We have a large mirror in the bathroom we refer to as the kids' bathroom. We only call it such because this is the one bathroom with a bathtub and because we have a stool in there to make it easier for them to wash hands. In truth, most of our guests use this bathroom and our... Continue Reading →
dumbing us down…
John Taylor Gatto, an award winning veteran school teacher, has exposed the problems of our school system, and society in general, in several of his books, including Dumbing Us Down. This small collection of speeches and essays speaks to the heart of anyone who has ever questioned our current school system. He elonquently describes the... Continue Reading →
hyper-parenting, neglect, and attachment parenting…
According to recent media reports, hyper-parenting is becoming a new epidemic in America. Parents, in their attempts to provide their children with the perfect childhood and best resume for success as adults, are micro-managing their children. Children no longer have free time, as every waking moment is spent at some activity or in preparation of... Continue Reading →
the disadvantages of time-out…
While some American parents are beginning to question the use of hitting (aka spanking) as a form of disciplining children, the use of time out is on the rise, as evidenced by the popularity of such shows as Supernanny and Nanny 911 (read about Alfie Kohn's views on the subject in his article Atrocious Advice... Continue Reading →
a ride on mother’s back…
For families who are living differently from mainstream America, it can often be difficult to find children's books which reflect our own values. Emery Bernhard has a lovely book entitled A Ride on Mother's Back: A Day of Baby Carrying Around the World which appeals to attachment parenting families everywhere. The book takes a look... Continue Reading →
doctors office trinkets…
Many doctors, dentists, or other healthcare places have treasure chests. The original concept, of which I am extremely opposed, was that a child would receive a treasure from the chest of they behaved. Rewards are just the opposite side of the punishment coin. While we don't see our doctor any more often than needed, we... Continue Reading →
pick your battles…
The phrase "pick your battles" is often bandied about by parents, especially by those who practice some form of gentle parenting. It refers to the fact that you should be willing to participate in give and take, saving absolutes for situations when you really aren't willing to budge and being more flexible the rest of... Continue Reading →
perpetual victimhood…
Parents often blame their kids for their behavior. Many of us have been subjected to the frazzled parent in the store who falls back on the line of "Don't make me <insert whatever punishment you like>!" After all, it couldn't possibly be the parent who makes their own choices and follows through on them -... Continue Reading →
when nursing takes longer…
Welcome to the February Carnival of Breastfeeding! This month's theme is overcoming obstacles. Be sure to check out the other posts on this theme at the bottom of this post. I'm a low supply mom. Due to some medical conditions, I don't make enough milk for my children. Going through that with my first child... Continue Reading →
parenting from the inside out…
Parenting from the Inside Out by Daniel Siegel and Mary Hartzell is an informative and insightful book. Our previous experiences have lasting effects on future experiences. If we don't take the time to process our own pasts - good and bad, we are destined to repeat history. While I didn't find any of the information to be... Continue Reading →
living peacefully with children 