Green Parent Chicago

"A Taste of Fooditude" Debuts New Chicago Cooking Show for Kids

Fooditude, a new food-focused show for kids age 8 to 12 based in Chicago, will debut with a fundraising screening and party tonight for parents and kids.

The event, "A Taste of Fooditude" takes place from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Architectural Artifacts on 4325 N. Ravenswood Ave. Producers and creators Jodi Balis, Cerry O'Tolski and Elise Jaffe hope the new show is well received locally as it features local kid chefs cooking and learning about food and nutrition, as well as guest appearances and visits with local chefs and business owners involved in sustainable living and healthy food production.

Balis is a dietitian and currently Nutrition Director at The Capital Area Food Bank in Washington D.C. Jaffe and O'Tolski are producers with a background in children's television. Balis said she, O'Tolski and Jaffe hope to foster kids' knowledge of cooking and nutrition, growing food, environmental stewardship, culture and history through each of the show's episodes. 

"We want to bring this holistic awareness about food," she said.

The three began shooting segments last spring. They are now hoping to raise awareness of the program and create a pilot to pitch locally. Balis feels confident that Chicago is the best location for this type of children's program to succeed.

"There is such an amazing energy rallying around this," Balis said.

Tonight's event will feature 9 local chefs who will each take an adult spin on a favorite kid’s food. Kid chefs will assist them. There will also be live music, a silent auction and a presentation of Fooditude's mission video. Tickets may be pre-purchased online and are $40 per adult and $25 per child. Tickets at the door are $45 per adult and $30 per child.

-photo: Fooditude

Great Read: A Closer Look At Blackstone Bicycle Works

Vy Tham (participating in the Association for Alternative Journalism's summer program) writes an excellent story about the dedication of the many boys and girls that pass through Blackstone Bicycle Works shop on the city's southside. The kids come to the shop hoping to earn a bike and in the process, earn back a part of their childhood tragically missing from their lives growing up in gang infested neighborhoods.

-photo credit: Suzanne Nathan

Review: TMBG's latest "Here Comes Science" for Cool Little Science Geeks

I'll admit, when I first read the title "Here Comes Science" in the press release for the new They Might Be Giants CD/DVD set, I was skeptical of its value.

Too often science related kids albums and "making science fun" toys I've come into contact with while raising my two children have been a little disappointing.

Some are too simplistic, don't inspire kids to use their own powers of discovery or are made from inferior materials that deteriorate long before a child's interest does.

"Here Comes Science" (September 2009) is available now on iTunes and as a full scale release on September 22. Both include the accompanying DVD of music videos for each song on the album. The album, with songs like Photosynthesis, Electric Car, The Elements, Computer Assisted Design and Velocity covers biology, physics, astronomy, botany, and several other science and technology ideas and facts.

With the help of a talented team of digital artists, the accompanying music videos are creative, cute and offer a more concrete view of the topics being sung about. 

Though targeted toward older kids, younger siblings will definitely enjoy the album, too. It may even inspire younger kids, themselves naturally curious about how the world works, to become more interested in making discoveries.

The music is diverse, inventive and fun. John Flansburgh's and John Linnell's (along with guest artists) melodies and harmonies are truly pleasant to listen to. The lyrics present a comprehensive amount of information enjoyably and most importantly for a kids album: without the usual cheesiness.

Especially appreciated is the underlying support for science as credible information, something too often missing in today's atmosphere of climate change denial and similar movements against environmentalism.   

Songs like "My Brother The Ape" present the theory of evolution to kids in a way that's matter of fact and lyrics such as "Science is Real...the facts are with science" lend support to logical methods of worldly discovery.

In short, "Here Comes Science" is a great addition to your family music collection for both younger and older kids. 

-Christine

Turn Off Your TV and Turn On Your Imagination

TV Turn Off Week is a twice yearly week long voluntary respite from television watching, an activity that in some American homes consumes "more than 151 hours of television per month -- an "all-time" high -- up from more than 145 hours during the same period the previous year," according to a recent Nielsen company report. The increased amount of tv-watching among Americans is attributed to better recording devices, the availability of more cable channels, and increased viewing of streaming internet video.

Each year, organizations and families counter this time spent watching by participating in TV Turn Off Week. Once in the spring and again in the fall, organizers and proponents of reduced screen time hope that by showing people the wide assortment of non-screen related activities available at their disposal, they will begin to break their habits of excess tv viewing. 

This year, TV Turn Off Week will be held from September 20 to 26.

What will you do with your time? What will your kids do? How will you keep them from uttering the words: "I'm bored."

First, understand that boredom should be a welcome addition to a child's life, especially if a child is already leading a busy life filled with school, homework, extracurricular activities, sports and clubs. Boredom can lead to quiet reflective time to daydream, make up games, write stories, poems, keep a journal or diary, listen to music, play music, play outdoor, bike ride, or visit with friends or family.

For adults, a tv-free week is a great time to consider doing something you always said you would do with the extra hours. Time to organize an area of your house that needs it, scrapbook those old photos, you've been meaning to get to, go on a date with your spouse or partner, schedule in an extra workout, take up a new hobby or cook a new meal from scratch. 

You'll surely save time and here's the bonus: you'll save energy from less electricity usage, too.

Find a wealth of TV free activities for kids and grown-ups to stir your imagination here.

**Don't forget to check Green Parent Chicago's Upcoming Events calendar for more tv-free, fun things to do around town that week and all throughout the month.**

-photo credit: flickr, STV033

Talking with Ruby Roth, Vegan Children's Book Author

Ruby Roth, a former elementary school art teacher, has published a children's book about the suffering animals face in factory farm operations for the sake of our food supply.

Endorsed by Jane Goodall, "That's Why We Don't Eat Animals" (NorthAtlantic/RandomHouse) has been described as the first children's book to address the emotional lives of animals, factory farming, the environment, and endangered species. Roth says she was inspired to write and illustrate the book after noticing the interest her students took in animal welfare.

 Roth recently answered a few questions for Green Parent Chicago about her book and reader reaction to it:

GPC: You've done some readings and events with children since publication of the book. How do kids initially react when you begin reading "That's Why We Don't Eat Animals" or talking with them about the animals in the book?

Roth: Children show incredible interest and insight. They ask questions and relate the information to their own lives-their pets, their gardens, one 4th grader told me that factory farms reminded her of what her class was learning about slavery! And I have never experienced one child who was overwhelmed or freaked out by the book. I think they enjoy being let in on what seemed to have been a “secret” kept from them. They feel empowered by the truth. I’ve received a bunch of emails from parents whose kids were inspired to do things in their communities to help animals. I say in the book that each day, we have the freedom to change our lives. I think this is a very important concept for any child or adult to absorb—and one to emphasize when you read the book to a kid: we never have to fear things that we have the power to change. They get it!

GPC: You described in your website video how children often go with their instinct and how adults could learn from their example. Could you explain this statement briefly?

Roth: Children are entirely more open and receptive to the idea of sparing the lives of animals. And it’s not because they are merely influenced by the “cuteness” of animals. It’s that they haven’t been on earth long enough to develop deep-seated emotional attachments to meat or to be so shaped by the moral tyranny of the majority. By the time we are grown, we’ve learned to disconnect to a lot of feelings. We become desensitized to everything from violence to knowing how to heal ourselves, to the way cooked, dead, junk food makes us feel. But kids function from a much more instinctual and thus responsive place. Their gut feelings are not filtered through what others might think or what the food-pyramid dictates from one year to the next. And we adults are entirely capable of tapping in to that wisdom at any point, too.

GPC: Have you faced any controversy since it's publication this past May? How do you deal with controversy regarding your book ?

Roth: A lot of people have knee-jerk reactions to veganism because most of us are set from birth on a program that normalizes meat–from KFC slogans (the latest is:“Unthink!”) to our food pyramid which is created under the influence of food industry lobbyists like those from Atkins. The terms “brainwashing” and “propaganda” have been thrown around in reviews because the mainstream believes that meat-eating is a neutral choice while veganism is political. Well, neither is neutral. Both are political choices. You are either voting for or against a system that is destructive to our bodies, to animals, and the planet. Whenever I see an attack on my book, I’m reminded that people are confronting what, in classical yogic philosophy, are called our “samscaras,” the patterns that cause suffering to ourselves and others. When we’re faced with the reality of the destructiveness of our patterns, it is very common to become defensive. For me, those types of emotional reactions only further my belief that we are in need of serious change.

For more information on Roth and her book see her website: http://www.wedonteatanimals.com/

Book Review: Helping Kids Care for the Earth In Their Own Way

 

You can explain to children about helping the environment, give them information and facts, but until you allow them to take ownership of their actions, they may never fully value their role as a citizen of the earth.

A newly revised edition of the bestselling "The New 50 Simple Things Kids Can Do To Save The Earth", written by John Javna and his teenage daughter, Sophie, offers an excellent starting point for children ages 8 and up to learn more about climate change and direct action they can take to prevent further loss of Earth's natural habitat. 

First published in 1990, the book is organized into several sections with a brief introduction at the start of the book on the state of the each environmental issue and its current impact. Each topic is presented with a question that gets kids thinking, then a short factual discussion ("Did You Know"), followed by a "What You Can Do" section and ways to "Amaze Your Friends" with your newly discovered knowledge. A "See for Yourself" selection of web resources at the end of each topic section allows kids to find related online games, activities and information. Plenty of illustrations throughout the book help keep the topics lively too. 

Appealing to kids sensibilities, the book presents facts and discussion in a way that allows kids to understand that climate change is something people of all ages must face in their lives now and in the years ahead. Its authors focus on issues, not just eco-tips, something too often prevalent in most of today's green living books. 

Most importantly, the book can be used as an easy resource for projects and doesn't necessarily need to be read in sequence. Kids can also refer to the book again and again to help them understand a topic or to refer back to a favorite website they've discovered. Because the projects are primarily meant to be done without the assistance of adults, the book is best for children ages 8 and up, though younger children eager to learn more about the environment could accomplish some of the projects and websites' activities with a grown-up's help.

For more information:

http://www.50simplekids.com/

-Christine

Hey Readers, Help Green Parent Chicago Win Best Local Blog!

We're in the running for Best Local Blog on ParentsConnect's 2009 Parent's Picks survey.

We've got some great competition, but please cast your vote for us. You can vote once a day until voting ends on July 15th.

Does This Disturb You? Docu Screening Explores Effects of Commercialism on Kids

"Consuming Kids", a new documentary by the Media Education Foundation is described as "an eye-opening account of the pervasive and pernicious effects of children’s advertising on the health and well-being of kids."

The film explores the increasingly pervasive ways corporations attempt to access the daily habits of American children hoping to shape them into lifelong consumers.

Hear what some reviewers of the film had to say:

"An outstanding film with an urgent message, Consuming Kids is remarkably researched and elegantly executed. It leaves no room for doubt that relentless marketing to children is hurting their mental and physical health. Turning a child's sandbox, filled with so much imaginative potential, into a shopping mall is a crime. It is not what children consume, but what they are directed to think and feel about themselves and their world that is really at stake."
- Chyng Sun, Ph.D. | Creator of Mickey Mouse Monopoly

"Like never before, children today are plagued by a variety of ills, from violence to hyper-sexualization to obesity to rampant materialism. Consuming Kids connects these dots, showing how these problems all relate back to corporate marketers preying on our children for profit. Watching this movie will open the eyes of everyone who cares about children to the disturbing new realities of our consumer culture."
- Tim Kasser | Associate Professor of Psychology at Knox College | Author of The High Price of Materialism

A free screening of "Consuming Kids" will be held Sunday at the Oak Park Public Library at 2:30 p.m. Organizers request those attending to RSVP as space is limited. Several other upcoming screenings in the area are listed here for those unable to attend Sunday's screening.

Bob the Builder Goes Green for New Show, Green Parent Chicago Reader's Discount

Bob the Builder, the popular television show character, is headed to Chicago on Saturday, Feb. 7 for two performances at 2 and 5 p.m. at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St.

"Bob the Builder Live! Spud's Big Mess" will be the character's first touring stage show in the U.S. in five years. Starring Bob, his business partner Wendy, machine-team members Scoop, Dizzy, Lofty and Scrambler and other favorite friends from Sunflower Valley scarecrow Spud, Farmer Pickles and Mayor Bentley.

According to the show's producers, Bob and his team build the first-ever recycling center and wind farm in Sunflower Valley. It isn’t long before some items go missing and a few of Bob’s friends mysteriously disappear. Faced with a mountain of garbage, they must figure out who is responsible for the mess and work together to fix it, while dealing with Spud’s antics.

The 90-minute show features ten original songs and sees the characters embark on an adventure that promotes positive messages of caring for the environment, recycling, teamwork, cooperation and, the importance of a can-do spirit. Several lessons are incorporated into the storyline for kids and good reminders for grown-ups:

Encouraging habits such as taking care of the earth and everything that lives on it; understanding what it means to recycle and reuse; identifying and defining a recycling center and how to find one while understanding its importance; and defining trash and recycling. In addition, show materials will include special recycling tips and eco-themed activities for kids.

All venues where the live show is performing will be encouraged to use recycling containers and include information about how to attend the show by using public transportation on their website.

Special Offer for Green Parent Chicago Readers!: 50% off tickets for the 5 p.m. show on Saturday Feb. 7, Use code: 2BOBBOGO (use in promotions and special offers box)

Regular ticket prices for Bob the Builder Live! Spud’s Big Mess range from $30 to $40. The Chicago performance schedule is Saturday, Feb. 7 at 2 and 5 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at The Chicago Theatre Box Office, 175 N. State St, or online through Ticketmaster or by calling 312-559-1212.

Groups of 10 or more may purchase tickets by phone 877-4-GRP-TIX (877-447-7849), email [email protected] or at www.grouptix.net.

What is It Like Living TV-Free With Kids? Local Moms Tell Green Parent Chicago

Tracy, mom of 2 daughters, ages 8 and 5: 

"We own one, but it's not hooked up to anything (hasn't been for years), so the girls see no television at all. We can, however, choose educational/cultural/travel DVDs and videos from the library, which is what we've found works beautifully.

For us, perhaps the biggest benefits have been having more time together as a family--making music, playing games, and doing art or science projects/experiments. The other huge bonus is, of course, the fact that the girls are not exposed to a commercial, consumerist culture that I find absolutely abhorrent.

When they've seen commercials on the TVs at doctor's offices or wherever, we've been able to have talks about marketing aimed at children and I'm delighted to see them becoming so wise to that sort of ploy. We also don't have children that want the "latest" whatsit and they don't have the gimmes when we're in stores. They're learning the value of money and the choices we have to make with what we have. By not indulging our every whim, we're able to live on one income instead of both of us going out to work. That's something we value tremendously. It's all a win/win if you ask us.

I know there are some people that think we're raising children that won't "fit in" with their peers because they don't know what's cool. I'd counter with the assertion that we're raising children with parents who care enough to set an example that family comes first, and that time spent together outdoors or gathered around the table talking, creating, and playing with others is of far more real value than trying to live up to some ever-changing idea of "cool". Who wants to raise a conformist? I'll trust the future to kids who've learned to think for themselves with the support of parents who are very much present in their lives."

Cynthia, mom to a son, 13:

"As of date, the only television my son and I have watched since his birth is [the 2008] presidential debates and the election returns on Nov 4. We have a 13" TV with a built-in DVD player that sits in a cupboard and we only use it to watch an occasional movie.

What does your son think of not watching TV regularly?

He really hasn't commented on it. Since he has never watched TV, what is there to miss? He is an extremely creative kid so he is always working on some project or another. He is also an avid reader and spends an inordinate amount of time outside (weather permitting).

Why and when did you decide to do away with regular TV watching?

Actually, I have never been a TV watcher. Always something more interesting for me to do. To be bluntly honest, I refer to it as an idiot box. I made it a conscious choice to eliminate television before the birth of my son and never looked back.

Have you had any negative comments from family or friends regarding living essentially TV-free?

I have always walked to the beat of a different drum, so not watching TV is just one in a long line of many alternative choices I made/make in my life. I get my news/information from the internet and like my son, am an avid reader.

Jennifer, mom to two children, a son, 8 and daughter who is 3 1/2:

"We stopped our cable when Eric was about 2, we were looking for ways to save money and he would not let me watch TV at the time, so it seemed an obvious thing to do. Eric has asked every once in a while for a "TV with channels" but otherwise it's been a non-issue, although watching TV is a highlight of our hotel visits. In the last year we (especially my husband) have been making use of the internet-as-TV a lot too, although the kids tend to watch short things on YouTube."