When someone first envisions homeschooling, the first thought is often a family replicating the school environment at home. Lessons start promptly at 8:30am, with children working studiously around the kitchen table until a break for lunch at noon. After the lunch break, lessons continue until 2:30pm. Then the homeschool day is over. But, for a large and growing number of …
Dear Attachment Parent: Can I Get Pregnant While Breastfeeding?
Dear Attachment Parent: My first baby is still breastfeeding around the clock. We would like to have another child, but I don’t want to wean! Can I get pregnant while breastfeeding? Yes, you can absolutely get pregnant while breastfeeding. Most of us have her the tale of a couple who thought breastfeeding equals contraception and who now have two children …
Eight ways to respond to unwanted parenting advice
Having a child and taking them out into the world can sometimes feel like an invitation to have others comment on your parenting decisions. With parenting, as with any endeavor, it’s important to be open to new ideas, to listen, and reflect. At the same time, we all know that a lot of the advice offered out there isn’t coming …
Is An Achievement Mindset Hurting Our Kids?
The need to achieve — to succeed — is all around us. At my two year old’s ballet class, one mother and son were watching through the window. The boy remarked, “That teacher isn’t letting her play. That isn’t very fun.” The mother responded, “Good. She needs to learn how to do it right so that she can move up …
Dear Attachment Parent: Is my baby growing well?
Dear Attachment Parent: Help! I’m not sure my baby’s growth is on track. What should I do? Note: We are Pocketful of Pebbles are not medical doctors, so we always advise getting a professional opinion if you are concerned about your child’s health. Unfortunately, not all pediatricians are up to date with accurate information, especially when breastfeeding is involved. Our …
How to Make Paper Mache Planets
We are child-led homeschoolers. My 6 year old decided that this month he wanted to learn about outer space. So off to Pinterest I went to look for ideas to make learning about the universe exciting and interactive. My kid said that he wanted to bring the planets into our house. I started brainstorming ways to do this. We could …
Back to school? When homeschooling doubt strikes
It’s the MOST wonderful tiiiiiime of the year. Nope, it isn’t Christmas. It’s back to school season. For many families, this is the time of year that feels magical. There is excitement in the air. There are shopping trips. There is preparation. There is buzz and hope and possibility. It begins with the lure of the school supplies. You see …
Why Kids Don’t Need School to Learn Math
Let’s be honest for a minute. How many of you had a good experience with math when you went to school? I know I didn’t, and it’s really unfortunate because I think I could have loved math. I used play all sorts of counting games as a kid: counting my steps, counting coins, doing it in groups of 2, 4, …
I Let My Son Play With A Tampon
I was 14 years old. I hadn’t started my period yet. My mom and I were at an event and I noticed something fall out of her purse. I saw the man behind her look at it, then immediately look away as if sparing her. I saw that it was a little blue wrapped underwear liner, so picked it up, no …
I teach at a university and I unschool my kids
I’ve been in school almost my entire life. I started preschool shortly before turning 3. I started elementary school at age 6. I followed the standard path through middle school and high school and then went directly to college. After college I earned two Master’s degrees and then a PhD. Even after that I didn’t want to leave. I now …
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