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Attachment Theory: An Introduction
Have you heard that old advice: "It doesn't really matter, a baby won't remember that anyway"? It's ok, the baby won't remember being separated from you after birth. Don't fret, a baby won't remember crying alone in the crib for an hour or two. Don't worry, the baby won't remember that you left for that weekend getaway. Well, research has shown that while the baby may not consciously remember those moments of separation, they will affect her. How we interact with our newborns does matter, and, in fact, it matters a great deal.
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Attachment Parenting: How We Got There
These are some things I believed about myself and my children before I became a mom: I would breastfeed on a schedule, for my children needed to adhere to my routines and schedule. My children would sleep in our room for a short time, then sleep in their own room, and we would sleep-train them to sleep through the night. My children would never be allowed in on our bed, for our bed was sacred. I would discipline my children firmly and physically when needed. Then, I became a mom. My children were breastfed on demand their first year of life and well beyond. My children slept in our…
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An Open Love Letter to Our Village
To the people that love our family: It’s common knowledge that it takes a village to raise children, and, undoubtedly, you are part of ours. Family and friends, church and neighbors, mentors and mentees, you have come alongside of us on this journey of raising our children, and we want to thank you. Some of you are in a similar stage of life as us. You, too, are chasing around your little ones. You are empathetic to the craziness, joy, and exhaustion of child-rearing. You understand. Thank you for being our confidants. Thank you for raising your children alongside of us, for embracing the messy side…
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40 Things to do Outside with your Kids this Winter
I will be the first to confess that winter is not my favorite season. I don’t love the cold. Because of this, I am privy to staying indoors. But this year, I felt convicted to spend time outside with my kids daily, even if for a little bit. I have found the benefits to be amazing, and have actually learned to love being out in winter weather. Perhaps you, too, are sensing that you and your kids need to get outside more. If so, here are forty ideas to get you going. Some are easy and require no effort. Others may take a little planning or snowy weather. In…
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Being Outside in January: How Braving the Cold has Benefited our Family
Each year, I dread winter. Especially January. I know what January holds: cold days, long nights, and little to be desired. Anxiety, which, for me, stems out of fear of illness and feeling trapped, simmers endlessly on the back-burner of my mind. My children, who are blessed with energy I will never have, seem to bounce off the walls; the same walls that seem to be closing in on me in the heart of winter. Traditionally, I suffer through the month, feeling a bit relieved when February comes around, even though it’s not much better. But this past January was entirely different. I have a pretty good idea as…
