• Created on 5/1/13 by Melanie Mayo

Mother's Day as a celebration of the unique power mothers have to be peacemakers.    By V.K. Harber   As Mother’s Day approaches in the US and retailers ready their supply of flowers, candy, jewelry, and spa packages, I find myself torn, as I always am, between supporting the spoiling of mothers and highlighting the fact that, like so many holidays, Mother’s Day has drifted pretty far form it’s original intent.   Undoubtedly, mothers everywhere deserve some pampering. A little extra sleep, some alone time, a special meal, and some adorable kid crafts... read more

• Created on 3/26/13 by Melanie Mayo

  Whether you celebrate Easter, Ostara, Spring Equinox, all or none of the above, dyeing eggs is a fun, crafty tradition that children love to be involved in.  However, using toxic food coloring is something most natural living families probably want to avoid.  Thankfully there are many options for eco-friendly egg dyeing!         Some all natural options for dyeing eggs include: red, purple, or yellow onion skins, red cabbage, blueberries, yellow apples peels, paprika, carrots, and grape juice.  We decided to use what we had on hand, which was beets,... read more

• Created on 1/25/13 by Melanie Mayo

Looking for a fun way to introduce science and nutrition concepts to your kids?   In her new book, Candy Experiments, author Loralee Leavitt shares dozens of brand-new experiments that use candy to teach about these topics. The following excerpt from Candy Experiments contains fun and easy ways that you and your children can test food for sugar, hydrogenated palm kernel oil and artificial dyes!   About the Book:   Make giant gummi worms, turn M&Ms into dazzling comets, grow candy crystals and turn cotton candy into slime! You'll find all these... read more

• Created on 1/4/13 by Melanie Mayo

Earlier this week we published an article about the most common New Year's Resolutions in the US and asked Mothering Members to share their own resolutions.    Taking suggestions from that conversation, and other related threads, we have compiled a list of the Top 10 New Year's Resolutions from Mothering Members. Here they are in no particular order.   Are your goals on this list? If so, follow the provided links to find support and inspiration for them in the Mothering Community.    Spend More Quality Time as a Family: play more with the kids, eat... read more

• Created on 1/2/13 by Melanie Mayo

According to a study by the Journal of Clinical Psychology 45% of Americans make New Year's resolutions every year. And while only 8% of people accomplish these goals, the study states that a person is ten times more likely to attain their ambitions if they explicitly state them as resolutions.    Here is a list of the most common New Year's resolutions. Are your 2013 goals on this list? Tell us about them in our fun community thread happening right now!    The results are out: here are the Top Ten New Year's Resolutions from the Mothering... read more

• Created on 12/18/12 by Melanie Mayo

  We recently asked the members of the Mothering Community to tell us about their favorite family Christmas movies and received some great responses! Here is a list of our top ten faves from that discussion.    Head over to the original thread to see all of the recommendations and to share your own must watch Christmas list!        A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) Starring Ann Altieri and Chris Doran   "I haven't watched A Charlie Brown Christmas in a long time. I should, because... read more

• Created on 11/30/12 by Melanie Mayo

By Beth Berry     I wrote this piece two years ago during our first Christmas out of the country. This year - our third holiday season in Mexico - I am more convicted than ever that simplicity and togetherness are what it’s all about, and that the joy we long for is actually more confused than complemented by the notion of merry making as kind-hearted consuming. Deviating from family traditions is not always easy. Never mind factors such as religious preference or family values, even questioning grandma's dessert line-up of pumpkin pie, fruit cake and... read more

• Created on 11/27/12 by Melanie Mayo

By S.K. Valenzuela   Ahhh, the holidays.  That joyful riot of candles and lights and smartly-wrapped packages, the sound of silver bells and sleigh bells jingling on the road to grandmother's house.  There's so much to love about the holidays...but sometimes, the bustle of it all can become overwhelming.  If the prospect of checking your list twice and decking your halls is filling you with anxiety, try focusing on the three R's...holiday edition.   If you're a birthy person like me, you may already be familiar with Penny Simkin's Three R's for childbirth.  (If... read more

• Created on 11/21/12 by Melanie Mayo

    Welcome to Mothering's Annual Natural Toy Guide: a selection of the very best natural and eco-friendly toys and children's gifts of 2012.      Proudly sponsored by STRIDER Bikes. Learn about what Mothering moms think about STRIDER no-pedal balance bikes here or visit their Facebook page.                                                             Our Top 20 Favorites                                                20 Toys Under $20                                                                      Imaginative Play            ... read more

• Created on 11/21/12 by Melanie Mayo

  Discover More: Dolls | Arts & Crafts | Blocks & Puzzles | Books & Games | Imaginative Play | Teethers & Rattles | Vehicles & Rollers | For Older Kids | 20 Toys Under $20 | Top 20 Favorites    Ping Pong Catapult   Why We Love It: This naturally made catapult might be simply designed but it is super sturdy, powerful and so much fun! Any child will adore shooting off the included ping pong balls or other small items from around the house to see where they land. Set up a target for a little challenge. Made in Oregon,... read more