My mission in all my work - writing, teaching, parenting, speaking at seminars - is to help children and families to build and strengthen brain and family connections. The good news is that this is SIMPLE when you are intentional enough to SLOW down and make a meaningful moment. Our main job as caregivers and nurturers of young children is to help build the "bagel" part of their brain (that is the limbic system) which processes all of the emotions. This part is "wiring up" from age birth through 5, and if a strong foundation is laid in that time, then we've paved the way for our children … [Continue reading]
Happy Mother’s Day: Top 5 Posts for Moms
May 11, 2013 Leave a Comment
Consider why you should give yourself a break this Mothers Day, and why you should feel proud to be a "Good Enough Mom"! Reflect on your own job description, see if you're being compensated fairly according to salary.com, and ask for praise and appreciation today and every day: "Good Job, Moms!" Check in with you Mommy-self, and ask yourself and a friend some important questions. Get someone to listen to your answers. Moment for Mommy: Are You Surviving? Do you share any of these physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual signs of being a mother? How are the signs changing as your … [Continue reading]
Happy May Day! 5 Great Ideas for Family Fun…
May 1, 2013 1 Comment
Gather ye rosebuds while ye may, Old time is still a-flying... May Day is not commonly celebrated in the US, but kids love it, so let's do it! Here are some fun ideas for celebrating and having fun together: Make a May Pole...I just used stopped by the hardware store to get 6-feet of pbc pipe cut (like $2), added ribbons and fake flowers from the dollar store. You could also use a broom, and just tie on some wrapping ribbons or streamers you have at home. Your kids will have lots of fun helping with this project! I used mine yesterday at the May-Day outreach project I led for "Wee … [Continue reading]
“What a Wonderful WORLD!” In Song and Story….
April 28, 2013 Leave a Comment
I woke up this morning in the "bunk room" at my Auntie Ann's lake house in New Beraunfels. I was on the bottom bunk, Ellie asleep on the top, MJ had slept soundly all night on the bean bag chair. Now he was whispering in my ear, "Mommy, I'm gonna go outside and listen to the birds." I love that my son is such a naturalist - getting excited about cardinals and hummingbirds, silently watching for fish jumping in the still lake on a foggy early morning. As I walked to join him with pink-pj'd Ellie at my side, I breathed in the wetness of the rain-soaked earth mixed with all the blooming flowers … [Continue reading]
“No More Hurting People, Peace!”
April 23, 2013 Leave a Comment
What I know for sure...children usually speak truth best: By now, you've seen this picture....you've read the words of dear Martin. Really, nothing more needs to be said, but his words do bear repeating, to honor his memory, to speak truth to power, to speak sense to a violent world. "No More Hurting People! For me, that's the voice of God speaking to us all. It's the cry of the world's children. It's the message of Jesus and Buddha passed on to us down through the ages. No More Hurting People! That should be our headline, our mantra, our communal wisdom, our theme song, our one … [Continue reading]
Earth Day and Beyond: 10 Ideas for Re-connecting with your Family and Nature
April 22, 2013 1 Comment
Re-Connecting with Nature and with Your Family Talking Points and Family Ritual Ideas for Earth Day or any day: Write a “Thank-You” Note to “Mother Earth”, get your whole family involved, and find out what everyone appreciates most about nature. A rainy day? The smell of honeysuckle? The sound of the wind? see mine, which was featured on mamapedia last year. Go for a “Listening” Walk or even a 5 senses walk (careful with taste!)around your neighborhood, or even in your backyard. Every now and then, “STOP, LOOK, and LISTEN”...What do you see? What do you hear? … [Continue reading]
Baby Sign: Top 10 Reasons to Sign with your young child
April 17, 2013 Leave a Comment
You have heard me say that my mission in all my work (teaching, writing, blogging, seminars, outreach) is helping to build and strengthen brain and … [Continue reading]
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