“Mama, will you play on the train with me?” my daughter asked, lining up the dining chairs to form a line of seats. “Sure! Where’s my seat on the train?” I responded, thinking we were about to engage in some good, old-fashioned pretend play together. This is what childhood is supposed to be all about, right? “You can sit riiiight …
Dear Attachment Parent: How do I explain a pet’s death?
Dear Attachment Parent: Our family dog just died and I don’t know what to say to my 4 year old. How do I explain this? Losing a four-legged family member can be heartbreaking. While we are coping with our own sadness, we parents also have to figure out how to help our kids navigate sadness, possible confusion, and questions about …
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 …
Dear Attachment Parent: How do I get my kid to stay in bed?
Dear Attachment Parent: My toddler just outgrew his crib. How do I get him to stay in his room if we get a toddler bed? Being separated from your caregivers and protectors before you are old enough to fend for yourself is scary to most young children. For most of human existence, it would have been a very dangerous thing. …
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 …
Family bed inspiration: Twelve gorgeous bedrooms
Have you ever wanted to set up a family bed, but worried you couldn’t pull it off without an interior design fiasco? Do you want to take your mattress off the bed frame, but don’t want to look like you’re sleeping in a junkyard? We’ve gathered up a dozen pictures of beautiful family beds for eye candy and inspiration. 1. …
From Gigs To Grocery Shopping Alone
Remember those pre kid things you did? The things that made you feel alive and free? I used to love sifting through op shops, going to gigs, travelling, and one of my all time favourites, drinking wine and eating chocolate while my housemates and I gave one another epic long massages. And I did them all without the slightest inkling …
Where are the Kids? Bringing Play Back to the Streets
We all know that play is the work of children. If that is not already a given for you then you need to read THIS. And THIS. And watch THIS. And the many, many more studies and articles that point out the importance of play for kids and why we are causing serious damage by not giving them the time …
Celebrating Autumn: A New Season is Here
Autumn arrives today in North America; the Autumnal Equinox. Leaves are changing, temperatures changing, daylight and darkness are changing. So much change happening. I love it! I love the briskness of the air, at least here in the Pacific Northwest, the bright leaves, the mix of rain and Sun, the smell of nature wafting through the atmosphere. With these changes, …
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 …
