Here are seven recently published children's books that have depth and character. Several teach us about self-worth, perfectionism and listening to ourselves. Others expand our horizons to include diverse US families and other countries. They are all books that you'll enjoy reading as much as your child does. We're All Works of Art By Mark Sperring Illustrated by Rose … [Read more...] about 7 Meaningful New Children’s Books
Homeopathy Is Safe and Effective
When I was a young mom with four children, I was always looking for ways to relieve their discomfort when they were sick. I wasn’t interested in suppressing their minor illnesses because I know that illness has value and fighting it off helps to mature a child's immune system. Instead, I was looking for soothers and immune boosters. Herbal teas and tinctures helped. E … [Read more...] about Homeopathy Is Safe and Effective
Reconstruct Toxic Masculinity: Go Off Script
Research on boys, men, and masculinity has flourished over the last two decades and has documented a host of negative outcomes for those who adhere to the traditional Western masculinity norms. Dr. Ronald F. Levant is one of the world’s leading authorities on the psychology of men and masculinity. Through his pioneering research, he identified seven prescriptive norms and st … [Read more...] about Reconstruct Toxic Masculinity: Go Off Script
Why Science Matters for Children
You wake up to the alarm clock on your smartphone. You press a remote control that turns on the television. You fall out of bed and review your email while pulling up a favorite tune on your desktop. You amble to the kitchen where you pour a cup from your automatic coffeemaker and pop some vitamins to keep yourself healthy. All the luxuries we have gotten used to—the fridge, … [Read more...] about Why Science Matters for Children
US Family Policy and The Family Fun Pack
As the 2020 election gets closer, we will be hearing more about family policy, particularly affordable childcare and paid family leave. Family policy continues to be controversial in the United States even though every other industrialized country offers generous financial supports to families. Only 9% of the federal budget is spent on children in the US and that share is … [Read more...] about US Family Policy and The Family Fun Pack
Five Tips for an Earth-Friendly Easter
Wait! Before buying harsh, chemical egg dyes, and plastic eggs and grass, remember that Easter and Earth Day are just a few days apart. There are easy ways your family can celebrate this glorious season and still be good to Mother Earth. It can be as simple as raiding your crafting nook and spice drawer, and reading the ingredient labels on your Easter treats. For example, if … [Read more...] about Five Tips for an Earth-Friendly Easter
How A Doula Improves Birth Outcomes
The word doula is derived from ancient Greece, and it means “woman caregiver of another woman.” In modern times, Dana Raphael first used the term in her book The Tender Gift to mean someone who supports a breastfeeding mother. Today, the word doula signifies a woman, hired by the expectant mother and her partner, to “mother the mother.” Specifically, a doula is a trained prof … [Read more...] about How A Doula Improves Birth Outcomes
Grief is a Journey, Not a Pitstop
Grief. It’s not a topic most people like to talk about or know how to experience themselves. If you have experienced grief—the profound loss of a loved one, the living grief of divorce, or living with a terminal illness— to name a few, you’re likely being transported to those moments while reading this. If you have not experienced this kind of grieving yet, be grateful and hold … [Read more...] about Grief is a Journey, Not a Pitstop
Happiness is a Skill
March 20th is the International Day of Happiness, a day to focus on what we have in common, rather than what divides us. On March 20th, the organization will publish their World Happiness Report. I learned a lot about happiness by watching the documentary, Happy, and I felt happy after watching it. In a world that values personal accomplishment over personal fulfillment, i … [Read more...] about Happiness is a Skill
Vaccines and Informed Consent
Informed Consent is an ethical and legal doctrine that has developed over the last century in tandem with the growth of participatory medicine and all 50 states have legislation that delineates the required standards for informed consent. Informed consent means that a patient must receive enough information to make a reasonable decision regarding treatment. In order for … [Read more...] about Vaccines and Informed Consent