Between the ages of 5 and 8 years old, children are immersed in imaginative play. They love dress up, and they don’t look for direction from adults in creating their characters. A birthday party for young children should take full advantage of this phase. Give the children plenty of chance to be the characters, to…Read the full article.

I adore Waldorf birthday rings. They create a beautiful family ritual that spirals back around each year as you focus on your birthday child. We have an older birthday ring in my house. After seeing all of the new birthday ring accessories at bynature.ca, I’m wondering if I can get away with connecting a couple…Read the full article.

Do you celebrate spring with your children? My kids are so excited to have the occasional gust of warm air that they are wearing shorts and short sleeves and shivering whenever the temperature goes above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. My children are ready to celebrate spring. In a few days, on March 20th, it will be…Read the full article.

Cut down on children’s birthday party expenses by finding a place to hold that party that doesn’t charge an entrance or event fee. New places may suggest fun themes and activities beyond the usual party games. Even if you do the usual games and cake, going to a new and exciting place can be an…Read the full article.

Tuesday, Mothering announced that they would no longer publish a print magazine. They will continue as a web source of information and support for natural parenting. This week we mourn the loss of the magazine that has literally helped me find direction in my life as a woman and mother. Mothering magazine has helped me…Read the full article.

If your child is going to be writing Valentine’s Day cards anyway, why not take the opportunity to teach the habit of writing thank-you notes. Valentines can become simple notes of gratitude that make sender and receiver feel good. Tips for Thank You Notes with Children Don’t use pre-printed cards. Have your child cut out…Read the full article.

Attachment parenting for my family is about listening to the needs of children and of parents and adjusting actions to needs. Needs aren’t always the same from child to child or even from day to day with the same child, so attachment parenting is for me one long improvisation. And, yet, each of us has…Read the full article.

Grocery shopping with a baby is a great way to build Daddy confidence. On Saturday my husband saw two female friends who recently had babies. Both of them had left their children at home with the fathers, very happy to have a day’s vacation. From the brief conversations he had with them, they seemed giddy.…Read the full article.

Are the holiday toys getting old yet? If you need to renew the toy box, you can lend, borrow, or trade with parents in the same situation. Create a toy trading circle to keep your child’s toys new. I don’t know how often a child needs a new toy—really NEEDS a new toy—but I found…Read the full article.

You as a parent guide your family in making their holidays more meaningful. It’s an awesome power that sets a tone for your children’s future memories. You aren’t only bringing back memories of your own holidays past, but you are helping your children build up their own store of holiday memories that they will someday…Read the full article.