No one has all of the answers or solutions to all of the problems in the world. In order to deal with our problems, we have the necessary skills in order to solve them. Children develop problem solving skills by practicing problem solving skills, not by having someone else solve the problems for them. When... Continue Reading →
unconditional parenting…
Along the same lines of Haim Ginott's Between Parent and Child, Alfie Kohn's Unconditional Parenting provides an updated version on the same concepts of consensual living while coining the term unconditional parenting. I've long been a fan and advocate of several of his books and his stance on parenting, although we disagree on education. I've... Continue Reading →
ticker tape quilt…
The first time I saw Amanda Jean's ticker tape quilt at Crazy Mom Quilts, I knew I wanted to make one. It appealed to my contemporary quilt loving side while recalling memories of the older quilts I grew up with. The idea stayed on my to-do list until I saw her tutorial on Sew, Mama,... Continue Reading →
happy beltane…
Happy Beltane, aka May Day!
ask why…
A key point I've tried to stress to parents for years is that there is always a reason. There is a reason for everything that every person does. We may not easily recognize it, but it is there somewhere. When faced with a specific behavior from our children, it is important to ask, whether verbally... Continue Reading →
requirements of active listening…
Everyone has a need to be heard and understood. A great way to achieve this goal and understand the other person's point of view is through active listening. There are a few requirements in order for active listening to work: It is important to want to hear what the other person has to say and... Continue Reading →
active listening…
Active listening is a technique which allows you to put yourself in someone else's shoes, so to speak, in order to fully understand their point of view. It shows trust, acceptance, and interest in the other person and allows you to know what is really going on. With the use of active listening, we can... Continue Reading →
elemental bronze…
This quilt went through several names before I settled on Elemental Bronze. It's technically my first art quilt, and I used it to try out several different things. I made the entire quite from supplies I already had on hand. I was a little limited in some areas, so I had to be a bit... Continue Reading →
easy to love, difficult to discipline…
In her book Easy to Love, Difficult to Discipline, Becky Bailey has written a resource which many parents can benefit from. She employs many non-violent communication techniques in her Seven Basic Skills for Turning Conflict into Cooperation in an easy to read format. Her focus on controling ourselves and modeling for our children through both... Continue Reading →
bubble bath…
Bubble baths used to be one of my indulgences. Before having kids, I would take a book into the bath and soak away for a while. With kids, I don't often get to do this. Within five minutes, someone will need something, even if it's just to come in and sit in the same room.... Continue Reading →
living peacefully with children 