The Inspirational Blogger Award

Exciting news! I have been granted The Inspirational Blogger Award by Carol And Stacy from Intentional Conscious Parenting and I am truly honoured to receive it!  

This is the first award I have been given and so this means a lot to me, being a fledgling mommy blogger. I suppose all bloggers wonder if what they write interests anyone and this sort of positive feedback definitely boosts self esteem.

I would like to pass this award on to a few bloggers I am inspired by so that they can know that they are appreciated as well.

I would like to bestow this award to Hybrid Rasta Mama for her honest and insightful posts on conscious parenting. I am inspired everyday by her personal reflections on life and motherhood and have grown as a person through her writings. One of my favourite posts is: Mindful Mothering Challenge # 1 – The Results, check it out!

I would also like to bestow this award to Mamapoekie at Authentic Parenting for her dedication to sharing so many informative links and quotes that encourage personal reflection. Her blog is a doorway to so many great parenting resources that have helped me educate myself on natural parenting and connect with other awesome bloggers out there. One of my favourite posts is: Respect The Natural Rythmn Of The Child, check it out!

Thanks to all my readers for your support and dedication! I always appreciate your personal insights on my blog and hope to keep entertaining you with my thoughts for a long while yet!

Sunday Surf March 27

I’ve got many awesome reads this week for you to enjoy! I’ve also been playing around with the format of my SS posts to make it easier to navigate, what do you think?

Hybrid Rasta Mama -Communication Breakdowns

“Communication is tough. It does not matter who you are attempting to communicate with. Human beings want to be heard, want the opportunity to express themselves, and quite frankly want to be right.”..read more.

Peaceful Parenting - Mother-Baby Separation

“Let me submit to you that the need for mother is as strong in a toddler as the need for food, and that there is no substitute for a securely attached mother. When he’s tired, hurt, or upset, he needs his mother for comfort and security.” ..read more.

Aha Parenting - Do Sticker Charts Work for Crimes of Passion?

“I'm not a big fan of sticker charts because research shows they "externalize the locus of control." To us parents, this just means that praise and rewards train children to look outside themselves for approval, instead of to their own authentic sense of what feels right.” ..read more.

A Gift Universe - Food sensitivities

“When kids have food sensitivities, they're not always able to make the connection. Sometimes they're not even aware of what's bothering them; they just feel out of sorts and act up. Or those food sensitivities can cause mental and behavioral problems that we think is "just the way they are."”..read more.

Code Name: Mama - Top 10 Ways to Avoid a Time-Out

“With a child firmly in his preschool years, I keep reading advice about how to successfully use time-outs.1 But I do not feel comfortable using isolation and control as parenting techniques. Instead, I try to turn tough parenting situations into moments of connection.”..read more.

Code Name: Mama -5 Ways to Deal with Mama Guilt

“Regardless of the source of mama guilt, it is unhealthy to remain shackled by it. Here are five ideas to help you deal with the mama guilt in your own life.”..read more.

Birthtouch - “If mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy”

“I get a lot of infant sleep questions, and there really isn't any professional training out there about this subject, so a lot of advice given out in practice is personal opinion. So, I decided to get more clear about this subject by reviewing the current infant sleep authors and hitting the research libraries to develop a balanced approach to infant sleep that serves the needs of both mother and baby.”..read more.

Analytical Armadillo - Effective breastfeeding - it's not all about the latch

“When supporting mums, lots of focus is on latch - because obviously the better the latch, often the less pain and the more effectively baby can feed; but all too often we meet a mum with a slow gaining baby who is always wanting to feed, or perhaps a mum with sore/cracked nipples sometimes resulting in a the shape of a lipstick!”..read more.

Diary of a First Child - Lactivism, Breast Feeding, Bottle Feeding, Formula And Mothers At War

“This week the rumblings have been especially bitter. Nuby ran a Facebook competition offering bottles, which caused a fuss, rightly, as it contravenes the WHO codes. They then changed the offer to a breastpump, which personally I have no problem with, but the fighting that followed on their fan page was… well… disheartening, and became something akin to fishwives on corners slinging mud.”..read more.

Mommy Words – Comment With Class

“In Blogging, like in life, a comment can lift you up or pull you down. It doesn’t hurt any less because it’s online. If anything, at least for me, it hurts more, because I don’t know where it might be coming from.”..read more.

Manoeuvring Motherhood - Bullying Prevention Begins At Home With Mindful Parenting

“It is an archaic epidemic that screams for policy changes, and while lawmakers have taken impressive action to reduce bullying in our schools and online, I don’t believe nearly enough examination has been given as to its origination: the home.”..read more.

A Little Bit of All of It - How Our Co-sleeping Relationship Ended
"My last day of sharing a bed with my daughter and husband was this past Friday and I didn’t even know it would be. I would have cuddled her extra tight. I probably would have been up half the night just gazing at her and stroking her sweet cheeks and breathing her in."..read more.

Sardines in a Can - Homeschooling Stereotypes!! Meh.
"I have an Asperger's kid, and we know several other homeschooled Asperger's kids. They're hoots. In school, they might not be considered hoots, but in our circle they are just one more flavor of jelly bean. Stereotypical of homeschooling crowds? Yes, I think so, and I'm grateful for it. " ..read more.

Just a Bald Man - Disapproval
"We have found that many "unsupporting" people aren't unsupportive maliciously; for the most part, they just really want to connect with the child but find that the traditional routes to connection ("What grade are you in?", "What are you learning?") are now closed." ..read more.

Carseat Drama

The rear-facing carseat info isn't new to me, having friends who are carseat techs who've educated me about its enhanced safety but I am baffled how so many mums are defensive about turning their children prematurely. Outgrowing it is one thing but switching just because and then trying to pass it off as being just as safe when it obviously is not seems like a heavy dose of denial. My son at 9 months is getting there, being tall for his age so I think I might have to switch him before most people would but I won't be doing it before then, because between his safety and convenience, his safety wins. If mothers are going to ignore the carseat advice from experts, they should at least be honest with themselves and admit the real reasoning behind that decision: it’s easier and takes up less space. There you go. It seems to me that on many issues, women become defensive when they inherently know they’ve made a sketchy decision and feel the need to convince everyone that they were justified. If they were that comfortable with their choice, they wouldn’t need to attack those that share the safety information with others. The guidelines were implemented for a reason: because it has proven to be safer. Just accept it and then make your decision based on what you’re comfortable with. I am not comfortable turning my child until he has completely outgrown rear-facing but others do not feel this way.

What have you chosen?

10 Things You Didn’t Know About Me

1. Oh mustard, how I loathe thee!

My close friends and family are very much aware of my hatred for this condiment but I thought it should be my first informational tidbit. I have never liked it, though I try it again every few years to see if my taste changes – no such luck so far. I can’t even have it in a recipe as I can taste its evil influence. If in trace amounts, I can tolerate it but it will forever ruin my eating experience in that moment.

2. I’m a closet home decorator.

Whenever I go into someone’s home, or see a house on television I automatically start daydreaming about how I would renovate it. I even do this when using the bathroom to pass the time. I love redesigning spaces in my mind to add value or make it more functional. If my friends would let me, I would come into their homes and re-vamp it for free, that’s how much I love organising things.

3. I Have Social Anxiety

Perhaps not as bad as never leaving the house, but I feel awkward in social settings and have to consciously behave like a normal human being. That’s why I am often chilling in a corner of the room observing people rather than interacting which makes it seem like I am not interested or are purposefully ignoring everyone. It is an effort for me to keep a conversation going as I am clueless about what to ask next because small talk does not come naturally to me. I am a great listener though!

4. Bubblewrap is my catnip.

When I see those lovely globules of air I cannot help myself, I have to pop them. I love the feeling of them being destroyed by my fingers, giving off that satisfying PLOP! I can almost feel my eyes dilating when I see some, and heaven forbid I get some in the mail from an order off Etsy because I will be far more interested in it than the product inside.

5. My kriptonite is dirty bathrooms.

I already have trouble tolerating grime but bathroom grime really grosses me out. I would like to differentiate between mess and grime though: mess like clutter doesn’t bother me all that much in another’s home (especially those with kids!), but when I visit someone and there are pubic hairs and congealed urine all over the toilet seat, that is where I cross the line. I consider it common courtesy to at least ensure the bathroom is serviceable for visitors if you invite me over. If I’m popping by short notice, I can understand but I assume that people aren’t animals who wallow in filth.

6. Cleaning Calms Me

When I am feeling stressed, I like to clean to get all the jitters out. Not only do I take immense satisfaction in the before/after of a cleaning spree, the process allows me to subconsciously sift through my thoughts and emotions. In fact, having a clean home keeps me sane. Cooking on the other hand is a drain. If anyone wants to feed my family I will gladly clean your house!

7. I have persistent back pain

This is caused by a misplaced hip that I have yet to fix. This may account for my low irritability threshold. And despite this, I carry my 20+ lbs son in a wrap every day. How’s that for determination?

8. Paper excites me

There’s is nothing I love more than cool patterned paper. I collect notepads, journals and giftwrap as well as a plethora of scrapbooking supplies. If you want to make me happy, buy me a stack of paper and coloured pens. When I go into a craft store I get overwhelmed by all the choices and can’t decide on just one thing. I need more excuses to hand-write people letters.

9. I wanted to be a tattoo artist

My obsession with body ink started fairly early on and I aspired to begin an apprenticeship in tattooing after highschool but never followed through with it because of lack of confidence in my abilities. Instead I went to college for Early Childhood Education.

10. I like Jesus

This may come as a surprise to many but I have nothing against Jesus’ teachings, only the cult that exploded from it; a cult mindset that he himself spoke out against which is irony at its best. He was a wise man born before his time and I value his ideas.

Evaluating Children’s Toys

Scenario: You just bought this brand new toy for your kids with all sorts of buttons, lights, and textures that boasts of the myriad ways it helps enhance children’s development but when you give it to them, they play with it for ten minutes and then proceed to play with the box it came in for three consecutive days until it inevitably falls apart from overuse. What now?

With all the product out there marketed for children, how does one differentiate between quality toys and just more junk to collect dust in a bin? Here are some simple guidelines I follow when selecting something special for my son or as a gift for someone else:

VERSATILITY:

There is a reason why children tend to be more fascinated with the box an expensive toy came in, because it provides more freedom in the way it can be played with. The best toys are those that serve more than one purpose. These are often referred to as being open-ended; as in they inspire creative play because they don’t have a set function. This means the child can incorporate the item in their play, whatever form it may take. Dolls with simple or no facial features are an example, as well as blocks, generic dress up clothing, and art supplies.

SIMPLICITY:

This goes hand in hand with versatile toys. The simpler an object has in construction, the more options the child has in imagining its possibilities. Many toys, especially for babies, are often loaded with various tactile stimulations and have loud contrasting colors that can be overwhelming. They are built to attract their attention but often, in my experience anyways, they seldom keep it and the baby prefers to gnaw on the plain wooden block instead. Children don’t need to be bombarded with every tactile stimulant in one shot to reap benefits. If anything, simpler structures allow children to focus on one ability at a time to maximise learning.

INTERACTIVITY:

One thing to be especially cautious about is loading up on toys that are designed to distract rather than promote play. Many toys have little value other than providing the parent with some personal time by essentially replacing human interaction. There is a difference between a child engrossed while stacking blocks and the child who is mesmerized by bright blinking lights and noises. Such toys can, but not always, restrain a child’s movement like exersaucers and have buttons to press with pre-set outcomes. A good example of toys that have little play value are character plushies that talk, standing-in for real one-on-one communication with a real person. The key here with these types of toys is moderation. A rule of thumb is to ask yourself whether this toy can be played with alone AND along with you and your child together, or if it is replacing participation completely. Quality toys enhance play with your child, not substitute it.

PROGRESSION:

To get more bang for your buck, choose toys that can grow with your child. Many of those specialized baby toys are only interesting to a child for a few months, or weeks even. Adaptable toys have different educational merit depending on the child’s developmental level. Excellent choices are stackable toys, balls, and containers that can be enjoyed at any age.

Common household items are especially desired by children of all ages since they provide both novelty and practicality. Children tend to be more interested in what parents are using around the home than the expensive toys bought specifically for them. Many of the items in their environment are already versatile, simple, interactive, and progressive. Kitchen items are especially useful; from pots and wooden spoons to bang together, plastic containers to stack and fill/dump, and glasses to fill and pour – they provide tactile and cognitive development. Coffee grinds, rice, or other cereals can be put into a large bin as a sensory box and fill it with toys to fill/dump/pour. Paints and play dough can be created with common household ingredients for artsy crafts. Blankets and chairs can be used to build forts. Moms clothes can be borrowed for dress-up time. They do not need a 20$ toy that teaches them how to tie their shoelaces; they can simply practice on daddy’s shoes! The possibilities are endless!

When considering any toy for a child, first ask yourself if it enhances their play experience outside of what you can already provide with household items. There is no need to spend massive amounts of money on playthings when you child would be just as happy with what you’ve got already. This way when you do purchase new toys, they will be played with guaranteed and not just collect dust in a toy box.

Sunday Surf March 20

  In this week’s Sunday Surf:

...and then she blogs describes the myriad ways love can take form in her post Love is.....

Offbeat Mama expresses her love of strollers despite being a baby-wearing mum in All about my unexpected love affair… with the stroller

Authentic Parenting lists ways to instil good eating habits in How to teach your children healthy eating habits in 10 simple steps

Hybrid Rasta Mama reflects on language and choices in The OK Phenomena

Circumcision Links

Still searching for link to image source.

Here I have compiled some of my favorite information sites, articles, and blog posts regarding circumcision for your browsing pleasure!

Information Sites:

Canadian Children's Rights Council

Canadian Paediatric Society: Neonatal circumcision revisited

The Intactivism Pages

Physical & Emotional Indicators of Shock (to show the emotional ramifications, especially with the argument that infants do not feel pain which is completely false)

Circumcision Information and Resource Pages

Circumcision Resource Center

Articles:

Mothering Magazine: Whose Decision Is It?

Mothering Magazine: Expert Advice: Protect Your Uncircumcised Son

Circumcision to Look Like Others

Circumcision and Psychological Harm - Dr Janet Menage MA MB ChB

Male Circumcision is Inappropriate for the Prevention of HIV-John Dalton Bsc,Msc

Myths about Circumcision - Dr Peter Ball MB,B Chir & John Dalton Bsc,Msc

The Case Against Circumcision- By Paul M. Fleiss, M.D., M.P.H.

Ignore the Myths,Get the Facts

Blog Posts:

Circumcision Trauma - By Jessica Davis Olivera

A father's talk with his son about infant circumcision

Raising Intact Sons

An Essay on Circumcision

Neonatal Circumcision [A video for heathcare professionals]

Circumcision: The Most Twisted Logic in the World By Clara Franco

Breastfeeding & Circumcision written by Yuki

Jack Black & Circumcision in Antiquity

Intact: A circumcision journey

Just to be fair, I'm circumcised

The Phony Phimosis Diagnosis by pediatrics advocate and health professional, Jennifer Coias

Keeping My Sons Intact

Intact Care:

Your Young Son’s Intact Penis

Basic Care of the Intact Child

· Also, I have random links on the subject on my FB group Fabulous Mama Chronicles if ever you have the time to browse my 300+ links! Haha!