Jan 302013
 

The film,  ‘Play Again’  highlights the importance of play and nature and asks the question ‘What are the consequences of a childhood removed from nature?’.

The film’s synopsis : -

‘One generation from now most people in the U.S. will have spent more time in the virtual world than in nature. New media technologies have improved our lives in countless ways. Information now appears with a click. Overseas friends are part of our daily lives. And even grandma loves Wii.

But what are we missing when we are behind screens? And how will this impact our children, our society, and eventually, our planet? At a time when children play more behind screens than outside, PLAY AGAIN explores the changing balance between the virtual and natural worlds. Is our connection to nature disappearing down the digital rabbit hole?

This moving and humorous documentary follows six teenagers who, like the “average American child,” spend five to fifteen hours a day behind screens. PLAY AGAIN unplugs these teens and takes them on their first wilderness adventure – no electricity, no cell phone coverage, no virtual reality.

Through the voices of children and leading experts including journalist Richard Louv, sociologist Juliet Schor, environmental writer Bill McKibben, educators Diane Levin and Nancy Carlsson-Paige, neuroscientist Gary Small, parks advocate Charles Jordan, and geneticist David Suzuki, PLAY AGAIN investigates the consequences of a childhood removed from nature and encourages action for a sustainable future.’

From more information www.playagain.com

Dec 052012
 
Seeds of knowledge

“For the child…it is not half so important to know as to feel. If facts are the seeds that later produce knowledge and wisdom, then the emotions and the impressions of the senses are the fertile soil in which the seeds must grow…. It is more important to pave the way for a child to want to know than to put him on a diet of facts that he is not ready to assimilate.” Rachel Carson “First and foremost, our job as heart-centered educators must be to understand the potential of each ‘seed’ we are nurturing.  The great Spanish cellist read more…

Oct 042012
 

  A beautiful and powerful song about identity and connection to country from Shellie Morris and the Yanyuwa Borroloola Song Women. Singing Yanyuwa Identity – Shellie Morris, the Yanyuwa Songwomen and the Gondwana National Indigenous Children’s Choir perform ‘li-Anthawirriyarra’ at the Sydney Opera House for the DEADLY AWARDS 2011. This chorus is a traditional/contemporary collaboration born from saltwater people their Yanyuwa identity and connection to the country. It involves the traditional singers, Shellie Morris and children from Borroloola . Waliwaliyangu li-Anthawirriyarra li-Yanyuwa Calling from island to island. For more information about the Song Peoples project.  

Sep 032012
 
Fluoride in drinking water lowers children’s IQ levels

  Harvard scientists have studied effects of fluoride in drinking water and found that high levels of fluoride lowers children’s IQ. They looked at 27 studies from across the world and found a direct link between IQ scores and the levels of fluoride in the public water supply.  The study’s aim was to investigate the effects of increased fluoride exposure and delayed neurobehavioral development. (1) Children in high-fluoride areas had significantly lower IQ scores than those who lived in low-fluoride areas. The children studied were up to 14 years of age, but the investigators speculate that any toxic effect on brain read more…

Aug 112012
 

  A powerful short animation from Healthy Child, Healthy World that shows why eco parenting is critically important. A Wake-Up Story from Healthy Child Healthy World on Vimeo. Eco parenting is currently developing an innovative, engaging and interactive 3D ‘look inside the human body’. This 3D pilot will demonstrate a child’s wellbeing and the links to diet, lifestyle and environment. If you would like to support this project and receive a one on one consultation with Jane Hanckel and a signed copy of her book then please click here.

Aug 032012
 

The Dalai Lama speaks about the importance of environmental awareness in this short 2 minute video. Environmental awareness …’it is the question of our survival’ says The Dalai Lama,’ not me, not a few hundred people, but nearly 7 billion human beings survival.’ ‘Eco parenting – growing greener children’ provides a comprehensive guide for parents wanting the latest up to date information about how to be environmentally aware parents.  Eco parenting is currently developing an innovative, engaging and interactive 3D ‘look inside the human body’. This 3D pilot will demonstrate a child’s wellbeing and the links to diet, lifestyle and environment. read more…

Jul 302012
 
Benefits of children's contact with nature

How important is it to have time in nature? Children today are having less and less contact with nature and this is affecting their health and well being. ‘The children and nature movement is fueled by this fundamental idea: the child in nature is an endangered species, and the health of children and the health of the Earth are inseparable.’ – Richard Louv Richard Louv is author of ‘Last Child Left in the Woods, Saving our Children from Nature Deficit Disorder’.  As a result of his book the Children and Nature Network was established (http://www.childrenandnature.org) to counter the adverse effects read more…

Jul 142012
 
How can parents help children lead happier, healthier, more rewarding lives?

What can we do to help children realise their full potential?  I believe we need to develop the capacity for joy which is the fundamental right of every human being – of every child.  ‘Eco parenting – growing greener children‘ is about enhancing that capacity for joy. By following seven simple eco parenting principles Increasing connection with nature and using natural materials Consuming of seasonal local and organic whole food Minimising use of technology Engaging in regular exercise Practicing mindfulness – meditation, yoga, chi gung Building and connecting community Caring for country – reducing our ecological impact parents can help read more…

Jul 032012
 

  “The Challenge of Rudolf Steiner’ is an inspiring film by BBC documentary filmmaker, Jonathan Stedall.  Rudolf Steiner’s contribution to modern day life ranges from a wholistic ecological approach to education to agriculture, medicine, science and art. A comprehensive film for anyone wanting to explore the work of one of the 20th century’s visionary thinkers. Stedall presents Steiner’s life through the eyes of people who lives and work have been inspired by Steiner. The Challenge of Rudolf Steiner – Trailer from Jonathan Stedall on Vimeo. The complete film is downloadable for 5 pounds (UK – approx $7-8 US/AUS) by following read more…

Dec 142011
 

Physicians Speak Out on the Importance of Play for Children’s Health Dr. Ken Ginsburg, pediatrician at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and author of Building Resilience in Children and Teens: Giving Kids Roots and Wings, and Dr. Marilyn Benoit, Chief Clinical Officer at Devereux Behavioral Health and former president of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, address critical issues facing children and families today — rising levels of stress and anxiety, obesity-related health problems, dramatically reduced time for free play and play outdoors, hectic and overscheduled family life — and offer solutions to addressing these problems. This video read more…