[SustainableTompkins] Healthy Children - Healthy Planet

[Cnielsen56 at aol.com]

This course will be held in Ithaca, Sunday mornings (9:00 to  10:15) at the 
Unitarian church, starting Feb. 24 (corner of Aurora and Buffalo  streets). 
There are still 3 spaces available (1 space = 1 person or couple  sharing a 
book). The books cost $20.  Childcare (FREE) will be provided if  requested in 
advance. 
If interested, contact me off-list ASAP (_cnielsen56 at aol.com_ 
(mailto:cnielsen56 at aol.com) ). For more information,  visit _www.nwei.org_ 
(http://www.nwei.org) , and read  below.... 
Christian Nielsen 
_____________________________________________________________________________ 
Healthy Children - Healthy Planet is a  seven-session course for the 
workplace, faith center, or home addressing how the  pervasive effects of advertising, 
media, and our consumer culture can influence  a child's view of the world. 
Discussion Course Goals:

• To understand  how the pervasive effects of advertising, media, and our 
consumer culture can  influence a child's view of the world. 
• To discover ways to create meaningful family times and healthful  
environments for children. 
• To explore ways to develop a child's connection to nature, and  to foster 
creativity. 


“The course has been very affirming of our thoughts  and values in raising 
our children. It gave us insight into how others use their  values and beliefs 
to actualize family growth and traditions. Thanks for the  wonderful course 
book.” 
- Cami Curran, Columbus, OH 
Topics Covered:

1. Cultural  Pressures:  A powerful fusion of pop culture and peer  influence 
creates a social smog that has a strong influence on today's children,  says 
author and doctor Ron Taffel.  How should adults respond to these  pressures? 
2. Family Rituals and Celebrations:   Meaningful family time can provide an 
antidote to cultural pressures of  consumption.  Explore how ritual can enrich 
a child's family experience and  examine alternatives to elaborate 
celebrations and gifts. 
3. Advertising:  The average child sees an  estimated 20,000 commercials 
every year.  What are the effects on our  children, and what steps can adults take 
to lessen the impact? 
4. Food and Health:  Many schools serve  high-fat lunches, soda, and candy is 
readily available on school grounds.   What is the link between diet and 
learning?  How can adults encourage  children to include healthy foods in their 
meals? 
5. Time and Creativity:  Today's children may  have schedules that rival the 
busiest adults.  How can adults help children  find balance between activities 
and unstructured time, which is often the source  of creativity? 
6. Technology and the Media:  Opinions differ  on whether computers hinder or 
help the natural process of child  development.  Watching TV can displace 
more valuable experiences.   What steps can adults take to create a healthy media 
environment at home? 
7. Exploring Nature: Children have an affinity for  the natural world and as 
Rachel Carson says, "an inborn sense of wonder."   As children spend more time 
indoors, they connect less to the wild places in  their neighborhood.  How 
can we give children the opportunity to connect  with the natural world?



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