The French Ban TV for Children Under Three

Showing infinite wisdom beyond Americans, the French have banned French television programs designed for children under three-years-old. Unfortunately, young French children are still exposed to TV programs broadcast from foreign channels on cable, such BabyFirstTV, but now those … [Read more...]

Why I Hate Dr. Phil: Sensationalizing Home Births

First the AMA and now Dr. Phil: the attacks on a family's right to chose a home birth never seem to end. As a mother who has birthed both of her children at home, neither of which were "normal" births, I find such negative campaigning disturbing and upsetting. Just as I won't … [Read more...]

Free and Paid Online Games For the Aware Child: Woogi World

Last week the editors at Green Options asked me if I wanted to write a review of Woogi World. “Uh, okay, I haven’t written a hatchet piece an ages.” was my unenthusiastic reply. Here’s the deal in my house. My kids get 30 minutes of media; it can be a TV show or some computer … [Read more...]

Jennifer and Kristen Featured on the BBC's "World Have Your Say": Would You Stop Having Kids to Save the Environment?

First the New York Times, now the BBC! Today, Eco Child's Play's Kristen Chase and myself were featured on the BBC's program "World Have Your Say". The topic was "Would you stop having children to save the environment?" I was invited to join the conversation with John … [Read more...]

Tech Gadgets for Kids: When is a Child too Young for a Cell Phone, Digital Camera, and iPod?

I dislike electronic toys for children, such as so-called "educational" toys made by LeapFrog. As I have stated before, I think that children learn more from playing with wooden blocks than any battery operated gizmo can teach them, but what about other tech devices, such as … [Read more...]