LIVING! Life with Kids
My family spends a lot of time on “screens”. In fact, we have unlimited screen time. I suspect we spend less (or not more than) most American families on screens, but I bet we spend far less time engaged in Continue reading Unlimited Screen Time and Gaming: What if We Love Our Kids For Who They Are?
Before my kids were school aged we opted out of school entirely. That’s right; my kids don’t go to school. They have never gone to school. As someone who has spent 12 + years in traditional schooling, then studied to Continue reading My Kids Don’t Go To School: 5 Reasons Why (Hint: They Are All So We Could Opt Into Learning)
When people find out we do not pretend Santa is real we hear that we have robbed our children of the magic of Christmas. Words like “joy” and “wonder” are offered as additional experiences we have intentionally removed from our Continue reading Santa and The Elf Team Up: Are Our Kids Really Experiencing Joy and Wonder this Christmas?
When we first moved to Denver I was looking out a window at the Denver Children’s Museum. It was a beautiful Spring day and I could see so much. It struck me that we live in a unique place when Continue reading Denver’s Elitch Garden’s Fright Fest: Fun for the Whole Family
It seems we have a misunderstanding. We have come to accept complaining about kids as a necessity of motherhood. We have been so wronged in our role as mother that it requires large amounts of bitching and wine to even Continue reading Complaining About Kids: Necessary Venting or Time for Change?
When we talk openly about treating children like people and share that we do not punish, force sleep, require everyone at a family dinner table, have chores, or otherwise treat our children like second class citizens we inevitably hear “respectful parenting would Continue reading Respectful Parenting Would Never Work With My Kid: Are you Sure?
We do not punish our kids. Ever. My 7.5 year old has never had a time-out, favorite toy withheld, or had to do chores to earn back things that she loves. My soon to be 10 year old has not Continue reading I Do Not Punish My Kids. Ever. What Does That Look Like?
In theory, we all agree that children should be loved unconditionally and accepted for who they are. They should not reconfigure themselves so that they can receive the full love and affection of their parents. By being born our children, they should have Continue reading Unconditional Love: Are Our Children Getting It?
I go to bed at night excited because I get to wake up the next morning and spend the day with my kids. Every. Day. It has not always been this way, but it has been for the last few Continue reading I Like My Kids: I Have Never Cared About Being In Fashion Anyway
Forcing kids to say I’m sorry does not add up. We can not make kids regret something. We cannot force them to internalize that they hurt somebody. We can ask questions that help develop empathy. We can help them see things Continue reading Does Forcing Kids to Say I’m Sorry Make Sense?
Recently, I’ve been working on being a grown-up. I have stopped acting like real life will start next week or next month and realized that this is it. It is happening now. This has led to more thought, intention, responsibility, Continue reading How I am Learning to Keep My Cool When My Child is Melting Down
I was almost 40 before I knew living by design was an option. Now that I know, my family is moving toward it. Our family is at a crossroads. We have been living in Denver for a couple of years. We Continue reading Moving Away From Family: My Family’s Journey Toward Living By Design
First let me be clear; when it comes to “what is unschooling?” there is no quick start. These guides are a collection of topical articles I initially put together for my husband. He is not a big reader. He appreciates Continue reading Quick Start Guide: What is Unschooling?
I captured this moment so I would remember. The size of her hands. The too small PJs that are still her favorite. The morning sun streaming through our window onto her workspace. That she loves for me to sit with Continue reading I Am Learning that Motherhood is Neither Mundane Nor Inequitable
Do you ever have people in your Facebook feed (or even real life) who claim that the people who only post positive things are pretending their life is perfect? This has baffled me for years. I could not wrap my Continue reading Keep Posting the Good on Facebook: Their Negativity Has Nothing to Do With You
