Inspire gratitude and thankfulness this year by snuggling up with your kiddos and reading a children's book. During the holidays, we as parents usually focus more on thankfulness, but I encourage you to approach this concept year-round. There are important lessons to be gleaned from these books to help you cultivate a spirit of gratitude and thankfulness in your children. 15 Books to Inspire … [Read more...] about 15 Books to Inspire Gratitude and Thankfulness
Parenting
Homeschooling with Mental Illness
"I think your depression may be cycling back around." my doctor said. "Is this what I can expect the rest of my life to be be like? Swinging from depressed to normal?" I asked. "There are lots of different treatment options. We just have to find the right one for you." my doctor replied. My doctor seemed full of optimism, but I felt the crushing weight of what having a mental illness … [Read more...] about Homeschooling with Mental Illness
The Pressure to be the Perfect Homeschool Mom
Homeschooling can be hard. None of us are perfect. So, let us stop comparing ourselves to others. There is no such thing as the perfect homeschool mom. This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure statement for more information. The Pressure to be the Perfect Homeschool Mom Parenting is hard, folks. There, I said it. Homeschooling is hard too. Both are difficult jobs. They … [Read more...] about The Pressure to be the Perfect Homeschool Mom
12 Books to Help Children with Death, Grief, and Loss
It can be difficult as a parent to support our kids when a loss happens. So, how can we help our children understand and cope with the strong emotions that arise with death, grief, and loss? Helping Children with the Death of a Pet I thought we had more time. I knew this day would come... Some Day. But, we still had years together...right? Years, before we had to say goodbye. I mean, … [Read more...] about 12 Books to Help Children with Death, Grief, and Loss
The Importance of Imaginative Play in Early Childhood
The warm sun is shining and the fireflies have emerged. It's summer and the smell of bbq's and lilies fill the air. My new flower bed is filled with poppies and a morning dove greets me with her mournful sound from a nearby tree. I love stepping outside with my morning coffee and enjoying the sights and sounds of summer. Our daily rhythm throughout most of the year is best described as controlled … [Read more...] about The Importance of Imaginative Play in Early Childhood
Why I Didn’t Yell When My Child Gave Herself A Hair Cut
This week my 4 year old daughter gave herself a hair cut. Yep, all of her lovely golden curls, that took nearly 3 years to grow, are now gone. But you know what? I didn't yell and I'm OK with it. This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure statement for more information. Why I Didn't Yell When My Child Gave Herself A Hair Cut I remember once when I was 9 … [Read more...] about Why I Didn’t Yell When My Child Gave Herself A Hair Cut
Helping Our Perfectionist Child
Perfectionism has reared its ugly head again. Not that it has ever completely left. Oh, no...but some days...weeks...months are easier than others. Helping Our Perfectionist Child Our son has been a perfectionist since he was a small child. Of all the things I could have passed on to my offspring...blue eyes, long legs, cunning wit...perfectionism and anxiety wouldn't have been on my list. As … [Read more...] about Helping Our Perfectionist Child
Are We Still Unschooling?
This past homeschool year has been fraught with ups and downs for our family. We have had other homeschoolers join us daily for adventures. We have taken college courses. We have had fun with experiments. We have read some wonderful books. We have struggled with asychronisity. We have dealt with sickness and loss of family and friends. We moved from our community to a farm, and we have … [Read more...] about Are We Still Unschooling?
How We Survived Parent & Child Summer Camp Anxiety
The thoughts of summer camp brings to mind images of children laughing, playing, and learning all while enjoying the unique experiences that only summer camp can offer. But, what if you have an asynchronous kid that struggles with anxiety? What about your own parental summer camp apprehension? This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure statement for … [Read more...] about How We Survived Parent & Child Summer Camp Anxiety
A Look Back: Our Ten Most Popular Blog Post of 2015
Wow, I can hardly believe that I started this blog a year ago. We have had so many adventures, challenges and accomplishments since January 1st. Here is a look back at our top 10 most popular blog post of 2015. 10. A Week in the Life of Unschoolers Jade showed the other toddlers what it meant to have have free artistic expression. She didn't even bother with the brushes. She went right … [Read more...] about A Look Back: Our Ten Most Popular Blog Post of 2015