“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” ~ William Butler Yeats
For me, this quote perfectly sums up the rewards, importance, and purpose of a profession in education, especially one in early childhood.
Category: Parenting
We Like to Move It, Move It
I’m talking about moving our whole family across the country, for the second time in just over a year. And we don’t actually love it (I’m not THAT crazy!) but I think we have become pretty good at it.
A year ago, we moved from New Jersey/NYC to Miami with three under three (big brother was barely 2 years old and the twins were 4 months old) and two fur babies. That move seems like an age ago and like a total BREEZE compared to our most recent move from Miami to Texas! (That’s right, y’all! We’re back home!)
Preschoolers: To enroll or not to enroll?
That is the question, at least for families with a stay-at-home parent. And it’s not a simple answer. Parenting hardly ever involves simple answers, beyond meeting the most basic needs. It will probably take me a few posts to say all I want to say, all that I think parents might want to know or hear, but here goes…
Profile of a Daycare and Teacher
Indulge me…
Let’s say my three year old son attends an in-home daycare.
Part 3 of Worthwhile Toys for the Early Years
Remind me next time not to make such a big list, but seriously, all 15 of these play materials are worth the money and space because they lead to some rich and deep play that spans various ages, stages, and interests. So today, I will finally share more “totally-worth-the-space-and-money” play items on my list!
It’s been a good while, so first of all, yes, we are alive!!! Continue reading Part 3 of Worthwhile Toys for the Early Years
Rain, God, and Crocodiles
It was raining as we left our favorite museum. I had already postponed our departure once, hoping it would slow down. But after an extra half hour of play, the rain was proving stubborn, and the babies were extremely ready for a nap. Big boy begged to stay, but I could tell he was getting tired too. Miraculously, he was happily distracted by the challenge of helping me prepare for our run through the rain.
In case you were wondering, the preparation for and subsequent rainy mad dash with three little ones may look like this: Continue reading Rain, God, and Crocodiles
Breastfeeding Tears (And my IWD Revelation)
I initially wrote this post on March 8, 2018 on International Woman’s Day. I highly suggest reading a bit of the history of this day, as chronicled from the United Nations, here. It is a day to protest, march, rally, join together, celebrate, pay tribute, remember, and look forward. On this specific date, I reflected on all of this, on the current political and social climate for women, on the future I hope to shape for my daughter, and if I am doing my part as a woman. Yet, I ended the day reflecting mostly on my breastfeeding journey. Here’s why, and where it led me.
Disclaimer: I feel like I have to apologize for my breastfeeding photo, but then I catch myself, wondering “But, why?” and deciding “Isn’t that part of the point?” Breastfeeding is natural, beautiful, and not sexual. I am woman, hear me roar!
Continue reading Breastfeeding Tears (And my IWD Revelation)
Part 2 of Worthwhile Toys for the Early Years
I shared the first part of this list 15 Worthwhile Toys for the Early Years a few weeks back, because the toy industry, children’s movies/TV and related products, Pottery Barn Kids, Target (both of which I LOVE!), educational products, etc. can be SO damn cute and manipulative, much like our little ones… and then bam! Or “CRUNCH!” Or “OW!” You’ve stepped on one of thousands of toys or supplies… no matter how much your munchkins actually help put them all away.
Continue reading Part 2 of Worthwhile Toys for the Early Years
The Controversy of Dr. Seuss
March 2nd was Dr. Seuss’ 114th birthday celebration. My social media feeds were a confusing mix of people lovingly and excitedly celebrating Seuss-day, aka Read Across America day, and others voicing an anti-Seuss movement, which stems from the opinion that Dr. Seuss’ works are steeped with racism and stereotypes.
No More Silence: My Thoughts on School Safety
My most recent gig in public ed was supervising and coaching other Early Childhood Educators to ensure the highest program quality, which we measure by our ability to build a strong foundation for future success in life, school, and the community. Ultimately this encompasses the whole child and ranges from social emotional, cognitive, language, literacy, and physical development, and also mathematical thinking, scientific inquiry, and so on… the job is a big one. But, our number one duty everyday is to keep children safe. Safety has to be first, so that they can learn, grow, thrive, and develop.
Continue reading No More Silence: My Thoughts on School Safety