Today I Give Thanks

November 27, 2008 By Leave a Comment

Today I give thanks for the blessings
of

My family who love and care for one
another and who truly enjoy being together, who creates together during the fun
times and the hard times

My husband Doug who cherishes who I am
and supports me totally

My son Orion who is a grounded, authentic
presence in my life and who cherishes and loves me deeply 

My daughter-in-heart Nichola who loves
sharing fun things with me, including her precious son

My grandson Sebastian who radiates joy
to me and everyone he meets and who smiles with out-stretched arms when he sees
his Grandma Connie

My mom and dad Frances and Howard who gave me so much that I might enjoy a fulfilling life.

My mother-in-law Viv who welcomed me into her home and her family from Day One and who feels more and more like my mom with every passing day

Orion and Nichola who deeply love Sebastian and who daily make choices to nurture his emotional wholeness

The opportunity to share my ideas with
parents and educators who deeply care about the emotional well-being of
children

The opportunity to make life better
for children and their families, to have children trust and love themselves and
life, to make our world a more beautiful, human-loving place

My Dear and Precious Friends who authentically love and encourage me to cherish exactly who I am

Our spectacularly beautiful Mother Earth who teems with life, sustains us and gives us much to discover and enjoy

And for an amazing, delightful life I give thanks.

 

 

 

Filed Under: Children, Fun, Grandparenting, Parenting

Innovation in Education

November 20, 2008 By Leave a Comment

School has such a strong influence in children’s lives. It can either help them flourish as
autonomous, self-reliant individuals or it can diminish who they are by
teaching them to conform and to focus on pleasing others.

Recently I had
the pleasure to meet with Percy Abram, the head of Gateway School, a
progressive K – 8 school in Santa Cruz, CA. When I arrive, the school is abuzz
with activity and enthusiasm. I am struck by the beautiful outdoor environment adjoining
the ocean. The spacious areas are filled with child-friendly climbing and play
equipment, students’ projects and a school garden anticipating the arrival of
winter.

Inside, the
walls are decorated with colorful, intriguing children’s projects. Everywhere
you look the school invites you to participate, to touch and to explore. This
is a place for children. It calls to the child in me to see what I can
discover.

A special
annual second grade project, the ofrenda, celebrates El Dia de los Muertos, the
Day of the Dead, which falls on October 30 every year, the day before Halloween. The word ofrenda
means offering in Spanish. They are also called altares or
altars, but they are not for worshiping. Ofrendas are set up
to remember and honor the memory of their ancestors.

Children
and adults from all grades contribute hand-made skeletons and photos of departed
pets, family and friends. There are sugar skulls and chili pepper lights. Below are photos.

Imagine
what it is like for a young person who attends a school like this. Their
individuality, creativity, and authentic self-expression are encouraged and
supported. A school like Gateway makes a positive contribution to a child’s
life that lasts a life time.

Imagine
what it is like for a child whose day and behavior is tightly controlled and
structured. Where there is little opportunity or encouragement for
self-expression. Where doing and thinking what you are told is required for “success.”
Where the emphasis is on grades and passing a battery of tests during the year.
The impact of this school also lasts a lifetime.

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Filed Under: Children, Education, Parenting

The Five Most Common Mistakes Parents Make

November 19, 2008 By Leave a Comment
  1. Parents talk more than they
    listen.

  1. Parents worry about the little
    stuff and neglect the important stuff.

  1. Parents say “No” too often.

  1. Parents don’t take care of
    themselves.      
  1. Parents try to manage their
    child’s behavior instead of empowering their child’s emotional wholeness and trust in herself.     
Filed Under: Children, Grandparenting, Parenting

Shark’s Tale: Great Family Fun

November 18, 2008 By Leave a Comment

A movie recommendation for those individuals and families who enjoy animation, Shark's Tale is great family fun. The music is happy with a cool beat. The colors vivid and inviting. The script interesting for young and old alike. The story sweet with the age-old reminder of the hurt and separation caused by not allowing your child to be who he is and the heart-felt joy by everyone when acceptance is found.

This movie was out a few years ago so you'll have to rent or buy it on DVD. It's worth owning.

Have Fun!!

Filed Under: Children, Fun, Movies

No Fear, No Shame

November 17, 2008 By Leave a Comment

The other
day I was taking care of my 14-month-old grandson Sebastian. We have a large
wall hanging in our living room of a beautiful group of horses looking over a
fence.

As I watched
Sebastian point to the wall hanging and loudly imitate the horses’ nickering
sound I have shared with him, I was suddenly struck by his confidence,
certainty, and feeling of safety in life. I realized he shows no signs of fear
or shame. He trusts his mommie and daddy. He trusts me. He trusts life. This explains
his boldness, his confidence, and his openness..

Trust is a
fragile quality in a child, in all of us. When we trust, we feel open to life.
Trust allows us to be fully present to the people in our life. Trust frees us
to experience our innate joy and love.

Without
meaning to, parents and educators unknowingly do and say things that damage a
child’s ability to trust. To trust himself. To trust us. To trust life.

How can you
tell when you’ve unintentionally lessened a child’s feeling of trust? Look at
her. Listen to him. They are telling you, and it is important that you listen.

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Children, Grandparenting, Parenting
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