Little Life Lessons – The Purpose of Life

When you’re a young child, life seems to be a constant bliss of playtime, food, and sleep. Before the age of five, the meaning of life wasn’t even a notion on your plate. As you grow older, so does your brain and your life experiences, and you start to pick up nuances and virtues along the way. But as we get into adulthood, sometimes the virtues we learned as a child get lost or displaced. We sometimes lose track of what it means to be a human being and more so, a decent human being.

What makes a person truly virtuous? You might see heroic or selfless acts from people all over the world. Is it an innate obligation to do right and to help others? We’ve seen people risk their lives to save another. We’ve seen someone pay for another person’s groceries. And we’ve seen people stand up to bullies. Perhaps they learned at a young age to just “do the right thing”, or they learned through hard lessons in life. But I ask this – what exactly is the right thing to do? And when is the right time to talk to our kids about virtue, honesty, and purpose?

When you’re school-aged, the importance of learning fundamental math and language arts is already part of the school curriculum. But how do you learn about your life purpose? And who do you learn it from? Our teachers can only teach what is offered in school. But sometimes you get lucky and you meet a teacher who teaches you how to succeed in life. I was fortunate to have met a few teachers who taught about humanity and compassion, and their teachings were amplified through their own kind actions.

As I nurture and teach my own child as he grows up, I hope and pray that he’ll have the necessary tools to navigate through adulthood. I wish he will grow up to be a person with values and virtues. With kindness and compassion. But I can only provide him with what I learned while living at home and through my own personal experiences.

At every opportunity possible, I try to talk to my son about his “life purpose”. And then I wonder if I start sounding like I’m forcing him to be someone he’s not, or doesn’t want to grow up to be. Oftentimes as parents, we reflect what we wish we were onto our children. Us parents might not have done all the things we wish we had done as children. Wished we had talked a certain way. Acted a certain way. Or became a different person. But I know that while he’s going through his own growing pains, I do see specks of kindness and purpose in him. He realizes what is important right now and that’s okay for me.

So when is a good time to teach children about “life’s purposes”? Experts might tell you that children don’t really grasp the meaning of life until they’re teenagers. But as soon as your child is old enough to start learning the difference between right and wrong, would be the best time to start. 

Below I’ve listed some talking points for your children depending on age. Of course everyone is different, and a child’s age doesn’t necessarily correlate with maturity and mentality. Please note that some of these questions are what I’ve come across throughout my years working with children.

Primary school age (grades 1-3):

  • Do you like school? Why/Why not?

  • Do you like your friends? Why/Why not?

  • What do you like best about school?

  • What do you like least about school?

  • What do you want to learn from your teachers?

  • What do you want your teachers to teach you?

  • Do you like animals? If so, what kind of animal?

  • What do you want to be when you grow up? Why do you want to be that?

Primary school age (grades 4-5):

  • Do you like school? Why/Why not?

  • What would you do if you meet a bully?

  • What would you do if you meet a stranger?

  • What do you want to learn from your teachers?

  • What do you want your teachers to teach you?

  • Why do you think homework is important?

  • Why do you think you should manage your hygiene?

  • What do you want to be when you grow up? Why do you want to be that?

Secondary school age (grades 6-8):

  • Do you like school? Why/Why not?

  • What would you do if you meet a bully?

  • What would you do if you find a $20 bill on the ground?

  • What would you do if you find a $5 bill on the ground?

  • Do you think you should say thank you even when you don’t need to?

  • Do you think you should help pay for your classmate’s lunch? 

  • Do you like animals? Why/Why not?

  • Do you care about your planet/environment? Why/Why not?

  • How do you think you can improve situations around you?

  • What would you do if someone fell on the floor?

  • What would you do if someone asks to copy your homework?

High school age (grades 9-12):

  • Do you like school? Why/Why not?

  • What’s most important in your life right now?

  • Why do you care about things?

  • What are your goals in high school?

  • Why are these goals important to you?

  • What would you do if your friend stops being your friend?

  • What do you think it means to be a good person?

  • What can you do to make a positive impact on the world?

  • What do you do if someone asks you to do something that isn’t right?

  • What do you hope to accomplish in 5 years? In 10 years? In 20 years?

  • How will you accomplish these goals?

As we’re approaching the holiday season, staying home and staying safe, this would be a great time to talk to your kids about these important topics. If you start asking these questions at a young age and then continue through high school, you might notice a dramatic change or very little change. But the wonderful thing about that is to see just exactly how your children changes as they get older. Oftentimes we’re afraid to ask our children the big questions. Heck, sometimes we’re even afraid to ask ourselves those same questions. But the sooner you get your children to open up about their own views of the world, the easier it is to talk to them about life’s little lessons and their own purpose in life.

For an in-depth talk with your teens, check out The Greater Good initiative: https://ggia.berkeley.edu/practice/talk_with_teens_about_purpose

 

Disclaimer: The product(s)were sent to the author for review by the manufacturer/PR. All reviews on “Happymomblogger” remain unbiased and unpaid and are the sole decision of the author. The opinions of these product(s) were not influenced in any way, shape, or form. As always, please read the ingredients carefully when trying new products.

Please read the labels and ingredients carefully and follow all manufacturer’s instructions (if any). The products selected for the giveaway were generously donated by the companies/PR to help readers learn more about their products. The winner’s choice in using/consuming these products are entirely up to the winner and will not hold the author and her family liable nor the companies/PR liable. These products are made with non-toxic ingredients but always be safe with what you use and consume.

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10 Ways to an Eco-Friendly Holiday Season

Every year, most of us are wondering how to plan for the holiday season. Some of us might have already started shopping for family and friends months before, while some of us wait until the very last minute. But as 2020 brought us so much conflict and turmoil, we could all try to end the year with something more positive.

I can’t go by the holiday season without writing something about an eco-friendly holiday. By now, you can probably guess that I love helping people and companies that are trying to do more positive things for our planet. Our lives can literally go by in a flash without much thought to it, but when it comes down to what we truly believe and hope for, doing good for our planet will in turn do good for future generations. Add in some sprinkles of hope and joy and we can all try to do better for the planet and for ourselves.

10 WAYS TO GO ECO-FRIENDLY FOR THE HOLIDAYS:

1 – Handmade or homemade gifts.

– I haven’t yet met a single person who hasn’t enjoyed a handmade gift. Whether it’s from a child, a professional artist, or a dear friend, there’s just something unique and personal about a gift that’s made from scratch. To best choose what handmade gift to give, find out what the receiver enjoys. Does she like gardening? Cooking? Or an avid reader? Start off with what the recipient enjoys most and go from there. When making gifts from scratch, choose products and ingredients that are biodegradable and compostable. Ideas for handmade gifts include: soy candles, lotions made from essential oils, bookmarks and cards made from scratch paper or cardboard boxes, organic cookies, and homemade candies placed inside reusable glass jars. 

2 – Give the Love of Nature: 

Who wouldn’t enjoy a nice long-lasting plant or a well curated gardening kit? Nature gifts are perfect for anyone of any age and gender. To nurture the love of nature for children, get them something that’s easy to start with and require more hands on activities. You can also grow some plants from seeds (but start early, depending on the plant). When the seeds are sprouted and become seedlings, transfer them into clay pots or glass jars, depending on what you’re growing.

–  Heirloom seed packets. Gardeners who have some experience will enjoy seeds saved from heirloom plants. To find heirloom seeds, check out local nurseries or purchase online from specialty stores such as seedsavers.org

– Support national parks and arboretums. Our national parks are centuries old and behold such wonder that it’s important to help preserve them. Check out your state parks or national park organizations by purchasing memberships for your recipient. They’ll be able to enjoy these memberships by strolling through majestic trees and enjoying the fresh, clean air around them.

3 – Reuse newspapers, magazines, and catalogues. If you have lots of these hanging around your house, you can reuse them as wrapping paper or crafts. Magazines and newspapers make great wrapping paper, giving them an unusual and unique look to gifts. And because they are made from paper (most ink are safe when decomposed), they can be composted and broken down.

 

 

4 – Online classes/lesson. Depending on where you live and the restrictions put in place due to the pandemic, you can offer online classes as gifts. Check out local stores or nationwide companies that offer cooking classes, gardening classes, and even classes on nature. For children, have them try online classes from Outschool (https://outschool.com) and Coding with Kids (https://www.codingwithkids.com). Most of these online classes are supplemental study that inspire and nurture creativity and thinking. Depending on what your recipient enjoys, online classes can go at their own pace and provides the safety of learning in your own home.

5 – Buy eco-friendly products. As we’re trying to move away from unnecessary waste in our world, buying gifts that are made from renewable resources, biodegradable or compostable, and made from post consumer recycled materials are just easy paths to a cleaner planet. You lose nothing in buying eco-friendly and eco-conscious products but your recipient will gain the appreciation that you care about the environment and their health. Great companies to purchase eco-friendly gifts that also give back include: Plaine Products (https://www.plaineproducts.com/ref/Suzan%20C./) and use code: HappyMom to get 20% off total purchase. Honeybunch Naturals (https://www.honeybunchnaturals.com/) and NetZero Company (https://www.netzerocompany.com/?rfsn=4401981.96cae8). Sign up for their newsletter to receive 10% off. 

6 – Host a local park or beach cleanup. By giving back to your community, you are also helping your city and your neighbors live in a cleaner environment. Due to the pandemic, be sure to wear masks, gloves, and separate your clean up crew accordingly. Best time to start a clean up is early in the morning when there are less people around. You can also do a neighborhood cleanup with just a few friends or siblings.

7 – Reuse holiday decorations. We all love to buy something new now and then, whether it’s for actual use or as therapy. But we don’t really need to buy new decorations and supplies for the holidays. Save your holiday decorations from previous years and reuse them again. If you must purchase some new ones, make sure to buy sustainably made decorations and reduce your plastic consumption.

8 – Use nature as inspiration. The best ways of helping our environment is to use what we already have in nature. Try decorating with natural flowers, fruit, and plants. Bring nature indoors by using leaves as table decorations, dried fruit as name tags, and flowers as wrapping ribbons. Check out this fun and therapeutic garland made from orange peels.

9 – Donate to charities. In a perfect world, we would all live peacefully and comfortably. But unfortunately not all of us will be able to enjoy a warm meal this holiday season. When we talk about the environment, we’re not only referring to nature. The environment is everything that’s around us, which includes all living beings. If you can set aside money and time to donate this holiday season, check out your local donation centers, food pantries, and animal shelters.

10 – Buy products with less packaging/Reduce waste. 

Many products that we buy in stores and online come wrapped in horrible packaging that are usually unrecyclable. If you must purchase online, I encourage you to shop consciously with companies that try to ship with reduced or carbon neutral shipping. Also look for less packaging or packaging in reusable materials such as paper, cloth, or cardboard. Another idea is to buy in bulk at a retail store and then package the gifts yourself. The Japanese culture has been wrapping their gifts in fabric called Furoshiki. The recipient can reuse the fabric, which is usually a fancy cotton material.

– We should all know by now that reducing waste is the first step to cleaning up our planet. This holiday season, think about whether we really need to buy those big ticket items, or expensive gifts that the recipient won’t need or use. Holidays conjure up bright and frivolous spending because we might be trying to show off or overcompensate for something. Think about why we are gifting to others. Is it something they really need? And if they don’t receive it, does it really matter in the long scope of things? If we can all think consciously about what we buy and why we buy them, then perhaps we can all take more steps to cleaning up our planet and helping our world become a much better place.

*Stay tuned on my blog for more eco-friendly gift ideas.

 

Disclaimer: The product(s)were sent to the author for review by the manufacturer/PR. All reviews on “Happymomblogger” remain unbiased and unpaid and are the sole decision of the author. The opinions of these product(s) were not influenced in any way, shape, or form. As always, please read the ingredients carefully when trying new products.

Please read the labels and ingredients carefully and follow all manufacturer’s instructions (if any). The products selected for the giveaway were generously donated by the companies/PR to help readers learn more about their products. The winner’s choice in using/consuming these products are entirely up to the winner and will not hold the author and her family liable nor the companies/PR liable. These products are made with non-toxic ingredients but always be safe with what you use and consume.

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Ways to a tranquil Autumn season

The year 2020 has brought us a lot of confusion and turmoil. For many, it has been worse. For most, it is a day by day situation. But now is the best time to start getting ready to decompress, regroup, and put ourselves in a more calming mind for the fall season. We still have to weather through the raging storm, but we can try to find more positive ways of doing it.

Below I’ve listed ways of helping yourself to a more calming and tranquil state of mind. These tips work well for children too.

8 Steps to a Calmer Mind:

  • The 4-7-8 Breathing Technique. Find a quiet place that’s not too bright. Close your eyes and inhale for 4 seconds, then hold your breath for 7 seconds. Then exhale with a whooshing sound for 8 seconds. This unique technique was developed by Dr. Andrew Weil to help people who might experience anxiety or stress. Children can learn this technique if they have trouble settling down, concentrating, or sleeping.

  • Use Aromatherapy. While aromatherapy dates back for many centuries, some do not know the exact health benefits of it. The most important thing to remember is to use only natural and 100% essential oils to start. Once you have some experience with aromatherapy, you can experiment with different techniques and formulations. Essential oils that are great for relaxation and clearing the mind are: lavender, peppermint oil, frankincense, lemon balm, and eucalyptus. Make sure you do not apply directly onto the skin due to their potency. The only essential oil that is safe enough for direct contact would be lavender oil. Aromatherapy treatment can be used on children, but be sure to start off slowly and with small amounts due to any allergens that may arise.

  • Exercise. To truly enjoy a relaxing night sleep or to decompress from a tough day, exercise gently. Depending on your physical wellness and experience, you can start off with these gentle exercises: stretching, hip rotations, and soft leg lunges. After you’re done with exercising, do a gentle self massage starting from your head to your face, down to your chest area and arms, and along your legs and feet. The best times for self massage are before sleep and after exercising.

  • Eat healthy. Any physician or health expert will tell you that eating the right food can help you live better and longer. But do we truly know what types of food to eat for health and wellness? Start off with eating plenty of fruits and vegetables. Reduce grain intake, and cut down on sugar, sodium, and non-essential fats. Food directly relates to our mind and body so choose food that is better for you.

  • Sleep. When we sleep, our body is going through a routine of cleansing and rebuilding. Based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), our bodies must meet a balance to function properly. This is the ying and yang philosophy of balancing qi – or the essence of life. During the hours of sleep, the organs in our bodies are processing to repair and replenish. See the chart below for more info.

  • Reduce electronics use. We’re in the era of fast information and even faster processing. But all these information are mostly received via electronics such as computers, smartphones, and tablets. Even television can put us into a zombie-like state overloaded with information that could potentially harm us. Plus, the electromagnetic fields in our bodies can get greatly affected by all the electricity running throughout the day. Add on top of the hazardous blue light, it’s no wonder that our minds have a difficult time to calm down. Particularly for children, reduce their screen time so that they can focus better in school and develop a healthier mindset.

  • Clean house. We can all agree that a cluttered house invites a cluttered mind. The art of keeping your house clean and tidy starts from reducing what you have at home. We all get tempted now and then to buy something new which inevitably will end up as something we don’t use or want to keep. For great cleaning tips, check out Martha Stewart’s Living.

  • Meditation. Meditating on a regular basis requires practice and dedication. It’s not easy for most people to sit quietly for longer than 5 minutes and to be completely relaxed. The relaxation state while meditating takes a great amount of practice but it’s not difficult to do. Start off with just 3 minutes and gradually work your way up. Be sure you are in a quiet place with low lighting and play soft music in the background if it’ll help you. Breathe slowly and purposefully. Eventually while you’re meditating, your mind will be able to calm and stay peaceful. Children as young as 5 years old can practice meditation as long as you are doing it with them.

The path to being more at peace can be difficult. With so much going on in our world right now, it’s no wonder that many of us are having a tough time. Start within yourself first so that you can see what is troubling you the most. Practice the steps above and eventually you can find a better path to a healthier mindset.

*photo from dailymind.com

Disclaimer: The product(s)were sent to the author for review by the manufacturer/PR. All reviews on “Happymomblogger” remain unbiased and unpaid and are the sole decision of the author. The opinions of these product(s) were not influenced in any way, shape, or form. As always, please read the ingredients carefully when trying new products.

Please read the labels and ingredients carefully and follow all manufacturer’s instructions (if any). The products selected for the giveaway were generously donated by the companies/PR to help readers learn more about their products. The winner’s choice in using/consuming these products are entirely up to the winner and will not hold the author and her family liable nor the companies/PR liable. These products are made with non-toxic ingredients but always be safe with what you use and consume.

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The Not-So-Frightful Halloween

Is Halloween still on this year? Well, that depends on where you live. It’s still on the calendar and it’s still nationally recognized, and in my household, I will still be decorating and getting treats ready for us. We don’t usually get trick or treaters because we’re usually out and about, but this year we are playing it safe and not passing out candy or going trick or treating. Besides, my son has most likely outgrown trick or treating.

If you’re planning on staying home this Halloween, here are some awesome ideas and tips to keep it safe and fun!

Safe and Fun Halloween:

  • Look for drive-thru Halloween. In Southern California, there are many drive-thru Halloween events where you pay for the price of your car and drive through tunnels, mazes, and lots of spooky and fun props.

  • Safe, social distancing candy. If you’re still inclined to pass out candy, the internet has tons of ideas on how to safely give out candy. Some are putting candies on a string to slide down to the little trick or treaters. Some are leaving bags of candy on the porch. And some are even shooting out candy from a t-shirt cannon gun. Not sure how accurate or safe that will be, but it’s something to check out if that’s your preference.

  • Have a party with your immediate family. You, your kids, and your spouse will most likely have a great time just celebrating at home. While you’re at home, check out these wholesome and healthier snack brands: Beviva Foods (https://www.bevivafoods.com/), The Good Crisp Company (https://www.thegoodcrispcompany.com/), Kay’s Naturals (https://shop.kaysnaturals.com/), Home Free Treats (https://homefreetreats.com/), Love Corn (https://lovecorn.com/).

  • Halloween-themed movie night. Who doesn’t love a great movie night? In October, TV channels such as Freeform, CW, and ABC are showing great movies geared towards kids. If you want more of a scarier movie night, check out your paid premium channels such as HBO and Cinemax, and subscription services such as Netflix, Redbox, and Amazon Prime. Even Disney+ has some fun and nostalgic Halloween movies.

  • Bake-off. Have a baking night. Who doesn’t like some delicious homemade cookies, cakes, and pies? Get your kids involved and plan ahead early on. For some fun baking ideas, check out marthastewart.com.

  • Virtual Halloween. With virtual meetings and school occupying all of our time, why not also include a virtual Halloween party? Gather your friends, family, and classmates and get onto Zoom. This is a free platform and easy to get everyone all together for Halloween. Have some treats and beverages and dress up in costumes too!

  • Boo-grams. Feel like surprising your neighbors or your friends and family? Make some bags stuffed with Halloween-themed candies and treats. If you’re dropping off for families with children, add some fun DIY toys that are both eco-friendly and memorable.

  • “You’ve Been Booed!” Not sure when this tradition started or by whom, but if you live in a friendly neighborhood, you might try the “you’ve been booed” treats. These are basically treats inside a bag left at the doorstep of a neighbor with a tag that says, “you’ve been booed”. The idea is to leave some extra tags so that the recipient can refill the bag with their own treats to leave for the next neighbor.

  • Drive-by Halloween. You and your kids can stand outside your driveway or front door and have your friends drive by with costumes on. To keep this safe, make sure you do this during the day time and try not to honk your horns so you don’t disturb others. If you let your neighbors know ahead of time, they might even join in on the fun.

  • Safe, social distanced Halloween. If you still plan on hosting a party or attending one, make sure you know who the people are and how many are in the homes. Without safe social distancing or masks, it can be very risky for everyone. So plan ahead and find ways to make it safe for you and your family. Just remember that a Halloween mask is not typically a safe mask to wear. Most of them are a thin plastic material without enough barriers for protection.

Whatever your plans are for Halloween this year, know that there is always Halloween next year. With some careful planning, you can make this Halloween safe and fun for your family.

*photos from Pinterest and Martha Stewart blog.

Disclaimer: The product(s)were sent to the author for review by the manufacturer/PR. All reviews on “Happymomblogger” remain unbiased and unpaid and are the sole decision of the author. The opinions of these product(s) were not influenced in any way, shape, or form. As always, please read the ingredients carefully when trying new products.

Please read the labels and ingredients carefully and follow all manufacturer’s instructions (if any). The products selected for the giveaway were generously donated by the companies/PR to help readers learn more about their products. The winner’s choice in using/consuming these products are entirely up to the winner and will not hold the author and her family liable nor the companies/PR liable. These products are made with non-toxic ingredients but always be safe with what you use and consume.

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From my lips to your heart

There comes a time in our lives when we have sort of have an awakening, of sorts. It might be when you’re driving during heavy traffic or even sitting on the couch watching TV. Some call it an epiphany, some call it an eye opener. But however you come upon something, it’s like a whole new chapter is revealed.

In my many years of experience working with children, I’ve come across various personalities and characters. There are kids who are loud and confrontational, to the ones who will sit there quietly and stare at you until one of you blinks – and most of the time it’s you, the adult. But perhaps the most delightful characteristic of children is their ability to absorb everything around them. I call them sponges because they can soak up almost anything that they see and hear. 

With all that has been going on in the world, in particular the awakening of injustices, do children really understand what is happening? Depending on the age, they might see it on TV, hear it from their friends, and even see it on social media. And while we can’t protect our children forever, we can only hope to guide them into making the right choices when they’re older and living on their own.

Working at an elementary school has really helped me learn more about myself. Because I work with young children, I have learned to speak slowly and really pay attention to what they’re saying and doing. Education in early childhood can only take you so far, because the personal experiences you receive teaches you so much more.

How do we teach our children to be more accepting of others and of themselves? How can we be more accepting of ourselves and others? Inevitably, the path to teaching kids to be more acceptive starts within ourselves. Yes, it might not always be easy or feasible, but the whole point is to start the conversation with our kids and perhaps, have that same conversation with ourselves.

Allyship – the state or condition of being an ally. You’ve probably been hearing this uncommon word being used more often of late. The awakening of the police injustice, the social injustice, and the climate change all led us to see what has been happening around us. But how do we become an ally? In simple terms – ally is the base word for friendship. Kids have allies their entire childhood. So teach them while they’re still young, that being an ally to someone is the first step to understanding the other side of an opinion.

Words to use for being an ally: friend, kind, like, protect, care. 

Educate – give intellectual, moral, and social instruction to someone. The word educate is all-encompassing. When we educate ourselves or others, we are either giving them information that could hurt or help them. When it comes to education in school, our kids are learning as much as they can with what is given them. But we also depend a lot on teachers and administrators to provide the skills necessary to succeed in future careers. Oftentimes however, parents also depend on teachers to teach their kids how to be human beings. I know that sounds odd, but we shouldn’t solely rely on educators to teach our kids about morals and ethics.

Words to use when educating: learn, teach, grow, adjust, expand, patience.

Justice – the quality of being just; righteousness, equitableness, or moral rightness. Lawfullness. Moral principal. When we think of justice, are we thinking of the opposite of that? Or are we so strung onto the word “justice” that we might forget that the act of justice might directly oppose what we are fighting for? You might hear the word, “social justice warrior” on the internet. That’s actually a derogatory statement as if inferring that those who fight for social justice need be labeled. We want our children to learn the true meaning of justice. It isn’t going onto TikTok and making a meme of the word. It isn’t going on Instagram and hashtagging the word “justice” just to get likes. It is the belief that when we inherently feel something isn’t right we must do something about it. It doesn’t have to be a dangerous act or even a brave one. Just the start of realizing the injustice of something is a good beginning.

Words to use for justice: peace, equal, fair, guidance, morals, lawful.

Climate Change – a change in global or regional climate patterns, largely from increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide produced by the use of fossil fuels. Climate change, or the newest term – climate crisis – is something everyone who lives on this planet should take note of. But far too many people use the term for political gains or arguments. Why are we even arguing about the planet we live on when we are actually living on it? It’s not your neighbor’s problem. It should be everyone’s problem. It’s not just refusing single-use plastic straws. It’s refusing to allow companies to provide us with unnecessary attachments to convenience. The effects of climate change can go on for many years until something even more drastic will happen. That’s why our kids are the best to learn about climate change and help to reverse the detrimental damages. How do we do that? By allowing them to be the change. To be aware of how Earth is being affected. To see how the Earth’s atmoshere is also affecting the planets surrounding it. One of my most favorite website to learn more about our planet is Earth911 (www.earth911.com)

Words to use when talking about climate change: environment, earth, protect, heat, ice, critical, injustice, animals.

Social Justice – the concept of fair and just relations between the individual and society. Examples of social justice are discrimination, ageism, and homophobia. In order to have social justice in our world, we must all work towards understanding and accepting diversity in our communities and country. We all face social injustice at one point in our lives. Whether it’s our gender, our age, our race, or even what clothes we wear. But it doesn’t have to become a fight or turn into hatred. If you look at very young children, you’ll notice that they don’t inheritantly discriminate against someone. That is because most discrimination is taught or learned. If we lived in a just society, then we would most likely all be happier. But human nature prevents us from doing so and that whole debate of whether a behavior is genetic or learned can speak so true in human behavior. 

Words to use when talking about social justice: equality, peace, understanding, fair, opportunities.

The real factor in all of this is to start a conversation with our children or even our adult friends and relatives. In order for there to be positive changes, we must allow our children to believe in what is right and just. We must let them see the dangers of exclusivity. And we must show children that we can use fair judgement and integrity when we act upon something.

 

Disclaimer: The product(s)were sent to the author for review by the manufacturer/PR. All reviews on “Happymomblogger” remain unbiased and unpaid and are the sole decision of the author. The opinions of these product(s) were not influenced in any way, shape, or form. As always, please read the ingredients carefully when trying new products.

Please read the labels and ingredients carefully and follow all manufacturer’s instructions (if any). The products selected for the giveaway were generously donated by the companies/PR to help readers learn more about their products. The winner’s choice in using/consuming these products are entirely up to the winner and will not hold the author and her family liable nor the companies/PR liable. These products are made with non-toxic ingredients but always be safe with what you use and consume.

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Un-junk your food for back to school

Growing up I wasn’t allowed a lot of junk food. Not that I didn’t want any, but because I come from a family of health experts. Meals were freshly made and snacks consisted of fresh fruit and vegetables and homemade desserts. I didn’t really know the addictive qualities of “junk food” until I started middle school. And then it all went down hill from there. Well, not anything that tragic, but the effects of what extra sugar and sodium can do to the brain led me to buying Twinkies and Doritos during lunch time at school. 

In hindsight, I truly believed that had I been allowed some junk food now and then, I might not have gone all Rambo on the sweets and chips. However, it wasn’t until I went into college that the awakening sort of happened. In college, and especially if you live away from home, you have to monitor yourself. Your self control is truly tested among other behaviors. I felt a deep lag in my own health when studying late into the night and hanging out with friends caused some health issues. I felt horrible that instead of picking up a fresh apple, I picked up an apple pie from McDonald’s instead. But when you’re still young, you don’t really think about the bad consequences of what you put into your body.

Now, many years later, and starting my own career and family, I’ve learned quite a lot on making healthy life choices. I chose to eat better and made more conscious choices. The road to my healthier preferences weren’t always pretty, but I hope the end results will be satisfying.

If you’re looking to eat better so that you’ll feel better, know that food is a direct relation to our health. I try not to fill up the house with junk food but when you see advertisements marketing towards a convenient lifestyle, you’re going to end up buying and eating something unhealthy now and then. The key however, is to limit yourself and to start off as early as possible. That is why with children, the earliest you teach them about eating healthier, the better chances they’ll have at making healthier choices when they get older. Your kids will undoubtedly get influenced by TV and online ads as well as by their friends and classmates. But if you instill a love and appreciation for eating healthier, they’ll eventually get the big picture.

So how do we un-junk our food? Let’s start with what we have in our own homes. Yes, that means you have to go to your refrigerators and cabinets and see what you have in there. Take an inventory if you must, but taking the first step to wanting to be healthier might be the hardest step.

After you’ve taken inventory of what you already have, follow these simple steps:

1 – Check the ingredients and labels. If most of the packaging has simple and natural ingredients, then you’re doing great! Avoid ingredients that have unhealthy additives such as artificial food coloring, preservatives, and flavoring.

2 – Have more fresh fruits and vegetables. We live in a country where fresh fruits and vegetables grow abundantly. Let’s not shy away from fresh and wholesome fruits and vegetables. We are helping our own bodies, our planet, and farms.

3 – Support brands and companies that provide healthier food and treats. Look for ingredients such as actual fruits and vegetables. No artificial flavors or colors, and organically grown. One of my son’s favorite organic snack brands is Wildmade Snacks (https://wildmadesnacks.com/). They make organic fruit rollups, strips, and bites and they contain only fruits and vegetables. They’re not too sweet and you can taste the various flavors.

4 – Don’t buy in bulk. Bulk food buying is really a great marketing trick. Stores advertise it and make you think you really need that 20-pound Rice Crispies cereal. If you must buy in bulk, try buying bulk fresh food such as fruits, vegetables, and lean protein including beans and lentils. Even frozen fruits will keep well in the freezer when your child needs an easy and quick lunch. Buying in bulk becomes a waste as we tend to forget we bought so much and they end up in the trash can.

5 – Find out your dietary needs. If you have certain health conditions that require you to eat or avoid certain foods, then get your list together now. If you don’t have any specific health concerns, then start off with fresh food. Always buy fresh whenever possible because there usually aren’t any artificial preservatives in them.

6 – Notice your mood. When we’re depressed, sad, or tired, our body and mind triggers warnings that we require sustanance. Easily, the most valuable and yet detrimental substances are sugar and salt. They create addictive qualities in our brains and bodies making us think we need more of them. Notice what mood you are in when hunger strikes and instead of reaching for that Twinkie (you accidentally found in your grocery cart and brought it home), munch on sliced apples with some honey or yogurt. You’re getting the sugar that fuels your brain and body and the extra nutrients and supplements that support a healthier body. This especially holds true for children. Their capricious moods are often derived from lack of proper nutrition.

7 – Give children the ability to choose. Take them grocery shopping with you now and then and show them the difference between the fresh pears and the ones in cans. Yes, fresh fruit will always be better because we don’t know how the canned versions are processed. Help them choose some new type of fruit or vegetable so they can try something new and unique.

8 – Don’t deny yourself. We might need the occassional Twinkie or donut, but let’s not make a habit out of it. Our children will most likely eat whatever is in the fridge or pantry. It’s okay to have some chips now and then or some chocolate covered peanuts. Moderation and realization is the key to a healthier life.

9 – Create a back to school food station. I have a friend that puts fresh fruit, cut up vegetables, dried fruit, and crackers in individual bins. Her older kids know they can always pack these healthier versions for school or snack on them afterschool. If you’re at home for school due to school closures, now is the best time ever to reinvent your healthier back to school meals.

10 – Investment. Just like we make investments with our money for possible future growth, we must also do so with our health. Invest in higher quality, fresher, and better for you ingredients. Your body will thank you for it now and in the future.

11 – Use recipes. While most of us are still staying home during the pandemic, we are getting more creative with our cooking skills. Have your kids help you with new recipes or teach them to cook something that they really like or that is easy to make. When kids associate cooking with their own hands, they see the end result and are more inclined to make something healthy.

No matter the stage you are in when it comes to eating healthier, know that you can make the change any time. You are inevitably in control of your health. Teach your children that they must also be in control of their own health and body. As I went from a healthy eating habit child to a not so healthy habit in college, and then finally back to being more health conscious, I’ve learned to be more intuned with my body and what it needs. Your kids can do the same. Start young and empower them to make better choices for their health and wellness.

*photo courtesy of Wildmade.com and Whole Foods Market

Disclaimer: The product(s)were sent to the author for review by the manufacturer/PR. All reviews on “Happymomblogger” remain unbiased and unpaid and are the sole decision of the author. The opinions of these product(s) were not influenced in any way, shape, or form. As always, please read the ingredients carefully when trying new products.

Please read the labels and ingredients carefully and follow all manufacturer’s instructions (if any). The products selected for the giveaway were generously donated by the companies/PR to help readers learn more about their products. The winner’s choice in using/consuming these products are entirely up to the winner and will not hold the author and her family liable nor the companies/PR liable. These products are made with non-toxic ingredients but always be safe with what you use and consume.

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