• Created on 11/11/10 by Mothering Editorial

By Laurel DawsonWeb Exclusive "Mama, what makes leaves fall?" I quickly try to recall my basic science facts about leaves. Struggling for accuracy I begin to stumble through my answer about chlorophyll, sunlight, and the leaf dying. The exact science eludes me and I fear passing on misinformation. I make a mental note to visit the library. I begin to say we can ask Papa because he readily and accurately recalls scientific facts when suddenly I stop myself. I remember there are many beautiful and correct ways to respond to a question and using scientific facts is only one... read more

• Created on 11/10/10 by Mothering Editorial

By Elizabeth Daley Web Exclusive Emily was articulate and tall for her age, a sturdy girl by any measure. On stout little legs she participated fully in her world. She sang with gusto in the children's chorus at the university. She volunteered to perform in junior drama classes at the local rec center, while the other children hung back. She taught herself to read and write, asking hungry questions about words in books, on signs, in the grocery store. Perched in her car seat, she rode around town expectantly, as if any moment might hold the seed of her next... read more

• Created on 11/10/10 by Mothering Editorial

By Susan W. Specht Issue 91, November/December 1998 Once upon a time, I would rush my children around the block, through the grocery store, and out the library door, hollering, "Come on, let's go!" or "Hurry up!" But I'm slowing down. Maybe I'm getting older. Or maybe--and I hope this is true--I'm getting wiser. My kids and I are so much happier, it turns out, when we do less. When I schedule fewer activities, I'm more peaceful and my kids sense that contentment. With fewer errands, I'm so much less likely to hiss in a store, "Don't touch that!" With shorter lists of... read more

• Created on 11/10/10 by Jennifer Margulis

On Monday we were talking about how to have a clean kitchen. Mama Em made an excellent point about how her dog helps with clean-up by eating everything the baby drops on the floor. For more than ten years James and I have been talking about getting a dog. James: They’re a lot of work. Me: A dog protects you. I’d feel safer with a dog. James: Especially Rhodesian Ridgebacks. Did you know they were bred to be lion hunters in Africa? Me: You have to pick up the poop … James: And they shed … Before children we’d talk about having a dog in excited, intimate tones, the way we... read more

• Created on 11/10/10 by Mothering Editorial

Issue 137 by Peggy O'Mara As part of Mothering’s 30th-anniversary celebration, Tanya Taylor Rubinstein, artistic director of LifePerformances, produced an evening of monologues on the universal topic of mothering. The performance was a benefit for Many Mothers, a nonprofit group in Santa Fe that provides free postpartum care to new mothers. Tanya asked me to do one of the monologues because she wanted to know more about my own story as a mother. Mothering: The Monologues debuted at the Armory for the Arts in Santa Fe on May 13. Six other women and I performed... read more

• Created on 11/9/10 by christyk

Here is a list of member-recommended homeschooling blogs. You may edit this list to include your favorites or your own blog. In no particular... read more

• Created on 11/9/10 by Cynthia Mosher

Hi! This is a thread for member-recommended Waldorf resources, websites, blog links and helpful MDC Waldorf threads. Please note that inclusion in the Resource thread does not constitute an MDC endorsement of the content. If you have an educational and informative resource you would like to nominate for inclusion in this thread, please PM the forum moderators Mothering Magazine Articles Inspired Education Waldorf at Home Helpful MDC Threads Where to Start? Waldorf Resources Helpful Sites, Links,... read more

• Created on 11/9/10 by Cynthia Mosher

Mothering Magazine Articles Inspired Education Ways of Learning RESPECT: What Children Get in Democratic Schools Pulling Forward: The Transition to Kindergarten Great Green Schools Thirst for Profit Challenges Natural Parenting Toolbox: Questions to Ask Principals and Teachers Ask the Experts: What's the Difference between Waldorf and Montessori? and here Gentle Hands, Quiet Voices: Secrets of Montessori MDC Discussion Threads Progressive Education: MDC Reading List for Schoolin' Mamas Comparisons Link describing... read more

• Created on 11/9/10 by lauren

Posting Adoption Stories for the Forum http://www.mothering.com/discussions...d.php?t=604575 Getting Started http://www.adoptinfo.net/gettingstarted.html Ethica: A Voice for Ethical Adoptions. Articles and Webinars http://www.ethicanet.org/itemlist.ph...style=itemlist A great book list! : http://www.parentbooks.ca/Adoption.html Agencies and Logistics www.forums.adoption.com -dharmamama European Adoption Consultants Inc. A really good website for just starting out and give a lot of... read more

• Created on 11/9/10 by AdinaL

Here is a list of Resources for Child-led Weaning. Please feel free to pm your friendly forum moderator or an administrator if there is anything you would like added to the list. Mothering Articles Not Just for Babies: 10 Good Reasons to Breastfeed Your Toddler To Wean or Not to Wean: Who Says When Is Enough  "Mommy, I Want Nummies!" The Benefits of Nursing Past Three Extend Breastfeeding's Benefits Breastfeeding Beyond Infancy From Katherine Dettwyler, PhD A Natural Age of Weaning Frequency of Nursing in Other... read more