August has officially arrived which means two things here on the Suncoast: heat indexes are at their height, and back-to-school season is just around the corner. If you’re a parent or there are kids in your life, then you know firsthand how accelerated, hectic and even stressful this time of year can be. At Natural Awakenings, we want to help make that transition from the slower pace of summer back into a more controlled routine as smooth as possible. So this month’s issue is all about prioritizing your entire family’s wellness in the midst of the back-to-school hustle.  

On that note, our feature article for this issue is on “21st Century Kids” and the modern challenges that both parents and children face in our technologically saturated world. This generation of kids is more connected on social media and literate with mobile devices than ever before, but all that access to screen time can also increase their stress and anxiety levels. So the dilemma for parents becomes how to raise children who are responsible, resilient and resourceful in today’s fast-paced culture. This article offers insight on how to foster deep family relationships, moderate the use of electronics, teach digital citizenship, instill eco-conscious behaviors and become more attuned to both their mental and emotional health. 

Next on the docket, our “Healthy Kids” column focuses on how to nourish your children’s bodies and minds through a curiosity about the foods they eat and where those ingredients are from. The media persuades kids to believe that consuming a standard American fast-food diet is normal, but you can counteract that harmful message and help kids understand the value of fresh, colorful, organic nutrition that can fuel their active schedules. You can educate children on how real, natural foods are cultivated when you take steps like start a vegetable and herb garden, teach cooking as a life skill, shop together for healthy options and practice mindful eating around the table. You can even get them excited about packing wholesome lunches for the school year. 

Finally, since this back-to-school month can feel chaotic at times, it’s extremely important to allow yourself moments to pause, breathe, rest and turn inward. Otherwise, it just becomes that much harder to maintain a link to sanity as all the demands, events and responsibilities loom on your schedule. For this reason, we’ve also included a piece all about “Loving Ourselves Madly” in which Scott Stabile, the author of Big Love: The Power of Living with a Wide Open Heart, explores how to practice committed, intentional self-love on a daily basis. No matter the obligations on your to-do list, there is still time for personal investment. 

Once again, readers, this is just a taste of all the inspiration you’ll find in the pages of this issue. I hope it enlightens and uplifts you, and I would love to hear your feedback. So please email any comments or questions to [email protected]. See you next month—and in the meantime, go forth and conquer the back-to-school season!