Living in Captivity by Rebekka Helford, LMFT
Parenting our children, ourselves, & humanity
This isn't just about behaviors. This is about values. If our children feel appreciated, they will come to be appreciative. If they sense that we are grateful, they will cultivate gratitude. If we can teach these values with our embodied actions, and with no small amount of kindness and humor, we are nurturing the seeds of humility, empathy, and relatedness.
There's no one right way to become diaper free, and only your daughter knows the timeframe on this one.
No book can ever make the process of welcoming a new child into your family completely seamless and free of pain. However, storytelling is a great way to help your child (and you!) navigate this monumental transition with a sense of the many feelings and possibilities that can accompany baby's arrival. Here are some children's books my family and I enjoy about this remarkable time of life.
The difference between a trauma and a difficult experience is how it ends.
What's the best option when you're solo with two kids under 2 in the "witching hour," and you and your partner disagree about turning on a little Sesame Street ?
When the babysitter seems inappropriately affectionate with the baby, what's a concerned parent to do?
When your beautiful biracial child starts making self-deprecating comments about her curly hair, what's a concerned parent to do?
I thought we were doing a pretty good job of having one of those silent passive-aggressive fights. One that was way better and less impactful on our young daughter than an all-out, down to the mat scream-fest. I was terribly, terribly wrong.
Every person has roots; celebrate yours, your spouse's, and whichever of humanity's move and inspire you. Perhaps most importantly, know why you do what you do. My dear friends, you are free to choose. Feel empowered. You can have your latkes and eat them too.
