Celebrating with Children

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Today is Halloween, which means we are still in the midst of my favorite season… autumn. However,  when I walked into my local Fred Meyer the other day I  was stunned to discover racks of holiday decorations and tinsel and lights. At my house we’re still harvesting tomatoes and raking leaves. December celebrations are distant on the horizon. But not for the mega-corporations intent on capturing our hearts and our dollars.

Always a season ahead, advertisers welcome the approach of the winter holidays with a vigorous attempt to capitalize on our desire to create memorable family rituals. While a central premise of marketing is that buying things will make us happy (not!),  a study of materialistic values among children determined that kids who have the most in a material sense tend to be the least generous, the least content, and less confident  (From Natural Life Magazine, March/April 2008). This revelation comes as no surprise to any parent who has witnessed the tearful tantrums of a child caught up in the vicious cycle of  begging for “things” – candy, toys or the immediate object of their desire – only to discover that the joy at having acquired the thing is fleeting and empty. 

We can turn off the tube  (good first step) but we can’t control the commercialism which presses in through magazines and retail stores – and which bombards our children with images that depict values that may differ from those we want to impart.  However, as parents we can offset the manipulative power of advertising by providing our children an abundance of real, meaningful moments in which to anchor their developing values and beliefs. These kinds of moments – those spent with family and friends, sharing meaningful rituals – weave the true emotional fabric of life.

In our Montessori classrooms we find many events and occasions worthy of celebration, including the loss of a tooth; the changing of the seasons; the sprouting of a seed; the birth of a child; and the historical milestones of many cultures. We honor each of these with equal reverence and without regard for commercial hype which may surround its arrival.  We share  stories, music, and artistic expressions of many cultures and celebrations as dictated by the natural interest of the children, the cycles of the seasons, and the  values of the school community.

We connect as often as possible with nature, a shared experience through which we can explore lessons in history and culture and the ongoing story of our humanity. For the winter holidays we explore the seasonal changes in the earth as well as various cultural expressions of the time, including but never limited to celebrations of Christmas, Hanukkah, Los Posadas, Kwanzaa, Diwali, and the Winter Solstice.  Songs, stories, and pictures on our walls may reflect aspects of these cultural celebrations, all of which inspire further explorations and conversations. Some children may have personal stories, music, or a special project to share and we welcome these.

Because young children are easily overwhelmed by too much activity, we keep our celebrations simple, short and meaningful; and we maintain the regular routines and rituals to which the children are so deeply connected.

Here are a few simple suggestions to inspire meaningful moments and family traditions:

Take a brisk walk outdoors to collect objects from nature – pinecones, autumn’s last leaves, rocks and twigs – and collaborate to make a festive winter table decoration.

 

Keep a family Gratitude Journal: each day at the same time – after dinner or before bed works well – every member of the family can share one thing for which they are thankful, and another member can record them. If you have children who are old enough to write, they will delight in being the one to record these daily “gratitudes.”

 

Volunteer: discuss ways in which your family might be of service to others – preparing and delivering a meal to an elderly person; volunteering at a soup kitchen; or creating a gift box for a child in need are wonderful ideas –  and make it a yearly tradition for your family to participate in some such volunteer activity.

 

Host a cookie swap among friends and neighbors: make the baking a collaborative experience with your children, as well as the sharing of what you have made. The message: there is as much joy in giving as receiving.

Feed the birds: find a recipe for making your own bird food or bird feeder (large pinecones smeared with nut butter and rolled in birdseed make a tasty treat for birds) and hang them in a place where you can observe what happens.

Happy Haunting :)

Delila

Thoughts on Waldorf Education

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I met my friend Rosa Vela Sachs in 1988 while living in Dallas, Texas, where I spent my first year as a Montessori guide. Rosa taught Spanish in the elementary program and her youngest son, Zachary, was in my primary class. Sitting in Rosa’s cozy kitchen or on the front porch as her children played nearby, I learned something about spontaneity and joyful parenting. Rosa and her husband, Byron, once spent two years living on a sailboat where they homeschooled their children while traveling through the east coast of the US and the Bahamas. I was the lucky recipient of Rosa’s brightly illustrated letters chronicling those adventures – a travel log, of sorts – which underscored for me the importance of sharing life with our children, rather than just leading them through it. I am once again learning from Rosa, who has been a part of the Waldorf community – teaching Spanish at the Austin Waldorf School – for the past 14 years.  Choosing an educational setting for our children is no small decision, and thankfully we have some very good options.  I asked Rosa to share with me her perspective on what is special about Waldorf education, and I am delighted to share her response here:

Thoughts on Waldorf Education by Rosa Vela Sachs

waldorfIt is commonplace to observe that globalization is shrinking the world at an unprecedented rate. Technological advances accelerate the exchange of goods and ideas, bringing us all closer together — while paradoxically, these same forces accentuate our differences and reanimate long-dead conflicts. As a new order emerges from the shattered certainties of the old, the fate of our planet and that of every living creature on it have never seemed so precariously balanced. Opposing the centrifugal force of historical experience, education stands as our best and most viable resource to meet the challenge of the future.

As a Waldorf educator, I believe that this challenge of the future is being met — every day. From the development of kindergarteners’ imaginations through the story telling, to the spiritual approach taken in humanities and sciences in the high school, Waldorf curriculum is focused on one overarching goal: preparing the next generation for the world that will be their legacy. Toward that end, these time-tested methods seek to draw out of each student his or her full latent potential.

But does it work?

A recent edition of the publication, Survey of Waldorf Graduates ~ Phase Three from The Research Institute for Waldorf Education, reported that 94% of all Waldorf graduates attend college and 88% graduate from college.  More importantly, research indicated that 82% of these graduates value ethical principals and helping others in their chosen careers, and 91% practice and value life-long learning.

Success, from the Waldorf perspective, means something more than simply high academic performance, for true success in the world requires more than a slavish ambition to meet goals imposed from without. True success, as we see it, involves an inner activity in the individual, action that stems from an inner compass, and guides the human being to participate in the world in whatever way s/he can.  Our educational thrust is directed at helping our students develop individual capacities that will make this possible.

Clearly then, success is more than rote plodding down a path blazed by others. Take the experience of Canyon Darcy, from Austin, Texas. After graduating from the Austin Waldorf School in 2007, Canyon considered his options and chose the road less traveled — a road that led to Tajikistan in central Asia. He credits his Waldorf education for his openness to new experiences, and his willingness to “step out of his comfort zone”. He believes that because his Waldorf education so thoroughly addressed his imagination in his formative years, as a young adult he was able to deal with the inevitable shock of immersion in a culture alien in many respects to his own. Canyon is only one example in a sea of unique and globally-minded Waldorf students, former students, and graduates throughout the world.

Waldorf curriculum meets the development of the human being at certain stages from kindergarten through high school. It also meets the needs of the world community in the form of committed, well-educated individuals who can think and problem solve, who can feel, appreciate, and connect with other people and who can take constructive action and make things happen.  That is the goal of Waldorf education.  Thank goodness!

Helping Children Dress Themselves

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Today I got a question from a mama who is growing weary of the daily struggle with her young daughter, who insists upon wearing shorts and tee shirts to school.  Mom is concerned that her daughter won’t be warm enough, now that brisk autumn weather is upon us, but her little one is committed to making her own choices .  How can this mama allow her child the freedom to express her own clothing preferences, while also looking out for her safety and comfort?

As adults we are accustomed to juggling many options, but it’s important to remember that too many choices become overwhelming to a young child.  As parents we can ease the child’s burden of responsibility by  limiting choices to only those that are appropriate for them.  For example, once the weather changes it’s time (for the parent) to pack away shorts and tees and any other seasonally inappropriate clothing until the return of warmer weather. Any item of clothing which is not suitable for a brisk autumn day, or for school, should be removed from dressers and drawers, thus limiting the child’s choices and allowing for greater independence with fewer power struggles. To read more suggestions on this subject, Click Here.

Please post a comment to share your tips and strategies for assisting your child in dressing independently (and appropriately) – or to post a question. Your insights, experience and questions are valuable to the whole MamaWize community so please join the conversation!

Until next time,

~Delila

Contemplating the Empty Nest…

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I miss my son when he’s away, even if it’s only for a week spent at grandma’s during the summer. When he’s gone and the house is quiet I catch myself listening for the familiar sounds he makes when searching for a clean pair of socks or rummaging for a snack or fumbling for his house key.  I know how to help with these things and  it makes me feel good and purposeful having done it. I am his mama and as I’ve said time and time again, it is “my most important role in life.”

If I’m being honest, I would have to say that much of  my personal identity is wrapped up in being Elliott’s mom. I am a successful teacher, writer and business owner, and I’ve managed to integrate these professional endeavors into my role as parent.  I say integrate because, make no mistake, I am first-and-foremost a mom. Why aim for CEO when one can achieve the title of  Mama, the veritable source of love and caring?

I can see why people have loads of children. Being a mom allows me to feel valued and necessary.  The tending I provide to my child is also an ineffable offering to my self, which strengthens my identity as a care taker. Whew.  Why do parents tend to do too much for their children?  Because it feels sooooo good!

I have several friends who recently escorted children off to college and, as I drove my son to his first day of high school last week,  I suddenly felt keenly aware that we had just entered the final 4-year stretch before college and “real life.”  I wonder which is worse, the anxious contemplation of what life will be like when my son has flown the nest, or the actual transition which some parents have said is really quite liberating?  Right now I can only conjure anxiousness.

I recently read a wonderful story written by a mama I knew years ago when her children attended the Montessori school where I worked.  Click below to read Lakshmi’s story:

Empty Nest Leaves Her Feeling Uprooted

To share your story or pose a question to other mamas, click on the title of this post and then scroll to the bottom to add your comments.  I hope you’ll join the conversation!

Here’s to the joy and sadness, to the growth and risk and vulnerability of raising children; here’s to us, wize and courageous mamas!

Until next time,

Delila

Separation Anxiety: when it’s hard to say goodbye…

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Whew! Writing this post took me back to my son’s first day of Montessori school… eleven years ago. That doesn’t seem possible!  I can still feel myself fighting back tears as I mustered a bright and enthusiastic send off as my “baby” hurried off to join his new friends.That first day was relatively easy for him, but incredibly difficult for me.

Separation anxiety is no fun for parent or child, but it is a natural part of growing up.

Babies and toddlers go through an anxiety phase (usually, between 7 – 24 months) because they have not yet developed an understanding of object permanence, meaning; they don’t yet understand  that important people continue to exist even when they are out of sight.

This kind of anxiety sometimes appears again, briefly, when children start school. By this age (3 and older) the child does understand that people go away and come back again, but may need extra reassurance that familiar objects and people will reappear when the school day is done. Once trust is established – they know mama or papa will return to pick them up after school – the child can let go of anxious feelings and move into the school day with a sense of confidence.

No matter how wonderful the school and the teacher may be, the first day of school represents something new and unknown in the life of the child, and also in the life of the parent.  Therefore, the way in which parents prepare for and communicate about this big change is a critically important factor in the child’s experience.

Here are a few timely tips for easing first-day-of-school jitters:

  • Read a book to encourage your child’s questions and prepare for the experience of going to school – it’s nice to do this many times before the first day of school arrives.  Check out Sam and Gram and the First Day of School by Dianne Blomberg.
  • Make sure your child gets plenty of sleep; push bedtime back, if necessary, to assure your child awakes calm and happy and with plenty of time to dress, eat breakfast, and get out the door without feeling rushed or anxious about the time. Click for some additional tips on creating healthy bedtime rituals.
  • Involve your child in preparations for school, such as helping to pack a lunch and laying out clothing the night before, and preparing breakfast in the morning. Allowing the child to be fully involved in the process instills confidence and positive feelings about the new school experience. Click for some additional tips on dressing for independence.
  • Engage in pleasant, positive car conversations – be sure to convey your excitement and confidence in your child’s new school. And remind them that you’ll be back to pick them up, after their fun day at school.
  • Turn off your cell phone, so you can give your undivided attention to your child and facilitate a smooth transition. Same goes for pick up – when you are talking on your cell phone you are not being present for your child.
  • Once at the classroom door, share a short goodbye – a warm hug and a kiss, and a reminder that you’ll be back when school is out. Remain positive and enthusiastic, even if (especially if) your child seems reluctant. Prolonged goodbyes are difficult for the child and the parent, and do not help the transition to school. Same goes for peering through the window or lingering in the parking lot – if your child sees you doing this, it will only indicate to them that you are not comfortable and, therefore, they won’t be comfortable either.
  • If your child is having difficulty entering the classroom or is unwilling to physically separate from you (you know, like when they are wrapped around your pant leg…), allow a teacher to assist. Remember, pre-school teachers have lots of experience with just such a scenario.
  • If your child eats lunch at school, it’s really lovely to include a simple note – something like:  “Dear Elliott,   I love you.  ~Mama” This is a meaningful ritual which provides a nice touchstone to home and family while fitting in nicely with the child’s experience at school.

Most parents feel a mixture of joy and sadness as the child reaches each new level of independence. As difficult as it may seem to send your little one off to their new school for a few hours, keep in mind the reasons you chose this experience for your child.

Wize Mamas – what are some tips can you share for easing first-day-of-school anxiety, or for when those “I don’t want to go to school!” days rear their ugly heads?  Please join the conversation!

Post your comments by clicking on the title of this post (above) and then clicking in the comment box (below).

Until next time,

Delila

Are Schools Killing Creativity?

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Wize Mamas,

I just viewed a video on TED which really captured my imagination and got me thinking –  and I think you’ll see why (link below).

Sir Ken Robinson, Ph.D., challenges the way our public school systems educate our children and champions educational philosophies – such as Montessori and Waldorf – which cultivate creativity and allow children to discover their own true interests and passions.

“We have to rethink the fundamental principles on which we are educating our children..  to see our children for the hope that they are… to educate their whole being so they can face the future… and make something of it” ~Sir Ken Robinson

Click to hear Dr. Robinson’s throught-provoking talk on TED.

What can schools do to encourage creativity and creative thinking in children? Post your comments by clicking on title of this post (at the top) and then filling in the comment box (at the bottom).

Until next time,

Delila

Toilet Learning

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Today’s topic is loaded… pun intended!

Toilet learning represents a huge step in independence for the young child and a big change in routine for parents as well. The process can be undertaken at any age, but the child’s interest and readiness should determine the timing. I’ve never heard a parent report success using one of those “toilet training in a day” programs, probably because they do not take into account the child’s natural pace and overall readiness to tackle the process.

Watch for signs of early interest. Young children are naturally inclined to imitate adults and siblings – brushing teeth like papa or washing hands like mama. This is how they learn the rituals and routines of family life. When you notice your child imitating these kinds of bathroom routines is a good time to introduce the toilet sequence (pulling down pants; sitting on the toilet; wiping afterward; washing hands; flushing, etc). The sequence is easily mastered, just like any other practical life skill, when a child has the opportunity to practice and explore.

Be ready to take action when your child shows an interest, regardless of their timing. When toilet training is postponed or when the child is not allowed to become independent when their early interest dictates, the process become onerous and frustrating for both children and parents. Out of frustration, parents may turn to the use of rewards and punishments, which are rarely effective and usually draw out the process even further.

Here are some practical potty learning tips I’ve gathered over the years:

  • Choose Natural Fibers/Fabrics. Natural cotton fiber is gentlest on baby’s tender skin and allows the child to sense wetness and eventually to make the connection between the wetness they experience and the biological impulse to use the toilet. The absorbency of disposable diapers prevents toddlers from sensing when they have urinated, thus undermining the child’s natural tendency to gain independence in managing bodily functions. Disposable diapers also contain chemicals which are toxic to the baby and unfriendly to the planet.
  • Allow Exploration & Encourage Imitation. Latching the bathroom door or securing the toilet lid sends a confusing message to the child when they see other members of the family using the bathroom at will. Allow your child to see what’s going on in the bathroom, to become familiar with the toilet routine.  Children learn by watching.  If your toddler seems fascinated with playing in the water in the toilet, try gently redirecting him to a water table or basin of water for play in another room. He will soon learn that the water in the toilet has a different purpose.
  • Get some “Potty” Books. My son’s favorite (board book) was Everyone Poops by Taro Gomi. We must’ve read it a thousand times!
  • Prepare a Potty: Even if you are using a child sized potty chair rather than an insert for an adult sized toilet seat, I recommend keeping the potty in the bathroom.  Using the toilet in different rooms of the house can create confusion for the child since, in the real world, the bathroom is the only room with a toilet.
  • Dress For (potty) Success: See my previous post on dressing for independence . It’s enough of a challenge for a young child to anticipate the need to go and then get to the bathroom in time, without complicating the process by adding snaps, buttons and bows.  Keep it simple. Elastic waistbands and easy-filling clothes are the best choices for little ones learning to be independent.
  • Set up a Child-sized Changing Station: When you notice your child beginning to anticipate the biological urge to use the toilet, it’s time to set up a bathroom ‘changing station’ at their  level.  Set out a supply of cotton training pants on a low shelf in the bathroom, along with a supply of clothes or wipes, so when an accident occurs the child is able to take off the wet/soiled underwear, clean their bottom, and put on a clean pair. A hamper for soiled underpants and wet clothes/towels should be available in the same space, at the child’s level. Potty “accidents” are a logical occurrence during the process of toilet learning, the same as spilling food occurs frequently when one is learning to use a spoon. The more the child is able to manage on her own, the greater her sense of self confidence and easier the transition to complete bathroom independence. Obviously, parents should be available to fully support the process and assist with cleaning as needed.
  • Recognize Independence as Its Own Reward: Learning to use the toilet is the child’s work, not the parents. Rewards and punishment are neither necessary nor helpful. The child’s acquisition of independent life skills, self-confidence and trust in his own abilities are the real reward… which is clearly evident in the ear-to-ear grin of the child who has just completed a task independently.  “I did it myself!” is music to every Wize Mama’s ears.

Toilet training, like every other practical life skill, is learned easily when the child is ready for the next level of independence. It is a self-motivated process which proceeds based upon the child’s interest, desire for independence, and biological readiness.  One way or another, when the timing is right, everybody poops!

What potty learning strategies worked best for your family?  Please post your comments!

Until next time,

Delila

Dressing for Independence and Self Esteem

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Anyone who has parented a toddler can identify with the struggle which ensues when a well-meaning adult rushes in to “help” the child with a task they are attempting to do on their own.

Imagine this scenario: the child has pushed her head through the armhole of her favorite ‘princess’ dress, the dirty one she’s been wearing every day for the past week, and the parent is determined to get her into something more suitable for her first day of school.    In this moment the child is expressing her need for  independence, while the adult struggles to gain control of the situation and the child.  Such conflicts are intense and emotional and usually result in a sense of defeat for both child and parent.

Following are some tips for supporting your child’s need to independently  manage their clothing. With a new school year just around the corner, these simple strategies can make mornings easier and more pleasant for children and parents:

  • Store the child’s clothes in a low drawer or on a low rod, so they are easy to access.
  • Fill drawers with clothing choices that are easy for the child to manage. For example: for a three year-old, elastic waistbands and pullover shirts are good choices; buttons, snaps, belts and suspenders are not.
  • Limit Choices.  Too many options can be overwhelming for the child.  I recommend including no more than several of each item – shirt, pants, socks, etc.  The child may choose one of each item on a given day.  Make sure every item of clothing you put in the drawer and closet are acceptable to you. Then, within these limits allow the child to make their own choice of color/style. Try to let go of adult expectations – who says stripes and plaids don’t match?
  • Stock the drawer or closet with ONLY seasonally appropriate clothing. For example, shorts, tank tops and sandals should be packed away during the winter months.  This way, the child cannot make a ‘wrong’ or inappropriate  choice.
  • Avoid battles of will by storing ‘fancy’, costume, or formal clothing (anything that is not school-appropriate attire) in an entirely separate place. As the parent, it is your responsibility to decide which things are available at all times and which only come out for special occasions, or for play.
  • Allow the child the creative freedom to combine patterns and colors of their own choosing, from among the limited options you have provided.   Try to let go of your need for your child to look or dress a certain way.  Through the experience of making their own choices, the child gains confidence in their ability to manage independently and begins to develop their own personal style preferences.
  • When the child is headed for the laundry hamper to pull out the favorite (dirty) item of clothing, calmly remind them that they may choose from among the items in their drawer/closet and that the favorite dress will be available on another day.

We can’t control the child – and we shouldn’t try – but we can control the choices we offer. While it takes some time to put the above preparations in place, it’s well worth the effort.  As independence increases, so does the child’s sense of self esteem and confidence in their own abilities.

I’m smiling as I recall a few of my Montessori students whose colorful, eclectic attire revealed their independence, self-confidence, and unique fashion sense. In honor of them, today I may wear stripes and polka dots. :)

Have you got some tried and true tricks for helping children get dressed independently? Post a comment to join the conversation!

Given the right kind of  support even the youngest child can learn to manage many aspects of life independently. My next post will focus on the topic of toilet training. Stay tuned!

Until next time,

Delila

When sleep does not come easily…

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A few more thoughts on sleep…

As a general rule of thumb, well-rested children awake on their own and  in good spirits. If your child doesn’t get out of bed in the morning without a wake-up call, or awakes in an unpleasant mood,  it’s a likely sign s/he is not getting adequate rest.

Television, video games, computers, and other entertainment devices can and usually do interfere with sleep patterns.  I recommend limiting your child’s exposure to these devices,  and  avoiding them altogether during the several hours before bedtime.

Sometimes sleep eludes even the most exhausted children. When the regular evening ritual – warm bath, short story and snuggles – doesn’t cut the mustard, I have a few tried and true strategies for helping a little one settle down. These are especially useful on those evenings when excitement and anticipation can keep us awake like, for instance, the night before the first day of  school:

Massage: light, gentle massage of the tummy or feet can be very relaxing and seems to work most effectively right after a warm bath.

Warm tea or milk: for many years my son’s bedtime ritual included a lukewarm cup of chamomile tea. He would sip his tea while I read aloud.  I highly recommend this lovely ritual even if your child doesn’t have difficulty settling down. You’ll be lucky to finish the story before your little one is snoozing…

Quietude: I am a big fan of homeopathy and I find Quietude to be an effective, safe, non habit forming remedy for sleeplessness. The remedy comes in a sweet-tasting little tablet that easily dissolves in the mouth. Most larger health food stores carry Boiron homeopathic remedies. Read more about it at http://www.boironusa.com/products/name.html

It’s easy for everyone to fall out of sync with healthy sleep patterns during the summer months, and it may take a week or two of consistent bedtime rituals to get things back into a steady routine. Healthy sleep habits develop through caring consistency.

What sleepy-time strategy works well for your children? Post a comment to join the conversation!

Given the right kind of  support even the youngest child can learn to manage many aspects of life independently. My next post will focus on the topic of dressing for independence. Stay tuned!

Sweet Dreams,

Delila

The Importance of Sleep

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Hey Wize Mamas,

Have the first-day-of-school jitters hit your household yet?

As summer draws to a close, eager children and anxious parents anticipate the first day of school.  Whether your child is starting preschool or heading off to kindergarten, the transition represents an important milestone for the child and the family.

Even with a few solid years teaching experience under my belt, I was not emotionally prepared for my son’s first day at Montessori preschool. I adored the classroom environment and the teacher I had carefully chosen for him; his classroom felt like a home away from home.  Still, when the day came to leave my three year-old at the threshold of his first real experience away from me, I was devastated. I cried that morning and for many mornings after, grieving what I understood to be the first of many steps which would inevitably lead him further out into the world.

Parenthood is both joy and heartache, sometimes all at once.  It seems like just yesterday we passed that first momentous milestone and now another quickly approaches; my son is heading off to high school in a few weeks. As I was pouring over my notes in preparation for fall Parent Orientation, I realized the timeliest tips are useful at any age.

Over the next few days I’ll be sharing what I feel are the most important things a parent can do to ease the transition to (or back to) school:

Preparing for a School:  The Importance of Sleep

While the chronic effects of exhaustion are something to which many busy adults have become accustomed – hey, isn’t it about time for that mid-afternoon latte? –  fatigue seriously affects both adults and children. Fussiness, irritability, and lack of attentiveness are symptoms of fatigue.  Lack of sleep interferes with learning, affects social behavior, and creates an obstacle to success in school and life.

While most people may aim for eight hours of sleep per night, research cited in Newsweek* magazine recommended at least 10.5 hours of sleep for sixth grade children.  Younger children, experts say, need even more sleep for optimal health and development!  Research also indicates that when parents provide consistent sleep routines for the family, children are happier, more self-assured, less demanding and more sociable.  Same benefits apply to adults, of course.

Experts offer the following tips for helping children get adequate, quality sleep:

  • Set a regular time for bed each night and stick to it
  • Establish a calm bedtime routine, such as a warm bath, followed by a short story
  • Avoid big meals close to bedtime, and no caffeine within six hours of sleep
  • Make evening play relaxing; avoid television before bed
  • Create a quiet, dim, relaxing space for sleep. If necessary, use a small nightlight.

Family rituals around bedtime should be simple and calming.  A warm bath, a short story, and little snuggle are all most children need to settle down for a restful night’s sleep. The same sort of routine works wonders for grown-ups too :)

What is your favorite family ritual? Post a comment to join the conversation!

Until next time,

Delila

*Newsweek, Fall/Winter 2000