5 Books That Changed My Parenting: Book 5

October 30, 2013 by Michele Cherie in Parenting Books, Reflections on Parenting

As a counselor to addicted, co-dependent, and emotionally exhausted people, Jeff VanVonderen recognizes the need for a grace-oriented message. While he writes for those of all religious backgrounds, his pastoral experience has given him a sobering view of how spiritual misconceptions can result in families struggling with guilt, exhaustion, and manipulation. In contrast, Families Where Grace is In Place offers hope by clarifying psychological truths and principles of grace, acceptance, and support.

Why I'm Not Teaching my Preschooler to Read (Yet)

October 26, 2013 by Michele Cherie in Reflections on Parenting

I am a bibliophile, and we treasure books in our home. I am also very goal-oriented. Yet when asked about our homeschool curriculum, I have only basic activities to list rather than workbooks or academic agendas. We read a lot of books together. We go to library storytimes weekly and play outside daily. We paint and listen to music. After all, our oldest child is only preschool-age. Here are the main reasons why I don't specifically try to teach my four-year-old daughter to read:

5 Books that Changed my Parenting: Book 4

October 23, 2013 by Michele Cherie in Parenting Books, Reflections on Parenting

If I were a child, Alfie Kohn's Unconditional Parenting is the book I would want my parents to read. I was raised in a household where rewards and punishments were meted out with love and consistency, and I have tremendous respect for my parents. But this book showed me that there is another way to parent that can also produce loving, empathetic, and responsible adults--and it doesn't require punishment, threats, bribes, or rewards.

What Does It Mean to Be an Intentional Mama?

October 13, 2013 by Michele Cherie in Reflections on Parenting

To be an intentional mama is to be balanced and purposeful--

Balanced between confidence and an open mind.

Present in the moment with your children, yet preparing for the days ahead.

Bringing joy and peace to your home in the midst of momentary messes and conflicts.

Finding delight in your husband, offering grace and support.

(Remembering that children crave family unity more than we realize.)

5 Books that Changed my Parenting: Book 3

October 11, 2013 by Michele Cherie in Parenting Books, Reflections on Parenting

You might find it surprising that one of my favorite parenting books was written by someone who is the top result of online searches using the terms "America's Worst Mom." She also has a reality show on Discovery/TLC International titled "World's Worst Mom." But Lenore Skenazy has a lovely sense of humor that pairs well with her understanding of parental behavior, and she laughingly accepts the ironic labels. (They were coined by the media after she let her nine-year-old son ride the New York subway alone.) Her ensuing book, Free-Range Kids: Giving Our Children the Freedom We Had Without Going Nuts with Worry, is a straightforward, humorous, and surprisingly informative read.

Saturday Snapshot: Beginning Violin Lessons as a Preschooler

October 06, 2013 by Michele Cherie in Reflections on Parenting, Education

My four-year-old daughter has wanted to play the violin for nearly two years now. I am a rusty pianist and my husband is an active drummer, so the violin is a different choice for our household. I think her interest in violin stems from listening to a Classical Kids Vivaldi CD many times as a toddler. She also had a wonderful experience trying out the violin last year at an Oregon Symphony Storytime with the guidance of a volunteer (video above).

Halloween Howls and A Momentary Lesson on Contentment

October 03, 2013 by Michele Cherie in Contentment, Reflections on Parenting

Yesterday my four-year-old daughter announced that she wanted a different Halloween costume--one from the printed advertisement that she'd seen at her friend's house. "Alex got a costume from the magazine, and Claire bought one from it too. I want one! There was even a Hello Kitty." I'm sure the skeptical look I gave her was disappointing, but she'd been prancing around for two weeks in the fairy costume she'd convinced me to buy at a resale event. "Honey," I told her, "You already chose a costume. We're not buying another one." Normally I'd suggest that she do some extra chores to earn the money to buy what she suddenly fancied, but I figured the catalog she'd seen probably featured costumes that cost more than either of us wanted to pay.

What A Mother of Young Children Needs to Hear Now

September 30, 2013 by Michele Cherie in Reflections on Parenting

I know you. I know your work. From the moment you rise, you respond. You take a deep breath and begin to serve and never look back. Many years ago you were a daughter, a friend, a student, independent and eager. Your steps led you to this place--your family encircled around you. You are weary but you are grateful, because this family is amazing.