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 …
Free-Grazing Kids: A Way To Do Food
What is free-grazing, you ask? It means that you don’t have any artificial restrictions on food in your house. Examples of restrictions include a set schedule of eating times, or only allowing certain foods at certain times. Or only allowing X to be eaten after Y was eaten first. We mostly follow a free-grazing lifestyle because I have an extremely picky and …
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: 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. …
9 Things Kids Need to Know Before Leaving Home
About 11 years ago, I left behind my “required” education of high school and went out into the world. I left the nest. I no longer lived with a parent. I no longer had someone that woke me up before I needed to go to school in the morning. I no longer had someone reminding me that I had bills …
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. …
How to Parent Without Punishment
Many of us grew up in households where the word of a parent was law… or else. We were expected to do what we were told, when we were told, and without complaining. Many heard the familiar words of “get over it” and “life’s not fair” when they did air their grievances about the way they were treated. When we …
Dear Attachment Parent: How do I wean?
Dear Attachment Parent: My baby is almost 18 months old. I never thought I’d be breastfeeding a toddler, but my child is so attached to it. How do I wean?? Many moms today feel pressured to wean their children before either party is ready because of pressure from a society that doesn’t support breastfeeding. They may be too embarrassed to nurse …
Are swimming lessons necessary? An unschooling perspective
Living in Central Texas, getting out to water is a necessity for surviving 4 or 5 months of heat. Fortunately, we have a variety of amazing swimming holes here in the Austin area. That also means there is a lot of pressure to learn to swim early. There are baby swim classes for kids as young as 2 months old. …
