Healthy Kids Healthy Kids | Natural Awakenings Twin Cities

Last Updated: Sep 30, 2019 08:30AM • Subscribe via RSS • ATOM

Mindfulness in the Classroom: Meditative Training Helps Kids Thrive

Sep 30, 2019 ● By Rachael Oppy

A grassroots movement towards meditation in the classroom is happening as emerging research documents the strong positive effects of mindfulness on children's developing brains.

Read More »

Digital Kids: How to Click With Young Techies

Aug 30, 2019 ● By Rachael Oppy

Sound strategies from experts that parents can use to help kids navigate the electronic world we live in.

Read More »

Feeding Healthy Habits: A 10-Step Guide for Helping Children Thrive

Aug 15, 2019 ● By Melinda Hemmelgarn

Today’s barrage of junk food ads can easily influence kids for the worse, but 10 strategies, including visiting farmers’ markets, teaching cooking skills and implementing device-free family meals, can help them choose to eat better.

Read More »

21st Century Parenting: Preparing Kids for the Future

Aug 15, 2019 ● By Meredith Montgomery

Today’s kids live fast-paced, technology-driven lives, which is why it’s critical for parents to strike a balance between accepting modern advances and teaching kids timeless virtues.

Read More »

The Pure Joy of Play: Why Kids Need Unstructured Fun

Jun 28, 2019 ● By Ronica O’Hara

Numerous studies show that giving kids open time for “free play” is so important that pediatricians are writing prescriptions for it.

Read More »

Gardening for Kids: The Fun of Growing Their Own

Apr 30, 2019 ● By Ronica A. O’Hara

Give kids a patch of dirt and a trowel, and they’ll not only have fun but can find a fresh new appetite for fruit and vegetables.

Read More »

Loving Nature: Outdoor Adventures for Kids

Mar 29, 2019 ● By Ronica A. O’Hara

In a time in which digital devices often rule, kids will happily head outdoors for adventures involving gardens, bugs and birds that spark their interest and creativity.

Read More »

Household Cleaning Products Affect Babies’ Guts and Weight: Disinfectants Linked to Health Concerns

Mar 29, 2019

Canadian toddlers in households that used chemical disinfectants at least once a week had disturbed gut microbes and higher body mass index scores than toddlers in households that used vinegar or other eco-friendly cleaners.

Read More »

Air Care for Kids: Keeping the Homefront Allergy-Free

Mar 04, 2019 ● By Avery Mack

Kids are especially sensitive to the pollen, chemicals, dust mites, mold and pet dander that cause allergies, but simple strategies can keep these culprits in check.

Read More »

Screen Time Doubles Kids’ Risk of Anxiety and Depression: Impacts Mental Health in Youth

Jan 31, 2019

Children and teens who spend more than seven hours a day on screens are twice as likely to be diagnosed with anxiety or depression.

Read More »

Soothing Anxious Kids: Natural Remedies Restore Calm

Jan 31, 2019 ● By Marlaina Donato

Social network-stoked anxiety is rising among kids who already have enough to worry about, but their stress can be lowered with mindful approaches, nature, sleep, diet and supplements.

Read More »

Autism's Gut-Brain Axis: A Promising Approach to Healing

Dec 27, 2018

Almost half of autistic children have gastrointestinal symptoms, and the more severe the symptoms, the more severe the autism, studies show.

Read More »

Daily Walks Make Kids Healthier: The Daily Mile Program Improves Children's Fitness

Dec 27, 2018

A Scottish program called The Daily Mile, which allowed school kids to walk or run 15 minutes a day, improved overall fitness and lowered body fat.

Read More »

Scouts Updated: Name Change Embraces Guys and Gals

Nov 30, 2018

To roll out the welcome mat for girls, the Boy Scouts of America has changed its name to Scouts BSA.

Read More »

Beyond Toys: Gifts that Evoke Kids’ Creativity

Nov 30, 2018 ● By Sandra Murphy

From do-it-yourself robots to language lessons to field trips, outside-the-box gifts for children will summon their excitement and build favorite memories.

Read More »

Air Pollution Harms Developing Brains: Fetal Exposure Leads to Cognitive Difficulties

Oct 31, 2018

Fetal exposure to air pollution can thin the outer layer of a developing child’s brain and lead to later cognitive difficulties, say Dutch researchers.

Read More »

Hostile Teachers Hamper Learning: Damages Academic Performance

Oct 31, 2018

Students’ test scores dropped by as much as 5 percent when taught by teachers that belittled or criticized students or showed favoritism.

Read More »

Nurturing Creative Kids: Hobbies Engage and Grow Healthy Kids

Oct 31, 2018 ● By Marlaina Donato

Team sports teach a lot, but children can also learn to work with peers, focus their attention, and strategize for results with scrapbooking, origami and short story writing.

Read More »

Healing Our Kids: Reversing a Rising Tide of Chronic Conditions

Sep 28, 2018 ● By Ronica A. O’Hara

An estimated quarter to half of American children have a diagnosed chronic condition such as autism or allergies, but an integrative approach to healing can have profound effects.

Read More »

Music Lessons Make Kids Smarter: Improves Academic Performance

Sep 28, 2018

Dutch 6-year-olds that sang, listened to music and played an instrument one to two hours a week showed significantly enhanced cognitive abilities and better grades two and a half years later.

Read More »

Youths Step Up to the Global Challenge: Fresh Hope for a Troubled Planet

Sep 28, 2018 ● By Linda Sechrist

Realizing that they can’t wait for adults to fix our sweeping societal and environmental problems, young people are taking meaningful action to end business as usual.

Read More »

Asthma Less Likely to Afflict Breastfed Kids: Reduces Risk of Attacks

Aug 31, 2018

Dutch children that had been breastfed had a 45 percent lower incidence of asthma later in childhood.

Read More »

Spanking Linked to Mental Health Problems: Impacts Children Later in Life

Aug 31, 2018

Adults that were spanked as children turned out to have a higher risk of depression, suicide attempts, drinking and drug use, according to University of Michigan researchers.

Read More »

Acupuncture Alleviates Autism in Children: New Study Finds Effectiveness in Alternative Treatment

Aug 31, 2018

When used alone or with other therapies, acupuncture lowered autism markers in Korean children.

Read More »

Build a Bento Box Lunch for Kids: Pack Five Foods for Fun, Flavor and Health

Aug 31, 2018 ● By Judith Fertig

The newly popular five-compartment bento boxes make packing a nutritious child’s lunch easy plus allow for fun twists.

Read More »

Screentime Overdose Means Unhappy Teens: Digital Device Downers

Jul 31, 2018

Teens that spend the most time on digital devices tend to be unhappier, reports a San Diego State University study of a million teens.

Read More »

Expecting Moms Can Protect Against Autism: Prenatal Vitamins Lower Risk

Jul 31, 2018

Mothers that took folic acid or multivitamins before pregnancy were 61 percent less likely to have a child diagnosed with autism, and those that took these supplements during pregnancy lowered the risk by 73 percent.

Read More »

Simplified Parenting: Why Less Means More Happiness

Jul 31, 2018 ● By Deborah Shouse

By simplifying our approach to child-raising, we can garner less anxiety and stress, more casual time, deeper conversations and much more fun with our kids.

Read More »

Natural Immune Boosters for Kids: How to Power Up Their Defenses

Jul 31, 2018 ● By Marlaina Donato

As kids head into the school year, choosing the right food and encouraging them to exercise and address stress can help raise their immunity.

Read More »

Air Pollution Affects Teen Menstruation: Disrupts Regularity

Jun 29, 2018

Teenage girls in polluted areas have a slightly greater likelihood of menstrual irregularity and take longer to achieve regularity in high school and early adulthood.

Read More »

The Joy of Dirt: Gardening Connects Kids to Nature

Jun 29, 2018 ● By Barbara Pleasant

When children plant seeds, tend them and then pull vegetables out of the soil, they learn not just where food comes from, but of their place in the web of life.

Read More »

Healthy Summer Hydration: Kids Love These Homemade Drinks

May 31, 2018 ● By Judith Fertig

Kids need plenty of hydration, especially during summer heat, and they’ll happily chug tasty homemade drinks that more healthfully balance electrolytes using natural salt and fruit.

Read More »

Energy Drinks Hurt Youth Health: Causes Negative Side Effects

May 31, 2018

Over half of teenagers that have consumed energy drinks report experiencing nausea, increased heartbeat and other negative health consequences.

Read More »

Eye Contact Syncs Baby and Adult Brainwaves: Supports Early Learning and Communication Skills

Apr 30, 2018

When an adult looks into the eyes of a baby, a synchronization of brain waves occurs that supports early learning and communication skills, say Cambridge University researchers.

Read More »

Acetaminophen Linked to Delayed Language Skills: Pain Reliever Impacts Child's Development

Apr 30, 2018

Swedish moms that took acetaminophen during pregnancy gave birth to girls which 30 months later showed slower ability in acquiring language skills.

Read More »

Kid Talk: How to Communicate with a Child

Apr 30, 2018 ● By Amber Lanier Nagle

Consistency, honesty, flexibility and availability are all key in communicating deeply with our children.

Read More »

High-Fat Diet Risks Multiple Sclerosis Relapse: Increasing Veggies Cuts Risk

Mar 30, 2018

Eating a high-fat diet increases the risk of multiple sclerosis relapse in children by as much as 56 percent, while each additional cup of weekly vegetables cuts the risk by 50 percent.

Read More »

Into the Woods: Nature Helps Kids Build Skills and Character

Mar 30, 2018 ● By April Thompson

Nature immersion programs help kids to navigate through woodlands and listen to their quiet inner voice.

Read More »

Teen Marijuana Use Fosters Depression: Impact on Mental Health

Mar 01, 2018

Teens using marijuana have a higher risk of depression as young adults, and depressed young teens are more likely to be using marijuana by age 18.

Read More »

Upbeat Kids: Five Steps to Positivity

Feb 28, 2018 ● By Tamar Chansky

By using wise strategies, we can help a child move past negativity and despair into a fresh, happier point of view.

Read More »

Antidepressants in Pregnancy Linked to Autism: Slightly Higher Risk Involved

Jan 31, 2018

Children born to Swedish mothers that took antidepressants when pregnant had a slightly higher risk of autism compared to mothers with psychiatric conditions not taking the meds.

Read More »

Banishing Body-Image Blues: How Teens Can Learn to Love Their Looks

Jan 31, 2018 ● By Amber Lanier Nagle

Young women worldwide don’t feel happy with their bodies, but by monitoring their thoughts, eating well and exercising, they can face the world with confidence.

Read More »

Healthy Weight Kids: Food Choices that Prevent Obesity

Dec 29, 2017 ● By Amber Lanier Nagle

With one in six U.S. youngsters classified as obese, it’s important for parents to follow healthy eating strategies to reduce children’s odds of disease now and later.

Read More »

Awake Parenting: Raising Connected, Confident Kids

Nov 30, 2017 ● By Judith Fertig

Children are not ours to possess or own, but rather to guide into living fearlessly and authentically.

Read More »

Naps Boost Toddler Talk: Daytime Snoozes Help with Language Development

Nov 30, 2017

Toddlers under age three that took the most daytime naps developed larger vocabularies over time, British researchers found.

Read More »

Books that Kids Will Love: Advice for Parents from Award-Winners

Oct 31, 2017 ● By Randy Kambic

Books with strong stories and inspiring characters can entice children away from e-devices, broaden their horizons and encourage their dreams.

Read More »

School Om Work: Kids Calm Themselves with Meditation

Sep 29, 2017 ● By April Thompson

Students in forward-thinking school districts are learning through meditation to relax, focus and stay calm in the face of trying conditions.

Read More »

Fast Foodies: Toddlers Routinely Reach for French Fries

Sep 29, 2017

The journal Pediatrics reports that children under the age of 2 are more likely to eat French fries than healthy vegetables on any given day and many eat no veggies at all.

Read More »

Tonsillectomies Help Only Temporarily: Benefits Do Not Last

Aug 31, 2017

Children have fewer school absences and infections in the first year after a tonsillectomy, but the benefits ebb over time, reports a Vanderbilt University Medical Center study of 10,000 children.

Read More »

Experiential Ed: Gestalt-Based Curricula Emerging

Aug 31, 2017

Schools in Finland and New Orleans are pioneering new ways to involve students in a more collaborative education model.

Read More »

Nature's Classroom: Outdoor Learning Engages the Whole Child

Aug 31, 2017 ● By Meredith Montgomery

Kids in immersive nature schools learn firsthand about the world from the parks and forests they play in, rain or shine.

Read More »

Fresh Looks at Autism: Focusing on a Child’s Optimal Potential

Jul 31, 2017 ● By Linda Sechrist

Parents today increasingly focus on the unique brilliance of their autistic children and build support networks that help them develop life skills.

Read More »

Colicky Babies Respond to Acupuncture: Solution to Help Reduce Crying

Jun 30, 2017

Swedish babies given acupuncture twice a week cried markedly less after only two weeks of treatment.

Read More »

Fun Ways to Get Outside This Summer: Be a Kid Again With Your Own Family

Jun 30, 2017 ● By Sandra Murphy

From hiking to zip lines to camping, there are many enjoyable ways to explore nature all around our country, making the most of activities that appeal to all ages.

Read More »

Vitamin D Helps Babies Grow Strong Bones and Muscle: Supplement for Healthy Little Ones

May 31, 2017

Canadian infants given more than 400 IUD per day of vitamin D had stronger bones and muscle and less body fat at age 3.

Read More »

Family Screen Time: How to Set Boundaries in the Digital Era

May 31, 2017 ● By April Thompson

Many of today’s youngsters spend eight hours a day looking at a screen, which has serious repercussions on their well-being. Parental limits can help ensure a healthy balance of activities.

Read More »

Natural Motherhood: Creating the Best Start for New Life

Apr 28, 2017 ● By Deborah Shouse

By making wise choices starting with diet and exercise, a mom-to-be can claim the gentle, joyous birth she wants for her baby.

Read More »

Prenatal Omega-3 Reduces Kids’ Asthma Risk: Supplement for Expectant Mothers

Apr 28, 2017

Babies born to mothers given 2.4 grams of omega-3 supplements in the third trimester of pregnancy had nearly a third lower risk of experiencing asthma by age 5.

Read More »

Negative Stereotypes Sabotage Girl Soccer Players: Exposure to Discouraging Viewpoints Affects Performance

Apr 28, 2017

Teenage girls performed worst in a soccer ball-dribbling drill after reading an article about the perceived incompetence of female soccer players.

Read More »

The Joys of Grandparenting: How to Mindfully Love Little Ones

Apr 28, 2017 ● By April Thompson

We can be truly terrific grandparents when we both adore the grandkids and nurture their parents.

Read More »

Greener Diapers: Cloth Better than Disposable for People and the Planet

Apr 28, 2017

About 7.4 billion pounds of dirty plastic baby diapers pile up in landfills each year, yet cloth diapers offer clear environmental and cost advantages and even help with potty training.

Read More »

Sedentary Kids Lag in Reading Skills: Lower Scores in Less Active Boys

Mar 31, 2017

Young Finnish children that tend to be sedentary showed lower reading scores than peers that are generally physically active.

Read More »

New Wave: Kids Organize to Save Our Oceans

Mar 31, 2017 ● By April Thompson

As Earth’s oceans continue to decline with disastrous consequences, youth around the world are joining forces to fight pollution and influence policymakers.

Read More »

Kids Going Online at Bedtime Sleep Poorly: Issues with Electronic Use at Night

Feb 28, 2017

British kids between 6 and 19 that used devices within 90 minutes of falling asleep were more likely to sleep badly and be sleepy during the day, which also can lead to poor diet choices.

Read More »

Wheezing Toddlers Prone to Food Allergies: Little Ones More Susceptible to Allergy Issues

Feb 28, 2017

Singapore toddlers that experienced eczema or wheezing in their first 18 months were more likely to have a food allergy at 36 months.

Read More »

Clean Jeans: Laundry Machines Boost School Attendance

Feb 28, 2017

More than 90 percent of struggling middle-school kids attended classes more often when they were able to bring their dirty clothes to school for washing in Whirlpool-donated machines.

Read More »

Silencing Cyberbullies: How to Defuse Bad Actors

Feb 28, 2017 ● By April Thompson

A shocking 43 percent of middle-school students report being targeted by cyberbullies, but actions by students and adults can mute mean-kid attacks.

Read More »

Junior Achievement: Take the Kids to Work

Feb 28, 2017

On April 26, more than 3.5 million American workplaces will open to their doors to their employees’ children for memory-making experiences sure to last a lifetime.

Read More »

Infants Breathing Bad Air May Suffer as Teens: Study Links Air Pollutants to Lung Function

Jan 31, 2017

A Swedish study found that 15-year-olds that had been exposed as 1-year-olds to high levels of air pollutants had more difficulty getting air through their lungs.

Read More »

Keep Decay Away: Kids Do Best with Holistic Dentistry

Jan 31, 2017 ● By Linda Sechrist

Simple preventive measures such as xylitol lollipops, teething rings, and not licking a spoon before offering little ones food can prevent painful dental surgery for children.

Read More »

Parents Use Complementary Health Care for Kids: Children Taking Part in Alternative Medicine or Practices

Dec 28, 2016

The latest American survey on the subject found that almost one in nine children used complementary medicine or practices, such as fish oil, probiotics, chiropractic care and yoga, in the previous year.

Read More »

Early-to-Bed Kids at Less Risk of Obesity: Keeping a Healthy Bedtime Schedule

Dec 28, 2016

Young children that were tucked into bed before 8 p.m., when examined 10 years later, had less than half the obesity rate of those that had gone to bed after 9 p.m.

Read More »

The Wild and Wooly Teen Brain: What Kids Need from Us to Grow Wise

Dec 28, 2016 ● By April Thompson

Adolescent brains are wired for high emotions and thrill-seeking, which is why teens need honesty, trust and calm understanding from the adults in their lives.

Read More »

Autism Risk Linked to Banned Chemicals: Prenatal Exposure Increases Odds

Dec 28, 2016

Children born to mothers with high exposures to PCBs, DDT and other banned-but-still-present chemicals had a 50 to 82 percent greater chance of being born with autism.

Read More »

Teens Hooked on Ear Buds Prone to Tinnitus: Ringing in Ears Linked to Headphones

Nov 30, 2016

Half of a group of 170 teenagers that used ear buds reported bouts of ringing or buzzing in their ears.

Read More »

Why Some Kids Grow Up with Fewer Allergies: Connection to Thumb Sucking

Nov 30, 2016

Children that sucked their thumb or bit their nails had fewer allergies as adults, reports a study by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Read More »

Merry Munching: Sugar-Free Treats Kids Love

Nov 30, 2016 ● By Judith Fertig

Holidays bring out the sweet tooth in us all and clever options make sure that kids and adults don’t go into sugar overload.

Read More »

The Sensitive Child: How to Nurture Special Gifts

Oct 31, 2016 ● By Maureen Healy

When parents understand how to meet their child’s unique needs, children harboring extreme empathy and other emotional sensitivities can accomplish much.

Read More »

Gut Bacteria Linked to Toddler Temperament: Researchers Find Correlation to Behavior

Oct 31, 2016

Toddlers with diverse gut bacteria proved to be more curious and sociable and less impulsive than toddlers with fewer types of bacteria.

Read More »

Exercising Women Have Fewer C-Sections: Fitness Routines Reduce Cesarean Deliveries

Oct 31, 2016

Women that worked out regularly during pregnancy had fewer cesarean deliveries and a lower risk of hypertension and diabetes.

Read More »

Heavy TV Watching Linked to Poor Bone Health: Risks of Excessive Television Time

Oct 31, 2016

Children between 5 and 20 years of age that watched more than 14 hours a week of TV had lower bone mineral content as young adults.

Read More »

Sore Throat Soothers: Natural Remedies Help Kids Heal

Sep 30, 2016 ● By Kathleen Barnes

Salt water, lemon juice, honey and sage are some of the low-cost and highly effective ways to treat a child’s painful throat.

Read More »

Raising a Music Lover: Kids Thrive to Rhythms of Head and Heart

Aug 31, 2016 ● By Randy Kambic

Adding an M for music to the three R’s boosts students’ self-confidence and bolsters not only their appreciation of music but also vocabulary and math skills.

Read More »

Vegan Diet Benefits Kids’ Heart Health: Promoting Plant-Based Foods for Children

Aug 31, 2016

Obese youngsters between the ages of 9 and 18 fared better in heart-health markers when adhering to a vegan plant-based diet than their counterparts following the American Heart Association diet.

Read More »

Breast Milk Supports Preemies’ Developing Brains: Increases Premature Babies' Brain Sizes

Aug 31, 2016

In a study of 77 premature infants, those that received at least half of their diet from breast milk had larger brain volumes, a possible indicator of better cognitive development.

Read More »

Kinesthetic Kids: New Desks Aid Learning via Movement

Aug 31, 2016

Students in a South Carolina school learn their spelling and math by rotating through 15 stations that combine learning exercises with play-ready basketball hoops or exercise bikes.

Read More »

Breastfed Babies Have Fewer Colds and Ear Infections: Prolonged Nursing Provides Protection

Aug 16, 2016

A six-year Texan study found that prolonged breastfeeding reduces both sniffles and painful earaches in newborns.

Read More »

Growing Up Empowered: Helping Kids Step into Their Best Selves

Jul 29, 2016 ● By Judith Fertig

We build confidence in our children by encouraging their unique strengths, fostering their dreams, allowing healthy risks and engaging them in community service.

Read More »

Delayed Kindergarten Reduces Attention Deficit: Reason to Push Back Starting School

Jul 29, 2016

Danish children that start kindergarten at age 6 instead of 5 are far less likely to be inattentive or hyperactive five years later.

Read More »

Prenatal Sun Exposure Lowers Asthma Risk: Increased Vitamin D Reduces Likelihood

Jul 29, 2016

Perhaps because of the natural vitamin D supplied by sunlight, researchers found that children are less likely to have asthma if their mothers lived in a sunny location during the second trimester of pregnancy.

Read More »

Young Adult Insomnia Linked to Chronic Pain: Lack of Sleep Early On Leads to Complications Later in Life

Jul 29, 2016

About two in five Dutch adults between the ages of 19 and 22 that reported problems sleeping had chronic pain three years later.

Read More »

LOL TTYL: Hope for a New Generation

Jul 29, 2016

Despite their bad press, youngsters born between 1980 and 2000 are just as ambitious and tenacious as their parents and grandparents, new data shows.

Read More »

Yay for Play: Ways to Spark a Child’s Creativity

Jul 29, 2016 ● By April Thompson

Creativity can be not only nurtured, but taught. When children engage in imaginary play and exploration, they build thinking skills, patience and resiliency.

Read More »

Mom’s Kitchen Counter Cooking School: Kids That Learn to Cook Grow Up Eating Healthier

Jun 30, 2016 ● By Jen Haugen

Cooking is a skill passed along from mother to child, which is why it’s important to spend time in the kitchen teaching our children how to measure, pour and stir.

Read More »

ADHD Meds Weaken Kids’ Bones: Prescription Medicine Linked to Osteopenia

Jun 30, 2016

In a recent study, at least 25 percent of children between 8 and 17 taking such ADHD meds as Ritalin and Focalin were found to have osteopenia, early bone loss.

Read More »

Dad Matters: How to be the Father Kids Need

May 31, 2016 ● By Armin Brott

When a dad is highly involved, the kids turn out to be smarter, more motivated and successful plus less likely to get into trouble.

Read More »

Seniors, Teens and Tykes: Enriching Programs Unite the Generations

Apr 29, 2016 ● By Linda Sechrist

Booming numbers of both seniors and youngsters offer new opportunities for the two generations to learn from each other.

Read More »

Magnesium Improves Childbirth for Mother and Newborn: Reduces Fevers and Complications

Apr 29, 2016

Women given magnesium sulfate during childbirth suffered only half the number of fevers compared to a control group and their newborns had fewer complications.

Read More »

A Greener Shade of Youth: New Generations Put Earth First

Mar 31, 2016 ● By Randy Kambic

As the planet warms up, teens and young adults are markedly more concerned about the environment and are educating themselves as they take action.

Read More »

Nighttime Parenting: Fostering Healthful Sleep

Feb 29, 2016 ● By Stephanie Dodd

Up to 70 percent of American children have problems sleeping at night, but some simple steps help them get more shut-eye.

Read More »