Last month, in the midst of an extended heatwave, on the cusp of his turning three-and-a-half, our son Roo's behavior took a dramatic turn for the worse. For one long week in late July the quiet, sweet-natured boy we knew was replaced with a stranger...
This month, take a walk, add some pretend play, and see what new things you and yours can discover in familiar places.Our after-dinner (or, when the days get short, pre-dinner) walk around the block has been a cherished ritual and an integral part of our...
Last week, when told to wash his hands, my three-year-old son instead "washed" five brand-new rolls of toilet paper---"just to see what would happen." What happened is that we---his parents---spent the next half hour scooping the rapidly disintegrating shreds of tissue from the sink drain...
The days are long and the weather's hot! If you're headed to the library or bookstore this week in search of air-conditioning, make sure to check out these titles---they've helped our family explore the theme of "Freedom" together this month.(Click titles for more.)1. Best classic:...
Searching for a natural, casual way to explore freedom with your children this month? Try music! Our family is using these songs throughout the day---in the car, while doing chores together, at bedtime, etc.---to spark thoughtful, age-appropriate conversations on different aspects of the theme.Click on...
Let's be honest: it's easy to feel joy in June. The breeze is cool, the grass is green, and every trip to the beach or playground is a new adventure. But July and August stretch before us with their excessive heat and their boredom and...
I'm having a couple of problems.The first is that lately I have begun to crave silence during the day---periods of quiet and stillness in which to do the things I love.Which brings me to my second (not unrelated) problem: the children. This summer my house...
Dear Roo,Something terrible happened yesterday. You know that already because you saw me crying: I cried while we picked up litter in the park, while we washed and dried the dishes, while we played. I told you I was sad because a man made...
Joy. We can't define it, can't describe it---not precisely. But our bodies know.We know joy because we have shivered with it. Because we have felt it settle over us like a mist, a bit of heaven brought low. Joy is unpredictable.We know joy because it...
This week, from our family to yours, a list:FIVE REASONS TO BUILD CELEBRATIONS INTO YOUR FAMILY'S ROUTINEBecause the days are long---and the weeks are REALLY long.There are many reasons to celebrate, but the most practical and alluring one, if you're the parent or caregiver of...