Want to have fun with your children while completing household tasks together??  Want to teach your children environmental responsibility by showing them how to reduce the use of harmful chemicals while helping you clean?? Do you want your children to learn how this impacts their own health, hygiene, and personal surroundings?? Then check-out the new Norwex Kids Line!

The Kids Cloth Package (sized for children) includes a bright green Kids Mitt, an orange Kids Window Cloth, and a blue Kids Enviro Cloth, all with colorful trims.  The ergonomic Kids Mop Package also incorporates a bright colored handle and mop base.  Bright colors are "active" colors and some studies have suggested that they can help inspire a positive attitude and an increased energy level.[1] Just what we need for motivating us to clean!!

Let's begin cleaning together in the child's bedroom. You and your child can dust the dressers, headboards, pictures, ornaments, toy chest, blinds, and the desk or computer station using your own Antibac Dusting Mitts!  These putzy tasks can be completed so quickly that dusting does not become a tedious chore....no waxy, chemical sprays necessary, no need to constantly change sides on a dirty dusting rag that just smears the dust around!  The antibac microfiber produces an electrostatic charge pulling the dust and debris into the mitt and the silver-base agent destroys the bacteria.  Remember to use the Norwex Optic Cloth to wipe the computer and TV screens.

Any remaining grime or stains can be removed by using Antibac Enviro Cloths slightly dampened with water only.  These cloths are also good for wiping spots on the walls or carpeting and cleaning toys and spills.  They can be used on the mirrors or windows, followed by polishing with the Window Cloths.  One of the best rewards from using these Norwex products is that you and your child can see the results of your efforts immediately....and there are no obnoxious fumes! Afterwards, everything can be put back into place and arranged neatly for an orderly feeling.

Parents, there are also other Norwex products that you can use in your bedroom and your child's bedroom.  One is the Mattress Cleaner.  Just spray lightly on the mattress, pillows, and items such as stuffed toys.  Let dry for about 4 hours before putting on the clean bedding.  It can also be used on your sofa and lounging chairs in the living room/family room.  It eliminates dust mites and all organic matter, such as skin cells .  The Carpet Stain Buster is great for spot cleaning, shampooing, eliminating protein stains such as urine and vomit, and getting rid of odors.  Tougher scuff marks on the walls or floors can be eliminated by using the Micro Hand Pad.  Actually, your child could also use this product under your supervision, especially if he or she used crayons on the walls!!

Let's move on to the living room/family room! The same products in the Kids Cloth Package and some of those used to clean the bedrooms can also be used here for cleaning furniture, blinds, ceiling fans, windows, entertainment centers, pictures, lamp bases, knick knacks, and even plants!  Inform your child about the dangerous chemicals found in commercial rug cleaners, furniture polish, air fresheners, and all purpose cleaners.  Explain in terms that your child can understand that these chemicals can make you sick and irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract or nose.  Emphasize how Norwex reduces the use of harmful chemicals in its products and that a lot of cleaning  can be done simply with water and a microfiber cloth!

The Kids Mop Package is the perfect example of cleaning without chemicals!! First, you use the Dry Mop to pick up the debris, dust, and hair.  Your child will have fun moving the mop in a figure 8 technique and you will be pleased with the effectiveness of the mop!  The Antibac Wet Mop, dampened with water only, destroys bacteria with the silver-based agent in its microfiber.  Your floors will be streak-free too.  The Norwex Mop System can be used on all types of floors, including hardwood, laminate, tile, vinyl, and marble.  Mop Base Brackets can be attached to the base to fasten an Enviro Cloth to reach places hard to clean such as windows, ceilings, and ceiling fans.  Use the Rubber Brush in a downward motion to remove debris from the dry mop.  Hang the mop and the cloths on the Mop and Cloth Hanger when finished.

Reward your child's cleaning efforts with lots of praise and the bright orange Kids Back Pack.  This pack is practical for carrying lunches or gym clothes or for bringing fun items along on a hike or to the park.  Cleaning with Norwex products is a great way to spend time together while you show your child something of value that he or she can use in their daily lives for many years to come!!

[1] http://www.allsands.com/art/colorsandmoo_bty_gn.htm

National KidsDay(R) was created in 1994 by KidsPeace, a 127 year old national children's charity, to encourage adults to spend more meaningful time with their children.  It occurs on the 1st Sunday of every August.  The goals of KidsPeace are:

1)    To create awareness of children’s value and needs year-round by focusing on a yearly celebration on the national calendar.
2)    To change the way America looks at – and treats – its children – to celebrate their inherent value.
3)    To create a world where children can find safety, love, trust and the freedom to grow and be a child.

National KidsDay is an opportunity for parents and caregivers to communicate their commitment to children by providing quality time with them.  Quality time is defined by development experts as meaningful time parents spend nurturing and teaching their children.   It's what you make of the time you spend with your children that makes it quality time.   There are many moments throughout the day that busy parents spend with their kids that can easily be turned into quality time.  All it takes is some imagination and creativity.

National KidsDay also challenges parents and caregivers to take time out of their busy schedules and “make a date” with their kids to do something that builds bonds, trust, love and growth for the future.   It's setting aside a special day for parents and caregivers to focus on having fun with their kids at the same time.  Some suggested activities include:
•    Family scavenger hunts
•    Neighborhood potluck featuring the kids' favorite dishes
•    Creating a fun activity coupon booklet – kids redeem the coupon any time they want to
•    Playing traditional games such as Chutes and Ladders, Checkers, Scrabble, Charades...
•    Telling them a story or reading them one – pick out a book at your local library
•    Helping your child learn about healthy eating & preparing a meal together
•    Planning & going on a picnic
•    Starting a scrapbook including photos of family events
•    Having a family night once a week & planning a special activity
•    Growing a garden together
•    Visiting a zoo or museum
•    Hiking or biking
•    Camping, swimming or fishing
•    Attending a movie or concert or sporting event
•    Ice skating, sliding, skiing,  snowboarding in the winter
•    Watching a sunset or gazing at the star – pick out the various constellations
•    Teaching and practicing friendly environmental practices [Remember to use chemical free NORWEX personal care & cleaning products!]
•    Whatever your child would like to do....listen to their requests

Summer time is truly a great time for parents to be able to enjoy quality time with their children.  There is no stress of getting homework finished.  There is no worry about getting children off to school on time.  Even if day care is needed, the evenings have a more relaxed feeling with longer daylight hours.  It is the perfect time to begin creating memories that will last a life time!!

http://www.kidspeace.org/aboutkidspeace.aspx?id=2060
http://family.go.com/parenting/article-mm-62814-strategies-to-make-anytime-with-your-child-quality-time-t/
http://www.kidspeace.org/aboutkidspeace.aspx?id=2060

CARING FOR OUR BABIES, TODDLERS, AND CHILDREN...Emerging Issues regarding Chemicals

"Rates of asthma, childhood cancers, birth defects and developmental disorders have exponentially increased.... So what has changed?  All the chemicals we're being exposed to!"
--  Dr. Leo Trasande, Children's Health and the Environment, Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City.

Why are children at greater risk from toxic chemicals?

• In proportion to their size, children breathe more air, drink more water and eat more food than adults. This puts them at greater risk of exposure to pollutants.
• Children's bodies are also less able to metabolize, detoxify and expunge these pollutants.
• They live closer to the ground, playing on floors , thus are exposed to more dust, household cleaners,  and other items that contain toxins.
• They often put their hands and other objects into their mouths.

How can these harmful exposures be prevented?

• Don’t bring toxins into your home, and remove existing ones from your home.
• Keep children away from toxins.
• Read product labels and follow directions.  Look for words like caution, warning, flammable, harmful, danger, poison. These tell you that a product may be hazardous.
• Store pesticides and toxic chemicals where kids can't reach them - never put them in other containers that kids can mistake for food or drink.
• If you’re pregnant, don’t use hazardous products.

NORWEX Enviro Products provide a safe alternative to toxic chemicals!!

• Norwex is committed to promoting good health and reducing the risk of poisoning and disease by reducing the use of chemicals in its products!!
• The dust, dirt, germs and bacteria on your floors are picked up with the Norwex Mop Pads and JUST WATER!
• You and your family members don't have to breathe toxic fumes or ingest chemicals anymore!

Some suggested products especially for babies and toddlers include:

• Antibac Baby Hooded Towel Set - includes a soft, absorbent hooded towel and face cloth for baths.
• Antibac Baby Body Pack - smaller size microfiber cloths are great for babies and toddlers.
• Antibac Microfiber Bath Towels, Cloths, Bath Mats - super absorbent, light weight for older children.
• Odour Eliminator - excellent deodorant for your baby's changing room, washrooms, garbage cans.  Moms who use cloth diapers LOVE to add a capful of this to their laundry.
• Ultra Power Plus Laundry Detergent - gentle, biodegradable, no fillers, safe on all fabrics.
• Superior Mop Package - no chemicals, just water.

If you have any questions, or would like more information, please contact me.  I would enjoy telling you about all of the wonderful Norwex products!

(1) PRESS RELEASE: TOXIC CHEMICALS FOUND IN AMERICANS   Huntington Station, NY, November 8th, 2007
(2) Larry B. Silver, MD  Children’s Environmental Health  January 2007