Gradually, I was discovering what was important. And bit by bit, I rejected anything that led us away from that close and happy relationship that I knew was the most valuable thing in the world. – Sue Elvis, Curious Unschoolers, …
Respectful parenting : Healing the hurts from our own childhood
Healing the hurts from our childhood can be a messy business. So many feelings. But it’s okay to feel what we feel. It’s what we do with those feelings that matters. It’s okay to feel sad. To wonder why, why …
What to do if you’re worried about ‘screentime’
Fears about ‘screentime’ and how it might be affecting our children now and in the long term, are everywhere. From concerns about whether they’re getting enough fresh air, exercise and physical contact with others, to the damage it might be …
What worries me about Fortnite (and 9 reasons not to limit children’s ‘screentime’)
My children play Fortnite. Or at least, they’ve all tried it. They mostly take it or leave it, except for one. My 14 year old son, he’s definitely a Fortnite fan. Fortnite has been hugely popular over the last …
The funny ideas people have about parenting…
“She’s so polite, I bet her parents are super strict” – my daughters boss when he discovered she was home-educated. And he wasn’t the first to think so. On at least one other occasion and maybe more, people have assumed …
9 Sandra Dodd quotes on parenting that rocked my world
A collection of quotes by Sandra Dodd on parenting peacefully and living respectfully with our children. If you want to measure, measure generously. If you want to give, give generously. If you want to unschool, or be a mindful parent, …
My journey to taking a kinder path
In which I attempt to explain a little about how I discovered the delights of gentle parenting, natural learning and intentional living, and why I write this blog. Enjoy … x When I had my first baby, almost 21 years …
5 ways to be a kinder parent.
We all want to be kinder parents. For our children to feel loved, cherished and respected. To know that we value them as the wonderfully unique and beautiful people they are. But how can we make that happen? Or at …
Enjoying Christmas without being good for Santa.
There’s so much to love about Christmas. The efforts we make to spend time with those we love and check in with those we’ve not seen for a while. Shining lights brighten short winter days, while familiar festive favourites round …
Why I never tell my children off (or at least, I try not to…)
It’s rude and disrespectful. It’s not a nice way to speak to anyone. It won’t help them learn how to communicate well with others. It’s not an effective way to influence their behaviour. Most importantly though, I value my relationship …