My daughter is three-and-a-half and going to a certified home-based childcare provider with six other kids, twice a week. We’re early for a change, dropping her off at ’school’ today. Our early arrival afforded me one of those rare moments to pick the brain of a woman who is knowledgable and thoughtful about children. I respect her opinions and manners a lot and am so grateful she is in our lives.
So one of my daughter’s closer friends arrives and wants to strip down to his t-shirt immediately. Then I add, “She would strip down naked if given the chance.” Then I think to myself, ‘If left hanging, this could be awkward.’ Then my daughter’s caregiver says, “They have amazing metabolisms those little guys.” That made me …

I like the idea that I am just a small blip on the evolutionary path of the human race. I don’t have to figure out our ever-changing world, and my place in it to know what to do as a parent. If change is inevitable, I see my job in the human continuum as helping to ensure we are shifting or evolving in a positive direction. The challenge is to identify the difference between evolved change, and change for the sake of itself.
Our children have the ability to live more fulfilling lives than simply being an animal of the stock-market food chain. But I often feel at a crossroad when faced with big parenting decisions. Parents that have the ability to marry the good of …

Swinging isn’t just a fun and interactive parent and child outdoor activity. It has a number of other less obvious benefits for child development that you may not think about.
1) Eye development
The development of changing the depth of focus has already started at 6 months and is basically completed during the baby’s second year. Swinging is one of the most excellent ways of helping to develop this ability and exercise it as the baby is moving back and forth constantly changing the depth of focus. (This is a period when watching TV should be at the absolute minimum, preferably not at all.) So don’t wait to long before you start your baby swinging.
2) Balance
Eyes and ears are major organs when it comes to balance. When …

If your kids aren’t sleeping, then neither are you.  Parents often try to make their kids conform to their schedules based on work and other obligations, but children need consistency.  Parents must also first commit to being willing to change behaviour.  Tired kids are whiny, cranky, stubborn,  and not healthy. Tired parents can become irritable and resentful towards their families.
Root Issue
There are a large scope of child health and development issues which are rooted in poor sleep.  Babies under 9 months biologically are not aware of the light/dark cycle, and have their own independant sleep rhythms. Kids under the age of 3 years old generally require at least 1 nap a day.  They will be more alert during the day, learn better and generally be …

With the recent outbreak of swine flu across the world, parents are rushing to find ways to protect their children.  Doctors, naturopaths and others all recommend a “back to basics” approach to reducing the risk of contracting this virus.  This approach essentially consists of diligently implementing an ongoing regime of good personal hygiene.  This includes encouraging your child to wash their hands regularly, cover their mouth when they cough, and staying at home during times of illness. Before parents rush to a vaccine, however, they need to know the risks.
Root Concept:
Currently, there is no human vaccine for swine flu.  The current influenza vaccines available in Canada and the US may or may not be effective.  Current child influenza vaccines, however, do contain some dangerous ingredients. …