I recommend a lot of books to parents. I read a lot of books as a parent. However, I think one of the best pieces of advice I have been given and now give regularly is, every now and then, put the book down. Read your baby instead of how to get her to sleep through the night. Watch your toddler instead of googling a 2 year-old's expected motor milestones. This can be counterintuitive because when we're new at something, we want to figure it out (most of us). However, there is a time for figuring out and there is a time for just riding it out. Often, the less "figuring out" you do, the better. Just be in it and keep moving forward.
The video below is an important reminder how important the work of parenting is. While we don't want anything to be "wrong" with our children, it is sometimes harder to realize that it is us (parents) who needs to change. Once that is realized and the support is available and accessible, you can change. It doesn't take much. But, I think it is important to always remember that what you are doing in this job of parenting really does matter. Another lighter article that addresses how to incorporate social and emotional learning at home can be found here.
I've moved from Wordpress! This blog used to be centered around parenting. While I will continue to post ideas and resources related to parenting, I will also incorporate other news and topics that connect readers to local (the "Triangle" of North Carolina) resources, research on mindfulness and the practice of it, good books to read to your children and good books to read to yourself, among other topics. There is much planting, watering and weeding ahead but it's nice to have a familiar place to land.
