The challenges of family living and parenting have never been easy and these days, with the exponential changes in technology, media and even the way we get our food, parents can find themselves in uncharted waters. How can parents help their children navigate childhood in the midst of ever present media, marketing and electronic screens of all kinds? Everyone agrees nature is wonderful but how can we help our children find balance in modern urban environments? How do the places we live affect what kind of adults our children will become?
While no one has all the answers, the families at Detroit Waldorf have been grappling with these questions and work to support families who are wrestling with these questions, parents who may take a more holistic view of childhood, education and family life
While no one has all the answers, the families at Detroit Waldorf have been grappling with these questions and work to support families who are wrestling with these questions, parents who may take a more holistic view of childhood, education and family life.
With this goal in mind, Detroit Waldorf School sponsors activities that support families, both in the school and the surrounding community, to live in a more sustainable manner; involving the adults and children interactively. For the 2010-2011 school year, Detroit Waldorf will host two new events undergirding their sustainable living endeavors.
This fall the school will host a film festival including documentaries with the theme “Making a Difference: In the Life of a Child, a Family, a Community.” The films feature real life stories that inspire and engage us to view our challenges from a more hopeful perspective. Two of the films, “Grown in Detroit” and “Regional Roots” were made in Detroit and speak directly to our experiences in the region. Mascha and Manfred Poppenk, directors of Grown in Detroit, will speak at the final film screening. The films cover a wide range of topics, from the growing phenomenon of Nature Deficit Disorder, described by Richard Louv in his book Last Child in the Woods, to healthy food and food systems, to transforming our “throw away” lifestyle to one that is earth friendly.
Each film was chosen because it’s informative, encouraging and practical; highlighting either an individual, family or community taking manageable steps to improve the way they live and, in conclusion, offering insights as to how each of us can take similar practical steps.
Additional film titles include “Play Again”, “One Man, One Cow, One Planet”, “Fresh, Homegrown Revolution”, “Chemerical” and “Garbage!” all of which have received film festival awards worldwide.
This film festival will be held on Friday and Saturday, October 8th and 9th, 2010, with information and tickets available at www.detroitwaldorf.org or by calling 313-822-0300. All those aged 18 and over are welcome to attend.
Source: Detroit Waldorf School
Author: Melanie Reiser
