Spreading happiness in Kabul.

Peekaboo Beans is taking a stand for play.  Here and around the world.  As we shower our Beans, friends and family with love and play over the holidays, know that your contribution to Playground Builders has given that love to other families and Beans, despite their circumstances.  Our impact is powerful.  If you didn't know, a large number of our Play Stylists have decided to regularly donate a portion of their monthly commissions to Playground Builders and their small but important contributions go an extremely long way. Peekaboo Bean is a stand for PLAY, for children near and far. Every little bit helps bring smiles to much deserved faces. 

Below is a heartfelt letter from Playground Builders coordinator in Kabul who provides insight from Afghanistan and the impact of the work that Playground Builders is completing. For security reasons the coordinator is best left nameless, please read on... 

(Why is there cruelty) from everywhere to Afghanistan, why? We are also human, we also have hearts, we also have feelings, and we also have rights. We wish peace, we want happiness, we want stability, we want to have freedom, we want to be friendly with friends. We want to welcome our guests and be so hospitable for them - this is our culture and this is our Islam. But why do people not let us be so and to do so?

"We cannot live freely, we cannot wander freely, we cannot love, we cannot want something, and we cannot wish something. Why? Our children cannot go to schools freely, no one is (sure) that their children, their father, their mother, their brothers, their sisters and their others will come back from their schools from their work or from market alive or safely.

There is a (scarcity)... there is instability, there is no satisfaction, and there is no freedom. There is always (fear) of explosion, kidnapping, killing, bombardment and harassments. Why? We are human. We need freedom, we need love, we want friendship, and we want to live. Our children want to be happy, be free, be healthy, and be normal.

I am thankful to the world community, but they are also not so honest to the people of Afghanistan. They all are playing just games. But I am so proud and thankful to Canadians and Indians. They always have been honest to Afghanistan. They always help us without any their own interest. For example, Playground Builders of Canada always spread the happiness among the children and people of Afghanistan. The people and communities always thank these humanitarian efforts. We accept that world community has helped us a lot, but... with force and by military actions, which killed thousands and thousands and at the result is still no peace, no stability and no women empowerment and no children's happiness. But with the special projects of Playground Builders of Canada, they have spread much, much happiness among the children and among the people.

Why I am writing this email with so (much passion)? Because last week when we were smoothening the ground for the football ground at school...the (parent) committee came to the school and thanked me a lot. To be honest, the Mulla Imam wept and thanked me a lot (because) we are the only people who are going to bring happiness to the children, to the girls and to the people. I also became so impressed. These are the feelings of our Mulla.

There is no terrorism in our Islam, there is no terrorism in our culture, there is no terrorisms in the people of Afghanistan. Taliban are not Muslims. They kill us too, they kill our children, they prevent us from happiness, they prevent us from living and they prevent us from work."

________________________________________

From the Playground Builders Winter 2013 Newsletter

Happy Holidays From Playground Builders!
Playground Builders wishes our friends and supporters all the wonder and magic the holiday season can bring. And, for Playground Builders, the magic has already begun!

Anonymous donors pledged to match all donations made from now until Dec 31st, 2013, up to $50,000. If you donate now, every dollar donated to Playground Builders becomes two.


2013 is Playground Builders' Best Year Yet.
Playground Builders averages approximately 20 playgrounds per year. In this, our best year yet, we are on track to complete 35! To date, Playground Builders has finished 145 projects in some of the world's toughest areas. These are areas that have collapsed under decades of war and are politically and economically devastated with a bleak outlook for the future. Playgrounds can be a flicker of hope in these dark places. We calculate that each and every day, over 300,000 children living in conflict now have access to safe play areas.



Until Dec. 31st, Every Donation is Matched!
Every dollar pledged over this holiday season will be matched, up to $50,000! As you plan your holiday giving this year, consider giving to Playground Builders, and you'll give twice as much. We have play projects approved and waiting for funds.

Donate to Playground Builders today! Visit our donation page Or, email us anytime at info@playgroundbuilders.org

About Playground Builders
Playground Builders is a registered Canadian charity #852810019RR0001 that relies on donations from corporations, individuals, corporate and family foundations and community groups. The majority of our minimal administrative costs are covered by individuals so that most every dollar donated goes directly to building a playground. The cost of a complete playground ranges depending on size and location from $5,000 to $12,000.

Dirty feet are the happiest!

Originally posted in the Georgia Straight on November 5, 2013

FOR MUCH OF human history we lived close to the natural world. As civilization evolved we became increasingly urbanized, and most of us now live in cities. As we’ve moved away from nature, we’ve seen a decline in other forms of life. Biodiversity is disappearing. The current rate of loss is perhaps as high as 10,000 times the natural rate. The International Union for Conservation of Nature’s 2008 Red List of Threatened Species shows 16,928 plant and animal species are threatened with extinction. This includes a quarter of all mammal species, a third of amphibian species and an eighth of bird species. And that’s only among those we know about; scientists say we may have identified just 10 to 15 percent of existing species.

It can be a challenge to communicate why this loss is important. We know species diversity is critical to the healthy functioning of ecosystems that provide services on which humans depend. But could we live with fewer? Some would argue we could do without mosquitoes and other annoying critters. We could keep the ones we want and those that are useful to us. Do we need biodiversity to keep humans healthy?

According to an article in Conservation magazine, there is a link between biodiversity and human health. Ilkka Hanski and his colleagues at the University of Helsinki compared allergies of adolescents living in houses surrounded by biodiverse natural areas to those living in landscapes of lawns and concrete. They found people surrounded by a greater diversity of life were themselves covered with a wider range of different kinds of microbes than those in less diverse surroundings. They were also less likely to exhibit allergies.

What’s going on? Discussion of the relationship between biodiversity and human health is not new. Many have theorized that our disconnection from nature is leading to a myriad of ailments. Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods, says people who spend too little time outdoors experience a range of behavioural problems, which he calls “nature deficit disorder”. It fits with theories of modern ecology, which show systems lacking in biodiversity are less resilient, whether they’re forests or microbial communities in our stomachs or on our skin. Less resilient systems are more subject to invasion by pathogens or invasive species.

Hanski studied a region in Finland where few people move far. He randomly selected 118 adolescents in an equal number of homes. Some were in the city and others in woods or on farms. The team collected skin swabs from subjects and then measured the biodiversity of plants around each house. Their data revealed a clear pattern: higher native-plant diversity appeared to be associated with altered microbial composition on the participants’ skin, which led in turn to lower risk of allergies.

Hanski and his colleagues found that one group of microbes, gammaproteobacteria, appears to be associated both with plant diversity and allergies. And it didn’t matter whether they considered allergies to cats, dogs, horses, birch pollen or timothy grass. People with more diverse kinds of gammaproteobacteria on their bodies were less likely to have allergies.

The immune system’s primary role is to distinguish deadly species from beneficial and beneficial from simply innocent. To work effectively, our immune system needs to be “primed” by exposure to a diverse range of organisms at an early age. In this way it learns to distinguish between good, bad and harmless. If not exposed to a wide array of species, it may mistakenly see a harmless pollen grain as something dangerous and trigger an allergic reaction. We also know that bacteria and fungi compete. Fungi are often associated with allergies, and it could be that high diversity of bacteria keeps the fungi in check.

A conclusive explanation for Hanski’s observations is not yet available. More research is needed. But we know we evolved in a world full of diverse species and now inhabit one where human activity is altering and destroying an increasing number of plants, animals and habitats. We need to support conservation of natural areas and the diverse forms of life they contain, plant a variety of species in our yards, avoid antibacterial cleaning products and go outside in nature and get dirty—especially kids. Our lives and immune systems will be richer for it.

With contributions from David Suzuki Foundation Science and Policy Director Mara Kerry. Learn more at www.davidsuzuki.org.

Need to get dirty and have some outdoor playtime? 

Visit one of our weekly Pop Up Playdates hosted by Peekaboo Beans Play Patrol. 

Click HERE for all the details and dates of our upcoming playdates.

It's time to give.

No matter what, whether I am happy, sad, down, blue, gracious or any other of the multitudes of emotions us women experience, giving to others makes me happy. Making others smile makes me smile.

I have been watching the tragedies of Hurricane Haiyan and I feel helpless. Sometimes the world feels so big and I wonder, "How can I contribute and make a difference?"

I've learned from one of my mentors, Darrell Kopke, that you have to find what you are passionate about and make a choice as to how you can contribute. Align with your values and you will drive impactful, positive change. It is up to you to find your voice, discover your passion, and pursue it. He says, "I drive a V8, so I'm not saving the world by driving the vehicle I do. I do, however, invest in socially responsible companies while being a stand for profit and for people."

In his words, "You can't suffer for the suffering," but you can help be part of change. Follow what makes you naturally curious, it will lead you to your passions and purpose. This is how you will best affect change.

So I declare my contribution through Peekaboo Beans:

1. To be a stand for the importance of play: I will be relentless in my efforts to educate about the importance of free, unstructured play for our children and future generations. I will make a product that supports a playful life.
2. To give back to play: I will create opportunities to raise awareness and funds to build safe places for less fortunate children to play in through our charity partner: Playground Builders.
3. To be a voice for working women: I will create a working environment for mothers that provides the space to be a mother first while being a creative and knowledgeable contributor to a society of meaningful work.
4. To foster a community of entrepreneurs: To extend this mom-focused working environment, I will strive to build out an entrepreneurial platform that allows mothers the opportunity to stay at home, earn income, and be entrepreneurial on their own terms.

This month, you can help give the gift of play with our Playground Builders' "Purple and Green Hoodie" campaign. Buy a green "On the Go" or a purple "I Heart Play" Hoodie at a reduced price and $5.00 will go to buying the following pieces for a playground:

• Swing set: $488
• See Saw: $381
• Bench: $74
• Slide: $391
• Monkey Bars: $73

By choosing to align with Peekaboo Beans you are standing with us as we choose to make a change. Together, we are:

1. Giving the gift of play, for your children, my children, and children around the world.
2. Giving the gift of change - through the voice of PB.
3. Giving the gift of ethics in manufacturing practices.
4. Giving the gift of supporting the local economy.
5. Giving the gift of making a difference in the world. One Bean at a time.

What could be more perfect? Buying local, supporting the worldwide community, and all in the comfort of your own home! Does it get better than that?


In love and play,

24 days of PLAY!

At Peekaboo Beans, we are all about PLAY and the importance of it. So in order for you to take some time and remember to still have fun through all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, we have created this playful Holiday Advent Calendar for you to print, create and share with your Beans.

We have included some simple activities such as making paper snowflakes, and baking cookies to more playful creations like indoor snowball fights and balloon paddle ball. We love to keep the play alive for you and your Beans, so take advantage by creating some playful memories for your family this holiday season.

Click HERE to download your printable copy of our 24 days of PLAY Advent Calendar.

Happy Holidays!

There's no better reason.

November 30 is "SHOP LOCAL" day! 

I invite you to shop Local with Peekaboo Beans through your local Play Stylist all year long - but November 30, 2013 is shop local day. By doing this you are fueling our economy, creating jobs and spreading the VITAL importance of Play around the world! In particular if you purchase select products you will be helping build playgrounds in war torn countries through our partnership with Playground Builders!! 

So come PLAY with us and shop LOCAL on November 30th within the comforts of your own home. You really can't get much more local than that!  Peekaboo Beans is a born and raised Canadian company, so find a stylist near you and book your holiday Bean Soiree today. 

Ask Andrea, Our Play Maven.

Question:
I'm always struggling to engage all 3 of my beans (7 yo boy, 5 yo girl and 2 yo boy) in play together. Any suggestions on what I can do to incorporate all of them into a play activity? Is there something that they will all enjoy, understand and not argue about?


Answer:
Play time offers children the opportunity to explore their try on different roles, test boundaries and explore relationships. Sometimes this results in conflict during play, particularly amongst siblings. Encouraging children to find their own solutions, to explore creative responses to each other and to tolerate uncomfortable feelings are some of the ways parents support their children's play. There can be challenges with including children of different ages in group play but the potential benefits are worth the hassle.

I would suggest you start with real life dramatic play in your quest to find enjoyment for your three beans. To engage your children in this type of play you might want to set up a part of your house or your playroom with the necessary items for a real life event that the children can engage with. For example, children love to play store. Try providing them with some play money, a cash register, an apron and a variety of different items that can be 'sold' and see how they navigate the different roles involved. Other popular 'real life' options for dramatic play are hospital, school and family.

The kids don't play anymore.

Originally posted by the Globe and Mail, November 16th.

The brand-new subdivisions of Toronto roll on and on into the cornfields, a new one every month. I drive by them all the time. This is where young families live. But the streets and sidewalks are eerily quiet. You hardly ever see a child. No kids riding bikes. No kids playing shinny. No kids running wild in packs until their moms call them in for supper. It’s as if the kids have vanished.

Where are they? Indoors, doing homework or playing Nintendo. In all-day kindergarten or regulated daycare. Instead of pickup street hockey, they’re playing organized sports with regularly scheduled practices and games, supervised by grown-ups. They’re at Kumon or dance or art, or swimming or tae kwon do. The children of the upper middle class are busy, busy, busy, with schedules that would rival that of any CEO.

It never stops. In high school, they start building their résumés for university. Community service? Check. Sports? Check. Squeeze in a part-time job. If they have some athletic talent, their parents will start investing serious time and money in it. By 18, they are seasoned veterans of the programmed life.

No wonder so many of them are helpless. All their lives, somebody else has told them what to do and where to be. Once they’re on their own, they fall apart. Universities report record levels of stress among their students. Professors complain that for their male students in particular, 19 is the new 17. The kids have never learned to stand on their own two feet.

Could it be that we are doing them more harm than good?

David Whitebread thinks so. He’s a psychologist at Cambridge University who specializes in the early years. He and 120 other experts have launched a campaign to get the British government to roll back early education, which begins at 5. Starting children too early on formal learning, he maintains, can cause “profound damage,” including stress and mental-health problems. Until age 7, what children really need is … play.

“Play is a powerful way to impart social skills,” writes Peter Gray, an evolutionary psychologist who believes children’s lives have become ruinously regimented. Play also teaches children how to manage intense negative emotions, such as fear and anger, and to test themselves by taking manageable risks. Unstructured and unsupervised (oh, horrors!) play is crucial for their development.

“In play, children make their own decisions and solve their own problems,” Prof. Gray writes. “In adult-directed settings, children are weak and vulnerable. In play, they are strong and powerful. The play world is the child’s practice world for being an adult.”

Those kids playing shinny until dusk weren’t just wasting time. They were learning life lessons in problem-solving, negotiation and resilience. And they were better off without your help.

In hunter-gatherer societies, children play constantly until late adolescence. But today, as Prof. Whitebread observes, play has been almost squeezed out of their lives by a risk-averse society, by our separation from nature and by our widespread cultural assumption that “earlier is better.”

But what’s really killed off play is a vast anxiety that kids who don’t receive the proper stimulation from a very early age – administered and overseen by professionals and parents – will lose out in the increasingly competitive game of life. That’s what’s behind the push to all-day kindergarten, a push that can have unfortunate results. Not all kids thrive. Some get anxious and stressed-out. It’s just too much, too soon.
Middle-class parents are understandably anxious to give their kids the best chance possible in life. That’s why they are willing to invest more in “kid credentialling” than ever. That’s why the word “parent” has turned from a noun into a verb. It’s not enough to just feed and clothe them any more. Now they must be guided through every step of life.



Today’s parents are closer to their kids than they ever were, and that’s mostly good. But closeness doesn’t always foster independence. The cellphone is an extension of the umbilical cord. The other day, I read an interview with a high-powered female executive who is also the mother of a 15-year-old girl. In the middle of the interview, her cellphone rang. It was her daughter, who was calling to ask her mom whether she should eat a cookie.

I grew up in the 1950s, which was another world. I roamed in packs with other kids, doing forbidden things (climbing on construction sites was a favourite) where you could actually get hurt. Sometimes, we didn’t see adults for hours on end. There were long stretches of boredom. I started babysitting my brother and sister when I was 10. When I went off to university, my folks and I hardly ever talked. There was one phone at the end of the hall for 38 students, and long distance was expensive. They had their lives and I had mine, and it was like that from very early on.

I’m not saying that was better. Kids today are exposed to enriching experiences my generation never dreamed of. They are stunningly accomplished. I’m glad I don’t have to compete with them.

Yet when I’m invited to sit on scholarship committees to choose the best and brightest – as I occasionally am – I sometimes pause. The candidates arrive with résumés that astonish. They have A-plus averages and swimming championships and they volunteer at orphanages in Nepal. They are good and kind, and they have so much going on that it’s a miracle they find time to sleep. But too many of them are a mile wide and an inch deep. They haven’t thought deeply about life. They are incredibly hard-working but utterly conventional. They are very, very good at jumping through hoops.

It would be nice to leave our kids alone sometimes to sit under trees and dream. Who knows? They might not even miss us.