Kids & Commercialism

Campaigns   |   May 31, 2017

GUIDE: Kids Unbranded: Tips for Parenting in a Commercial Culture

Resources   |   by New Dream   |   October 21, 2015

Our updated guide provides insight into the excessive advertising that children face today, as well as practical tools to help parents and caregivers push back.

VIDEO: Kids Unbranded Video Contest

Videos   |   April 14, 2017

In spring 2015, New Dream hosted a Kids Unbranded video contest with the theme “Raising Humans, Not Consumers.” Watch the winning video!

Mindfulness and Meditation for Kids

Blog   |   by Margaret Swink   |   August 12, 2015

Mindfulness facilitator and mom Laurie Cousins shares some tips for New Dreamers on how to be more mindful.

ACTION KIT: Kids Unbranded – tips for pushing back against excessive advertising at home

Resources   |   by New Dream   |   July 14, 2015

Raising kids in today’s noisy, fast-paced culture can be difficult. Our Kids Unbranded Action Kit can help you navigate through the noise with practical, commercial-free alternatives.

POLL: Kids and Commercialism Poll 2002

Resources   |   by New Dream   |   December 13, 2002

This summary highlights the major findings of a nationally representative telephone study conducted among 750 American teens ages 12 to 17. The “Youth and Advertising” poll was conducted by Widmeyer Communications for the Center a New American Dream in 2002.

How to Hook Kids into Civic Engagement

Blog   |   by Suzita Cochran   |   October 19, 2016

Looking for a way to get your kids more involved in the community? There's an easy place to start.

Helping Your Kids Embrace a “More Fun, Less Stuff” Holiday

Blog   |   by Edna Rienzi   |   November 7, 2017

New Dream's Edna Rienzi shares six tips for how she gets her family on board with a simpler, yet more meaningful, holiday season.

Subways, Buses, and Backpacks: 6 Frugal Travel Strategies for Kids

Blog   |   by Suzita Cochran   |   July 9, 2012

For one Colorado family, this year's summer vacation was the ideal time to begin teaching the kids “feet-on-the-ground” travel. 

5 Action Steps to Change Kids’ Screen Time

Blog   |   by Shara Drew   |   May 15, 2018

Here are five steps you can take to help make childhood what it should be for kids: filled with play, quality time with caring adults, and exploration in the natural world. 

The “Gendering” of Our Kids’ Toys, and What We Can Do About It

Blog   |   by Elizabeth Sweet   |   October 7, 2011

On a quest to find a gender-neutral toy for her daughter, an inquisitive mother delves into the magical history of pink and blue branding.

10 Great Books to Teach Your Kids About Consumerism

Blog   |   by New Dream   |   February 6, 2018

Shara Drew, the director of New Dream's Kids & Commercialism campaign, reviews two recent children’s books that deal with the topic of consumerism in a way that's impactful and fun, and also suggests eight more oldies but goodies.

How to Pay for the Kids College and Save the Environment

Blog   |   by Christopher   |   July 8, 2009

Save Money and Go Green by Sharing and Reusing Kids' Stuff

Blog   |   by Shara Drew   |   April 3, 2018

New Dream's Shara Drew offers tips on ways to share our kids’ things, providing great opportunities to help our children learn the value of reusing and making do. 

How a Group of Kids Bagged the Disposable Bag in Boulder, Colorado

Blog   |   by Kate Bailey and Kate Nelson   |   March 17, 2016

What decades of education and outreach couldn’t accomplish, a group of high school students could.