous, that any change worth keeping takes time. But you can start today. Start by deciding to abandon caution and to give this a try. Identify the qualities of children you’d like to emulate: curiosity, play, living in the moment, abandoning worries, imagination, creativity, pure joy. **OBSERVE CHILDREN** Watch how they play, how they live, how they create, how they ask questions. Sure, sometimes they throw tantrums, but even in that you can see their pure abandonment of everything but what is happening to them right now. Watch and learn. **PLAY WITH CHILDREN** If you have some of your own, great. If not, play with children of friends and family. Lose yourself in the play. Be a dinosaur, or a gorilla, or a villain. Have a joyous time. Make them squeal in delight, and feel free to do the same yourself. **TALK WITH CHILDREN** Ask them questions. Answer theirs. Don’t talk down to them with baby talk, but don’t be too grownup either. **PLAY BY YOURSELF** Go outside and run around, jump, slide, kick a ball around, pretend. Forget about who might be watching. **CREATE LIKE A CHILD** Don’t be constrained with what people expect, what you’re used to. Be wild and have fun. Imagine that things can be different, that there are no limitations, and see what happens. Most of your childlike drawings will be tossed in the trash, but some might be put up on the fridge. **BE CURIOUS LIKE A CHILD** Look at things with a child’s eye, and ask questions you’ve never asked before, explore with a beginner’s mind. Don’t be afraid to ask why, and what if, and why not? **LIVE IN THE MOMENT** Forget about all you have to do. Forget about what happened yesterday, or that conversation you had. Forget about that meeting that’s coming up, or those deadlines. Just do, and be. **SEE THE WORLD WITH NEW EYES** It is a wondrous place, a miracle happening every second, a source of immense fascination that can knock you on your ass if you let it. You are a miracle, and every moment you have is a gift. What will you do with that gift? **AND LAST LET YOUR CHILDREN BE CHILDLIKE** Stop trying to make them grow up. Stop trying to shape them, criticize them, make them your own piece of clay, as Marvin Gaye said. Let them be, and enjoy the beautiful way they already are. --- ## Infusing Play into Mundane Tasks When I write about loving every moment and loving what you do, people often ask, ‘What about when you have to do something you don’t like?’ You can’t always enjoy what you’re doing, right? Actually, you can. You just have to remember what it’s like to be a child. Sure, there are things we have to do every day that we might think are boring: household chores, errands, routine tasks at work, being in a meeting that makes you want to pound your head on the table. But those are only boring because we’ve chosen to make them boring. Let’s take my six-year-old daughter Noelle as an example. She had to go to the dentist, which is a pretty routine thing for most people. We took the train and then walked a few blocks. In the train, she sang, found things fun to see out the window, played games with me. Everything she does becomes a game, an opportunity for wonder and exploration, or at the very least an opportunity to sing a song. She’s never bored. Why is that? Because she doesn’t see anything as boring. Everything is new, and there’s always a game you can play. We can do that too. Every chore can be turned into play. Every walk to the store can be infused with beginner’s mind, so that we see our surroundings afresh, ripe for exploration. Every boring work task can be turned into a challenge, a game. My 8-year-old son Seth runs everywhere, jumps everywhere. We’re walking along the street and he’s a werewolf, a wizard, a superhero. A living room becomes a place to make a fort, styrofoam becomes a toy, and if there’s nothing to play with, he’s pacing around making up stories in his head. How can you ever be bored when you see life like this? ### **Though I don’t want to tell you how to play, here are a few examples:** - Sing as you do chores - Use washing the dishes as a form of mindfulness practice - Make a game of computer tasks - see how fast you can get your inbox to empty (set a timer) - Give yourself points for checking off your tasks, and see how many points you can get each day - Skip instead of walk - Imagine you are in a movie when you walk into a meeting - Give yourself challenges - Make bets with friends when it comes to doing things you don’t normally like doing - Play music, dance around - Do a victory dance after you do anything good - Annoy your co-workers by calling them Jeeves - Only text people in Spanish - Play games to learn things - When you send an email, make fax noises - Imagine that your co-workers are robots, or vampires - Talk to your computer, and give it a name - Pretend you’ve never been anywhere before, and that everywhere is new - Try to rhyme your emails or tweets OK, those weren’t all great, but I’m sure you could think of better ones once you get into the right mindset. We’ve had the play pounded out of us, from years of schooling and work. Bring the play back, by watching a child and seeing how amazing life is for them. ### 5 Steps To A Positive Morning Routine URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/5-steps-to-a-positive-morning-routine/ Last updated: 2024-05-06T13:20:30.000Z ## Out of necessity, most parents are focused on meeting a child’s physical needs in the morning; making sure they eat a good breakfast, find their book bag or even get their shoes is no mean feat! But what if we can prepare our kids for the day mentally and emotionally, too? asks **Rebecca Louick** With a little planning, it is possible to create a radically different kind of morning. One that encompasses your child’s physical AND emotional needs and provides a happy, peaceful start. Practicing these 5 effective strategies will help your family to not only have a better morning but also develop and strengthen a growth mindset **1\. Reconnect -** According to Child Development and Behaviour Specialist, Betsy Brown Braun, night represents separation for children. Says Braun, “I look at morning as the oasis after the drought.” Small wonder kids want to play and interact with us as we try desperately (and with increasing frustration) to tick through our own agenda. **Some simple ideas for reconnecting:** - Spend 5 minutes snuggling - Hold hands while walking downstairs - Share a few deep breaths together - Choose a card from a yoga deck and do a pose or two Kids will be much more willing to listen and follow your morning directives if you’ve connected with them first. Time spent re-establishing your bond after a long night can make the morning run smoothly. Consider identifying your child’s love language to deepen that connection. If your son appreciates physical touch, snuggling or hugging are ideal morning activities. Other children respond to acts of service, so bringing them a drink of water or a bowl of cereal will make them feel loved and appreciated. **2\. Create a Routine -** When my babies were little, our doctor suggested creating a structured, healthy evening routine to help settle and prepare them for sleep. The same can be done for older children in the morning, to transition from rest to the busy day ahead. One way to establish a routine is by making a “launch pad” in your home. Simply choose an area where kids get organised for the day – this might be the entrance way, or kitchen. Anywhere close to the door works well. There, you can create a space housing the visuals and supplies that keep them on track. **Successful launch pads may include:** - Hooks or small table for backpacks - Cubby holes for organising folders or homework - Morning routine checklist - Affirmations jar ## Sign up for The Green Parent Bringing more joy and connection to your family life Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. While all these suggestions can make things run more smoothly, it is the morning routine checklist that provides kids with a higher level of independence and autonomy. Instead of relying on YOUR verbal reminders of what needs to happen next, the checklist allows kids to take ownership of their responsibilities and assert some much-needed control. **3\. Do Affirmations -** To harness the power of positive thinking, use a morning affirmation as part of your family’s schedule. Science has shown speaking positively about ourselves aloud can actually change our brains and even improve the way we see our future unfolding. As a parent and proponent of daily affirmations, writer Amy Miller describes the “magic formula” for creating one. To be effective, an affirmation requires three key elements: **LANGUAGE** \- Begin each phrase with strong, positive words. (Examples: “I am kind. “I am going to rock this day.” “I create happiness for myself”) **VISUALISATION** \- Spend several moments picturing details of the emotion or situation you’re affirming. This step connects your words to the positive feelings surrounding them. **IMPLEMENTATION** \- Believe in your statement. If the affirmation feels false, know the more you practice, the more real it becomes. Affirmations provide the opportunity to strengthen a growth mindset, especially during challenging moments. Simply write or copy a few of your family’s favourites and place them in a jar near the launch pad for easy access in the morning! **4\. Set the Stage -** Consider your home as the staging area for a good day. Many elements can help create a positive tone, from the sounds of calming music to the smell of muffins baking in the oven (even if it’s just a scented candle!). Engaging your child’s five senses is a simple and impactful way to create positive associations with the morning routine. Some ideas include: **Touch:** hug, snuggle or hold hands **Sight:** make eye contact, read affirmations **Sound:** play soft instrumental music **Smell:** light candles or incense or spray essential oils **Taste:** a mindful sip of water, eat healthy breakfast together **5\. Practice and Rehearse -** As with learning any new behaviour, practice when the pressure is off. Young kids can play out the morning routine on weekends using stuffed animals or finger puppets. Older kids can share their perception of morning rituals, as well as what parts are going well and what could be improved. Discuss when (and if) breakdowns occur in order to better plan for the days ahead. Choose a relaxing time to encourage your child to make a morning goal, one that is meaningful to him or her. Ask, “What would you like to learn how to do in the morning?” **Possible suggestions:** As you practice the new routine, remember to pause and notice your family’s efforts in overcoming their early morning hurdles. Appreciate your children for their hard work at facing challenges and setbacks. And don’t forget to praise yourself too! - Making her own breakfast - Writing or selecting the daily affirmations for the week - Getting himself dressed - Creating a positive playlist - Being the morning leader who gets everyone up and moving ***Rebecca is an assistant professor of Special Education at Eastern Michigan University. She studies motivation among students with learning disabilities. Find her on*** [***Twitter @ralouick***](https://twitter.com/ralouick?lang=en&ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ## **Resources** **IDEAS** Get ideas and printables at [*biglifejournal.com*](https://biglifejournal.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) **READ** Big Life Journal for Tweens and Teens at [*biglifejournal-uk.co.uk*](https://biglifejournal-uk.co.uk/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) [Big Life Journal: Growth Mindset for Kids & TeensWe create effective tools and resources to help kids and teens develop a growth mindset so they can face life’s challenges with confidence and have every opportunity in life. Our products are based on the latest research, and that’s what makes them so unique and effective.![](https://biglifejournal.com/cdn/shop/files/faviconfinl-05_152x.png?v=1673844650)Big Life Journal![](https://biglifejournal.com/cdn/shop/files/child_with_journal.jpg?v=1613746462)](https://biglifejournal.com/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### The Mumologist URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/the-mumologist/ Last updated: 2025-02-15T09:53:20.000Z ## Clinical psychologist **Dr Emma Svanberg** has worked with parents and families for over 20 years, and is known as the ‘Mumologist’ because she works predominantly with mums and mums-to-be. Her clear, parent-focussed work provides a scaffold for parents under pressure, and is distilled into her thoughtful, insightful book, Parenting for Humans, out now **Can you tell us about your background?** I was brought up in Newcastle upon Tyne and now live in Brighton. I’m mixed race (Sri Lankan and Swedish) which has definitely influenced my views and values. In 2008 I also became Jewish. I'm now lucky enough to be able to call myself both a psychologist and a writer. **Your father’s work sparked your interest in clinical psychology…** My dad, P.O. Svanberg, became interested in attachment theory when I was hitting my teens, and started a groundbreaking project called the Sunderland Infant Program. It supported families to build more secure bonds with their young babies. I did some work experience there, and was really privileged to take part in a Strange Situation experiment (one of the 'gold standard' assessments of attachment) and find about about the importance of that early relationship. As a teenager, I was determined not to be a psychologist, but it's in my bones! **Why do you enjoy working with parents and parents-to-be?** It encompasses so much. I work not just with the adult in front of me, but also the baby, or baby in utero and their partner, if they have one. I explore their family relationships, their own childhood, their ancestral legacies even! It’s never dull. Plus I get to spend a lot of time with babies, who are just pretty magical beings! **Where did your nickname, the ‘Mumologist’ come from?** I started a blog in 2010, after I had been working in SureStart for a couple of years. At the time I was working almost entirely with mothers. So it was just a bringing together of those two things - being a psychologist to mothers. I've actually been trying to change it for years because I now feel that it excludes dads, parents who don't identify as ‘mums' and other caregivers! ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/bb/1ebba405-ff23-468a-88e6-3b9236c9e23e/content/images/2024/03/Dr-Emma-Svanberg-Credit_-Beth-Steddon-3-scaled.jpeg) **“We are not blank slates! We are whole, complicated, messy humans who have already lived a life before we become parents”* **What’s the difference between a parenting book and a book about parents?** The vast majority of books about parenting are essentially a checklist of things to do that - inadvertently or directly - add an enormous amount of pressure to parents. Many create really unrealistic expectations, don't account for the circumstances that you are in as a family or the needs of your unique self and family. People feel that because they can't implement these ideas, they are failing in some way. I have seen this lead to a real rising of anxiety in parents, especially mothers, who just often have this persistent feeling that they are getting something wrong, or aren't doing well enough. **How does understanding what makes yourself tick affect your parenting, and how you might understand your child better?** We are not blank slates! We are whole, complicated, messy humans who have already lived a life before we become parents, exist in a messy, complicated world and with messy, complicated relationships! Not to mention all of our own experiences of being parented, of being a child, all the fantasies we hold about what being a parent will be like, what our child will be like and what family life should look like! When we understand ourselves, and what we bring, we own it. Then we are more able to see our children clearly, and see them as the unique humans they are, and can parent them according to what they need and who they actually are, and not from our own projections and ideas about who they should be and what we ourselves maybe needed. [Issue 117 - Digital DownloadDownload our interactive digital edition to your tablet or computer and keep forever. 4 Ways to Inspire Outdoor Play Drama Free Home Cacao as Plant Medicine 7 Ways to Connect with Your Teen 24 Family Adventure for 2024 Hidden Dyslexia Heal Relationships with Your Kids Family Travel Guide 2024![](https://subs.thegreenparent.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/tgp_favicon_l.png?crop=center&height=32&v=1621962467&width=32)The Green ParentThe Green Parent![](https://subs.thegreenparent.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/TGP117.jpg?v=1706438243)](https://subs.thegreenparent.co.uk/products/issue-117-digital-download?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) This article was first published in issue 117 of The Green Parent - Buy the issue here **I love the paragraphs in your book about how you’ve learned that most parents feel they are just muddling through, and that those who seem confident have just realised that it’s ok to muddle and make mistakes.** A huge part of my work is just reassuring parents that parenting is hard. And that finding it hard isn't a failure on your part. It just is hard! Acceptance of ourselves and our children is incredibly powerful, and leads to a much more collaborative and connected family life. ## Sign up for The Green Parent Thoughts, stories and ideas Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. **You warn that parenting can be painful, that you might feel sad reading parts of your book - why do you think that by uncovering your past pain and sadness you can become more at ease as a parent?** When we don't uncover it, it's not that it isn't there, it just pops up unexpectedly. Perhaps it pops up as us shouting at our child out of the blue, or bursting into tears when we see them receive something we really needed ourselves. We can feel proud of ourselves all the while feeling sad and angry with our child for having something we really wanted! Complicated isn't it? I think of it like carrying around a little kid within our bodies, who pops out and takes over our behaviour sometimes. When you open those doors, and look at the experiences you had, you get to take some of the sting out of those experiences. You get to talk to that little metaphorical kid, so that you can act more consciously and consistently as your adult self. **Do your kids still think that it’s hilarious that you’re writing a book about parenting?** Oh yes, my kids were not impressed with me being a pretty preoccupied and absent parent while writing a book to support other parents!!! **What’s next in the pipeline? What plans do you have?** We are currently on an unschooling journey which was unexpected and has taken me on a whole new path! So, at the moment, plans are very loose which is a lovely place to be. **MORE RESOURCES** **READ** Parenting For Humans, out now with Vermillion. [Parenting for HumansThere’s always that moment as a parent when you feel like no matter how hard you’re trying, you just can’t quite get it ‘right’. But the fact is, parenting is hard and once we know this and why, we can forgive ourselves for finding it a struggle, and start to look for the things that make parenting a joy. Parenting for Humans is a book first and foremost for parents. It explores what we bring to the parenting journey - our hopes, values, views, circumstances, relationships, upbringing - and how we can gain confidence in ourselves not just as parents, but as whole human beings. As well as learning to parent ourselves, it will show us how to parent the child we actually have, not a textbook version, but our complicated, messy child with their own powerful needs. And by tuning into their language, learning how to hold them, not mould them, we can really start enjoying them for the funny and unique human beings that they are. With the right support and guidance, we can all totally do this parenting thing and grow a positive and loving relationship that will last forever.![](https://www.penguin.co.uk/apple-touch-icon.png)Emma SvanbergEmma Svanberg![](https://cdn.penguin.co.uk/dam-assets/books/9781785044120/9781785044120-jacket-large.jpg)](https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/452076/parenting-for-humans-by-svanberg-dr-emma/9781785044120?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) ### How we Live - A Family Roadtrip URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/how-we-live-family-roadtrip/ Last updated: 2024-05-09T10:25:12.000Z ## **The Pickett family** relasied the dream of a lifetime when they took off across the USA in a vintage airstream ## Our adventure started deep in the Canyonlands of Utah, then Covid hit and we went back home to Montana to assess the situation. It dawned on us that it was very hard to catch Covid outside, so we took off. We went from Montana to Wyoming, then to the eastern sea board, down around Florida, up to Tennessee, then back across the country to Idaho, then to the west coast of Oregon. We then went back to Montana, and then down to the border of Mexico, and worked our way up through New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah. Then back to Montana. We then drove all the way to Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire. Then back to Montana, and finally up the coast of California, and then back home. We were in the Airstream full time for one-and-a-half years. We wanted to show our kids a different kind of life, one lived outside, and close to the land. Both my wife and myself had a similar upbringing and we wanted to show our kids the beauty of the land, and create a deeper connection to the outside world. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Breastfeeding Beyond Babyhood URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/breastfeeding-beyond-babyhood/ Last updated: 2025-02-15T09:53:07.000Z ## **Jo Middleton** explores some of the myths associated with breastfeeding children beyond babyhood. In this country we don’t have a great record when it comes to breastfeeding. For a start only 70% of women even attempt to breastfeed and by two weeks old, the majority of babies are being fed with formula. In this bottle feeding culture mothers who breastfeed older babies and toddlers tend to stick out like a sore thumb and often attract more criticism than encouragement. There is not a lot of positive press associated with extended breastfeeding. Let’s dispel some of the myths. ### **MYTH: Breastmilk has no nutritional value for an older baby** **TRUTH:** Breastmilk continues to be a significant source of nutrients for as long as you continue to breastfeed. We know that babies thrive on nothing but breastmilk for the first six months of their lives, often longer. No one surely could dispute the nutritional superiority of breastmilk during this stage, so why do people question its value for an older baby? Breastmilk is more nutritious than cow’s milk, than formula milk, or any other kind of milk come to that – of course it is – it is human milk, tailor made for human babies. ### **MYTH: Extended breastfeeding will make your toddler over-dependent.** **TRUTH:** Children who are breastfed for longer tend to be more independent and secure in their relationships. It is not true that breastfeeding on demand will ‘spoil’ a baby or child, or that extended breastfeeding will produce a clingy, dependent child – if anything it is the opposite. Breastfeeding is an important source of stability for a young child. It gives them sense of security that acts as a base from which they can explore the world, as well as a point of comfort when they feel frustrated or overwhelmed. As a species we are unique in that our young remain dependent on their parents for many years. We are not creatures who thrive on being forced into independence prematurely. Breastfeeding is one way in which you can be there for your toddler when they are upset or worried about something and meeting these early dependency needs means that your child will be able to grow secure in their own independence. ## Sign up for The Green Parent Thoughts, stories and ideas Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### **MYTH: It is really just the colostrum that contains all the important antibodies and immunities.** **TRUTH:** Breastmilk continues to pass on important immunity benefits into the second year and beyond. The immunological benefits of breastfeeding, although of course incredibly important in those first weeks, continue to have a positive impact on your child’s health for as long as you continue to breastfeed. Studies have even shown that many of the immune factors passed on through your breastmilk actually increase in concentration in the second year. A child’s immune system develops very slowly and isn’t completely mature until around the age of six, so extended breastfeeding will offer vital protection through this crucial stage of development. Basically this means that breastfed toddlers may get ill less often. When they do get ill, they tend to be able to cope better with the illness and recover from it more quickly. Linked to this is the role that breastfeeding plays in the prevention of allergies, including asthma, eczema and food intolerances. It is particularly important to bear this is mind if there is a history of allergies or intolerances in your family, as these conditions are often inherited. ### **MYTH: You should stop breastfeeding once your baby gets teeth.** **TRUTH:** Teeth should not affect breastfeeding. Just because your baby has teeth doesn’t mean they are going to chew off your nipple – they know what’s good for them! Some babies are born with teeth – does this mean that they forgo the right to any breastmilk at all? The arrival of bottom teeth should certainly not be a problem as the action of breastfeeding requires your baby’s tongue to stick out over the bottom gum and therefore cover any teeth. Some babies do experiment with biting as teeth come through, but this is a phase that will pass very quickly if you deal with it with the minimum amount of fuss. An older baby should be able to understand that biting is not acceptable behaviour. Don’t laugh, shout or give your baby any kind of extra attention, you don’t want it to turn into a game – just say no, gently but firmly. If it continues take your baby off the breast and finish the feed. Most babies will stop biting after a few times of being told firmly that it is not okay. By dispelling these myths we are only just scraping the surface. Extended breastfeeding has so much more to offer on top of being a source of nutrition and protection against illness. And it is not just the babies who are getting a good deal – long-term breastfeeding mums are reducing their risk of certain types of cancer and protecting themselves against osteoporosis. So, rather than questioning the value of breastmilk we should be supporting women to breastfeed for as long as possible. ## **MORE INSPIRATION** **WATCH** The Unconventional Parent talking about why she chooses to breastfeed beyond babyhood. ### Level Up Your Hair Game After a Dull Winter URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/level-up-your-hair-game-after-a-dull-winter/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:43.000Z # Spring is here and itchy wool scarves are not needed anymore. But the lack of vitamin D in the body combined with low temperatures and dry air caused major harm to our hair. Now is the best time to let it shine again! ## Give your hair a new life Say goodbye to the split and damaged ends and start with a trim. A fresh cut will give your hair an instant boost, leaving it healthier and more manageable. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ## Style your hair with care The beauty brand [**L’Oréal**](https://www.notino.co.uk/loreal-paris/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) came up with a progressive take on traditional straighteners introducing the Steampod 3.0 iron for hair. The tool uses gentle steam technology for styling your hair not only quicker but with less breakage. You can enjoy a great variety of finishes – shiny straight strands, sexy waves or a beautiful blow-dry effect. The steam iron just smoothly glides through the hair without dragging, leaving your hair glowing and healthy-looking. Tempted to style your hair with steam? Don't forget to check for a [**free gift**](https://www.notino.co.uk/freebies/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) with your purchase at Notino.co.uk. ## Evaluate the hair care products With the sun getting stronger every day, we should keep in mind that UV rays can affect not only the hair colour but break down the protein in our hair leading to frizziness and hair thinning. Treat your locks to shampoo, conditioner and leave-in treatments with built-in UV filters to protect hair and scalp from sun damage. Love your hair and treat it well. ### Awaken Your Skin For Spring! URL: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/awaken-your-skin-for-spring/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T10:14:43.000Z # With spring just around the corner, the warmer weather asks for some simple changes in our skincare routine to pamper the dry and itchy skin the winter left us with. So before we expose our delicate skin to the first spring sun, we should let it adapt and protect it with the best quality [**natural cosmetics**](https://www.notino.co.uk/organic-care/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) with enough sun protection for the day and replumping effect for the night. ### **Nurture your skin and feed it right day or night** The [**Weleda**](https://www.notino.co.uk/weleda/?ref=thegreenparent.co.uk) brand is known for its exclusive usage of natural ingredients without artificial preservatives. Its cosmetic line Skin Food includes nourishing composition of violet, chamomile and marigold extracts with softening and calming effects perfect for treating dull and tired skin. For sensitive skin, check the Almond line that includes organic almond oil perfect for protecting skin against external factors causing redness, prickling and premature skin ageing. ## Enjoying this? Get The Weekend Read The best of The Green Parent in your inbox every weekend, plus members-only stories and competitions. Sign me up Thank you! Check your inbox to confirm. Free, every weekend. Unsubscribe any time. ### **Here comes the sun!** We shouldn't underestimate good sun protection in spring to avoid spots on the skin, unpleasant sunburns and skin ageing. The award-winning brand Suntribe created a line of worry-free natural sunscreens with a mineral UV filter providing a broad-spectrum SPF 30 sun protection against harmful sun rays. As it does not contain unnecessary ingredients such as perfumes and preservatives, it is perfect for the body and face and also for a very active lifestyle.