Perspectives in Parenting

"It's the thought that counts." We have all heard that saying, but did you ever consider that maybe our society THINKS too much and doesn't actually ACT? So often we think we support each other; however, so few put their support into action. Acting out support for each other in this (frequently negative) world is a wonderful way to make a difference not only in the lives of others, but also in your own life. It is so easy to become focused on the daily happenings in your own life that it's easy to lose a sense of camaraderie and community. Doing a good deed just does something for your soul that is inexplicable. Honestly, I love the way my heart...

Several times in my new motherhood, I have found myself telling someone, “This is, like, a thing now.” For pretty much any parenting decision you make these days, there is a corresponding label for it. And a few piles of books written on it, detailing why it is the best thing in the world. Natural childbirth, attachment parenting, unschooling, free range parenting, authoritarian parenting, cry it out, baby-led weaning. When Sam turned six months, I dutifully introduced solids – with my shiny new immersion blender and silicone ice cube trays (BPA free, of course), ready to puree all the things. Yeah, he would not have it. For a month, I fought with Sam, trying to get him to eat these...

I have a pretty physically intensive job. There are days where I don't stop from the moment I get there to the minute I leave. Between cleaning the gym, picking up behind big lugs who leave their weights laying around, & climbing on equipment to fix it, I can usually count a day's work as an extra work out. I should add that I'm also fiercely independent (read: headstrong and stubborn), and like to do things myself, thankyouverymuch. But when lower back and sciatic pain kicked in insanely early on in my pregnancy (like 12 weeks pregnant early) many of the normal things I did during my day became nearly impossible. And I was pissed. I was completely unprepared for...

Dear Teachers- Thank you for choosing this life path. This career is underappreciated in many ways. Please know that I appreciate, respect and admire your dedication to the future of our world. I hope to say at the end of this year that we were so lucky to have you as a teacher. As you work and nurture my child this year, I hope that you are not stressed by the standards that are expected of you. I hope that you do not stress over the day to day workings of your classroom. I hope that you are supported by your principal and other teachers so that you are comfortable and confident while standing at the front of the class. That...

Pumping at work. It’s a pain. A gift. A lot of parts to wash. Monotonous at the least. Sometimes I feel like I’m a slave to my pumping bag and schedule. And, heaven forbid I forget to put my day’s harvest into the fridge after work (like I did the other day).  Right now, I pump three times a day, roughly every three hours, and I usually get enough for three 4 oz bottles, give or take a couple of ounces. Here are some things I’ve learned about pumping at work: 1. Try to see pumping as a nice break from work rather than a daily chore.  I've come to enjoy my 15-20 minutes of pumping, three times a day, because...