Yes! You must get your hands on a copy of Peggy Orenstein's Cinderella Ate My Daughter: Dispatches From the Front Lines of the New Girlie-Girl Culture! I had one of those public radio "driveway moments" they guilt you about during membership drives when I heard this woman on the Diane Rehm Show. She was discussing how inappropriate and materialistic the average American girlhood is these days. It is not innocent at all. In fact, it's really just "play sexiness" and pressure to act older and shallower. Since I have a daughter of my own, I am extremely sensitive about her media exposure, the clothes she wears, and what products we buy for her. Here's a transcript of the interview here:
http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/2011-12-29/peggy-orenstein-cinderella-ate-my-daughter-rebroadcast/transcript
I haven't read the book yet, but I checked out the reviews on Amazon. One of the complaints was that the book did not offer any real solutions to this problem of this early sexualization of girls. Well, one solution is to go Waldorf! The first thing that came to mind was the aesthetic difference between a Waldorf environment and what Orenstein described. A Waldorf school, home, and child does not resemble the girlie-girl culture she details in her interview. It's a safe haven where childhood is protected. And, this is one of the reasons it appeals to a mom like me. Yes, I know far too well about those glitter-princess girls and I want nothing of them. I did not go out of my way to have a homebirth and breastfeed for 22.5 months just to throw her to the Barbie-wolves! I wanted to set a precedent at the earliest age that we do things in a more natural, wholesome way.
If you browse a natural toy catalog, such as Nova Natural or A Toy Garden, you'll notice that many of the toys are gender-neutral and there isn't that stark blue-pink divide. In fact, they usually aren't divided into "boy" or "girl" categories. Parents will also notice that the dolls are far more innocent and lack physically mature proportions and nightclub attire. These natural stores don't sell play-cosmetics or dolls in high heels. Try it. Go look up the Toys R Us website and then look at A Toy Garden. Can you see the difference?
In our Waldorf school, the dress code has a purpose of maintaining a child's innocence and protecting children from the adult world. For instance, they don't wear shirts with name-brand logos or wording on them, they have to wear tops with a sleeve, and you won't find any popular characters on clothing or backpacks. What a difference this makes in the educational environment! Because of the trend toward "plain clothes" and a regard for general modesty, there is a noticeable difference in the attitude and reverence of the children. To a parent who is struggling with a lost child, why not start by changing the clothes? Gradually switch out the clothing with characters, inappropriate statements, and logo-centered clothing for plain-- but still pretty-- clothes. (And, let me add that I am not anti-pink! I wear the color pink and my daughter owns pink clothes. However, I think Orenstein is referring to the excessive use of it. For instance, I am trying to let other colors into her wardrobe such as blue, purple, green, white, yellow, etc. Our play room looks gender-neutral with all the colors of the rainbow.) Take your daughter to a store that offers more innocent clothing. Maybe the mall isn't the best shopping environment. I intentionally shop for innocent-looking clothing for my daughter. When in doubt, go for a younger looking outfit. When in doubt, err on the side of modesty.
Let me also add that Waldorf education highly discourages media consumption in the early grades. They really don't want your child going home and using the TV as a babysitter. They don't want the play of the children to center around Dora or Sponge Bob. Orenstein made a great point in the interview when she said that Disney does not encourage imagination but rather it limits imagination in childhood. This is the same sentiment held by most Waldorf parents. Therefore, one of the best ways to combat this girlie marketing onslaught is to remove most of the media influences in the home.
From my own personal experience, I plan to enrich my daughter's life with healthy activities. She will not be in dance, gymnastics, cheer, twirling, figure skating, or anything that involves leotards or glitter or a premature focus on her body...she doesn't need to peak at 16. (Why not yoga if your daughter simply must wear spandex?) We are considering martial arts, horseback riding, chess, foreign language, cooking classes, art, scouts, and other activities that aren't centered around immodest attire. And, even more than that, I'd be a fool to surround her with those girls who are immersed in pop-culture. For my little nest, I am making the conscious decision to seek out a better skill-set for my daughter beyond back-flips.
So, here are some "solutions" I came up with in response to one of the reviews of this book. Here's how you can help your daughter rise above aggressive marketing:
1. Don't make shopping a bonding activity. Far too often mothers and daughters do this. If possible, shop online and don't make it a big event. Psychologically, there is nothing healthy about being a "shopaholic" or defining oneself through purchased merchandise. There is nothing "sexy" or "cute" about credit card debt, either.
2. Limit TV time and commercials.
3. Purchase more natural, gender-neutral toys. You might have to go somewhere else besides Wal-Mart or Toys R Us to avoid those glittery tween aisles. Check my store links to the left side of the page.
4. Keep characters off of her backpack, shoes, clothes, lunchbox, jacket, folders, bedding, etc. Try to keep the coloring books and story books free of these popular characters, too.
5. Be cautious and creative when signing your daughter up for extra-curricular activities. Start young. It's cool to be something besides a cheerleader. Check YMCA, local sports, local religious groups, homeschool groups, etc.
6. Set the standard with other moms and daughters. Avoid the pink-princesses in your own birthday parties and outings. Give presents that are void of characters. Suggest playdates that are creative, wholesome, and educational.
7. Monitor your child's peer group. As a parent, you should exert influence on who your child is around. Set your child up for success by surrounding her with positive, healthy young girls that aren't as influenced by media forces. For us, that means continuing the Waldorf school/homeschool combination with our child. She will have lots of interaction with people, but people who have more important things to worry about than the Kardashians.
8. Gradually introduce different colors and styles into your child's wardrobe. This is easier when they're young so start early. Try some yellow, blue, green, white, brown, orange or red. All of these colors complement pink so you can mix and match. Better yet, purchase organic clothing, fair trade clothing, or garments from another culture. It makes the child aware of the production of the clothing, the environment, and human rights issues. If "all the kids are wearing" a style you don't approve of, then maybe you ought to take a look at who your daughter's around. Enlist the help of teachers, parent-teacher organizations, and other adults who work with your child.
9. Compliment your daughter and other girls and women on something besides their looks. I still have a hard time with this one and habitually compliment my friends' new bags or cute shoes. This is very much a note to myself and something I want to change with my daughter. Point out something specific about her abilities or good character...focus on that inner beauty.
Wednesday
Our Waldorf Nature Table
This is a photo of our new nature table scene complete with German stacking houses, German rabbits, a fox, a couple of cute gnomes, and a momma duck and her wooden ducklings. A green play silk provides a soft meadow and the blue play silk hung up against the wall creates a blue sky. The "river" is actually a scarf I knitted. The trees were made by covering paper towel rolls with felt and topping them with green paper balls. A nature table is a classic Waldorf staple. This is our interpretation of it.
I'm ready for another one!
My daughter is one of the few only-children left in our circle of friends. All of my mommy pals now have their final two or three kids, most of them spaced close together. Personally, I've always been a fan of the four-year gap in spacing children. There's no way I could manage two children in cloth diapers at the same time or attempt tandem breastfeeding. And, yes, I know you can wear two babies in a sling at once. However, I want to do my best with each child. I want to take my time with them and savor these mothering years. Having babies is not something I simply want to "get over with" as I've heard so often. I want to enjoy being pregnant, I want to have an empowering birth, and I want my first daughter old enough to help out a bit.
Not to mention, I can remember when my sister was born and I was four-years-old. I was old enough to remember her as a newborn and I want my daughter to be old enough to have memories of natural birth and childrearing. God willing, this will provide a positive influence in her life and natural parenting will be her "norm". One of the best gifts I can give her is a picture of healthy, confident, natural womanhood. She won't remember her own infancy, but she'll remember that of her younger siblings. So, with that spacing in mind, I've decided to try for a second baby. This decision came several months early when events just lined up perfectly...eerily so. All of a sudden my IUD was out and I was having a consultation with a midwife. I'm going with it since I know that a bigger power has my life in His Hands. I have a feeling there is a soul that wants to come into existence on this earth.
I kept waiting for that deep desire to have another child to return. And, boy, did I have that overwhelming drive to have my first child! What an amazing force put out into the universe when a woman wants to have a baby...nothing will stop it and it will eventually happen some how, some way. I could sense this from my husband, too, who seemed ready to have a large family the very first day we met. So, it's not just women who have ticking biological clocks. Sure enough, he has been an outstanding, committed, involved father. Our little girl is everything to him.
I remember when I was pregnant and we were assembling the new crib and changing table. He took this task so seriously. With hammer and nails in hand, he beamed about how he had fantasized of this day. It was a dream come true for him in that moment doing "daddy things".
He's been wanting another baby for a while now after all of his friends have had more than one child. I know there's a part of him that wants a son. I want that father-son experience for him, too, just as he's had the father-daughter bond. With this next pregnancy, we've decided to wait to find out the gender. We're going natural on this one and we'll know soon enough.
My question to all the mothers reading this is when did you decide to have another baby? Was it planned? What influenced your opinion on child spacing?
Not to mention, I can remember when my sister was born and I was four-years-old. I was old enough to remember her as a newborn and I want my daughter to be old enough to have memories of natural birth and childrearing. God willing, this will provide a positive influence in her life and natural parenting will be her "norm". One of the best gifts I can give her is a picture of healthy, confident, natural womanhood. She won't remember her own infancy, but she'll remember that of her younger siblings. So, with that spacing in mind, I've decided to try for a second baby. This decision came several months early when events just lined up perfectly...eerily so. All of a sudden my IUD was out and I was having a consultation with a midwife. I'm going with it since I know that a bigger power has my life in His Hands. I have a feeling there is a soul that wants to come into existence on this earth.
I kept waiting for that deep desire to have another child to return. And, boy, did I have that overwhelming drive to have my first child! What an amazing force put out into the universe when a woman wants to have a baby...nothing will stop it and it will eventually happen some how, some way. I could sense this from my husband, too, who seemed ready to have a large family the very first day we met. So, it's not just women who have ticking biological clocks. Sure enough, he has been an outstanding, committed, involved father. Our little girl is everything to him.
I remember when I was pregnant and we were assembling the new crib and changing table. He took this task so seriously. With hammer and nails in hand, he beamed about how he had fantasized of this day. It was a dream come true for him in that moment doing "daddy things".
He's been wanting another baby for a while now after all of his friends have had more than one child. I know there's a part of him that wants a son. I want that father-son experience for him, too, just as he's had the father-daughter bond. With this next pregnancy, we've decided to wait to find out the gender. We're going natural on this one and we'll know soon enough.
My question to all the mothers reading this is when did you decide to have another baby? Was it planned? What influenced your opinion on child spacing?
Thursday
You don't want your children to be "peer oriented". Stay attached!
My current read is one that I'll be sharing and recommending for years to come. Dr. Gabor Mate and Dr. Gordon Neufeld's Hold On to Your Kids: Why Parents Need To Matter More Than Peers discusses the detrimental phenomenon dubbed "peer orientation". This is when children form attachments to their peers instead of attaching to their parents. Because peer orientation was never intended by nature, a whole slew of problems result... as does everything we do when we veer far away from nature.
I've listened to several inspiring interviews with Dr. Mate on public radio and this book instructs parents on how to reclaim their "lost" children (I think of the movie Thirteen). Likewise, it validates the efforts and instincts of those parents who have, indeed, chosen to keep their children naturally close. If given a choice as a mother, I'll take the attached child. I use this book as a tool in maintaining my attachment to my child. We've completed earlier attachment practices such as birth bonding, babywearing, breast feeding, and now I need ways to stay attached that go beyond the toddler years.
I'm joining a local homeschool association this month and the meeting's theme is a book swap. Though I'm sure they want us to share various homeschool curriculum and lesson books, I'll be bringing this one. It's the most appropriate book I own regarding the benefits of homsechooling, though it is not explicitly stated as such. I strongly believe that maintaining that parent-child attachment is a key factor in homeschool success. Dr. Mate would say homeschooled children maintain their good behavior, social skills, creativity, and innocence because they are not peer-oriented like many children in public schools. That's not to say that public school children are doomed, it's just that homeschooling is one way in particular in which that bond can flourish. They have been able to maintain their natural attachment to their parents. This book is yet another description of what of what I want for my children.
I've listened to several inspiring interviews with Dr. Mate on public radio and this book instructs parents on how to reclaim their "lost" children (I think of the movie Thirteen). Likewise, it validates the efforts and instincts of those parents who have, indeed, chosen to keep their children naturally close. If given a choice as a mother, I'll take the attached child. I use this book as a tool in maintaining my attachment to my child. We've completed earlier attachment practices such as birth bonding, babywearing, breast feeding, and now I need ways to stay attached that go beyond the toddler years.
I'm joining a local homeschool association this month and the meeting's theme is a book swap. Though I'm sure they want us to share various homeschool curriculum and lesson books, I'll be bringing this one. It's the most appropriate book I own regarding the benefits of homsechooling, though it is not explicitly stated as such. I strongly believe that maintaining that parent-child attachment is a key factor in homeschool success. Dr. Mate would say homeschooled children maintain their good behavior, social skills, creativity, and innocence because they are not peer-oriented like many children in public schools. That's not to say that public school children are doomed, it's just that homeschooling is one way in particular in which that bond can flourish. They have been able to maintain their natural attachment to their parents. This book is yet another description of what of what I want for my children.
Tuesday
Why kids do better with less: real explanations from "Simplicity Parenting" author
Here's a one-page article to add to your mommy toolbox! Print it out and hang it on the fridge! I have to share this short interview with Simplicty Parenting author Kim John Payne. He is a voice of encouragement to parents trying to steer their kids away from all the "excess" and "stuff" of the holiday season. Or, maybe birthdays or playdates have gotten out of hand. In situations with kids, I agree that less is more and better behavior-- and higher quality play-- always results. Here are some amazing, common-sense statements from The Mother Company's December 8th interview. Click on the link below for the full story. And, if you haven't heard about "simplicity parenting" check out his website at http://www.simplicityparenting.com
What Too Many Toys Can Do
http://www.themotherco.com/2011/12/too-many-toys/
"Fewer toys reduces conflict among siblings. With feedback through our blog and countless workshops, we’ve noticed kids get along better when there is less. It’s not a huge mystery. Fewer toys invokes scarcity. Scarcity fosters more cooperation. It activates the limbic system in the brain which encourages cooperation. With fewer toys, a toy is rare and is precious. Limiting toys allows for increased depth of play that allows children to process their day. I see it as a cup where they carry all of their experiences from the day. it allows them to empty their cup for the day and be ready for the next."
"In this holiday season as parents are looking for toys for their children, they should ask, “Is this a toy that invokes the creative facilities?” Neutral toys tend to be best. The more a child can impart themselves in the toy, the better the toy. The child can have an industry and purpose. All people love this, not just children. I have built something. I have done something, that builds their self-esteem enormously. I am also a fan of real tools for children, small enough for children to use. Real toys. Not cheap plastic ones. Children learn from imitation. They learn by imitating work. Children who help with the work of chores, if they stand along side us with their own tools, their own gardening tools, their own wash up tools, they can mimic and build their sense of self-esteem by accomplishing a task and being helpful. Granted, it’s probably faster as a parent to do the work by yourself, but we can teach and learn through the gift of work. Many parents have said their best gifts have been small tool boxes with sand paper and hammers. I’m a big fan of those kinds of action gifts as opposed to Xboxes. The difference is action. Children are doing the action rather than the action is foisted on the child."
What Too Many Toys Can Do
http://www.themotherco.com/2011/12/too-many-toys/
"Fewer toys reduces conflict among siblings. With feedback through our blog and countless workshops, we’ve noticed kids get along better when there is less. It’s not a huge mystery. Fewer toys invokes scarcity. Scarcity fosters more cooperation. It activates the limbic system in the brain which encourages cooperation. With fewer toys, a toy is rare and is precious. Limiting toys allows for increased depth of play that allows children to process their day. I see it as a cup where they carry all of their experiences from the day. it allows them to empty their cup for the day and be ready for the next."
"In this holiday season as parents are looking for toys for their children, they should ask, “Is this a toy that invokes the creative facilities?” Neutral toys tend to be best. The more a child can impart themselves in the toy, the better the toy. The child can have an industry and purpose. All people love this, not just children. I have built something. I have done something, that builds their self-esteem enormously. I am also a fan of real tools for children, small enough for children to use. Real toys. Not cheap plastic ones. Children learn from imitation. They learn by imitating work. Children who help with the work of chores, if they stand along side us with their own tools, their own gardening tools, their own wash up tools, they can mimic and build their sense of self-esteem by accomplishing a task and being helpful. Granted, it’s probably faster as a parent to do the work by yourself, but we can teach and learn through the gift of work. Many parents have said their best gifts have been small tool boxes with sand paper and hammers. I’m a big fan of those kinds of action gifts as opposed to Xboxes. The difference is action. Children are doing the action rather than the action is foisted on the child."
Eating Raw-ish
I've been fascinated by the Raw Food Movement. I wasn't even aware of this diet when I was a lacto-ovo vegetarian several years back (before a meat-eating husband came along). But, lately, it's popped up on my radar. I've read quite a bit about it after discussing it with health-conscious pals and coming across it in natural living articles. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raw_foodism
From what I gather, a raw food diet is exactly that. You don't cook the food you eat. And, though it doesn't touch a stove or oven, the food seems to require a lot of preparation in the way of pre-soaking, chopping, blending, dehydrating, and some super-duper creativity. For example, I'd never know how to make a "raw" apple pie. Don't we bake pies? Apparently, you don't have to! Check out this recipe for Raw Apple Pie from Food.com:
http://www.food.com/recipe/raw-apple-pie-225462
Or, try some "raw" chocolate pudding. This rates high on the yummy and texture scale. You can easily mix 1 avacado, 1 banana, 2 tbsp. cocoa powder, stevia to taste, and almond milk as needed for mixing. Don't let anyone know it contains avacado until after they eat it! You'd never know.
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/alexs-raw-chocolate-pudding/
I think I'm more raw-ish at this stage. Some items I consume just have to be cooked. My sort-of-raw proejct for today includes blending up some homemade pesto sauce to toss with whole wheat pasta and veggies. I've got an abundance of basil growing in my garden right now, so this suits me well. Ok, some raw emerald-green basil and pinenuts has to give me some points. Or, I could go further by making some raw zucchini noodles.
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Pesto/
I find the raw diet my ideal way of eating food, but I've got a long way to go. I don't own a dehydrator and I don't know how committed I am to all of the food prep involved in many of the recipes. I'm not sure how this would work with a family-- I doubt my husband would fully embrace it and give up certain processed items. He's healthy for a guy, but total rawness isn't going to happen in our lives right now. It's inspirational and pushes me to think about recipes differently. I guess I am more raw-inspired with my cooking. It's my goal to head in that direction by consuming more living fruits and vegetables and avoiding all things highly processed. I'd like to have more lunches from Pat Greer's Raw Vegan Kitchen here in Houston and it has inspired me to grow my own wheat grass (for making wheat grass juice). http://www.patgreersrawvegankitchen.com/
I'd like to start these habits now when my daughter is young and impressionable, while I'm in my child-bearing/nursing years when good nutrition is essential, and when our family habits/traditions are still being formed. Have you been inspired by the Raw Food Movement? How have you incorporated it into your diet?
From what I gather, a raw food diet is exactly that. You don't cook the food you eat. And, though it doesn't touch a stove or oven, the food seems to require a lot of preparation in the way of pre-soaking, chopping, blending, dehydrating, and some super-duper creativity. For example, I'd never know how to make a "raw" apple pie. Don't we bake pies? Apparently, you don't have to! Check out this recipe for Raw Apple Pie from Food.com:
http://www.food.com/recipe/raw-apple-pie-225462
Or, try some "raw" chocolate pudding. This rates high on the yummy and texture scale. You can easily mix 1 avacado, 1 banana, 2 tbsp. cocoa powder, stevia to taste, and almond milk as needed for mixing. Don't let anyone know it contains avacado until after they eat it! You'd never know.
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/alexs-raw-chocolate-pudding/
I think I'm more raw-ish at this stage. Some items I consume just have to be cooked. My sort-of-raw proejct for today includes blending up some homemade pesto sauce to toss with whole wheat pasta and veggies. I've got an abundance of basil growing in my garden right now, so this suits me well. Ok, some raw emerald-green basil and pinenuts has to give me some points. Or, I could go further by making some raw zucchini noodles.
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Pesto/
I find the raw diet my ideal way of eating food, but I've got a long way to go. I don't own a dehydrator and I don't know how committed I am to all of the food prep involved in many of the recipes. I'm not sure how this would work with a family-- I doubt my husband would fully embrace it and give up certain processed items. He's healthy for a guy, but total rawness isn't going to happen in our lives right now. It's inspirational and pushes me to think about recipes differently. I guess I am more raw-inspired with my cooking. It's my goal to head in that direction by consuming more living fruits and vegetables and avoiding all things highly processed. I'd like to have more lunches from Pat Greer's Raw Vegan Kitchen here in Houston and it has inspired me to grow my own wheat grass (for making wheat grass juice). http://www.patgreersrawvegankitchen.com/
I'd like to start these habits now when my daughter is young and impressionable, while I'm in my child-bearing/nursing years when good nutrition is essential, and when our family habits/traditions are still being formed. Have you been inspired by the Raw Food Movement? How have you incorporated it into your diet?
Monday
Kids Birthday Parties: More Soul, Less Waste
After discovering "The Slow Movement" and learning ways to live a simpler, more meaningful, less consumer-driven lifestyle, I'm having a major dilemma with planning a birthday party for my daughter. We've been able to forego the standard party for the past two years and she hasn't noticed. A cake and presents with family has sufficed. However, she's turning the big 3 now and is fully aware of party hats, birthday cake (which magically tastes better than other varieties of cake) and presents. I'd like to do something special for her, but I'm trying to find something different...something more meaningful than renting a clown. Or a pony. Or a bouncy house.
So, I came across this article by Megan Tietz from Sorta Crunchy that addressed my concerns perfectly. Check it out! Yes, there are other ways to host a child's birthday party!
http://simplemom.net/simple-birthday-ideas/
While you're there, SimpleMom and SortaCrunchy are inspirational websites full of creative ideas.
Some ideas for my daughter's birthday party are swirling in my mind. She really wants the cone-shaped party hats, a birthday cake, and cats. Therefore, I'm thinking we could make homemade hats, a healthy cake from a local natural foods store, and we could have the kids bring items to donate to our local cat shelter. Let me say that I love Evite, but I really want to use this opportunity to mail paper invitations and write paper thank you notes before our mail system becomes obsolete. It can be a learning moment. So retro. Love it.
I've also asked her Waldorf teachers to hold a rainbow bridge ceremony during the day she attends. This classic Waldorf ceremony will be a first for us and is a tradition that I want to start with my children in the home. Please watch this gorgeous video from our local school if you've never seen the beauty and reverence of a Waldorf birthday:
http://www.greatoakschool.org/2010/10/29/the-rainbow-bridge-ceremony/
This video always makes me cry. It reminds me that my daughter is a soul inhabiting a body. The weight of her existence is enormous. Her connection with The Creator is eternal. The day she entered the world and began breathing oxygen was the richest day of my life. I need more than pinata to celebrate that.
So, I came across this article by Megan Tietz from Sorta Crunchy that addressed my concerns perfectly. Check it out! Yes, there are other ways to host a child's birthday party!
http://simplemom.net/simple-birthday-ideas/
While you're there, SimpleMom and SortaCrunchy are inspirational websites full of creative ideas.
Some ideas for my daughter's birthday party are swirling in my mind. She really wants the cone-shaped party hats, a birthday cake, and cats. Therefore, I'm thinking we could make homemade hats, a healthy cake from a local natural foods store, and we could have the kids bring items to donate to our local cat shelter. Let me say that I love Evite, but I really want to use this opportunity to mail paper invitations and write paper thank you notes before our mail system becomes obsolete. It can be a learning moment. So retro. Love it.
I've also asked her Waldorf teachers to hold a rainbow bridge ceremony during the day she attends. This classic Waldorf ceremony will be a first for us and is a tradition that I want to start with my children in the home. Please watch this gorgeous video from our local school if you've never seen the beauty and reverence of a Waldorf birthday:
http://www.greatoakschool.org/2010/10/29/the-rainbow-bridge-ceremony/
This video always makes me cry. It reminds me that my daughter is a soul inhabiting a body. The weight of her existence is enormous. Her connection with The Creator is eternal. The day she entered the world and began breathing oxygen was the richest day of my life. I need more than pinata to celebrate that.
Thursday
Waldorf education looks like...
Experiential learning.
Our back-to-school shopping list for my toddler's Waldorf school included "full rain gear". Each child is required to have their raincoat, rain pants, and rain boots because the class goes outside to experience all sorts of weather. Rainy days are the best!
You'e got to visit TGR Exotics Wildlife Park!
What an amazing find for those in the Houston area! TGR Exotics Wildlife Park is just north of Houston in Spring and showcases an incredible array of exotic animals. This is a great alternative to the larger Houston Zoo, especially if you have young children. We recently attended a playdate out on their property during their pumpkin patch season. They have a fenced-in play space for kids to look at bunny rabbits, do arts and crafts activities, dig in troughs filled with dried corn, paint pumpkins, and pet the resident tabby cat. (Out of all the exotic species living at the park my daughter loved that tom cat more than anything else!) The owner even brought out one of the young joey kangaroos for the kids to pet. That was a first for us!
The owner was incredibly hospitable and fantastic with the children. This was such a unique learning experience for us that we will be back many more times in the future. The facility is well-maintained, the animals are loved, and the staff is incredibly knowledgeable. I highly recommend this for your visit to Houston or for those living in the area. What a find! Here's their website for more info:
http://www.tgrexotics.com/
Monday
Wow! Breastfeeding, baby-wearing, co-sleeping, and even an involved father!
What a gem of a children's book I just found today! We were at a local kids consignment store choosing books when I noticed one authored by Dr. Sears. It was What Baby Needs by William & Martha Sears with Christie Watts Kelly. I love Dr. Sears! His Baby Book was the most helpful manual during my daughter's first two years of life. My personal copy attests to that with its torn pages, pages that have been cried on, breast milk spilled on, baby food smeared on, and a cover with coffee rings and cat tooth marks...all the signs of a good read. So, I was delighted to find a children's book by the amazing Sears family. The story is about a mom and a dad with two children who have their third newborn baby. It depicts ways the older siblings can get involved in caring for the baby and explains how life changes when a new baby arrives.
What makes it stand out amongst the "new baby in the family" children's books is that it portrays Attachment Parenting as normal and healthy. For instance, the mother is shown discreetly breastfeeding, modest skin-to-skin contact is mentioned and its importance to the newborn, the baby sleeps in mom and dad's room in a co-sleeper, both mom and dad wear the baby in a sling while they multi-task, and dad is shown feeding the baby a bottle-- but it is mentioned that it's breast milk in the bottle, not formula.
Interestingly, I picked up on the fact that baby never comes home from the hospital. Hmmmm. In some of my daughter's other books about new babies in the family the baby always has to "come home from the hospital". This is very out of place in our family since she was born at home and I only plan on having home births. Ideally in our society we would have a system in place where home births would be the norm and medically-necessary hospital births would be the exception to that norm. Therefore, in this book, the first picture of the family is in bed. It looks like this could have been a home birth or a birth in a birthing center. Knowing the Sears' views, this looks quite intentional.
Below is a picture taken from the book that I just love! Notice Dad wearing a sling and taking the baby out while mom gets some time with her other child. On the other page, mom is wearing baby-- and, thus, freeing her hands-- while they shop for healthy foods! Do you see how happy those kids are about celery?!! I'm sure that was drawn intentionally, too.
It's nice to see such an involved father in this book. Too often the dads get pushed to the side when babies are little so I love how this shows all the neat things dads can do. I must say, this illustrated father really steps up to the plate and serves as a true hero for his family. It's practical, too, with it's tips for parents and the way it connects with older siblings. I highly recommend this for your own family or for an expecting mom who already has kids. So inspirational when seen in the form of a children's book.
Let me say that my daughter hasn't put this down. She keeps looking at the illustrations and loves all of the adventures the newborn baby has with his family. I breastfed her for 22.5 months so she knows that babies drink milk from their moms and she recognized the sling immediately. She herself has been carried over two years in a Dr. Sears sling from his store. We are thinking about conceiving Baby #2 in the spring or summer and I feel much more confident about her ability to be a big sister after seeing her connect with the ideas and pictures in this book. This is the family I want to be!
Since reviewing this book, I've purchased Baby On The Way by Dr. Sears, the book before this one that details the mom's pregnancy and birth. I've also added some more Attachment Parenting children's books to my wish list. Check these out:
A Ride on Mother's Back: A Day of Baby Carrying Around The World by Emery Bernhard
Carry Me (Babies Everywhere) by Star Bright Books
Mama's Milk by Michael Elsohn Ross
We Have a Baby by Catheryn Falwell
Welcome With Love by Jennie Overend
We Like To Nurse illustrated by Chia Martin
We Like To Nurse Too illustrated by Mary Young
What makes it stand out amongst the "new baby in the family" children's books is that it portrays Attachment Parenting as normal and healthy. For instance, the mother is shown discreetly breastfeeding, modest skin-to-skin contact is mentioned and its importance to the newborn, the baby sleeps in mom and dad's room in a co-sleeper, both mom and dad wear the baby in a sling while they multi-task, and dad is shown feeding the baby a bottle-- but it is mentioned that it's breast milk in the bottle, not formula.
Interestingly, I picked up on the fact that baby never comes home from the hospital. Hmmmm. In some of my daughter's other books about new babies in the family the baby always has to "come home from the hospital". This is very out of place in our family since she was born at home and I only plan on having home births. Ideally in our society we would have a system in place where home births would be the norm and medically-necessary hospital births would be the exception to that norm. Therefore, in this book, the first picture of the family is in bed. It looks like this could have been a home birth or a birth in a birthing center. Knowing the Sears' views, this looks quite intentional.
Below is a picture taken from the book that I just love! Notice Dad wearing a sling and taking the baby out while mom gets some time with her other child. On the other page, mom is wearing baby-- and, thus, freeing her hands-- while they shop for healthy foods! Do you see how happy those kids are about celery?!! I'm sure that was drawn intentionally, too.
Let me say that my daughter hasn't put this down. She keeps looking at the illustrations and loves all of the adventures the newborn baby has with his family. I breastfed her for 22.5 months so she knows that babies drink milk from their moms and she recognized the sling immediately. She herself has been carried over two years in a Dr. Sears sling from his store. We are thinking about conceiving Baby #2 in the spring or summer and I feel much more confident about her ability to be a big sister after seeing her connect with the ideas and pictures in this book. This is the family I want to be!
Since reviewing this book, I've purchased Baby On The Way by Dr. Sears, the book before this one that details the mom's pregnancy and birth. I've also added some more Attachment Parenting children's books to my wish list. Check these out:
A Ride on Mother's Back: A Day of Baby Carrying Around The World by Emery Bernhard
Carry Me (Babies Everywhere) by Star Bright Books
Mama's Milk by Michael Elsohn Ross
We Have a Baby by Catheryn Falwell
Welcome With Love by Jennie Overend
We Like To Nurse illustrated by Chia Martin
We Like To Nurse Too illustrated by Mary Young
Wednesday
How to make easy felted balls
Supplies:
100% wool roving yarn (or any wool yarn but I like "roving" because it felts better)
Jingle bells (I prefer a medium to large size)
Pantyhose
Detergent and/or dish soap
Vinegar
Procedure:
1. Wind the wool roving yarn firmly around the jingle bell until you have a ball in the size and shape you like. Repeat this for as many balls as you wish to make.
2. Take a pantyhose leg and stuff one ball inside and tie it off with a piece of yarn to hold it's shape in the washing machine. Repeat this for as many balls as you're making. Each ball needs to be tied off individually so that it looks like a strand of pearls, not a bean pod. The end result might look like a caterpillar.
3. Wash in the washing machine with detergent for a few hot/cold cycles.
4. If this isn't enough to felt it, what I did was soak and rub the balls in one bowl of hot water with dish soap and then alternate with a bowl of ice cold water. I found it easier to put the 2 bowls in the kitchen sink since you'll have splashes. Alternate washing and aggitating the balls a few times.
5. Rinse in white vinegar and then rinse it one last time in water.
6. Remove the balls from the pantyhose (or you can remove them immediately after they come out of the washing machine) and let them dry. The pantyhose will be stuck to the balls but just peel it off or cut as much of the pantyhose off with scissors. It might be a little fuzzy, but it'll come off.
NOTE: Feel free to mix pieces of yarn together to create different color combinations. Or, try making an orange felt ball to be a pretend orange, or a red one for an apple, or a bunch of little purple ones to create a bunch of grapes. They can be a model solar system, snowmen, beads for jewelry, or garlands for decorating. With the jingle bell inside they make perfect cat toys or the larger sized balls can be used for baby toys. I get a lot of inspiration from Etsy or just Google images of it.
Applying "Mindful Parenting" with simple verses.
Overwhelmed is how I've been feeling lately due to obligations, dealing with illness, dealing with difficult people, dealing with homeschooling my toddler part-time and always being "on" and 100% at my best, dealing, dealing...there's always a challenge in our path as mothers. As humans beings. Such is life. Therefore, I've been forced to use all these wonderful "tools" in my "emotional toolbox". I wanted to share a simple tactic that has helped me get through these past weeks.
Many of you are familiar with the concept of mindful parenting. Being mindful, living with intention, and doing everything I do with purpose are major goals in life for me. It's nothing I've mastered, but it is certainly a practice. Here is a link to their website and one I've found to be inspirational in my own life. It really speaks to me and what I'm trying to accomplish in my mothering: http://www.themindfulparent.org/
On their website you'll notice their mission statement. Repeat it to yourself. Being "better grounded in the present moment" is the part that resonates with my soul the most. I need lots of help being in the moment and savoring each precious day.
I've started using the verses suggested from The Mindful Parent. Waldorf education makes very good use of verses and I've started making up little rhymes with almost every activity we do at home. They serve as a way to transition from one activity to the next, to bring the child's attention to the task at hand, and makes it seem like it's a task worth doing. For example, at school we complete the chore of folding laundry whilst singing "butterfly so high, butterfly so high, friends forever, folding together". Or, when making the bed it's "make the bed, make the bed, every body make the bed". Likewise, if I'm having a morning with dread and stress creeping in I purposefully say This is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it. That simple memory verse brings my focus to the weight and wonder of living through another cycle of a day on earth. It reminds me that God wants me to be alive on this very day in this very place. It's not something to be taken lightly. It's an abundant gift.
The idea behind the use of verses is that it forces the parent's attention back to the child, focuses their response to the child, and helps parents enjoy those moments of "stillness and deep joy". Meditations and verses help parents return to that "place of stillness". Too often we simply go through the moments without enjoying this rich world around us, without enjoying this connection with our children. When I am connected with my daughter and in a place of mindfulness, I am in such a state of peace. I love being a mother in these moments. And, when things get out of hand, I can handle them with much more calm and stay in control of the situation.
Check out their website and try them out in your own life.
Many of you are familiar with the concept of mindful parenting. Being mindful, living with intention, and doing everything I do with purpose are major goals in life for me. It's nothing I've mastered, but it is certainly a practice. Here is a link to their website and one I've found to be inspirational in my own life. It really speaks to me and what I'm trying to accomplish in my mothering: http://www.themindfulparent.org/
On their website you'll notice their mission statement. Repeat it to yourself. Being "better grounded in the present moment" is the part that resonates with my soul the most. I need lots of help being in the moment and savoring each precious day.
I've started using the verses suggested from The Mindful Parent. Waldorf education makes very good use of verses and I've started making up little rhymes with almost every activity we do at home. They serve as a way to transition from one activity to the next, to bring the child's attention to the task at hand, and makes it seem like it's a task worth doing. For example, at school we complete the chore of folding laundry whilst singing "butterfly so high, butterfly so high, friends forever, folding together". Or, when making the bed it's "make the bed, make the bed, every body make the bed". Likewise, if I'm having a morning with dread and stress creeping in I purposefully say This is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it. That simple memory verse brings my focus to the weight and wonder of living through another cycle of a day on earth. It reminds me that God wants me to be alive on this very day in this very place. It's not something to be taken lightly. It's an abundant gift.
The idea behind the use of verses is that it forces the parent's attention back to the child, focuses their response to the child, and helps parents enjoy those moments of "stillness and deep joy". Meditations and verses help parents return to that "place of stillness". Too often we simply go through the moments without enjoying this rich world around us, without enjoying this connection with our children. When I am connected with my daughter and in a place of mindfulness, I am in such a state of peace. I love being a mother in these moments. And, when things get out of hand, I can handle them with much more calm and stay in control of the situation.
Check out their website and try them out in your own life.
Tuesday
A special gift from A Toy Garden
I just received a package I ordered from A Toy Garden, one of my favorite natural toy stores. This was a gift for my 2-year-old and it arrived so quickly that I'm having to hide it a few more days until it's time to open it. This was the fuschia pink Sweetie Pie Doll and the set of 4 Summer Play Silks, all lovely in color and of heirloom quality. The doll is the perfect 13" size for her right now, slightly weighted with millet and surpisingly sturdy. The silks are thicker than others on the market and are the most versatile "toy" a child can own. She loves building with them, they're blankets for her stuffed animals, it's for dress-up, it's for scenery, or just snuggling with the natural silk fabric.
This gift was purchased because I am in the process of transitioning out of our old plastic, battery-operated toys to more natural, open-ended ones. For instance, the toy "wish-list" for my daughter includes: Waldorf dolls (handmade of wool with minimal features), wooden Ostheimer/Kinderkram animals and people, thick play silks, wooden puzzles, handmade musical instruments, Stockmar modeling beeswax, Stockmar block crayons, little face-less gnomes, silk and felted crowns for dress-up, a handmade train set, some needle-felted figures, a set of wooden eggs and more wooden pretend food.
I've donated, sold, and thrown away a lot of my daughter's old toys as I have slowly and thoughtfully replaced them with high quality ones that encourage open-ended play. (Let me reiterate that we've done this gradually throughout the past year and I don't advise anyone to switch toys on a child overnight. Start by replacing the toys they don't use anymore. And, yes, some of her old toys we have decided to keep. For instance, she loves her pink plastic kitchen with the blender that makes sounds. We've also got this giant plastic riding horse that says, "Giddy up, partner! Let's set up camp for the night! Oh, no! It's a stampede!" So we are in no way Waldorf purists! It's all about the small changes here and there.) Many of these were gifts so we've kindly asked loved ones to avoid anything with batteries and popular cartoon characters.
Speaking of the cartoon character issue, I had a conversation with a like-mided mom last week and made the comment that we were a "Dora-free family". She knew exactly what I meant. We want our kids to use their own brain power to develop the characters in their play and to write their own scripts. We want our kids to be surrounded by more wholesome and innocent figures than Barbie dolls. We don't want advertising campaigns influencing what our children consume or their values. I'd seriously prefer my family give her a sock filled with rice, a basket of acorns, a hand-made item, or an experience such as a trip to the museum...anything but SpongeBob. To explore this topic more, please click on this link to read the Chicago Tribune article, "Cartoon pals stay home: Looking to combat classroom distractions and marketing overload, some schools are banning media characters":
http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-01-04/features/sc-fam-0104-character-free-class-20110104_1_private-schools-waldorf-schools-american-montessori-society
And let's not forget that the best part of any new package is the box it came in! My daughter loves turning these boxes into cat houses, she decorates them with crayons, it's a boat, it's a car, it's a table for a tea party...you really see those little minds constructing and creating.
Making this toy conversion gives some parents pause due to the higher cost compared with items found at the local chain or big box store. (It certainly gives me pause, which is a good thing! It forces me to think about what and how much I purchase. It forces me to be a conscientious consumer and mother.) The cost reflects the high quality materials used such as woods, silks, wools, linens, cottons, metals, beeswax, organic herbs, and they cost more to manufacture. You won't be pulling any "made in China" stickers off these toys. Most are made in the USA or are Fair Trade items made in developing countries. A Toy Garden offers lots of unique fair trade toys that make your dollars stretch even further into the lives of others. Even with the higher cost, I've come to see that these toys are worth it in the long run. They are an investment. You won't be throwing away broken parts the day after Christmas and they're so open-ended that their multiple uses last more years. A toy a toddler can play with can also be used in a different way by an older sibling.
It is far better to have fewer toys that will recieve much more use. Try visiting these stores for some beautiful children's items:
http://www.atoygarden.com/
http://www.palumba.com/
http://www.novanatural.com/
http://www.rosiehippo.com/
http://www.thewoodenwagon.com/
This gift was purchased because I am in the process of transitioning out of our old plastic, battery-operated toys to more natural, open-ended ones. For instance, the toy "wish-list" for my daughter includes: Waldorf dolls (handmade of wool with minimal features), wooden Ostheimer/Kinderkram animals and people, thick play silks, wooden puzzles, handmade musical instruments, Stockmar modeling beeswax, Stockmar block crayons, little face-less gnomes, silk and felted crowns for dress-up, a handmade train set, some needle-felted figures, a set of wooden eggs and more wooden pretend food.
I've donated, sold, and thrown away a lot of my daughter's old toys as I have slowly and thoughtfully replaced them with high quality ones that encourage open-ended play. (Let me reiterate that we've done this gradually throughout the past year and I don't advise anyone to switch toys on a child overnight. Start by replacing the toys they don't use anymore. And, yes, some of her old toys we have decided to keep. For instance, she loves her pink plastic kitchen with the blender that makes sounds. We've also got this giant plastic riding horse that says, "Giddy up, partner! Let's set up camp for the night! Oh, no! It's a stampede!" So we are in no way Waldorf purists! It's all about the small changes here and there.) Many of these were gifts so we've kindly asked loved ones to avoid anything with batteries and popular cartoon characters.
Speaking of the cartoon character issue, I had a conversation with a like-mided mom last week and made the comment that we were a "Dora-free family". She knew exactly what I meant. We want our kids to use their own brain power to develop the characters in their play and to write their own scripts. We want our kids to be surrounded by more wholesome and innocent figures than Barbie dolls. We don't want advertising campaigns influencing what our children consume or their values. I'd seriously prefer my family give her a sock filled with rice, a basket of acorns, a hand-made item, or an experience such as a trip to the museum...anything but SpongeBob. To explore this topic more, please click on this link to read the Chicago Tribune article, "Cartoon pals stay home: Looking to combat classroom distractions and marketing overload, some schools are banning media characters":
http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-01-04/features/sc-fam-0104-character-free-class-20110104_1_private-schools-waldorf-schools-american-montessori-society
And let's not forget that the best part of any new package is the box it came in! My daughter loves turning these boxes into cat houses, she decorates them with crayons, it's a boat, it's a car, it's a table for a tea party...you really see those little minds constructing and creating.
Making this toy conversion gives some parents pause due to the higher cost compared with items found at the local chain or big box store. (It certainly gives me pause, which is a good thing! It forces me to think about what and how much I purchase. It forces me to be a conscientious consumer and mother.) The cost reflects the high quality materials used such as woods, silks, wools, linens, cottons, metals, beeswax, organic herbs, and they cost more to manufacture. You won't be pulling any "made in China" stickers off these toys. Most are made in the USA or are Fair Trade items made in developing countries. A Toy Garden offers lots of unique fair trade toys that make your dollars stretch even further into the lives of others. Even with the higher cost, I've come to see that these toys are worth it in the long run. They are an investment. You won't be throwing away broken parts the day after Christmas and they're so open-ended that their multiple uses last more years. A toy a toddler can play with can also be used in a different way by an older sibling.
It is far better to have fewer toys that will recieve much more use. Try visiting these stores for some beautiful children's items:
http://www.atoygarden.com/
http://www.palumba.com/
http://www.novanatural.com/
http://www.rosiehippo.com/
http://www.thewoodenwagon.com/
Thursday
Celebrating Autumn Without Halloween
October can mean more to your family besides binging on teeth-rotting candy, stressing out over the perfect costume, and over-indulging in all the negative imagry of gore. I choose not to celebrate Halloween and I have noticed a growing number of families in the suburban Houston area who have opted for alternatives. For instance, I've noticed several church marquees advertising fall festivals in lieu of trick-or-treating. KSBJ always has an updated list of harvest festivals that are family-friendly, too. So, as I was Googling for other options, I found Elizabeth Ackerman's article from the Montrose Alternative Education Examiner on "Ten Alternative Ways to Celebrate Halloween". http://www.examiner.com/alternative-education-in-denver/ten-alternative-ways-to-celebrate-halloween Maybe this article can spark new traditions in your family.
Let me add that my daughter's Waldorf school does not host a Halloween party like the area public schools. Autumn brings two festivals to their school: Michaelmas and Martinmas. Both are observed through story-telling, songs, arts & crafts, and a healthy community potluck. Both of these events have stories with deeper moral values and symbolism:
http://waldorfjourney.typepad.com/a_journey_through_waldorf/2008/09/michaelmas-festival.html
http://maymomvt.blogspot.com/2007/11/making-lanterns-for-martinmas.html
Being an evolving Waldorf family, what we have done is incorporate some of these autumn themes into our circle time with songs about spiders (ie, The Itsy Bitsy Spider and Little Miss Muffet), learn about the lives of spiders, and read story books with spiders in them. Instead of carving jack-o-lanterns, we are learning about pumpkins and squash as foods. These have really caught her eye in the store since they're so different from her familiar bananas, apples and baby carrots. Learning about seasonal produce is a focus for us so that her diet remains varied. She can expand her tastes to include healthy foods that most kids are not eating. (Aren't french fries the number one vegetable most kids eat?!) My toddler can touch and feel the unique texture of acorn squash, butternut squash, and spaghetti squash at the grocery store. She can then help me cut it up, remove the seeds, cook it, and help prepare a special autumn meal made from autumn produce. One of the special recipes we are trying to perfect is real pumpkin soup that is served inside a hollowed-out pumpkin. I think this is an impressive way to present soup and gives it a better purpose than carving it for mere decoration. I found this recipe if you'd like to try it tonight for your dinner:
http://www.food.com/recipe/martha-stewarts-pumpkin-soup-in-a-pumpkin-13557
Every fall I love to cook roasted acorn squash. I cut the squash in half, add butter, chopped walnuts or pecans, some brown sugar, dried cranberries, and roast it in the oven. The red cranberries give it additional color and the beautiful shape of the squash is a stand-out on the dining room table. This also makes a nice brunch dish.
My favorite butternut squash dish is a good bisque! I'm still looking for one that my toddler will eat but that has enough extra flavor to interest adults. Otherwise, it makes a nice puree that combines well with peaches or pears or mangos for tasty and healthy baby food.
Don't forget about the beautiful and antioxidant-rich pomegranates that are common in the fall. We just bought a few today and she had a wonderful "moment of discovery" as we cut into it and and saw it reveal dozens of little ruby pearl seeds. She helped me meticulously remove the seeds and we sprinkled them on top of our salad. Speaking of salads, try combining your fresh pomegranate seeds with kale or spinach and add sunflower seeds, almonds, walnuts, carrots...the possibilities are endless. Pomegranate chicken is another favorite dish of mine.
Whatever you do with your autumn produce, it is far better than participating in the mass consumerism that is promoted this time of year. Isn't spending more time in the produce section better than visiting the black-and-orange-mega-size-candy aisle? If you have the option, why not take your children to a local pumpkin patch instead of that typical school or friend sugarfest/costume party? Take a hay ride, craft your own scarecrow, knit a blanket, pay attention to the local wildlife as they prepare for winter, or donate winter coats to a shelter. For instance, something simple and beautiful I did this morning was to take my daughter outside in the early hours to look at the bright moon and stars still shining before dawn. These dark mornings are so neat for kids to observe and are a signal to them that summer has gone and a new, colder season is approaching.
With this Halloween bombardment, I'm reminded about my desire to create more wholesomeness in my soul and in my family. I love how Waldorf education brings this out in me. Needless to say, the way Halloween is celebrated just makes me feel yucky...tainted...anything but healthy and vibrant and thriving. It doesn't move me forward in life. So, we will be turning off our porch lights on the 31st, enjoying each other's company, and not eating candy corn-- but a nice, hot bowl of homemade soup. What are you doing with your pumpkin?
Let me add that my daughter's Waldorf school does not host a Halloween party like the area public schools. Autumn brings two festivals to their school: Michaelmas and Martinmas. Both are observed through story-telling, songs, arts & crafts, and a healthy community potluck. Both of these events have stories with deeper moral values and symbolism:
http://waldorfjourney.typepad.com/a_journey_through_waldorf/2008/09/michaelmas-festival.html
http://maymomvt.blogspot.com/2007/11/making-lanterns-for-martinmas.html
Our paper mache lanterns made by layering tissue paper and watered-down glue over balloons.
Being an evolving Waldorf family, what we have done is incorporate some of these autumn themes into our circle time with songs about spiders (ie, The Itsy Bitsy Spider and Little Miss Muffet), learn about the lives of spiders, and read story books with spiders in them. Instead of carving jack-o-lanterns, we are learning about pumpkins and squash as foods. These have really caught her eye in the store since they're so different from her familiar bananas, apples and baby carrots. Learning about seasonal produce is a focus for us so that her diet remains varied. She can expand her tastes to include healthy foods that most kids are not eating. (Aren't french fries the number one vegetable most kids eat?!) My toddler can touch and feel the unique texture of acorn squash, butternut squash, and spaghetti squash at the grocery store. She can then help me cut it up, remove the seeds, cook it, and help prepare a special autumn meal made from autumn produce. One of the special recipes we are trying to perfect is real pumpkin soup that is served inside a hollowed-out pumpkin. I think this is an impressive way to present soup and gives it a better purpose than carving it for mere decoration. I found this recipe if you'd like to try it tonight for your dinner:
http://www.food.com/recipe/martha-stewarts-pumpkin-soup-in-a-pumpkin-13557
Every fall I love to cook roasted acorn squash. I cut the squash in half, add butter, chopped walnuts or pecans, some brown sugar, dried cranberries, and roast it in the oven. The red cranberries give it additional color and the beautiful shape of the squash is a stand-out on the dining room table. This also makes a nice brunch dish.
My favorite butternut squash dish is a good bisque! I'm still looking for one that my toddler will eat but that has enough extra flavor to interest adults. Otherwise, it makes a nice puree that combines well with peaches or pears or mangos for tasty and healthy baby food.
Don't forget about the beautiful and antioxidant-rich pomegranates that are common in the fall. We just bought a few today and she had a wonderful "moment of discovery" as we cut into it and and saw it reveal dozens of little ruby pearl seeds. She helped me meticulously remove the seeds and we sprinkled them on top of our salad. Speaking of salads, try combining your fresh pomegranate seeds with kale or spinach and add sunflower seeds, almonds, walnuts, carrots...the possibilities are endless. Pomegranate chicken is another favorite dish of mine.
Whatever you do with your autumn produce, it is far better than participating in the mass consumerism that is promoted this time of year. Isn't spending more time in the produce section better than visiting the black-and-orange-mega-size-candy aisle? If you have the option, why not take your children to a local pumpkin patch instead of that typical school or friend sugarfest/costume party? Take a hay ride, craft your own scarecrow, knit a blanket, pay attention to the local wildlife as they prepare for winter, or donate winter coats to a shelter. For instance, something simple and beautiful I did this morning was to take my daughter outside in the early hours to look at the bright moon and stars still shining before dawn. These dark mornings are so neat for kids to observe and are a signal to them that summer has gone and a new, colder season is approaching.
With this Halloween bombardment, I'm reminded about my desire to create more wholesomeness in my soul and in my family. I love how Waldorf education brings this out in me. Needless to say, the way Halloween is celebrated just makes me feel yucky...tainted...anything but healthy and vibrant and thriving. It doesn't move me forward in life. So, we will be turning off our porch lights on the 31st, enjoying each other's company, and not eating candy corn-- but a nice, hot bowl of homemade soup. What are you doing with your pumpkin?
Tuesday
Crayon Rocks for your back-to-school supplies!
Coloring will never be the same again! I just discovered the joy of the crayon rock, a soy and beeswax crayon shaped like a rock. Why is it shaped like a rock? Well, not only does it look fun, it was designed by a special needs teacher to improve the tripod grip in youngsters.
Here is a photo of my daughter coloring with her's in her Waldorf play stand. They look so special packaged in a lovely velvet pouch...like magic beans or little treasures. The texture is superb and similar to a pastel. They are a delight to hold in the hand and I noticed they soften the skin, too. They don't roll off the table, there aren't wrappers to peel off, and they can't be broken in half. They're reasonably priced at about $7.50 for a pouch of 16 colors. I haven't seen them in local stores, but one can easily order them through Amazon or most natural toy stores. I bought mine from The Wooden Wagon (http://www.thewoodenwagon.com/). Additional information can be found on the manufacturer's website at http://www.crayonrocks.net/. Don't start school without these rocks!
10th Annual Houston B.I.R.T.H. Fair!
Mark your calendars for this year's 10th annual Houston B.I.R.T.H. Fair! This free event will take place Saturday, October 1, 2011, at the United Way Center. It's a jam-packed fair for all things related to pregnancy, birth, babies, children, and family. It's name stands for "Bringing Information and Resources To Houston". You'll see midwives, obstetricians, nurses, doulas, chiropractors, child-birth educators, lacation consultants, and all kinds of cool people involved in the ever-growing Houston natural birth community. This is far from the average information most women receive about birth in this country. This fair will provide families with new information and the resources they need to make their childbearing years some of the most joyous. Speakers, discussion forums, children's activities, and lots of shopping will fill the day. Don't miss it!
This is also the first year I will be volunteering for the Fair, a true labor of love for me. No other event in Houston brings all of my favorite mommy things together like this one. And, don't assume it's just for mothers. Bring the husbands and granparents, too.
Find out how to use cloth diapers, where to buy them, and check out all the cute styles that are available on the market. It's far from the typical fold-and-pin-and-cover days. Save money, save the earth, and save your child from diaper rash.
Check out different baby carriers and slings. Not all baby carriers work for every body type and size. If one baby carrier was uncomfortable or hurt your back, come out and try a different style. I used my Moby Wrap the entire first year of my daughter's life, but now use the Dr. Sears-recommended Baby Balboa ring sling. I plan to shop for a mei tei carrier and see what other ring slings are available. Houston boasts several area Baby Wearing clubs where caregivers can learn how to safely and comfortably carry their baby.
Did you know that there are plenty of midwives practicing in the Houston area? Giving birth does not always necessitate hiring an OBGYN. Healthy patients might want to check out their options by meeting some of the most impressive women in health care today. Some work in a hospital birth setting, others in birth centers, and some perform home births. Come discover what a difference a midwife makes at your birth. Personally, I fired my OBGYN and switched to a certified nurse midwife during my 28th week of pregnancy after it became clear that the local hospital was not capable of giving me the birth I wanted. But, that's another post entirely.
Come out to shop all the spectacular vendors with quality products aimed at enhancing your parenting years. The variety at the B.I.R.T.H. Fair is usually more health-conscious than one would find in the typical big-chain baby stores. Find that unique baby shower gift, birthday present, or "push" present. If you have kids, this is the shopping day for you.
What on earth is a doula?! In a nutshell, a doula is a trained and certified birth attendant that one hires to help during the labor process and birth. Some might have a medical background but they are primarily there to help the mother and father through their birth and ensure that they get the birth that they wanted. I hired a doula for my birth with my daughter and it was the best decision I ever made. They typically cost around $300 to $600 (mine was $500) and she was the biggest help during my physically challenging home birth. If you're having a hospital birth, I think they are even a greater asset as an advocate in a hospital setting where laboring mothers often have to fight for their rights. Come out and and see why women love them!
I guarantee you will leave with the most positive outlook on birth than you've ever had. Prepare to be uplifted and inspired. Find out more at http://www.houbirth.org/
This is also the first year I will be volunteering for the Fair, a true labor of love for me. No other event in Houston brings all of my favorite mommy things together like this one. And, don't assume it's just for mothers. Bring the husbands and granparents, too.
Find out how to use cloth diapers, where to buy them, and check out all the cute styles that are available on the market. It's far from the typical fold-and-pin-and-cover days. Save money, save the earth, and save your child from diaper rash.
Check out different baby carriers and slings. Not all baby carriers work for every body type and size. If one baby carrier was uncomfortable or hurt your back, come out and try a different style. I used my Moby Wrap the entire first year of my daughter's life, but now use the Dr. Sears-recommended Baby Balboa ring sling. I plan to shop for a mei tei carrier and see what other ring slings are available. Houston boasts several area Baby Wearing clubs where caregivers can learn how to safely and comfortably carry their baby.
Did you know that there are plenty of midwives practicing in the Houston area? Giving birth does not always necessitate hiring an OBGYN. Healthy patients might want to check out their options by meeting some of the most impressive women in health care today. Some work in a hospital birth setting, others in birth centers, and some perform home births. Come discover what a difference a midwife makes at your birth. Personally, I fired my OBGYN and switched to a certified nurse midwife during my 28th week of pregnancy after it became clear that the local hospital was not capable of giving me the birth I wanted. But, that's another post entirely.
Come out to shop all the spectacular vendors with quality products aimed at enhancing your parenting years. The variety at the B.I.R.T.H. Fair is usually more health-conscious than one would find in the typical big-chain baby stores. Find that unique baby shower gift, birthday present, or "push" present. If you have kids, this is the shopping day for you.
What on earth is a doula?! In a nutshell, a doula is a trained and certified birth attendant that one hires to help during the labor process and birth. Some might have a medical background but they are primarily there to help the mother and father through their birth and ensure that they get the birth that they wanted. I hired a doula for my birth with my daughter and it was the best decision I ever made. They typically cost around $300 to $600 (mine was $500) and she was the biggest help during my physically challenging home birth. If you're having a hospital birth, I think they are even a greater asset as an advocate in a hospital setting where laboring mothers often have to fight for their rights. Come out and and see why women love them!
I guarantee you will leave with the most positive outlook on birth than you've ever had. Prepare to be uplifted and inspired. Find out more at http://www.houbirth.org/
The Great Oak School sharing some Waldorf fun at the BIRTH Fair kids area
Sunday
Good, clean felted soap!
Felted soap is another craft I learned how to make at my daughter's Waldorf school. I never knew such a thing existed until another mother told me you can buy a bars of the stuff at Anthropologie...for a lot more. It's basically a bar of soap in a decorative wool cover. You take your favorite bar of soap, wrap it in wool roving, and aggitate the heck out of it until it mats down. The end result is a gorgeous soap that comes with its own washcloth. They make great gifts and it is a fun activity to do with children. I recently taught some other moms how to make felted soap at a playdate I hosted. Check out our pretty soap below.
FELTED SOAP
You will need:
-Bar of soap (one that lathers well, rounded shape works best)
-Wool Roving in different colors (sold at craft stores by the yarn section or order online for better quality)
-Bucket or container filled with hot water
-Rubber gloves (if the water is too hot for your hands)
-Ziploc sandwich bags
How to make:
1. Cut the bar of soap in half if it's too big. Smaller halves work better in smaller hands.
2. Wrap the bar of soap with pieces of wool in any color combination you like. Wrap it in several layers, alternating directions.
3. After the soap is wrapped and you can no longer see the soap bar, submerge it in a tub of hot water and start rubbing the soap to make it sudsy. Keep scrubbing the soap for a while.
4. Transfer the bar of soap into the Ziploc bag, seal it, and continue rubbing the bar. Rubbing it inside the plastic bag helps keep your house cleaner if you're making this craft indoors.
5. After several minutes of aggitating the bar of soap, remove it and let it dry.
FELTED SOAP
You will need:
-Bar of soap (one that lathers well, rounded shape works best)
-Wool Roving in different colors (sold at craft stores by the yarn section or order online for better quality)
-Bucket or container filled with hot water
-Rubber gloves (if the water is too hot for your hands)
-Ziploc sandwich bags
How to make:
1. Cut the bar of soap in half if it's too big. Smaller halves work better in smaller hands.
2. Wrap the bar of soap with pieces of wool in any color combination you like. Wrap it in several layers, alternating directions.
3. After the soap is wrapped and you can no longer see the soap bar, submerge it in a tub of hot water and start rubbing the soap to make it sudsy. Keep scrubbing the soap for a while.
4. Transfer the bar of soap into the Ziploc bag, seal it, and continue rubbing the bar. Rubbing it inside the plastic bag helps keep your house cleaner if you're making this craft indoors.
5. After several minutes of aggitating the bar of soap, remove it and let it dry.
Wednesday
Make your own toys!
I made my first hand-made Waldorf doll last fall at my daughter's school. The moms sewed together little doll bodies and stuffed them with wool. It's much harder than it looks. Waldorf dolls are purposely unfinished so that children can use their own creativity in how they play with them. The doll's emotions and what it represents is more open-ended than, say, a Barbie.
I am not a crafty person by any means, but this was a project that inspired other activities in our home. For one, I actually started sewing on buttons and repairing little tears in seams. Nothing huge, but hubby was impressed. From this, I started making little dolls out of socks. My toddler enjoys carrying around heavy socks stuffed with rice. I plan to add more detail to the dolls as I have time. It's a great idea for summer activities. For the kitty below, I stuffed one of my husband's ankle socks with lentils, covered it with the other sock, and sewed the ears down. The fish is one of her newborn mittens and the yarn is a leftover scrap. The heel portion makes a good "face" for the doll.
Friday
Flying with a toddler-- what I've learned.
As the summer vacation season approaches, our family will be getting ready for overseas travel with a two-year-old. This will be her third transatlantic flight and, hopefully, the easiest one so far. It will also mark a major milestone in her young life-- the first time she will have her very own seat. Contrary to the online advice I read about purchasing your baby their own ticket, I found that she did well as a lap child. In fact, I wonder if she'll even sit in her own seat at all during the flight. She certainly prefers sitting in our laps or standing in the aisles.
I've read some more online advice about traveling with toddlers that I wanted to share. Not to mention, I've seen some really great toddlers on flights and I've sat in front of some really rowdy ones, too. This is what we've learned:
1. My baby sling was the most useful tool in flying with a baby/toddler. I still use it and plan to use it for this trip. (I use the Dr. Sear's recommended adjustable Baby Balboa Sling.) I feel more secure having her sleep connected to me so that I know she won't fall if we hit turbulence. This makes it possible for mommy to get some rest, too. Don't forget the travel neck pillow!
2. New gifts and small treasures go a long way in entertaining little kids on a flight. They get the thrill of seeing something new. I've heard of wrapping them as gifts so that the child can unwrap them.
3. Plan some activities for the flight. Coloring books, sticker books, picture books, small DVD players, finger puppets, play-doh and little dolls are great fun. Set aside some time to sing songs with your child, especially songs with motion or finger plays.
4. Visit other children on the plane. We did this last time and it was delightful! Several of the other small kids all gathered together and sang little songs, played together and shared toys. It was like an impromptu play date and made the trip more enjoyable.
5. Eat in shifts. If you are travelling with your spouse or another adult, have them entertain the baby while you eat and then take turns. This reduces the mess involved with eating in a crowded space with wild toddler hands. Eat the messiest items on your tray first so they don't have a chance to get all over you. Save the packaged items on your tray for later snacks. Even the child-size meals are too large for a toddler at one time and chances are they will get hungry as soon as the trays are taken away.
6. Drink clear liquids on the flight such as water, club soda, Sprite, etc. that will not stain your clothes. Just say no to the cranberry juice! You WILL get food on yourself. Yes, the cup on your tray WILL spill. Yes, your toddler will bump your arm as you try to sip that hot coffee. Think about this when packing snacks for the trip, too. Stay away from snacks that will stain (note: red suckers equal red drool). Pack one of those Tide stain pens in your bag along with plenty of wipes.
7. Take your child for a walk around the plane. If they are restless, please do not force them to sit down and kick the seat in front of them. Allow them to walk around and use up some of that energy. (My daughter can usually charm the other passengers into giving her candy as she tries to chat with them. It kills time.)
8. The same idea should be applied to walking around the airport. Use up that energy before the flight by letting your kids walk around and wiggle before they have to sit down in a small space. Some airports even have indoor playgrounds for kids. For instance, Chicago's O'Hare Airport has a fabulous play area for kiddos that's free of charge. Take advantage of it!
9. Limit sugar and caffeine. Don't make their restlessness any worse by stuffing them with chocolate and Pepsi. Water-down their juice and offer snacks without sugar.
10. I've heard different advice regarding ear pain from the pressure. I have suffered from severe "barotrauma" on flights for years. Have the child drink something, eat something, chew gum, suck on a sucker, and get them to swallow. Try to have them yawn by having them watch you yawn. If the child is old enough, show them how to blow through their nose while they shut their mouth (the Vasalva maneauver). I have tried ear inserts called "Ear Planes" sold at drugstores with mixed results. They make some in an adult and children's size. It's worth trying if you anticipate ear pain. In my experience, I've had to repeatedly try a Vasalva if I couldn't yawn just right to pop my ears. However, our toddler has never had a problem with ear pain.
11. Dress in layers. This goes for mom, dad, baby, and everyone else in your party. Not only are airplanes usually cold, but if something stains the top layer it is much easier to remove it and still look presentable. Pack an extra sweater or shawl in the carry-on to throw over a top if needed.
12. Wear dark patterns that camoflauge spills. Avoid wearing white at all costs since this will certainly get dirty. Make your trip easier with wrinkle-free, quick-drying fabrics.
A photo of our daughter sleeping in between us. On this flight she preferred to lay out on the seats instead of sleep in the sling.
I've read some more online advice about traveling with toddlers that I wanted to share. Not to mention, I've seen some really great toddlers on flights and I've sat in front of some really rowdy ones, too. This is what we've learned:
1. My baby sling was the most useful tool in flying with a baby/toddler. I still use it and plan to use it for this trip. (I use the Dr. Sear's recommended adjustable Baby Balboa Sling.) I feel more secure having her sleep connected to me so that I know she won't fall if we hit turbulence. This makes it possible for mommy to get some rest, too. Don't forget the travel neck pillow!
2. New gifts and small treasures go a long way in entertaining little kids on a flight. They get the thrill of seeing something new. I've heard of wrapping them as gifts so that the child can unwrap them.
3. Plan some activities for the flight. Coloring books, sticker books, picture books, small DVD players, finger puppets, play-doh and little dolls are great fun. Set aside some time to sing songs with your child, especially songs with motion or finger plays.
4. Visit other children on the plane. We did this last time and it was delightful! Several of the other small kids all gathered together and sang little songs, played together and shared toys. It was like an impromptu play date and made the trip more enjoyable.
5. Eat in shifts. If you are travelling with your spouse or another adult, have them entertain the baby while you eat and then take turns. This reduces the mess involved with eating in a crowded space with wild toddler hands. Eat the messiest items on your tray first so they don't have a chance to get all over you. Save the packaged items on your tray for later snacks. Even the child-size meals are too large for a toddler at one time and chances are they will get hungry as soon as the trays are taken away.
6. Drink clear liquids on the flight such as water, club soda, Sprite, etc. that will not stain your clothes. Just say no to the cranberry juice! You WILL get food on yourself. Yes, the cup on your tray WILL spill. Yes, your toddler will bump your arm as you try to sip that hot coffee. Think about this when packing snacks for the trip, too. Stay away from snacks that will stain (note: red suckers equal red drool). Pack one of those Tide stain pens in your bag along with plenty of wipes.
7. Take your child for a walk around the plane. If they are restless, please do not force them to sit down and kick the seat in front of them. Allow them to walk around and use up some of that energy. (My daughter can usually charm the other passengers into giving her candy as she tries to chat with them. It kills time.)
8. The same idea should be applied to walking around the airport. Use up that energy before the flight by letting your kids walk around and wiggle before they have to sit down in a small space. Some airports even have indoor playgrounds for kids. For instance, Chicago's O'Hare Airport has a fabulous play area for kiddos that's free of charge. Take advantage of it!
9. Limit sugar and caffeine. Don't make their restlessness any worse by stuffing them with chocolate and Pepsi. Water-down their juice and offer snacks without sugar.
10. I've heard different advice regarding ear pain from the pressure. I have suffered from severe "barotrauma" on flights for years. Have the child drink something, eat something, chew gum, suck on a sucker, and get them to swallow. Try to have them yawn by having them watch you yawn. If the child is old enough, show them how to blow through their nose while they shut their mouth (the Vasalva maneauver). I have tried ear inserts called "Ear Planes" sold at drugstores with mixed results. They make some in an adult and children's size. It's worth trying if you anticipate ear pain. In my experience, I've had to repeatedly try a Vasalva if I couldn't yawn just right to pop my ears. However, our toddler has never had a problem with ear pain.
11. Dress in layers. This goes for mom, dad, baby, and everyone else in your party. Not only are airplanes usually cold, but if something stains the top layer it is much easier to remove it and still look presentable. Pack an extra sweater or shawl in the carry-on to throw over a top if needed.
12. Wear dark patterns that camoflauge spills. Avoid wearing white at all costs since this will certainly get dirty. Make your trip easier with wrinkle-free, quick-drying fabrics.
Thursday
Living TV-free!
Just as I wrote that title, I realized I was typing in front of our giant, old-school, big screen monster sitting center-stage in our living room. ( I shouldn't say "our" as this television came along with my husband when we got married. I've never been too into TV or movies and, golly, I would never bring that kind of baggage into a marriage.) It's been collecting dust for the past several months but it does fill up this awkward space in the layout of the room. To give my hubby some credit, he has been trying to sell it. The only problem is that nobody wants to buy it since it's one of the pre-flatscreen models and we can't get anyone to take it.
So, here it sits. I can't remember the last time I turned it on. It has already disappeared as a habit in our home. Therefore, why don't we just become a TV-free family altogether? Doesn't that sound refreshing? I never thought of formally labeling our family a "television-free family" until a mom in our school described her children that way. Wow! How wholesome and crunchy that sounds! Sign me up for that club! Yes, we don't drink, we don't smoke and now we don't watch TV. Ahhh...this is definitely what I want for my little nest.
Here's a very inspirational article from Mothering Magazine about one family's transformation after they stopped the TV habit. I love it!
http://mothering.com/green-living/whole-again-our-family-after-television
So, here it sits. I can't remember the last time I turned it on. It has already disappeared as a habit in our home. Therefore, why don't we just become a TV-free family altogether? Doesn't that sound refreshing? I never thought of formally labeling our family a "television-free family" until a mom in our school described her children that way. Wow! How wholesome and crunchy that sounds! Sign me up for that club! Yes, we don't drink, we don't smoke and now we don't watch TV. Ahhh...this is definitely what I want for my little nest.
Here's a very inspirational article from Mothering Magazine about one family's transformation after they stopped the TV habit. I love it!
http://mothering.com/green-living/whole-again-our-family-after-television
Wednesday
If you're interested in school lunches...
I found this gem of a blog featured in the Houston Chronicle called "The Lunch Tray" written by Bettina Elias Siegel. Her articles cover issues about "kids and food, in school and out". Child nutrition is one of the top issues on my mind these days and she gets the dialogue going on our nation's childhood obesity problem and outrageously poor eating habits. Have you seen what most kids eat for lunch at their school? Not to mention, I've noticed more and more obese children-- very young children, mind you-- on the playgrounds when I've taken my toddler out. It's worth a read!
http://blogs.chron.com/thelunchtray/
http://blogs.chron.com/thelunchtray/
Friday
The Value of "Playing Pretend"
As I type this, my toddler is chatting away in our master bathroom. She's taken a pillow from the bed, a random doll with a Crayola "make-over", and a Kool-Aid dyed play silk we made at her Waldorf school, and she is making her own little pretend world inside the hardly-ever-used whirlpool tub. Who knew those things made great play houses! And, this is what she's been doing for the past few months. A part of that is due to this stage in her child development and another part comes from having a bit of unstructued play time so she has that space to make up her own stories, characters, and events. No doubt, much of her creativity is a result from attending her Waldorf school where children have intentional, unstructured play time as part of the "work" of childhood.
I'm hoping for more of this creative play on her own, if not for the fact that it frees up my hands for other tasks around the house. Plus, don't you love listening-in on their inner thoughts? It's absolutely darling. It also gives me insight into what goes on in her little toddler brain and what words and events stick out in her mind. Related to the whole argument for unstructured play and encouraging imaginative play, there were a few articles that came out recently with scientific support for this. Here are some links below:
"The Seriousness of Play"
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=the-serious-need-for-play
"Old-Fashioned Play Builds Serious Skills"
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=19212514
I'm hoping for more of this creative play on her own, if not for the fact that it frees up my hands for other tasks around the house. Plus, don't you love listening-in on their inner thoughts? It's absolutely darling. It also gives me insight into what goes on in her little toddler brain and what words and events stick out in her mind. Related to the whole argument for unstructured play and encouraging imaginative play, there were a few articles that came out recently with scientific support for this. Here are some links below:
"The Seriousness of Play"
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=the-serious-need-for-play
"Old-Fashioned Play Builds Serious Skills"
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=19212514
Monday
I've Been Waldorfed!
Being a first time mom to a toddler, I am currently learning the in's and out's of local school options, play dates, and children's activities. I originally planned to keep my daughter home and to start school at the pre-school level. Oh, how soon did I discover that toddlers get bored with Mommy on occassion. Sure, we're fond of the local library with its plethora of kids programs, tiny tables and chairs, and huge selectio of board books. And, yes, we have more parks around us than any one person could ever use. But, I felt that my daughter was giving me cues to branch out a bit. So, a friend told me about a school that offered Parent-Child Classes. The parent attends the class along with the child. (Let me also say that you know you've got a kindred spirit on your hands when the first conversation we ever had involded "Waldorf" education...and she knew exactly what I meant.) This was the perfect "in-between" option for us. I'm strongly opposed to shoving my kids into daycare and I wasn't ready to start at one of the many full-time Montessori schools around us. What was so great about this option is that it was a Waldorf school offering this program. Of course it would be! And, what is so special about Waldorf education you ask? Oh, let me tell you.
The first thing you'll notice about a Waldorf school is the entire aesthetic. It has a certain look with it's color palette, it's natural materials, the soft curves to the classroom and supplies. It's a far cry from the jail-like institutions some public schools resemble. Then, you notice the children and teachers. No one is yelling and screaming, kids aren't acting out violent movie scenes, the teachers speak softly and sing little verses to signal a transition in activities. For instance, I remember when my husband and I toured our first Waldorf school after I convinced him we needed to enroll our daughter. We were observing the kindergarteners outside (Waldorf kiddos spend lots of time outdoors) and this lovely Dutch lady, their teacher, started singing and the children happily followed her indoors. It was almost out of Rogers & Hammerstein. Ahh..this is where I want my daughter. This is where I want my self.
After starting last fall, we are even more involved in this wonderful school. The Parent-Child Classes were even more magical than I anticipated. Not only do the children play with natural toys that are designed to stimulate their imagination and creative play, but the mothers get to participate in the neatest craft projects. Last fall, we made our own Waldorf dolls by sewing and stuffing it of wool, embroidering the face, and making it just so. This term we have learned how to knit and we've increased our knitting capabilities. Knitting is something I've always wanted to learn and now I can scratch it off my life's to-do list! I can now cast on, cast off, knit, purl, and use double pointed needles for knitting in the round. My current project in the class is knitting a pair of baby legs/momma arm warmers out of this lovely Turkish wool/silk rainbow yarn. During class the children have painted with water colors in the Waldorf style, colored with beeswax crayons, felted wool, modeled with natural playdough and gotten their hands on modeling beeswax. There is a focus during this age with dexterity and creativity development, hence the emphasis on certain art forms.
However, it is the regular rhythm of the class that my daugher loves. After intentional creative play, the teacher and then the parents and then the children start singing the "Wash Your Hands" song. One by one, the children have their hands washed with lavender water. We then start to "Knead the Dough" and begin kneading little balls of bread dough that will be cooked for our snack. We have our circle time with finger plays and songs that engage the children and change with each of the four seasons. After our fresh baked bread comes out of the oven, we gather around the table and eat our bread with honey, real china cups filled with chamomile tea, and wipe our mouths with real cloth napkins. I didn't know how such breakable plates and cups would work with toddlers, but it does in this setting. We end our class with a nature walk around the wooded campus with the children collecting little rose petals, pinecones, leaves and sticks. We mothers stop and smell the roses.
![]()
And, for me, I try to take this special Waldorf world back into my home. After class you can't help but want to eat something organic. There is a wholesomeness that rubs off onto you. The last thing you want after this class is to watch TV and eat junk food. Since starting Waldorf, our family doesn't even watch television anymore, we spend more time outdoors, I buy organic whenever possible, and I am in the process of ridding the playroom of all those plastic noisy toys and switching to wooden and more natural ones. I am a convert and my family is better off because of it.
The first thing you'll notice about a Waldorf school is the entire aesthetic. It has a certain look with it's color palette, it's natural materials, the soft curves to the classroom and supplies. It's a far cry from the jail-like institutions some public schools resemble. Then, you notice the children and teachers. No one is yelling and screaming, kids aren't acting out violent movie scenes, the teachers speak softly and sing little verses to signal a transition in activities. For instance, I remember when my husband and I toured our first Waldorf school after I convinced him we needed to enroll our daughter. We were observing the kindergarteners outside (Waldorf kiddos spend lots of time outdoors) and this lovely Dutch lady, their teacher, started singing and the children happily followed her indoors. It was almost out of Rogers & Hammerstein. Ahh..this is where I want my daughter. This is where I want my self.
After starting last fall, we are even more involved in this wonderful school. The Parent-Child Classes were even more magical than I anticipated. Not only do the children play with natural toys that are designed to stimulate their imagination and creative play, but the mothers get to participate in the neatest craft projects. Last fall, we made our own Waldorf dolls by sewing and stuffing it of wool, embroidering the face, and making it just so. This term we have learned how to knit and we've increased our knitting capabilities. Knitting is something I've always wanted to learn and now I can scratch it off my life's to-do list! I can now cast on, cast off, knit, purl, and use double pointed needles for knitting in the round. My current project in the class is knitting a pair of baby legs/momma arm warmers out of this lovely Turkish wool/silk rainbow yarn. During class the children have painted with water colors in the Waldorf style, colored with beeswax crayons, felted wool, modeled with natural playdough and gotten their hands on modeling beeswax. There is a focus during this age with dexterity and creativity development, hence the emphasis on certain art forms.
However, it is the regular rhythm of the class that my daugher loves. After intentional creative play, the teacher and then the parents and then the children start singing the "Wash Your Hands" song. One by one, the children have their hands washed with lavender water. We then start to "Knead the Dough" and begin kneading little balls of bread dough that will be cooked for our snack. We have our circle time with finger plays and songs that engage the children and change with each of the four seasons. After our fresh baked bread comes out of the oven, we gather around the table and eat our bread with honey, real china cups filled with chamomile tea, and wipe our mouths with real cloth napkins. I didn't know how such breakable plates and cups would work with toddlers, but it does in this setting. We end our class with a nature walk around the wooded campus with the children collecting little rose petals, pinecones, leaves and sticks. We mothers stop and smell the roses.
And, for me, I try to take this special Waldorf world back into my home. After class you can't help but want to eat something organic. There is a wholesomeness that rubs off onto you. The last thing you want after this class is to watch TV and eat junk food. Since starting Waldorf, our family doesn't even watch television anymore, we spend more time outdoors, I buy organic whenever possible, and I am in the process of ridding the playroom of all those plastic noisy toys and switching to wooden and more natural ones. I am a convert and my family is better off because of it.
Thursday
This is the season of my life's mothering years
I started this blog with the objective of sharing all of the wonderful ideas I get from other mindful, conscientious mothers in my circle of friends. This blog is meant to...
Celebrate this time of womanhood marked by birth, babies, and children
Share ideas from other mindful mothers
Promote mothering as an art
Explore more natural ways of family living
and
Provide a place of solace and inspiration
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