Continuum mothering
Children grow up in phases. If parents respect their growth process, children are able to flourish. Children should never be expected to fit a mold or to adhere to a rigid set of standards. We will be amazed at what our children can accomplish if we celebrate who they are instead of trying to shape them into who we want them to be. Keep reading »
For decades other cultures have practiced wearing their babies. Mothers use fabric to create pouches for their babies to hold their babies close to their bodies while they move around hands-free. There are a number of benefits to baby wearing for mother and baby. Keep reading »
The first months of a baby’s life are unpredictable and different for every child. Some children are able to sleep for stretches of 4 to 5 hours right from the start, while others will take months to get to that place. The most valuable characteristic of parents during this seemingly unending stage is patience. Trust that your baby will gradually become a better sleeper. In the meantime, you need to have a game plan. Keep reading »
There is something about being pregnant or a new parent that gives everyone else the false impression that you want their advice. You have probably experienced strangers walking up to you and interviewing you about your baby. When are you due? Do you know the sex? What is his name? Will you be nursing? Have you started decorating the nursery? Who is your doctor? Are you going natural or will you be having an epidural? Their questions alone can overwhelm you. Keep reading »
Children’s need for affection is as basic as their need for food, shelter, and clothing. From the minute they are born, children crave closeness with their parents. Thankfully, meeting that need is not difficult. As parents, we are naturally designed to want to hold our babies and kiss all over their irresistible little cheeks. Even though your baby may appear delicate during the first few weeks, don’t be afraid to become physically engaged with him. Keep reading »
Meal times should be pleasant times for the whole family. Allowing your baby to join the family table at mealtime will enrich his eating habits, vocabulary and social skills. Keep reading »
One of the first lessons you learn as a new parent is that every child is different. Some children walk at 9 months while others are happy to crawl until their second birthday. Some children are verbal, others are physical. There is a saying that good sleepers are picky eaters and good eaters are difficult sleepers. In my experience the saying is true. Keep reading »
It is important to nurse through the first year of your baby’s life. Even if you decide to introduce solid foods before your baby turns one, continue to nurse in order to give your baby all the vitamins and nutrients his body needs. Mother’s milk is the natural nourishment produced by the body. Your body knows and is able to produce exactly what your baby needs. No man-made drink or vitamin could ever replace the miracle of breast milk. Keep reading »
One of the most beautiful and most natural experiences new parents can have is sharing the family bed. Coming from a warm and cozy womb to a big and unpredictable world, babies will feel comforted by sleeping close to their parents. I remember thinking that I would never bring my baby into bed with me. I thought co-sleeping was spoiling the baby. I was also afraid of having a 10 year old stuck in bed with my husband and me. But, after getting up for the third time in three hours and walking over to her play yard, I’d had enough. I brought my baby into bed with me and there he stayed for the next few months. For my family, co-sleeping was convenient, natural and safe. Keep reading »
When children misbehave, parents feel the need to take action. Disciplining children is an act of love from parent to child. When a parent loves a child, he disciplines him in order to save the child from growing into a disrespectful adult. Discipline should be viewed as an act of love, not the product of anger. Unfortunately, too often children are victimized when adults resort to physical force as a result of their inability to handle their own frustrations. Keep reading »