Hey, Guess What?!! You Already ARE the Perfect Parent!!
April 22, 2014 by Linda
Filed under Parenting From Balance©
If you’re like me, you are your own worst critic. And there is no badge of honor in that, even though we have been brought up to believe it is so. You deserve the same “break” you are wanting your child to be given. And it has to start with you doing it for yourself, since you are their primary teacher. Ease up a little, and give yourself some validation. You deserve it!
Unconditionally Loving …. Me?
January 31, 2014 by Linda
Filed under Parenting From Balance©
Just as I was ready to shatter like the corelle-ware bowl I had shockingly smashed earlier in the day (I think of the restaurant in Japan where, at the conclusion of the meal, people summarily and passionately smash their dinnerware down a deep courtyard…
Can Emotional Intelligence Be Taught?
September 24, 2013 by Linda
Filed under Parenting From Balance©
One day last spring, James Wade sat cross-legged on the carpet and called his kindergarten class to order. Lanky and soft-spoken, Wade has a gentle charisma well suited to his role as a teacher of small children: steady, rather than exuberant. When a child performs a requested task, like closing the door after recess, he will often acknowledge the moment by murmuring, “Thank you, sweet pea,” in a mild Texas drawl….
A Typical Day at Riviera PlaySchool
September 1, 2013 by Linda
Filed under Parenting From Balance©
Riviera PlaySchool is mainly child-directed. In other words, the teachers at PlaySchool meet the children where they are. Not just physically, by getting down on the same level when we speak, but also energetically, by being in the moment, and celebrating in their successes, and joining them in the joy of creation. When any conflict occurs, it is a true learning moment, and teachers are on hand to hold space for the children to resolve their own conflicts. We try to not rush to a resolution of our adult creation. Sometimes children can take a while to sort a conflict out to a place they deem to be “fair.”. And we give them space to take the time to do that, while offering support, and helping them keep bodies and hears safe. We pay particular attention to where we are during the conflict. We stay on the sidelines. We don’t jump into the fray energetically. If we notice our speech becoming more rapid, or our voice becoming louder, then that’s a signal to us to take a step back and let them have their own emotions about the conflict at hand. It’s pretty tricky, and it keeps us more awake as people. It is an incredibly magical thing to witness a couple of small children figure out a workable solution to their volatile dilemma…and then walk away laughing together, more emotionally and socially intelligent than before
Taking a Step Back….
August 20, 2013 by Linda
Filed under Parenting From Balance©
My critical self-judgment has probably been the most difficult thing to overcome in being parent. It seems I am never enough. whew. I never do enough for my children, don’t do it well enough, don’t love them enough, I’m not patient enough with them, not energetic enough for them, not sweet enough for them. That condemning JUDGE inside me tells me in so many ways how I am simply NOT enough.
The importance of “I” Statements and Transparency
August 15, 2013 by Linda
Filed under Parenting From Balance©
Because our children came from us (physically), they perceive that we gave them life. We are incredibly powerful in their eyes…like “god” to them!
How to Make Your Child Listen and Respect You.
April 29, 2013 by Linda
Filed under Parenting From Balance©
I was thinking about a conflict the other day that involved my son and myself. I realized that ‘conflict resolution,’ per se, doesn’t truly exist when the conflict is between the two of us. And that is because I have an agenda. You see, I think I know the better way, the better tactic, the “truth,” and even before I let my son explain his thoughts and intentions, I am already formulating my response.
When you hear yourself saying “No!” “Don’t” “Stop” “Please Stop!” “Stop!!” ……
January 18, 2013 by Linda
Filed under Parenting From Balance©
When you hear yourself saying “No!” “Don’t” “Stop” “Please Stop!” “Stop!!” “No!” “No!!” No!!!”……
PlaySchool for Big Kids?
August 22, 2012 by Linda
Filed under Parenting From Balance©
Whoo-wee! PlaySchool for older kids! What will THAT look like?
Hiking, Collaborating on BIG plans, building, creating, exploring…….being free (like a kid should be….) (do you remmember those days? Wish you had them back? Why not provide that for Your child?)
Kindergarten through 2nd grade welcome!
What About Those Boys?
July 25, 2012 by Linda
Filed under Parenting From Balance©
Boys are 6 times more likely to be “misdiagnosed” with ADD or ADHD….Bonding and attachment must occur before the age of five
Roughhousing is essential for bonding
Hugging, handshaking, back slapping, punching, pinching are modes of bonding