watchful parenting

[JanetF]

This is one of my favourite articles from recent times. It really helped me continue on my parenting journey in a way that works well for our family and son :D I hope it's enjoyable for you too!

http://www.mothering.com/articles/body_soul/inspiration/patient_parenting.html

[Nickster]

What a wonderful article - very grounding.

[DustyPeach]

Thank you for sharing well worth the read. ;)

[Malin]

Thank you Janet F!

It was a nice article!

Cheers Malin

[Funkychicken]

When I read these sorts of articles, all seems right in the world. It reinforces for myself and my husband that Yes, we are doing the right things by our children. Sometimes out there in the world I am confronted by "they" who seem to think they know what is best for us-although in theory I understand it is just their opinion, not fact, it can become wearing and I must admit to twinges of doubt occasionally. But then I also try to remember that probably all parents have doubts at times and the influence of others, be it negative or positive, can sometimes creep in. Our children attend a school where learning about ABC's and 123's comes when they are ready. Generally around the age of seven-not three as some places believe to be the right time. Along the way they are taught about how adults operate in their immediate world. Cooking, tidying, craft activities (and yes my seven year old son can knit!). Story telling is a big part of the world as is spending time observing the seasons. The BIG wide world-ie; television, news stories about disasters etc.., will come later, when their innocent selves are ready to deal with it. Their is no need for a four year old to know about bombs and terroism. What possible benefit can come of sharing these events with them. For now they are content in their world of childhood, exploring and playing and observing. And as a final note, most teachers, whatever the schooling system, will agree that regardless of when children learn to read and/or write, by grade 3-4 all children will be at the same level, so rest assured anyone who thinks their toddler is 'behind', they aren't and they won't be if they are given space to grow in early childhood without pressure form 'experts' about what they should be doing. Cheers and have fun with your babes.

[WeThree]

a very good read, thanks for the link :)

[akeeys]

Thankyou so much for linking that articile. I really needed a read like that today! Helps reinforce that I know what I'm doing with my kids is best for us.

[sasholi]

what an absolutely beautiful article.

Thank you so much for sharing it. It really makes you realise that we really need to sit back and just let our little darlings discover the world in their own time. All the toys with the bells and whistles and stimulating this and that is never a replacement for general conversation, and day to day activity with our precious children.

[cosmic]

Thanks Janet. Great article! :)