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IN DEPTH 8 PARENTING

WITH SPIRIT 24 ways to open your family’s spirit by Alison Bayne

14 WINTER WARMERS Lucy Brake shares her favourite ideas for family days out

18 GENERATION HOT Mark Hertsgaard explains the legacy we have left for our children FAMILY LIFE 13 SUNDAY SELECTION Reclaim family time

17 MODERN DAD Adharanand Finn takes his family camping

21 SPIRITUAL PARENTING Natalie Fee shares a revolutionary tool

22 MENARCHE

CELEBRATION Jo Macdonald on ways to mark our daughters transition to womanhood

98 THE GOOD LIFE Janet Ross reluctantly leaves her chickens to go on holiday LEARNING 40 EDUCATION NEWS Resources for teaching about homelessness

41 ON THE BOOKSHELF Great reads for everyone SEASONAL FOOD 44 ON YOUR PLATE Make your own Xmas pud

45 BLACKBIRD BAKERY Selection of delicious gluten free cakes and bakes HOUSE & GARDEN 48 SECRET LIFE

OF PLANTS Susun Weed explores the healing properties of cinnamon

49 AT HOME Build your own home with wood

50 A WARM GLOW Rachelle Strauss shares advice on heating the home

43 FAB FIVE Lisa Powell on a no impact Christmas

55 CHARITY CHRISTMAS Presents for the world

4 The Green Parent

25 CRAFT SPECIAL 26 MAKE A TREE This simple step-by-step project enables you to create a beautiful tree place marker to decorate your Christmas table 28 CRAFT CAMP Ruth Oliver takes her eleven year old daughter to a festival which is devoted to teaching traditional skills 31 CREATE YOUR OWN WRAPPING Upcycle Dad’s old shirt into some seriously snazzy wrapping for gifts of all shapes and sizes 33 TREASURE BASKETS Why they work and how to create your own for young children. Also contains ideas for older children. 35 SEW A TEDDY Always wanted to make a soft toy with your children? These simple instructions make that dream possible

GreenParentThe

Craft Special

CRAFT SPECIAL

This issue our special section focuses on crafts with lots of projects and ideas for ways to get creative during the festive season andbeyond. Try the guided step-by-step activities with your children, discover howone reader found peace at a campdedicated to crafts and learn howtomake your owntreasure basket. 26Make A Tree This simple step-by-step project enables you to create a beautiful tree place marker for your Christmas table

28Craft Camp Ruth Oliver takes her daughter to a festival which is devoted to teaching traditional skills

31Create Your Own Wrap Upcycle Dad’s old shirt into

33Treasure Baskets Why they work and how to create your own for young children. Also

35SewATeddy Fancy making a soft toy with your children? These simple instructions make that dream possible. MEET OUR READERS This issue we have five wonderful readers to test organic make-up and festive chocolate. Read about their experiences inside.

NATASHA DEVERSON, 32, lives with her partner, Andrew and their daughter, Olivia, 12 weeks old, in Lancashire. Describe yourself: Fun, friendly, feisty Favourite read: Wuthering Heights Best place in the world: Home Most memorable experience: Having our baby - I certainly won't forget that Hobbies: Reading politics, debate as well as looking after my family Pets: Three chickens Edible treat: Anything that has chocolate in it, on it, near it.

KATE LEES, 40, is married with an 18 month old daughter. She lives in Herts. Describe yourself: Creative, patient, sociable Favourite read/film: The Bone Collector; the book was much better than the film Best place in the world: Salzburg, Austria

Memorable experience: Hot air ballooning over Cambridge in late July Hobbies: Playing tennis, walking, photography, creating new recipes and painting watercolours.

LUCY JULLIEN, 36, lives in Norfolk with her first love. They have a son, 6, and a daughter, 3. Describe yourself: Nature-loving, creative and loyal Favourite read: Anything by Elizabeth Goudge Best place in the world: Deep in the heart of an ancient woodland, exploring with my loved ones Memorable experience: Meeting my children for the first time Hobbies: Anything crafty, reading and blogging Edible treat: Soft and spicy home baked gingerbread.

MICHELLE GRAHAM, 33, lives in Cornwall with her husband Tristan and sons; Rowan, 4 and Reuben, 2. Describe yourself: Relaxed, organised yet scatty! Favourite read: Clan of The Cave Bear by Jean M Auel Best place in the world: The Himalayas Most memorable experience: Meeting my two boys for the first time Hobbies: Knitting, reading, yoga, walking Favourite edible treat: Green and Blacks dark chocolate.

LOUISE FARMER, 34, is an Independent Mother of a beautiful, nearly four year old daughter called Charlotte. They live in Portugal. Describe yourself: Happy, determined and blessed Favourite read: Laura Ingalls Wilder books Best place in the world: Bradgate Park, Leics with my family Memorable experience: Gazing at my daughter for the first time Hobbies: Reading, knitting, crafts and running Forest Schools Pets: A cat and a hamster Edible treat: Olives and chocolate.

83 GREEN LIVING PAGES Check out our pick of the best ethical Christmas gifts in our Green Living pages this issue. With everything from toys to beauty, homewares to clothing, there’s bound to be something for everyone. Plus great competitions including the chance to win a brand new baby carrier. WELLBEING 58 HEALTH NEWS Ways to perk up

GREENLIVINGPAGES

Everything you need for green and ethical living

PLUS COMPETITIONS

Your chance to win baby carriers, organic duvets and more

GORGEOUS

GREEN GIFTS Check out our ethical presents for the whole family

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What’sinside?84learningbikesforchristmasmakeyourowndolls86greengiftscraftskitsand winbabycare88healthandbeautyeconailpolishandbeautyproductsgiveaway90ecolivinggifts for thehomeandwinaduvet92bumpsandbirthbabyswimmingandcarrierscompetition94real nappies great offers on washables and nappy related gifts 96 ethical fashion children's eco jeans

GREEN TRAVEL 75 WHERE TO GO Cargo

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bikes and coastal paths in the afternoon

59 ALL MADE UP Our readers put natural cosmetics to the test

61 TIME OUT Lorraine

Briggs explains the importance of rest for our children BUMPS & BIRTH 63 NEWS AND VIEWS Milk boosting teas

64 TRUST YOUR BODY Make breastfeeding a New Year resolution by Jo Middleton

68 LOADING LANDFILL

Rachel Wheeley lessens her family’s impact

71 FIRST TIME TIPS Advice for a new babywearer

76 BEST OF BRITISH Our favourite places to go in wild and wonderful Cornwall ETHICAL FASHION 79 WHAT’S NEW The best winter coats REGULARS 7 EARTH NEWS 38 HOW TO SUBSCRIBE 80 NEXT ISSUE 81 YOUR STARS

COMPETITIONS Email or send details on a postcard to the address on page 6 38 Free beauty products 86 Win beauty sets 88 Win natural babycare 90 Win a natural duvet 92 New Sling to giveaway

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