Is Two Too Young For Preschool?

Dear Janet, I have a different type of question and very much value your input. Where I live there is some social pressure to start one’s child in a daycare/preschool at the age of 2. The school we selected is considered one of the best and has been around for 30 years, so I know we will be in good hands. They have a special program, routine set up that includes independent play, group play, outdoor play and a...

Baby, You Are Born To Play

I really didn’t think it would work. At a RIE Conference several years ago a friend and I were presenting a workshop on infant and toddler play and attempted an audacious experiment. We asked another friend to bring her 15 month old daughter to the event, daring to hope that the baby might give a live demonstration of independent, self-directed play. At least fifty pairs of eyes were on baby Tess as she sat in her...

Safe At Home (Guest Post by Loren Chadima)

Loren, her husband and son are participants in my RIE parenting class, and have become my friends. They had a tragic experience with their beloved first son Chase.  Loren courageously volunteered to share her story in the hope that it would help others, even though reliving these events has been extraordinarily difficult for her…   In her book, Dear Parent – Caring For Infant With Respect, Magda Gerber...

Swept Up Imagining (A Play Object Lesson)

I know… it’s ugly. But like almost any object babies encounter, they find this mini sweeper and dustpan an intriguing tool for creative play. It is an example of the simple objects we use as ‘toys’ in our parent/toddler classes and recommend for children who are past the put-everything-in-my-mouth stage. The beauty is that it can be used creatively in multiple ways. Sometimes children use the brush as...

Empowering Our Babies With Rituals

Bore that I am, I do the exact same thing every morning. Up before my family, I turn on the tea kettle and walk to the street with Dulce (our Ridgeback- Pitbull-whatever rescue dog) to collect the LA Times. (Yes, I still read hard copy sometimes.) Then I make a smoothie with vitamin powder, soy milk and frozen fruit while I steep green tea. Alternate sips of hot tea and cold smoothie miraculously transform the...

Sibling Struggles

Hi Janet, I am very fortunate to have been introduced to RIE, as my children’s childcare providers shifted to a RIE based program.  We have been very happy and impressed with this shift, and we are trying to incorporate much of the RIE philosophy into our own parenting.  I found it very helpful to read Magda Gerber’s books to get examples, and see scenarios to help guide my interactions.  I would love a...

Dump This Ad

Am I the last person in the world to see this Huggies commercial?  I like a good laugh as much as the next guy.  But unlike the vast majority of commenters on YouTube, Time Magazine and Parent Dish who found it hilarious and cute, it made me uneasy.  Then queasy. Then angry.  And it’s not just the disturbing fact that a toddler is portrayed as a hunky, sexy little adult.  It’s the way...

New Community Section (RIE Support In A City Near You!)

I am sooo excited to announce this new addition to my blog. (Yes, a baby of sorts!)  Since I began this blog almost one year ago, I have had the pleasure of communicating with some wonderful parents from all over the world – from Mexico to India to Australia to Texas to Thailand, and everywhere in between.  You’ve been intrigued by some of the methods recommended by Magda Gerber. Many of you practice...