#connected parenting

[sparrownimbus2000]

Connection

The password to my laptop is my mother’s name. Not for sentimental reasons, but because she was staying here when I was due to give birth and she needed to use my laptop, and my old password was a complicated jumble of capitals, characters and numbers. It’s been six months since she used it, but I have not changed the password back to what it was. I don’t know if I will, either. Maybe that is…

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[arcanic-mangoes]

Today my toddler open and dumped a ranch container on me. I hate ranch. She was playing with it and i kept gently redirecting her and putting it away but I was too lazy to put it on the counter so i kept just placing it on the side.

When it broke i felt angry. And I saw how she looked at me… she looked so surprised and shocked that it had burst. And i realized, I was angry at myself. I was angry that I hadnt just gotten up and put the ranch away.

So i grabbed some baby wipes and said “oops. It spilled huh? Lets clean this up together and then we can take a bath”. And she was so excited to clean. And she looked so happy and loved and safe.

I think.. those words were also something my inner child needed to hear.

[digitalbounds]

BabyBit keeps your baby connected

BabyBit keeps your baby connected

Keeping track of your baby is a daunting task, and cameras or other baby monitors are limited to one room or certain angels. This means when the child or caretakers out of the room you’re unable to know what’s happening or who’s with the baby. The BabyBit on IndieGoGo is the perfect baby monitor for the working parent.  It’s a small device that connects to everyone’s phone and tells you a range…

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[missnannyshanny]

Hovering

We often hear about how to spend more time with our kids, get off the phone, and be present.  I couldn't agree more with these ideas, but think that sometimes parents feel that means that they need to spend their entire day catering to their child's every whim.  As a nanny, I think that part of my job is to train the kids to get used to entertaining themselves.  This does not mean that I'm ignoring their needs, rather teaching them to know that there are times that the adult in their lives has tasks to complete.  I have heard from lots of friends that they don't have time to rest while their child naps because they have too much to do.  I believe it is possible to get tasks done while your child is awake.

Steps to free your time while teaching independence to your children:

1. Step back.  If he's playing with Legos and carrying on a little conversation don't butt in with ideas on how he can do it better.  Hang by the door and observe. 

2.  Make time for one on one play.  By giving undivided attention to each child individually you'll reduce the likelihood that they'll be hungry for your time all day long.

3.  Don't be afraid to say "not now".  There are household tasks that have to be accomplished on a daily basis.  You are the first teacher to show them that patience is necessary in life.  This will also help them appreciate the time you set aside for them.  

It takes time and consistency, but it is possible to make your child feel loved and attended to without sacrificing your entire day.

[tcsparenteducation-blog]

Mirror Neurons and Their Connection to Academic and Social Learning

At The Children's School, an integral part of our social curriculum is mirroring. This is a communication model that is responsive, in-the-moment, and empathic, while clarifying for better understanding.  When we are spoken to with empathy, we are more receptive to others and learning in all forms.  Mirroring is based on neurological science and refers to the mirror neurons in our brains that make connections and help us assimilate information that we use to make sense of our world, and our place in it.  

On Monday, December 9th at 10:45, I will be presenting during Toddler Parent Education time to introduce the concept of mirroring.

For additional information, check out Connected Parenting or read more. And of course, as always, your calls and emails (and drop-in visits) are welcomed!