Traditions for Self-Inspiration

Lately, with the season of course, I've been thinking a lot about tradition and how in many ways we have lost their importance in both our homes and in our communities. But, in returning to self, the origin of all--How often do we as mothers and women give ourselves the gift of rituals? Wouldn't we certainly be more present for those whom we love when we give to ourselves in ways that hold meaning...

It can be oh-so-hard, especially as a single parent, but in the time that my son is with is father, I'm am trying and searching to create nurturing rituals for myself. I am quite visual in my process, so when I came across this blog entry via a blogger who also liked Veronica Varlow's post, I was quite taken.

{via}

I love to see what I am cultivating. I love dream boards and books. And I love this idea of quite literally surrounding yourself by those who inspire you!

*and for some nerdy information on the significance of 7 calendar days

Choices in Daycare and Preschool

It can be difficult to make empowered decisions when we aren't aware of the expanse of our choices; And there are always always choices outside the ones served to us.

This very much goes for the art of parenting.

In researching early-childhood development and in watching videos such as in the post below or watching how my young son and his peers interact with one another and their environment at Waldorf school, I have found a refreshing and intense contrast to the typical daycare or preschool.

A Waldorf classroom (such as pictured below) is actually very similar from school to school, following specific parameters to both maximize learning and emotional comfort of children.

In contrast the typical American daycare or preschool is quite a scene!

Out of curiosity, I and my 20-month old son toured several local options that came highly recommended.
By the time, we eased ourselves out the door of one of them, based out of a local, church, I looked at him and asked "Sooo, What did you think?" We both shook our heads and said "No".
No need to get on that wait-list.

Here's what was noted:

-The front was door unlocked.
-As I entered several children were in the corridor, unaccompanied by an adult.
-The teachers looked like 20-somethings, unhappy and frazzled, probably taking the job simply because it was available (I prefer the grandmas, with extensive training, and an obvious love of children).
-Bright primary colors, and walls covered in chaos (which one might consider cute or normal).
-One child who was obviously very sick with a runny nose and a horse cough.
*And this is the biggie that concerned me the most; the children seemed to be running around to and fro, hardly engaged in one activity, looking somewhat frazzled.
                                       ---My overall impression--- overstimulating!!---

In contrast to the video below at an RIE-directed preschool and at my son's Waldorf class, the children are fairly quiet and focused on the task or toy at hand. And the primary difference I note is the expressions on their faces--they are safe, comfortable, at ease--which are great states to be in, in receptivity to learning. Why? Because their environment was created to sooth and not to overstimulate them.

There are many factors at hand (tv, diet, environmental toxins, vaccines, distressed homes), but I imagine to some degree this typical first introduction to a school setting has some degree of correlation with the increasing rise in ADHD.

Always remember my fellow parents, there are other ways...