Blog - PGM

April 23, 2018 by Allie

Boys Can Be Good Humans…Who Play with Toy Guns

I am a #boymom. I have two sons (ages 6 & 2). They play with cars, action figures, and plenty of other things I don’t understand. And they pretend sticks are guns and swords.

I didn’t teach them how to do that. They don’t watch violent TV shows or play video games. And THEY FIGURED IT OUT ANYWAY! How do they do that?!

Because this is normal boy behavior. (I’m not saying that girls can’t or shouldn’t play with toy guns…but boys have more testosterone, and tend to be faster, stronger, more competitive, and engage in more hands-on play. So, it is more common to see boys engaging in weapon play than girls.) Pretending a stick is a gun has nothing to do with exposure to real weapons or the way toys are marketed to boys vs. girls. And discouraging a boy from being his “stereotypical boy” self, by making him think that what he’s doing is unacceptable and “bad”, may contribute to developmental issues.

In today’s society, if a boy wants to dress up like a girl, we encourage that behavior because he’s “expressing himself” (and no, we’re not going to get into a debate on that here.) But, if he’s engaging in normal boy behavior, all of the sudden he’s going to grow up to be a horrible human being who is obsessed with violence. That’s ridiculous! When did it become a problem to be masculine?

I understand the concern with kids engaging in weapon play, especially with all of the issues surrounding gun control. (This is not the place for a debate on that, either.) It’s important to teach your children that guns can be upsetting to others, and we should respect those feelings. Also, never point a gun (even a Nerf gun) at something you don’t want to hurt or kill. I always encourage my boys to be the “good guys” who use their weapons to protect, and that there is a time and place for that (like maybe don’t pretend a pencil is a gun and “shoot” your friend at school.)

A boy and a good human can be synonymous. A child who is born biologically male, wants to be a boy, and likes wrestling and playing with weapons can, in fact, BE A GOOD KIND-HEARTED HUMAN! I know because I have a boy like that. He wrestles with his dad. He pretends sticks are swords. But, he hates to kill bugs. He gets upset when a friend gets hurt. He cries when a beloved pet dies. He worries that he won’t get married and have kids of his own some day. He takes care of other people before himself.

He’s learning to stand up for himself, and take care of himself in a world where you can’t always count on other people to save you. Someday, a real bad guy (and there ARE real bad guys out there) might try to hurt him or someone he cares about. And maybe the fact that I didn’t discourage him from weapon play or roughhousing will prevent him or someone he loves from being a victim.

Most boys (at least the ones with any shred of conscious in them) want to grow up to be the hero, not the villain.

April 16, 2018 by Allie

Allergy Relief with Essential Oils

Spring has sprung, and so has the dreaded pollen! Keep reading to learn how essential oils can ease your allergy symptoms! This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

Many essential oils have antihistamine and antiseptic properties that help cleanse the air, and reduce nasal and respiratory congestion. You can use any combination of the following oils for relief from seasonal, environmental, and pet allergies. They are not effective for food allergies or any severe allergic reaction. Please seek medical attention in an emergency situation.

Blue Tansy (Tanacetum annuum)
Fir Needle (Abies sibirica)
Geranium (Pelargonium x asperum)
Helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum)
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile)
Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)

How to Use

In a diffuser:
– for children and adults: add 6-8 drops of the above oils in any combination (2 oils = 3-4 drops of each oil, 3 oils = 2 drops of each oil, etc.)
– diffuse for up to 60 mins

In a personal inhaler:
– children: 10 drops of any combination of oils (2 oils = 5 drops of each oil)
– adults: 15 drops of any combination (3 oils = 5 drops of each oil)

Safety

All of the above essential oils are safe to use around children age 2 and up. Many of them are in Plant Therapy’s Sneezy Stop, if you prefer to buy a premade blend.

Alternatives

Plant Therapy’s Clear Again and doTerra’s Breathe also provide relief from nasal allergy symptoms, but they are not recommended for use with children under 10 years of age.

If you’re interested in learning more about essential oils, click here for more blog posts and book recommendations.

Disclaimer: The information contained on The Practically Green Mom represents the choices I have made to take charge of my own health and that of my family. Statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products on this site are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your physician before using these products.

{This post is not sponsored by any company or Amazon. It does contain affiliate links to Amazon. Purchases made through these links support The Practically Green Mom Blog. Please see my disclosure policy for my information.}

April 9, 2018 by Allie

“Redshirting” Kindergarten – Would I Do it Again?

With Kindergarten registration just around the corner (at least around here), I know there are many families struggling with the question: “Should I enroll my child in Kindergarten for next fall?”

Having a child with a late summer birthday, I worried very early on about how I would answer that same question. The cut-off in our district is September 1st, and his birthday is a week before that. Should I enroll him as a brand new five year old, being the youngest in his class? Or should I give him an extra year (also known as “redshirting”) and have him start Kindergarten having just turned six?

There are so many opinions on this topic. Some think that enrolling them younger will force them to keep up with their peers or makes no difference at all, while others believe the younger, immature students struggle academically and socially in an environment that they are just not ready for.

Kindergarten where we live is not like the Kindergarten I went to in the 80s. It’s a full day, lots of sitting still and actual learning. No nap time, only 30 mins of recess. Kindergarten is the new first grade.

Based on the title of this post (or if you’re a long-time PGM reader), you know that my husband and I did choose to hold our son back based on conversations with his Pre-K teachers, and friends and family that worked in the public school system.

And I would do it again in a heartbeat.

At five, he was probably academically ready, but not mature enough to handle a 7 hour school day. So he started Kindergarten as a six year old (the oldest in his class), and he is doing very well at our local public school (which was another thing I worried about…more on that in a later post.) He’s a natural-born leader, and thrives in an environment where he can be a helper.

I realize all children are different, and I am fortunate to even have a choice in the matter. For many, the decision is made for them because their school district won’t allow it, or the financial burden of paying for another year of daycare is too great. As always, you do what’s best for your child and family.

April 2, 2018 by Allie

Bergamot Essential Oil {EO Info Series}

Last week, I shared a spring diffuser blend that contained Bergamot. So, it seemed fitting that I give you more info on the benefits of Bergamot this week! This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

Bergamot Essential Oil (Citrus bergamia) has a sweet, fruity scent. The oil is cold pressed from the bergamot fruit peel, and blends well with many oils, including Cypress, Frankincense, and Lavender.

Benefits & Uses

Bergamot is known for its calming and mood-boosting effects. It can be added to a diffuser to create a relaxing, uplifting atmosphere. It can also be used topically as a gentle skin cleanser for oily skin (just be sure to dilute it properly!)

Cautions

Bergamot oil is phototoxic, so if you are using it topically, avoid sun exposure for up to 18 hours following application. Alternatively, you can purchase a bergamot oil that is bergapten-free (like this one from Plant Therapy), which is safe for use in the sun.

If you’re interested in learning more about essential oils, click here for more blog posts and book recommendations.

March 22, 2018 by Allie

Simply Spring Diffuser Blend

Spring is all about bringing the outside in with earthy, citrus, and floral scents! This simple two ingredient diffuser blend is a favorite in my home, and safe to diffuse around children age 2 and older. This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

Fill your diffuser with water (as directed) and add:

2 drops Lavender
2 drops Bergamot

The fresh, clean scent of Bergamot can improve your mood, and it compliments well with the calming, floral aroma of Lavender.

March 19, 2018 by Allie

My Bullet Journal Supplies

Now that you know the basics of bullet journaling, let’s talk about supplies! As I mentioned before, all you NEED to get started is a notebook and any old pen. But as your journal evolves, you may find that the basics don’t work for you anymore. Here’s how I make my bullet journal more functional for me. Maybe these tips will help you too! This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

Many people just use one notebook for everything, mixing their calendars and collections together. When I started off bullet journaling, I did just that. One page would be a weekly spread, and on the next page, a packing list for an upcoming trip. As time went on, I found that to be too cluttered and it was difficult to find things I was looking for. (Though now you understand the importance of an index!)

My current bullet journal is in a travelers notebook with three inserts: one for my calendar, one for collections, and one for notes. I usually carry the notes insert in my purse, then transfer information to either the calendar or collections as necessary. It’s also a great place to do a first draft of new spreads before adding them to the “official” insert.

My pages are color coded using my favorite Paper Mate Flair pens to make important information stand out. The basic layout is in black or gray, and each family member has their own color for appointments/events. I also include my blog posts and related tasks on my weekly pages, so that gets its own color as well.

As time goes on, I could add more inserts to my notebook. I’ve actually been considering separating my yearly collections (books to read, blog calendar, gift ideas) from my long-term collections (home projects, goals, essential oil inventory). That’s what I love the most about using a bullet journal as opposed to a regular yearly planner…the possibilities are endless!

Looking for more info?

Posts about bullet journals
My favorite bullet journal supplies (and a few other things)

March 5, 2018 by Allie

How I Set Up my Bullet Journal

Starting a new bullet journal can be a bit overwhelming. So, if you need some ideas for pages to start with, here’s the basic set-up of my bullet journal. This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

If you have the official Leuchtturm1917 Bullet Journal, most of the pages will already be included, which may be helpful if you’re a bullet journal beginner!

Key

You can have symbols (indicators) for just about anything you want, but I’ve scaled mine down to just a few: appointments, tasks, holidays, and birthdays.

Index

An Index is like a table of contents. I don’t index my weekly calendars, just collection pages that I would like to refer back to later.

Future Log

There are several ways you can log future events in a bullet journal, but my favorite is the Calendex system. You can check out this video by Boho Berry for a more in-depth explanation of how it works.

Calendar Spread

You can do a monthly, weekly, or daily calendar, depending on your needs. Some people use all three! I’ve used different variations of these spreads on my bullet journal journey, and I’m sure it will change again in the future. At this point in my life, I’ve found that a one page weekly spread works best for me. You can see more examples of my various calendar experiments on my Instagram.

Looking for more info?

Posts about bullet journals
My favorite bullet journal supplies (and a few other things)

February 26, 2018 by Allie

What is a Bullet Journal?

If you follow me on Instagram, you probably know that I use a bullet journal for everyday planning, journalling, and note taking. It’s a very effective way for me to keep track of my daily to-do list, appointments, and more. This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

What is a bullet journal?

The Bullet Journal was created by Ryder Carroll. It’s an analog (written) system of organization. You can use it simply as a calendar and to-do list, or it can be a way to express your creative side. For most people, it’s a mix of both!

What makes it different from a regular planner?

Bullet journals provide a more flexible way of planning. I’ve used Erin Condren and Plum Paper planners in the past, and the layout of a regular planner just doesn’t work for me. As a stay at home mom, I don’t usually have a lot of appointments or tasks on specific days, but a lot of things to do in a week. Bullet journalling allows me to create a new layout each week depending on what’s going on, or skip a week entirely (if we’re on vacation or something) without wasting paper. It also gives me plenty of space to make collections (lists) for notes, books I want to read, blog post ideas, etc.

Why don’t you just use your phone?

I use my Google Calendar all the time, but I like having things written down, as well. That’s how I kept track of things in high school and college, and old habits die hard, I guess. (Plus, literally checking something off a list is very satisfying. Lol)

How do I get started?

First, pick up a blank notebook (this Leuchtturm dot grid journal is a popular choice) and a pen. Then, start with the basics from the Bullet Journal website.

Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly functional or pretty at the beginning. The beauty of bullet journaling is that it will evolve with you!

You can find more inspiration using the hashtag #bulletjournal on Instagram!

Looking for more info?

Posts about bullet journals
My favorite bullet journal supplies (and a few other things)

February 21, 2018 by Allie

Lavender Essential Oil {EO Info Series}

Lavender essential oil is probably one of the most popular due to its use in mainstream cosmetics, such as soaps and lotions. It’s also one of my favorites! This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

Lavender Oil (Lavandula angustifolia) has a pleasant floral scent. The oil is extracted from the flowers of the lavender plant using steam distillation. It blends well with many oils, including Bergamot, Clove, and Lemon.

Benefits & Uses

Lavender Oil has many therapeutic properties. It soothes skin that has been irritated by bug bites and sunburn, promotes calm and relaxation (I really enjoy diffusing it before bedtime), and can help heal minor cuts, scrapes, and bruises. It is safe to diffuse around children 6 months and older, and safe for topical use on children age 2 and older. (Always follow proper dilution guidelines for children.)

Cautions

A 2007 report states that there is a possible connection between Lavender oil and breast growth in young boys. I looked into the report and found no cause for alarm, but thought it was worth mentioning for those who might be concerned and want to research it further.

If you’re interested in learning more about essential oils, click here for more blog posts and book recommendations.

{This post is not sponsored by any company or Amazon, but it does contain affiliate links to Amazon. Purchases made through these links support The Practically Green Mom Blog. Please see my disclosure policy for my information.}

February 12, 2018 by Allie

Is Lavender Essential Oil Safe for Kids?

As I was doing research on Lavender essential oil for my next EO Info post, I was informed that it “causes early puberty” and I “should never use it around (my) kids”.

Being the lavender lover that I am (it is the oil I use the most), I was very surprised (and skeptical) about this. I’ve been researching and using oils for years. The information I share here comes from certified aromatherapists and experts in essential oil usage and safety. How could I not have heard about this?!

The report this person was referring to is in a 2007 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine. (Which explains why I knew nothing about it, as I was not using essential oils 11 years ago…) It “conclude(s) that repeated topical exposure to lavender and tea tree oils probably caused prepubertal gynecomastia (breast growth) in these boys.”

I have a few concerns about this “conclusion”:

The report only had three case studies, which seems like a very small number of cases to make such a big assumption.
While the in-vitro studies they did in conjunction with the case studies show a “weak estrogenic” effect, is this an accurate portrayal of the effect of on a warm-blooded human?
Each of the three boys used a product “containing Lavender oil” (healing balm, styling gel/shampoo, soap/lotion). What other chemicals (Parabens, Phthalates, etc.) were in those products?
There has not been another study replicating these results in a medical publication in the past 10 years (to my knowledge). In fact, this 2013 study involving topical application of pure lavender oil and rats concluded there was “no evidence of estrogenic activity”.

As it turns out, the report has been widely criticized over the years. In 2013, Robert Tisserand (who has been studying the safety of essential oils for over 40 years) wrote a detailed explanation of the report, and in it, states that “any connection with either lavender or tea tree oil is unproven.”

Based on the information I currently have, I don’t feel like there is enough evidence against lavender essential oil for me to stop using it on my children. But, this should serve as a reminder that essential oils are relatively new to mainstream society, and there are very few long term studies regarding their safety. It is up to you to do your own research and make the best decision for your family.