As parents, we make countless short-term decisions based on immediate potential consequences and outcomes.  We choose toys that we think will fascinate, and foods that will satisfy. Our decisions and responses are often simple, even reflexive. Then, there are other types of decisions. We may know the response to obvious needs – a tired child [...]

At a Kid’s Health and Fitness Fair in our town this weekend, Greysen was literally stopped in her tracks by a trio of young female dancers that offered her an information card about their dance company. She stood after they left commenting on their dresses. Interest piqued, we watched their performance.     As we [...]

Like so many things in our lives, our daily “Have a good, fun, day!” routines with Mike have changed as the girls do.   Young children may be ready to say good-bye one day and may hold on tight to you the next.  Even within healthy attachments and positive environments, children may feel ready to [...]

I have written no less than three follow-up posts about how I’m feeling about our hard school experience.  My editor (Mike) has vetoed them all, determining that there is not much to be learned from them. Agreeing that my  “processing” is really of no help to anyone but me, I’ve agreed they are better left [...]

  I belong to a generation of parents who are going to changed our world.   Even though I “shared” the following quote, “One generation of deeply loving parents would change the brain of the next generation, and with that, the world” the cynic in me thought, ‘This is a bit oversimplified, isn’t it?’ It [...]

Parenting since 2010.  Feels like this should be a patch of honor indicative of the time spent honing those parenting skills that I spent so much time thinking about.  However, there are just as many days – today included – that I feel like I just started parenting yesterday. I’m in my third year of [...]

A teacher friend that I just told about the blog shared with me that she knew what to do with preschool aged children, but was wondering if she was doing enough with her infant son.   It was such a touching moment in an otherwise rushed conversation. Z’s mama was essentially telling me that she [...]

Greysen was deeply occupied in pretend play when she proudly announced an idea: her animals were going to sleep – outside. I offered to help her find a “suitable” blanket. She confidently told me that she was going to use the one from her bed.  I cringed ( just a little). The concrete on our [...]

  I have a significant extended family. Big. To accommodate family gatherings, homes have been remodeled AND furniture is taken out so everyone has room to roam.  One of the guaranteed highlights is seeing and visiting with the children.  We all love to dote on the youngest and newest to our family.   As much [...]

  Sometimes when infants start to roll over, diaper changes become . . . quicker.  It can also be said that they become more challenging.  When infants learn to roll over, and especially after they learn to crawl, they can be eager to do so every moment that they are able to.  In my experience, [...]