- What have been some of your favorite parenting books over the years?
My top parenting books have been: The Baby Book, The No-Cry Sleep Solution, and Kid Cooperation
- When did you feel you were ready to make the switch over to the teen years section for your oldest? Would you share what prompted making that move? (I am making that gradual transition myself)
I guess I starting shifting there when my dd was 10. The discussions in the Childhood Years started to seem irrelevant and a bit repetitious. While we/she wasn't really dealing with the stuff on the teen board yet, I was starting to wonder about many of the discussions on it. So, it kinda prepped me for those years. The board started to be more and more relevant for us when she was nearing 12. Although, truthfully, the issues that are "tween" and the issues that are "teen" can be worlds apart.
- If you can find that Christmas thread it would be fun to link to -- timely!
It is pretty ancient, but I will try to find it.
- What is your all time favorite book?
Oh, just one! How do I choose just one?
- What book did you read most recently (for the joy of it)
I recently read "The Selection" by Kiera Cass. It was in my dd's reading pile, but I snatched it up and read it first. I really enjoyed it. It seems at first like it should be terrilby predictable, and some of it is. Yet, there are these little threads of deeper themes that run through it. My daughter just finished it too and we had a great discussion (not schooly discussion).
- Which activity do you most enjoy spending with your family?
Camping. My parents would be shocked because I wasn't much of a camper as a kid. Then again, we do it differently--I don't plan out each minute :-) When we camp, we literally put the stress of the "at-home" world behind us and enjoy nature. We bike, hike, swim, do campfires, read, play games, and veg out. We often go with friends. We have figured out which families work well for that. Our kids love exploring with the other kids; we like chatting and sharing duties. We also all get a chance to do nothing for a bit.
- Which activity do you enjoy doing by yourself? If I am doing a craft project that I need to concentrate on, I want to be left alone. I also like to be ignored when I read. And, part of what got me into biking was the opportunity for early morning rides by myself. My oldest is old enough to babysit, early morning was a consistently available time for me, and I had a bike. It started out as a way to add activity to my life, but ended up being almost a meditation on wheels. It is great. I bike with the kids too, but my solo rides are nearly sacred.
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- Are there some interests your children have that kind of surprise you?
Yes. My second child really loves to sculp things. She also loves to see how strong she can get, she is fascinated with climbing ropes, poles, etc. She would love it if we could afford aeriol gymnastics classes.
My oldest got really into duct tape. I realize that it has been a "fad" for a while, but she took it further and developed a product line and sells to local people. That shocked me.
My youngest hasn't surprised me yet in that regard. I'm sure she will though.
- Do you feel they are growing up fast?
Fast, yes. Time flies. Too fast, no, I don't. For a while, my oldest seemed to be. I really didn't like the age 6 on her. It seemed that 6-8 she just wanted to be older. Now, she seems to realize that childhood will be gone before she knows it. She is very in the moment, very mature, but she isn't growing up too fast.
- Is there a particular age of childhood that you especially love?
I have really enjoyed most ages, but I do seem fond of 7-10. They are fairly capable, can be reasoned with, and haven't yet got too caught up with what other's do.
- Is there one you find challenging?
Six years old! That year was challenging for all three of my children. My youngest will be seven in January. She is finally coming out of what I call the "6 year old funk".
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