Parenting ideas that fly.

In The Toilet

Today, while many prepare for the most glamorous event of the year (the Oscars), I’ve got my head in the toilet. The advice I’m reading on the web about potty training makes me want to scream!  Potty training in 3 days? One day? Tips and tricks? People, have a little respect.  Potty training is not something we do to a child, or ask the child to do to please us.  Children are human beings, not puppies to...

A Baby Ready For Kindergarten, College, and Life

A parent recently asked my advice about choosing a preschool for her son. I responded with my belief that the purpose of preschool is socialization, and that a developmental ‘learn through play’ program is best. She agreed in theory, but admitted she worries about kindergarten readiness. Will a school that does not teach academics provide enough preparation for Kindergarten?   This made me think — what...

Infant Play – Great Minds At Work (Captured On Video!)

I’ve observed hundreds of babies over seventeen years and am comfortable that I have some insight into their worlds, but I still feel a little awkward when I describe ‘infant play’ to others.  I sense the person thinking, “Oh yeah, right, infants playing — bring out the lacrosse sticks!” But, actually, from the time a baby is weeks, even days old, she can begin the joyful habit of inner-directed...

RIE Parenting Orientation

Magda Gerber’s parenting philosophy (the inspiration for this blog) is introduced in a monthy orientation evening at the RIE Center in Los Angeles.  This event is especially for parents considering enrollment in RIE Parent/Infant Guidance Classes, but is open to anyone who would like to learn more about RIE.    The next RIE Orientation will be held Thursday, March 4, 2010, 7:00 to 8:30 PM at the RIE...

Messing With Mother Nature – A Dad’s Personal Post

Meet Mike.  He’s a dashing husband, father, and blog editor extraordinaire. I’ve put him through the wringer since beginning this website, and he’s made many heroic attempts to protect my sanity. His latest is the offer to share his thoughts while I’m working on mine. Mike is responding to a question from Andrea in my Comments section regarding the post Don’t Stand Me Up!, where I encourage allowing...

Attachment Parenting Debate (For Crying Out Loud!)

The other day I made a comment that led to an animated online discussion with a blogger (Annie) who writes about Attachment Parenting. Attachment Parenting is a movement founded by William Sears, M.D.  He recommends maintaining close physical contact with a baby 24 hours a day for the sake of bonding.  Parents are encouraged to keep the baby next to them at all times in their arms or in a baby carrier, to...

Men Will Be Boys (A Valentine)

When women get together to talk, the subject inevitably turns to men. Before long the complaints begin, and the recurring theme is “men are such boys!” Do men truly stay boys while women mature?  Are men, with their tougher exteriors, protecting an ultra-tender, childlike vulnerability?  Or, maybe the little boy is what women want to see — he is easier, less complicated to connect with and embrace. We...

A Hovering Parent’s Successful Landing

Hovering parents are taking a beating in the media these days. In an avalanche of recent articles, they are shamed, scolded and mocked for hyper-involvement in their children’s lives. ‘Experts’ are coming out of the woodwork with smug superiority, issuing dire warnings about the anxious, insecure children hovering parents are raising. We’re getting an earful about the problems, but zilch in the way of...