The more independent my preschooler becomes, the more I actively try to step out of his way and let him spread his wings. He has a naturally cautious temperament and is not one to dive into new situations. This summer,
Everything is Washable
Travelling with Littles: Fostering Independence
We’ve recently returned from our first major trip with our kids, and now that we’re home, I can safely call it a success. There is plenty of advice out there on how to entertain your kids on an airplane. Some
Independence Day
Happy 4th of July! I hope you and your children are spending some time running free today! My husband and I recently took our boys to Olympic National Park, and I had the immense joy of watching them play outside
If You Don’t Have It, Make It: Woodshop Edition
While we are a far cry from homesteaders, we would like to instill in our children some sense of self-reliance. Rather than run out to the store and buy every little thing, if it’s at all possible for us to
Is Your Home Schooled Kid a Nerd?
Good. Maybe when he grows up, he’ll have a job instead of sitting in your basement eating bonbons and playing Xbox. Keep up the good work!! In all seriousness, I have taught for twelve years and had countless conversations with
How To Survive Having a Toddler
So you woke up one morning to realize your adorable, cuddly little bundle of an infant had been replaced by a raging tornado of chaos? Congratulations. You now have a toddler. Don’t panic. I am on my second toddler now,
Fair Play
I was playing backgammon (or tavloo, as the Armenians call it) with my three-year-old last night. This game is excellent practice for math skills like counting pips, number sense (reading a group of dots on a die without counting them),
Follow the Child
Just yesterday I wrote that I wasn’t sure if my three-year-old was ready to try handwriting yet this summer. He’s been loving with the Ron Paul Curriculum this summer, but mainly focusing on phonics, not handwriting. Then today he went
Summer Goals
Finally, finally, finally, summer is here! You cannot know unless you have ever taught middle school the blessed relief that Memorial Day weekend can bring. This new season brings a major shift in our day to day routine. No more
Up He Grows!
Something about three seems to making my older son grow at light speed. Since he hit his birthday in December, it’s been non-stop new skills and ever-increasing independence. This week alone, he graduated from a mattress on the floor to