Photo by Justin LoweryI've often heard parents rationalizing punishments and rewards by citing the real world. When the kids grow up, they'll be in the real world. In the real world, they'll have to get a job and then, they had better be prepared. Punishments and rewards are everywhere, in the real world. This misses a... Continue Reading →
Behavioral training uses punishments and rewards in order to extract desired behaviors from the subject in question. Numerous studies support that the use of punishment in children, regardless of whether or not the punishment is physical in nature, has detrimental effects. Besides dissolving the connection between parent and child, punishments do not help the child to do better... Continue Reading →
It was one of those idealistic parenting moments. I was in the kitchen washing dishes, and all four of my children were happily playing together in the living room. The game of the moment was a pirate one, and there were plenty of giggles amidst the "Arghs." In one of my glances, I saw my eight... Continue Reading →
Welcome to the April Carnival of Natural Parenting: Compassionate Advocacy This post was written for inclusion in the monthly Carnival of Natural Parenting hosted by Code Name: Mama and Hobo Mama. This month our participants have shared how they advocate for healthy, gentle parenting choices compassionately. Please read to the end to find a list... Continue Reading →
I watched at the park as my eight year old, clad in sandals, a green polo, and khaki, charcoal, and white plaid shorts, took a soaring leap onto an oversized log. I was struck with his resemblance to Peter Pan as he flew through the air in his green. Childhood is as limitless as we... Continue Reading →
Once upon a time, tape had a near immortal life at my house. I rarely used it, and it sat quietly in the basket on the fridge, contemplating the meaning of its existence, perfecting its stickiness, and preparing for when it would be called upon to stitch together paper. Then I had children and those children... Continue Reading →
A recent interview with the so-called tiger mom has prompted parenting discussions around the web. I read some of them. I have my own opinion and thoughts about the subject, but they don't really pertain to this post. It took longer for the topic to trickle to our local AP board, but it finally did... Continue Reading →
Earlier this week I asked my children to pick up the bathroom so that I could clean it. Our main bathroom is the only one with a bathtub, and it is mainly used as the kids' bathroom, along with guests who come to our home. With four young kids, it gets a bit messy. I reminded... Continue Reading →
Please join us for a new monthly blog carnival focusing on families and creativity. Read below for details, both for the January carnival and for upcoming themes - we have a whole year planned! Your co-hosts are Dionna at Code Name: Mama and Mandy at Living Peacefully with Children. So what is the "Families, Create!"... Continue Reading →
Before my husband and I had children, we discussed how we planned to handle various aspects of holidays. We aren't Christian and don't celebrate Christmas, so it only seemed natural to me that we wouldn't bring the commercial aspect of Santa Claus into our home for the Solstice. It wasn't something I would miss. Not only... Continue Reading →
living peacefully with children 