Summer Reading

We posted this last summer, but as kids get out of school and structure falls away, we thought it would be a great time to remember to keep kids reading! The hardest part is how. Here we have a few suggestions, and an updated link from teachers across the US listing summer reading programs for your kids to help them stay motivated, keep track of their progress, and best of all, earn prizes for reading! From We Are Teachers.


Here at Peas of Mind we believe that health is much more then what you eat. Yes, part of a healthy life style is eating veggies and a well balanced meal, but to us, being healthy is also about laughter, playing, exercise and joy.  We not only believe an apple a day keeps the doctor away, we also believe a book a day does too!

Our favorite book here at Peas of Mind

So this week we're changing gears a little bit and focusing on the importance of reading, especially this time of year when school is out of session and silent reading is no longer enforced.

First things first, if you don't have one already, get a library card. Summer is a great time to introduce your children to the library and the freedom that comes with browsing the aisles for a new (used) book.  Make a weekly date out of it: a late breakfast at your favorite cafe, then a few hours at the library followed by a play date at the park so your little ones can share and read their new books. Also, libraries usually have free, kid friendly activities scheduled during the summer; contact your local library and find out what fun activities you can add to your library date day!

For those long car trips, always have a box of "car only books." This way they'll get to immerse themselves in new books they've never seen or read. The box of "car only books" will become one of their favorite things about being in the car.

Find time to read. That means you Mom! Set a good example and enjoy some quality family time together reading instead of watching a movie or TV.  This is a great way to spend time together as well as secretly set a good example. During this time ask questions about what's going on in the book, what characters do they like and how do they think it will end.  This will not only encourage them to process what they're reading but it also shows them that you're interested and that reading is important to you.

Let this summer be the summer your little ones learn to LOVE to read. Besides feeding them their Veggie Wedgies, it's the greatest gift a parent can give.

Get Our Perspective!

Here at Peas of Mind we love figuring out ways to make parent's lives easier and more fulfilling. We make all natural frozen food that's loaded with veggies and quick to prepare so that Moms and Dads don't have to worry about their picky eaters not getting enough veggies. This week Get Our Perspective is back a monthly blog post where we answer your questions about health, nutrition and overall wellness. 

This month Alison from Omaha, Nebraska wrote in and asked, "What are some easy ways to make sure that my children have a healthy summer? I'm doing my best to avoid marathon tv binges and too many trips to the ice-cream shop but what else can I do?"

Thanks for writing in Alison! The good news is the Peas Perspective is loaded with simple ways to make sure that your children stay active, healthy and happy during their summer break. Here is our "best of" list:

1) Bring your little ones into the kitchen.  With all the free time summer break has to offer, encouraging your kids to prepare healthy snacks and meals for themselves (with your help of course) is an easy way to spark interest in food and health that will last a lifetime.  With the right foods, time in the kitchen can feel as fun as craft time!  Here is a list of our best recipeas that encourage kids to play with their food (and then eat it!)
-Sandwich Sushi
-Breakfast Split
-Veggie Wedgies garlic fries
-Natural food coloring to decorate your favorite cookie recipe
-Healthy Fudgesicles
-Bug Juice

2) Stay Hydrated! During the warm summer months when kids are running around outside, it's so important to keep them hydrated with WATER.  If your children turn their noses up to good ol' H2O, check out our list of easy ways to get your little ones to guzzle water.

3) Take extra care of their skin! What's the largest organ in the body? That's right, your SKIN. So during these hot and humid months, your family's skin needs extra care.  Click here to find out three simple ways to take special care of your Epidermis this summer.

4) One of the best things about summer is having the time to devour a page-turning book. Encourage your little ones to fall in love with books this summer by following our post on summer reading.

5) We've said it before and we'll say it again, EAT SEASONALLY! Summertime is far and away the best time for produce; take a field trip to your local farmers market and let your family help pick out your weekly supply of fruits and vegetables.  Our number one produce choice this summer is the sweet and juicy peach, find out why here.

We'd love to feature your question next month! Simply email feedback@peasofmind.com with your question, name and the city you're from and we'll give you our Peas Perspective!