Natural Parenting

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2007-11-01T14:12:00.000-07:00

Thursday Thirteen

2007-11-01T06:29:00.000-07:00

Thirteen TV Free Activities

13 TV free activities to do with your kids
1. Go on a nature walk
2. Bake cookies
3. Play a board game (Candy Land, Operation, etc.)
4. Paint a picture together
5. Go on a bike ride
6. Color
7. Play "I Spy"
8. Go on a "bug hunt" look for lady bugs, ants, butterflies etc.
9. Do a puzzle together
10. Play with play-do or beeswax
11. Build a fort
12. Play hide and seek
13. Read

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!
1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

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THIS IS HOW THE GREEN STYLE LOOKS:

Less TV

2007-10-28T15:23:00.001-07:00

I need to down-size my 5 year olds daily TV time. The amount she watches varies from day to day so it's hard to know exactly how much TV she is actually watching a week but I know it's more than I would like for her.

So my goal is to get down to 1 hour a day. 30 minutes in the morning and one in the evening after dinner, or one movie in the evening. Eventually I would like to get down to 30 minutes a day but I need to start with baby steps ;)

Starting Monday I will be enforcing this new rule. I have lots of ideas to keep us busy this week to help the transition go a little smoother for both of us! More on the schedule later..

Thursday Thirteen

2007-10-25T12:50:00.000-07:00

Thirteen Things about WAYS TO BE GREENER

1…. 13 Things to do Everyday for the Environment

1. Use motion sensor attachments on your lights to make sure they are off when not in use.

2. Start a compost bin for kitchen scraps, grass clippings, leaves, and paper.

3. Take showers instead of baths.

4. Put an egg timer next to your shower and limit your time to only 4-5 minutes.

5. Use vinegar and baking soda to clean your house.

6. Make sure your next appliance purchase is Energy Star approved to conserve energy.

7. Use a natural liquid soap to wash your car.

8. Buy dental care products that do not contain fluoride

9. Ditch the dryer sheets and use homemade pouches of dried lavender

10. Send online greeting cards and invitations to save paper.

11. When hosting a birthday party, request donations to your local animal shelter instead of gifts.

12. Buy organic Meat, milk, eggs, fruits and veggies

13. Use glass jars, food storage containers, baby bottles, and beverage containers to reduce the amount of plastic in your home.

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!
1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

Attachment Parenting your preschool aged child

2007-10-25T12:12:00.000-07:00

Many people know what attachment parenting looks like for your babies and toddlers (co-sleeping, slinging, breastfeeding etc..), but what happens when your "little" one has long since weaned and potty trained? Here are some ways to keep the close relationship you enjoyed with your babies strong as your kids grows into the preschool age!

Physical Touch
One of the basic tenets of attachment parenting is the importance of physical closeness with your child. You kept your baby close in a sling and co-slept with him so that he could feel safe in the world. Now that your child is older, that physical touch can and should continue, in a way that feels comfortable for the both of you. That may include back rubs, sitting on your lap, bear hugs and even kisses.

Gentle Discipline
You rejected spanking and harsh discipline for your children, and this doesn't change as they get older. In fact, it may be even easier to implement natural consequences with older kids. As they mature, they have even more respect for your authority and wisdom, no matter how they may deny that to you!

In addition, the attachment you nourished with your babies will pay off in spades as they mature. Kids who feel safe not to be treated or spoken to harshly will come forward more freely when they've done something they're not proud of. Be sure not to overreact if you hear something you don't like. While kids will still make plenty of mistakes and test your limits, if you remain calm and collected, they are often willing to acknowledge "you were right Mom" in the end.

Spend Quality Time With Your Child:
Sitting on the floor and giving your child quality time can keep the bond between mother and child going strong. Give eye contact when your child talks, and be genuinely interested in what he/she is saying. This shows your child how important he/she is to you.

Respect For Their Needs
Just as you responded to your young baby's cry and your toddler's on again/off again clinginess, you will continue to show respect for your child's needs as they change and grow. Listening to your kids and trying to find the underlying cause of their behavior (or mis-behavior!) is very important as they grow and mature.

As your child grows older, their problems will become more serious and will tug at your heart with even more ferocity. You may find yourself wishing that making them feel better was as easy as it was when they were infants. While you can't make everything unpleasant go away (nor would you want to), you can be the safe harbor in their changing world.

Welcome

2007-10-25T11:09:00.000-07:00

Thanks for visiting! I am starting this blog to journal my journey to become a bit greener and live a more natural life.