Baby Table Manners (With Video)

I am continually amazed by how capable babies are. Sometimes words, however descriptive (even mine!), can’t do them justice. So, I’ve attached a video from one of my classes to this post to visually demonstrate. Please have a look — no actors were hired! I was stunned to learn years ago that once a baby is able to sit securely on his own (usually 8 to 12 months old), he can actually sit down to eat at his...

This May Hurt (Baby’s Doctor Visits)

I have had many surprises since becoming a mom. I found out that children under the age of six never walk down a hallway when they can run; that corn kernels pass through the body whole; and that boys have a testosterone-powered impulse to test the breaking point of everything, especially new toys, with predictable results. But the biggest surprise of all was the discovery that babies and toddlers can actually...

Giving Your Children the Brush-Off

It always jars me when a child is hurt — on the playground, in a soccer game, or just horsing around — and when he tearfully staggers towards his parents, he is immediately directed to “brush it off.”  His natural reaction to pain and injury is perceived as babyish, weak and unappealing, or at least inconvenient for others to see or hear. Rather, he is supposed to be tough, suck it up and ignore his...

RIE Parenting From the Beginning

Expectant parents are wise to be well-prepared (or as prepared as humanly possible) for the exciting change in their lives.  I am happy to announce that there is still availability in the next Before Baby course, a new program offered by Resources for Infant Educarers (RIE) in Los Angeles. Here’s the information. WHEN:    Mondays, January 25, February 1 and February 8, 6:30-9:00pm WHERE:  RIE Center @...

Big Bad Mama

I had a conversation with a neighbor today, a mom whom I have not spoken to for more than a few moments in passing for several years. She needed to spill some resentments she’s had towards me.  Her point-of-view did not surprise me, but it helped me connect some dots.  Since becoming a mom, many of my weaknesses have been unveiled, but I have also realized some surprising strengths.  For most of my life I have...

Babies Crying – A Parent’s ‘Bad Day’ Survival Secret

Okay, right away I admit my title may be a little misleading. I don’t really have any magic tricks to relieve a parent’s bad day.  The old standby’s like massage, cocktails, sex (preferably with someone, like a spouse), chatting with an empathetic friend, exercise, or a shopping spree can work in a pinch, but they all require either time, money or energy –sometimes all three.  Every parent experiences...

Parenting With the Right Side of the Brain

Mom was right brain, Dad was left brain. I loved them both. Thankfully, Dad took care of many of life’s important details — but my mom seemed to have all the fun. Mom was spontaneity, clutter, and disorganized joy. Her presence was magnetic and her laugh contagious. She and her four daughters always arrived late to church, and were in a mad rush to school each day. Mom made up a song that she would sing in...

RIE Parenting Orientation

Happy 2010 to my dear readers! I’ll be posting a new article tomorrow. In the meantime, if you live near the Los Angeles area and would like a wonderfully affordable way (besides my blog) to learn about the RIE parenting philosophy, please attend our next RIE Parent/Infant Guidance Class Orientation. It will be held Thursday evening, January 7, 2010, from 7:00 to 8:30 PM at the RIE Center, 6720 Melrose Avenue,...