I was telling my mom today that we are researching schooling options for our kids. She pointed out a good series of articles she had read in the Toronto Star. Check out the Atkinson Fellowship Series of articles, and watch for the marshmallow test.
We all want smart kids, and these articles discuss how well education systems help to reach this goal. As parents though, self-esteem is of more concern – we feel being smart is a by-product of children feeling secure physically, emotionally and otherwise. We are concerned that the public system is archaic and too stressed for resources to provide teachers with what they need to educate our children well.
Allana Mitchell writes: ”[Teachers] are having a biological influence on children that is in scale akin …

My friend said it best: “Forget about the flu or the vaccine…the freekin’ hysteria about it all is enough to kill me.”
As parents who are doing little vaccinating with our kids, no one in our family is likely to get the H1N1 vaccine. But it doesn’t mean we aren’t concerned about our children getting sick. The conversations around the poker table, with doctors and research scientists, at classes or gatherings with other families, all seem to come back to similar advice. Clean yourself… thoroughly. And don’t touch your face, let alone your mouth. I can be sure my two young children, who are orally obsessed, should remain healthy through this flu season. Here we go!
Our pro-vaccine GP, a really thoughtful and smart family acquaintance, suggested we not …

As the director of a preschool and writer for teachers and parents, Bev Bos is seen as a leader in conscious education for children. She was in town for an early childhood conference, and put aside two hours to do a presentation of her principles for growing self-aware and wiser beings. It was a whirlwind of information, games and songs but the essence was: give kids more unstructured play.
But to do so most parents, including myself, have to be willing to let kids get riskier and dirtier. I am reminded that parenting for me is often about letting go, not trying to control a situation more.
Here are Bev’s Conditions for Growing Wise:

Belonging – to family, neighbourhood and the global community.
Risk – Intellectual, emotional, physical, social …

I wish I had the knowledge and experience of raising a young boy and girl when I was younger myself.  I think it would have helped me better understand gender differences experienced later on in adult life. The natural differences in boys and girls are astounding and very distinct, especially at a young age.  We all know the stereotypes as adults: women are more emotional, better communicators and team players.  Men are more about action than words, and doing it themselves etc..  Toddlers playing with big trucks, smashing toys and wrestling with each other often contrast with girls playing with dolls, putting on pretend shows and playing tea party.  But are we teaching them to reflect our own gender preferences, or is there a natural …

My foray into any genuine spiritual experience has come through a slowly evolving yoga practice. I am 38 years old and started practising ten years ago. Initially it was all about relaxation and physical fitness. Four years in, I became friends with a woman who happened to be an instructor. I joined any classes she was teaching and have her to thank for bringing the ideas of intention, presence and awareness to the forefront for me and my personal development. These concepts help me to try to live better with myself and, therefore, others. Here are some thoughts about the role yoga has played in my parenting life.
Yoga and Pregnancy
My yoga practice as a parent began when I was pregnant with my first baby. Apparently …