Principles

Reframing the Yes Environment

August 18, 2011

Many moms and dads have heard of the “Yes” environment before; it’s popular advice for parents of babies and toddlers.  When infants become mobile, we are advised to create an environment for them that is free of “No”s.  We baby proof everything; put small and dangerous objects out of reach, cover up safety hazards, lock [...]

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Attempting to Write

August 15, 2011

This past week of July has been filled with a great darkness. I have finally tried to write from home in a serious way. This was my plan when I left my job at 6 months pregnant. I would relax throughout my pregnancy and then begin my journey in freelance writing once I was comfortable [...]

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Telling Your Child About Death

July 29, 2011

Just three weeks ago I paced the house, cleaning and straightening. I was nervous about breaking the horrible news that our neighbor and first-grade teacher had died suddenly. My eight-year-old daughter adored this woman and I knew that she would be hurt. Children learn about death from many sources, but they learn about grieving from [...]

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AP and Spanking Don’t Mix

July 27, 2011

Many parents, even many of those who are focused on creating a secure attachment with their child, spank as a form of discipline.  They may say things like… “I only spank when….” “I only spank after I’ve tried [XYZ] first.” “Spanking is OK when it’s done [a certain way], but not [a certain other way].” [...]

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I’m Not Alone

July 14, 2011

Benjamin’s in my arms right now.  Quiet, sleeping, calm. I’m watching him like an oil painting in a museum.  My tiny giant one year old.  I study his face and body.  His ears have grown; they are now the size of apricots.  His hair curls with the humidity.   I study his sounds.  His tiny snores [...]

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Breastfeeding Memories

July 13, 2011

Let me take you back to Saturday, June 11, 2011 at about 4 in the morning.  I was drowsy.  As is my custom, I waited until the last minute to start packing for a trip.  And by ‘waited until the last minute’ I mean ‘decided that I should probably pack at midnight, 6 hours before [...]

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Breastfeeding after ‘Almost’ Weaning

July 5, 2011

My two-year-old had almost completely weaned himself a few months ago. Then I got laid off from work and he began nursing all over again. Now he demands to nurse every two to four hours and will hold on to my boob saying he “doesn’t want it to fly away.” I put a limit of [...]

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Quiet is Okay

June 29, 2011

Early on, I remember being in new groups and being shooed away to “go play with the kids.” I have memories of not really wanting to play with a bunch of kids I didn’t know, but they would look like they were having fun. So I’d force myself, thinking that I might end up having [...]

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