learn from our children

Someone shared this beautiful story with me today:
The Rainbow tribe Elders used to meet in the park every Sunday morning. They would bring their families with them and soon many, many families came. They would all sit in a a circle quietly reflecting until noon, when the drummers would enter the circle and begin to [...]

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filling up with love…

This is a technique I figured out a few years ago and it has worked well with our family.  I thought I would share it with you.
Sometimes my children are feeling out of sorts and may exhibit cranky behavior or are getting easily frustrated or upset.  I pick them up and hold them on my [...]

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how to make breastfeeding difficult

and to give your life a little sarcasm…..
How to Make Breastfeeding Difficult

Linda J. Smith, BSE, FACCE, IBCLC

1. Tell the mother to “feed on a 4-hour schedule” or “get the baby on a schedule.” This results in a low milk supply and a hungry, frustrated baby and frustrated parents. Be sure to blame the [...]

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authentic choice

What does choice mean to you?  Do you make conscious, active choices?  Or are you just living on autopilot?
There is a Rush song which says “If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice.”  So, what kind of choices do you make (this is rhetorical)?  More importantly, what kind of choices do [...]

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kirkpatrick sale

If one must travel,
One should do it with eyes of a child,
the mind of an ecologist,
the heart of a pagan,
and the words of a poet.
- Kirkpatrick Sale

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a ride on mother’s back

A Ride on Mother’s Back by Emery Bernhard is a nice little children’s book about babywearing.  Multiple cultures from around the world and their babywearing methods are highlighted throughout the book.  Not only are babies worn by mothers, but you will read about children who are worn by their fathers, grandparents, and siblings.  At the end [...]

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kid time

Have I mentioned my term “kid time” here? 
When we are out somewhere, I can slow down and move with my kids at their own rate, possibly adding another 10 minutes to our trip, or I can spend that same amount of time continually asking my kids to move on and hurry up.  I know how I would rather [...]

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the simple living guide

I’ve been reading The Simple Living Guide by Janet Luhrs.  Overall, I like the book, especially if you skip over the family section, which I don’t find to be terribly consensual.  I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is trying to simplify their lives.  When I began reading it, I thought it would be [...]

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the happy hedgehog

We discovered this little gem at the library a couple of years ago and had to order our very own copy.  The Happy Hedgehog by Marcus Pfister is a great children’s book all about unschooling.  At no point is the term unschooling mentioned, but the theme is clear. 
The book follows a little hedgehog named Mikko.  [...]

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children as partners

“How much heartache we would save ourselves if we would recognize children as partners with adults in the process of living, rather than always viewing them as apprentices. How much we could teach each other; we have the experience and they have the freshness. How full both our lives could be!”
-John A. Taylor

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