Respond with Sensitivity

Children Talking to Adults

May 30, 2011

My two and a half year old Jacob is very friendly. It could be because he’s my second child, and so he has benefited from my more relaxed parenting this time around as well as being doted on by his adoring older sister. It could be because he’s a Leo, the sign of nobility. It [...]

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In a strange land…

May 17, 2011

Imagine you’ve just had some dental work done. Your deadened nerves make your mouth droop on one side. You’re drooling, but you don’t know you’re drooling because you can’t feel your face. Your tongue feels like it doesn’t quite fit in your mouth. And then, the phone rings. Someone’s calling about that job you’ve had [...]

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I am not raising obedient children…

May 13, 2011

…nor do I want to.  Not that I would rather have disobedient kids, but actually…that’s closer to the truth.  What? (You say.)  What crazy parent would want this? To me, the word “obedient” has such a negative connotation when used in reference to raising children; it literally means to obey.  As in, orders.  Is that what [...]

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Don’t Argue With Me

April 27, 2011

Here’s something that happens a lot: I say something.  My child (I’m thinking particularly of my 4-year-old) argues the opposite.  He’s not at all correct.  In fact, he’s so not correct, his statement doesn’t make any logical sense at all. Mom, this is how you spell “people”: p-e-p-l.  Oh, close…there are a few more letters in there. No, [...]

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How to Train Your Dragon: Yell at it?

April 14, 2011

Maybe,” [Old Wrinkly] said, “you can train a dragon better by talking to it than by yelling at it.” “That’s sweet,” said Hiccup, “and a very touching thought.  However…from what I know about dragons…I should say that yelling was a pretty good method.” “But it has its limitations, doesn’t it?” Old Wrinkly pointed out. –An [...]

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Interview Series: Dave Taylor

March 24, 2011

We are continuing our interview series with API Contributing Bloggers with Dave Taylor of APparenting.com.  Read on to hear more about his life as a single dad of 3, and his thoughts on parenting preteens and teenagers! Tell us about your family. I’m based in Boulder, Colorado and am a single Dad to three terrific [...]

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Mother to All

March 22, 2011

“Becoming a mother makes you the mother of all children. From now on each wounded, abandoned, frightened child is yours. You live in the suffering mothers of every race and creed and weep with them. You long to comfort all who are desolate.” — Charlotte Gray Since becoming a mother, the above quote rings true [...]

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Gentle Parenting Ideas Series: Diaper Changes

March 15, 2011

This post is the fifth in a series about gentle parenting through potential power struggles with your toddler or preschooler. Each post will give you ideas and examples for using love, patience, and creativity to work through some fairly common parent/toddler areas of concern: brushing teeth, getting into the car seat, meals/eating, grocery shopping, diaper [...]

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