ML Interest Tag: seed

Interview with a Groundhog: Punxsutawney Phil Dishes the Dirt

by Amber Guetebier

We had a chat with the world’s most famous groundhog. Find out what he had to say

Each year on Feb. 2, the town of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania celebrates Groundhog Day and their resident legend, Punxsutawney Phil. Phil’s the guy whose shadow (or not) lets you know how many weeks of winter are to come. According to tradition if he pops out of his hole, sees his shadow, and heads back in, there will be six more weeks of winter. Otherwise, it’s an early spring. We caught up with lil’ Phil to find out more about the critter behind the legend: read on to hear Phil dish on the weather, love, and life underground.

 

TNY: Phil, thanks for taking the time to speak with us. We know you’re busy.

PP: No problem: Actually, the town is doing all the prep work. At this point in my career, I just snack and then put on a top hat when someone says “go-time!” I hibernate during the winter, so overall, it’s pretty chill.

 

TNY: Phil, you sound so relaxed. Truthtell: Have you always been able to take it easy, or was there a time when you really felt the pressure of your job?

PP: When I was a young kit, there were some nerve-wracking moments. I mean, it’s my call if you’re going to see spring flowers blooming soon or if you need to keep your snow boots near the door. Back then, it was before television or the internet, so people were really relying on me to predict the future. And if I was wrong, well, that’s how Mr. McGregor’s garden froze over.

 

TNY: Have you ever been wrong?

PP: No, although unforeseen weather patterns can change the outcome, especially in today’s climate. My job is to give my best guess. So in that way, I can’t really ever be wrong.

 

TNY: Is it really true that you’ve been predicting since 1886? Zoologists say that is impossible: that a groundhog’s maximum life span is just six years.

PP: No comment.

 

TNY: Has anyone ever tried to sway you toward winter or spring?

PP: Well, I’m not going to name any names but there was a rather well-to-do seed company that came poking around my den in late January. This was a few years back. They left a basket full of indoor-grown (hydroponic or some such nonsense) vegetables for me to eat. There was a little note that said, “Hope you enjoy the bounty of an early spring.” They never came out and said, “Pick spring!” but I got the message. Early spring is good for crops.

 

TNY: What did you do?

PP: I did what any self-respecting groundhog would do. I ate all the vegetables and then predicted exactly what I saw. Punxsutawney Phil don’t do bribery.

 

TNY: What’s with the top hats?

PP: It’s the way you know whose part of my Inner Circle: their signature top hats and tuxes. The Inner Circle is like the President’s advisors. Everyone needs their peeps, and mine help convey my prediction with dignity.

 

TNY: So the tradition is that two scrolls are placed near your stump, one for winter and one for spring, which you direct the Vice President of the Inner Circle to choose from. Do they actually have the words “winter” and “spring” written on them?

PP:  Yes, but it’s in Groundhog-ese. Only Inner Circle members (and other groundhogs) know this complex language.

 

TNY: Are you married?

PP: My current partner and I have been together for 25 years this April. We have 30 kits, most of them now full-grown with families and burrows of their own.

 

TNY: Have you had any career highs and lows?

PP: Like any job, there are definite ups and downs. Going on the Oprah Winfrey Show back in 1995 was pretty thrilling. Last year I was almost arrested for my prediction. The charges have been dropped, so I can talk about it now. It was pretty scary. But as I said, this isn’t an exact science. And if you can’t arrest the weatherman for being off, you can’t arrest me.

 

TNY: Any spoilers on winter vs. spring?

PP: Haha. I can’t say at this time but if you come to Punxsutawney you’ll be the first to know.

 

TNY: Thanks for your time, Punxsutawney Phil. Any parting words?

PP: Yes. A lot of farmers and home gardeners campaign against groundhogs because they say we eat their food crops. I want to go on record saying that not all groundhogs are thieves: in fact, most of us are hardworking with dozens of mouths to feed. I hope people have more compassion for the noble groundhog. 

Images courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

 

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10 Day of the Dead Recipes for a Sweet Celebration

by Susie Foresman

Dia de los Muertos is a day to remember departed friends and family. Use these Day of the Dead recipes to celebrate!

After your kids have ridden the sugar high of Halloween night, take some time on Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) to honor friends and family members who have passed away. The Mexican-originated holiday can spark interesting conversations about life and death. Feed your kiddo’s curiosity by making some Day of the Dead recipes, from traditional Mexican recipes to colorful sugar skull–inspired treats.

Atole de Pinole

Try this delicious, classic Mexican drink! Atole de Pinole has flavors of cocoa, cinnamon, and vanilla mixed with ground corn. It’ll keep you warm on cold, fall days. Get the recipe here.

Dia de los Muertos Pancakes

Try out these sugar skull pancake designs. It’ll put an artistic spin on your celebration.

Pan de Muerto

day of the dead recipes
Mangio da Sola

Make a batch of pan de muerto like this one from Mangio da Sola to celebrate the day. The “bone” decorations on top represent loved ones who have passed away. A simple sweet bread flavored with anise seed and orange, this is sure to be a win with the whole family. 

Mexican Hot Chocolate

Onion Rings and Things

Pair your pan de muerto with a comforting cup of Mexican hot chocolate, like this one from Onion Rings and Things. Rich bittersweet chocolate contrasts beautifully with black pepper to make a spicy but decadent treat.

Day of the Dead Cookies

day of the dead recipes
Girl versus Dough

These cute cookies from Girl versus Dough are a fun take on sugar skulls. The chocolate cinnamon cookies are delicious, and the kids will love helping decorate them with sprinkles and candies.

Related: 10 Sweet Sugar Skulls for Day of the Dead

Tamales

How to Feed a Loon

Tamales are traditionally served for big celebrations like the Day of the Dead, Christmas, and Mexican Independence Day. Let the kiddos get involved in making this fantastic recipe from How to Feed a Loon. They definitely require time and patience, but the result will be well worth it.

Roasted Vegetable Sopa Azteca

day of the dead recipes
The Bojon Gourmet

Similar to tortilla soup, this dish from The Bojon Gourmet is made with lots of roasted veggies and topped with crispy tortilla strips. It’s easy to customize with your favorite vegetables and cheese, too.

Related: Everything You Need to Celebrate the Day of the Dead

White Chocolate Covered Strawberry Skulls

Growing Up Bilingual

For an easy but delicious take on sugar skulls, try this recipe from Growing Up Bilingual. Candy markers make it a breeze to decorate the white chocolate strawberries. Sugar skulls are traditionally part of the ofrendas (offerings) made to deceased loved ones as part of the Dia de los Muertos celebrations.

Chicken Empanadas

day of the dead recipes
Food Lovin’ Family

Empanadas might sound tricky to make, but with a few shortcuts from Food Lovin’ Family they’ll be a breeze. Refrigerated pie crust cuts out a lot of the work, and you can let your mini sous chefs help fill the pockets with a chicken mixture and top them off with an egg wash.

Potato Peanut Butter Calavera Candy

day of the dead recipes
Presley’s Pantry

These cute peanut butter candies from Presley’s Pantry will make the perfect Day of the Dead treat. The best part? They're made out of pantry staples that you probably have on hand.

 

 

 

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The Best Casseroles to Feed Your Family

by Emily Myers

There’s something about a casserole that summons up the cozy comforts of home. Baked mostly unattended, they go straight from oven to table, making them hassle-free to cook, easy to serve and a cinch to clean up. Perfect for pot-lucks, picnics or everyday dinners, scroll down for 13 creative casseroles that’ll give your meal planning a boost.

Enchilada Casserole

Cookie and Kate

For a gluten-free veggie option, this layered enchilada casserole reinvents traditional lasagne with fab results. The recipe at Cookie and Kate uses salsa, veggies, corn tortillas and Monterey Jack for a hearty, veg-packed dinner loaded with fresh Mexican flavors.

Brown Rice Skillet

Cook Nourish Bliss

An easy, one pan recipe with Mexican flavors, plenty of veggies, beans and cheese is the perfect casserole to end the week. It's the pick-me-up the family needs when energy is flagging. Head over to Cook Nourish Bliss for the recipe—you can always ditch the jalapeno if you think that will be too spicy.

Chicken Parmesan

The Weary Chef

Get the classic flavors of an Italian dish all in one pan with this recipe from The Weary Chef. Super simple and gooey with mozzarella this dish, has a crispy panko parma topping, and will likely be added to your list of lifesaving weekday dinner dishes.

Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole

The View From Great Island

This easy chicken recipe has all the elements of the best kind of comfort food; a rich creamy sauce, tender poached chicken, delicate crunchy poppy seeds and a crisp Ritz crust. It's a casserole that will have kids coming back for more. Head to The View From Great Island for the recipe with suggested variations and easy shortcuts.

Breakfast Casserole

Weelicious

The genius behind the breakfast casserole is that it can be served any time of day—and it'll be gobbled up like candy. This recipe from Weelicious is endlessly versatile and super tasty. A comforting casserole at its very best.

Easy Peasy Tuna Bake

The Seasoned Mom

Every household needs a recipe that can be pulled together with just a few pantry staples—and this tuna casserole is it! Make way for a new family favorite as mac 'n' cheese meets tuna 'n' peas. Head to The Seasoned Mom for this simple take on a family classic.

Chicken Wild Rice Casserole

Pinch of Yum

This casserole has all the goodness of chicken soup baked into a comforting gratin and topped with homemade croutons. The kids will love everything about it from the creamy sauce and the tasty chicken to the crunchy topping. The recipe comes to us from Lindsay over at Pinch of Yum who says it's the perfect fix for cold Minnesota winters.

Veggie Beef Casserole

Anna's Cooking Adventure

Sometimes the best recipes are the old ones—and a tasty beef casserole with lots of winter veggies, all covered in gooey cheese, is a classic. This recipe from our archives comes from Anna at Anna’s Cooking Adventure who recommends adding a final helping of cheese five minutes before you pull it out of the oven to give it a crunchy casserole topping.

Overnight French Toast 

Well Plated

Who said casseroles have to be savory? This french toast bake from Erin Clarke at Well Plated is fluffy inside, crunchy on top, and bursting with blueberries—the perfect feast to kick off the weekend in style. Prep the night before, leave in the refrigerator overnight and there's just an hour of unattended cooking time in the morning. Head to Well Plated for the recipe and how-to video.

Veggie Casserole

Weelicious

This veggie casserole from Weelicious is a tasty and easy dinner you can get on the table fast. You can use whatever mixture of veggies you have left in the fridge or freezer. 

Stuffed Cabbage Casserole

The View From Great Island

Try this easy stuffed cabbage casserole from The View from Great Island that everyone in the family will love! This casserole is so flavorful, no one will guess that it's so simple.

Spicy Chicken and Cauliflower Casserole

A Taste of Madness

This spicy chicken and cauliflower casserole from A Taste of Madness is easy to make from things you often already have around the house. This is such an easy, throw-it-together recipe!

Sausage Breakfast Casserole

Sunkissed Kitchen

Make this delicious sausage breakfast casserole from Sunkissed Kitchen ahead of time and just pop it in the oven when you're ready. Everyone will love this tasty dish.

 

— Taylor Clifton & Emily Myers

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10 Ways to Get Kids to Enjoy Gardening

By Suzan Chiang

It seems like I’ve been gardening all my life. And teaching children the skills and love for gardening are what brings me joy in the gardening world. If you can see their huge smiles and excitement as they watch their plants grow, then you know you have instilled a love for nature. I still remember as a young child, my parents would bring me out to their backyard to help plant pumpkin seeds. I then graduated to planting tree saplings to learning how to transplant, divide plants, and propagate.

While not every child desires to learn about plants, most of them do however enjoy being outdoors and digging their fingers in the soil. There are health benefits to growing your own garden or planting your own food. You get to be outside in fresh air, you decide on what you want to grow, you can see pollinators visit your garden, and you can enjoy the bounty of your fresh fruits and vegetables! And there are many easy-to-grow plants for children no matter their skill level. And with spring just around the corner, now is the best time to prepare for your spring planting. If you like to start with seeds, get them ready as most seeds take about 7-10 days to sprout and then 2-3 months for the plants to be fully grown. If you can’t wait for the seeds to sprout and transplant, then seedlings or small established plants might be a better choice.

Below are 10 ways of getting your child interested in growing their own garden. These are fairly easy steps and you can start small with just a few plants.

1. Start off with easy to grow plants. Beans, beets, carrots, peas, radishes, and tomatoes are all easy beginner plants. Buy organic seeds or seedlings whenever possible as these are edible plants. Peas, tomatoes, and carrots can be easily grown in planters too.

2.  Enlist them in the garden design. Decide on whether you want to grow in a planter or directly in the ground. Planters are great for beginners or if you have a small space. Pick planters that have good drainage holes.

3. Make it personal by planting a favorite flower. Check out planting seasons and plant their favorite flower or birth flower.

4. Study the full life cycle of a seed. Most seeds take about 7-10 days to sprout. Seedlings are usually about 2-3 inches tall and can be planted directly into the ground or in a planter that can accommodate the size of a fully grown plant. Growing from seeds is particularly fun because your child can track the growth of the seed as it germinates into a seedling!

5. Take your child to a garden center. Walk around the garden center to see what’s in season and get inspiration. Talk to a horticulturist while there to get some insider tips on growing a bountiful garden! And while you’re there, pick up some plants to take home.

6. Purchase basic garden tools. Buy thick gloves, garden spade, garden hand trowel, a small rake, garden shears, and a watering can. Get either child-size tools or smaller adult sizes so they’ll grow with your child.

7. Go on a nature walk at a local park or arboretum. This will inspire both you and your child to appreciate and discover various plants. Oftentimes arboretums will sell native plants so they’re great for your little ones to choose for themselves.

8. Create a plant journal. Depending on the age of your child, you can have them start a plant journal where they can draw or cut out pictures of what they’re planting. Then record the start date of planting and the growth period. This also helps develop good recording skills for future planting and gardening techniques.

9. Grow specific plants for pollinators. Great plants to grow for butterflies and bees are native flowers or all-inclusive plants such as herbs, sunflowers, and daisies. Pollinators help increase the growth of your own plants as well as help them pollinate other plants. I love growing Milkweed for our Monarch butterflies during springtime. These unique and beautiful pollinators are instantly attracted to this specific plant and you’ll get to watch the cute little caterpillars too!

10. Plant a hummingbird habitat garden. Once in a while, I will grow plants that hummingbirds love right in front of my front door. It’s so delightful to hear their little wings flap as they drink the nectar from my plants. Hummingbird plants include Butterfly Bush, Trumpet Vine, and Honeysuckles. Just think of anything in a tubular flower shape where their long beaks can fit into the flowers. Instill the love of gardening and being in nature when your child is young. Teach them basic gardening skills and they’ll soon want to grow a garden for you! Happy gardening!

I am a mom first and foremost. I might not be a supermom, but I am constantly learning and growing.Topics I stand with are parenting, the environment, and living a healthy and happy lifest‌yle. I work at an elementary school and I have 30 years experience in the health industry.

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Easy Ways to Foster Your Child’s Love of Animals

by Kate Loweth

Having a kid who loves animals doesn’t mean that you are destined to clean up dog hair all over your house for years to come. There are plenty of ways to get hands-on experience with animals from volunteer opportunities to programs like 4-H that teach animal husbandry along with leadership skills. Find our favorites below!

Build a butterfly garden.

NHM

Butterflies are more than just beautiful insects with wings: they play a vital role in the production of flowering plants which means without butterflies many, many plants would not flower, fruit and seed. Give these jewel-toned pollinators a place to call home no matter how much space you have. We have all the info you need to build your own butterfly garden here. 

Volunteer your time as a citizen scientist.

iStock

Did you know that you can donate your time to help scientists study all of the living creatures in your area? Kids make great citizen scientists as they can use their observational skills and learn about plants and animals that live near us. SciStarter has a great search tool where you can look for projects that need volunteers in your area. Search for stinkbugs in your back yard, head to a nearby water source and listen for frog mating calls and collect samples from your backyard to send to scientists. What a great way to learn and give back! 

Join your local 4-H organization.

Kate Loweth

Not just for farm communities, 4-H organizations are a great way to get hands-on experience for kids who love animals. Whether you want to learn about chickens, bees, goats, pigs or other animals, 4-H has a program for you. Kids learn about animal husbandry by learning what makes specific breeds special. Best of all, you often don't even have to keep your 4-H animals at your own home as they can stay at the 4-H farm. The program is also great at developing kids as leaders as it is fully youth-led. Find a 4-H club near you. 

Volunteer at your local animal shelter.

iStock

Do you have an animal shelter near you? Often times kids can volunteer as play partners to shelter animals when a parent comes along with them. Looking for another way to help out? Shelters often need blankets for incoming pets as well as food and other supplies. Consider running a supply drive in your neighborhood or school to contribute that way! 

Offer to walk your neighbors' dogs.

A Latinx family cuddles with their dog on the couch
iStock

If you want to get your "dog fix" without the commitment of owning your own mutt, see if any neighbors are looking for a dog walker. Often older individuals would love this opportunity to give their animal some exercise and you can have fun teaching Fido some new tricks while you're at it! 

Stay the night at a farmstay.

Mimi O'Connor

If you've always wanted to wake up with the chickens, book a weekend at a nearby farmstay. These cozy cabins come with loads of opportunities to interact with animals and farm-fresh eggs for your breakfast. 

Get the kids started with composting.

antrania via pixabay

Composting teaches kids to be environmentally conscious and it's also a great way for them to learn all about the tiny critters like bugs and worms that make our dirt what it is. If they really get into worms, try vermicomposting!

Try a small animal instead.

Kate Loweth

Small animals teach kids a lot of the same skills that they can learn from having a dog or cat like being responsible for another creature's needs. Bearded dragons, hampsters and even backyard chickens are a great way to satisfy a child's want for a pet with much less work on your part. 

—Kate Loweth

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15 Gifts Every Nature Lover Will Adore

by Amber Guetebier

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation.

If they aren’t hiking through a forest or looking under rocks in the front yard, your little nature lover probably wishes they were. This year, encourage that love of the natural world with one of these gifts hand-picked by moms of nature-obsessed kiddos. From seed cannons to trail kits, read on for our favorites.

 

Stamp Garden

$25 BUY NOW

This beautiful rubber stamp kit is not only perfect for the budding botanist in your life, but you might want to borrow it for your own crafting needs. It includes 25 stamps and two, color ink pads.

Zoom Tube Monocular Telescope

$75 BUY NOW

Bring nature closer with this hand-held telescope that's easy for the whole family to use. It comes in six different colors.

Hello Nature: Draw, Collect, Make and Grow

$19 BUY NOW

A beautifully illustrated, interactive activity book to spark the curiosity of your little naturalist.

Our World: A First Book of Geography

$18 BUY NOW

It's a book, it's a globe, and it's a work of art that teaches children all about geography and our beautiful world. Written by Sue Lowell Gallion and illustrated by Lisk Feng.

Deuter Kids' Backpack

$40 BUY NOW

When they're big enough to pack their snacks for the hike, this adorable, sturdy bag is sure to do the trick!

Seed Cannons

$48 BUY NOW

An eco-friendly confetti cannon? Yes, pls! These babies shoot wildflower seeds. Set of 3.

Buggy Lights

$22 BUY NOW

These jars illuminate your kiddo's collection of crawling and flying friends.

Moulin Roty Botanist Case

$65 BUY NOW

This little set is so sweet it makes you wish you could go back in time and gift it to your seven-year-old self. Includes a flower press, field journals, treasure boxes and a magnifying glass in its carrying case.

Uncle Goose Planet Blocks

$21 BUY NOW

The solar system and the night sky are just a grab away. Each block features an illustration, the planet's diameter, distance from the sun and location in the solar system.

National Parks Road Trip Learning Set

$40 BUY NOW

There's both a book and an activity book in the set that'll help nature-loving kids discover our National Parks. Good for a road trip or anytime!

Sunprint Kit

$16 BUY NOW

Make cool prints for your nature lover's room by placing leaves or other objects onto the light-sensitive paper and watch the magic happen.

Woodland Animals Baby Tummy Time Toy

$69 BUY NOW

They'll love nature before they can say the word, thanks to this plush set that encourages active play and tummy time.

Multi Tube Propagation Kit

$45 BUY NOW

This sophisticated set will help grow your plant collection and teach kiddos about propagation, too. It comes in three colors (pink, white, and teal).

Tender Leaf Forest Trail Kit

$70 BUY NOW

When you go out in the woods today, pack this trail kit to help learn and grow along with the trees. Includes a magnifying glass, printed trail cards, and even an owl compass (which pretty much sold us on the set).

Wooden Forest Animals Set

$39 BUY NOW

Get some Forest School vibes in your playroom with this set of eight forest friends perfect for imaginary play.

—Amber Guetebier

Editor’s Note: Prices and availability reflect the time of publication. Images courtesy of retailers.

If you purchase something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation.

featured photo: tung256 via pixabay

 

RELATED STORIES: 

The Best Books for Nature Lovers

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Candy Overload? Switch Witch to the Rescue

by Amber Guetebier

The gobs of Halloween candy your trick-or-treaters bring home can border on the obscene, but thinking of them actually eating it all is enough to make your own teeth hurt. Luckily, there’s a sweet little trend that will help you reduce their sugar intake and up the Halloween fun. It’s the Switch Witch, and she’s here to turn your kid’s candy into a toy, book or another tangible (non-edible) item they’ve been begging for. Here’s our advice on how to invite the Switch Witch into your home.

photo: Charles Parker via Pexels

Prep the Kids
If you are reading this before Halloween night, it’s easy to plant the seed. If Halloween has passed don’t panic: the Switch Witch’s magic lasts for the weeks following. Ask your kiddos if they have heard of the Switch Witch, and then get your story in order! Basically, the Switch Witch requires payment of candy, quite a bit of it, and in exchange, she will leave behind something cool. An inexpensive but desirable gift is best (an awesome new book, a toy they’ve asked for repeatedly at the grocery store, a sweet new headband, cash, etc.). Tell them they can choose to leave candy out for the Witch, but make sure it’s a substantial amount. It’s up to you where to leave the candy for the Witch, but we suggest leaving it on a kitchen table or somewhere away from the child’s room in order to ensure success (and pop a couple of peanut butter cups in your mouth before she “arrives”). It’s like Santa Claus meets the Tooth Fairy plus Halloween all in one.

 

photo: Denny Mueller via Unsplash

Make the Switch
 Put the candy on a fun tray or in a Halloween candy bucket. Have the kids make a note for the SW. Then, send them off to bed. While they’re sleeping, invoke the powers of the Switch Witch and ditch the candy. You can hide it and make it part of a Halloween candy buy-back program, just make sure your top-secret plan remains undetected. Leave the shiny new item in the place of the candy.

photo: Shutterstock 

Tips and Tricks
Be prepared for some questions about the Switch Witch. Determine her name, hair color, (and yes the SW could be a he, too) where she lives, what she does with all that candy, what her mode of transport is (broom, car, giant bird) and any other fun details that make her come to life. If the thought of a witch creeping into the house at night to take candy sounds scary to your kids, make sure you add lots of details about how nice/fun/cool/sweet she is. Be creative and have fun “tricking” the kids out of all that sugar. Check out this book and doll set that brings the Switch Witch right to you.

—Amber Guetebier

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6 Tips to Help Teach Financial Independence to Kids

By Denise Daniels

Photo: Greenlight

According to a report by the Brookings Institution, teenage financial literacy is positively correlated with asset accumulation and net worth at age 25. It may be surprising for parents to hear that only 28 states have some type of financial education standards in younger grades, including middle school, according to the Brookings report.

For us, this begs the question: If a school in your area isn’t implementing these types of courses, what can parents do at home to start the process?

The money talk may not be as intimidating as other conversations you might have with your kids, but it’s still a lot to think about. Believe it or not, 49 percent of parents say they’re not sure how to explain money to their child. Our answer? Start simple — explain common budgeting terms or have a chat about why saving is so important.

When kids make decisions on whether to spend or save their money, they’re learning about trade-offs. Kids learn a lot of other valuable lessons when they manage their own money, and the sooner they get started the quicker they’ll learn.

Open the conversation with something like, “You might not have enough money to buy XYZ right now, but add to your savings over time and you’ll get there!”  Another way to plant the seed? Try pointing out something that you’re saving for—maybe it’s a new TV or a family vacation. This opens up the conversation and makes it relatable.

Some tips on talking finances with the kids:

  • Get started early. Savings accounts can be created as soon as your child is born. You can do this quickly and easily by signing up for apps like Greenlight.
  • Set up recurring deposits. Deposits add up and grow over time, especially if you’re earning interest. When you’re ready, show your kids the impact of saving regularly.
  • Provide hands-on experience. Start giving your kids real-world experience with money and making financial decisions. When a night out at the movies means a delay in buying a new videogame, they’re learning. When they decide to eat at home instead of spending money at a restaurant, they’re taking action. Rather than learn these lessons when they’re out on their own, they can learn with you by their side, which is comforting for both of you.
  • Teach kids about saving. If kids can spend it, they can save it. Kids are tech-savvy so us an app like Greenlight that easily shows them what happens when they save money over time. When they start earning some money of their own—whether from gifts, allowance or chores—encourage them to save some of it, even if it’s for a big purchase down the road.
  • Talk about interest. Interest and compound interest are incredibly important for building wealth over time, but it can be tough for kids to grasp. Break down these concepts to your kids in a way that is easy to understand and fun to learn about. A hands-on approach is setting your own interest for your kids.
  • Explore investing as a family.  We encourage kids to explore real-life investing with their parents. Work with kids to pick stocks of companies whose products and services they understand and use. Have them research the companies they know to understand what they do, how well they are performing now, and how well they may be doing in the future.

To ensure our younger generations are growing up with a solid baseline of financial literacy, it’s important for these lessons to start in the home when kids are young. The greatest gift you can give your kids is to help them pave a path to financial independence.

Denise Daniels,RN, MS and creator of the groundbreaking children’s brand The Moodsters is a Peabody award-winning journalist, author, and parenting and child-development expert dedicated to putting young children on the path to positive mental health. She created The Moodsters—five quirky little feelings detectives who solve the mysteries of emotions. 

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This Must-Read is a “Spooky” Story with a Sweet Lesson

by Kenzie Kramer
Partner Content

All kids find themselves in a bad mood sometimes. (Siblings, green vegetables, and being told what to do are some of the usual culprits.)  But what happens when an frustrated ‘tude gets mixed in with a Halloween costume conundrum? Find out in The Bad Seed: The Good, the Bad, and the Spooky.

Based on the New York Times bestselling picture book The Bad Seed, creators Jory John and Pete Oswald bring back a favorite foodie character in this must-read seasonal tale. With Halloween on the horizon, The Bad Seed is psyched about his favorite holiday. But he’s having trouble finding a show-stopping costume. His plan: postpone trick-or-treating for everyone until he finds his perfect ensemble. 

Any child who’s looked far and wide for a “just right” Halloween costume will identify with the Bad Seed’s predicament. This book is charming and thought-provoking—using humor to teach children a valuable lesson. Great for bedtime snuggles or independent quiet reading time, your kiddo will read it over and over again. You’ll also appreciate the clever illustrations and silly puns. Better yet, the two included sticker sheets are perfect décor for a DIY jack-o’-lantern.

Be sure to check out the other books in the beloved Food Group Series, including The Bad Seed, The Good Egg, The Cool Bean, and The Couch Potato. 

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Easy Snacks to Make With Your Kids & Healthy Options to Buy When You Don’t Have Time

By Dr. Michael Goran PhD Dr. Emily Ventura PhD, MPH

Photo: Sugar Proof Kids

 

Ready for some new ideas for snacks for your kids? It can be easy to get into a rut, and unfortunately, most of the snacks marketed to kids aren’t the healthiest. In fact, 80% of kids’ snacks and products have added sugar and most have deceptive claims on the packaging. They may say “whole grain” or “made with fruit” or “rich in calcium,” making parents think they are getting something with added nutritional value, whereas many of these are highly processed and full of hidden sugars or sweeteners and other unwanted ingredients such as refined seed oils or artificial colors. These include many brands of granola bars, crackers, chips, yogurts, and fruit snacks.

The sugar in these products adds up fast, and just one or two seemingly healthy products can put kids over their suggested daily limit for added sugar. For example, one granola bar can easily have 12 grams or three teaspoons of added sugar, which is half of the general daily maximum recommended for children ages 2-18. And most kids do not feel as if they have been given dessert if they have a granola bar, but essentially that is what many brands are!

An overly sweet diet can impact children from head to toe and cause risk for many health issues, including those that develop slowly and silently over time, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, systemic inflammation, and eventual cognitive decline. In the short term, kids who have more sugar are more likely to struggle to concentrate and to be moodier and more fatigued. Reducing sugar in daily snacks can make a big difference in children’s overall health.

Easy Snacks to Make at Home

Involving kids in preparing easy snacks is a great way to encourage them to accept new, healthy options. Here are a few ideas:

1. Cucumber slices with Japanese Furikake Seasoning: Washing a cucumber and helping to slice it into rounds is something that even toddlers can assist with. We love to dip cucumber in Japanese Furikake seasoning, which is a mix of seaweed flakes, sesame seeds, and sea salt. Look for a brand that does not have added sugar or MSG in it. Kids love this because it gives the cucumber a great crunch and added flavor.

2. Watermelon Pops: Another very easy idea is to cut a watermelon into rectangular pieces, retaining the rind on to use as a handle, and freeze it on parchment paper into one-ingredient ice pops. While kids may be too young to cut the watermelon safely, they can help arrange it on the parchment for freezing. These are so refreshing and fun to eat on a hot day.

3. No-Bake Chocolate Sesame Squares: For something sweet, that is also plant-based and high fiber, try these treats out. They are full of chocolatey flavor and, in addition to being free from added sugar, they also happen to be gluten-free and dairy-free for anyone with those needs. This is a very easy recipe (here are the full details) where you just put everything in a food processor and then flatten it into a baking dish. Even young kids can help measure the ingredients, add them to the processor, operate it with adult supervision, and help press the mix into the dish.

3. Crispy Chickpea Snacks: These seasoned, roasted chickpeas are flavorful and a great alternative to chips or crackers. They are high in fiber, keep kids satisfied, and are also easy to make and affordable. You can modify the seasonings based on what your family likes. We especially love the garam masala version, and the Italian version with rosemary and oregano is also amazing. Kids can help drain the canned chickpeas, dry them with a dish towel, baste them with olive oil, and sprinkle them with the spices before roasting.

Healthier Options for Snacks You Can Buy

We know that making your own snacks isn’t always possible, and it’s helpful to know which ready-made products you can rely on that use good ingredients and your kids will like.

For non-perishable options, here are some products we like:

With these ideas, you can keep up with your children’s snack appetites, involve them in the kitchen, and keep them healthier at the same time.

Dr. Michael Goran, Ph.D. and Dr. Emily Ventura, Ph.D. are co-authors of the pioneering new book, SUGARPROOF: The Hidden Dangers of Sugar That Are Putting Your Child’s Health at Risk and What You Can Do (Avery/Penguin Random House). To purchase the book and for more ideas and recipes, check out the website and our Instagram page.

Dr. Michael Goran PhD Dr. Emily Ventura PhD, MPH
Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Dr. Michael Goran, Ph.D. and Dr. Emily Ventura, Ph.D. are co-authors of pioneering new book, SUGARPROOF: The Hidden Dangers of Sugar That Are Putting Your Child’s Health at Risk and What You Can Do (Avery/Penguin Random House). To purchase the book or for more information, visit www.sugarproofkids.com

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